WE have already seen in the investigation of Dan. viii, that the field of the Prophet's vision, was the empires of Persia, Greece and Rome. The period of 2300 days there given, cannot therefore be literal days; for literal days (scarcely six years and a half) would by no means cover the duration of any one of these empires singly, much less embrace so nearly the whole of their existence put together, as they evidently do. They must consequently denote 2300 years; and hence the seventy weeks which are cut off from them, must be seventy weeks of years, or 490 years, as will appear sufficiently plain when we come to trace their fulfillment.
Continuing his instruction to Daniel concerning the time, [Dan. ix. 25-27.] Gabriel says, [verse 25.] "Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall even in troublous times."
There are but four events to which this language can be in any way applicable; first, the decree of Cyrus for the re-building of the house of God B. C. 536; second, the decree of Darius for the prosecution of the work which had been hindered, B. C. 519; [Ez. vi.] third, the decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra, B. C. 457; [Ez. vii.] and fourth, the commission of Nehemiah from the same king in his twentieth year, B. C. 444. Neh. ii. In determining which of these acts in favor of the Jews answers to the "commandment to restore Jerusalem," from which the seventy weeks are to be dated, we must consider how much is included in the phrase, "to restore and to build Jerusalem," and also what commandment will allow the seventy weeks, dating from the time of its promulgation, to fulfill the conditions of the prophecy by reaching to the events therein specified.
How much then are we to understand by the words, "to restore and to build Jerusalem?" If they refer merely to the mechanical work of erecting buildings necessary to constitute a city, the decree of Cyrus has the pre-eminence above all others; for that was the first decree issued in favor of the Jews after the giving of the prophecy; and we are told in Isa. xliv, 28, that it was Cyrus who should say "to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." Again, the Lord says of this same Cyrus, [chap. xlv, 13.] "he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives." And it cannot be supposed that a license to build the house of God at Jerusalem, which this decree granted, would not give permission also for the erection of buildings around it.
But the decree which the prophecy calls the commandment to restore Jerusalem, is one which goes forth 69 prophetic weeks, or 483 years previous to the manifestation of the Messiah; for from the going forth of that commandment "unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks;" but if we date from this decree of Cyrus, B. C. 536, the 483 years will terminate 53 years before even our Lord was born.
Two points may therefore be considered settled from these considerations: 1st. The prophecy does not point us to the decree of Cyrus, as the commandment from which to date the seventy weeks; for dating from that point the 69 weeks which were to extend to the manifestation of the Messiah the Prince, terminate 53 years before even his birth; and this proves, 2d. That the expression, "to restore and to build Jerusalem," means something more than merely the building that is necessary to the re-existence of the city, which it must be admitted the decree of Cyrus fully granted.
As to the second decree, that of Darius, B. C. 519, it was but a confirmation of the original one of Cyrus; and the same objection otherwise exists against this as against the former; namely, the 483 years dated from that point terminate by far too soon, leaving full thirty-six years between their ending and the birth of the Saviour; whereas they should extend to the commencement of his public ministry.
We come now to the decree granted to Ezra, by king Artaxerxes in the seventh year of his reign, B. C. 457. Let us apply to this also the measuring rod of the prophecy. Dating from this year, 483 years carry us to A. D. 27. And what took place then? Luke tells us: "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Luke iii, 21, 22, A. D. 27; margin. After this Jesus came "into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled." The time here mentioned must have been some predicted period; but no prophetic period can be found, then terminating, except the 69 weeks of the prophecy of Daniel, which were to extend to the Messiah the Prince. The Messiah had now come, and himself proclaimed, The time is fulfilled.
That Christ commenced his ministry in A. D. 27, is further proved from this fact: At the first passover which he attended, the Jews told him that the temple had been forty and six years in building. John ii, 20. Herod commenced the building of that temple in the year B. C. 19.* This will bring the passover, forty-six years afterwards, in the year A. D. 28. He must therefore have commenced his ministry in A. D. 27.
Having found perfect harmony on this point, it is time that we look further at the words of the prophecy. The period of the 70 weeks appears to be marked off into three general divisions: first, seven weeks; second, threescore and two weeks; and third, one week. Seven weeks are allotted for the building of the wall, &c., in troublous times; and from that point events are thus predicted: [Dan. ix, 26, 27 :] "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. . . . And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease."
Sixty-nine weeks have brought us to the Messiah; and from the above we learn that he was to confirm the covenant for one week, that is, the seventieth, (7 years,) and that in the midst of this week he should cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. These Jewish ordinances, pointing to the death of Christ, could only cease at his cross; and there they did virtually end, though not in form till A. D. 70. It is the same therefore as if it had read, And after threescore and two weeks in the midst of the seventieth week, shall Messiah be cut off and cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. Now does the term, midst, refer to any fixed point in the week? It does; for it means, the middle. The word from which it is translated, occurs in the Old Testament, according to the Englishman's Hebrew Concordance, one hundred and sixteen times. One hundred times it is rendered, half; four times it enters into composition and is translated, midnight; eight times it is rendered, in the midst; once, in the middle, and three times, part. We are to understand therefore that the crucifixion is fixed to the middle of the week. When did this take place?
"The Saviour attended but four passovers, at the last of which he was crucified. John ii, 13; v, 1; vi, 4; xiii, 1. This could not bring the crucifixion later than A. D. 31, as recorded by Aurelius Cassiodorus, a respectable Roman Senator, about A. D. 514: In the consulate of Tiberius Caesar Aug. V. and Aelius Sejanus [B. C. 784, A. D. 31,] our Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the eighth of the calends of April.' In this year and in this day, says Dr. Hales, agree also the Council of Caesarea, A. D. 196 or 198, the Alexandrian Chronicle, Maximus Monachus, Nicephorus Constantius, Cedrenus; and in this year but on different days, concur Eusebius and Epiphanius, followed by Kepler, Bucher, Petinus and Petavius."* "It is recorded in history that the whole time of our Saviour's teaching was three years and a half, which is the half of a week [of years]."
Three and a half years reckoned backward from the Spring of A. D. 31 where the crucifixion took place, carry us to the Autumn of A. D. 27 where the 69 weeks ended and Christ commenced his ministry. And three and a half years, the last half of the week, reckoned forward from that time, bring us to the Autumn of A. D. 34, for the termination of the 70 weeks. Their close is marked by the martyrdom of Stephen, the formal rejection of the gospel of Christ by the Jewish Sanhedrim in the persecution of his disciples, and the turning of the apostles to the Gentiles. Acts ix, 1-18.
From the facts above set forth, we see that reckoning the 70 weeks from the decree given to Ezra in the 7th of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457, there is the most perfect harmony concerning the events which were to cluster around and mark their close. So far it seems all must be satisfied. There are two more questions to be settled: 1st. Is the 7th of Artaxerxes rightly fixed to the year B. C. 457; and 2d. Will the decree given to Ezra sustain the full import of the words, "to restore and to build Jerusalem." This will be the field of inquiry in our next.
(To be Continued.)
Unity and Gifts of the Church
By James White
UNITY AND GIFTS OF THE CHURCH. No. 4.
SOME speak of the gift of prophecy as though it belonged only to Old Testament times. But we read in Luke ii, that when the infant Jesus was presented before the Lord in the temple, that Anna, the prophetess, coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all of them that looked for redemption in Israel.”
It may be said that this took place before the Christian age commenced. Very well; but Luke records it in the Christian age, for the benefit of the men who live in this age. But we will come to the Acts of the Apostles where there can be no question in regard to the dispensation in which the events occurred, and we find both men and women having the spirit of prophecy. Judas and Silas were prophets. Acts xv, 32. “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cesarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.” Chap. xxi, 8-10.
The great apostle Paul had an experience on this subject which, probably, has not been well understood. He says to his Galatian brethren, “But I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Gal. i, 11, 12.
Paul, then, received the gospel which he preached in open vision with the Lord Jesus Christ. This seems to have been the manner in which the Lord dealt with him from the time of his conversion. We take the following from his relation of his conversion, before king Agrippa. Acts xxvi, 12-19. “Whereupon, as I went to Damascus, with authority and commission from the chief priests, at mid-day, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.69
“And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet; for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.”
The Apostle writes to the Corinthian brethren touching his experience. 2 Cor. xii, 1-7. “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God knoweth,) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth,) how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words which it is not lawful for a man to utter. . . . And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”
The apostle states to his Ephesian brethren, (Chap. iv, 11,) that Christ “gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists,” &c.
He also wrote to the brethren at Corinth and said, “And God hath set some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily, prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. xii, 28. Again he says to them, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” Chap. xii, 1.
It will be admitted that much of Paul’s writings to the church at Thessalonica have direct reference to the Christians of the last days, who are looking for the Lord. Read 1 Thess. iv, 13-18, and Chap. v, 1-8. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
In this chapter Paul states many things very important to those who are watching for the day of the Lord, which they will do well to consider. But we wish here to notice particularly three things mentioned in verses 19-21.
“Quench not the Spirit.”
“Despise not prophesyings.”
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” The course pursued by many we may state as follows:
First, they quench the Holy Spirit. If they do not actually resist its influence and teachings, they are indifferent in regard to it. They grieve it away from them.
Second, they despise prophesyings, which are the fruit of the Spirit—“I will pour out of my Spirit, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” Joel ii, 28. Having quenched the Spirit, they are left to despise its fruits.
Third, instead of proving all things, and holding fast that which is good, many reject all that comes in the name of prophesyings. They throw it all away together.
Such are not wise. They not only depart from this portion of the word of God, but they slight important means of salvation. There is safety in following the Word.
1. “Quench not the Spirit.” Said Christ, “I will send you the Comforter.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” “Be filled with the Spirit.” This is the language of holy Scripture, and the blessed privilege of the saints. Christ promised the Spirit. He assures us that his Father is willing to bestow it upon those who ask him for it. Those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come, will dwell upon the numerous promises of the Word in regard to the Holy Spirit with great delight. It is safe to breathe out after the heavenly influence. Let every avenue of the soul open for its reception. To such as open the door of their hearts, Christ says, “I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.”
2. “Despise not prophesyings.” Those who do not quench the Holy Spirit; but whose feelings and spirits are softened, refined and sweetened by its hallowed influence, will not despise prophesyings. Here is one of the greatest dangers of some among the remnant which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. “The Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” which is in their midst, and which they are in danger of despising. It reproves their covetousness, their pride and vanity, and their sinful habits. Self is touched. The Devil tempts them, and some resist the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and they are left to despise the work of God.
But here a difficulty arises in some minds; many things come to us in the form of prophesyings, such as Spiritualism, what shall we do with them? The Apostle answers,
3. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” The world is filled with spiritual deception. Spiritualism is the crowning heresy of the age, is dangerous in theory, and dangerous and powerful by reason of the influences which arrest and captivate the mind. Here is a most deceptive counterfeit of the work of God. The prophets of the Lord have ever been brought under the influence of the Spirit of God, and have been taught through the agency of holy angels; while the mediums of this age are brought under the influence of Satan, and are taught by the “spirits of Devils.” But by what rule shall we prove them? We give the following rules, given by inspiration of God.
RULE FIRST.—“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. viii, 19, 20.
RULE SECOND.—“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt. vii, 15-20.
Notice with care that this rule given by our Lord, touches the case exactly. He gives a rule by which we may know false and true prophets. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”
By these rules the counterfeit may be detected, and the genuine known. By them we may prove all things, and hold fast that which is good. The teachings of the Holy Spirit, and good angels will most assuredly lead men to have faith in the Holy Scriptures, and lead to a life of self-denial, consecration and holiness. But those who have read most from the pens of Spiritualists, best know that this heresy leads men to reject and ridicule the Holy Scriptures, hate the God of the Bible, and despise salvation through Jesus Christ.
We think that the reader will not fail to see that the Apostle is tracing the same subject in the three declarations, viz., “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” The “all things” which we are to prove, must be limited to the subject of which the Apostle is speaking, viz., all things in the form of prophesyings. Those who object to this limitation, and understand “all things” to mean every thing, will certainly have to admit that the Apostle has required of them quite a task.
We close our remarks on this subject by calling attention to Joel ii, 28-32. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the hand-maids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.”
The points in this prophecy to which we wish to call attention are as follows:
1. The Spirit is to be poured out. It will not come like the dew or gentle rain upon the mown grass; but it will be poured out, so that every heart will be filled to overflowing. We think that this fullness of the Holy Spirit is illustrated by the latter rain.
2. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit both sons and daughters will prophesy. Some have excluded females from a share in this work, because it says, “your young men shall see visions.” They seem to forget that “man” and “men” in the Scriptures generally means both male and female. The infidel Paine would have been ashamed of a quibble involving such ignorance.
3. These manifestations of the Spirit are in connection with wonders in the heavens and in the earth in the sun and in the moon, which are signs of the near approach of the great and the terrible day of the Lord.
4. The deliverance of the remnant is here mentioned. Also, their calling on the name of the Lord, which will be in the time of trouble. We therefore conclude that the prophecy has its fulfillment in the last days, and that the pouring out of the Spirit, and the manifestations of the gift of prophecy is with the remnant which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. xii, 17. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev. xix, 10.
It may be said that Peter [Acts ii, 16] applied this prophecy of Joel to what took place on the day of pentecost. But we would inquire, How much of the prophecy was then fulfilled? Was the sun then turned into darkness, and the moon into blood? No, these were to be exhibited as signs of the great and the terrible day of the Lord. Neither is there the least evidence that wonders then appeared in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath. Luke states that they spoke with tongues, leaving us without evidence that any had visions on that day. And certainly the outsiders might well have been amazed on beholding old men asleep, dreaming dreams in the midst of the exciting scenes and uproar of the occasion. Well might they have supposed such to be stone drunk. It is true there was a mighty manifestation of the Spirit on the day of pentecost, but it is contrary to plain facts in the case to apply the whole prophecy there. It is also true, that it has been the privilege of the saints from that day to this to be filled with the Spirit. But in the last days it is to be poured out upon the remnant. Glorious promise to the waiting, trusting people of God. J. W.
Stephenson Gives Up the Sabbath
By James White
We learn from the Expositor that J. M. Stephenson has given up the Sabbath, and is to unite with J. Marsh. Well, we must be allowed to express our relief of mind on learning that the "sheep's clothing" has fallen off, and that he is now going with his own "pack." J. W
Deacon Cognatus
By J. Clarke
CONSULTS HIS PASTOR THEOPHILUS EXPEDIENCY
D. D., CONCERNING THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF
HIS SON.
Dea. C. I have a matter to bring before you Dr., which has given me much uneasiness.
My son, Investigatus, whom you know I intend to educate for the ministry, has started some queries in such a manner as rather startles me, as I cannot but wish him to remain in the orthodox ranks.
Dr. E. Indeed! I did not know he was of sufficient age to hold independent views.
Dea. C. You are not aware of the depth of the boy's mind; before he was ten years of age, he manifested a disposition to think for himself, in regard to the same thing which now burdens his mind.
Dr. E. Is it a matter of vital importance? Does he doubt any of our main articles of faith?
Dea. C. He has imbibed the idea that he ought to be baptized, and that the seventh day of the week is the true Sabbath.
Dr. E. How old is Investigatus?
Dea. C. About fourteen years of age.
Dr. E. Has he attended sectarian preaching?
Dea. C. No indeed! Never! I have not allowed him to associate outside of our connection.
Dr. E. How has he got this notion?
Dea. C. When he was nine or ten years of age, I was hearing his recitation in the Catechism, when this question came up, (59th, Shorter Catechism,) Which day of the seven has God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath? Answer. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath.
Investigatus pressed me hard with questions, as I had directed him to test all doctrines with the Word. I finally told him that the Bible was not very explicit on this point, and that the change was mainly of church authority.
Dr. E. What! at that early age was he versed in the Bible?
Dea. C. I took pains when he first learned to read, to induce him to read the Bible by giving him premiums, and thus he was posted in Scripture at a very early age.
Dr. E. Did he carry the matter to any length at that time?
Dea. C. He seemed shocked and grieved when he heard that we were not keeping the Sabbath that Adam, Enoch, Abraham and Moses kept; his mother and myself had difficulty in pacifying his mind. He inquired if any now kept the original seventh day. We told him the Jews did. He asked if any Christians kept the seventh day. We told him of the Seventh-day Baptists, and he longed to see them. I finally told him that infant baptism rested upon church authority, and that if he threw away one he must both.
Dr. E. Rather injudicious I should think.
Dea. C. I know it now, but I did not dream of anything like this. We used all the arguments we could think of, such as the insignificance of the Seventh-day Baptists, the meanness of the Jews, and the like. The fact is, I am not a theologian. My Bible is the only book I have really studied as authority, and the thing took me by surprise. I think, Dr., you ought to preach more doctrinal discourses; we are not indoctrinated on these difficult points as we need to be. I wish you would take up these subjects, and present the evidence, and I do not doubt that my son will be satisfied; this is what I have come to request you to do.
Dr. E. Has your son commenced his classical studies?
Dea. C. No; I wish him to become well posted in his primary studies, before taking up the dead languages.
Dr. E. I think I should put him upon a classical course as soon as possible. When his mind is once taken up with Virgil, and Homer, I'll warrant you he will drop his heretical notions.
Dea. C. Do you think it would be right to weaken or destroy his taste for the Scriptures?
Dr. E. Most certainly not! By no means! The Bible is our only rule! But you must be aware that the best influences are thrown around college students. I speak from experience. When I was young, in my early Christian experience, I was tempted in a similar way; but as soon as my mind began to expand under the benign influence of the classic Cicero and Demosthenes, and the ancient Latin and Greek authors, and seeing the beauty and excellence of our educational, civil and religious established arrangements, I soon laid aside my whims.
Dea. C. What! Did the same objections present themselves to your mind?
Dr. E. O yes. These matters are of common occurrence with independent minds, and they often come up in the theological course; but this is the beauty of college training, it fits the mind to appreciate such evidence as the "fathers."
Dea. C. I have often wished the apostles had been more explicit on these difficult points. Don't you think it would be well to state the evidence clearly, and thus my son would be satisfied at once, no doubt. He is quite orthodox on those points where the scripture is clear; but in those matters where other evidence is wanting, I have not been able to furnish him, being uninformed.
Dr. E. Most certainly: I will do so, soon; but I think that for the present you had better treat your son's heresy with a little indifference. Affect not to notice, or care particularly about it.
Dea. C. I am rather surprised that the Bible is so silent upon these points. I had supposed until Investigatus took up the matter, that these practices, rested upon the best of evidence: please to tell me where the evidence on these subjects may be found, and I will place them in my son's hands.
Dr. E. It requires labor, time, and research, to set these matters in their proper light; and we who have drunk deeply of the waters of a pure literature, are not carried about by these loose notions, in theology, which ruin the prospects of so many for time and for eternity. The early Christians well knew what was required by the gospel, and we do well if we follow in their footsteps.
Dea. C. Very true, my dear pastor, very true; let us follow the primitive church, and we are safe. I think I shall send my son to Oberlin soon, if I can raise the funds. J. CLARKE.
Babylon
BABYLON.—Alexander Campbell says: "The worshiping establishments now in operation throughout christendom, increased and cemented by their respective voluminous confessions of faith, and their ecclesiastical constitutions, are not churches of Jesus Christ, but the legitimate daughters of the Mother of Harlots, the church of Rome."—Chris. Bap.
Writing Against Spiritualism
By Calvin Monroe
From Bro. Monroe.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : It is some six or seven years since I embraced the Sabbath of the Lord, and the Third Angel's Message; during which time you have heard from me but seldom. Hence, an apology is due; the more especially, after the many calls that have been made to delinquent brethren to write for the Review and Herald.
My apology for the last two or three years, chiefly is,—to say nothing of the numerous, family cares of an aged man—writing against Spiritualism, which has engrossed most of my leisure moments. The result of this labor has been some three hundred pages of ordinary letter paper; most of it as condensed as possible. In all which, I have had an eye, not only to warning the world, but to the perusal of the brethren in the columns of the Review, or otherwise. Particulars referred to the editors. This was too prolix for the secular press, to which it was tendered, a separate article excepted, written by request, touching a late discussion of Spiritualism in one of our city papers. This article is now in the hands of the editor of that paper, "The Progressive Age," but for the press of historical and other matter, will be delayed, as he informed me, till about the beginning of February, ensuing. When it thus appears I shall send it forthwith to the Review Office for insertion. My object in first offering the main work to the secular press, was to send it broadcast, wide as the bane of Spiritualism has spread, and is spreading—wide as the world, which the Review would be powerless to do. That work at present, I leave in the hands of the Lord, through whose aid, I have been enabled to perform it.
Thus you see, dear brethren and sisters, that little as I have been seen or heard by you, I have not been wholly idle, in the vineyard of the Lord. Besides, I have read with peculiar interest, your stirring epistles and labors of love in the Review, and sympathized with you in your pilgrimage thus far, through the last stage of the church—leaving a Sodom world, for a better world to come.
Aroused as was the church and world in 1843-4, it was a perpetual trial to me then, and it has continued up to the last move of the Laodicean church, that the former, strongly as they were looking for the coming of the Lord, possessed a character so incomplete and unfinished, to meet that event, my poor self included. Others likely have felt the same. This was argument enough to refute our error, had we been prepared to receive it. The last move, under the Third Message, prepares us to understand, that to meet the Lord, and pass with him the gates of life, we must be as pure as were Enoch and Elijah, a type of their successors in translation.
Are we thus pure? Not yet. When we are, the saints upon the earth, the Lord will come, and they will then go, for they can no longer stay. Is not the blessed work in progress? It is. My brother, my sister, can you not testify of its progress in your heart, your life? You can; you do. Your companion in tribulation can do the same. At two things I am greatly astonished. First, that I have been so great a sinner, even since I professed the Advent faith. Second, that the Lord has done such great things for me since I embraced the Sabbath, and Third Message. Cannot every honest soul thus led, say the same, or something like it? His teachings are a unit, and his children are one. Blessed be God.
Dear brethren and sisters, amid all our trials, let us thank God and take courage, for the Lord is dealing faithfully and kindly with us—fitting us to glorify and enjoy him forever. "For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come and will not tar71ry." O joyful home! O blest abode! Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, and take thy waiting children home.
Calvin Monroe.
Waldo, Me., Dec. 13th, 1857.
"BROTHER, LIVE!"
By Mrs. R. Smith
When dark misfortune's tide is up
Its surges running high,
If we have lost our hold on God,
Where then for refuge fly?
Oppressed, desponding, near despair,
Health, strength and courage fled,
These cheering words heed, "Brother, live,"
And raise your sinking head.
Though anguish deep, and bitter grief
Be felt and long be borne,
Abide the test; seek no relief,
That's not from heaven alone.
Deliverance must be found in God,
A blessing to secure;
There is encouragement for those
Who trials well endure.
In tribulation's beaten path,
The ancient prophets trod;
It is the only way that brings
The wanderer home to God.
Let patience have its perfect work,
Be purified and tried;
Be ready when the King shall come,
To e'er with him abide.
Mrs. R. Smith.
West Wilton, N. H.
Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
Bro. & Sr. J. & S. Clarke write from Portage, Ohio: "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, over one that turns away from the delusions of Satan. Even so we rejoice, when we see our neighbors receiving the truth. Our little number is reinforced. We feel that the Lord has a blessing in store for us. Praise his holy name. The work is his. Others in this vicinity are anxious about their future prospects. Bro. Holt's effort here last Summer left a very deep impression, although he felt rather discouraged that no immediate answer to his prayers was granted. Let him take courage, the work is going on. The seed is taking root. Oh pray for us poor and unworthy, and for this part of the vineyard.
"Our spiritual strength is renewed. We begin to realize the fullness of the promise. We see that we must give all to God. Jehovah will not accept a fraction. He demands the heart, the mind, the body, the gold, the silver, the land. The cattle upon a thousand hills are his. The hills, the valleys, and the plains are his. Thou, O Lord, art our Lord, our proprietor, and we are thy servants.
"There is much feeling, much anxiety, and there is a wave of opposition rising in a corresponding degree in this vicinity. We hope that a work is to be done here which will result in the salvation of many.
"We often think of an idea advanced by Bro. Cottrell, that when we warn the saints to flee out of Babylon, away from its vanities and defilements, that there should be some place for them to flee to, free from these things. Oh for purity of heart and life! Let us eschew, not chew, or smoke, or snuff the abominable, filthy weed which is debasing and impoverishing the world. Let us be sober, not drunk. God will have a pure people to welcome him at his coming, and I fully believe that those who persist in these sinful practices, will lose the prize.
"Oh, is it so! Are we on the very shores of eternity!
"Is it so! Has prophetic time closed!
"Is it so! Are we now having and giving the last cry!
"Then can we clutch the world in these hands, these mortal hands? Must we soon see the Son of man coming in power and glory, and yet eat and drink the dainties of life?
"Can we deck these mortal bodies with broadcloths, and silks, and indecent attire? Can we provide for the future by laying up the gold that perisheth? Oh, no. The saints will be ready, and this will show who are looking for Christ; his elect will be weaned from the world, stripped of wealth for the cause, the blessed cause of the dear Redeemer, who had not where to lay his head.
"We feel that the Review has been the means of much benefit to us. May God speed it onward. Let us not rest until the message rings in a clear trumpet tone around the globe. For this let us be wise. For this let us pray and labor. Yours in Christ."
The Cause of Present Truth Rising
Bro. T. Bryant jr. writes from Jay, Me., Dec. 24th, 1857: "The cause of present truth is evidently rising in this section. Three have embraced the truth within a few weeks past, and others that were on the background, are coming up to the help of the Lord in these last fleeting moments of time. It does seem that in some minds at least, prejudice is gradually wearing away. As for myself, the message to the Laodiceans at a late hour, I believe has reached me, for which I thank God; and it found me just in the condition there described; but I mean to be zealous and repent."
LOUISA SMITH
By Louisa Smith
From Sister Smith.
BRO. SMITH: I feel that the testimony to the Laodiceans was given in the right time. It found me in a lukewarm state. I often wonder that I was not spued out of the Lord's mouth long ago; but he is a long-suffering God, he is yet giving me space for repentance. I am determined to return unto the Lord that he may return unto me, and heal all my backslidings. I am determined to buy the gold tried in the fire, and get the white raiment, and anoint my eyes with eye-salve that I may see. I believe the Lord is soon coming. I have much to do to overcome, but I mean to keep striving on, and by the help of the Lord I believe I shall be an overcomer and at last stand with the saints upon Mount Zion. Brethren and sisters be of good cheer, we are nearing the harbor. While I write, I feel like shouting aloud, glory to God in the highest.
"My soul is happy when I hear
The Saviour is so nigh."
Yes, I am happy, and I feel like rising and girding on the whole armor. We are almost home, let us lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh.
We are very thankful for the Review. It is a welcome visitor here, and it is almost our only preacher. We would be very glad to have some of the preaching brethren come this way. I want to profit by Bro. Loughborough's piece, 'Remember Lot's wife.' I feel like getting all upon the altar, and letting it there remain until it is all consumed. Pray for me that my faith fail not, and that when Jesus comes I may stand entire, wanting nothing.