p. 107 | Review and Herald, Vol. 41, No. 14. (3/18/1873)

Malachi 3:7.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

“Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.”

He proceeds to instruct them how to return. They had withheld from God temporal means for the support of the work of God, and thus had departed from him. The tithing system is referred to in the following verses as one means of returning to God in a manner that would test God’s promises in his bestowing upon them rich blessings, both temporal and spiritual. The tithing system dates back to the days of Abraham, hence it can with no more propriety be said to be Jewish, than the promises which God made to Abraham. The Jewish economy being introduced subsequent to the tithing system, that system was adapted to the support of the Jewish priesthood with such variations as were necessary. It was Abraham that gave tithes to Melchisedec, and Melchisedec was a priest of the same order as Christ. The Levitical priesthood, or Levi, who received tithes under the law, paid tithes in the loins of Abraham. “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.” The apostle then proceeds to show a change of the priesthood, and of necessity a change of the law that relates to the priesthood, and concludes by saying, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” See Heb. 7. Hence the same relation that Abraham sustained to Melchisedec in that which pertained to the tithing system, we being the children of Abraham by faith, sustain to Christ, who was represented by Melchisedec. The priesthood being of the same order, if, therefore, there was any propriety in Abraham’s paying tithes to Melchisedec, there is far more propriety in the children of Abraham paying tithes to Christ for the support of his cause, who has purchased us by his own blood, and hence we owe all to him.

This system was kept up in the family of Abraham long before his descendants became a nation, so that when Jacob entered into a covenant with God he made a solemn vow, “Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give a tenth unto thee.” Gen. 28: 22. To withhold this is robbing God; and yet this claim of God upon man’s substance is so lightly regarded that when Jehovah speaks thus, “Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me,” man answers, “Wherein have we robbed thee?” not having the slightest idea that God has a claim upon his substance. God then answers in language too plain to be misunderstood, “In tithes and offerings.” Mal. 3: 8. God does not propose to accept less than a tithe of a man’s increase. The extent of his offerings besides a tithe of his increase is not limited. This is evidently left so that the heart may be thoroughly tested according to its thankfulness in view of the manifestation of God’s goodness to him in his deliverance from the power of sin, and in causing the glorious light of truth to shine in his pathway, and in innumerable blessings that are showered upon himself and his family so he will render thank-offerings to him who is the author of every good and perfect gift.

There are some features of this system that are not clearly defined in the Old Testament, therefore we come to the New Testament, which has much to say, and many instances which illustrate the utility of giving for the support of the cause of Christ. In 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2, we are instructed that there should be weekly donations, and that it was established among the various churches. “As I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him [or in his house at home], that there be no gatherings when I come.” From his second epistle, which was probably written the latter part of the same year, we learn that these were yearly pledges. “And herein I give my advice; for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will [or pledge], so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.” 2 Cor. 8: 10, 11. The apostle had reported the liberal pledges of the church at Corinth to the Macedonian churches, and they were provoked to that degree of liberality that in describing them the apostle uses this very singular language:—

“Their extreme poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” They not only went to the extent of their power, but “beyond their power they were willing of themselves, praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. But the year was now up, and their pledges were to be paid. The church at Corinth was in something of a backslidden condition and consequently had neglected the payment of their pledges, and so the apostle sent brethren in advance to have their pledges made up beforehand, lest some of the Macedonian brethren might come with him and find them unprepared and he would be ashamed of his confident boasting to the Macedonians.” 2 Cor. 9: 2-5.

From the above, we learn several important features relating to the system of giving to the cause of God:— 1. A tithing system is not Jewish; for it existed several hundred years before the introduction of the law system. Gen. 14: 20; Heb. 7: 4-10; Gen. 28: 22. 2. It was to be a tithe, or tenth, of all their increase. Lev. 27: 30-32. 3. They made yearly pledges. 2 Cor. 8: 10, 11; 9: 2-5. 4. It was to be as God had prospered them. 1 Cor. 16: 2. Therefore the prosperity of the year previous was to be considered, and their pledges were to be accordingly, and to be paid or laid by at certain set times during the year. We have also the fact clearly set forth in the Scriptures, that God requires the first-fruits. The first handful of grain; the first loaf of bread, made from the first ripe grain, was an offering of sweet savor unto God. “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the self-same day that ye have brought an offering unto your God.” Lev. 23:10, 13-17. This was an acknowledgment on their part of the prospering hand of God in providing for their temporal wants, and a token of an appreciation of the fact that Heaven had given them its choicest and best gift, even God’s first-born, God’s only begotten Son, to die for them.

We are invited by the Lord to prove him and see if he will not pour us out blessings, both temporal and spiritual, until there is not room enough to receive them. A whole-hearted service in these things is acceptable in God’s sight. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3: 9, 10. There is nothing but benevolence and large-heartedness in the religion of the Bible, but to those who are unwilling to render such service the following words are addressed:—Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation”; yet in tenderness God speaks to such, “Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3:10.

I know of no system that can be devised that so fully meets every feature of the Bible plan as the one set forth and illustrated in the Systematic Benevolence Book adopted by Seventh-day Adventists. It is on the supposition that a man’s property is worth to him ten per cent for his own use, and he therefore gives two cents weekly on each hundred dollars, and then if at the close of the year he finds his substance has increased one thousand dollars, one hundred dollars, which is one-tenth of it, belongs to the Lord. Again, if a man has no capital in real or personal property, and yet his health is worth to him his support and the support of his family, which amounts to one thousand dollars a year, this is his capital, and he therefore puts down a tithe of its increase, which would be twenty cents per week. Then there are offerings besides, which will be made according to the largeness of the man’s heart, and the appreciation of God’s goodness to him. If it be asked how much of man’s substance God will accept in offerings, an answer may be found in Luke 21: 1-4. And if it be asked what is the least that God will accept, an answer to this also may be found in Malachi 3: 8. S. N. HASKELL.

CHAS. P. WHITFORD

By Chas. P. Whitford

Sincerity.

SOME time since, in conversation with a friend on the subject of the Sabbath, he remarked that if we were only sincere in our faith it was all that was necessary; which was equivalent to saying that we may do things which are wrong, if we are only sincere, and think it is right, and that then we shall surely be saved.

When presenting the claims of God’s holy law, it is no uncommon thing to hear very zealous religionists assert that it matters but very little what we believe if we are only honest in our faith. These things are often said to excuse themselves from keeping the fourth commandment, which requires us to observe the seventh, instead of the first day, of the week. This course is often pursued by many to quiet the voice of conscience. The thought is presented to the mind, that if they are only honestly sincere in violating one of the plainest commands of God, it will fare just as well with them in the Judgment, and they will be passed right through the golden gates into the city.

How such a position can be made to harmonize with the words of our divine Lord and Master is more than I can at present understand. These are his words: “Blessed are they that do his [the Father’s] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14. This language of our Saviour is too plain to be misunderstood. Those who have a right to life’s fair tree, and enter in through the gates into the beautiful city of God, are those who have done his commandments. God has given commandments and ordinances, and promises salvation to those who will keep them.

Now if men can continue to do things which are violations of the commandments, and yet can be saved, why, then there are two ways to obtain salvation. We can obey God and be saved, or if this is not quite so convenient, we can disobey him and be saved, provided we are only sincere.

To us, this seems like a very doubtful kind of salvation. While we believe that it is a good thing to be truly sincere, we also believe that God will accept of nothing but strict obedience to his commandments. He will accept of none but godly sincerity. To be sincere in actions which are violations of the requirements of God, is dangerous sincerity. When once the understanding has been enlightened with regard to duty, the idea that we may postpone our obedience to God under the plea of “honest sincerity,” is not for one moment to be tolerated. After the truth has been fairly presented, and the conscience has become so thoroughly awakened as to make one feel uneasy in the neglect of obedience, the only safe course to pursue, is to do as David did: “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 59, 60. He made no delay about it. He did not go to consult the wise men of the nation. He did not go to the work to see if there was not some way to get around the duty. He did not excuse himself with the plea of “honest sincerity.” he made haste to render obedience.

But it is objected by some that in the observance of the seventh day of the week, we are mistaken in regard to duty. In reply, we say that however doubtful may be the teachings of Scripture, and obscure the language in which its prophecies foretell coming events, yet, with regard to the common, practical duties of life, the word of God is so plain that there is no need for a child to be mistaken. Indeed, were it otherwise, it would be unsuited to the wants of mankind, because every one must give an account for himself; therefore it is necessary that each one should be able to decide his duty for himself. And in order that each individual decide understandingly, it becomes necessary that the duties growing out of the relations which we sustain to God be made so plain that a person of small intellectual capacity will be able to make this decision as well as those of more expanded powers. Hence we say that duty must be revealed in very simple language. Thus said the Lord, “The seventh day is the Sabbath.” Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

CHAS. P. WHITFORD

BY THE SEA.

By Sel.

Backward and forward, under the moon, Swing the tide, on its old-time way, Never too late, and never too soon: And evening and morning make the day.

Backward and forward, over the sands, And over the rocks to fall and flow; And this wave has touched a dead man's hands, And that one has seen a face we know.

They have sped the good ship on her way, Or buried her deep from love and light; But here, as they sink at our feet to-day, Ah, who shall distinguish their voices aright?

For their separate burdens of hope and fear Are blended now in one solemn tone; And only this song of the waves I hear, “Forever and ever His will be done.”

Backward and forward, to and fro, Swing our life on its weary way, Now at its ebb, and now at its flow: And evening and morning make the day.

Sorrow and comfort, peace and strife, Pain and rejoicing, its moments know; How, from the discords of such a life, Shall the clear music upward flow?

Yet to the ear of God it swells, And to the angels round the throne, Sweeter than chime of vesper bells, “Forever and ever His will be done.” —Sel.

Christ Prayed.

By Mary L. Williams

While upon the earth, Christ spent much of his time in prayer. He often retired from the din and bustle of the city, and even from the company of his beloved disciples, and withdrew to some secret place, where alone he could commune with his Father in Heaven. On one of these occasions he passed the whole night upon a bleak mountain, exposed to the cold dews of heaven and the chill blasts of night, in prayer to his Father. Surely this was a sight upon which Heaven must have looked with delight. Angels must have lingered round the spot, to catch the accents of his voice as he poured out his soul to God.

The Son of God in prayer! He who existed before the worlds began, and was the express image of his Father, he alone passed through the world untarnished by sin. Yes! he prayed upon all occasions; in prosperity and in adversity, in the wilderness and upon the mountain top, where no eye but his Father’s was upon him. As he hung upon the cruel cross, he prayed for his murderers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Christ taught his disciples to pray. While upon earth he sympathized with them in every trial.

Have we not the same friend now to lend a listening ear to our humble prayers, and grant help in time of need? Our Father has promised to hear our petitions if we go to him in the manner he directs, “believing that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.” I fear many of us have too much of the spirit of the Pharisee, and desire to be heard for our much speaking. We should ever remember the poor publican, that did not so much as raise his head, but cried, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” His prayer was acceptable to God, the Pharisee’s was not.

The apostle Paul exhorts us to “pray without ceasing.” When we are engaged in our every day-duties our hearts may be uplifted to God. He also says in 1 Cor. 16: 13, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” We may feel our weakness, and think we cannot overcome the world, the flesh, and Satan; but the Lord is for us, and he is greater than all that can be against us. Paul, in his letters to the Gentile churches, requests to be remembered in their prayers. James, who was taught how to pray, says the “prayer of faith shall save the sick.” Peter tells us as the end of all things is near that we are to pray. John, the beloved disciple, left us word that “whatsoever we ask, if we keep the commandments, we shall receive.”

Let our hearts be clean; let our souls be full of holy, burning zeal, and it shall come to pass that before we call, will God answer; and while we are yet speaking, will he hear.

“It was the Saviour’s prayer That on the silence broke, Imploring strength from Heaven to bear The sin-avenging stroke, As in Gethsemane he knelt, And pangs unknown his bosom felt. “The chosen three that stayed, Their nightly watch to keep, Left him through sorrows deep to wade, And gave themselves to sleep; Meekly and sad he prayed alone; Strangely forgotten by his own. “Among the mountain trees The winds were whispering low, And night’s ten thousand harmonies Were harmonies of woe; For cruel voices filled the gale That came from Cedron’s gloomy vale.”

MARY L. WILLIAMS.

Hardin Co., Ky., Jan. 23, 1873.

Scotland’s Metaphysicians

SCOTLAND has been exceedingly prolific in metaphysicians, and a Scotchman’s definition of a metaphysician could not better be applied than to some of them, especially those of the latest school: “It is ane mon expleeing to anither what he dinna weel understan himsel’.”

Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Meeting of the General Conference of S. D. Adventists.

By George I. Butler; Uriah Smith

CONFERENCE convened, according to appointment, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 11, 1873, at 9 A. M.

Prayer by Bro. Andrews. The following delegates were present:—

N. E. Conf., S. N. Haskell. Vermont, A. S. Hutchins. N. Y. and Pa., E. B. Gaskill, H. Lindsay. Ohio, Oliver Mears. Michigan, H. S. Woolsey, T. D. Van Horn, P. Strong. Indiana, Isaac Zirkle. Wisconsin, O. H. Pratt. Illinois, R. F. Andrews. Iowa and Nebraska, R. M. Kilgore, Geo. I. Butler. Minnesota, D. M. Canright. Kansas and Missouri, T. J. Butler. California, James White. Swiss Mission, A. Vuilleumier. Danish Mission, J. Matteson.

By vote, all the friends of the cause present were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.

Minutes of last meeting read and accepted. State Conference reports show the following exhibit of the standing of the General Conference at the present time:—

General Conference Summary for 1873	Licentiates	Churches	Members	S. B. Fund Pledged	S. B. Fund in the Churches	S. B. Fund Paid	S. B. Fund General Conf.	S. B. Fund on hand
Maine	1	2	9	178	$1102.13		$1102.13	$100.00
N. E. Conf.	2	1	15	325	3000.00	3000.00	3000.00	600.00
Vermont	5	5	14	323	1782.22	1782.22	1782.22	75.00
N. Y. & Pa.	9	1	34	656	3785.15	378.51	34064.62	957.49
Ohio	4	4	9	785	1479.50	123.43	13567.07	250.00
Michigan	13	19	54	1616	6528.72	2615.86	3912.86	1500.00
Indiana	5	5			1000.00		1000.00	100.00
Wisconsin	3	17	25	650	2517.20	500.00	2017.20
Illinois	3	7	12	260	1600.00	200.00	1400.00
Minnesota	2	7	15	400	2000.00		2000.00
Iowa & Neb.	8	9	30	700	3118.00	623.00	2495.00
Kansas & Mo.	2	10	6	120	375.00		375.00
California	1	1	7	238	2151.57		2151.57
Swiss Mission		1	4	74	250.00		250.00
Totals	51	83	230	5875	$28687.49	$440.80	$26246.69	$3582.49

The address to be presented by Bro. White was made the special order for the opening of the afternoon session.

On motion, the following committees were appointed by the Chair.

On Auditing. Harmon Lindsay, O Mears.

On Nominations. J. N. Andrews, D. M. Canright, A. S. Hutchins.

On Resolutions. U. Smith, J. N. Andrews, J. H. Waggoner.

On Preaching. H. S. Woolsey, Harmon Lindsay, E. B. Gaskill.

On motion, a committee of three was appointed to report improvements in the general workings of our Conference. The following persons were appointed by the Chair as that committee: J. N. Andrews, U. Smith, H. S. Woolsey.

Reports from missionaries being called for, the following brethren responded: Bro. White, Bro. Canright, Bro. Matteson.

Adjourned to ½ past two P. M.

SECOND SESSION.

Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. Bro. White not being present, the regular business, hearing reports from missionaries, was resumed. Eld. S. N. Haskell spoke in reference to his labors in New England and New York. Bro. White then followed with an interesting and stirring address.

THIRD SESSION.

Prayer by S. N. Haskell. Eld. S. Burdick was received as delegate from the S. D. Baptist General Conference. Remarks by Elds. Andrews and White. Bro. Matteson spoke further of the Danish Mission, followed by Bro. Rasmussen.

The question of brethren moving to Battle Creek, was introduced. Bro. White stated that the thing was working slow but well. Bro. Andrews spoke, Bro. Butler followed. The question was referred to a committee of three, appointed by the Chair, as follows: J. N. Andrews, D. M. Canright, R. M. Kilgore.

The matter of the school was introduced and discussed by Bro. Andrews and referred to the General Conference Committee, they to report to this Conference some steps to be taken to accomplish the object in view.

Adjourned to ½ past 2 P. M.

FOURTH SESSION.

Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. White. The Committee on Nominations reported the following brethren for the officers of the Conference the coming year, who were thereupon unanimously elected: President, Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, E. B. Gaskill; Conference Committee, Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, Harmon Lindsay.

The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were adopted:—

Resolved, That we greatly rejoice in the success of Missionary labor in its various branches. The wonderful conversions which have taken place from the reading of our publications should stimulate all to renewed efforts in the work of the Tract and Missionary Society. And the success of the Danish Mission encourages us to make more earnest efforts to present the truth to people of other tongues.

Resolved, That we regard the Health Reform as an important part of our work, and that we learn with great pleasure of the prosperity of the Health Institute, which we believe is designed at Providence to exert a great influence, not only in healing the sick, but in imparting light and knowledge on the subject of our responsibility to regard the laws of our being.

Resolved, That we regard it as the imperative duty of S. D. Adventists to take immediate steps for the formation of an Educational Society, and the establishment of a denominational school.

Resolved, That while steps should be taken to secure a good moral influence in the community where the school shall be located, as a safeguard to its best interests, some provision should also be made to guard the community (as well as the school) against evil influences which may be imported in the persons of unsanctified and ungovernable pupils; and we therefore recommend that those who have charge of the school shall require a certificate, from proper sources, that the applicants for admission are persons suitable to be received into the school, and that whenever their course is detrimental to the school, or the community, they shall be promptly discharged.

Resolved, That while we cherish a deep and abiding regard for the precious truths which have been brought out for this time, we can but esteem highly, for their works’ sake, those who have been instrumental in their promulgation; and we pledge ourselves to stand by and strengthen the hands of those who are called to occupy the most prominent places in this cause which we so dearly love.

The question of translating tracts into other languages, was discussed by Eld. White, Eld. Matteson, and Eld. Jorgensen.

Resolved, That we recommend to the Trustees of the Publishing Association that they put forth an earnest effort to secure the preparation of a suitable series of tracts for translation into other languages, and to secure the best translators for these tracts, and also, by all possible means to oversee this work of translation, that it be done in the best manner possible.

The committee appointed to report improvements in the workings of the General Conference, submitted the following report:—

The Committee to whom was referred the question, “What can be done to render our General Conference of greater interest to the mass of our people?” recommend the following as worthy of trial:— 1. That our Conference should be opened with an anniversary sermon, and that several discourses suitable to different portions of our Conference work shall be preached as introductory to those proceedings. We specify, in particular, a missionary discourse and one concerning the proper education of men for the Christian ministry. We suggest, also, the appointment of persons to speak on subjects of interest to be selected by the Conference, these appointments to be made one year in advance.

2. We propose that all the members of our churches who may be present shall be considered as members of the Conference and entitled to act as such. This is not designed to supersede the sending of regular delegates from each Conference, nor is it designed to change the relative strength of the State Conference as each Conference in case of a contested vote shall count according to the number of delegates to which it is entitled.

This report was laid on the table.

The Treasurer’s report was read as follows:

TREASURER’S REPORT.

Amount on hand at the time of last report, Dec. 25, 1871, $916.99 Amount received during the year, $5624.31 Total, $6541.30. Amount paid out during the year, $2164.67 Balance in treasury at the present time, $4376.63. Mrs. A. P. Van Horn, Treasurer.

The report was referred to the Auditing Committee.

Adjourned to call of the Chair.

FIFTH SESSION.

Called Thursday at ¼ past 3 P. M. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. The committee on removals to Battle Creek, reported verbally through the Chairman, recommending “that this Conference request the General Conference Committee to continue the same course of action as that which has been pursued the past year, relative to removal of families to Battle Creek.” Which recommendation was adopted.

The report of the committee on the workings of our Conference, which was laid on the table, was now taken up and discussed by Geo. I. Butler, J. N. Andrews, and H. S. Woolsey. The report was amended by striking off the second recommendation, and the report was then adopted.

It was moved and carried, That the Chairman appoint a committee of three to make the appointments called for in the report. The following were appointed as that committee: S. N. Haskell, U. Smith, E. B. Gaskill.

Among the papers presented to the Conference, were reports from Switzerland, Indiana, Alabama, Chicago, California, and Minnesota.

The California Conference and the Indiana Conference were received into the General Conference.

The Michigan Conference was requested to grant a request from Eld. J. N. Loughborough to be transferred to California, where he is now located.

Adjourned to 9 A. M., Friday.

SIXTH SESSION.

Prayer by Eld. S. Burdick. The committee to whom was referred the matter of the school, submitted the following report:—

Whereas, The opening fields of labor before us demand laborers who can teach the word in several languages. And, Whereas, The peculiar wants of our people, in order to properly educate their sons and daughters make it necessary that we should establish a denominational school. Therefore, Resolved, That while it becomes our duty to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers, we also regard it as our duty to establish a school, guarded by sound moral and religious influence, where those who give themselves to the work of the Lord may discipline their minds to study, and at least qualify themselves to read, speak, and write the English language correctly; where our people can send their sons and daughters with comparative safety; and where men and women may study those languages especially now spoken by the people of those nations from whom we hope to gather a harvest of souls to the Lord:—

This resolution was adopted.

The following resolution was offered by Bro. White, and was adopted:—

Resolved, That the establishment of the school be placed in the hands of the General Conference Committee.

The question of courses of lectures in different parts of the field was discussed by U. Smith, S. N. Haskell, R. M. Kilgore, G. I. Butler, R. F. Andrews, P. Z. Kinne, and James White, who offered the following resolution which was adopted:—

Resolved, That with great pleasure we consider the subject of Biblical Lectures by Bro. Uriah Smith in the several divisions of the wide field, and, with deep interest for the success of the enterprise, confide it to the management of the General Conference Committee to make the proper arrangements with Bro. Smith and with the State Conferences that shall desire the lectures.

Adjourned to ¼ past 2 P. M.

SEVENTH SESSION.

Prayer by Bro. Haskell. The wants of the different Conferences were considered. Bro. Canright spoke for Minnesota, Bro. Haskell for New England, Bro. White for California, Bro. Hutchins for Vermont, R. M. Kilgore for Iowa, Bro. Mears and T. J. Butler for Ohio, R. F. Andrews, Bro. White, and Bro. Matteson, for Illinois, Bro. Zirkle, Bro. Butler, Bro. Carpenter, Bro. Waggoner, Bro. Lane, and Bro. White, for Indiana and Tennessee. Sr. White for the general interests of the cause.

Adjourned to call of the Chair.

GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. U. SMITH, Sec.

Where Are we in the World's History ?

By H. F. PHELPS

DEAR BRETHREN, suffer a word of exhortation. Of late, as I have been looking over the evidences of our position, they look like walls, mountain high, on either side of us a wall. Before us we can discern a sea of trouble, trials and afflictions, and just beyond, the kingdom, the immortal kingdom. While here, upon either side, loom up the evidences of our position, and behind us are our enemies. But what are these evidences? Let us pause for a few moments to contemplate them, and by this means get fresh courage. I have been trying to wake up. Let us try to get the scales from our eyes, that we may see clearly where we are.

Christ gave the signs that were to precede his coming. These were the darkening of the sun, which took place, as you all know, the 19th of May, 1780. It was a day of supernatural darkness, darkness which it was impossible to explain away by natural causes. And this stands first in the list of signs. At this time, then, men might begin to look for the coming of Christ; for says our Saviour, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.” Then came the darkening of the moon, on the night following. And next in the list, the falling of the stars, “even as a fig-tree when she is shaken of a mighty wind,” which sign has been given to the people of both continents. And, says Christ, “The powers of heaven shall be shaken, and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.” Can it be that this is the next event? Yes, so says he who has said, “My words shall not pass away.” And then again, Dan. 7 : 26, in speaking of the little horn or the papacy, says, “They shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end.” This they have been doing ever since the overthrow of the temporal power of the pope, 1798, by the French, till we now see the pope a voluntary prisoner, his best prop of civil power taken from him, and the church property confiscated by the government. And right in the midst of these reverses, listen to his blasphemous assumptions of infallibility, in fulfillment of verse 11. “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame.” This, then, is the next event.

And while we thus behold this power coming to his end, we see that people occupying important ground on this continent, and, without doubt, here to play a conspicuous part in the formation of the image of the beast. It is almost needless to refer to the wonderful strides that are being made here in our midst in this direction. We refer to the efforts to amend the Constitution, so as to recognize God in it, and so constitute this a Christian nation; and further to set the Sunday upon a surer foundation, namely, The law of the land. How fast these things are moving onward. And we pause to ask the question, Where are we?

Again, look at Dan. 11 : 45 and 12 : 1. That this prophecy has reference to Turkey, none can doubt. (See Thoughts on Daniel.) Read these verses and then compare with it the present condition of this empire, which has for so long a time been used as an “extended bomb-shell” to keep the nations of the East at bay. But when Russia strikes, as she is preparing to do, who can tell the end? Can it be anything else than the retiring of this power back into the land of Palestine, and then “he shall come to his end and none shall help him.” But, blessed thought, “At that time,” says the angel, “shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to this same time, and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” We say again, Where are we in this world's history? (Since writing the above, the REVIEW, No. 11, came to hand with article The “Eastern Question,” to which the reader is referred.)

Then again, as we compare God's dealings with the world in ages past, let us see what conclusions we can come to. To whom was Noah sent? Was it not to the very generation who drank the waters of the flood? To whom did he preach for one hundred and twenty years, giving the solemn warning and calling on them to repent? It was the very generation who listened to these warnings, who saw Noah's preparation, witnessed his godly life, heard his reproofs, powerful testimonies, and urgent invitations, these, and no others, were found guilty in slighting and rejecting offered mercy, and were compelled to suffer the just judgments of God. What generation in the cities of the plain was condemned by an overthrow? Was it any other than the very men who heard the warnings of righteous Lot, and who vexed the soul of that righteous man by their unlawful deeds and filthy conversation? It was no other. And yet it will be more tolerable for them in the day of Judgment than for this generation,

who have for so many years been listening to so many entreaties, so many exhortations, so many warnings based on the fulfillment of so many signs. Pray tell me, in view of God's dealings with man in the past, who will witness the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, if not that generation to whom God sends the warning? What people will taste the unmixed wrath of God, if not that people who hear and reject the warning against the reception of the mark of the beast, as brought to view by the third angel? Just as surely as the present generation has for these twenty or more years been listening to the warning voice of this angel, just so surely are they the ones who will witness the consummation of the mystery of the gospel. A few will heed the warnings given, while the multitude will pass them by as an idle tale of a few crazy fanatics.

And again, I ask, Where are we in this world's history? Our Saviour says, “This generation shall not pass away till all these things be fulfilled.” Never, in my experience, did these words come home with more force than at the present time. Yes, it is this generation that, having seen that these signs are in the past, base their faith upon the fulfillment of these predictions, and raise the warning voice, this generation, and no other. “This generation shall not pass away.” “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

But, solemn question, Where are we, as individuals? Where is your faith? Is it drooping? God grant that it may be revived. Have you been looking for your Lord for twenty-five years? for fifteen? or for ten? All things, as with one voice, seem to say, It will not be as much longer. “Signs in the sun, and the moon, and the stars,” and “on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity,” wars, famines, pestilence, earthquakes, floods, inundations, “waves of the sea roaring,” “fire and hail, snow and vapors, stormy wind fulfilling his word,” these all faithfully tell us the great day is near.

Then, brother, wake up. Let us quicken our pace. Our Master is near. What we do must be done quickly. My heart cries out, “O come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” But I pause a moment. I look within. I look at my brethren. Are we ready? Then I would cry, “Spare thy people, O Lord.” May God help us to awake. I begin to feel a little as if I were waking. My Master has been trying to awake me. I hear his voice. Shall I open the door of my heart? I will. I will try. I will make one more effort in the strength of Israel's God. May be I shall succeed. It is but death if I do not. I have been looking too long to give up now. May I watch. May we all watch, and so be ready. Amen. H. F. PHELPS. Pine Island, Minn.

The Conference.

By Editor

In going to press this week at the usual time, instead of delaying, as suggested last week, for the final doings of the Conference, we are able to present only a portion of the business proceedings, and to make only a passing remark in regard to the general character of the Conference itself.

The meeting thus far has been one of more than ordinary interest. The business proceedings have been characterized by great harmony of sentiment and feeling. The attendance on the business sessions has been larger than usual, thus exhibiting an improvement on previous meetings in this respect. But it is not yet what it should be; and those who were not present lost a rich treat by failing to hear the reports that were presented by those who had been laboring in missionary fields. All the remarks were interesting, and many touching incidents were related. A full house should have listened to them, and been thrilled by them.

The first hour of the business sessions was usually spent in devotional exercises. This was a good feature. The social meetings were interesting seasons. Many cheering and stirring testimonies were given. Of ministers and licentiates, twenty-five were present. Seven discourses have been given, up to the present writing.

The Conference has been favored with the presence and labors of Bro. and sister White, who have taken hold with their usual activity in the work. The address delivered by Bro. White to the Conference has been reported, and the readers of the REVIEW will doubtless soon have the pleasure of perusing it for themselves. More next week.

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