The Bible, and the Bible alone, the rule of faith and duty.
The Law of God, as taught in the Old and New Testaments, unchangeable.
The Personal Advent of Christ and the Resurrection of the Just, before the Millennium.
The Earth restored to its Eden perfection and glory, the final Inheritance of the Saints.
Immortality alone through Christ, to be given to the Saints at the Resurrection.
OUR POSITION:
Its Trials and Duties Considered.
THE position of those who observe all ten of the commandments of God, as they are given in the Bible, and who are looking for the soon coming of his dear Son from heaven, is indeed bold, and is calculated to separate us from those who love this present world with all its customs, pleasures and follies. Those who observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and see the institution in its sacredness and vast importance, cannot join the mass in reverencing in its stead an institution of man. And if they are expecting the Restorer soon to come and "make all things new;" if they are looking to the bright world to come for their eternal home, and are anticipating its holy joys, and perfect bliss, their love for this poor world, with all its sin, misery and death, must decrease and grow cold. It will be seen at once that the leading doctrines held by us as a people will, if lived out, separate us from an unbelieving world and a popular church.
But what saith the Scriptures relative to the true Church? "Not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because, strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. vii, 13, 21. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John ii, 15. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." John xv, 18, 19.
We might give many more texts to the point, but these are sufficient to show that the true church is separated from the world. It is true that those who are separated from the world and popular professors, are not always the true church: fanaticism and strange doctrines often lead men to exclusive positions. But it is positively true that the true church will not be united with an unbelieving world, and world-loving church.
We occupy a most solemn position. The judgment just before us. The signs of its near approach thicken fast around us. Yet the world and church slumbering. O, what manner of persons ought we to be; and with what zeal should we labor to arouse others. Those who teach the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are engaged in a holy calling. Those who profess to keep them should be holy—should walk softly before the Lord. What can be more holy than the law of the great God, and the faith of his dear Son.
Those who occupy this position may expect severe trials. It has ever been God's plan to try and prove his people; but the Scriptures warrant us to expect29that the "remnant" who "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," in the midst of the perils of the last days, will be called to pass through peculiarly trying scenes. The dragon, the Devil, is wroth, and even now is making war with the remnant. Rev. xii, 17.
From the unbelieving world we have but little or no opposition and trial. They are generally ready to admit that we have the true Sabbath, as all unprejudiced men, who are free from sectarianism, are. It is too plain a case for honest, unprejudiced men to question, after they have heard the evidences in its favor. But there are some slight difficulties arising from acting out our faith, while having to do with men of the world who make no profession of religion.
From the sectarian churches we very often receive opposition of the bitterest cast, though we find among them many honest inquirers after the truth, and a willing mind to obey. Sectarianism prevents the mass from seeing and acknowledging the truth, and the love of this world, with its cold, selfish friendship, hinders many from embracing and keeping the truth. From the churches we feel much more of the dragon’s hate, than from the world.
But from many who profess the Advent faith, we receive the bitterest opposition. Here selfish interests are at stake, which, added to the common antipathy to the true Sabbath, makes their opposition generally most bitter, and in some cases extremely abusive. First-day and no-Sabbath Preachers and Editors may reasonably calculate that their patrons and people will give their influence elsewhere, after embracing the true Sabbath. The Sabbath and Sanctuary questions are so very plain, that the truth has thus far triumphed over all the efforts of our opponents. Here we would give all the glory to God, who has revealed his truth so plainly that the common people may defend it when attacked by the worldly wise.
But those trials which arise among ourselves are the most severe. It is unfortunate for the cause that some men of little or no moral worth, profess the truth, who appear to run well for a while, till those not the most discerning have them in great estimation, and they obtain some influence; then the dragon uses them as his chosen instruments to divide and distract the flock.
Our opponents can do nothing against the truth in meeting us on Bible ground. Their efforts stir up the people to investigate, which results in the conversion of some to the truth, and the advancement of the cause. The dragon chooses to work through professed Sabbath-keepers; for in this way he hopes to keep the brethren divided, occupying precious time in church difficulties. In this way he can most effectually weaken the church, and shut her light out from the world around.
It is not our duty to leave the work of God to contend with unreasonable men. This Satan designs that we shall do, but God has something better for us to attend to. It is our duty to point out and warn the flock to beware of the influence of those who cause divisions, then leave the matter in the hands of God. If a very few are deceived and led astray by them, the honest children of God will soon see them in their true character. They may now delight themselves in the publication of misrepresentations, and falsehoods; but their unbecoming, and even vulgar language employed, shows the taste, judgment and character of the men. Scoffers are delighted with this form of opposition, which evinces that the dragon is in it. These things will open the eyes of the sincere; and those who will not be convinced by these things, after having time for reflection, can be of no service to the church.
Then let us attend to the work to which the Master has called us. In this way we shall disappoint Satan, who intends to keep us busy in these difficulties. As long as we as a people adhere to, and seek to live out the pure doctrines of the Bible, we may expect trials of this kind. The greatest of all trials experienced by the apostle Paul, was “perils among false brethren.” His advice to Timothy in such cases is to the point:—
“Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves: if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Tim. ii, 22–26.
BABYLON IS FALLEN!
By J. H. Waggoner
It is often objected that, in our expositions of the fall of Babylon, we unchristianize the Churches, and, of course, manifest a wonderful lack of charity; but there are many reasons why we consider ourselves warranted in our conclusions. A few of these reasons I propose to notice.
1. The Scriptures teach that in the last days, the mass of professed Christians will be in a fallen condition. See 2 Tim. iii, 1–5. “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” The class here spoken of, who present in their lives such a catalogue of crimes, are neither Heathen, Atheists, nor Infidels, but are professors of religion—“having a form of godliness.” Jesus says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. vii, 22, 23. These were workers of iniquity, although they had prophesied in the name of Jesus, and in his name done many wonderful works. How can these things be? Look back to verse 21, and you will find an explanation. “Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Genuine gospel faith is that which works by love—that connects the commandments of God with the faith of Jesus. Rev. xiv, 12. These workers of iniquity had truly professed faith in Christ, acknowledged him as Lord, but had not done the will of his Father. This is exactly the position of the various religious denominations of the day: while they make great profession of faith in Jesus, they make the commandments of God of none effect by their traditions: they declare that the law of God is changed, relaxed, abolished, &c. These are the “many” professors of godliness; but the class who are approved “in that day,” who will possess the kingdom, are the “little flock.” Luke xii, 32. The Jews were tenacious of the commandments of God, but rejected Christ, and therefore fell. The churches of this age profess faith in Christ, but make void by their traditions the commandments of God. They have been unmindful of the admonitions of the Word, and have boasted against the branches that were broken off, not admitting the possibility that they would be cut off also if they continued not in the goodness of God. Rom. xi, 18, 22.
2. Babylon is said to be fallen, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Rev. xiv, 8. This I understand to be at the period when the fall of the whole family has taken place; and is it not a fact that the daughters are allied to the nations as well as the mother? Look at the voting, office-seeking and office-holding church members; at the chartered churches, by which they have become political incorporations. The Lord directed Israel not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which he would bring them. Ex. xxiii, 32. “Take heed to thyself lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee.” Chap. xxxiv, 12. Has there not been a covenant or agreement made between the churches of this age and “the inhabitants of the land”—the wicked powers of this earth? Are they not yoked together with unbelievers? Have they not fellowship, concord, agreement with unrighteousness? 2 Cor. vi, 14–16. But God says, Come out from among them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you. Verse 17. As their intercourse with the powers of the earth is prohibited, it is of course illicit, as is expressed in the text. Rev. xiv, 8.
3. We judge that they are fallen, from their own statements and admissions. Here I might exhaust the patience of the reader by referring to the admissions of ministers and members, the reports of conference committees and associations, and the statements of religious periodicals. As much matter of this kind has been collected and published, I will only add a few recent testimonies. First, I will offer a declaration made by Henry Ward Beecher, and published in the N. Y. Tribune in the latter part of 1853. He said that soon after the passage of the “Fugitive Slave Law,” three-fourths of all the pulpits of the land were passed over to the service of the devil! (I quote from memory.) Although Mr. Beecher is often strong and severe in his expressions, he is orthodox; and his testimony is so far good. Comment on the statement is quite unnecessary, as it more than equals any thing that has been said by the advocates of the third angel’s message, without making any allowance for the doubtful standing of any before that time, or the falling away of any since.
Another comprehensive testimony is given in the following extract from the report of the Committee on Reforms, of the “Michigan yearly Conference,” published in the True Wesleyan of Nov. 15, 1851:—“The Committee on Reforms ask leave to report: That the popular sentiment, ‘the voice of the people is the voice of God,’ has, in general, been false since man fell from holiness. Popular opinion is commonly wrong—it is the broad way that leadeth to destruction. The church is not only called out of the world proper, but out of nominal christianity, and is to be a peculiar people—‘the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.’ Without her influence the world is lost: reason, philosophy, science, and all the imposing influence of eloquence and wealth in a carnal church cannot save it. The world, commercial, political, and ecclesiastical, are alike, and are together going in the broad way that leads to death. Politics, commerce, and nominal religion all connive at sin, reciprocally aid each other, and unite to crush the poor. Falsehood is unblushingly uttered in the forum and in the pulpit, and sins, that would shock the moral sensibilities of the heathen, go unrebuked in all the great denominations of our land. These churches are like the Jewish church when the Saviour exclaimed, ‘Wo unto you scribes and pharisees, hypocrites.’”30
Arrogant claims of infallibility are as certain evidences of a fallen condition, as the most pointed confession of the fact, while the condition of the claimants is still more hopeless. The following extract from the correspondence of the Christian Guardian, (Wesleyan) Toronto, Canada, March 29, 1854, is about equal to any thing that can be found in the writings of the “mother church.”—“Methodists may backslide, apostatize, and unite themselves with false systems, but no false system has ever grown out of Methodism. This, to my mind, is a strong proof that she has the truth without any mixture of error. There is not a seed of error which legitimately belongs to her.”
4. A proof of their fallen condition is found in their habitual violation of the plainest principles of morality, even though they endorse them in their creeds. I would cite as an instance (I might cite many) the action of the recent Sabbath convention held in Chicago, Ill., May 17, 1854, as compared with the practice of the churches of which it was the exponent. The first resolution of that convention is as follows:—
“Resolved. That this Convention regard the holy rest of the Sabbath as a divine and perpetual obligation binding on us, and on all men as truly as any other commandment in the decalogue.”
The expression, “as truly as any other commandment in the decalogue,” shows that they refer to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment: no other commandment in the decalogue enjoins the keeping of the Sabbath; but the fourth commandment enjoins the observance of no other day as a Sabbath than the seventh day; therefore they acknowledge the obligation to keep the seventh day; but all know full well that they do not observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, but keep the first day of the week in its stead; and one of the speakers urged for a “remonstrance against Sunday trains and Sunday labor.” Now read the following extract from the address of that convention, and witness how severely, but justly, they condemn themselves:—
“As each of God’s commandments rests upon all his authority, those who dispense with the Sabbath, set aside all the authority of God on which the whole decalogue rests. Henceforth such men do not obey God at all. The rules of their churches may bind them to religious observances; education, habit, and a sense of their interests, may keep them to conventional decencies; but like children who always act from policy, and never from obedience to parents, their hearts are stripped of all those influences which bind and bow their wills to their Father who is in heaven. Their religion thenceforth becomes a mere expedient to get to heaven by—mercenary in its motives, various in its morality, and the very fear of God is with them taught by the precepts of men!”
In the light of the address of this convention, what an alarming state of things do we behold in the land. What an awful scene is presented by a multitude of churches of high professions, who have “set aside all the authority of God on which the whole decalogue rests,” by trampling down the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and the almost innumerable train of other denominations, all stand condemned as unchristian bodies by the above just application of a plain rule of judgment. Servant of God! can you longer remain where so much irreligion and impiety bears the name of christianity?
5. They have left the word of the Lord which is sufficient “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” and have substituted denominational standards, articles, creeds, or confessions of faith, and disciplines, for doctrine, reproof, and correction, and adopted almost every thing but the Bible for instruction. See what learning is required of theological students in every thing but plain Bible truth. Thus they deal treacherously with the Lord, and make “men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things that have no ruler over them. They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag; therefore they rejoice and are glad. Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.” Hab. i, 15–16.
It is a fact that cannot be denied, that these churches have adopted these articles, or creeds, as their idea of just standards of Christian character; but are they such in fact? Let us examine the point. Amongst these churches which acknowledge each other as Christian, there is a great difference in their creeds, some discarding facts which others deem essential; and if the disputed points are essential, we have to compromise some essential truths in order to recognize them all as Christian bodies. But truth has nothing to gain by compromises; and we, as the guardians of the truth committed to us, have no right to make them: error has nothing to lose; and therefore the advocates of error can afford to compromise. Now if all these bodies are Christian, then one can be so without conforming to the peculiarities or tenets of another; if so, then these tenets and peculiarities are not essential to the formation of Christian character. Thus we see that their faith and practice is not necessarily indicative of a Christian. But if, on the other hand, the faith and practice of any one of them is a correct standard of Christian character, then why acknowledge those as Christians who do not conform to such faith and practice? Has the way ceased to be straight and narrow? or are there a multitude of ways leading to life? An Apostle speaking of false teachers, says: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways, [plural,] by reason of whom the way [singular,] of truth shall be evil spoken of.” 2 Pet. ii, 2. Truth is a unit: it points out one way. Error is legion: its ways are many; and so are the creeds and standards of these churches.
But it is said we are uncharitable toward them inasmuch as they are sincere and conscientious in their systems and manners of worship. But is this the rule by which we are to be governed? Are we to regard all as right who appear to be sincere? The Jew is, for aught I know, or any one can prove to the contrary, as truly sincere as the Christian; is he therefore as acceptable to God? If he is, then the preaching of the cross of Christ is vain. The Catholic is as conscientious as the Protestant, even though he may labor under a stronger deception, and the Pagan is as devoted and self-sacrificing as either. Are they all, therefore, equally right? It is the duty of all to answer a “good conscience” toward God; and a good conscience is one which is enlightened by the word of God, and has a sensibility in regard to its teachings. I can acknowledge no standard of judgment but the word of God: I know of no other. For any to set up a claim for conscientiousness or sincerity, they must convince us that they are doing the very best they can, under the circumstances; not only according to the light of the truth they acknowledge or possess, but to what they have the opportunity of obtaining. He who neglects or refuses to hear the gospel is reprehensible as well as he who hears and disregards it. That the churches neither believe nor do right, is evident, or they would believe and do alike; as there can be but one right way. Then we inquire, Can they do better? I think they can, as they have the Bible, which plainly teaches the right way; therefore if they do the best they can, then the Bible is proved to be insufficient as a rule of faith and practice; but that cannot be so; for Paul says it will make the man of God perfect, and thoroughly furnish him unto all good works. Thus the fault rests upon the churches because they do not give heed to its teachings.
6. They require the practice of sin as a condition of membership. Sin is the transgression of the law, and nearly all of the denominations of the day will not admit those to their fellowship who keep the law of God. Can they be Christian bodies? Many of their associations, conventions, sermons and disciplines, affirm positively that the law of God is of universal and perpetual obligation; yet they not only transgress it themselves, “but have pleasure in them that do” so. Truly they have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. “They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him.” Titus i, 16.
If such bodies are not considered as having filled up the cup of their iniquity, it is only because of the great forbearance and long suffering of God, who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. A little space is left them to repent, but Satan is working powerfully to keep their minds enshrouded in error; and as they do not believe the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness, it is only to be expected that they will soon, as a body, give “heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” Yes, already these spirits are working their way into the churches. Almost every day brings tidings of conquests that they have made of ministers and members, sometimes a whole church, pastor and people together. Many ministers of note are favorable, some already have become prominent mediums. It only remains for them to endorse them in their associations and conferences, in the capacity of organizations, and then Babylon appears in her last phase, ripe for destruction. Then she will have “become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Happy will they be who have faith in God’s word, and hear the warning to come out of her that they be not partakers of her sins and receive not of her plagues.
Markesan, Wis., Aug. 7th, 1854.
Communication from Bro. Holt.
By George W. Holt
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is evident that the cause of truth is rising and increasing in interest in the state of Vermont. The brethren have entered into the work of spreading the light of truth before the world in the best possible way that could be adopted under the present existing circumstances. The church have taken hold of the enterprise understandingly and with courage. The Lord is blessing their efforts; the church is rising, and the word of God taking effect.
I left immediately after the Johnson meeting for my appointment west. I called to see some lonely ones on my way that were striving to obey God in keeping all the commandments revealed in the scriptures of truth. The Review is a welcome messenger to such. One sister said, "All the meeting I have is reading the Review." We had a very interesting meeting in Milton; and I trust one of profit. The meeting was held in a school-house where all the brethren, save one, in that vicinity were present on the Sabbath, to commemorate the works of creation by keeping the Rest-day of Jehovah according to the fourth commandment. Several were out on the Sabbath, and more on First-day to hear the reasons of our faith, who listened with apparent interest. Some acknowledged that every objection was removed but the cross. I expect them to remove that objection as soon as possible. May the Lord help them to move out in obedience to all the commandments.
In Devereaux, I saw two sisters, the only ones that31keep the Sabbath in that vicinity. They were steadfast in the truth. At West Winfield, we had an interesting interview with the friends of truth. Three have been added to the number of Sabbath-keepers since I was there last Winter. We had quite a congregation out to hear at North Brookfield. There is an increasing interest in that place. One more has recently commenced to keep the Sabbath. The church in that place remain firm and steadfast in all the present truth, and are doing what they can to promote the cause.
I returned home in good health and spirits, and found my family enjoying the same blessings. The church of God in this place are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. I have visited some of the friends in Verona, and found them firm and steadfast in the truths we advocate. I feel grateful to the friends in Vermont for the kind attention they gave me during my sickness and the aid which I received from them, and others on the way, for my temporal necessities and to help me on my journey after a godly sort.
Yours seeking for eternal life, G. W. HOLT.
Tent Meeting at Battle Creek, Mich.
By M. E. Cornell; John Norton Loughborough
This meeting closed leaving a good impression upon the minds of some who listened with candor and interest to the word spoken. We think some prejudice was removed and several convinced that we have the truth. How many will keep the commandments remains to be seen hereafter. Peace and harmony prevailed during the meeting. The saints gathered at this meeting were comforted and seemed to be encouraged to press forward. And we hope they will especially strive for the unity of the faith. Union, O how important in this day of perils! We would say to the churches in Battle Creek and Bedford, and all the churches, Be free! Arise in Jesus’ name, and put on the whole armor. Let your conversation be in heaven. Our King is coming! “Don’t talk about trials here below.” It darkens the mind and brings coldness and indifference. Satan will manufacture trials, if we will spend our time to talk about them. O let us lay aside every weight, and give no place to the Devil!
Remember that Christ is coming. No chance for doubts now. The last sign is now rapidly fulfilling. Don’t forget it.
M. E. CORNELL.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Jackson, Aug. 31st, 1854.
A Prosperous Sabbath-Keeping Church
By David Upson
From Bro. Upson.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I still feel a deep interest in the Review. In keeping the commandments there is great reward. The little church of Sabbath-keepers in Catlin now seem to be in a prosperous situation. We hold our meetings every Sabbath. God meets with us by his Holy Spirit, and makes our meetings blessed and interesting. Glory to his name for the dispensation of his grace through Jesus Christ. I feel grateful to God for the light of the third angel's message, and of the truth as it is in Jesus, and that he has given four of my family to go with me. I still hope and pray that he will bring the rest to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, whom to know aright is life eternal. I feel that we as a people, have reason to be grateful to God for what he has done for us, in showing us the present truth and giving us hearts to obey it.
Yours patiently waiting, DAVID UPSON.
Catlin, Aug., 22nd, 1854.
Extract of Letters.
Bro. J. Hart writes from Champlain, N. Y., Aug. 25th, 1854:—"A number have come into the truth. Prejudice has given way, and the way is preparing. My heart is encouraged. I think it is time to work. I feel like taking hold of the work in earnest."
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Jno. P. Rathbun
From Bro. Rathbun.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—When I think of the goodness of God to me, I am led to exclaim, How boundless his goodness, and his mercy to me, in bringing me to an understanding of the third angel's message ! The Review comes to me, a welcome messenger. The truths therein contained, inspire in me an anxious desire that those around me may hear the same important truths that I have heard ; but how shall they hear, unless some of the brethren, comply with the urgent requests made to them from time to time ? My earnest prayer is that some of the messengers may yet see the way open for them to come to this community, to present the present truth to the people, and endeavor to beseech them to become reconciled to God.
I am very glad to meet occasionally with those that keep the commandments of God, although we have to go twelve miles to do so. It rejoices my heart to hear of the spread of truth in many places.
I hope soon to have an abundant entrance through the gates into the city of the living God, where I may meet all the dear saints, and unite with them in praise forever.
Your brother looking for the coming of the Lord.
JNO. P. RATHBUN.
Burns, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Aug. 4th, 1854.
OBITUARY.
By D. P. Hall
DIED of Consumption, August 12th, 1854, in the town of El Do Rado, Fond du Lac Co., Wisconsin, Elizabeth, wife of T. R. Sheldon, aged 32 years 1 month and 24 days.
Sister Sheldon was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, about nine years. She embraced the Advent faith nearly one year ago; since which time she has been a consistent and faithful observer of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Her sickness was lingering and painful, and yet a murmur was never heard to escape her lips. She died firm in faith and bright in hope. Expressing among her last words, her firm conviction in the truth of the Advent faith, and her expectation of sleeping in the grave awaiting the coming of Jesus, and the resurrection from the dead to immortality and eternal life. She has left a husband, two children, and a circle of warm friends to mourn her loss.
She now is sweetly sleeping,
From all her cares at rest,
While friends around are weeping,
She is divinely blessed.
Away from Satan's tempting snare,
Her faith's no longer tried:
In Jesus she is sleeping there;
For in bright hope she died.
The Lord descending from on high,
The archangel's trump will sound,
And all the faithful dead arise,
From out the opening ground.
The Lord in glorious form behold,
His shining face will see,
Receive their dazzling crowns of gold,
And immortality.
D. P. HALL.
Rosendale, Fond du Lac Co., Wis.
The Blood of Christ Cleansing from all Sin.
THERE is a very beautiful figure in the prophecies of Zechariah, which will explain how our Lord takes away our sins, and cleanses us from all sin. "In that day," says the prophet, "there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David for sin and for uncleanness." Christ is here represented as a pure stream, which flows, as it were, through the conscience and heart of all who obey him, taking away all spiritual defilement, and purifying the whole inner man. Our Lord does not merely take away, or cleanse us from the guilt of sin, for this he does as the proclaimer of Divine mercy which freely forgives every repenting sinner. Christ does more than this—he destroys the very existence of sin as a principle within us, as a fountain of pure water washes away all material defilement. Thus the apostle Paul says that Christ "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." But it may be asked, "How does Christ cleanse us inwardly from all sin, in his own blood?" This is capable of a very simple and natural explanation. One great purpose of our Lord's coming into our world, was to effect our personal reformation—to create within us new hearts and right spirits. This he did by bidding us banish all sense of guilt and fear of punishment, because he had "power on earth to forgive sins," where there is sincere repentance; also by teaching us what we should do, and be; and further, by setting us, in his own life, a perfect example of spiritual excellence and beauty. In fulfilling this holy and merciful work he lost his life, being put to a violent and ignominious death. As therefore to cleanse us from sin cost him the shedding of his own blood, it can be said with the greatest propriety, that Christ hath cleansed us from all sin in his own blood. There is also another and very natural sense in which we may understand this and kindred figures of speech. Christ having shed his blood in this work of mercy in our behalf, his blood-shedding, or death, or cross on which he suffered, excites our deepest sense of gratitude, and stimulates us to love and obey him. His blood thus becomes a grand impulsive motive to the entire dedication of ourselves to him; for we feel that "herein is love," because "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." In these two senses the propriety of those expressions of Scripture is evident, and we can understand what the elder meant when he said to John, concerning the vision of the gathered and glorified Church—"These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;" for the white robes, so washed, is "the righteousness of saints." Rev. xix, 8. In such a view of the mission of Christ, we can unite with intelligent gratitude in giving glory "unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."—English Christian Examiner.
Christian Comfort in Christ
By Thomas Cole
"We cannot begin to lead a holy life, till we first look to Christ for pardon of sin." Luke i, 74, 75.
"Repentance is the greatest honor next to innocence." 2 Cor. vii, 12.
"The comfort of a Christian lieth not in his own fullness, but in Christ's." John i, 16; Phil. iv, 13.
Thomas Cole.
Green’s Rejection of Spiritualism
By C. Green
From Bro. Green.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—My mind is often brought to bear on my past life and the position I then held in regard to my Maker. I had always supposed that the doctrine of the immortality of the soul of man was true. Considering it to be thus I was a fit subject for the delusions of Satan. Supposing the spirit of man to exist after death, I could see no inconsistency in communicating with the supposed departed spirits. In order to investigate the subject I become a medium. Several questions were asked. The answers were given, most of which were false. This led me to another way for proof. I was led by the Spirit of God (as I trust) to the sure word of prophecy. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. I read the "Signs of the Times," and from what I have heard and my own experience, I found there was no light in them. I saw by the Bible that the dead know not anything; while these spirits purport to be the departed dead: how absurd!
But when I saw these things, I found myself in a sad situation. I saw that I was a sinner in the sight of God. Consider my anguish. I found that I was breaking most if not all of God's commandments, at heart if not openly, and especially the fourth. I saw what I must do. A penalty was attached to disobedience, a reward to obedience. It was hard for me to give up the world, and still harder to overcome Satan, and be branded as a Sabbatarian, a Millerite, &c. But thanks be to God through the grace of our Lord and Saviour, I overcame the first test. It is no longer a task to serve the Lord, and to deny myself the pleasures of this world. O no! I pray rather that I may suffer for Jesus' sake. Myself and companion are now trying to keep all the commandments; and it is my prayer to God that we may keep them in their purity. A goodly number have come out in the truth here. Our meetings are interesting, and I hope they will continue so till Christ shall come to take us all home to that glorious meeting where we shall sing praises to our great Deliverer forever and ever.
Yours in love of the present truth.
C. GREEN.
Hebron, Wis., Aug. 24th, 1854.
H. N. S
By H. N. S.
DIED in Paris, Me., Aug. 1st, of Consumption, Sister Harriet A. Hastings, daughter of Bro. Leonard Hastings, of New Ipswich, N. H., in the 21st year of her age.
In early life, she sought and found the Saviour, and the doctrine of his soon coming was a most joyful one to her. She loved to anticipate the joys of heaven, and talk of the beauties of the earth made new; and earnestly did she long for that glorious time when the saints will all meet to share those joys and part no more forever.
About the 1st of November last, she was attacked with the Typhoid fever, and many long weeks of suffering succeeded. In the Spring, having partially regained her health, she left home for this place, hoping to be benefited by the journey. A short extract from a letter written about this time, will express the state of her mind. She says:—"If ever I longed for home, it is now. I am weary and tired of earth. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My trust, I think is wholly in the Lord. O, he is indeed precious to my soul." She arrived May 10th, having tarried some weeks by the way. From this time she failed steadily and was never able to return to her father's family.
During her last illness, which she bore with great patience, she was sustained and comforted by the Christian's hope, and entered the valley and shadow of death fearing no evil. With her dying breath she dictated messages of mingled exhortation and consolation to each member of the absent family. Very sweetly she thanked us for our love, and joyfully assured us that she should sleep but a little while, and we should be re-united soon. The prospect of eternal life grew brighter as death approached, and with the fullest confidence that all was well, this dear one went to rest.
By this Providence, a circle of deeply afflicted younger brothers and sisters, together with their bereaved father, are called the second time to mourn. But they are comforted in view of the near approach of that joyful hour when those dear departed ones shall be restored to them again beyond the power of the enemy.
Thrice blessed hope! the dying saint to cheer,
And beam in gladness from the closing eye;
Thrice blessed hope! to dry the mourner's tear,
And point to pleasures that can never die.
Hope of re-union in the promised land,
Where all these farewells and these tears are o'er;
Look up! dear children, on that deathless strand,
Mother and sister are thine own once more.