p. 397 | Review and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 25. (6/9/1868)

QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

By J. H. W.

To J. R. B.: We marvel that any should raise an objection against our views of the death of the wicked, on Mark ix, 42. What would the objector say to Matt. x, 39, where we are recommended to lose our life in order to find it? If there were but one death mentioned in the New Testament both these texts would be inexplicable. The penalty truly is death; but through the “better resurrection” we may secure eternal life, though we lose our life here; while those who reject the gospel suffer for that rejection the second death. The objector knows that we do not hold that men die now on account of their own transgression, but Adam’s; also, that a righteous man would perish as soon as a wicked one if “a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.” Such objections are mere cavils, not arguments.

To G. A. T.: We see no difficulty in Cor. vii, 29–31, if we keep in view the two expressions contained therein: “The time is short,” and, “The fashion of the world passeth away.” The things that we now enjoy will be enjoyed but a little while; we shall soon turn away from that which now engages our heart. These texts contain a solemn admonition to those who believe a time of trouble is near.

To N. B.: Some brief remarks on our views of election once published in the Review, will be found in the appendix to the pamphlet lately published on the Atonement.

To S. B.: It is our belief that Moses and Elias were really with Christ.

To I. N.: You ask if five toes of the image of Dan. ii, were not on each foot. Very likely. But we presume your question reaches beyond that to a conclusion not stated, viz.: Did not the two feet or legs of iron represent Eastern and Western Rome? This has often been suggested, but we see no reason for it, since no such division is recognized in the prophecy. The only division spoken of in Dan. ii, is in ten parts, or kingdoms, and the “legs of iron” represent the Roman Empire in its unit state.

To N. R.: Wm. Miller said he believed the Lord would come between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. A few may have looked for the Lord at the first date, but a particular date in 1843 was not received by many. J. H. W.

REPORT FROM BRO. STONE.

By A. Stone

My last report ended with the meeting at Stowe, Vt., Feb. 22. From that time I was detained at home six weeks by sickness and death in my family.

On the 18th of April I left home to visit the church in Sutton, C. E., and on my arrival at the house of Bro. Currier, found that the Spring freshet had removed the means of crossing the river, so I could not reach the place of meeting. I spent the Sabbath with Bro. Currier and family, and on the 22d set out for Stowe, Vt., and on the following Sabbath the church came together and the meeting was characterized by the presence of the good Spirit and the blessing of the Lord.

From this place I was called to attend the funeral of Sr. Sarah A. Olmsted of Elmira, whose strong faith, heavenly conversation during a year's sickness, and peaceful death, afforded a good opportunity to portray before her sympathizing neighbors the excellency of a hope that could so admirably sustain one in a long and tedious conflict with the king of terrors. The occasion was improved from a text chosen by herself, as follows: “When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.” Col. iii, 4.

Sabbath, May 2, was spent with the church in Wolcott, where we gave a discourse on the duty of parents to their children, which seemed to meet with a hearty response from the brethren and sisters.

The following Sabbath, I met with the church in Johnson, and tried to speak words of comfort and encouragement.

Sabbath, the 16th, we attended the Quarterly Meeting for the churches of Stowe, Wolcott, and Johnson, at the house of Bro. H. Bingham, in Morristown. A goodly number were present from each of these churches, and a few of the neighbors also came in to hear. At this meeting, we gave two discourses on practical subjects, and nearly all the brethren and sisters present took part in the meeting.

These meetings greatly subserve the interests of the cause. By means of them the brethren stay up each other's hands, the weak and desponding are encouraged. No reasonable pains should be spared by the brethren and sisters to attend them, and all should come with consecrated hearts, intent on working for the Lord.

On first-day, we gave two discourses at Cady's Falls in Morristown, principally to outsiders; a few brethren and sisters were present from Stowe and Johnson, and assisted in singing.

Sabbath, May 23, we met with the church in West Enosburgh, gave one discourse, and in the afternoon were interested to hear Bro. A. C. Bourdeau relate some

of the doings of the late General Conference at Battle Creek, interspersed with appropriate remarks, closing the interview with a social meeting. A. STONE.

Eden, Vt.

Tract Distribution.

Let us not be behind others in a just estimate of the importance of liberal tract distribution in carrying forward the work of the Lord. The Roman Catholics, proverbially shrewd and far seeing in the adoption of means to secure their ends, have adopted this system; and the following paragraph from the Examiner and Chronicle, March, 1868, tells what they are doing:—

“The Catholics are availing themselves of the tract system to defend their church, and extend their system. They have had printed a series of tracts, got up in elegant style, of four pages each, which are distributed with a lavish hand in the cars, omnibuses, and places of business. These tracts defend the Catholics from the charge that they prohibit the use of the Bible; that priests can pardon sin; that permission is given to commit sin; that the Virgin is put in the place of the Saviour; and that Catholics worship images. The tracts close with the declaration, ‘Americans love fair play.’ The new movement may teach Protestants something.”

Converting the Heathen.

From an article in the American Missionary, we take the following paragraph, in answer to the question, What has arrested civilization in Africa? What a sermon on the doctrine of the world's conversion. How long will it take Christian (?) nations to convert the heathen and bring in the millennium as popularly believed, when those benighted nations with whom they have intercourse, are rendered less civilized, humane, hospitable, and truthful, by such intercourse, than they were before their contact with them. Verily they are converting the heathen in the wrong direction.

"Now, I ask the question—What is it that has arrested the civilization of Africa? . . . One answer, I have no doubt—and Dr. Livingstone has no doubt of it either—is that if it were not for the accursed slave trade which is now going on over the whole continent of Africa, its civilization would have advanced, and would have arrived at a much further stage. (Applause.) It is a remarkable fact that of those tribes of Africa met with by Dr. Livingstone, the most civilized, the most hospitable, the most truthful and the most humane, were not those who were in contact with the Christian nations of the world, but those who were in the remotest and most inaccessible corners of Africa, to whom and near whom the slave trade had not yet come."

THE DANGER OF RICHES.

By Jos. Clarke

In reading the Old-Testament account of the kings of Israel, we find, almost invariably, that great prosperity had a tendency to cause the fall and ruin of such as were the favorites of fortune, as the common expression is.

It was the prosperity of David which so intoxicated him that he had nearly brought ruin upon himself in the matter of Uriah; and his son Solomon, with all his wisdom, hardly saved his soul from ruin, and his kingdom from an usurper, in consequence of his heart being lifted up by wealth and honor.

God brought his hand to bear heavily upon the proud kings of Israel; but such as walked humbly with him, he blessed. Hezekiah was beloved of God, yet the pride of his heart led him astray, and his prosperity lifted him up, and brought him into trouble.

It is astonishing that man can be so exposed to vanity and pride. Yet in our own hearts we discern the elements of pride; and if we were greatly exalted by wealth or honor, we are little aware of the disastrous effects it might produce. We flatter ourselves that we could bear any amount of wealth, but God knows our weaknesses.

Let us be submissive to God's will, and serve him regardless of circumstances; serve him with sincerity, and never cast a longing eye to wealth. It would probably overthrow the majority of those who long for it. Though poor, let us be rich in faith.

Jos. Clarke.

CATTARAUGUS CO., N. Y.

By R. F. Cottrell

This county is almost entirely a new field of labor in the third message. I am in Randolph in this county, and have given thirteen discourses to good and attentive congregations, the school-house being well-filled every time, although the weather has been rainy and the evenings dark. I have not as yet made any public call for an expression, but have heard of some half dozen that acknowledge the Sabbath, and express their determination to keep it. I am encouraged to think the Lord has jewels here. I do not intend to leave them till they shall be developed and decided. Then there are other places in this county where the truth must be preached. I desire the prayers of all God's people, and especially of his chosen servants in the ministry, that God will help me to declare the last message in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; guiding me in judgment to use my time and labors so that they may tell to the advancement of truth and the salvation of souls. As God has seen fit, in answer to the prayer of his servants, to hold me still in life, I greatly desire that my future may tell to his glory; that I may share largely of that spirit which he is pouring upon our God-chosen leaders; that it may be with me as it has been with Bro. White, that with returning health I may partake more largely of the Spirit and blessing of God.

R. F. Cottrell.

Randolph, Cat. Co., N. Y., June 2, 1868.

The Importance of Good Examples

PEOPLE seldom improve when they set up no other models than themselves to copy after.

The Willingly Ignorant Just as Guilty as the Willfully Wicked.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Many persons seem to have the idea that, if they keep out of the way of hearing and learning the truth, they will not be condemned if they do not obey it. But both common sense and the Bible condemn this course. The early fathers met with this same idea. They spoke against it unsparingly and attributed it to the Devil. Here is a sample:

“And first of all he [the Devil] suggests to men's thoughts not to hear the words of truth, by which they might put to flight the ignorance of those things which are evils. And this he does, as by the presentation of another knowledge, making a show of that opinion which very many hold, to think that they shall not be held guilty if they have been in ignorance, and that they shall not be called to account for what they have not heard; and thereby he persuades them to turn aside from hearing the word. But I tell you, in opposition to this, that ignorance is in itself a most deadly poison, which is sufficient to ruin the soul without any aid from without; and therefore there is no one who is ignorant, who shall escape through his ignorance, but it is certain that he shall perish; for the power of sin naturally destroys the sinner. But since the judgment shall be according to reason, the cause and origin of ignorance will be inquired into, as well as of every sin. For he who is unwilling to know how he may attain to life, and professes to be in ignorance lest thereby he be made guilty, from this very fact is judged as if he knew and had knowledge. For he knew what it was that he was unwilling to hear; and the cunning obtained by the artifice of the serpent will avail him nothing for an excuse, for he will have to do with him to whom the heart is open.”—Clement.

Let those who are closing their ears to the truth, read this and tremble. D. M. Canright. Rocky Brook, R. I.

A WORD TO THE FLOCK.—

If God indulge you with ecstasies, and extraordinary revelations, be thankful for them, but be “not exalted above measure” by them; take care lest enthusiastic delusions mix themselves with them; and remember that your Christian perfection does not so much consist in “building a tabernacle” upon Mount Tabor, to rest and enjoy rare sights there, as in taking up the cross, and following Christ to the palace of a proud Caiaphas, to the judgment hall of an unjust Pilate, and to the top of an ignominious Calvary. Ye never read in your Bibles, ‘Let that glory be upon you which was upon Stephen when he said, I see heaven open, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.’ But ye have frequently read there, ‘Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, who made himself of no reputation, took upon him the form of a servant, and being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ —Fletcher.

The Situation of Europe.

There has been for the last ten months a comparative quiet in European political affairs. Garibaldi's repulse in Italy serves to delay the hostile complications which then threatened. But the lull of battle has not been unimproved in preparations for new and more terrific outbreaks.

From an article in the April number of Lippincott's Magazine, written by Louis Blanc, one of the most observant, thoughtful, and impressive writers in Europe, we have a statement of the present status of public affairs on the eastern side of the Atlantic, which shows an oppressive condition of the political atmosphere there, presaging an unprecedented and sweeping hurricane from one quarter or another.

France is saddled with an army bill confessedly intended to make the French army an irresistible engine of destruction. The term of service has been increased from seven to nine years—five years to be spent under the colors, and four in the reserve. 800,000 men will be called upon to enable France to “hold her head up in Europe.” In addition to this, a movable National Guard is created, with a view to garrison all the country in war-time, and strengthen, by 400,000 men, the fighting resources of the empire. Thus the army bill places 1,200,000 drilled soldiers at the disposal, not of the people, mark you, but of one man. And this is not meant only to provide for remote contingencies: no; it is well understood that the provisions of the bill are to come into operation at once. The young men hitherto exempted from military service, and now doomed to form part of the movable National Guard, which Marshal Niel significantly declared to be “destined to have a great future,” are all available. They can be drilled within a few months—can be summoned to their respective battalions immediately. Fortresses have been repaired. The artillery is in a perfect state. Twenty thousand cavalry horses, purchased in Hungary, have been forwarded to Trieste, and thence to Marseilles. Gun-makers are busy manufacturing those Chassepot rifles which did, at Mentana, such fearful execution, and are expected to meet with advantage the Prussian needle guns.

But a few days ago a placard was posted on the walls of the Ministry of Finance, in Paris, announcing that, in a few weeks' time, the government will be prepared to receive tenders for the supply of 2,588,800 powder-boxes.

Nor are warlike preparations confined to the land forces. The greatest activity prevails in the French maritime arsenals. Thirty-nine ships of different sizes are at present in course of construction. When they are built, the fleet ready for sea—which already comprises three hundred and forty-eight man-of-war steamers, and one hundred and sixteen sailing ships—will amount to five hundred and three vessels. It is asserted by the Kronstadt Wiestnik—the official organ of the Russian admiralty—that every arrangement has been made at Toulon to embark forty thousand men. So much for the naval forces. As to the land forces, France before long will be armed to the teeth, and Napoleon III will have at his command a more formidable army than that which, under his great uncle, invaded Russia.

Now, what are they doing on the other side of the Rhine? Baron von Beust is said to have sent to foreign governments a circular informing them that “Prussia was effecting considerable and threatening increase in her armament.” It is also given out that she is sending needle-guns and officers of instruction to St. Petersburg. At all events, one may safely infer, from the eagerness with which Count Bismarck strives to tighten the bonds of German unity—as shown by his sharp remonstrance to the Government of Hesse Darmstadt on its separate acceptance of a European conference—that the German Premier clearly foresees a stout contest, and that he intends to make ready for it.

Russia could not remain behind her neighbors in preparing for battle. She also found it necessary to improve her guns, and the Invalid Russe took care to acquaint the world with the fact that the Russian Government had decided on adopting the Karl breech-loader—a weapon the accuracy of which, we are told, is not impaired by thirty thousand shots.

The truth is, that the love of aggrandizement—a passion certainly not unknown to our forefathers, but at no period so deep-seated, so wide-spread as it appears now—has become the common malady of all the nations of Europe. And for this the establishment of the second empire must be held responsible. The attempt of Napoleon to lord it over the continent, the better to keep under the French people, awakened that feeling of indignant anxiety, and wounded pride which make all Germany sing once more, “No wave shall turn a Frenchman's mill, no drop of our own river,” and supplied Bismarck with the lever he wanted. The prodigious aggrandizement of Prussia, besides disquieting the French people, and provoking their anger, could not fail to spur on the ambition of Russia; a new impulse given to the Pan-Slavonic agitation. But then it would have been the height of imprudence for any minor state to act upon the principle of a quiet, hopeful, unsuspecting policy. Every government had to prepare for the worst—to strain its resources. And so, through a concatenation of causes traceable to the establishment of a Second Empire in France, Europe happens to have been transformed into a vast barrack, and bristles with bayonets.

Surely it is bad enough that the inevitable consequences of such a state of things should be waste of human energies, depression of trade, contraction of credit, scarcity of employment, smouldering hatred, looming bankruptcy, and general impoverishment; but that is not all. Cæsarism, no longer content with feeding on the flesh of France, is now hovering, like a bird of prey, over the whole continent of Europe. Germans need to beware. Nothing is better calculated to favor the soaring of Cæsarism than the new-fangled doctrine of the fusion of races, when put forth to cloak a spirit of encroachment.

Struggles for independence, and struggles for empire are, of course, two very different things. It is quite right that oppressed nationalities should shake off the yoke, as Greece did, and Poland attempted to do. But the theory of the fusion of races, if understood in the sense of the formation of the gigantic States, rendered as formidable as possible by the concentration of their forces in the hands of a military despot, is a snare which crafty statesmen lay for the people they are determined to enslave. And this system politicians and thinkers will do well to study in connection with the present distracted situation of Europe, not forgetting that it is the system of modern Cæsarism inaugurated by the Napoleons, and with which there may still be a different destiny for Napoleon III, than that which some predict for him in the present overclouded condition of his prestige.—Prophetic Times.

HOMEWARD BOUND.

By Emily L. Canright

On the ocean of Life we are sailing, Wild tempests are raging around; But Christ is our good ship propelling, To the haven of rest we are bound. We are all almost home, we are all almost home, To the land of the blest we are going, And we are almost home.

Our Father is waiting in Heaven For his wandering children to come; And angels are sent to assist us, And welcome us safe to our home. We are all almost home, we are all almost home, To the land of the blest we are going, And we are almost home.

Soft music from harps tuned by angels Floats back to us over the main, And our hearts beat with rapture unbounded As we list to the heavenly strain. We are all almost home, we are all almost home, To the land of the blest we are going, And we are almost home.

Christian, ne’er faint, nor grow weary, Soon the voyage of life will be o’er; In that land, the bright land of glory, We shall gather to wander no more. We are all almost home, we are all almost home, To the land of the blest we are going, And we are almost home.

EMILY L. CANRIGHT.

WATCH AND PRAY.

[“The following, under the above title, which I have copied from a religious paper, has been of worth to me. I should be pleased to see it in the REVIEW, as it may benefit some one else also. We can follow this man's example, and, at the same time, be walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Tuscola Co., Mich. LAURA V. SMITH.]

“Long ago there lived a Christian old man who was often heard in the evening complaining of great weariness and pain. A friend once asked him the cause of his complaints.

“‘Alas!’ answered he, ‘I have so much to do every day. I have two falcons to tame, two hares to keep from running away, two hawks to manage, a serpent to confine, a lion to chain, and a sick man to tend and wait upon.’”

“‘Why, this is only folly,’ said the friend, ‘no man has all these things to do at once.’”

“‘Yet, indeed,’ he answered, ‘it is with me as I have said. The two falcons are my eyes, which I must diligently guard, lest something should please them which may be hurtful to my salvation. The two hares are my feet, which I must hold back, lest they should run after evil objects, and walk in the ways of sin. The two hawks are my hands, which I must train and keep to work, in order that I may be able to provide for myself and for my brethren who are in need. The serpent is my tongue, which I must always keep in with a bridle, lest it should speak anything unseemly. The lion is my heart, with which I have to maintain a continual fight, in order that pride and vanity may not fill it, but that the grace of God may dwell and work there. The sick man is my body, which is ever needing my watchfulness and care. All this daily wears out my strength.’”

“The friend listened with wonder, and then said: ‘Dear brother, if all men labored and struggled after this manner, the times would be better, and more according to the will of God.’”

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD.

On and after Friday, May 1, 1868, Passenger Trains will run on this road as follows:

GOING WEST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Detroit,.......	7:05 A.M.	10:00 A.M.	5:45 P.M.	9:30 P.M.
Battle Creek,	1:10 P.M.	2:48 P.M.	11:30 P.M.	2:42 A.M.
Chicago, Ar've,	8:15 P.M.	9:00 P.M.	6:30 A.M.	9:30 A.M.

GOING EAST.

	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Chicago,.......	4:20 A.M.	7:00 A.M.	5:15 P.M.	9:30 P.M.
Battle Creek,	11:35 A.M.	1:10 P.M.	11:30 P.M.	3:40 A.M.
Detroit, Arrive,	5:30 P.M.	6:00 P.M.	3:40 A.M.	8:30 A.M.

These trains all run by Chicago time, which is fifteen minutes slower than Detroit time.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi,3.

Impeachment.—Impeachment, at last, is ended. To use an expressive slang phrase, it is “played out.” We shall hear no more of it in connection with Andrew Johnson. I know that some sanguine people still entertain the idea that at a later day, when six or eight new senators shall have been admitted to the Senate, if the President shall proceed according to the law of his nature to fresh outrages, he will be impeached and finally removed; but it is a mistaken view. The present House will not again impeach the President. The conduct of Messrs. Ross, Fowler, Van Winkle, and Henderson, has destroyed all hope of a righteous verdict in the Senate on impeachment, no matter what the conduct of the President may be, and let the articles read as they may. It is possible that injustice is done the senators named; but the conviction in the House is that they were determined to acquit the President, and that it was the result they were constantly considering, and not the facts and the law. I single out these men, and do not reckon among them the names of Fessenden, Trumbull, and Grimes, because there is a manifest distinction.

It is not probable that the world will ever know the secret causes that operated upon the minds of these senators. The Managers may investigate, and the Senate's Select Committee may sift all the facts it can gather; but it will still remain a mystery. If there was fraud, it will be concealed; if it was merely the result of personal resentments, still the public will never get at the real facts. Perhaps it is as well that something is left to the imagination, for the people will have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the President was not honestly acquitted.—Independent.

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