Earlier text: Evidences of ChristianityThoughts on the Revelation.
By Uriah Smith
Verses 1-10. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. In commenting on a chapter with which the readers of the Review are already so familiar, we shall only give a definition of the symbols introduced, and a brief reference to the historical facts by which they are fulfilled. The sea, or waters, denotes peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Rev. xvii, 15. A wild beast is the Bible symbol of an unrighteous nation or power. Whenever a beast is seen to come up out of the sea, it denotes that the power arose through strife, war, or political revolution among the people. Dan. vii, 2, 3. By the dragon of the previous chapter, and the beast first introduced in this, we have the Roman power as a whole brought to view in its two phases of paganism and papacy; hence these two symbols have each the seven heads and ten horns. The dragon, pagan Rome, gave to this beast, papal Rome, its seat, the city of Rome, and great authority. The beast that was wounded, as it were, to death, was the papal head; fulfilled when the pope, in 1798, stripped of his powers, both civil and ecclesiastical, was taken captive by Buonaparte, and died in exile. But this deadly wound was healed. The papacy was not entirely abolished. It was re-instated, though it has never since enjoyed all its former power. People worshiped the dragon and the beast: showing that this beast is but a continuation of the same power in another form. The acts and characteristics ascribed to the beast in verses 5-7, show him to be identical with the little horn of Dan. vii, 8, 20, 21, 25, which among Protestants is universally conceded to symbolize the papacy. They both have a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; both make war with the saints and overcome them; both continue the same length of time, 1260 years; and both at the end of that time go into captivity. This beast opens his mouth in blasphemy against God to blaspheme his name. What can be more blasphemous than for a mortal man to assume the titles which the pope assumes? He calls himself, Lord God, the pope; King of kings, and Lord of lords; King of the world; Holy Father; Vicegerent of the Son of God; &c., &c. He blasphemes his tabernacle. How? By turning the attention of his subjects to his own throne and palace instead of to the tabernacle of God in Heaven; by turning their attention away from the city of God, Jerusalem above, and pointing them to Rome as the eternal city. He blasphemes them that dwell in Heaven. Does the pope do this? Most effectually, by assuming to exercise the power of forgiving sins, and so turning away the minds of men from the mediatorial work of Christ and his heavenly assistants in the sanctuary above. By verse 10 we are again referred to the events of 1798, when that power that had for 1260 years led the saints of God into captivity, was led into captivity itself, as already noticed. Verses 11-18. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six. A few decisive considerations will show that this other beast is a symbol of these United States. 1. It is another beast, from the papal beast; consequently it cannot arise in the territory occupied by that beast; neither can it occupy any territory of the beasts previously introduced into prophecy; for each beast must have a territory peculiarly its own; and as all the leading powers of the Eastern continent are embraced in previous symbols, we must look to this Western continent for the location of the power in question. In this respect, the United States, the leading power on this continent, answers to the prophecy with admirable fitness. 2. This nation arose at the right time. The beast was seen "coming up" at the time the previous beast went into captivity in 1798. No other nation but this was at that time rapidly rising to a position of splendor and power. 3. It arose in the right manner. Other beasts are said to have come up out of the sea, denoting that they arose through political revolution and conquest. This comes up out of the earth; from which we may justly infer that the rise of this power would be of an opposite or peaceful character. In this manner has the government of the United States arisen. Its development has been through the arts and policy of peace. 4. It sustains just the character given it in the prophecy. It has two horns like a lamb. Its outward appearance and profession is the most pure, peaceful, and harmless, possible. It professes to guarantee to every man liberty and the pursuit of happiness in temporal things, and freedom in matters of religion; yet about four millions of human beings are held by the Southern States of this nation in the most abject and cruel bondage and servitude, and the theological bodies of the land have adopted a creed-power, which is as inexorable and tyrannical as is possible to bring to bear upon the consciences of men. Verily with all its lamblike appearance and profession, it has the heart and voice of a dragon; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 5. There are no crowns upon the horns of this beast; showing that this power is not monarchical or kingly. The expression in verse 14, "saying to them that dwell on the earth," shows that the supreme power is vested in the people, and that the government is consequently republican. These considerations are altogether conclusive as fixing the application of this symbol. The acts ascribed to this power are mostly future. He exerciseth all the power of the first beast, before him, that is, in his presence, as the original word signifies; showing that these two powers, the papal beast, and the two-horned American, protestant beast, are co-temporary. This power is to be a wonder-working power, to be accomplished as we understand through the agency of Spiritualism, the wonders to be wrought for the express purpose of deceiving the people preparatory to the erection of the image. The image is to be an image to the papal beast. That was a church clothed with civil power. An image to it would be something resembling it. Must we not understand therefore that the image will be the church of this country, the protestant church, clothed with power to punish heretics, and enforce its dogmas on pain of death. When this image is instated in power its first act is to cause, or decree, that all who will not yield allegiance to it, shall be put to death. It will never be able of course to carry this decree into effect; for deliverance is promised to the people of God. Dan. xii, 1. A decree is also made that all shall receive a mark, a decree cutting off from all business transactions all those who do not have the mark of the beast, or his name, or the number of his name. To receive the mark of the beast in the forehead, is, we understand, to give the assent of the mind and judgment to his authority, in the adoption of that institution which constitutes the mark; to receive it in the hand is to signify allegiance by some outward act. The mark is the mark, not of the two-horned beast, nor of the image of the beast, but of the papal beast. The name and the number of the name pertain to the same beast. From the 11th verse to the end of the chapter, the expression "the beast" in every instance refers to the papal beast: the two-horned beast is designated by the pronoun, he. The mark of the beast is understood to be the papal institution of Sunday-keeping in opposition to the Sabbath of Jehovah which is the seal of God. An exposition of the name or the number of the name, we trust the reader will not be expecting. Light upon these points will undoubtedly come in due time. And here, with the powers of earth and hell combined to make war upon them, and the decrees of death and banishment from society out against them, the people of God are left by this chapter. But here God does not leave them, as further investigation will show. Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. White: According to appointment in Review I met with the church at Waukon, and held three meetings with them. Two discourses were given on the necessity of Spiritual Gifts and Unity in the church, and one on the nearness of our Lord's Second Advent. Some confessions were made that the testimony had not been read and appreciated; they had been overcharged with worldly cares and some had been putting off the Lord's coming. It was remarked that it did not seem any nearer now than it did ten years ago, and then it seemed seven or eight years ahead. The result of such a faith had been cold formality and worldly-mindedness. The following was most appropriate. "Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." Heb. x, 35; also verse 25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Those who stand in the light will see the day "approaching." Each fulfilling sign will make it seem nearer and they will be led to exhort one another "so much the more." Had it not been that the brethren were in the hurry of gathering crops, and preparing for winter, we should have protracted the meeting a week or more; but it was decided best to give a course of lectures in a new place and then return. I was glad to form an acquaintance with Bro. and Sr. Abbey, who were on a visit to their daughter in Waukon. Their testimony was decidedly with ours for the whole truth, and was encouraging to the church. How good it is in these times of rebellion, to meet with those who stand stiffly for the whole truth, and for the unity of God's people. On the whole I was pleased with the visit with this church. There is a clear indication of a better state of things, and that there will yet good come out of Waukon. Nearly all the Sabbath keepers stand together, and earnestly desire to be in harmony with the body. I was glad to find so many there who have learned that it will not do to be at ease in Zion, that189 now is the time to be zealous and repent. May they persevere unto the end. I have now given several lectures in the Court House in this place (West Union, about 40 miles from Waukon) and the prospect is good. The first evening there were about twenty-five, the second fifty, the third one hundred and fifty, and the fourth the house was crowded so that several had to remain outside or return home. The county officers, lawyers and the two editors, and four or five ministers are in attendance. There is a good spirit of inquiry, and better attention I never witnessed. There are quite a number of Spiritualists here, and last evening the Davenports of Spiritual notoriety, came to town, having previously sent a letter, and appointment to exhibit spirit hands. They asked me to give way for one night, and I left it to the audience, and they voted against it. However, on seeing that several of the leading men were anxious to see the wonders of Spiritualism for themselves, and knowing that I could by God's help, turn it to account, I adjourned for one evening. If it amounts to anything I will make a note of it, and give the result. Marriage with Unbelievers.
By B. F. Snook
THIS is a subject of sufficient importance to be investigated. When we see many of our brethren and sisters uniting with unbelievers, and being led away from God and his truth in consequence thereof, we are led to ask, Is such the course for us to pursue or fellowship? We believe not. 1. God has never approved of his people's marrying among his enemies. "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son; nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son." Deut. vii, 3. He that made the heart of man knows it, and was well assured that the believer was more easily led away from him in so doing, than the unbeliever would renounce his idolatry and become a child of his. "For they will turn away thy son from following me that they may serve other gods." Verse 4. Paul also says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" 2 Cor. vi, 14, 15. This testimony proves that God's will has not changed with reference to the subject of matrimony, for he speaks the same pointed and plain testimony concerning it in both Testaments. God has ever looked at the sacred institution of matrimony with a jealous eye. He has given his people commands in reference to it, and expects that they will honor him by complying with his counsels. When they depart from him in this, they depart from his counsel, and disregard his admonitions, and voluntarily choose darkness rather than light. But it is objected by some sister, If I marry this man I can have an influence over him and be a means of his conversion; hence it would be right to do so. 1. If so, then it is right to go contrary to the will of God, and do evil in order that good may abound. Rom. iii, 8, 12. 2. If you cannot influence him to be a Christian before you are married to him, you have no evidence that you can afterward. But say you, He or she promises to be right and faithful after we are married. Yes, and many times a drunkard has promised to be a sober man, that he might deceive and get into his bonds a fair and lovely woman. But when his end was accomplished he disregarded his solemn vows, and returned to his intoxicating draught. I have known of those not in the faith making fair promises to those in present truth to get their consent to matrimony, and as soon as they were married the vow was broken, and thus the one of faith must either give up the truth or live a life of misery and unhappiness. To such as are married we would say, Do not become unmarried, do not separate from your companions. 1 Cor. vii, 10. To the unmarried we would say, In the name of God, O presume not to go beyond the counsel of him who sees your heart. You must love him more than all others, or you never can be saved. If your love for some unbeliever is such that it will lead you to marry him or her contrary to the word of the Lord, remember that you are not worthy of him, and hence not worthy of eternal life. May God bless us with that Spirit which will lead us in his own wise counsels. Spiritualism.
By M. E. Cornell
THE following points were made by Mr. Davenport, a traveling lecturer on spiritualism, in the Court House at West Union, Iowa, to which we replied the following evening. On their bill was the following. "The celebrated Mediums, the Davenport boys, through whom the Harvard Professors of Cambridge College, Mass., and Boston, New York, Chicago, and Milwaukee Editors made their investigation, and whose close scrutiny was baffled and forced by overwhelming evidences given, to admit the reality of the Phenomena." Davenport. There is nothing supernatural, because nothing can be superior to Nature. Nature is God and God is Nature. Reply. On the whole face of nature we behold unmistakable evidence of a designer, or maker. Its vast machinery must have been prepared and set in motion by a being of infinite wisdom and power. This watch had a maker; it did not come by chance, or make itself. Is not the maker superior to the thing made? Is not the author of Nature above all? Davenport. That there is no God but Nature, is the general teaching of Spiritualists. Healing of the Nations page 297, "If God is one, all must be fractional parts of him, and he alone be all." Put all the "fractional parts" together, and you have the whole of their God. These fractional parts are all human beings, and this is an echo of Satan's old lie "Ye shall be as gods." Davenport. A spirit wrestled with Jacob and gave him a physical manifestation to convince him of the immortality of the soul, and lamed him for life. Reply. Jacob refused to let the Angel go until he received the blessing, which according to Mr. D. was, to be "lamed for life!" Surely that would be convincing or blessing a man, with a vengeance! How does Mr. D. know that Jacob was lamed for life? The record says nothing of the kind. The probability is that Jacob was healed in less than twenty-four hours. But the record declares, Gen. xxxii, 30, that Jacob had seen God face to face, which according to Spiritualism was nothing more than the face of a dead man's spirit. This is "Ye shall be as gods", No. 2. Davenport. The prophets received their communications from spirits of the dead and not from deity. Reply. The prophets continually said "Thus saith the Lord." Mr. D. says they received it all from the spirits of the dead, thus exalting human spirits to the position of "Lord." This makes "Ye shall be as gods," No. 3. Davenport. All from Luther down have taught the immortality of the soul. Reply. Martin Luther says "But I permit the pope to make articles of faith for himself and his faithful, such as, the pope is the emperor of the world, and the king of heaven, and God upon earth, the soul is immortal, with all those monstrous opinions to be found in the Roman dunghill of decretals." Defense, prop. 27. Bishop Tillotson in his Sermons printed in 1744, vol. 2, said, "The immortality of the soul is rather supposed, or taken for granted, than expressly revealed in the Bible." Davenport. We can shake hands with loved ones who have gone to heaven, and yet we are called deceivers and liars. Is there anything horrible in the idea that the mother's infant can come back and say, "Dear mother I still live?" Reply. Those who say they shake hands with spirits of the dead, that they come back and say "I still live," are deceivers; for the Bible says, "The dead know not anything." Eccl. ix, 5. And what can be more horrible than to unite with the father of lies, and say "Ye shall not surely die?" Davenport. I once believed what the demon said "He that believeth not shall be damned," and that if I did not do thus and so, he would hurt me down to hell-fire, fox-fire, "camphire" or some other fire. Reply. He once believed the gospel, but now he goes by the spirits. He with others like him, are advertised in the precious Bible. See 1 Tim. iv, 1. "In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." He that can call our blessed Saviour a demon, and thus ridicule his word, must be himself led by the demons. Davenport. If there is a devil why does not Josephus mention having seen him? He was a faithful historian. Reply. The same argument would disprove the existence of God. Shall we deny the existence of God because Josephus never saw him? That which proves too much, proves nothing in the case. Davenport. I suppose the manifestations you will see tonight will be laid to the devil, by some. Though some of you are Universalists, and I am glad there is one class that have no devil to lay it to. Reply. If they believed the Bible, they would see that there is a devil to lay it to, and thus be saved from the awful delusion! "Thy word is truth." Davenport. There are tonight a million of circles. Are there a million of devils? Reply. Yes, many times told. Devils were so plenty eighteen hundred years ago, that a legion were about one noted well developed medium. See Mark v, 2-13. The man in the tombs was a medium for physical manifestation! The record says "he could not be bound with fetters and chains, for the chains had been plucked asunder, and the fetters broken in pieces." When Jesus commanded the spirits to scatter, they asked to go into the herd of two thousand swine, which was permitted. The legion of devils went into the herd, and two thousand mediums were developed at once. Spiritualists should celebrate the anniversary of that memorable day. Demons delight to torment and destroy. So when they could not any longer drive the man into the tombs, or into the wilderness, and influence him to tear his flesh with stones, they went into the hogs and urged them to commit suicide. We read of a place "prepared for the devil and his angels," that the Dragon's "angels" were cast out of heaven with him, and of the "angels which kept not their first estate" &c. These references do not give us the number of fallen angels, but we know they were so many, that when multitudes were possessed, seven could still be spared for Mary Magdalene, and a legion for the man in the tombs. Mr. Davenport asserted that there were now eight millions of Spiritualists in the United States. If each of these has a guardian spirit, there must be at least so many devils at the present time. But, judging from the almost endless variety of contradictory messages received by a single medium, (which they say come from so many different spirits,) we must conclude that there are now thousands, who have each as many devils as the man in the tombs. To confirm the sentiments of Mr. D., the spirits worked some wonders before the audience, which I will briefly describe. They had a large cupboard-like box with folding doors, so that the whole front could be laid open to the audience in a moment. It was high enough for the mediums to walk in erect, with board seats in each end. In the top of one of the doors was an aperture about a foot in diameter, and a black cambric veil hung over it, so as to render the inside perfectly dark when the doors were shut. A violin, tambourine and bell were placed inside. The audience were requested to select two of their number as a committee to bind the mediums. The county clerk and a physician were chosen, and they proceeded to bind the mediums with two hundred feet of rope. They tied the boys' hands behind them, and then put the ends of the rope through holes in the seat, and tied with strong knots on the underside. Their feet were also made fast. Several others went forward to see that they were thoroughly bound. When all were satisfied, the doors were closed, and in an instant a hand was presented through the aperture at the top of the door. Every one in the audience saw the hand. A few strokes were heard on the violin, when the doors were pushed open from the inside. The committee reported that the boys were tied as before. The doors were closed, the hands appeared, and the music played several minutes. All the instruments were used at190once. A loud thumping was heard on all sides of the box, and then the doors opened. The skeptical made more examinations, the doors were shut, the hands appeared for some time, then the bell was thrown out, the ropes were heard rattling against the sides of the box, and in about two minutes the doors opened and the boys walked out. The ropes were then all thrown back, the mediums took their seats, and the doors were closed. A rattling of the ropes was heard, and in about five minutes the doors flew open, and the mediums were found to be so firmly tied that they could not stir hand or foot a single inch. All were astonished to see how wonderfully they were bound. The doors were closed and instantly three hands appeared at once. The instruments were regularly tuned, and the tune called "The Devil's Dream" was played on the different instruments, all keeping perfect time. A loud rapping was heard, and Mr. Davenport announced that the spirits were now ready to shake hands. Several ladies and gentlemen put in their hands and had them shaken by the spirits. They said the hands were a reality. Another examination followed and it was reported that the mediums had not moved. The mediums urged me to go in and be tied with them, and test the matter. I replied that it was unnecessary, as I was already a believer in the reality of the manifestations. It appeared too much like going into the Devil's den. One of the committee went in, and his hands were bound fast to the mediums'. After a few moments the doors were opened and one of the instruments was seen on the committee-man's head. He then reported that he felt hands on his face, head, shoulders, and that the violin floated against his head, and also against the box on all sides. Said he could not see how it could be possible for the mediums to move and he not know it. The doors were closed again and the ropes were heard rattling in the most spiteful manner for about two minutes, and the doors were opened and the spirits were gone. A few of the most skeptical declared that it was all a slight of hand trickery. But what juggler or magician ever invited strong men to tie him hand and foot so that he could not move during his performance? A man that can believe that these mediums united all those ropes, and presented their hands at the top of that door, in a second of time, is more credulous than the Spiritualists themselves. In my review I gave the prophecies concerning such a work, and then explained the character or fruit of Spiritualism as set forth in their own writings. The spirits told one of their mediums to remain here as long as I did, and hold circles, which are now in progress; notwithstanding which, the court house was crowded to overflowing to hear our reply. The whole affair has produced a great excitement, and many have already acknowledged the truth so far as they have heard. Mr. Davenport told me that the spirits of late are continually affirming that in a short time they would have power to appear in bodily form in daylight, and perform far greater wonders. He also stated that the wonders had increased of late, and their cause was advancing faster than ever before. This medium has called to see me three different times, and asked me to give way for him to lecture in the court house. He is a trance speaker. The Bible says, "Give no place to the Devil!" We shall have to wrestle mightily against these "rulers of the darkness of this world," and we must be fortified with the whole armor of God, or we shall not be able to stand. John Selden, was a most erudite Englishman; possessed much antiquarian, historical, and legal knowledge; was master of many languages; and author of works which have filled Europe with his fame; and was possessor of a library of eight thousand volumes. When he lay dying, he said to Archbishop Usher, "I have surveyed most of the learning that is among the sons of men, and my study is filled with books and manuscripts on various subjects; but at present I cannot recollect any passage out of all my books and papers whereon I can rest my soul, save this from the sacred Scriptures: 'The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.'"—Sel. The Life-work of Christians.
By M. W. H.
"And he did not many mighty works there because of unbelief!" May not the humble followers of Jesus, in a measure comprehend the sad recoil of feeling, which called forth these words, while endeavoring to carry out that divine commission, "As the Father has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John xvii, 18. Then the humblest believer has a work to do, even to the end of time, for these words closely follow; "Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also, which shall believe on me through their word;" and we see by this that Jesus makes no distinction but on the contrary affirms, so send I them, "even as the Father hath sent me." Oh, the magnitude of the responsibility which these few words involve: that each is to "serve his generation by the will of God;" that each is to "shine as lights in the world, in the midst of a perverse nation," even to carry out the work that Jesus himself began. Well might all sink down overwhelmed with the inquiry, "Who is sufficient for these things?" but for his own sustaining words, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world." And does not he make good this promise, by "manifesting himself to his own, as he doth not unto the world?" Then may the lowliest and weakest take courage, who aright seeketh to perform his allotted work. Doubtless many there are who mistake their life-work and this perhaps, were as disastrous as to sit with hands folded in indolence. Then too, how many with humble earnest efforts, fail to perform the good they desire; but this may not be proof that they have mistaken their duty; for God may have a discipline to accomplish in permitting them to fail; but in this case, there will be felt his supporting grace, which will more than compensate for the disappointment; "for he suffereth not his children to be tempted above what they are able to bear." But that our work be not mistaken, let each seek to know it, standing reverently, as it were in the presence-chamber of the Most High, saying, Whatever thou requirest of us, that will we do. Nor let duty be to any, a stern, unmusical word; but instead, let each go joyfully bounding to do his master's work, or rather his own life-labor, be it ever so arduous or humble, remembering, "that the young artisan does not bind himself, by firmer articles to do his master's work, than does the indentured Christian bind himself, to the active service of his Divine Master, who himself went about doing good." Then dare any waste the golden moments of life in bringing nothing to pass? Or should any regard it more desirable to enjoy a situation of personal advantage, than a field of usefulness? For does not the toil of action bring its own advantage, in developing the powers which might otherwise be dormant? Yea labor such as this abridges not, but increases our happiness; for "he that watereth shall himself be watered." It has been said, that in the theatre of life it is reserved only for God and angels, to be lookers on; but is this quite true; for are we not told that "angels are all ministering spirits?" And if God has ordained, that the truest enjoyment should flow from the right performance of duty, then each lost opportunity should reprove us, and each remaining one remind us of those which are gone, lest carelessly, we continue to let them slip unimproved to our own and others' benefit. Therefore with heroic independence, let convictions of right be pursued, let others do as they may, all sustaining their mutual relations, without suspicion or pretension. Then may rivalry, fault-finding or discord be done away; but be that as it may, "One self-approving hour whole years out-weighs,
Of stupid starers or of loud huzzas."-Pope.