Earlier text: LOOK UPHow natural the inquiry, How much longer will it be before the Lord shall come? Many that embraced the truth years in the past thought he would have come before this; and some reason that as he has tarried longer than was expected, it may be much longer yet before he will come. I think this is a very illogical conclusion. If he ever comes, his coming is nearer now than it ever was before. All Adventists believe that the fulfillment of prophecy shows that his coming is near. But how much longer will it be? We admit that we seek in vain for a definite answer in the Bible, and still it is our privilege to know all that it is best for us to know concerning it. We know that this generation shall not pass away before he comes. Matt. 24:34. We know that very soon after the “horn” speaks the great words of infallibility, the “beast” is to be slain and his body given to the burning flames. Dan. 7:11. And we know that this will be accomplished by the brightness of Christ’s coming. 2 Thess. 2:8. And every important event transpiring among the different nations teaches the careful student of prophecy that “it will be but little longer.” But this does not satisfy the weary pilgrim. As he roams in this dark world mourning the absence of loved ones whom death has called away, the language of his heart is, How much longer before Jesus will come and raise the sleeping saints? Oh! it cannot be long. But how definite can the answer be? For years, and especially for the past year, I have watched for evidence on this point, striving to labor on, hoping to be prepared, “still looking for that happy morrow.” The progress of the last message affords the greatest reason for hope in this respect. Without a doubt we are in the sealing time. The angels are holding the winds. Rev. 7:2. God has miraculously opened the way in the Old World, and the message is going. Seventh-day Adventists are now known throughout the world. The loud cry can be raised, the number made up and sealed, the work be done, and the third angel’s message be closed, in a very short time now, even before some of us realize that it is being done. The preparatory work for such a move is in the past. With intense anxiety I have watched the evidence of the formation of the image in our own land and the movements among the nations in the Old World. The work for the erection of the image is steadily moving forward, and in a few years at most it will be complete. Then will come the enforcement of the law requiring the reception of the mark of the beast. Then the mighty struggle of the people of God, ending in the day and night cry in response to which our Lord comes for the deliverance of his people. Equally significant are the commotions among the nations of Europe, but no general outbreak can come while the angels are holding the winds. The nations are restrained, and the Lord tarries for the last message to complete its work. It will close soon, and the people who have seen and heard these things which prophets predicted and holy men in the past hoped and prayed for, will also see the sealing work completed and hear the faithful ones cry, “Lo, this is our God.” May God greatly speed the day. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT BETWEEN A CHRISTIAN AND HIS MASTER.
The Sufferings of This Present Time. Total: Our light affliction which is but for a moment, ... 2 Cor. 4:17. The Glory to Be Revealed in us. THERE remaineth a rest, ...... Heb. 4:9. The gift of God is eternal life, ...... Rom. 6:23. We shall appear with him, ...... Col. 1:3. Glory, honor, immortality, ...... Rom. 2:7. There shall be no more pain, ...... Rev. 21:4. Total: A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ...... 1 Cor. 4:17. “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:18, 37–39. Audited by Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, tent-maker.—Sel. PRESS ON.
By Eliza H. Morton
This is an age of progress. The present century is remarkable on account of the onward march of civilization. The arts and sciences have improved. Inventions have multiplied. Knowledge has increased; and the whole world has pressed on at a rapid rate. Satan has had his shoulder at the wheel, and some of the push has been due to his energetic spirit. Crimes unparalleled have been committed, and wickedness has flourished in “high places.” The Bible student sees in all this a fulfillment of prophecy; and now, if ever, we need to press on in the divine life. The sands of time are about run out; probation is nearly ended, and the last pages of the history of this world are nearly written. Life and death are at stake. An eternal inheritance is before us, and a work to do, of the importance of which we never dreamed. Every moment is more precious than a nugget of gold. Every hour helps decide our eternal weal or woe. I seem to see written upon the clouds in letters of fire, “Time is short.” Brothers and sisters in Christ, if your feet stumble upon the rocky steeps of this mortal life, Jesus will put beneath you his strong arm, and help you to arise and press on. If fortune plays you false and the world looks dark to-day, be of good courage, “there is a good time coming to-morrow;—press on.” If the world frowns at your consistent godly life, never mind; it will envy you by and by, and weep that it did not with you press on toward the mark of the prize of the high calling as it is in Christ Jesus. If hunger stares you in the face, if death enters your household, if sickness makes life a burden, do not be disheartened; but remember you seek a city whose inhabitants are never tired, hungry, or sick, and where death is not known; therefore, faint not, but press on even to the gates of the shining city, and receive the prize and wear the crown promised to the overcomer. Where shall we meet who parted long ago?
The frosty stars were twinkling in the sky.
The moorland lay before us white with snow,
The north wind smote our faces rushing by.
Where shall we meet? On such a moorland lone?
In crowded city street, or country lane?
On sandy beach-walk, while the sea makes moan?
In quiet chamber? Shall we meet again
On any spot of old familiar ground,
Our childish haunts? or in a far-off land?
Ah me! what if on earth no spot be found
For longing eyes to meet, and clasping hand?
What then?—If angry fate reunion bars,
A better meeting waits beyond the stars. When shall we meet who parted in the night?
At some calm dawning, or in noontide heat?
To-day? to-morrow? or will years take flight
Before our yearning hearts find welcome sweet?
When shall we meet? While summer roses lie
Beside our path, and rustle overhead?
Or later, when a leaden winter sky
Looks coldly on the empty garden-bed?
While youthful faith and hopefulness are ours?
Or only when our hair is growing gray?
Ah me! we may have done with earthly hours
Before it comes to us, that happy day!
What then?—Let life's lone path be humbly trod,
And where or when we meet, we leave to God. POPISH EXALTATION.
By Mr. Goring
Jesus Christ, as one of his last acts, left mankind this new law: “Love one another, as I have loved you; by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” Popery hates all that are not of its communion, and condemns them soul and body to the pit. The blessed Saviour declared his kingdom was not of this world, being spiritual; that he judged no man, but that the words he uttered should judge them in the last day. The popes claim the dominion of the whole world, spiritual and temporal; they wear a triple crown, and pretend to judge all men. The Saviour, previous to his death, condescended to wash his disciples’ feet, assuring them they should have no part with him unless they submitted to it. The popes, so far from submitting to this lesson of humility, arrogantly permit their followers to kiss their feet. Our blessed Lord claimed not a spot on earth, nor had he a place where to lay his head; to him, sufficient for the day was the evil thereof, both with respect to food and raiment,—not so the popes: from their votaries they extort the scanty gains of the sweat of their brows; they go gorgeously attired, and fare sumptuously every day. Our Saviour freely pardoned the sins of his penitent creatures without fee or reward—the popes presume to pardon sins; nay, grant indulgences for committing more; but it is for money and sordid lucre. Can any find a resemblance in these two characters? Is not the counterfeit easily discovered? And will not men blush with shame when they see how grossly they have been deluded by this deceiver. Let them but fairly read the gospel of Jesus Christ; they will there find he delegated his power to no man in the way the popes claim it, and that he alone is the intercessor between God and man, and no man can approach God but through him.—Extract from Mr. Goring’s “Thoughts on the Revelation.” THE SANCTUARY.
By Uriah Smith
Forty-Third Paper.—The Subject Concluded.
We are now prepared to take a retrospective view of this important subject. The questions with which we started out in the beginning of these articles, are now answered. To the question, “The Sanctuary—what is it?” the answer has been plainly found. It is not the earth, not the land of Palestine, not the church; but, as revealed to us in the word, it is first the dwelling which the Lord provided for himself here among men, in the tabernacle of Moses, and afterward in the temple of Jerusalem; and finally we behold it as the temple of God in Heaven, his dwelling place on high. To the question, “When is it?” the answer has come. In all its most important aspects, it is now. Beginning with Moses, fifteen hundred years before Christ, it becomes an object of ever-increasing interest, till, as we reach our own generation, and the work connected with it is about to close, the issues there to be decided make it an all-important centre of consideration and study. To the question, “Where is it?” the answer is equally plain. During the typical dispensation, it was here upon earth; in the present antitypical dispensation, it is in Heaven. “What are its uses?” It is the centre around which all the worship of God revolves, and to which every act of devotion points. “And why?” Because it is the habitation of God, and there in the most holy, he placed the transcript of his will, the ten commandments; and there on the mercy-seat, the cover of the ark, is the focal point in the work of redemption, where “mercy and truth meet together and righteousness and peace kiss each other.” There reposes the law which shows transgression; and there is presented the blood which satisfies the law, and, so far as the sinner’s record is concerned, blots out the sin. “What are its relations and how extensive?” The forty-two previous papers in this series of articles have partially and imperfectly answered this question. It relates to everything in the plan of salvation, and has to do with every individual who comes within the range of Christ’s redeeming work. “What prominence is given to it on the inspired pages of the book of God’s revelation to men?” Great prominence. The word occurs one hundred and forty-six times, not merely as casual mentions, but often as the theme of the discourse itself. “What bearing has it upon the interpretation of the prophecies?” A bearing the most intimate. It shows that no prophetic period reaches to the coming of the Lord, but only to the short but indefinite work called the cleansing of the sanctuary which just precedes that coming. It thus saves us from the folly of time-setting. It clears up and explains the mystery of the disappointment in the past Advent movement. Mistaking the sanctuary to mean the earth, it was supposed that the cleansing of the sanctuary meant the purifying of the earth by fire; and as the Lord is to be revealed in flaming fire, it was argued that the Lord must then come. Hence the coming of the Lord was looked for at the end of the 2300 days in 1844. But the prophecy only says, “Then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,” which we now see to be the closing work of our High Priest in the temple above. It explains the parable of the wedding garment, Matt. 22:11–13, shows where that preliminary work of Judgment comes in, which must precede the coming of Christ, and shows how and when that sentence which eternally fixes every man’s condition, whether he be filthy or righteous, unjust or holy, can go forth before the Lord appears. Rev. 22:11. “How is its past history calculated to interest, or its present work concern, us?” Its past history interests us because it is the text-book from which we learn the nature of the work of our great High Priest above, and the manner of his ministration; and its present work concerns us, because in connection with the declaration of the prophecies concerning it, we learn more definitely than from any other source, our proximity to the end. “In what way are our dearest interests connected with it?” Our dearest interests are there because there is our only hope of life and salvation. There is to be found the only means that can cleanse our soul from guilt, and there the only Advocate who can plead our cause. If we accept his mediation on the free terms offered, our case will go well; if we reject it, all is lost. The court is now sitting; and its session soon will close, and its eternal decisions be rendered. These are the claims it now has upon our attention, the strongest and most urgent that can ever be brought to bear upon men. All through its history are epochs of interest. It was a point of great interest when the tabernacle was first reared in this world of ours, and an outward symbol of the work of salvation was given to men. It was a point of interest when the tabernacle gave place to the larger and more glorious structure of the temple, and when in the dedication of that temple the most imposing religious ceremony was performed which the world has ever witnessed. It was a point of still greater interest when the typical dispensation closed, and a transfer was made from the sanctuary below to the sanctuary on high. Henceforward we come directly to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and turn our attention to Jerusalem above. A point of still deeper interest to us was reached when at the end of the 2300 days in 1844 the time came for the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the ministration was moved from the holy into the most holy place. Then the temple of God was open in Heaven. Then was discerned, by faith, the ark of God’s testament there. Then the position of the moral law was seen, enthroned in the very presence of Jehovah, immutable, eternal. Then was discovered the connection between this subject and the seal of the living God, the sealing work, the last message of mercy, and the closing up of the great Advent movement of the present generation. Then the foretold Judgment hour began, and the church entered upon the great Sabbath reform. With this subject all portions of the message are connected; this is the grand centre and citadel of the present truth. Then it was seen that the time of probation could last but a little longer; for the final work in the sanctuary must be brief. Should it be otherwise it would destroy the type, and show in the plan and work of God a want of consistency and harmony, which we know does not exist. And already for thirty-two years this work has been going forward. We understand that beginning with the human race at the opening of the world’s history, the examination passes down through successive generations, in consecutive order, till at length the cases of the last generation, the living, are reached, who come latest into this investigative Judgment, and the work closes. And what generation has the work now reached? Has it come down to the age of Noah? of Abraham? of Job? of Moses? of Daniel? Has it reached the age of the apostles and the early Christians? Are their cases now in review before the great tribunal above? Has it come down to the setting up of the papacy, to the dark ages, when the Waldenses and other few faithful witnesses in obscurity and concealment kept the light of God’s truth alive in the world? Has it come down to the great Reformation, to the times of Luther? of the Wesleys? We know not. We only know that it is passing down somewhere through these generations, and rapidly approaching the living, when our cases will come up for decision, and our destiny be decided forever. And here we now stand waiting, may we not also say, preparing? But with considerations of such thrilling interest even as these, our view of this subject does not end. We go forward a little in the future, and behold the sins of all the righteous loaded upon the head of the antitypical scapegoat to be sent away forever. We see Satan bound, and the saints forever free from his power. This is a point of transcendent interest to all the righteous. Then we take our first draughts from the cup of immortality. Our sins are borne away. They come up to trouble us no more. We cannot recall them; and even God says that he will forget them. He who instigated them will then have received them back again. Here the serpent’s head is effectually bruised by the seed of the woman. Here the strong man armed (Satan), who has been shutting up even the followers of Christ in his prison house, the grave, for six thousand years, will be bound by a stronger than he (Christ), and his house be spoiled of its precious treasures. Then will the tares have been bound in bundles for the burning, and the wheat have been gathered into the heavenly garner. Then our High Priest will have come forth from the sanctuary to pronounce the everlasting blessing upon his waiting people. Then we shall have come, not by faith merely, but in deed and in truth, unto Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. Then will the redeemed, placing the foot of triumph upon the world, the flesh, and the devil, raise their glad voices in the song of Moses and the Lamb. Glorious and longed-for day! May the Lord hasten it in his good time. One more scene remains: the kindling of those final fires prepared for the devil and his angels, at the end of the thousand years. Here is also the perdition of ungodly men. And here all the agents of evil, root and branch, Satan and all his followers, be they angels or men, are destroyed from the universe of God. The deepest taint of the curse is burnt out; the last vestige of disgrace is removed; and nothing remains but the great and solemn lesson of sin and its fearful results, which will tend to confirm in uprightness and holiness all other intelligences in all the universe. Thus triumphantly God’s controversy with sin will end. Here are finished the results of all Christ’s work as connected with the sanctuary. Redemption is successfully completed. The original purpose in regard to this world, that it should be the beautiful abode of holy beings, is carried out. The requisite number to people it is secured, and the earth is renewed to be their eternal abode. Here the righteous are called to inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. And from this height of ineffable bliss, away through the ever-revolving cycles of eternity, there open before us boundless vistas of EVERLASTING LIFE AND ETERNAL GLORY. WORK IN MICHIGAN.
By S. N. Haskell
The general quarterly meeting which is to be at Alaiedon, Dec. 22, 23, will be one of importance to the cause in Michigan. We expect a general attendance of the directors from all parts of the State. Arrangements were made at the late general meeting at Battle Creek to have the entire State canvassed previous to this time as far as possible. There are companies and churches who have never been organized in Tract Societies; and some who have been, have never seen a blank report to fill out to be returned. In short, the missionary work has been sadly neglected. We blame no one for the past, but we invite a general rally now. Our brethren generally are willing to act when they learn how. There are those all over the State that can direct this labor. At our meeting at Alaiedon, these things will be especially considered. Much, yes very much, can be done this winter. Shall we make one general rally? Our apportionment of names for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, REFORMER, and almanacs, no doubt has seemed large to many. But my experience for the past few weeks has convinced me that there is not a Conference in the country which can fill its apportionment as easy as this, were the matter properly taken hold of by the brethren. There are but few churches but that are ready to act, and act promptly. We say, therefore, to our leading brethren generally, who feel for the cause in this State, remember the general Tract and Missionary meeting held at Alaiedon, Dec. 22, 23. Come prepared to remain until Tuesday morning if necessary. CHURCH AND STATE.
By R. F. Cottrell
The connection of the church with earthly governments is the great sin of Babylon. The church is espoused to Christ, who is her head. 2 Cor. 11: 2. She becomes a harlot by seeking the friendship of the world and patronage from the State. Says an apostle, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” Jas. 4: 4. And of Babylon it is said, “The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.” See Rev. 17: 2; 18: 3. The evils of a union of church and State, as developed in past history, were seen, in a measure, by the founders of our American government; and Congress was prohibited by constitutional law from legislating for an established religion, or from prohibiting any in the free exercise of their religious rights. But the time has come, when it is openly demanded that such an amendment of the constitution shall be secured as shall “place all Christian laws, institutions, and usages, in our government, on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the nation.” And this centennial year (which is also leap year, when the feminines may do the wooing) witnesses the organization of a party in politics, and puts a presidential candidate in the field, pledged by their platform to enforce the observance of what is called the Christian Sabbath. The church is symbolized by a woman. This woman is “contrary” to other women, in that she hires her lovers and gives a reward, and no reward is given to her. Eze. 16: 30–34. The reward she offers to the corrupt politicians of our degenerate times, is the honors, emoluments, and spoils of office. If the rulers of the State will legislate in behalf of the church and promote her schemes, the church will sustain these rulers in preference to all others. These are the terms of the contract through which she forsakes the Lord and forfeits his protection, preferring the protection of the State. Thus she commits abomination “with the kings of the earth.” For some years past the American church has been whispering her love in gentle words like these: “I infer, therefore, that the civil magistrate may not be called upon to enforce the observance of the Sabbath, as required in the spiritual kingdom of Christ; but when Christianity becomes the moral and spiritual life of the State, the State is bound through her magistrates to prevent the open violation of the Christian Sabbath, as a measure of self-preservation. She cannot, without injuring her own vitality, be recreant to her duty in this matter.”—Dr. Durbin. “The principle that Christianity is recognized by the State as something which essentially belongs to it, gives us, we think, the true and simple basis, upon which the laws relating to the observance of the Sabbath are to be enforced. The law throws its protection round the sacredness and quiet of the first day of the week, not because it recognizes it as a sacred day in itself considered, but for other reasons.”—N. Y. Evangelist, 1854. “The United States is founded on the principle of the sanctity of the Sabbath, and if its observances are disregarded, the nation is doomed to early destruction.”—Rev. J. W. Erdman. “Unless the sacredness of the day is respected, the liberties of the American people will not endure.”—Rev. Mr. Hickey. The above are samples of the approaches of the church; but now she puts the question squarely, offering the bribe of power and gain to those who will be corrupt enough to break181 down the barriers which the wisdom of our fathers, under God, reared for the protection of religious liberty, and legislate in favor of the “laws, institutions, and usages,” of a corrupt church, especially such as have no foundation in Scripture, and consequently cannot be sustained by any argument so logical as that of force. R. F. COTTRELL. THANKSGIVING DAY.
By C. W. S.
Appropriate services were held at the church at half past ten o’clock, Thanksgiving day. Eld. U. Smith gave a short, but very cheering, discourse, dwelling upon Bible reasons for being thankful and pointing out many instances of giving thanks as recorded in the Scriptures. He showed very clearly that the Bible exhorts us in all things to give thanks; that we should be thankful in affliction, even,—thankful that it is no worse with us than it is. Remarks were made by others, Prof. Bell adding a cheering testimony to the goodness of God. The remarks were interspersed with the singing of select hymns and anthems by the choir. The feeling of true thanks-giving to the Author of all good and the Giver of all our comforts and glorious privileges was clearly manifest in the services of the meeting; and all went away feeling that it had been a profitable meeting. How appropriate it seems that we, poor, dependent creatures that we are, should render heartfelt thanks and unfeigned gratitude to Him on whom we depend! In the evening, by request of Dr. J. H. Kellogg, who with all his cares is ever mindful of the wants, the enjoyments, and the proper good cheer, of the patients, several of the singers of this place gave a short and lively little concert at the Health Institute. The audience showed its appreciation of the effort by a rising vote of thanks. We remember several very happy Thanksgiving days that were passed with the loving home circle; and, although on this last occasion, thoughts of such scenes and of the broken circle would come into our mind, yet we never passed a Thanksgiving day more profitably and more pleasantly than we did this of 1876. And while we looked back to scenes of the past, we thought also of the future; and our prayer went forth that those same loved ones, with all that love the Lord and keep his commandments, might assemble at the great Thanksgiving, even the marriage supper of the Lamb. C. W. S. WHAT THE DIRECTORS SAY.
By A. S. Hutchins
Words of good cheer from the directors of our T. and M. Society are always gratifying. In some districts, I judge the directors and workers in the missionary cause, are making history fast in the almanac distribution. A portion of our members seem to have a mind to work. The subject of taking almanacs was laid before each district throughout the State at the last quarterly meetings. The question was discussed with interest, and fairly settled, that we should take five thousand almanacs. To be sure, some of the brethren did not vote on the question. Five of the districts received their almanacs in good time. The other, we hope, has its almanacs before this time. We have lent this district four hundred. But what are four hundred Family Health Almanacs before a few brethren and sisters who feel the importance of the work? The director of this district writes: “I received a letter from Bro. G.; good news. To use his expression, ‘the almanacs go like hot cakes.’ He ordered me to send him ninety more. There have been about four hundred almanacs distributed, and we have not had a fair taste of the almanac interest yet.” Another writes: “Our almanacs go well. T. sold twenty-eight in a short time.” And the following good words come from an earnest worker: “Some of the brethren are taking hold of the work and doing all they can, while others are not much interested. Some say, they did not vote to take any almanacs, and think those who voted to take one thousand should sell them. It is discouraging to see any one who believes the third angel’s message manifest so little interest. We are doing all we can to stimulate them to action, and we hope with some success. Although it may appear little in the eyes of many, yet I have felt while going from house to house, to sell these almanacs, that it was no small thing, but that it was a part of the last warning message.” Yes, as light is shining upon the claims of the moral law, it is, too, shining upon those laws which pertain to health and relate us to life. Hundreds of Sabbath-keeping families have reason for the most profound gratitude for the benefits and blessings of health reform; yet we fear many of these highly favored ones, are asleep to the duties they owe to their fellow-men. The reading of one of these almanacs may prove the stepping-stone to the very blessings we are so graciously enjoying. Can it be that any having a just sense of this work can sit down and fold their hands and do nothing? Can it be that any who profess to stand in the light will fail to give the Health Almanacs a place in their house? The Judge of all the earth is testing character. We may develop character in small things. And Jesus says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Now at the eleventh hour the Master says, “Go ye also into my vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.” Toil on dear brethren, a little longer: scatter the rays of light, sow the seeds of truth. And when weary and worn with labor, or pressed with discouragements, remember, “he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” We wish we could hear equally good news from older and larger districts. Long years since, brethren, you joined heart and hand with the people of God to help send forth the solemn tidings of truth to the world. You are now being out-done by those called to the vineyard at the eleventh hour. The brother who has sold one lot of almanacs and calls for ninety more, is a farmer who embraced the truth this year. I hope none of the old hands have sat down outside of the interests of this work to watch the final result, as Jonah after warning Nineveh sat down outside of the city watching its destiny. Poor Jonah! he was not only very unhappy, but was soon without the protecting shadow of the gourd, which came up in a night and perished in a night, and for which he manifested a greater care than for the souls he had been sent to warn. God gently reproved this prophet. Does he not speak to you, dear reader? I would hear his voice. I would obey and live. “Hold up thy light, O child of grace!
Be not afraid to let it shine
On all around, but rather fear
To hide this precious light divine.” AN EXPRESSION FROM THE SCHOOL.
By S. M. S.
We were glad to find in the last Review the note of news from Bro. and Sr. White, stating their near approach to their place of destination. There is ever a vague loneliness in the suspense, when friends launch out on a long journey, and we anxiously wait to hear the echo of news from the destined port. More than a vague—a decided, sense of loneliness and loss seemed felt in Battle Creek, as this California company took their leave. No doubt each of the institutions here feels sensibly the loss of those who have so earnestly labored for their welfare; but we were more particularly thinking of the school, where we have especial reason to appreciate the interest of Bro. and Sr. White in our behalf. Though their multiplied cares and duties rarely permitted them to visit our school, yet I trust all of us realize their great solicitude for our continued prosperity. We shall ever cherish in memory their Christian counsel as they met with us the day before their departure. May the very appropriate words of Bro. White be carefully stored in each student's mind that they may aid him in the noble pursuit of knowledge. And likewise let us all treasure up the faithful counsel of Sr. White, urging us to look to Jesus Christ as the great Educator in all that is wise and good. Let us keep continually in mind this precious truth, that to connect with Heaven is to open the channel to an inexhaustible storehouse of every needed help and blessing. Especially is this the way for the student, who should seek to cultivate the mind and heart, not only to prepare for the duties of this life, but for the glories of the immortal state. We will ever cherish those parting words, and hope still for the continued sympathy and prayers of the true friends of our school.