p. 69 | Review and Herald, Vol. 18, No. 9. (7/30/1861)

Earlier text: Women as Preachers and Lecturers

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

By Uriah Smith

THE 144,000.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

QUESTION. Are the 144,000, living saints at the coming of the Lord? If so how can they be said to be from each of the twelve tribes? Will all the tribes be living at that time? H. J. BONFIELD.

ANSWER. The 144,000 are those who will be translated at the coming of Christ. The following considerations prove this:

1. They are said to be "redeemed from the earth," and to be "redeemed from among men" [Rev. xiv, 3, 4]; and these expressions cannot have reference to those who pass through death and come up through the resurrection. They must refer to translation from among the living. Those who are redeemed through the resurrection, are said to have a resurrection out from among the dead [Phil. iii, 11], not to be redeemed from among men. This distinction must be apparent to all.

2. The first five verses of Rev. xiv, being a continuation of chap. xiii, it follows that the 144,000 are those whom the prophet had seen but a moment before in deadly conflict with the image of the beast. The image of the beast is yet future, and is the last development of earthly persecuting powers. The 144,000 therefore constitute the last generation of saints.

3. The 144,000 sing a new song before the throne which no man can learn but their own number. In chap. xv, this is called the song of Moses and the Lamb, and is sung by those who get the victory over the beast and his image, his mark and the number of his name. This, again, proves them to be the last generation of the saints.

4. The 144,000 are those who are sealed while the winds are being held. Rev. vii, 1-3. When the winds are permitted to blow, the seven last plagues follow in their train. Compare Rev. xvi, with chap. vii, 1-3. These plagues are yet future. And as the sealing is the last work to be accomplished for God's people prior to their final deliverance [Eze. ix], so the seven last plagues are the final manifestations of God's judgment in this state, against the workers of iniquity. Rev. xv, 1. None but the last generation can participate in these scenes.

The 144,000 being then living saints at the coming of the Lord, how can they be said to be sealed from the twelve tribes of the children of Israel? A reference to Rev. xxi, 12, will explain. John in his description of the holy city, New Jerusalem, says: "And it had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel." Through some one of these twelve gates, every person who is admitted into the holy city must necessarily enter. He must consequently be reckoned as belonging to some one of the twelve tribes. This shows us that the people of God in this dispensation are equally Israel with those of the former. Paul, in Romans, explains the change from the literal to the spiritual seed, showing how the wild olive (the Gentile) has been graffed in to partake of the root and fatness of the tame olive [Rom. xi]; by which it has now become a fact that they are not all Israel who are of Israel; that is, not the literal Israel are the true seed, but such only as are Jews inwardly. Rom. ii, 28, 29.

From this it is evident that all christians are reckoned as Israel, and consequently it is no more than natural that they should be spoken of as the twelve tribes. Accordingly James in his epistle, which was, as all will agree, written for christians, addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad.

Why just twelve thousand are taken from each tribe, is not probably for any one to tell. It need only be remarked on this point, that here is good inferential evidence that spiritual and not literal Israel is referred to; for the literal tribes of Israel were numerically unequal. Some of them were composed of far greater numbers than others; and if a certain proportion were sealed from each tribe, its number from some would be greater than from others. Only by referring this to the spiritual seed can this objection be consistently avoided.

But perhaps another query may arise on the phraseology of the text in question. It says that a certain number were sealed of all the tribes of the children of Israel: not that all of each tribe were sealed, but twelve thousand of each tribe; whereas, it may be said, your view would have all of each tribe sealed—all that are alive when the Lord comes. That all true christians who are alive when the Lord comes will have been sealed is very evident; and, if the application here made of this subject is correct, there will be just a hundred and forty-four thousand of them, twelve thousand from each tribe. And though this includes all the living Israel at that time, may it not properly be said that they are so many of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel when we take in connection with them all those who have in this dispensation constituted the Israel of God, and who will still be reckoned among its tribes when they are raised from the grave in which they now slumber? Rev. xxi, 12.

But another query immediately arises: After John gets through with the enumeration of the twelve tribes, he says, "After this I looked and behold a great multitude whom no man could number of all nations and kindreds and peoples and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands. Rev. vii, 9. The inquirer may here say, This great multitude, according to your view, are all Israel; why then does not John call them so, instead of saying immediately after an enumeration of the twelve tribes, and in contradistinction to them, that this number is from every nation, kindred, people and tongue? The answer is at hand. There is a marked significance and a beautiful harmony in this sudden turn of the prophecy. There are two ideas which it seems this prophecy is designed to inculcate, and which should be borne in mind in considering this chapter: One is, that all true christians are called Israel, and are reckoned by tribes: The other is, that though they are called Israel it must not be supposed that they are taken altogether from the literal seed; for they come from every nation, kindred, people and tongue. In reference to the distinction which heaven regards, they are all Israel; in reference to the divisions and distinctions of earth, they are from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue. The timely insertion of such language as this in the prophetic narration is an effectual barrier against any one's imbibing the idea that this chapter is speaking of the literal descendants of Jacob. This is further evident from the fact that the 144,000 enumerated in verses 4-8, are a part of this great multitude, as is shown by verses 12-17, with their parallel scriptures.

QUESTION. What is meant by the bottomless pit in Rev. ix, and xx?

ANSWER. The term bottomless pit signifies abyss, and seems to be applied to different objects. In Rom. x, 7, it is translated deep, and means the grave. In Rev. ix, it represents those portions of the globe from which the doctrines of Mohammed issued forth; which were the wastes and deserts of Arabia. When the scenes recorded in Rev. xix, and the first part of chap. xx, take place, this depopulated earth rolling on its course in desolation and darkness for a thousand years, seems best to answer to the import of the term bottomless pit. See also Isa. xxiv. To this place we believe that Satan will be confined during the period above mentioned, amid the ruins which he himself hath wrought.

QUESTION. Please explain Rev. xvii, 8.

ANSWER. The verse reads thus: "The beast that thou sawest was and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was and is not and yet is." Some translations read, "the beast that was, and is not, and shall be;" which must be the idea. This passage recently came under consideration in the Bible Class in this place, and the following conclusions were adopted: The beast signifies Rome as a persecuting power. In its pagan form it was a persecuting power and constituted the beast "that was." During the transition from paganism to christianity it ceased for a while to be a persecuting power; and then the beast "was not." It afterwards became papal, when it again assumed a persecuting character, and then constituted the beast "which is," or which, in John's day, was to be. It is in its last, or papal, form, that it is said to come out of the bottomless pit; and this language may be applied to the beast in this form for two reasons: First, The doctrines on which the papacy is founded, and by which it is sustained and maintains its influence, are without foundation in the word of God—the pit of its doctrines is without bottom. Second, The hordes of barbarians who overran the Roman empire, and whose conversion contributed to the rise and establishment of the papacy, came from the then unknown regions of the north, outside of the limits of the Roman empire. Thus in a double sense may this beast be said to have ascended from the bottomless pit. This is the eighth head, of Rev. xvii, 11, and is the one that goeth into perdition. Rev. xvii, 8, 11; Dan. vii, 11; 2 Thess. ii, 8.

WORLDLINESS.

By W. H. Ball

Although much has been said and written upon this subject, it remains none the less true to-day than it ever has been, that worldliness is one of the greatest sins of the age. It is the great withering sirocco which blasts both the tender shrub, and the robust tree of religious growth. This know also, says the apostle, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, &c. We might infer from the catalogue of sins which the apostle has here told us would prevail to an alarming extent in the last days, that covetousness would be the greatest, as he has placed it nearly in front. Be this as it may, it is a fact that nowhere in the history of the world have men ever been so covetous as at the present day. There never has been that reaching out and grasping for the things of the world as at the present time. The power of the enemy never was so great. There seems to be almost an irresistible influence or power drawing us out after the world,—an influence that will require an effort to resist.

I have often thought that there is nothing which the enemy can make use of so successfully to accomplish his purposes as to get us to love this world, and it seems that he has concentrated all his forces to this one point, to influence the minds of God's people to set their affections upon things here on the earth. If he succeeds in this he knows he has them completely within his grasp. It is truly astonishing that we who profess to believe that we are living in the last days, in the closing up of the gospel dispensation, who are looking for the speedy coming of the Son of man from heaven, should be grasping with such eagerness after the perishing things of earth; but such is the fact with hundreds. Many seem to wonder why it is that they feel so little interest in the cause of present truth; that they are so indifferent, cold, stupid, and unfeeling. They don't seem to understand the cause of all this, nor to discover where the difficulty lies, when it is a fact, plain to be seen, that the great trouble with many lies here—they have got the world right between them and the kingdom. Their whole being is absorbed in the things of earth. We should remember that we cannot serve God and mammon.

I do believe from my own experience and daily observation, that this one sin (covetousness) will shut as many souls out of the kingdom as anything else besides. And I have sometimes thought that unless the Lord in his providence should bring about something to wean his professed people from the world, he would find but little faith upon the earth when he comes.

Truly we are living in perilous times, and we shall do well to take heed to the Saviour's admonition, which has a special application to those living down here in these last days: Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luke xxi, 34.

I believe the time has fully come when Sabbath-keepers should be as free from the cares and responsibilities of life as possible; but many so lay their plans that instead of their cares diminishing, they are continually increasing. Let us beware, dear brethren, of covetousness, which is idolatry. Be not deceived. Inspiration is explicit on this point. It plainly declares that if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Let us not then for a moment flatter ourselves with the vain thought that we are serving God, and have a treasure in heaven, while our affections are wholly engrossed with the things of earth; for it has been truly said that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. Is it not a lamentable fact, brethren and sisters, that the world has occupied too large a place in our hearts? many times even to the exclusion of Christ? Religion has been too much a secondary work. Have we not manifested more anxiety and concern for what we should eat, drink, and wear, than we have for our soul's eternal interest? I fear this has been too much the case; but I am confident that until God's professed people manifest as much earnestness and zeal in the cause of God, as they do to obtain the perishing things of earth, all their efforts to obtain eternal life will prove fruitless. Take heed, said Jesus, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke xii, 15.

W. H. BALL.

Washington, N. H.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LAW.

By W. Hastings

FIRST, PRIMARY LAW.

Primary law has its foundation in the nature and relations of things, and cannot be changed in any other way than to change the things in which the law exists.

Deep down from nature, and from our relations to God and to each other, emanate those great and eternal principles that underlie the government of God, and form the true basis of all moral obligation, and are therefore as unchangeable as the sources from which they spring.

The written law of God, or ten commandments, forms a perfect embodiment of natural law, and is true because it was given in exact harmony with its principles.

Were God to alter one jot or tittle of his law, those constitutional relations must bend into conformity with the change, or that part of his written law would thereby become false.

Let us try the first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Ex. xx, 3. Were it possible for the time ever to come when God would see fit to give up his claims to the supreme affections of his creatures, and give them liberty to go in search of other gods and to worship them, and thus make an entire surrender of his authority as the supreme God of the universe, and give it over into other hands to the subversion and final overthrow of his government, then might man with some propriety begin to talk about the abrogation of the law of God.

SECOND, SECONDARY LAW.

This is a code of laws which sustains a certain relation to primary law, and a certain other relation to some temporary object, for the accomplishment of

which it is instituted; and when that object is secured, and the circumstances in view of which it is enacted cease to exist, it becomes obsolete.

The theocratic law of the Jews, a part of which was ceremonial and written in the book of the law [Deut. xxix, 20, 21], was of this class and contained two kinds of commandments, the first of which exists in primary law or sustains an inseparable relation to it, and is therefore binding upon men under all circumstances. The following passages of scripture will serve as specimens. Lev. xix, 11, 18, 35, 36; xx, 6, 7; xxii, 6.

The second class were those which had their foundation in the circumstances of the Jews as a nation, and their connection with the earthly sanctuary. From these two sources they derived all their inherent validity; and when these circumstances ceased they were no longer obligatory. These commandments comprised the services of the sanctuary together with their feasts, new-moons, ceremonial sabbaths &c. Lev. xxiii, 4, 44; Col. ii, 14, 17; Eph. ii, 15, 16.

An objection may arise here in the minds of some because the perpetuity of the decalogue is claimed on the ground of its inseparable relation to primary law, while the secondary law, here referred to, contained the same in substance and was abolished.

The following illustration is to the point: A man to secure some temporary object builds a wall, in the construction of which he uses a quantity of stones in connection with certain perishable materials. Now the building of this wall (of materials already in existence) illustrates the enactment of secondary law. The pulling down of the wall after it had served the purpose for which it was intended, would show the abrogation of such law. The stones used in it set forth the first mentioned class of commandments, inasmuch as they have not undergone the least change in consequence of the temporary use to which they have been put, and are as valuable to use in a future structure as though they had not been used before.

Hence the conclusion that primary law is the inherent nature of principles, and is therefore immutably fixed; while secondary law consists only in arranging and using those principles for a specific purpose, and can be set aside at any time by the lawgiver by merely disarranging and ceasing to use them with reference only to that particular object.

And of the two classes of commandments which existed in connection with the law under consideration, it was the second one only that was essentially affected by its abrogation; while the change in relation to the first class, was only a relative one.

W. HASTINGS.

Wright, Mich., July, 1861.

TENT-MEETING AT LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.

By M. E. Cornell, B. F. Snook

THIS meeting held about seventeen days, embracing three Sabbaths and first-days. About fifty have decided to keep the Bible Sabbath, and thirty-seven have been baptized. Eighteen take the Review and five the Youth's Instructor. About twenty dollar's worth of books have been sold.

The truth seems to have taken a deep hold of the people in this vicinity. Many are still investigating, and (judging from the past) we confidently expect several more will soon be with us. Our social and prayer meetings have been good.

We have organized a business association according to law, for the purpose of building a meeting house. The trustees and building committee are chosen, and a house 40 by 28 is to be commenced immediately to be completed in time for a conference before cold weather. The subscriptions are liberal, and the builders have a mind to drive it ahead as fast as possible. We request that Bro. and Sr. White arrange to attend a conference here this fall if they can see an opportunity to come west.

We have taken fresh courage, and purpose to go on as long as the way opens and our means hold out. We look to God for future help, and pray that we may not be left in our weakness to buffet the storm alone.

M. E. CORNELL. B. F. SNOOK.

"BREAK UP THE FALLOW GROUND."

By Susan Elmer

JER. IV. 3.

It becomes us in consideration of the faithful admonitions contained under this head to search our hearts with all diligence, lest when we receive the word there should be something to prevent it from taking deep root in the heart. Says the Lord by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah, in connection with the above, "Sow not among thorns." If we do, in the language of our Lord, the word, being choked, will become unfruitful. Behold with what care the skillful husbandman removes every obstacle which is likely to hinder in any way the earth from yielding her increase; and shall we be less careful in that which seals our eternal destiny? God forbid.

It may not be amiss here to mention something which came under my observation while connected with the M. E. church of Illinois. The way of admitting members was this: Any one wishing to join the church was to come forward and take the minister by the hand while some lively or exciting hymn was struck up. In this way they were members on trial for such a length of time; though the church was careful to retain them after the time was expired, although it could be proved they were guilty of unchristian conduct. Some would go to the camp-meeting and appear exceedingly happy, while their daily walk proved them to be far from God. For instance: A neighbor of ours held a grudge against a sister of the same church for exposing the sin of her children, who also were members with her. Still she was very happy at meeting, though it was evident she wished to conceal the heinous crime they were guilty of, and have them retained as members still. O, how many have been deceived! and the reason seems to be they are trying to rejoice when the Lord calls them to mourn. Having never learned the evils of their hearts as they ought, they have not made a thorough and effectual work in repenting and turning to the Lord.

The following dream has reminded me of the situation of this church. I thought I was walking along, and at my left hand was a garden a little from the road which belonged to the pastor of the church. I thought the seeds in this garden were sown in such a way that as they sprang up they formed words which could be read. I was curious to go and read for myself, but it was suggested to me to wait a few days, and then I could go and read them. How plain since then has it been to read the condition of the churches, not as living epistles, but as cold and lifeless.

But while we mourn over the sad condition of the fallen churches, we have cause to grieve for the evils that exist among those who are of our own number. There are sins which, though in themselves not so aggravating as others, are yet more common, and have a larger field to occupy, and may become productive of much evil. And is it not sometimes the little foxes that spoil the vines? For instance: A brother and sister is overtaken in a fault, has been labored with and reclaimed. Again and again they are guilty of the same or a similar fault, and being so habituated to it, the sin becomes less and less in their estimation; and now it becomes of so little consequence that they think to conceal it from the brethren, it is such a cross to own it, and conclude to pass it over and confess it to God, in hopes that that may be sufficient. Still there are those who have found out the wrong, and are severely tried with the course that has been taken, and therefore cannot feel in union with that brother and sister. If they pray or talk, the words of our Saviour come with force to their mind, First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Is it not time that we who are waiting for translation should make haste to take everything out of the way which hinders the work of God? If we do not, is it not to be feared that God will take us out of the way that his people may go free? Are not these words applicable to us now: Cast up, cast up, take the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people? O, brethren and sisters, let us be frank to confess our faults one to another that we may claim the promise that if we pray for each other we may be healed. How applicable the words of the prophet Hosea to us now: "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness upon you." O, that spotless company that shall stand with the Lamb on mount Zion. None that practice guile will be there; for they are without fault. O, let us make haste to get ready. We must have on the spotless robe, for soon the King will come in to see the guests. Then let us start anew in the service of God and thankfully heed the many warnings we have heard. Then shall we be found, when the Master comes, without spot and blameless.

SUSAN ELMER.

Ashfield, Mass.

COOKING ON THE SABBATH.

By Thomas K. Henry

Are we not apt to cook too much on the Sabbath? If I am in error in this matter I hope to be corrected; but it is my opinion that we are. The word says, "To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe, and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." Ex. xvi, 23. If we are not allowed to bake or boil, we are not allowed to fry or stew; as one form would be bad as another.

In the fifth verse of the chapter above cited the children of Israel are commanded to prepare that on the sixth day which they would eat on the Sabbath; and in chap. xxxv, 3, it says, "Ye shall kindle no fires throughout your habitations upon the Sabbath day." In Num. xv, 32-36, we have an account of a man being stoned to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.

Now the question is, Are these commands requiring the observation of the Sabbath any less stringent in this dispensation than they were in that? I am unable to see that they are. And besides this lack of evidence to prove their abolition, we find in the New Testament [Luke xxiii, 54], that the preparation day was still observed.

It may be asked, Are we required to refrain from preparing proper food in sickness, or from building fire to make us comfortable in this cold climate? I think the only question to be determined in these cases is this: Is it necessary for us to do this work? If it is, the Bible does not prohibit us from doing it. But we should be sure that it is necessary before we venture to begin. We find that David ate of the shew-bread, which was unlawful; but because it was necessary, he did not sin. Luke vi, 3, 4. We find also in Mark ii, 27, that the Sabbath was made for man, and it does not seem reasonable that God would make anything for us that would prove injurious to our health; and this view is strengthened by Christ's permission to water our animals, and to help them out of the mire on the Sabbath day.

But to close let us say, We cannot be too careful how we tamper with God's holy law.

THOMAS K. HENRY.

Rives, Jackson Co., Mich.

THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK.

By A. P. Lawton

For the encouragement of the afflicted saints, I feel it my duty to tell what the Lord has done for me. Since February I have been nearly confined to the house, and much of the time to the bed, caused by over-doing and a cold, attended with fever, dyspepsia, erysipelas and inflammation of the mucous membranes. My stomach (always weak) was the seat of the disease. We tried various remedies, but to no effect. I continued to fall until I knew I must die soon, or get help. The choice seemed to pass before me, Will you die, and rest, or live and suffer? For the sake of my little girl, I chose the latter. I felt that I had my request; but still I continued to fall. Nothing but the promise remained, and sometimes doubts of that.

Sabbath, June 1st, brother and sister Wheeler with a few of the brethren and sisters being present, we followed the directions given in James v, 14–16. At that time I used only rice prepared like gruel, and very little of that, my stomach was so weak. I was then confined to my bed. God in great mercy condescended to hear and answer the prayer of faith. I arose, left my bed, my room and medicine, leaning on the great Physician. I that day began to use substantial food, and did not throw it up as usual; and in a few days I was able to eat as much as a well person. My stomach is not yet strong to labor hard, but I have been about my house since. The enemy has thrust sore at me, but God has stood by me to rebuke him, and I yet stand as a monument of his saving, sustaining power. All praise to God alone. Never have I felt so sensibly the presence of God and his majesty.

“A solemn reverence checks my song, And praise sits silent on my tongue.”

I understand that God has spoken, and I must step softly. I stand by faith on the immutable word of the Lord, and it bears me up. Praise God, forever praise him!

A. P. LAWTON.

West Winfield, N. Y.

Agricultural Fairs.

These, when first originated, were well conducted, and very commendable. They tended in the right direction. By them agricultural interests—which are fundamental to all others—were greatly promoted. This was done in various ways, none of which need here be mentioned. But how sadly these fairs have been perverted. They are now, in most places, nothing better than occasions of horse-racing, and the exhibition of the monstrosities that can be collected.

Eating, drinking and fighting, also constitute a prominent part of the programme. The fact is, the moral tendency of most of our fairs is about the same as that of a circus. And it has come to this, that either they must be reformed, or religious people must keep away from them. The ungodly are now chuckling over the fact that members of church go to agricultural fairs to see horse-racing.

A Testimony of Present Truth

By Mary A. Grimley

From Sister Grimley.

Bro. WHITE: I would like to say to the dear saints, although a stranger to most of them, that I feel that I love them all; because they love the same God and Saviour I love. I am thankful that I have been spared to hear the preaching of the third angel's message. Last February I heard five of Bro. Cornell's lectures in this place. Not being able on account of ill health to attend them all, I commenced reading my Bible, the Bible Student's Assistant, &c., and was led to believe the present truth. How thankful I am! I can truly say that whereas I was blind, I now see. Since I have commenced keeping, or striving to keep, the commandments of God, I have abandoned the use of tea and coffee, and my health is better in some respects. O for more faith in my blessed Saviour! If we are faithful, this mortal shall soon put on immortality, and we exchange these painful and trying hours, for joys which will never end. I feel very unworthy, and sometimes the enemy nearly makes me believe there is no hope for me. Then I think of the blessed promises, and I think I can but perish if I go, and I will try. The Lord has said, Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely. O what precious promises has he left on record for the poor and needy! How much we should love him!

I can say that I have never been sorry that I started to try to serve the Lord and keep his holy Sabbath. Nothing is too dear to sacrifice for an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. Ofttimes I ask myself, Shall I be found worthy to escape the things coming on the earth? God's grace has sustained me thus far. When passing through deep affliction and depression of spirit, my heart is gladdened by reading the cheering letters in the Review.

The number in this place who are striving to keep the commandments is small; but we are striving for more faith, that our hope may be strengthened, and be like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. We were thankful to receive a visit from Bro. Bates. My prayer is that the work of third angel's message may prosper gloriously.

Your sister in hope, MARY A. GRIMLEY.

St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Mich.

A. N. LAWSON

By A. N. Lawson

From Bro. Lawson.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: It is cheering to the heart of the weary traveler to hear from the remnant in these last days when the enemy is trying to weigh us down with trials and discouragements; and to see that there are some faithful shepherds who are ever ready to raise the warning voice to the scattered churches to let them see their danger. Praise the Lord for the means he takes to lead his people in these last days, when the enemy is trying to sift them as wheat. My prayer is, O Lord, give me clean hands and a pure heart; for it is only the pure in heart that shall see God. It is those only that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, that will at last stand on mount Zion. It will be a company in whose mouth is found no guile; for they will be without spot before the throne. Many times I feel as though I should come short of eternal life; and then I think what Jesus has done for me, and of the promise that all that will come may come; that God is no respecter of persons, and that he is a very present help in time of need; and this buoys my spirits up, and I feel to cry, O Lord, increase my faith.

This is the time when the children of God need a deep work to be able to abide the day of his coming. The little church here see the need of a deeper consecration to God, and a closer walk with him from day to day. Pray for us that we may be overcomers, and at last meet you all in the kingdom of God.

Yours striving to overcome.

A. N. LAWSON

Vernon, Vt.

LETTERS.

By Austin Harmon

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

From Bro. Harmon.

BRO. WHITE: I should be pleased to have you send me the Review, though I have nothing at present to pay. I have preached among the Baptists seven or eight years, and for the last three years preceding last spring, in my native place, where I was ordained nine years ago. I feel interested in the truths advocated in your paper, and have for several years. I have for a long time felt dissatisfied with the popular theology on account of its vague and unsatisfying nature. But my early training, and the reverence I have had for the Baptist denomination, have operated to repress my honest convictions. God in his providence has opened my eyes to see the worldliness and corruption of the popular sects, and I have longed to enjoy the communion of the saints who are in earnest to flee from the wrath to come, and who are not trying to serve God and mammon. I would ask the prayers of all the brethren, that I may be strengthened in the truth as it is in Jesus, and may my way be opened to preach the whole counsel of God. I wish very much that some of your preachers would come this way. My address is,

AUSTIN HARMON,

Mumford, Monroe Co., N. Y.

The Lord Has Led Me

By Sarah J. Thayer

From Sister Thayer.

Bro. White: It has been nearly seven years since I first embraced the Sabbath and Second Advent faith. I have, alas! much of the time traveled at a distance from the pillar of fire, and sometimes have almost lost sight of it entirely; but the Lord has been long-suffering and of tender mercy, and has not left me to the devices of the wicked one who goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The way the Lord has led me has been a good way, and the few trials I have had are not worth mentioning. I know of a truth our heavenly Father has been, and still is, good to me. O that I were more devoted to his service! that my heart did never grow neglectful of him who is ever mindful of me and mine! I am truly thankful for the present truth. I often ask myself, What would be my stay and comfort now, in these perilous times, while men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things that are coming upon the earth, if the message of the third angel had never greeted my ears? The name of the Lord is indeed a strong tower; and those who trust in him need not fear. Though great trials await them, yet he will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. I desire fully to cast in my lot with the people of God; for I believe the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and then will all their conflicts and sorrows have an end.

Yours in hope, SARAH J. THAYER.

Buckland, Mass.

RUFUS BAKER

By Rufus Baker

From Bro. Baker.

Bro. White: As you requested a hearing from the brethren on the subject of a day of fasting and prayer, I feel like responding to your suggestion. I am deeply convicted of the fact that we are living in a lukewarm state, and also that the testimony to the Laodiceans has never been fully heeded. My heart has frequently been pained while realizing the low state of the cause of present truth. There has been a gradual lowering down the standard of piety, until we as a body have almost lost that spirituality which should characterize us as the true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. God has not departed from us, but we as a body have departed from him. I believe that if we return to the Lord with all our hearts, and with fasting, and with weeping and mourning, and rend our hearts and not our garments, he will return to us. It truly seems that if there was ever a time when a fast should be sanctified and a solemn assembly called, it is at the present time.

The prophet Joel says, "Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach," &c. There is no doubt that we have entered the perils of the last days, and that Satan is trying with all his power to overthrow the message of the third angel by lulling the people into a feeling of security, and causing them not to see their real danger until too late. Yet I believe by making a proper effort we can extricate ourselves from this low state and get upon higher and holier ground. May God grant that we may so humble ourselves beneath his mighty hand, by afflicting our souls on this antitypical day of atonement, that we may secure an interest in the ministration of our great High Priest while he officiates in the heavenly sanctuary, is the prayer of your brother striving to overcome.

RUFUS BAKER

Mackford, Green Lake Co., Wis.

Standing Firm for the Truth

From Sister Cameron.

BRO. WHITE: I am striving to do the will of my heavenly Father. I am thankful that I can study his holy word, and that I have a heart willing to obey its teachings. I am glad that there are a few in Pompey who are trying to keep God's commandments and the faith of Jesus, willing to bear the scoffs and frowns of this unbelieving world. My prayer is that we may stand firm for the truth. I want to be pure in heart and in life. May we so live that we may honor our Lord here, and be prepared for his appearing and kingdom. How it cheers our hearts from week to week to hear from brethren and sisters of like precious faith. I feel the necessity more and more of being separate from the world; for we must be a peculiar people, zealous of good works in order to gain that heavenly land.

Yours in hope of eternal life, N. CAMERON.

Pompey, N. Y.

JNO. CLARKE

By Jno. Clarke

From Bro. Clarke.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: At our Sabbath meeting yesterday the church here unanimously agreed, that in consideration of our low and backslidden state as a church, we heartily co-inside with you in the necessity of holding a season of fasting, and prayer to God. Joel i, 14. We see and feel the need of supplicating our Father in heaven with earnest prayer, in behalf of ourselves and the cause, that God would revive his work and arouse his church, that we may have a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.

In behalf of the church of Seventh-day Adventists.

JNO. CLARKE

Lovett's Grove, Ohio, July 7. 1861.

P. S. I would say to you, dear Bro. White, that the opposition to organization here was before the last Fall conference, while we were in darkness, of which we have heartily repented, and do hereby acknowledge past errors. We will try in the future to honor and obey God's chosen leaders, lest we again fall into Satan's snare. I believe I speak the true sentiment of the church here.

Yours striving.

J. C.

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