It is admitted on all hands that the world is in a terrible state of wickedness. And this state of things is growing worse and worse. And what hope of reformation is there, while the professed church looks on with indifference, seeing, unless they are blind, the world, according to the prediction of our Saviour, as it was in the days of Noah, and does not raise the voice of warning to flee from the wrath to come! nay, but even covets to be in darkness and not to realize that the day of the Lord is about to come upon them as a thief. They propose to attend to the practical part of religion, and let the prophecies alone; which is equivalent to having a form of godliness, denying the power—the very position the unbelieving Jews occupied at the first advent of Christ, and which caused their rejection of God.
And is there not learning with the ministry of these days? And do not learned ministers know that such a line of prophecy as that of Dan. 7, and being so clearly interpreted, is fulfilled in every particular but the very last—the utter destruction of the Antichristian, papal power, and of the body of the beast itself, and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of God under the whole heavens? Do they not see that Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, have all had their day of rule; that Rome has been divided into ten kingdoms, that the papacy arose among them, before whom three fell, and that its full time of 1260 years is run out, and its dominion is gone and its influence being consumed; and nothing is left but its destruction by the brightness of Christ's coming? 2 Thess. 2. And professing to be the teachers of the people in divine truth, can they hope to escape the coming wrath, and be guiltless of the blood of souls, while they do not, and will not, warn the people of impending danger, but oppose every effort in that direction? Wo! to Babylon; she is fallen, and about to be destroyed.
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Sound Chain
By R. F. Cottrell
A CHAIN with all its links sound but one is not to be trusted. A pest-house with all its rooms disinfected except one is not a safe place to stay in. A payment which lacks a dollar is not in full. He who sinks within an inch of the rope thrown him, perishes as surely as though in mid-ocean.
Salvation in the Cross
THERE is no salvation of the soul, no hope of everlasting life, but in the Cross.
WHITE ROBES.—NO. 2.
By James White
BY ELD. JAMES WHITE.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, saying, Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said to him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:9-14.
THE seventh chapter of Revelation relates to two classes of the redeemed. It first introduces the definite number of an hundred and forty and four thousand, and gives distinct specifications relative to them. The closing portion of the chapter then describes the great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, as clothed with white robes, and bearing palms of victory. One class is numbered; the other cannot be numbered. One is manifested and sealed at a definite period of time; while the other is redeemed, not only from all nations existing at any one time, but from all people who have lived upon the earth from the time of the offer of salvation to fallen man, to the close of human probation.
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." Verses 9, 10. The prophet had just before taken a definite view of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, which were to be manifested and sealed near the close of probation. He next beholds with astonishment the numberless hosts of the redeemed, which make up all the saved. And as his prophetic eye runs back over all time, he sees them gathered from all the nations, in all the different ages of the world. Hence the expression, "After this I looked, and, lo, a great multitude."
These stood before the Lamb. They had been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and stood before him as the dear purchase of his blood. They were clothed with white robes. We should not understand by this that the saints in this world, or that which is to come, are to wear literal garments of white linen to represent inward holiness. The white robe must be understood as a figure of purity of character. The redeemed of the Lord had obtained this purity during the period of their probation. They had availed themselves of the matchless cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ, while, at the same time, they had, in his strength, wrought righteousness. These, also, held palms in their hands. They were victors. They had conquered the world, the flesh, and the devil. They had overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.24
And, let it be borne in mind, these were the saved "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues." Abel and Enoch will be there; righteous Noah, faithful Abraham, and all the holy prophets of God, with robes washed in the blood of the Lamb, and bearing palms of victory, through his redeeming power, will stand before him, as well as the apostles and martyrs of Jesus, the reformers, and those saved in the nineteenth century. It is said of the entire multitude of the redeemed, that they come out of great tribulation. Not one of them had lived in the period of the thousand years after the world should be converted and all men become holy.
In our remarks upon this subject in our last issue, we dwelt quite fully upon the first three divisions, the white robes, the washing of these robes, and the great tribulation. We now call attention to the fourth point.
4. The blood of the Lamb. A lamb is used as a symbol of meekness. Speaking of Him, the prophet says: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isa. 53:7. Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8. He is represented by a lamb, because of his life of humility, and because an innocent lamb had been slain in past ages as a type of the great sacrifice for sins.
When Jesus was baptized of John in Jordan, the heavens opened, the Spirit like a dove descended upon him, and there came a voice from Heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:10, 11. After that, "John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
The blood of Christ cleanses from sin, on conditions. "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Verses 8, 9.
The blood of Christ purges from sin. "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22. "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Verses 13, 14.
The sinner who has sold himself for naught is redeemed from sin through the blood of Christ. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Col. 1:13, 14.
The Strength of Duty
It is wonderful what strength and boldness of purpose and energy will come from the feeling that we are in the way of duty.
THE STIMME DER WAHRHEIT.
By Editor
OUR German paper will hereafter be published monthly. This important change was made at the earnest solicitation of our German brethren, and by the advice of Elders Decker and Grant, and others who have had much experience in introducing it among the German people of their States. The field to be occupied by this paper is so broad, and its reception has been so hearty, that we look for great good to result from a wide circulation of it.
The Stimme der Wahrheit (Voice of Truth), is an eight-page illustrated German monthly, the same size page as the Review, and is a bold exponent of the same truths advocated in the Review and SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
It is intended as a pioneer paper for the announcement of the third angel's message to the German-speaking people of Europe and America.
Terms to subscribers in America, 50 cents.
With "Way of Life," to new subscribers, 75 "
To European subscribers, without premium, 70 "
In clubs of five to ten copies, when sent to one address, to be used exclusively for missionary purposes, 40 cents a copy.
Ten or more copies, 35 cents each.
Any one who will send us four full-paying subscribers will receive a fifth copy free.
Persons who will make the work of canvassing for the Stimme a regular business, may retain a cash commission of 10 cents on each subscriber.
Address, Battle Creek, Michigan.
BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM.
By John Harvey Kellogg
INSTITUTION FOUNDED, . . . . . . 1866.
4000 Patients Successfully Treated.
THIS INSTITUTION, for completeness of appointment, and extent of facilities, is unrivalled in this country. Its splendid arrangements for HEATING AND VENTILATION, together with special appliances for regulating the humidity of the atmosphere, makes this Institution
UNEQUALED AS A WINTER RESORT FOR CHRONIC INVALIDS.
Even persons suffering with pulmonary difficulties do much better here than in Florida.
All known useful remedies for disease are employed, including Turkish, Russian, Vapor, Electro-Thermal, Electro-Vapor, all kinds of Water Baths, Sun Baths, Swedish Movements, Electricity, etc., etc.
Terms very reasonable,
J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.,
Medical Superintendent.
Address for Circulars:—SANITARIUM,
Battle Creek, Mich.
GOOD HEALTH.
By Editor
For 1880.
THIS POPULAR JOURNAL enters upon its fifteenth volume with the most flattering prospects not only of a continuance of the prosperity which has attended it in the past, but also of a great increase of patronage, although it already enjoys
THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY HEALTH JOURNAL IN AMERICA.
The interest of the journal for 1880 will be greatly increased by a series of practical articles from the well-known pens of
ELDER AND MRS. WHITE.
Whose contributions in the past have done so much to increase the popularity and the usefulness of the journal.
A SPLENDID PREMIUM BOOK
is offered to new subscribers. Address, for specimen copy:—
GOOD HEALTH PUBLISHING CO.,
Battle Creek, Mich.
Or:—SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Oakland, Cal.
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS AND TRACTS, ISSUED BY THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Daniel 8:14. By Elder U. Smith. This question has developed the people known as Seventh-day Adventists, and is the pivotal doctrine upon which their applications of prophecy largely depend. 352 pp. $1.00
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Elder U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 384 pp. 1.00
Thoughts on Revelation. By Elder U. Smith. With notes or remarks on every verse in the book of Revelation. 352 pp. 1.00
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. Interesting sketches of the life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. 1.00
The Biblical Institute. A synopsis of the lectures given at the Institute held at Oakland, Cal., April, 1877, covering the main points of our faith. 352 pp. 1.00
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, for the period of 6,000 years. By Elder J. N. Andrews. This is a work of unusual interest, prepared with great care, and is full of historical and Scriptural facts. 528 pp. 1.00
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the conditions of man in death, and his final destiny. 356 pp. 1.00
The Constitutional Amendment. A Discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 1.00
The Spirit of Prophecy; or the great controversy between Christ and his angels and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Revelation 20. Each 400 pp.—
Vol. I. Old Testament facts to Christ.
Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ.
Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of His Apostles.
Vol. IV. (In preparation). Each, 1.00
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, with portrait. 352 pp. 1.00
The Bible from Heaven. By Elder D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but is of God. 300 pp. 80 cts. Revised edition (in preparation). 1.00
Spiritual Songs. A choice collection of hymns and tunes. 416 pp. 1.00
The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Revelation 13:11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Applying to our own land and time, this prophecy possesses surpassing interest for every American reader. 200 pp. 40 cts. Paper covers, 20 cts
Thoughts on Baptism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A careful examination of the subject of Christian Baptism in the light of history and the Bible. It presents strong arguments against the notion of trine immersion. 186 pp. Bound in flexible cloth, 35 cts
Paper covers, 25 cts
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-school and Praise Service. By J. E. White. A new book, with excellent new words and music. 164 pp.
Per hundred, $30.00. Single copies, 35 cts
The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of nature and revelation. 168 pp.
20 cts
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A thorough exposure of Spiritualism; application of the Scriptures, and copious extracts from a library of Spiritualist publications. 184 pp. 20 cts
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Coming and Kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 20 cts
The Spirit of God, its Gifts and Manifestations to the end of the Christian age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts
The Three Messages of Revelation 14:6-12; particularly the third angel's message and the two-horned beast. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts
The Two Laws, as set forth in both Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts
Matthew Twenty-four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts
The Sunday Seventh-day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject as set forth in the 8th and 9th chapters of the Revelation. 96 pp. 10 cts
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A most decisive refutation of the view that men find pardon after the Saviour has closed his work in the Sanctuary above. 168 pp. 20 cts
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. A complete refutation of a common objection against the Sabbath. 96 pp. 15 cts
The Resurrection of the Unjust. A vindication of the doctrine. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 100 pp. 15 cts
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. A poem. By Elder U. Smith. 60 pp. 15 cts
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. An able argument on an important subject. 48 pp. 10 cts
The Truth Found. The nature and obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts
Christ and the Sabbath: or, Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White. 56 pp. 10 cts
Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of redemption in its three stages. 40 pp. 10 cts
Systematic Benevolence. Setting forth the Bible plan of giving for the support of the ministry. 64 pp. 10 cts
Redemption. The fall and its results, and the methods by which we are brought back to the favor of God and to immortality. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Second Advent. Manner, object, and nearness of the event. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Sufferings of Christ. A most graphic and touching description of what the world's Redeemer has suffered for us; calculated to incite every one to new devotion and consecration to the cause of Christ. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Present Truth. Showing that every age has a truth applicable to it alone, and what is the present truth of this generation. 32 pp. 4 cts
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The Two Thrones. Representing the kingdoms of grace and glory; showing the distinction between these two kingdoms. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Seventh Part of Time. An exposure of the sophistry of that reasoning which would make the commandment indefinite. 32 pp. 4 cts
ADDRESS, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
Severe Weather on the Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast has boasted over the eastern climate about long enough. Now it comes back in this wise: Five feet of snow reported on Puget Sound, January 8, the fall was heavy on Vancouver's Island, and throughout that country. A regular tornado visited Oregon Jan. 9, extending over a large part of the State, and what is singular, it lasted over three hours. The damage was immense, but the real amount cannot yet be well judged, as communication was broken up, both by railroad and telegraph. The wind traveled at the rate of 60 miles an hour part of the time. Houses were leveled, but the greatest damage is supposed to be of timber, fences, and fruit trees. The winter throughout California has been of unusual severity.