Earlier text: Historical DepartmentThe Sure Word of Prophecy.
By Jos. Clarke
People often deride the idea of making so much of the prophecies; they aver that the prophecies are too obscure to be understood, and that they are of no practical value until fulfilled. We take the position that they are important, and are to be understood previous to their fulfillment: that this is their object and aim. If there are any who doubt their literal fulfillment, let us go back a little, and investigate the Old Testament prophecies, of the fall of cities, and nations, and the literal fulfillment of each prophecy. The prophecies of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon it must be borne in mind, were written while that people were abounding in wealth, and had an independent national government. Nothing could be more improbable, from a human stand-point, than such a disastrous occurrence; and the men who uttered the denunciations were hunted and persecuted. But the captivity occurred, as the prophet had said it would; and with the prophecy of a captivity, came also a term of seventy years, which limited the time, and told of a return which should take place by means of one, Cyrus, who, when spoken of by said prophet, was yet unborn. That all this took place, is patent to all. The fall of the proud cities of Egypt, the fall of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre; the fall of Edom and Moab, and Assyria, was all foretold while these nations and kingdoms were in the pride of life, and the height of worldly power, and they scorned the idea of any possible chance of such a contingency as the prophets foretold. To them it was all fallacious reasoning, and groundless assumptions; but God had spoken and it came to pass. Where is the prophecy of Christ’s first coming, which has not been fulfilled to the letter? Where is the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the scattering of the Jews, which has not been fulfilled with fearful exactness? In the New Testament, a few prophecies yet remain unfulfilled; also a few in the Old Testament yet wait their time, but shall we for this, doubt the word of God? Shall the words of Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and other prophets, be fulfilled with precision, and the words that Christ and his apostles spoke, fall to the ground? Nay, verily. But are the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments to be understood, previous to their fulfillment? We say that they are; that it was the object of prophecy, not only to stamp the word of God with the impress of divinity, but to test those to whom the prophecies were opened in their fulfillment. What was it which condemned the Jews in our Saviour’s time? Was it not the prophecies relating to Christ?393 Did not the Jews tell cruel Herod that Christ should be born in Bethlehem of Judea? Were they not aware of the proximity of Jesus’ advent? No caviler will doubt this. But in the twenty-fourth of Matthew, and all along in the gospels, and in the epistles, and in the Revelation given to John, we find a series of prophecies of great importance, all of them purporting to come through Christ to his chosen penmen. We all see the folly of the Jews, in stubbornly refusing to bow to the words of Isaiah, and Ezekiel, and Daniel, and the best of prophets who spoke of Jesus’ humiliation and sufferings. They were demented we say, in refusing such evidences; they cast aside these prophetic words, and clung with idiotic pertinacity to those prophecies which alluded to his second coming. Oh! how sad and unaccountable is their stupidity, and how just their doom! But are we sure they were so stupid? Look through the New Testament, and find if you can, any opportunity of such a mistake in the prophecies of Christ, or any of the New-Testament writers upon the subject of his second advent? There is a wonderful clearness in the New-Testament prophecies. It is as if Jesus knew of the sad fall our race would receive in the latter day, and therefore made all clear and plain as if they were a class of children who could not understand, unless all was made unmistakably clear. We blame the Jew for his stupidity. What was his stupidity compared with his who rejects the light the nineteenth century throws upon passing events? We blame the Jew for his stubbornness in rejecting Christ. What was his stubbornness, compared with his who rejects the evidence now produced in connection with the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the twenty-three hundred days? The man who ridicules the commandments of God, and who treats with scorn the recent movements of God’s people toward an understanding of the prophecies, and a realization of promises of the restoration of the gift of prophecy, is as much without excuse as the stubborn Jew of the age of the apostles, and far more; as much more is he the victim of Satanic malice, as the evidence is clearer, and more distinct. In view of all that is done for us at the present time, how great are our obligations to do the whole will of God. If much was required of the church in the apostolic age, how much more now. Does not the church need help? Can we get along now without the aid of the gifts of the Spirit, better than the apostles could? Is this an age of light? Does such light shine upon the different denominations now, that they can afford to get along independent of the gifts? If such extraordinary light now shines upon the churches, that they need no such aid from Heaven, if they can well shift with the light already made known, and reject the offer made in the word of God, of the restoration of the gifts, why is it that they almost unanimously refuse to yield to the moral law, and persistently shut their eyes to the opening word of prophecy? All nature testifies to the truth of prophecy, and unerringly ratifies the word of God, as to coming events. The earth heaves, and cities are destroyed. Volcanoes pour out liquid fire, while the solid earth trembles as if in terror. The sun and moon refuse to shine, and the stars seem to fall, in obedience to Jesus’ word. But men still doubt and cavil, and make “rigid investigations” of all this phenomena, and account for it most scientifically; but they forget that the word of God has something to say on this point. In all their rigid, scientific investigations, they omit the word of prophecy, which alone can untie this Gordian knot. But those who do have the light at this time upon passing events, may not rest upon their knowledge. As a theory, it is eminently practical; he who receives this theory, does well; he who makes it a practical matter, does far better. As the host of Gideon was tested, so the people of God are passing a close test. Who is sufficient for these things? Who shall be able to stand? Great light beams from the heavenly sanctuary upon the people of God. A thick cloud of darkness covers the unbelieving world. The nominal churches know not the night which has already closed around them,— the night of error and unbelief, a dearth of the heavenly graces, an abandonment of principle, and a setting in of a night of bigotry and intolerance. To us, of all others, this is a practical truth; all our lives bear testimony for or against us, as individuals. A fearful responsibility rests upon us. How have we discharged, and how are we now discharging, this responsibility? REPORT FROM BRO. D. T. BOURDEAU.
By D. T. Bourdeau
It was my privilege to be at our late General Conference, and to attend all its business sessions and religious meetings; and I can say that what has been written relative to this general gathering has not been overestimated, every word of it is pure, unvarnished truth. Such a Conference must necessarily leave a favorable impression on all the friends of the truth respecting the various branches of the cause, and give a new impetus to the work of the third angel’s message. Especially should we be encouraged by the measures which were taken in forming the “Benevolent Association.” To see such important truths developed, and our people so ready to come up to them in their practice and sacrifice, is indeed cheering, and should inspire, in all, additional confidence in the work, and certainly in regard to its speedy and glorious accomplishment. The minister’s meetings which followed the Conference were the most profitable meetings of the kind I ever attended. They offered me an opportunity to engage more fully in the work of self-examination, and preparing to more successfully preach the truth to others, which I earnestly endeavored to improve upon, in common with my ministering brethren. The result was, that we were more sweetly and strongly united to each other and to the Lord than ever before; we saw the nature and magnitude of the work as we never saw it before, and realized God’s willingness to help us; and I trust I experienced a fresh conversion in the message which I had greatly desired. And among the blessings that the Lord is graciously bestowing upon us, is Testimony to the Church, No. 15, which, as far as I have perused it, is of the same nature, and has the same sanctifying tendency, as those that have been previously given. I heartily endorse what it says on “the gold.” If we get “faith and love combined,” we shall be truly rich. Oh! that we may labor as earnestly and perseveringly to obtain these heavenly graces, as most of us do to get an earthly treasure. Then shall we have no occasion to complain of our poverty. I trust that we shall read the various epistles contained in this testimony, not simply as applying to those to whom they were originally given, but also as having a bearing on our own characters. They would not have been published in their present form if they had been merely local, if they had not contained principles general in their application. We should also learn lessons of wisdom from the faults of others. We are now busily engaged in preparing for our long journey to California. We appreciate the assistance received from the Battle Creek church. This dear people will live in our memory and affection. We spend next Sabbath with them, after which we leave for the State of New York, in which we will remain over two Sabbaths. We now expect to take the boat for California, at New York City the 24th inst. The work before us is great, and the idea of separating, for so long a time, is painful. But we are consoled by the thought that we are not left to perform our work alone. We believe the Lord will go with us, and many prayers will follow us; yes, brethren, pray for us. We also have a rich hope to sustain us, a hope which alleviates the sting of separation, reaches beyond the grave, and unites us together amidst the realities and glories of the kingdom of God. With this hope we can toil and sacrifice, and even die in distant lands, if it is the will of our Heavenly Father. I can also say that I am settled on the truth, and have not been troubled with objections for a long time. The truth is a reality to me. I feast upon it. It is my life, and I want to labor to have others saved by it. I wish to have this my highest ambition. Brethren pray for us. My P. O. address will be, Minnie St. near corner of Sixth St., San Francisco, California, care of B. G. St. John. Battle Creek, Mich., June 5, 1868. REPORT FROM BRO. TAYLOR.
By C. O. TAYLOR
May 16 and 17 I attended the Monthly Meeting for Onondaga and Oneida Counties, held in Verona. The Kirkville church was well represented. We found this dear people some cast down, yet not destroyed. Some of the youth were ready to faint; we spoke words of warning and encouragement to them. They received the word gladly. They were thankful to learn more about the narrow way that leads to life. With a small exception, they cheerfully gave themselves anew to the Lord, to be more devoted, and to serve him with a ready heart, and a willing mind. They must watch the sacrifice they have made; they must know it is a consuming one. The youth should be more watchful, that there be not in them an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the Lord. Older members should exercise a tender watch-care over them, and know how the youth are getting along in the work of overcoming. They should speak words of warning and comfort as they are needed from time to time. It should be done with a spirit of love and tenderness, that will win them to the right way. Mingle a few tears with your entreaties, they won't hurt them nor you. I say again, remember the lambs, the tender lambs of the flock. Watch over them, and remember that evil angels watch them for evil and ruin. We had a very profitable meeting with the Kirkville Church on the evening of the 18th, at the house of Bro. Kinne, who was attending the General Conference. We had a chance to look over and make inquiries about his mill. It is fast gaining a reputation in all this section. We had some of the hulled corn he advertised, which we found an excellent dish. I fully endorse all Bro. Andrews has said respecting this brother's mill. The evenings of the 19th and 20th, we spoke to the few in Clay that love the Lord. I hope that all that are interested will be able to take a more decided stand for the right. We spoke to the Roosevelt church on the following Sabbath. Bro. Goodwin has much improved. He is steadily coming to the light and liberty of those that believe God. We trust he will put a true value on liberty and light when he shall be fully restored to them through the tender mercies of God, in Jesus Christ. We reached home the 25th, and, as ever, were welcomed by this dear people of the same faith, whose prayers we always have, whether present or absent. Adams Center, May 25, 1868. FILL up the void of spaces of your time with meditation and prayer. MEETINGS IN AMHERST, N. H.
By L. L. Howard
BRO. SMITH: On my return from Battle Creek, I stopped at Amherst, N. H., to attend a previous appointment. I was glad to find the little company holding on their way, and striving to stand in the counsel of God. I tarried with them over two Sabbaths, and held thirteen meetings. Some were very precious seasons. This company is young in experience, but they manifest a willingness to learn, and are making good progress in the truth. I was glad to have Bro. Canright join me the last Sabbath and first-day that I was with them. Sabbath morning, we had a social meeting, in which nearly all took a part. Bro. C. spoke at half-past ten. I spoke in the afternoon, after which we repaired to the water, and nine happy souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. We then assembled at the house of Bro. Mace, and had a meeting in which fourteen united in church covenant, after which we had a very precious season in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. During these meetings, three new ones have started to keep the Sabbath, two of whom took up their cross in public. The prospect of this church is truly encouraging. If they keep humble, the Lord will add to their number. I pray that his blessing may still rest upon them.
L. L. HOWARD. Health in Answer to Prayer.
By J. S. Miller
“THE prayer of faith shall save the sick.” James v, 15. Some two years ago, as I arose from my bed one morning, feeling badly from the effects of chronic diseases, the above scripture came to my mind, and the question arose, Why may I not pray to the Lord to heal me of my maladies, and be healed, as well as the early Christians did? Is not the Lord the same? Is he not as willing to bless now as then? I could but answer all these questions in the affirmative. Could I not, then, be healed? “Not while you chew tobacco,” said a still, small voice. I had in my pocket a large piece of tobacco, and my first impulse was to be rid of the troublesome weed, that stood in the way of my physical salvation. The window of my room was open, and I gave it a toss over the wall into an adjacent orchard. Then came the struggle with a morbid appetite. Up to this time, I was not aware what a slave I was to this vile habit. I went into the field and attempted to work; but I was in misery, for my weakened nerves reached out after their accustomed opiate. I stood it, however, until about three o’clock in the afternoon, when my appetite got the better of my decision, and I went to that place in the orchard where the piece of tobacco had fallen, and, after a short search, I found it. The avidity with which I seized my quid, and deposited it in the accustomed place along side the salivary glands, can only be appreciated by those who have become fully wedded to the use of the weed. From this time onward, my struggle was not for an answer to my prayer, but to overcome a filthy, health-destroying habit. For several weeks tobacco beclouded my spiritual vision when I would come to God in secret prayer. Tobacco blunted the edge of truth when I would exhort my brethren to holiness of life. Tobacco crippled all my efforts when I attempted to talk with the unconverted. In this condition I went to Ashaway, where I became acquainted with the little band of Seventh-day Adventists there. I was surprised to find that the subject of health was considered a matter of so much importance with the Seventh-day-Advent body, and still more that they had already become so far advanced that not one of them would be seen using tobacco in any form. I had now no excuse. I had the light with regard to duty, and now I was providentially thrown into the society of those who would assist me in trying to overcome. I dare no longer resist. I resolved that, at all events, I would be free from such slavery. I made the effort, and prayed for divine aid. The struggle was a hard one, but I, at last, began to feel the goading of appetite less severely. But in overcoming this bad habit, I obtained more light. Would the Lord now heal me? “Not while you eat pork,” was the silent response of the Spirit of truth. The trial in this case was less severe. In fact I can hardly call it a trial, for I had but little struggle with appetite. But light continued to dawn upon my mind. About this time Dr. Jackson’s valuable tract on tobacco fell into my hands. From this little work, I learned that there were many articles of diet in common use that were almost as detrimental to health as tobacco. I there learned that tea and coffee, and all that long list of articles, which pass under the general name of condiments, such as pepper, salt, mustard, vinegar, horseradish, &c., and spices of all kinds, were the exact counterparts of tobacco, and were but substitutes for such stimulants as rum, whisky, &c., and that health could not be expected so long as these things were indulged in. Another trimming up was the result. As my intellect became clearer, and my investigations were carried further, I discovered that all flesh-meats were objectionable, especially for persons afflicted as I was. Here came another struggle. But in the strength of the Lord, I overcame, and flesh-meats have long since come to be among the things that were, in my list of edibles. As the light increased, I continued to correct my dietetic habits, until, at length, the question again arose, Will the Lord heal me of my chronic diseases? The still, small voice again answered, “Not while you sleep on feathers, in a seven by nine bedroom, from which you exclude the pure air of heaven.” Up went the window—away went the feathers, and I rejoiced in another advance step in hygienic habits. Again more light was given. Another struggle, another victory, and so goes on the warfare. But how about my first prayer for health? Will the Lord hear and answer? The Lord has heard. The Lord has answered, in a measure at least. Disease is gradually, but surely, giving way; and, if I persevere, I have no doubt, I may ere long be set at liberty. But will the effects of disease remain? They will. Nothing short of a miracle can ever free me from the results of disobedience to law, either moral or physical. But will deliverance come in answer to prayer? It will. A wrestling Jacob overcame. So can I. So can you, my brother. Thank the Lord, and take courage. Twine Not a Laurel Wreath for Me.
By M. J. Cottrell
Twine not a laurel wreath for me,
It ne'er can deck my brow,
I will not strive to win, or wear,—
Thorns graced my Saviour's brow. And shall I seek the world's applause?
It scorned my Saviour's claim,
Shall I wear laurels twined by those
Who scoff at his dear name? They twined for him and on his head,
Instead of laurels fair,
Placed thorns, which pierced his holy brow,
And tore his shining hair. Then tell me not of “honor's wreath,”
Within fame's gilded halls;
My name I care not there to read;
For Jesus' sweet voice calls. It calls in tender tones and deep,
Leave all and follow me;
Yes, all; and if that call I heed,
Fame ne'er will ring for me. But I will gladly now forego,
Earth's fleeting smile and praise,
That I may win the heavenly crown,
And join angelic lays. Then tell me not of “honor's wreath,”
Or fame's rich laurels rare,
Those thorny chaplets quickly fade;
I would not win, or wear. M. J. COTTRELL.
Ridgeway, N. Y. When thou prayest for spiritual graces, let thy prayer be absolute; when for temporal blessings, add a clause of God's pleasure; in both with faith and humiliation: so shalt thou undoubtedly receive what thou desirest or more, or better. Never prayer rightly made was unheard; or heard ungranted.—Quarles. DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON, in writing to his mother, says: “You have been the best mother, and I believe the best woman in this world. I thank you for your indulgence to me, and I beg forgiveness of all I have done ill, and all I have omitted to do well.” So in the prayer he composed at the same time: “Forgive me whatever I have done unkindly to my mother, and whatever I have omitted to do kindly.” There is a deep meaning to this. Our offenses against God and our fellow-men are far greater in the omission of duties than in the commission of sins. Let any one think over it faithfully, and see if the weight of condemnation does not rest there. And how much point in the expression—omitted to do kindly. We might—often at least—almost as well not speak the truth at all as to speak it not “in love;” so it may often happen that an act in itself eminently proper has a dreadful omission about it simply because it is not done kindly. What is charity, however bountifully bestowed, if sympathy be wanting? It is often positive insult. Without pursuing the hint farther, let each one search for the catalogue of what he has left undone, and strive for a better spirit and a better life.—The Methodist. —Let the love of your brethren be as a fire within you, consuming that selfishness that is so contrary to it, and so natural to men; let it set your thoughts on work to study how to do others good; let your love be an active love intense within you, and extending itself in doing good to the souls and bodies of your brethren, as they need and you are able.— Leighton. A SUSTAINING PROMISE.
By Amelia F. Stansell
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desire of thine heart.” Amid the cares and trials of this life, do we sufficiently appreciate this most blessed promise, and claim it as we might to strengthen us on our journey? Does the lonely, weary pilgrim, passing through afflictions which almost cause the soul to reel and stagger, resort to the healing waters contained in such promises? With what soothing, consoling power, and how softly fall such words upon a tried soul. We know, if never more on this mortal shore, we shall have our heart’s desire. Our Father will never deceive nor fail us. There is still Heaven to be thankful for. Whatever sorrows bereave us here, whatever fatal mistakes darken our lives, whatever irredeemable losses befall us, we may yet rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, in the little life that remains; for beyond this world’s gain or loss, in the earth made new, where we shall walk in the spotless robes of immortality, there, and only there, shall he give us our heart’s desire in its fullness. Here everything is imperfect, and a lesson. Purity is the result of fiery trials. Riches take to themselves wings. Love is inconstant, sorrow sure. But in Heaven there is perfect love; and riches that neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, that bless and curse not. If in our journey darkness falls over us like a pall, and we seem shut out from the smiles of God, then let us exercise faith, and remember, “Yet doth he devise means that his banished be not expelled from him.” Perhaps these trials are brought upon our natures to remind us of our duty to our Heavenly Father, and direct our thoughts to that blessed home where all tears and sorrows shall be wiped away. There is healing in the cup. Oh! for that faith, “that precious alchemy of the soul which transmutes grief into joy, and makes affliction appear what it really is, a dispensation of mercy.” This is what we need to enable us to overcome. We may have it. Let us pray for more faith. Weary pilgrim, let us put our trust in Israel’s God, and we shall never be ashamed, nor confounded. Let us cast our every care on him, for he thus invites us. He is a “father to the fatherless, and the widow’s God.” He is to us “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Oh! let us open our hearts to him, and love will come into our souls in full-flowing tides, bearing us high above grief, doubt, and fear, into that calm region where the life of God flows ever, and peace and joy reign supreme. So wait we, so hope we; and what better portion is there than faith, hope, and love. Leave God to order all thy ways,
And hope in him, whate’er betide;
Thou’lt find him, in the evil days,
An all-sufficient strength, and guide.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move. What can these anxious cares avail,
These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help us to bewail
Each painful moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness. Only your restless heart keep still,
And wait in cheerful hope, content
To take whate’er his gracious will,
His all-discerning love hath sent;
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To him who chose us for his own. He knows when joyful hours are best,
He sends them as he sees it meet,
When thou hast borne its fiery test,
And now are free from all deceit,
He comes to thee all unaware,
And makes thee own his loving care. A Testimony of Faith and Obedience
By David Upson
Dear Brethren and Sisters: It is now about sixteen years since I first heard about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the third angel's message, the Sabbath truth, and the commandments of God. I then thought I should see Jesus before this time, but time is prolonged. God is gracious, and still waiting to be gracious to the children of men, that they may reject the doctrines and commandments of men, and keep the law of God, and so prepare their hearts unto glory, and confess Christ before men, that he may confess them before his Father and before the holy angels. I love God and his Son, Jesus Christ, and those who keep his commandments. I love those who give in their testimonies through the REVIEW, that I have never seen in this world. I hope to see them in the world to come. What a good medium the REVIEW is! We can hold correspondence with each other, and it preaches to us what I believe to be the true gospel. The darkness is past, the true light now shineth. Blessed are they who believe and obey the gospel, and keep God's commandments. If all men were commandment-keepers, this world would be a paradise to what it is now. We should want no locks and keys, and all immorality would be at an end. We should not only profess Christ, but live Christ, if we would be admitted into his kingdom. The longer I live in this world, the less I love it. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." How we should love and adore God as the Supreme Ruler of the universe! Jesus is soon coming to receive his ransomed ones home. Yours, patiently waiting,
DAVID UPSON.
Cayuga Co., N. Y. D. T. SHIREMAN
By D. T. Shireman
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have again seated myself to write a few lines for the REVIEW. I feel thankful that we have such a paper. It seems to me sometimes, that I can hardly wait till sixth-day morning to see what good tidings it will bring. It cheers me up by its weekly visits. I feel that it is necessary that we take pains to read it; it will stir us up in this solemn time. Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize that our probation is fast drawing to a close? Time is short; signs are fast fulfilling; what is done must be done soon. Our wrong habits must be corrected, and good ones formed, in order to be prepared to associate with holy angels of God; and it is also necessary for us to have our influence on the side of truth, every moment of our lives. Do we ever stop and think that the greater part of those we have to do with, will not be prepared to stand the trying day? Have our actions been right upon all points? I fear not. In view of the solemn truth, let us mend our pace; strive harder to overcome, and live consistent with our faith. I know that in our own strength we can never overcome, but if we will strive to live the truth, the Lord will help us. He will not leave us nor forsake us in time of trouble. It will not answer for us to only be aroused at our Sabbath meetings or public gatherings; but we must carry the same spirit to our homes, to our trades, and our labors of the week. Satan's deceptions are increasing in the land, and we should increase in spirituality from day to day. This standing at the same place in our spiritual life from month to month, will never answer; it will never land us in the haven of rest. Then let us awake out of our lukewarm condition. Let us humble ourselves before God, so that he may raise us up in due time. We need not expect to go through in the ease and pleasure of this world; neither will we be able to go through without trials; but if the presence of the Lord is with us, we need not fear. Praise the Lord, his promises are yea, and amen. Heaven will be cheap enough at every sacrifice. Yes, our light afflictions shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. We can live out these precious truths, and need not feel ourselves in bondage. The truth will make us free indeed. Oh! let us seek for more of the Spirit of our Saviour. He was meek and lowly. Let us not live as though we believed that there were no others going to embrace these precious truths; but let us walk out by faith and good works, and let our light shine out in this dark night of error, that when our work is done here, and our Lord returns, he may say unto us, Well done, faithful servants, enter into the joy of thy Lord. May this be our happy lot, is my prayer. Anamosa, Iowa, May 24, 1868. HUMILITY
By GEO. W. PARKER
"KNOWLEDGE puffeth up, but charity edifieth." Human reason is man's pride; yet it is a frail instrument, prone to error, and swayed by passion; of some use in discovering error; of little in discerning truth. For about six thousand years man has sought, by dint of reason, to discover the origin, and essence, and laws, of all things. And all that time he has only demonstrated that he knows nothing. It is impossible to exceed the absurdity of philosophy. Once, man sought by reason to scaffold himself up to God, as it were, but his labors produced only a blasted design and a confounded Babel. The wisdom of man, how unlike that of God! When clouds of disappointment come over the minds of his true people, an angel's message comes to them, a light from Heaven shines, even from the sanctuary, the clouds disperse, and the curtain of darkness is lifted, and we behold our Saviour. We see the work, by the eye of faith; judgment going on, the sanctuary being cleansed, and the rewards, as well as the retributions, which are to follow. All around, the horizon of the past and the future is lighted up, by his heavenly truth, sent forth in our time of need. Let us walk in the light. LUCINDA S. MCCLURE
By Lucinda S. McClure
BRO. SMITH; I would say to those who are striving for a home in the earth made new, that I am still trying to gain an inheritance there. This earth can give no real enjoyment. All is transitory; and those who have no hope beyond, find an aching void that can never be filled, even by the best enjoyments it can afford. And if our hope reaches no further, how miserable, indeed, we must be. For one, I am resolved to lay all upon the altar, and endeavor to consecrate myself wholly to God. What are all the afflictions that we can suffer here in comparison with the rich reward. Though my errors have been many, and I have not deserved his favor, he permits me to enjoy his blessings continually, and is very merciful to me and mine; in view of which I feel constrained, by the help of God, to make haste to eradicate everything from my heart that does not strictly accord with his holy teachings. I am trying to live up to all the reforms as fast as possible. I view them as great blessings to aid us in the great work of overcoming. I feel truly thankful for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which is another great help to God's erring people, by which he manifests his care for us. “For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth,” &c. Heb. xii, 6–11. And while testimonies are given to some, all may receive and be benefited by them. While my brother or sister is receiving the chastening rod, so kindly given, it may be just what I need also. I want to be scourged and cleansed from all my sins, that I may be ready and waiting when my Lord comes. How pleasant then to meet all God's host, where will be those we love, and the scattered ones, whom we have not been permitted to see in the flesh, but many whose testimonies in the papers have so often cheered us on our heavenward journey. God is testing his people, and if we have not a living experience for ourselves, sooner or later we shall be left; and that, perhaps, ere we are aware of it. I feel that I have much to do to get ready. Yours hoping for eternal life, The Safest Are in Their Closets
They are the safest who are most in their closets, who pray not to be seen of men, but to be heard of God. Letters from Advent Believers
Sr. Lydia E. Martin writes from Marquette Co., Wis.: Oh! how my heart yearns for the society of Advent people! It is a long time since I have seen any Advent papers or books, or any one of the same faith; and it seems very lonely to me. I ask your prayers, that whatever of sin be found in me, may all depart; and may we each and every one be striving day by day to walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless. “Watched by the world's malignant eye,
Who load us with reproach and shame;
As servants of the Lord, Most High,
As zealous for his glorious name,
We ought in all his paths to move,
With holy fear and humble love.” Sister J. Stacy writes: I am trying in a feeble way to make Heaven my home. My progress toward the kingdom seems very slow. I have many trials and troubles to pass through, but I know the grace of God is sufficient for me. I love all God's people, and I want to go with them to the kingdom. I praise the Lord for the third angel's message. It will bring out a people that will stand secure in the time of trouble. The Lord said, “Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.” Jer. xv, 11. Attending a funeral the other day, I heard the preacher say that there would be more saved than would be lost. It seemed to please the people well. I thought of Jer. xiv, 14, “Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.” May I with God's dear remnant children, get the victory over all my sins and stand on Mount Zion, and sing the song of deliverance. Norridgewock, Me
By Wm. W. Putnam
DEAR BRO. SMITH: As it has been some time since there has anything appeared in the REVIEW, relative to our spiritual prosperity here in Norridgewock, we would say that for so many, and of so great a variety of temperaments, there has been a good holding on, and promptness at meetings and the labor in carrying them on; and, of late, there have been a little more decision and advance with the faithful ones. Oh! may the few that are now halting, to hold counsel with their chief enemy, take the alarm, arise, and hasten with the advancing ones, lest they be left behind to share the fate of the opposers of present truth. There are some that think of going forward in baptism soon. The church appears of late to have the overcoming principle more constantly in exercise. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” Rev. iii. 5. Truly, God is good in leading his people step by step from their errors, and preparing them for the great, but short, struggle before the return of the Master. The work is going forward, both in Heaven and on earth, and soon it will be said; “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev. xx, 11. Oh! solemn thought! that mercy’s sweet voice will soon be hushed forever. God grant that we, with all the faithful ones, may so live that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we may be found among his true flock, who have known his voice from that of a stranger, and hear it said to us, Well done, good and faithful servants, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.