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Review and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 14.

MESSIAH A PROPHET LIKE UNTO MOSES
Earlier text: MESSIAH A PROPHET LIKE UNTO MOSES

THOUGHTS ON THE ADVENT.

(Concluded.)

LET us now look at a few of the evidences bearing directly upon the time of the second coming of Christ. That coming events cast their shadows before, is a saying to the truthfulness of which the world readily assent. But if this is true of any event, it certainly is, as it is natural that it should be, true of the last great event which is to close the stormy and troublesome drama of this unfortunate earth. No surer does the mariner know from manifold signs that he draws near land, or the husbandman know from all the indications of nature that summer is nigh, than we may know that even now, the great day of the Lord, the end of the world, and the coming of Christ, are even at the doors.
To enter into a full exposition of the evidences on this point would not be in accordance with the design of these articles. We shall give but an outline which the reader can fill up at his leisure. We are taught, then, that the end of this world is near.
1. By the prophetic periods. Periods of time are given in the word of God to mark certain great events. The rule by which to interpret these periods is also furnished us. Their commencement, intermediate dates and termination are all clearly established. And by the nature of the events which they are given to mark, we are brought down step by step till we know with absolute certainty that we are now in the time of the end.
Take for instance the 2300 days of Dan. viii, 14. By the aid of chap. ix, the commencement of this period is indubitably established; and it is shown to end in A. D. 1844. But what bearing has this on the end of the world? It does not say, to be sure, that at the end of this period the Lord shall come; but at that time the Sanctuary shall be cleansed. We are thus introduced to another great subject, than which there is scarcely one in the word of God more beautiful, harmonious and clear. The subject of the Sanctuary! The law of Moses with its types and ceremonies is here brought into requisition. By these types we now see plainly prefigured before us the work of our great High Priest in the antitypical Sanctuary in Heaven. In the type the cleansing of the Sanctuary was the last work of its yearly repeated service. The cleansing of the Sanctuary in Heaven is the last work of that antitypical service which is accomplished once for all. When this is finished, the plan of salvation, the day of probation, will be forever ended. Our great High Priest will then lay aside the priestly for the kingly robe, and proclaim to his waiting people that the day of vengeance, the year of his redeemed, is come. Isa. lxiii, 4.
To the commencement of this solemn work, that period which ended in 1844 introduced us. Sixteen years have since elapsed. The thoughtful reader can for himself judge whether this work will not shortly be accomplished. We are taught that the end of all things is near.
2. From the course of empire as marked out in the prophetic word. From the time of Daniel, onward, the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms was shown to the end of time. They were four in number: Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. These were to be succeeded by a fifth universal and everlasting kingdom, the kingdom of God, to be possessed by the saints of the Most High forever and ever. The outline of this world's history is three times repeated in this manner in the book of Daniel; and all the events in these chains of prophecy, with all their varying particulars, except the setting up of the fifth and everlasting kingdom of God, are now in the past. No person of even moderate intellect will deny this. So that, as far as these lines of prophecy are concerned, the setting up of the kingdom of God is the next event before us.
Supplementary to the predictions of Daniel, are several chains of prophecy in the book of Revelation, furnishing additional particulars, and leading us to the same result. We are taught that the end of all things is at hand.
3. By the signs given to mark its approach. These may be divided into four distinct classes: 1st. In the literary world. 2d. In the political world. 3d. In the natural world; and 4th. In the moral world. Let us look a moment at these in order:
1st. Says Prof. G. R. Graves, "It is one of the pleasing signs of the times that the prophetic declaration of Dan. xii, 4, is fulfilling before our eyes." He then introduces Michaelis' translation of that passage as follows: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even unto the time of the end, when many shall give their sedulous attention to the understanding of these things, and knowledge shall be increased." In whatever way we understand this prediction of Daniel, that in the time of the end knowledge shall be increased, whether we understand it as an increase of knowledge in the prophetic word, or of new discoveries and attainments of science, it is most completely and strikingly fulfilled before us. In this respect there never was an age of the world equal to the present; and the reader has but to see held up side by side, this declaration of the prophet and the scientific attainments of the present age, to behold the word of the Lord fulfilled in all its force. Under this head we may mark the special proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom brought to view in Rev. xiv, 6-12,—the messages of three angels, symbolizing classes of religious teachers, following each other in consecutive order, to call out a people to meet the Son of man on the great white cloud. These messages began to be fulfilled with the proclamation of the advent, a little more than 20 years ago. Two of these are already in the past. We have witnessed their fulfillment. The third and last is now going forth. The next event in this chain of prophecy is one like the Son of man on a great white cloud, symbolizing the coming of the Saviour in the clouds of heaven. Would it be possible for inspiration to give us more impressive instruction of the shortness of time and the nearness of the coming of Christ?
2d. Signs in the political world. These were predicted by our Saviour as recorded by Matthew in chap. xxiv, and its parallels. Its principal features were to be an unexampled complication of affairs among the nations of the earth, causing in them anger, distress and perplexity. Here again comment is scarcely necessary. Those who have eyes to read the leading news of almost every paper in the land, or care to hear the remarks upon topics which are just now in all men's mouths, know that such is the present state of the world in an unprecedented degree. The affairs of earth are hopelessly complicated; and every attempt at adjustment only involves them in more perplexity still. Extended exposition would detract from the force of the fulfillment. We only ask the worldly man, or the professor who yet sees no occasion to believe that the Lord is near at hand, to look at the prophecy and look at the present state of the nations, and then say if one is not the exact counterpart of the other.
3d. Signs in the natural world. It was predicted by the prophet Joel that the sun should be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come. Chap. ii, 30, 31. Our Saviour in Matt. xxiv and other places, adds the falling of the stars to the catalogue, and tells when these signs were to take place. Authentic histories and living witnesses afford us abundant proof on this point. In the dark day and night of 1780, and the falling stars of 1833, these predictions were minutely and magnificently fulfilled. Connected with these events in such a manner as to leave no room for the intervening of many years, is the coming of the Son of man in power and great glory.
4th. Signs in the moral world. A general declension of piety, a lack of the vital power of godliness, the abounding of iniquity, increasing numbers, and increasing wickedness, of evil men and seducers, are all held forth in the Bible as characteristic of the last days. "This know also," says Paul in 2 Tim. iii, 1, "that in the last days perilous times shall come." And then follows a description, in a black catalogue of eighteen sins, of people in the last days. Of the world?
No: of those who have a form of godliness but deny the power. Peter says, Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning. 2 Pet. iii, 3, 4. Reader, have you ever seen any of these scoffers? If not, just begin to talk about the coming of the Lord and you will develop them all around you. This text affords incidental proof that the doctrine of the second advent will be proclaimed in the last days; for what occasion have these scoffers to inquire, "Where is the promise of his coming?" if there is nothing said about his coming, and none are believing that he is about to come? Jude also speaks of mockers in the last days walking after their own ungodly lusts. Verse 18. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse." 2 Tim. iii, 13. And here we may properly introduce that gigantic delusion. Spiritualism, which within a few years has arisen and spread with unwonted rapidity over all the land. It is thus described in the word of God: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." See also 2 Pet. ii, 1.
What need we say more? What need we of further proof? The declarations of the word of God are unequivocal that the Lord will come again, and is now at the door. All the signs that could be required or asked to herald his approach have been accorded; and of all the long catalogue, there are none but such as have been already fulfilled, or are now fulfilling before our eyes. Yes, the great day of the Lord is near. It towers up as the great waymark directly before us. The crowning scene of earth's history is soon to transpire. The great day to which all other days are but conductors, is soon to come. The greatest displays of God's power and glory are soon to be revealed. Great events have transpired on earth, but the greatest is yet before us. Kingdoms have risen and crumbled; a flood has enveloped the earth in its liquid waves; fire and brimstone have been poured upon the corrupt cities of the plain; desolating armies have been the ministers of God's vengeance to punish the sins and rebellions of the people; but no scene has yet been witnessed which can compare with that great day when the heavens shall depart as a scroll when it is rolled together, and mountains and islands shall be moved out of their places, before the face of Him who cometh with the glory of the Father and all the holy angels.
Who is preparing for this event? Who are boldly and joyfully looking forward to the great day? Behold the sad state of the world. They are lulled in the arms of a strong delusion and think they have the truth. They are drunken, though not with wine, yet think they are sober. They lie in the embrace of an unconquerable lethargy, yet think they wake. Thus are all things ready for the great day to come upon them, as the apostle says, like a thief in the night, or a snare upon the unsuspecting game. But what says the apostle to us who see the day approaching? "Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober." 1 Thess. v, 6. And again he says that "knowing the time, it is now high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we [first] believed." Rom. xiii, 11. May it be the lot of both writer and readers to share in this great salvation, when the longed-for day arrives, which brings the Lord of life and glory to his waiting people.

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE.

By William Morse

BRO. SMITH: It seems to be my duty to give you a brief report of the Conference held at Pleasant Grove, Olmsted Co., Minn., Feb. 2 and 3, 1861. At an early hour we found the house of worship quite well filled with brethren and sisters from different parts of our new State, many of them entire strangers to each other. Two came one hundred miles, walking over thirty miles of the distance.
In the commencement of our meeting the sweet Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us in such a manner that it was quite evident we were of one heart and mind, although strangers to each other. We were some disappointed in not meeting Bro. J. N. Andrews at this Conference; but we soon found a letter from him which gave his reasons for not coming.
Our hearts were made glad in meeting Bro. Bostwick and Lashier, who were strong in the truth, by whom the word was spoken in the demonstration of the Spirit, and much to the comfort and edification of the hearers. We were much cheered and strengthened in hearing the testimonies from our brethren and sisters, some of whom we never saw before. Good union prevailed throughout the entire meeting. We have good evidence to believe that the cause of present truth is rising in this new State. To God be all the praise.
On first-day in the afternoon there being a Methodist appointment at the school-house that we occupied, we went to Bro. Harris' house, where we had our business meeting, which was one of deep interest. One of our number remarked that it was the most interesting meeting he ever attended of the kind. While giving a statement of the rise of the cause thus far in this new State, we were much affected, and indeed there were but a few dry eyes in the house. Nearly all were ready to pledge nobly to sustain the cause. The business proceedings were as follows:—
Organized by appointing Bro. J. Gibson, of Mantorville, to the Chair, and Bro. D. Edwards, Secretary. The following resolutions were adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we send the tent out the coming season into new fields, as the lecturing brethren may deem duty.
Resolved, 2. That Bro. J. N. Andrews be and is hereby invited to labor in company with Bro. J. Bostwick and Bro. H. F. Lashier, with the tent in this State and Northern Iowa the coming season.
Resolved, 3. That Bro. W. Morse, of Deerfield, Steele Co., J. W. Stowell, of Mantorville, Dodge Co., Wm. Merry, of St. Charles, Winona Co., act as Committee to solicit and receive pledges from those in their localities for tent operations the coming season.
Resolved, 4. That Bro. and sister White be and are hereby invited to make us a visit when on their tour through Wisconsin, the coming spring, and that we will pay their expenses.
Resolved, 5. That Bro. W. Morse is hereby authorized to write out a full report of this Conference, together with the above resolutions, and forward them to the Review Office for publication.
Nearly all our brethren present pledged nobly for tent purposes. A part of said pledges are to be paid by the first of June next. We would say to those who were not there, to forward their pledges to either of the tent Committee soon, and help swell the figures to the three hundred dollars which we agreed to raise; and we would say to those who are against pledging, who say their right hand should not know what their left hand doth, that we hope that those dear preaching brethren will know of their right hand and their left hand both doing something to help forward the cause of present truth in this far-off land.
To Bro. and sister White I would say, that such was the anxiety for you to visit this State, that twenty-five dollars were pledged for paying your expenses by those at this meeting, fourteen dollars and fifty cents by the sisters. I would say that the cause in this State is young, and our numbers few and much scattered, and wherever there is a small church raised up D. P. Hall frequently makes his appearance, as he did at Pleasant Grove a few days before the Conference, with the no-Sabbath heresy and the blighting influence of the Age-to-come theory. He also dwells much upon spiritual gifts, &c. All things considered, we feel that you and sister White might do much good to visit us as soon as you can.
W. MORSE.
Deerfield, Steele Co., Minn.

MEETINGS IN OHIO.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: "The cause of present truth is slowly advancing in this State. I have labored this winter in the following places: In Jackson, Sandusky Co., where we found much unreasonable prejudice; but as a reward of our labor, the army of the faithful was cheered, and augmented by a re-inforcement of three precious souls, who, we trust, will prove valiant soldiers. Next we went, by request, to Taway Prairie, where we gave some fourteen discourses, at the last of which over thirty arose to signify we had the truth in their best judgment; but only two fully resolved to obey. This place has been the field of the labors of one Mr. Gay (age-to-come, and final redemption champion) for some three years. Some candid and well disposed people had been inveigled into his snare, who now confess that they believe we have the truth, but being so much deceived before, they don't feel as though they could confidently set this time until they duly weigh and compare our positions. The Lord willing we expect to visit this abused people again soon.
Our next labor was in Leipsic. Here the Unionists had proffered their house to us for a course of lectures, offering even to go into written obligations. We preferred however to take their word (supposing a Christian's word as good as his bond). We set up notices accordingly for meeting in their house; but when we went to our appointment, they had swallowed their pledge and locked their house. We then went into a school-house close by and gave seven lectures, which very much strengthened some brethren living north of this, who had never heard much except on the Sabbath question. Several others became quite interested. These we supplied with books. Further than this no immediate result except that Brn. Emmans and Ramsey felt free from the blood of their neighbors, having done their duty in trying to get the truth before them.
We next revisited Jackson and Taway to strengthen and confirm the souls of the disciples. We then crossed the country to Green Spring, where we enjoyed a good Sabbath meeting with the church. Here we gave two discourses. In this place a young Methodist preacher and his wife came out to go with the remnant to Mt. Zion. Bro. Burton will no doubt do good service in wielding the sword of the Spirit if he be meek and humble.
Next we came to this place (Attica) in answer to a call made recently through the Review. We obtained a church house of the church of God (nicknamed Winebrennarians) and commenced meetings. Have now given eight discourses, and as many persons are already rejoicing in the true Sabbath of the Lord, Christ's coming and kingdom, and the non-immortality of man. The prospect here is truly cheering. My physical strength I find is overtaxed, and I must take rest; yet the interest, and candor, and love for the truth here pleads with the fervency of the Macedonian cry to Paul, Help, help! The circuit preacher has arranged to begin a protracted meeting in the house we now occupy, tomorrow evening; but the Universalists have offered their house (two miles off) if I wish to continue. This would be like commencing in a new place, almost, and without another to share the burden, my strength would be entirely inadequate. Under the circumstances I think that while the minister in charge preaches it is best for me to rest and reconnoiter.
I think from present prospects there should be as much as one or two tent meetings in Seneca county next summer. Several have partly, or wholly come out on the truth in Tiffin without any preaching. I believe Tiffin should be remembered. May God bless his truth to the enlightening and salvation of many, even in Ohio as well as elsewhere, is our fervent prayer.
T. J. BUTLER.
P. S. I see from Review No. 11, that Bro. White considers that Ohio has seceded from the plan of Systematic Benevolence, recommended by the B. C. Conference of June, 1859. This, in point of fact, may probably be true. But if so, we hope to be forgiven having done it ignorantly. Be assured it was strict, gospel equality and justice that we were aiming for, neither do I think that Bro. Waggoner or Loughborough considered it otherwise when at our conference. But I confess my mind was very much weighed down on another point, and was not as clear as it should have been on this one. Gospel equality is what I desire, and if any feature of our co-operation as brethren has my most hearty endorsement, it is the gospel equality of Systematic Benevolence, and my object last fall at our conference in making the move I did, was only to secure such equality, and not to devise another system. But I feel and acknowledge the force of Bro. White's objections to our mode of carrying it out as a general rule, though we have no young men without property (one excepted), or widows to be oppressed, yet other States may have, and no doubt we shall have them before long also. But brethren, think not that we desired to secede from Systematic Benevolence. I hope my article some eight months ago, taken with this will assure my brethren that I am no South Carolinian on this question. But what shall be done? Ohio has generally entered upon action.
T. J. B.

TRUSTING IN GOD.

By J. Clarke

TRUST in the Lord and do good, so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
The carnal heart distrusts God; while the renewed, the holy soul, leans wholly upon God, and trusts him as the only sure refuge, the fortress in which he finds safe repose; the name of the Lord is a strong tower for the godly man, and in time of trouble he flees into this tower.
Prosperity and worldly ease, tend to lessen the confidence of men in God, because human nature is so easily led away from the giver, in the possession of the gift. Thus we find the people of God, in all ages, tried in much adversity, which seems to be necessary (generally) in order to wean the soul from earth, and teach the child of God to meditate much upon his heavenly treasure.
If our heavenly Father saw fit, he could easily heap earthly treasures upon his children here; he could defend them in every case from heat and cold, from hunger and thirst, from flame and sword; he could make them strong to overpower the wrong, so that the wicked could not stand before them for a moment; but should he do this, christianity would, in less than a century, become popular, and soon there would be no test, but all, the bad as well as the good, would put on the garb of heaven, merely for the loaves and fishes; and all content with present pleasures, and worldly ease, would lose sight of that heavenly treasure. Indeed there would then be no battles to fight, and man rescued wholly without knowing the depths from which he had been rescued, would neither be able to appreciate the work of Christ, in his sufferings, his pleadings or his travail of soul for man.
If man were thus saved, without seeing and experiencing for himself, how utterly hopeless the sinner's case is, were he taken from the pit, without seeing and realizing his own sad lost state, how could he ever appreciate the condescension, and sacrifice, and benevolence, and labor of heaven, in his behalf? What is now a volume, would in such a case be a blank; what is now experience, would be dry theory; and man would be only a dull occupant of heaven, a mere hanger on. It is doubtful whether it would be consistent with the character of God, to do anything arbitrarily thus, without the response of the common sense of his intelligent holy beings; but it is a well-attested fact that scripture and the providence of God, agree in thus justifying Him in his character and works. God is good.
It seems clear that without trust and confidence in God (that is without faith), it is impossible to please God; and the more perfect this trust is, the more sure the prize: I say perfect, for this trust (faith) must be whole, strong, enduring, childlike, confident. There must not be a shadow of a doubt, not a cloud of darkness to intercept its exercise. True, clouds may hover over the godly soul, but they must not hinder the exercise of faith, but rather increase it; for the greater the effort put forth to exercise faith, the more benefit results to the soul that thus acts. The sorer the trial the more arduous the labor; and the greater the labor the greater the blessing; and thus, by acquiring the habit of conquering, the more confidence in that mighty deliverer who grants the victory. Thus we learn to value faith (trust), above happiness; knowing that faith is the key which unlocks the mysteries of the kingdom, while happiness is the sure result of right-doing; and while we are sure of finally possessing it, we are not particular about the few clouds of darkness which linger occasionally above us, while we march through the enemy's land, to the king's country. It is to be expected, and consequently we are prepared for it; and these trials, and this darkness, these mists, only sharpen our spiritual senses, by the constant exercise occasioned thereby.
So in ancient time, when a valiant army was beset with foes, and unceasing vigilance was called for, they marched on in triumph; but when unassailed by foes, when prosperity crowned their efforts, and they began to feel safe, then some hidden foe leaped from his ambush, and the army, once so unconquerable, was not only disgraced by defeat, but ruined and destroyed.
For one, I would not that the way to heaven was less rough, I would not that one fiery trial was quenched, or one test softened; for well we know that our leader will not willingly afflict, nor will he appoint to any of his flock, greater trials than his promised grace is able to overcome. But this is required: that we trust in him; that with every effort our eyes are upward to him, in childlike trust and confidence. In every trial, the eye of faith can find a ray of light piercing the darkness. At least some reflected rays will fringe the borders of those thick clouds. But even if for a moment the darkness is total, faith will wait with confident expectation for the rising of the bright and morning star. Faith cannot be overcome; for it will wait, and while it waits, it finds a heaven in contemplation of what God has done, and then faith becomes stronger in what God will do. And while faith thus waits and meditates, light bathes the soul in its sweet and holy influence. This creates no surprise. Faith expects it, and expects it still; and when darkness again for a moment covers the sky, this creates no surprise; faith expects it, and so faith gets to be just the same in all weathers. It is like some faithful and experienced veteran of the seas. You accost him when the skies are clear, and prosperous winds fill the sails, and he is calm; for he knows that storms may come; and when tempests toss his ship from billow to billow, you accost him, and he is calm; for he expects it, and his sails are furled; but he is looking for good weather soon. You cannot find him disturbed, he knows there is danger, and when he left the port he had weighed the matter, and his manly heart feared not the storm; for his eye was upward to Him who hold the winds.
J. CLARKE.

Steadfastness Amid Trials

By H. F. Baker

From Bro. Baker.

BRO. SMITH: Our faces are still set like a flint Zionward. We are seeking by patient continuance in well-doing, for glory, honor, immortality; and though we have temptations and difficulties pressing around us upon almost all sides with such power that at times were it not for the abundant mercy of our God to forgive iniquity, and his grace to sustain us, we fear that we should fall from our steadfastness; yet the thought will suggest itself, "What is a man profited though he gain the whole world and lose his own soul." Then "rejoice not, O mine enemy, though I fall yet shall I rise again."
We have no disposition to complain at trials, abundantly assured as we are, by our blessed chart, that it is through suffering that we are perfected, purged and rendered vessels meet for the Master's use; and this is consolation: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James i, 12. Also that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us." &c.
Myself and wife are the only Sabbath-keepers in, or near this village. We feel very lonely sometimes, for in such a wilderness of ungodliness we find little sympathy, and many would rejoice to see us yield our hope, and thereby confirm the prediction of those who prophesied, after the tent had been here, that it would all go down and wear away in a little while.
The Review comes to us from week to week like a familiar friend, and does not a little towards making up to us the loss of many privileges enjoyed by others. I scarcely know what we could do without it, being a link in the chain which binds us in union and sweet sympathy with those of "like precious faith." Bless the Lord for the Review. My prayer is for its success in sending forth the words of life, which are as refreshing to me as water to a thirsty soul.
Yours in hope. H. F. BAKER. Wauseon, Ohio.

LETTERS.

By H. S. Gurney

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Gurney.

DEAR BRETHREN: We are looking for the Lord; not Jesus to save sinners from sin, but the KING OF GLORY to gather his people and give them the reward of eternal life and its associate blessings. Now a question arises in the mind from the words of Jesus. Luke xxi, 28. "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." These words are full of consolation to the real christian. I feel rather sensitive on this point just now. It seems to be a sort of command. And is not Jesus watching his people to see and hear them anxiously inquiring and watching for his return. We come short here. We do not feel a full and free union with the groaning creation, for the great restorer to come. Why is it? Because we suffer the perishable things of earth to fasten their claims upon our affections, and thus hide the glory of our coming Lord. Think of a husband, beloved of his family, absent from them only a few years. How anxiously they examine the evidences of his expected return. Would they not rejoice to hear that he had started for home? But this would bring a temporal, local blessing only. When Jesus comes he will fill the whole earth with his glory.
I am thinking that covetousness is a very great sin, even among us. I blush to mention it, but the word of the prophet comes to mind: "Cry aloud, spare not, show my people their sins."
A covetous disposition strikes at the very root of godliness, and burdens the church too heavy to look up to see the Lord come. How the Lord must frown upon covetous professed Adventists. They should be ashamed of the name! I desire to see a people ripening for glory in the great harvest field. And God always employs means to accomplish his work; and as a peaceful daubing will not do his work, hence I desire to see a pointed testimony arising in the church to finish the work of preparation. I believe such a testimony is needed and God will set it in order before us, and it will be as a strong wind to blow away the chaff. God's messengers will feel reproved, his stewards will blush, unless they are past feeling. The Devil will continue to deceive and keep all he can in an easy chair; but the wise shall understand. Who shall be able to stand? The covetous, the proud, the lover of dress, gold, and ornamental trimmings to make an appearance, whether worn by us or allowed in our family circle, may seriously ask the question while reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come.
About nineteen years ago I was an eye witness to an event of much importance to the rise of the first message. About fifty ministers in one circle crying with a loud voice for God to have mercy and forgive their sins, at the same time confessing their sin, which was in general a lack of preaching the word fearless of consequences. Here was a commencement which was felt among the people, and God wrought mightily. Ten thousand people might witness, if they would, that at that meeting, God was moving out a people for a specific work. We might have trace the "loud voice" of that message. The third angel also proclaims with a "LOUD VOICE;" and may we not reasonably conclude that God will bring up this work in a similar manner? The first angel found a congenial soil; but where? Not with the great and mighty, not in the institutions of learning, the popular ministry, but in a man (Mr. Miller) of comparative obscurity, who was made to feel the woe if he did not go with the message. The popular current was against him. A professed church opposed unless they thought it would serve their purpose better not to oppose. Very similar to this were the circumstances of the first advent, when John the Baptist was called from the wilderness. May we not expect that the third angel's message will rise under similar circumstances. Consider the humble instruments which God has evidently used to bring up this people to the standard of present truth. An exalted people will not be apt to acknowledge a very humble instrument; but God's plan will be carried out, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted, but the self-conceited shall be abased.
Yours in hope,
H. S. GURNEY.

BEARING FALSE WITNESS.

By F. M. BRAGG.

In how many little ways this may be done. By a word, a look, an appearance, a slight insinuation. These may seem small acts to commit so great sin, but if the motive or design be to convey what is untrue, it must be an untruth of the worst kind. This way of bearing false witness sometimes becomes a habit. The victim to it is blinded to the sin. How necessary then that we look well to the motive of all our acts. The heart being naturally selfish, how easily may a fault be hid by an insinuation of another. It is more natural than to own a fault. Insinuations of any kind are ever of a doubtful meaning; better to express an idea by plain and pointed words, even; such can be met; such prevent a misunderstanding, and need not convey more than is desired.
Another way, perhaps no less common, of bearing false witness, is repeating something heard. Such do not think that repeating what others believe may be breaking the ninth commandment, and violating one of the first principles of the testimony of Jesus. In most cases we can know the truth if we wish. And in either case we should speak it to the accused, if any one. Would such go to the supposed offender instead of telling it to others, they would often find that repeating what they hear would be bearing witness to untruth. Perhaps this sin too frequently grows out of a secret desire to have the evil true. O that our prayer be that of the Psalmist, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults." May we that profess and love the truths of the third angel and the faithful and true Witness, live that prayer.
F. M. BRAGG.
Cambridge, Wis.

Advent Sabbath-Keepers in Lynxville

Bro. N. Waid writes from Lynxville, Wis.: "I would say through the Review that I am still striving to overcome and press my way through, even to the end, that I may gain the reward of the righteous. A little above one year ago God in his mercy brought me to a knowledge of present truth, the light of which I have since been striving to follow. My earnest desire is that God would work a complete work in my heart that I may become wholly given up to his service. There are about fifteen Advent Sabbath-keepers here who are striving to overcome and daily grow in grace and strength. There are also several churches within a circuit of twenty-five or thirty miles."

SCRIPTURAL SENTIMENTS IN POETRY.

At one of the anniversaries in New York, Dr. Tyng recited a short poem from the pen of the late Charlotte Elizabeth, every line of which he regarded as containing a sentiment sustained by some passage of the Bible. He has appended to each line a scripture in which its sentiment is taught.
When from scattered lands afar Spreads the voice of rumored war Nations in tumultuous pride Heaved like ocean's rolling tide When the solar splendors fall When the crescent waxeth pale And the powers that starlike reign Sink dishonored to the plain, World do thou the signal dread, We exult the drooping head We uplift the expectant eye Our redemption draweth nigh When the fig-tree shoots appear Men behold their summer near When the hearts of rebels fall We the coming conqueror hail Bridegroom of the weeping spouse Listen to our longing vows Listen to her widowed moan Listen to creation's groan Bid, O bid thy trumpet sound Gather thine elect around Gird with saints thy flaming car Summon them from clime afar Call them from life's cheerless gloom Call them from the marble tomb From the grass-grown village grave From the deep dissolving wave From the whirlwind and the flame Mighty head thy members claim Where are they whose proud disdain Scorned to brook Messiah's reign? Lo, in waves of sulph'rous fire Now they taste his tardy ire Fettered till the appointed day When the world shall pass away Quelled are all thy foes, O Lord Sheath again the dreadful sword Where the cross of anguish stood When thy life distilled its blood Where they mocked thy dying groan King of nations plant thy throne Send thy law from Zion forth Speeding o'er the willing earth Earth, whose Sabbath glories rise Crowned with more than Paradise Sacred be the impending veil! Mortal sense and thought must fall Yet the awful hour is nigh We shall see thee eye to eye Be our souls in peace possessed While we seek thy promised rest And from every heart and home Breathe the prayer "O, Jesus come!" Haste to set the captive free All creation groans for thee.
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