THAT to which the "much tribulation" leads us, is A KINGDOM. Acts xiv, 22. It is to this that it ministers an "abundant entrance," [2 Pet. i, 11.] an entrance in itself not joyous indeed, but grievous, yet in its issues glorious.
Hitherto it has been midnight and the wilderness; ere long it shall be MORNING AND THE KINGDOM. For it is "in the morning" that the righteous are to "have dominion." Ps. xlix, 14. Just as the night has been the time of down-treading, and "wearing out," so the morning is the time of having dominion, the time of "bringing judgment to light." Zeph. iii, 5. When "the Just One shall rule over men," he shall be "as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds." 2 Sam. xxiii, 3, 4. The time when the Lord shall help, is when the morning appeareth; [Ps. xlvi, 5, margin;] at evening-tide there is trouble, but before the morning he is not. Isa. xvii, 14. The reign of Antichrist is over, and the reign of Christ begins. The kingdom of the11unrighteous is broken to pieces, and the kingdom of the righteous rises in its stead. Lucifer, the mock light bringer, the false son of the morning, vanishes from the heavens, and the true light, the bright and morning-star, takes his place in the firmament, unclouded and unsettling in his glory. The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, is given to the people of the saints of the Most High. Dan. vii, 27. The church's weary burden is no longer, How long, O Lord, but The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice! Ps. xcvii, 1. Her prayer, thy kingdom come, is exchanged for the thanksgiving of the great voices in heaven. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art and wast, and art to come, because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned; Alleluia, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Rev. xi, 15; xix, 6.
That to which we are hastening on is not merely an inheritance, but a royal inheritance—a kingdom. That for which we suffer is a crown. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. As we have been truly fellow-sufferers, we shall be as truly fellow-reigners. The suffering has been real, and so shall the reigning be. This is the recompense of reward to which we have respect when we choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Heb. xi, 25. This is the better and the enduring substance, for which we are willing to endure the great fight of afflictions. Heb. x, 32, 34. This is the summing up of earth's toil and grief—the issue of a life-time's conflict with weariness, and wrong, and sin.
To think of trial as a preparation for the kingdom is much; but to look at it as an entrance into it is more. At the end of time's dark avenue stands the mansion-house, the palace! At the edge of our desert-track lies the kingdom! The avenue may be rugged under foot, thorny on every side, and gloomy over head; the wilderness may be waste and howling; yet they are passages—entrances; they are not interminable, and their end is gladness. They usher us into a state which will, in a moment, efface the bitter past, so that it shall not once be remembered nor come into mind. Thus, though in one aspect tribulation seems a path or gate-way fenced with the brier, and hard to fight through; yet in another it is the conqueror's triumphal arch under which we pass into the kingdom; so that while passing through we can sing the song of him who long ago went this way before us: I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Rom. viii, 18.
The thought of the kingdom cheers us, and the stray gleams of it which faith gives us are like the lattice-lights of a loved dwelling, sparkling through the thicket, to the weary eye of a benighted wanderer. Yes, we are heirs of nothing less than a kingdom, however unlike such we may seem at present, and however ambitious it may be reckoned to claim so much, and to aspire so high. Robes of royalty shall soon cover all our unseemliness; and beneath the glory of a throne we shall bury all our poverty, and shame, and grief.
But this is not all. The varied excellencies of that kingdom, as made known to us by prophets and apostles, are such as specially to meet our case, and contrast with our present condition. This fitness—this contrast makes the thoughts of the kingdom doubly precious and consoling.
1. It is the kingdom of God.1 Cor. vi, 9. Man's kingdoms have passed away—those kingdoms under which the saints of God have been trodden down. And now all that is man's is gone, and nothing remains but what is God's! The glory of the kingdom is this, that it is altogether God's. It must, then, be perfect and blessed—wholly unlike any thing that these eyes of ours have seen. If it were but a reformation of human kingdoms, if it were a mere change of dynasty, the prospect of it would be but doubtful comfort; but it is an entire passing away of the old, and a making all things new. It is the return of God to his own world—and oh, what will not that return effect for us! His re-enthronement is what we desire; for it is this alone that gives us the assurance of perpetuity and stability, against which no enemy shall prevail. It was to that re-enthronement that Jesus looked forward when about to ascend the cross, and of which he spoke twice over at the paschal-table; [Luke xxii, 16, 18;] as if this were the joy set before him, because of which he endured the cross, despising the shame. Heb. xii, 2. It is that re-enthronement that we also anticipate as the day of our triumph, for then shall we shine as the sun in the kingdom of our Father. Matt. xiii, 43.
2. It is the kingdom of Christ.Col. i, 13. This assures that we shall feel at home there. It is no stranger who is to seat us on the throne beside him; but our nearest of kin—the Man who died for us. It is the pierced hands that shall wield the sceptre. This meets our case. For we are strangers here, specially feeling not at home in the courts and palaces of earth. But then it shall be otherwise. Here we are as men standing outside the kingdoms of the world. They belong to the prince of this world, but not to Christ, and therefore not to us. They greet us with no friendly welcome. They have no honors for us. They make us stand without. They are to us what Pilate, and Herod, and Annas were to Jesus; they bid us be wronged and smitten, or, at least, look on while we endure tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword. Much of the church's tribulation has arisen from the kingdoms of this world and being not Christ's. But in the age to come, it is Christ that is to reign, all things being put in subjection to him. He who is to reign knows what it is to be hated by the world, and knows, therefore, how to make up to us in his kingdom, for all the hatred wherewith we have been hated, for all the sorrow which has bowed us down while here. And such is obviously the point of Christ's declaration to his disciples. Luke xxii, 28, 30. For having said to them, "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations," he adds, "and I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel;" thus linking together present suffering for Christ and future reigning with Christ—present continuance with him in trial, and future association with him in his own kingdom, when he returns to receive the crown.
3. It is a kingdom not of this world.John xviii, 36. The words, not of this world, are, literally, out of, or not taken out of, this world; just as when Christ says, "Ye are of this world, I am not of this world." John viii, 23. This world is wholly evil, and under the dominion of the evil one. Its territory is under a curse. It is called this present evil world. Gal. i, 4. It lieth in wickedness. 1 John v, 19. Its kingdoms are compared to hideous beasts of prey. Dan. vii. Satan and his hosts, the rulers of the darkness of this world. Eph. vi, 12. Thus every thing pertaining to it is unholy. Now, the kingdom to come is not fashioned out of its materials, so as to retain any thing of its likeness. Between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of the world to come, there is no congeniality or resemblance. Of this world it is said, that it rejects the Spirit, nay, it cannot receive him; [John xiv, 17;] but that world is to be full of the Spirit, for the Spirit is to be poured from on high, and the wilderness is to become a fruitful field. Isa. xxxii, 15. Of this world Satan is king; of that world Christ is King. This world knows not God, neither the Father nor the Son; but in that world all shall know him, from the least unto the greatest. In this world all is darkness; in that world all is light. This world is to be fought against and overcome; that world is to be loved and enjoyed. Thus the kingdom of which we are the heirs, is as unlike this world as Eden was unlike the wilderness. And it is this that makes it so desirable. Had it retained any fragments of this world's evil; had it been a mere re-construction of its carnal fabric; had it taken up into itself any of its corrupt qualities, then our comfort were but poor in anticipating its arrival, and counting on the exchange. But it is not of this world—and this is our joy. We have had enough of the world to make us long for the passing away; and to welcome a kingdom in which no taint or trace of it shall be found.
4. It is a righteous kingdom. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, that is, not a carnal kingdom, made up of outward observances and sensual dainties, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; that is, a righteous, peaceful, joyful kingdom, dwelt in and pervaded by the Holy Spirit, so that all belonging to it must be like itself. Rom. xiv, 17. It is a kingdom whose territory is the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Pet. iii, 13. The unrighteous shall not inherit it; [1 Cor. vi, 9;] but the saints alone shall possess it. Dan. vii, 18. The sceptre of this kingdom is a righteous sceptre. Ps. xlv, 6. He who wields it is the righteous King; [Isa. xxxii, 1;] and in his days shall the righteous flourish. Ps. lxxii, 7. It is a crown of righteousness, that is laid up for us. 2 Tim. iv, 8. And then shall the work of righteousness be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isa. xxxii, 17. The righteousness of this kingdom makes it unspeakably attractive to those who have been wearied out with the unrighteousness of an unrighteous world. The thought that the morning is to bring in that righteous kingdom, comforts us amid the clouds and thick darkness of this night of weeping.
5. It is a kingdom of peace. War has by that time run its course; its spears are broken and turned to ploughshares; strife and hatred have fled. The storm has become a calm, and the vexed sea is still. Holy tranquility breathes over earth. The mountains bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness—there shall be abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. Ps. lxxii, 3-7; Upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, there shall be peace for ever from the Lord. 1 Kings ii, 33. Far more truly than in the days of Solomon there shall be peace on all sides round about; [1 Kings iv, 24;] yea, the Lord God will give rest on every side, so that there shall be neither adversary nor evil occurrence. 1 Kings v, 4. Every where shall be inscribed the motto upon Gideon's altar, Jehovah-Shalom. Judges vi, 24, margin. The beasts of the field shall be at peace with us; [Job v, 23;] for the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them; and the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain. Isa. xi, 6. The groans of creation shall then be over, and its deliverance accomplished. All shall be peace; for the great peace-maker is come. His name is King of Salem, that is, King of peace. Heb. vii, 2. He is called the Prince of Peace, and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Isa. ix, 6, 7.
With what longing hearts do we desire the arrival of that kingdom, so unlike what this troubled earth has yet known from the beginning hitherto. Each new sorrow stirs the longing. Each new conflict makes us glad at the thought that there is such a kingdom in reserve. Were it not for this, how we should fret because of evil doers; and how soon should our patience give way! But with our eye upon this kingdom of peace, we can glory in tribulation, we can drink the bitterest cup, we can face the thickest storm, we can endure the rudest clamor; and when the world's uproar waxes loudest we can lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh.
6. It is a kingdom that cannot be moved.Heb. xii, 28. All other kingdoms have not only been moved, but shaken to pieces. Great Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, has been a sand-wreath, raised by one tide, and levelled by the next. So have all others been, greater or lesser. One by one they have been overthrown and crushed, or they have crumbled down and become like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor. But the kingdom that we look for is the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. i, 11. It abides forever. Neither force nor age can affect it. It rises out of the ruins of earth's present empires, though unlike them all. The things that can decay or moulder are shaken, in order that they may be shaken off, and that those things that cannot be shaken may remain. And thus there comes forth the immovable kingdom—the kingdom into which sin comes not; in which change has no place; into which the curse eats not; of which wisdom and holiness are the strong pillars; where misrule is unknown; where order triumphs; and of which the glory never dims. It is joy to us in such a world of instability and convulsion, to think of such a kingdom. Driven to and fro with the changes of the kingdoms we inhabit here; wearied with the falling and the rising, the casting down and the building up, we long for a kingdom that shall give us rest, a kingdom that cannot be moved. From this uncertainty and fickleness, how many of our griefs have come! For what is there so saddening, so sickening, as the thought that every inch of ground beneath us is sliding—that every prop on which we lean is breaking, that every twig to which we cling is snapping? As we draw our curtains around us, we know not what change, what loss, what sorrow shall greet us on the morrow. Or though going forth light-hearted and unburdened in the morning, we tremble to think what clouds may have gathered over our dwelling ere the evening is fallen. Such is the perishableness, the changeableness of earth and its kingdoms! What joy to look beyond them all, and see through their shadows the everlasting kingdom! Nay, to be assured that this kingdom is at hand, and that ere long He who is without variableness or shadow of turning, shall bid us welcome to its unchanging rest; and He who is the same yesterday, to-day and for ever, shall seat us upon the eternal throne.
Heaven, says an old writer, is a company of noble venturers for Christ; and we may add, of noble sufferers too. Of such is the kingdom of heaven! It is in that kingdom that we shall rest from our labors, and find the end of all our sufferings. We shall find that we have not ventured too much, nor labored too much, nor suffered too much. The glory of the kingdom will make up for all.12
Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Along with the King of glory, we shall take our place upon the throne, in that day when, after raising the poor out of the dust, he shall set them among princes, and make them to inherit the throne of glory; when the wicked shall be silent in darkness, and the adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; when the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth, giving strength unto his king, and exalting the horn of his anointed. 1 Sam. ii, 8-10.
Thy kingdom come! This is the burden of our cries. Weary of man's rule, we long for God's. Sick at heart with this world's scenes of evil—man spoiling man; man enslaving man; man wounding man; man defrauding man; man treading upon man;—we long for the setting up of the righteous throne. Oh, what a world will this be, when man's will as well as man's rule shall be exchanged for Christ's rule and will; when God's will shall be done on earth even as it is done in heaven!
It is our joy to think that this kingdom is near; and there are no centuries of sin and wrong still in reserve either for the church or for the earth. Its nearness is our consolation. The hope that it will come cheers us; but the thought that it is coming soon cheers us more. For both faith and hope are fed by the thought of nearness. We do not fret at delay, nor grow faint and disconsolate. Yet in some respects our feelings are not unlike those thus described by one of other days.
So tedious is this day,
As is the night before some festival
To an impatient child that hath new robes,
And may not wear them. . . .
Our bridal robes are ready, and we long to put them on. Our priestly-royal raiment is also ready, and we desire to exchange for it these weeds of poverty, and shame, and widowhood. Yet in patience we possess our souls.
We are on the daily out-look for a kingdom, lifting up our heads knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. It will not tarry. The signs of its approach are multiplying. The shadows are still passing and repassing along the grey cliffs, but their increasing rapidity of movement shows a momentous change at hand. Kingdoms are still rising as well as falling, but the deep force of the vibrations—the brevity as well as the abruptness of oscillation—betoken a crisis. At this crisis the world's movements are brought to a stand. Then, touched by a Divine hand, they re-commence. A better order of rule begins. Satan has been bound. Rev. xx, 1-3. The oppressor has ceased. Isa. xiv, 4. He who smote the people in wrath is smitten. Isa. xiv, 6. The misgoverned world rejoices. The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; they that dwell in it break forth into singing. Isa. xiv, 7. The anointed King has appeared. The great kingdom has come.—H. Bonar.
Too Literal.
By R. F. C.
I HAVE just been told, by a friend, that we adhere too strictly to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. Said he, You have seen the error of the old fashioned way of spiritualizing every thing, and you have gone into the opposite extreme, and have got off the track on the other side.
The subject upon which we were conversing was the heavenly Sanctuary and the services of our great High Priest in its two apartments. My friend thought it not necessary to understand this subject so literally, as if there was in reality a Sanctuary in the heavens. Perhaps he may discover, upon examination, that Paul ran as deep into this error as any one at the present time. "We have such an high priest," says he. What! a literal high priest? Yes, the man Christ Jesus, who ascended to heaven bodily in the sight of his disciples.
Well, of course we admit that we have a literal High Priest, but we are not to understand that he ministers in a literal Sanctuary.
What kind of a Sanctuary, then?
O, it is a figurative or spiritual Sanctuary.
What is that? If I have the right idea of such a Sanctuary it is composed of nothing.
That is it; and any one can see that it is impossible for nothing to have two apartments.
We will try to understand it so. On earth there was a real, literal sanctuary pitched by man, where the priests performed their service. But Christ is "a minister of the Sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." This Sanctuary is composed of nothing, and of course its locality is nowhere. But the Lord pitched it, and has provided a literal High Priest, having flesh and bones, to minister in it. The priests on earth served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." That is, they shadowed forth, by their services in the two apartments of the "worldly sanctuary," what Christ would do for his people in the heavenly, which has no existence. This is shadowy enough! A shadow of something that is less than a shadow. Then, Moses was shown nothing, or the figure of nothing, while he was on the holy mount, and was strictly charged to make every thing pertaining to the tabernacle just like it.
But enough of this. Enough has been said to show the folly of spiritualizing into nothing the things in the heavens. Paul says, It was therefore necessary that the patterns of the things in the heavens should be purified by these; (the blood of animals;) but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Was the Apostle too literal?
But my friend is watching the Advent movement with interest, and thinks that there will be, eventually, a people sifted out of the Advent ranks that will be right. In this I agree with him, and believe it will be the hundred and forty-four thousand which will stand with the Lamb upon Mount Zion. Here again, perhaps I am too literal; but I cannot attempt to improve the words of the Holy Spirit.
R. F. C.
West Edmeston, July 11th, 1855.
THE CAUSE.
By Editor
We have been much refreshed and cheered in spirit for a few weeks past in meeting with the brethren in different places in Northern New York and Vermont. There is not that zeal and devotion manifested by the friends of truth that there should be, and that progress of the cause that we should like to see, yet the brethren stand firm, and there is some increase of numbers in most every place, and we trust of graces and strength.
In our last we mentioned the Tent-meeting held near Buck's Bridge, St. Law. Co., N. Y. The brethren tarried in that place over two Sabbaths, and held a meeting at 6 o'clock, P. M., of each day through the week. Some of our meetings were seasons of labor, while others were exceedingly refreshing and powerful. The burden of testimony at that meeting seemed to be in regard to the Advent movement as symbolized by the angels of Rev. xiv, and illustrated by the parable of Matt. xxv. The importance of pointed testimony on present truth which links the past with the present and future was deeply felt.
The Tent was next pitched at Perry's Mills, N. Y., on the farm of Bro. J. G. Whipple. The location was retired and beautiful, and the weather fine. The brethren came in from Canada, from Plattsburg, and from the region round about, making quite a congregation of believers, many more than we expected to see. On First-day we had a very attentive congregation, and most perfect order on the ground. We do not now recollect that any person showed the least disrespect to us or our views during the meeting. This respect for the unpopular truths we teach may be attributed, in part at least, to the judicious course pursued by the devoted and intelligent friends of the cause in that region. On Second-day at 6 o'clock, P. M., we had a very interesting meeting at Champlain village, in which several took part. Two or three who not long since left the church of Rome, who attended the Tent-meeting, resolved to keep the Sabbath. One of them said, "It was a great cross to leave the church of Rome, but this is a still greater cross." On Third-day at 6 o'clock, P. M., we met with the brethren at Plattsburg.
July 13th the Tent was pitched at Wolcott, Vt.; but a short time before the Sabbath it was prostrated to the ground by a fierce wind which suddenly arose. Thus it remained till after the Sabbath. At this providence some were saddened, while others could say, All things work together for good. Sabbath morning at half past seven, enough brethren were on the ground to commence prayer-meeting. On reaching the place of meeting about this hour, we heard the solemn voice of prayer from our beloved Bro. Ingraham, who has spent some time in a new field in Pennsylvania, but has returned to this State for a few weeks. And as we looked about the beautiful hill where preparations had been made for the saints to worship, and heard the solemn and fervent prayer from our dear brother, we thought of the mountains where Jesus prayed and preached, and as we thus reflected, we could not refrain from weeping aloud. The brethren continued to gather to the place till at ten there were near 200 present. On the south side of the hill lay the Tent. On the west, north and east, was a ring of carriages, where the feeblest took their seats, shaded by umbrellas, nearly surrounding those who occupied the north row of seats. In this position these commandment-keepers listened with deepest interest to three discourses, besides spending several hours in conference and prayer-meeting. The last discourse closed at half past three in the afternoon, when it was suggested that the feeble and tired might leave the ground, while others would remain during the hours of the Sabbath, and be ready to erect the Tent. But two or three left, and the meeting rose in interest till near six o'clock. The cool breeze and the clouds intercepting the rays of the sun nearly all day made our situation quite comfortable, while the continual dropping of heavenly manna made the place glorious. A portion of that congregation was on the ground with no permanent shelter for ten sweet hours, and while enjoying so long and so rich a feast could really pity those poor souls who usually sit in cushioned and carpeted pews of these steeple-houses, forty-five minutes, and feed on husks. Brn. Wheeler, Hart, Ingraham, Stone, Hutchins, Sperry and many others took part in this meeting. After the Tent was erected, there was the same evening a very free and cheering social meeting held in it. Social and preaching meetings on First-day were interesting, and we hope profitable, yet the peace of some was a little marred by the conversation of some who having ears hear not, and having eyes see not.
The cause in Vermont is firm, and gradually moving onward. There has been quite an increase of numbers in some places, and the scattered, hidden jewels of the Lord, here and there are coming to the light. The mass have no ears to hear, while their hearts seem as cold and unmoved as the rocks in the bottom of the ocean. Babylon is fallen. She will never rise. The present truth will reach and draw out but a few. Yet we should raise the standard, and cry in the ears of the people, that those who can hear, may hear. The parable of Matt. xxv, 1-11 is fulfilled. God save us from shunning to declare the whole truth on these points. The truth will reach and favorably affect those who have ears to hear and hearts that can feel.
THE OFFICE.
By James White
It is proper at this time that we should state that as we have been from the Office about half of the time laboring in different States, that business matters of the Office, such as book-keeping, receipting money, mailing books and the REVIEW have been left wholly with others. It was not possible to attend to these things when absent, and we have had no time to attend to them when at home by reason of other duties and cares. Some blame us much for mistakes made at the Office, and manifest but little patience and forbearance; but this we shall try to bear in a Christian manner, also we shall try to bear with the almost daily blunders and inaccuracies of our correspondents. If business matters could be put on a sheet by themselves, and plainly stated, it would be laid at once with other matters of the kind, and be promptly and correctly attended to. This we have repeatedly requested, but not one in ten regard the request. Business matters are often on the same leaf with a communication for the REVIEW, which sometimes gets into the printer's hands, and finally thrown among other papers before the business is attended to.13
We much regret that any mistakes should be made in the business of the Office; and, as we have said before, if our friends discover mistakes, and will inform us of such mistakes, we will correct them.
On our tour through Northern New York and Vermont, we find that the REVIEW has been discontinued to some who should receive it, and we conclude this may be the case in other States. Will the friends of the REVIEW inform us as soon as possible of all such mistakes within their knowledge? We also find that the REVIEW has been sent to others who not only neglect to pay for it, but have no interest in the truths it advocates.
We have spent about $500 yearly in sending the REVIEW to such, and to professed believers in the truth, who have entirely neglected their duty to us, and we shall do so no longer. The principles of the New Testament forbid such a course. We have been obliged to receive donations from the widow, and liberal donations from the poor day laborer to continue the REVIEW to the hundreds who have paid nothing. We have deprived ourselves of proper rest, and of many of the common comforts of this life, till we are broken down as to health, that we might send out the REVIEW richly laden with spiritual food for the flock of God. And now we meet with those who say they are poor and cannot pay for the REVIEW, yet they can go well dressed long distances to meetings, and spend several days. They have much leisure time, and perhaps are in the filthy health-destroying, God-dishonoring practice of using tobacco. Yes, too poor to help a brother send out the bread of heaven to the scattered flock; but have means enough to obtain tobacco, snuff and tea! Can the Holy Spirit dwell with such men and women? Who dare say, Yes? We say they are to be pitied. May Heaven pity them.
JAMES WHITE.
Tent Meeting at Lorain, N. Y.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE first week of the meeting being stormy, our congregations were not large. Some 200 came on First-day through the storm, and gave good attention to the word spoken. On the second Sabbath and First-day the weather was more favorable. On First-day the Tent was nearly filled with attentive hearers, some of whom admitted the reasonableness of the position we occupy in regard to the three messages and Sabbath. We trust in the testimony of the Lord that the labor will not be in vain; for his word will accomplish that whereto he has sent it. Our testimony, if put forth in the spirit of meekness, will prove a sweet savor, either of life or death.
Dear brethren and sisters, the Lord has sent the third angel's message to purify us, wean us from the world, prepare us to work for him in the spread of his truth, and fit us for his heavenly kingdom. Are we allowing it to do for us what God designed? Are we doing with it what God has made it our duty and reasonable service to do? Are we letting our light so shine that others see our good works and are led to glorify God? The Lord has sent us this message none too soon, to give us time to prepare for the awfully solemn scenes before us. Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. That darkness surrounds us, amid it we must live until deliverance is given, but let us strive to maintain our position in the light. The Lord help his people while marching through the enchanted ground to keep free from the drowsy spirit of darkness, is our prayer.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. R. F. COTTRELL.
Tent Meeting at Locke, Mich.
By M. E. Cornell
NOTWITHSTANDING the rainy weather, there was quite a large gathering of brethren and sisters and friends from different parts. There was one load from each of the following places; viz., Conway, distant 7 miles; Perry 7, Burns 11, Corunna 20, Meridian 20, Tyrone 28. In consequence of the protracted rain-storms of late, the roads were extremely bad, yet all seemed to be well paid for coming. The social meetings were indeed cheering. Many sweet, intelligent testimonies were given, which evinced that the brethren and sisters generally were united and established in the truth. On First-day our meetings were much disturbed by several young men of the baser sort, banded together with the apparent intention of breaking up our meetings. We learned that
one of the ring-leaders of the mob was a peace officer of an adjoining town. We called upon the peace officers present to do their duty, but they remained silent. An aged sister took the responsibility of reproving sharply and warning the rioters, which seemed to take effect. Some of them seemed to be ashamed of their course and were persuaded to desist, so that our last meeting was without interruption. We saw ocular demonstrations of the fulfillment of prophecy at this meeting. Men were not afraid to speak out against the Law of God and the Bible, but when they saw mob law exalting itself as if determined to prevail, they were perfectly silent.
Bro. Curry was with me at this meeting, and spoke the word with freedom and energy. He expects soon to be able to devote his whole time to preaching the word.
On Second-day, at 9 o'clock, we repaired to the water, and 7 willing souls were baptized by Bro. Curry. We enjoyed a peaceful, precious season at the water—the very place where two years ago 23 were baptized by Bro. Loughborough. How great the privilege to witness the obedience of God's willing people.
We hear of an increasing interest among the people generally to hear on the signs of the times. The cause of truth is steadily advancing in this State, and we hope to see much good done with the Tent this season. Bro. Waggoner is now with the Tent here and expects to spend a few weeks in this State with the Tent in new fields of labor.
M. E. CORNELL.
Tent Meeting at Delhi, Mich.
By Manning Curry
WE have just closed our Tent-meeting in this place. Ministers present, M. E. Cornell, J. B. Frisbie, J. H. Waggoner of Wisconsin. Bro. Waggoner's coming was unexpected to us all, yet it was truly pleasing to the brethren to see this worthy servant and to hear him reason on our blessed hope.
On the Sabbath there was a good interest. The brethren here and some from other churches, listened with intense interest. The meeting closed with a social season. On First-day came together and enjoyed a delightful season of prayer and exhortation in the morning, after which Bro. Waggoner spoke two hours on the Sabbath question with great liberty. After thirty minutes' intermission, Bro. Cornell gave a lengthy discourse on the Law of God, showing the eternal perpetuity of the same, also presenting from orthodox writings evidence that the ten commandments were moral laws and binding in all their force, upon all men.
Bro. Frisbie gave the closing discourse, touching the time of trouble, the woes pronounced, the seven last plagues, &c., it was a solemn time. The weather was good, the congregation large and, very attentive; no disturbance. The brethren, with but four days' notice for this meeting, had a good preparation, and all things were done decently and in order. Upon the whole this meeting made to the interest of the truth.