p. 5 | Review and Herald, Vol. 14, No. 1. (5/26/1859)

DANIEL STANDING IN HIS LOT.

"But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest and stand in thy lot, at the end of the days." Dan. xii, 13. It has been generally supposed that the lot here mentioned is the lot of Daniel's inheritance; that he must have a resurrection to enjoy it; and that consequently "the days," or the prophetic periods, must extend to that event. This may be the view still entertained by those who reject the position that the prophetic periods have ended; or, rather this view may be a reason why they cannot believe that those periods are yet all in the past.

By examining the word, lot, however, we find that it cannot bear the signification above placed upon it. The original does not signify the lot of inheritance, but something entirely different. From the "Englishman's Hebrew Concordance" we learn that the word is translated from "goh-rahl," and occurs seventy-six times in the Old Testament. The following instances of its use we give from the same source:

Lev. xvi, 8. Aaron shall cast lots, one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scape-goat. 9. upon which the Lord's lot fell. 10. on which the lot fell. Num. xxvi, 55. the land shall be divided by lot. 56. according to the lot shall the.

The definition of the word lot, as given by Webster, is, 1. "That which in human speech, is called chance, hazard, fortune, but, in strictness of language, is the determination of Providence; as, the land shall be divided by lot. 2. That by which the fate or portion of one is determined; that by which an event is committed to chance, that is, to the determination of Providence; as, to cast lots; to draw lots."

There is another word [gheh-vel] which is translated, region, country, lot of inheritance, &c., as in Deut. iii, 4, 13, 14; xxxii, 9; Josh. xvii, 5, 14; xix, 9, 29. But this not being the word used in Dan. xii, 13, all ground for the objection usually raised on that point, is removed. It will hence be seen that Daniel does not stand in the "lot of his inheritance," as it has been expressed, at the end of the 1335 days, but he stands in his lot in the decisions of the judgment of the righteous dead. He stands in his lot, with all the righteous dead, in the person of his Advocate. And such, we believe, has been his position since the ending of the days. The question of Daniel's standing in his lot is therefore thus reduced to a finality. The word that is used, determines it with a precision, from which there is no appeal.

A POPULAR ERROR.

By Editor

In another column will be found an article headed as above, which Bro. Cornell sends us, remarking that he thinks something of the kind should appear in the REVIEW. Considering the handle which skeptics and infidels make of the ideas there refuted, we think so too. And we have even heard more ridiculous statements than there presented. Thus we have heard some affirm that should a general resurrection of the human race take place, it would take every particle of matter in the earth to supply material for the bodies! that is, the whole earth would be used up in the formation of the resurrected bodies! The ridiculous absurdity of such assertions might be seen, if people would stop a moment and consider. This will appear from a simple illustration. For instance, we will suppose that the earth has always had the number of inhabitants it now bears, which is computed to be about one billion. Suppose that a generation has arisen and passed off once in thirty years. We know that the earth has not been so densely populated, and that in former ages the average duration of a generation of men was not so short as at the present time; but we proceed upon this basis to be sure to make the estimate large enough. This would give us, allowing the earth to have stood about 6000 years, 200 generations of men of one billion each, or 200 billions of human beings. Now the area of the State of Michigan is set down at 56,243 square miles. This reduced to square feet, gives the sum of 1,567,964,851,200 square feet. Dividing this sum by the number of inhabitants, 200,000,000,000, and we have a trifle over seven and a half square feet for each individual. That is, should the whole human race be resurrected at once, they could all stand within the State of Michigan, and each have a space of ground 2½ by 3 feet to stand upon! Such are the simple facts in the case, with the exception of our having allowed to the human race a number greater by one-third, perhaps by two-fifths, than it has yet attained.

THE DRED SCOTT DECISION AGAIN.

The Land Office at Washington rules that negroes are not citizens of the United States, as contemplated by the pre-emption law, and cannot therefore pre-empt the public lands.

THE NEW VOLUME.

By Editor

THIS week introduces to our readers another volume of the REVIEW AND HERALD. Its testimony is before us. In the twenty-five numbers yet to come, there are two hundred pages. Three columns to a page, give us six hundred columns to be filled with matter during the approaching six months. Of what character shall this be? Six hundred columns of a paper, the only paper, so far as we know, which unites in its teaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, which endeavors to proclaim faithfully to mankind the way to enter into life, holding up before them at the same time the shortness of the time in which we may prepare, the swiftly approaching end, the transpiring Judgment, the sinner's doom—such a paper is to be filled with testimony to probationers for an unending eternity. Of what sort shall it be? Shall it come forth like living fire from hearts duly impressed with the solemnity of these things, stirring up the lukewarm, fastening conviction on the impenitent, and showing to all that its sole object is to lead those who read, to prepare for the scenes that must shortly come to pass? Or shall it be cold, hollow, lifeless, powerless to affect the hearts of others, because unfelt by our own? Who is sufficient for these things? There is no sufficiency out of God, and unaided by the Holy Spirit. We trust that nothing harsh, unkind, uncharitable or unbrotherly shall be spoken, but all in accordance with the mind of Him, who descending from the realms of glory to our fallen race, set, during his short sojourn among men, an example that we might follow. Let us seek a closer conformity to him, living that life "which is by the faith of the Son of God."

Hoping that all who have hitherto aided the cause by contributions from their pens, will continue so to do, we trust that many new contributors may be added to our list. Now is a good time also to obtain new subscribers. Let the REVIEW have a wide circulation, that its sphere of usefulness may be thus increased.

Brethren, do you feel any burden upon you in reference to this great work? Bear it now. Have you any efforts to put forth? Put them forth now. Have you any thing to do to forward the work in the Lord's vineyard, and the great white harvest-field? Do it now. We have no right to presume upon the future. And while we neglect present duty, with the excuse that we shall be able to do more by and by, we only disarm ourselves and rejoice the enemy. Now is the accepted time. The Lord help us to be diligent in present labor; to exercise a present faith; and obtain a present blessing.

MEETINGS IN INDIANA.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have been laboring for a month past in the vicinity of North Liberty with some success. The meetings in the Baptist meeting-house, on Sumption's Prairie, increased in interest to the close. Quite a number are convinced that we have the truth, some I think will obey it. A Baptist elder is now engaged each Sunday morning in delivering a discourse in review of our lectures. Some have their eyes so far opened to the truth that his sophistry will not blind them. I gave notice at the commencement of the lectures if any had objections, or questions, to hand them in on paper. None however appeared till the last two evenings. I will give two or three as a sample.

"Question first. Where will the earth be when there is no place found for it? Rev. xx, 11."

"Second. If the earth be restored as it was before the fall of man, where will the fish be, as there will be no more sea? Rev. xxi, 1."

"Third. Why does God destroy a part of the animal creation, and restore the rest, as he must do if the lamb and the lion lie down together in the new world, and dogs are without? Rev. xxii, 15."

Another presented the following: "Lev. xxiii, 17 It appears from this scripture that in Moses' time there should be no servile work on the first day of the week; but a day of holy convocation."

Of course such objections as the above show the weakness of the cause they are advanced to sustain. I understand the elder claimed in his first discourse in review that the meek now inherit the earth, and that all those texts which speak of "the last days," have reference to the last days of the apostles.

Quite a field is opening here, and there are ears to hear the truth, and some who will obey. During the last week I have held seven meetings in a new place, six miles south of Liberty. The people come out and fill the house, and give good attention. Some seem to comprehend the truth, and admit its truthfulness as fast as they hear it. I feel that God must give the increase to the truth, or the planting of Paul, or watering of Apollos, will be of no avail in these degenerate times.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

North Liberty, Apr. 29th, 1859.

P. S. Since writing the above I have listened to a discourse from Eld. Hitchcock, (the Baptist elder referred to above,) on the saints' inheritance, intended as a review of our two discourses on the same subject. His claim was that the wolf and lamb now lie down together, and as an illustration said, "When Paul went down to Damascus with letters in his pocket, and authority to bring the saints bound to Jerusalem, did he not manifest the character of a wolf? When Jesus appeared to him in the way, and Paul was converted, was he not then a lamb? When the disciples heard that he prayed, they received him." We replied to this, that the elder's exposition showed simply that two lambs fed together, instead of a "wolf and a lamb."

His review will only awaken a greater interest in the minds of those whose hearts are open to conviction.

J. N. L.

POPULARITY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

By M. E. Cornell

No set of religious principles have been more universally regarded as applicable to all men than the ten commandments. Both religious and political bodies have endorsed the Decalogue as the basis of all religion and morality. They have been taught in the Sunday-schools, Bible-classes, Catechisms, and pulpits of all Protestant churches from the days of Luther to the present time, under the title of the Moral Law of God.

I have in my possession two catechisms, one Methodist, the other Baptist, each of them containing two verbatim copies of the Decalogue, both of them calling it the Moral Law. The fact that these bodies have published this law twice over, in small catechisms of 32 and 36 pages, shows clearly enough that they regarded it as very important.

The following in regard to the ten commandments in school, I clip from the Owasso American:

"There is certainly nothing sectarian in either the Lord's prayer or the ten commandments; nothing that the most devoted Catholic could reasonably object to; and no other than good results could spring from an endeavor to impress those holy ordinances and the principles and doctrines they teach upon the hearts and minds of our children. While we should deprecate and condemn any attempt to introduce sectarianism into public schools, or in any way interfere with the religious faith of any person or class; yet, regarding the ten commandments as the common platform of all the churches, and the common basis of all morality, we do not see the propriety of banishing them from the school-room."

Evidence similar to the above, showing the popularity of this law, might be extended almost without limit, and yet this law is destined to become most unpopular. Indeed it is already becoming so in certain quarters, where the just claims of the fourth command have been urged upon the people; because they can find no way to evade an unpopular conclusion from popular premises, they reject the law as "Jewish."

The union that has existed upon the perpetuity of the Decalogue is now breaking up, and another is being formed against it. They have united against the prophecies, and why should they not against the law? They have rejected the doctrine of Christ's soon coming, and will of course reject the law. The Saviour said the law or the prophets should not fail, but the churches say they have failed and will fail.

A Methodist minister a short time since took for his text, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable," &c., and then before he closed advised the people to "let Daniel and the prophets alone and seek the salvation of their souls"—as much as to say, Daniel and the prophets are not profitable, thus contradicting his own text.

In the winter of 1858 sister A— presented a Methodist minister the following books, which he received very politely, and promised to read: namely, "Signs of the Times," "The Law of God," "A Word for the Sabbath," "The First Day of the Week Not the Sabbath," and "The Atonement." After having the books in his possession about six months, he returned them with the following note:

"Aug. 1858.

"Mrs. A— Those books you presented me last winter, I return by Mr. D—. Am thankful for the privilege of keeping them so long, and would like to keep them, and all that kind of literature, while I live. For I am quite sure that the moral atmosphere would then be quite safe from their poison. The pages of your books have not seen the light since they came into my hands, so that I am sure my children have not injured them, nor they my children. "J. H. CASTOR."

In the above we have a specimen of how ministers can reject the light of present truth, and also break a solemn promise, and judge of a matter before hearing it, which Solomon says is a folly and a shame unto him. But we need not marvel, for Paul says there will be in the last days "truce-breakers."

But O what a shame for any man to write such a note to a christian lady of good reputation! How unbecoming a gentleman, much more a christian minister! But Babylon is fallen, and comment is unnecessary.

In the days of Christ and the apostles the law was popular, but to confess Christ was to be cast out of the synagogue. But Constantine the great, reversed the order by lowering the dignity of the law, and making it popular to acknowledge Christ. This movement was the step-stone to the Papal church. The Catholic could devoutly confess Christ, and at the same time persecute his true followers. So now the churches of the day will acknowledge the obligation of the law, and yet persecute the real observers of it; and sooner than acknowledge that the Advent people have any light and truth, they will have the law changed, or deny it altogether.

The same spirit of changing and lowering down the dignity of God's law is manifest everywhere in fallen Babylon. But knowledge has increased, and the world and churches are being tested and left without excuse. The standard must be raised. The testimony of our Lord that "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," must be heralded throughout the land. The scribes and Pharisees violated the fifth commandment, and taught men so, while the professors of this day are doing the same thing with the fourth. But "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least," &c., reveals the doom of the religious bodies of the day. "Come out of her, my people."

REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.

By Joseph Bates

DEAR BRO. BATES: The evening after the uproar in Onondaga, Apr. 28th, we commenced a series of meetings in this place. Our last meeting closed yesterday, First-day. Some have believed and admitted the truth, and some are benefitted, and we trust will walk in all the commandments of the Lord. Some continued to find fault, not so much with the coming of the Lord and end of all things, as they did about God's holy law, and weekly Sabbath, endeavoring to evade its claims on them by finding fault with those who profess to walk therein.

After the rain storm abated we repaired to the water side, where ten, who had become dead to the law, were married to Christ by being buried with him by baptism into death, that they should walk in newness of life. One of the number is girding up his loins and lighting his lamp, and shaping his course to reach a station with the watchmen on the walls of Zion, to join them in sounding the alarm in God's holy mountain, to all the inhabitants of the land, and close up the final warning with the loud cry of the Third Angel's Message.

From the water we repaired to Bro. Weed's where we were blessed of the Lord in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house. Sabbath meetings are now regularly established where none were held before. The church numbers here now about the same as they do in Jackson and Parma.

I am now holding meetings about three miles from this, in the west part of the town of Blackman, where there seem to be some who have ears to hear.

JOSEPH BATES.

Tompkins, Mich., May 9th, 1859.

Lord Derby on the Dreaded War

LORD DERBY ON THE DREADED WAR.—In a recent speech on the Italian question, Lord Derby said:

"My noble friend has already pointed out the lamentable consequences which must arise, if war does break out, to Italy herself, whatever be the ultimate result, or whoever be in the first instance successful. I think he underrates the magnitude of the danger, if he supposes that the war will be confined to Italy. It will be a war, in the first place, of the most sanguinary description, because a war of principle and of passion. It will not be a war between two great nations contending for some definite object, but a war exciting the most violent passion, and once begun in Italy it will extend far beyond the limits of that country. Other passions will be roused, other interests will be touched, other nations will be called upon to interfere, and war originating in Italy, will certainly, at no distant period, extend far and wide, wrapping the whole of Europe in one general conflagration."

THE CONFERENCE

By James White

Bread and meat is soldiers' fare. It is sufficient to sustain nature, and is most convenient food to feed an army. We would say to all who may come to the General Conference, that if it is not convenient to bring provisions, they may expect to find at our tables plenty of bread and meat and cold water. Should any of our preaching brethren, and others be feeble, we will vary from this general rule, and minister unto them as it may be necessary for their "stomach's sake and often infirmities." J. W.

A POPULAR ERROR.

By Jasper Hazen

BY JASPER HAZEN.

[Bro. SMITH: The following article published in the Chris. Palladium in 1843, shows how the mass take things for granted, and also strikes a death blow to the arguments of infidelity. M. E. CORNELL.]

An error has been quite common in relation to the number of the human race. It has been supposed that were they all raised from the dead, they would be so far from finding room to stand upon the earth, that they must necessarily form a solid mass of 50, 100, or 200 feet high over the whole face of the earth; and that the whole surface of the ground must have been moved some hundreds of times to furnish a resting place for her perishing children in her bosom.

It may be difficult to determine the origin of this common opinion; but probably some curious calculating genius, instead of going into the field of facts to inquire went into the rule of Geometrical Progression making 2 (the first pair of our race), the first term of a geometrical series—the number of generations to the flood the number of terms, and 2, 3, or 4, as he might happen to think, the ratio, and by that process determine the immense number before the flood. Having satisfactorily to himself made out a census of the antediluvians, he then goes through with a similar process since the flood,

making 8 (Noah and his family) the first term in the series, then adding both sums together makes up the astonishing aggregate which covers over the whole earth perhaps 200 times.

The terms of the series all appear reasonable; on re-examination the work is found correct. It carries upon its face all the appearances of mathematical certainty, and is, through the different mediums of communication given to the world. ASTONISHING CALCULATION! WONDERFUL CALCULATION!! It goes for true and the impression is left upon the mind that the world must have been dug over perhaps hundreds of times to bury her dead.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead? Anything connected with our view of the gospel of Christ appearing incredible to the mind, goes to weaken our confidence in its truth. The very thought of the resurrection of a mass of human beings 200 feet high over the whole surface of the land, strikes the mind as incredible. We inquire, in what theater can they be assembled? This may lead the mind to doubt the resurrection of the dead. That is attended with doubt of the truth of the gospel which declares the resurrection and ends in infidelity; and this whole evil has its origin, or is forwarded by this common error.

With how many unbelievers these considerations may have been important weights in turning the scale against the gospel, we may never know. That they may have an important bearing on many minds we may readily believe. And they would certainly be worthy of as much consideration as the argument of the Sadducees against the resurrection, if they were true.

A little reflection must satisfy any rational man that the opinion that the whole surface of the earth must have been dug over so many times to bury her dead, must be a very great mistake indeed. We will make a few inferences and calculations to illustrate the idea.

If the earth has been made a graveyard so many times, it must have been dug over once in 30 years. Is the man living who has seen the third course of coffins covering the world? There are numbers over 90 years old. Suppose it 50 times instead of 200. Then we must have seen North America almost covered with her second tier of coffins, since the landing of the Pilgrims, as it would take but 120 years to cover the earth once with the dead. But is it so? Instead of this how very small a tract of the oldest town in our country is yet made a burying yard.

But a single example will illustrate the fallacy of this popular error. London is said to be 8 miles long and from 3 to 5 miles broad (say average 4 miles) and has 1,500,000 inhabitants. Suppose London to have been thus densely populated for 6000 years. She would then have had 200 generations of 1,500,000 each, equal to 300,000,000. Her territory 8 miles by 4, is 32 square miles. This reduced to feet, gives 892,108,800 square feet to 300,000,000 of inhabitants; lacking but a small fraction of 3 feet for every man, woman and child; room enough for them to stand upon were her whole population of 6000 years contemporaries and had her population for the whole term of time equaled the present. But London has not been thus populous from the creation, and instead of 300,000,000, has not reached 100,000,000 all counted and furnishes ample room for graves for the whole within her own limits. How small a part of the whole earth then would have been covered with graves.

The estimated number of one generation multiplied by the number of generations in 6000 years will be an approximation of the whole number to our race sufficiently near to answer our present purpose.

The United States Almanac for 1843 gives the following table of the area and population of the world from Balbi.

Square miles.	Population.
Europe	2,793,000
Asia	12,118,000
Africa	8,516,000
America	11,046,000
Australasia	3,100,000
Amount	37,573,000

But for the present purpose suppose one generation to amount to 800,000,000 of persons; suppose a generation to continue 30 years. Then in 6000 years there will have been 200 generations. Thus 200 multiplied by 30 equal 6000. Then the number of one generation multiplied by the number of generations gives the whole number of our race. Thus 800,000,000 multiplied by 200 equal 160,000,000,000. Then the whole number of our race, supposing the earth to have equalled its present population for the whole term of 6000 years, is one hundred and sixty thousand millions.

Reduce 37,573,000 square miles to rods will give three billions, eight hundred forty-seven thousand, four hundred seventy-five million, two hundred thousand square rods. Then divide 3,847,475,200,000 rods between 160,000,000,000 will give a fraction over 24 rods to every one of the race of Adam who may have lived at the end of 6000 years.

Divide the square rods in the thirty miles of the territory of London, 3,276,800 square rods, between the present population, 1,500,000, will give a fraction over two rods to each citizen of London, while the world would furnish a fraction over 24 rods to every child of Adam were they all raised from the dead at the end of 6000 years.

Then if the whole 160,000,000,000 were raised from the dead and equally dispersed over the earth, the population would not be one tenth part as dense as the present population of London.

Were the whole 160,000,000,000 arranged in order with four feet to each individual, they would require 640,000,000,000 feet of ground. This would form a square area of 151 miles 164 rods and fourteen feet on a side. Less than double this area would furnish a burying ground for our whole race.

A few Thoughts on the Moral Law or Ten Commandments of God.

By Isaac Sanborn

It is a law comprised in ten precepts. They are affirmed to have been written by the finger of God. It is a law which uniformly and always commands what is right, and prohibits what is wrong. Without stopping to expound it, it is enough to say that it is so comprehensive as to be applicable to every creature in the universe, and to every instance of his moral conduct. This law is a perfectly decisive standard, and one that is perfectly calculated to disclose the workings of the carnal mind, or conscience. See Rom. viii, 7. The conscience of every man that is enlightened by it endorses it as truly as the congregation of Israel did when at the rehearsal of every precept and penalty, all the people said Amen.

There are several things in relation to this great rule of moral conduct that are worthy of a moment's thought. It is a consideration not to be overlooked, that it extends itself to the heart, and does not stop short of the inward principles and motives of human conduct. It identifies the love of God with keeping his commandments. 1 John v, 3. Another fact in relation to it is its wonderful comprehensiveness. It is applicable to all men alike. It is not for the old only, but for the young; it is not for the poor only, but for the rich. Its course is a straight one, and without the least deviation from a right line. No departure from it is allowed under any possible pretence, or any imaginable circumstances. Nothing in the universe can release the obligation to keep it. It is of perpetual force and obligation in all worlds and throughout eternity. Nor does it stand uninforced with appropriate and equitable penalties. Rom. vi, 23. "For the wages of sin is death." Said Paul, "I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Rom. vii, 7.

With these considerations before us, how can we continue to sin against God by transgressing his holy law every week in rejecting the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and keeping the first day of the week in its stead? Remember Paul says "Know ye not to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin (or transgression of the law) unto death, or of obedience (of the law) unto righteousness?" Rom. vi, 16. Whom do we obey when we keep the first day of the week for the Sabbath? The Pope. (See Cath. Cat.)

Well, says one, that is no sin to keep Sunday, for God has not forbidden it. But what did you do the day before, on Saturday, or the Sabbath? You worked, did your own pleasure, and spoke your own words. Isa. lviii, 13. Here is where the sin is. Now whose servant are you? Paul says, his whom you obey. O may the Lord help us to flee to him for refuge, for he says if any man worship the beast or his image, the same shall drink the wrath of God. Remember that keeping Sunday will locate the mark of the beast in our foreheads, and that keeping the Sabbath will place the mark of God there. Thus you see two companies are brought out. Where will they stand in the day of the Lord? Rev. xiv, 1. "I looked and lo a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." This is the company that keep the Sabbath, from the fact that the fourth commandment is the source from whence we derive the knowledge of the true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. See also chap. xv, 1-4.

Where do we find the other company? See chap. xvi, 1, 2. "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways and pour out the vials of God's wrath upon the earth, And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and them which worshiped his image." This is the contrast. Oh may the Lord help us to keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus, and stand at last on Mt. Zion with the Lamb. ISAAC SANBORN.

Jefferson Co. Wis., May 7th, 1859.

The Things Written Aforetime.

By Francis Gould

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Rom. xv, 4. This text doubtless has reference to the Old Testament Scriptures; and the declaration is a broad one; it covers every item therein contained. But notwithstanding the apostle has made a positive declaration to that effect, men at the present day who profess to take the Bible for the rule of faith and duty will deny it. They tell us that a certain portion of the Old Testament is of no benefit to us. But let us hear Paul's charge to Timothy on this point. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them, and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy xiv. 17.

A few texts will show how highly the Scriptures were esteemed by Christ and his Apostles. "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me. John v, 39. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke xxiv, 27. And Paul as his manner was went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. Acts xvii, 2. Verse 11, These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so. Hence we understand that the Scriptures are brought into the present dispensation, and are profitable, as a rule of right, as a powerful agency to mold the moral character of man and fit him up to share in the great work of human redemption. The New Testament scriptures are in perfect harmony with the Old, and are another connecting link in the great chain of Eternal Truth.

Most men are ready to admit that a great part of the sayings of the Old Testament are binding upon us; but that a certain portion cannot refer to or have any bearing upon us. They cannot adopt the broad declaration of Paul that they were written for our learning.

I will mention one item which comes under the head of divers laws, such as the law of uncleanness which, say they, is of no benefit to us, being a Jewish ceremony. But we are to learn from this, 1st. That God in no way countenances uncleanness, but considers it a moral evil. 2nd. That the Israel of God must put it away from among them, or be cut off. Physical uncleanness was to be put away from among the people. The same principle holds good now; for instance, he who makes use of the filthy weed Tobacco can emphatically be said to be unclean. And when I see some professing the Third Angel's Message, indulging in its use, I tremble for them. If they do not relinquish it I fear they will not stand when the Son of Man appears. I am willing the Apostle should settle the question. He says that no unclean person shall inherit the kingdom of God. See 1 Cor. iii, 17. Gal. xix, 21. Eph. v, 5. 1 Thess. iv, 7. 2 Cor. vii, 1.

But says the Apostle, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." The history of the overthrow of the Antediluvian race, and the salvation of Noah and his family stands out in bold relief for our learning, as an example for the present generation. "But as the days of Noah were so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away." Matt. xxiv, 37, 39. See also 2 Pet. iii, 5, 6, 7.

Again we are to learn something from the history of the children of Israel while in the wilderness. By their disobedience many were overthrown. Now all these things happened unto them for examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. x, 11. The sayings of the prophets are not without their relation to the present generation. The prophetic pencil has pointed out the condition of the world as it now is, the fallen state of the professed churches, the various forms of abomination that are done in the land, the final deliverance of God's people, and their future and glorious reward.

It is also urged that the law of ten commandments which is the basis and foundation of our holy religion has become null and void and is of no consequence to us. But I understand that the law is magnified and made honorable and is the condition on which eternal life is suspended. Thus "through patience and comfort of the scriptures we may have hope."

May the Lord help us with all the remnant to strive to live not "by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." FRANCIS GOULD. East Brookfield, Vt.

THE OLD EARTH.

By Jos. Clarke

EARTH is a dark and dreary place, Where sin and death and sorrow grow, In every age and state we trace The stealthy tread of many a foe. From infancy to hoary age, From hovel low to palace hall, Life is a blurred unsightly page, With wormwood mingled and with gall. The bondman's unrequited toil, The handcuff, lash, and social wrong, Is wet with human blood the soil, As if brief life were still too long. The prison wall, the dungeon damp, Assassin's knife, and watchman's tramp, The cannon roar, the rolling drum, Slavery's curse, villainy's sum, The pirate ship, the man of war, Corruption's bribe, and changing law, Counterfeit bills, and broken banks, The broker's skill, and burglar's pranks, The widow's wail, the orphan's moan, The maniac's scream, and drunkard's groan, The hospital and battle field, And wreck-strewn shore reflections yield. And earth is prematurely old, Her nerves unstrung, her blood is cold; Her ears are dull, her sight is dim, She shivers now in every limb; With tottering step and bending form, She shudders at the impending storm; Convulsively she holds her staff, And idiot-like she tries to laugh, As if in tempest-laden cloud Might not be seen her ample shroud; Amid impending hail and sleet, Might not be seen her winding sheet.

JOS. CLARKE.

Continue reading: The Lust of the Eyes.—1 John 2