"THERE shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the creation." 2 Pet. iii, 3, 4. That all things continue as they were from the creation is the assertion of those who in their darkness are inquiring for a promise of Christ's coming. The proposition which we affirm is that all things do not continue as they were. There is no standing still. All things are moving on; and they who assert to the contrary only add falsehood to their mockery.
Things do not continue as they were. This is a great fact upon which we may surely depend. Day after day adds to its strength by additional testimony, and every new development reveals more clearly the approach of the great day, and lessens the ground which people might before imagine they had for the inquiry, Where is the promise of his coming? Gliding unconsciously along with the current, the people of the world may not perceive, without special observation, the rapidity with which matters are progressing; but as we see that the hands of a clock have moved, though we do not see them move, and as we can easily note how far a plant has grown, though we do not see it grow, so can any people, will they but give the subject their attention, easily perceive, yea, and be astonished at, the depth to which the world has suddenly fallen in every religious virtue.
Things have not continued as they were. There has been a change. And before our faith can waver, this fact must be broken down. Upon this, a basis which time has already wrought for us, we may plant our feet. There has been a change. The change is working still. It is working in just such a manner as the Scriptures describe. Have we not faith to believe also that the results will be such as the Scriptures point us to?
Bear these facts in mind, while we bring forward some testimony which illustrates our position; testimony by which, from some few points the vail is lifted, and we behold things as they are.
Spiritualism we have frequently shown to be a delusion of the last days, a special precursor of the consummation. Of the recent impulse which that move has taken, the Spiritual Telegraph says:
"Its march from the first has been marked by alternate periods of culmination and quiescence. If, six and nine months ago, this reform of reforms and development of developments, was comparatively at rest, it was only that it might gather strength for still wider conquests. The present Winter, and the present time, show the roll of an onward wave, deeper, broader, higher and mightier, than ever before. All men, so to speak, are compelled to stop and ponder. The priest and layman, the merchant, the mechanic—every class and grade of life, have had their attention arrested, and have paused to examine and inquire. 'I know of no family in New York,' observed a prominent citizen, the other day, 'that is not interested in Spiritualism.'
"Out of New York, it is substantially the same. In Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other places near and far, comprising essentially the area of the United States, the swelling flood has been noted; a 'revival' among Spiritualists has occurred. . . ."
"Of Boston, a correspondent of the Tribune says, that the believers in modern Spiritualism in that city, 'are already respectable in numbers, far above mediocrity in talent, and are found among the most exclusive circles of our upper and literary classes.' In addition to this, according to the same authority, many men, 'influential in the church, in political life, in literature and business,' are secret believers in the new faith; while others, like Festus, are 'half persuaded' and send for some Apostle of the new doctrine, or like Nicodemus by night, to 'whisper their belief, and ask, How these things can be?' The Spiritualists in Boston, says this writer, are estimated on reliable authority at 25,000."
"The churches are making up their minds that a Spiritualist may even be a Christian."
"But the striking advance of our cause within the last few months, of which we have made mention, has by no means been confined to our own country in its sweep, even to the far South and the Pacific. . . . We recently announced the establishment of a journal at Caracas—El Espiritualista—for the dissemination of the new doctrines."
"Europe shares in the outpouring to a still greater extent. England, Scotland, France, Germany and Switzerland, at least, have more or less spiritual publications. A journal of the new faith has recently been started at Geneva, the venerable mother of Protestant dogmatic theology; and many ardent workers, and multitudes of believers in the higher as well as the lower ranks of life, are to be found on every part of the continent."
In the same catalogue with the above, and spoken of in the same strain, are "Asia, Japan, Africa, the Indian and the Pacific Isles." They shall go forth to the kings of the earth, says the prophecy.
But there is another class of people connected with this subject. Another prophecy states that great Babylon, the city of confusion, is become the habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit, the cage of hateful birds. As the churches at first very generally took a stand against Spiritualism, this has been looked upon by many as an improbable result. But as the teachings of the churches, concerning man in death and the immortality of the soul, are the main bulwark of the Spiritual faith, so the members of these churches to maintain their consistency unless they change their views, must acknowledge the results of their teaching and enroll themselves in the ranks of Spiritualists. A fact to prove that this is now fulfilling. We will quote again from the same Telegraph. A lecturer writing from Vermont, speaking of the advance that Spiritualism has made in that State since its first introduction there, scarcely five years ago, says:
"Thus Spiritualism has advanced, and thus has fallen the opposition, until, in Vermont alone, seventy churches (built by, or embracing, nearly all of our sects) have been opened for the use of Spiritualists. Here is a fact which eloquently pleads the Divinity of Spiritualism, while it sternly asserts the inferiority of dogmatism. The writer has cause to remember when the first effort was made to open a meeting-house in Vermont, for Spiritualism, as that effort was made to allow him, for the first time, to stand before an audience to be influenced by spirits. The attempt failed. . . . But to return to the general fact, the writer humbly admits that he can hardly explain why seventy churches have been opened; he can only cite the power of the spirit; he will not be deemed assuming or excited when he claims that his knowledge of these things is certain. After traveling in nearly all parts of the State, and meeting with thousands of intelligent men and women, and occupying (by invitation) more than sixty of the seventy desks, he must know something of the condition of his State."
But the spread of this crowning deception is not the only aspect of the times. A general declension in the last days is the repeated declaration of prophecy—a declension to such a degree that it may finally be said that "the whole world lieth in wickedness; or, in the arms of the wicked one. 1 John v, 19. Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse."
Says the Hornellsville Times, "The records of the past have never presented a more fearful and corrupt state of society than now exists throughout most parts of the United States. The newspapers from every quarter are becoming more and more loaded with the records of crime, and it would seem as though Satan had actually been let loose for a little season, and was improving his liberty."
The New York Chronicle speaking of crime in that city, says:
"Never was crime more rampant than now. Garroting, burglary, stabbing, fraud, lewdness, forgery, embezzlement, and every imaginable form of wrong, cruelty, and murder meet us at every turn. The morning and evening journals are encumbered with disgusting details. Police has become impotent. Indeed crime enters the sanctuary of law and presides on the bench of justice. Rulers have lost the public respect and confidence. Wrong-doers laugh them in the face, and chuckle over the imbecility and wickedness which are set to preserve the public order. There is no such respect for rulers as was felt in the earlier years of our city. Our doors are entered, and our halls stripped of hats, cloaks and furs; our necks are grappled, or our voices stifled as we pass along the streets while our pockets are relieved of their contents; and it has come to pass that a man who walks out at night feels himself surrounded by robber hands just ready to pounce upon him with fatal results to limb and life."
No, brethren, all things have not continued as they were. The word of God is fulfilling before us. Many, many, are the signs of his coming.
"Clouds of darkness gathering o'er us, awful tidings with them bear,
Scenes of misery spread before us—rumors reaching us from far—
All in one loud piercing chorus, tell us that the end is near."
THE 2300 DAYS.
By Editor
What takes Place when they Terminate?
It has appeared to us not a little strange that on a subject claiming so much attention as this has, so little thought should apparently be bestowed by some upon the question above proposed. All are fast being driven to some definite conclusion on this question; and we hope that after a little, there will be less wild and reckless speculation in regard to it, than there has been for some time past.
Two points, the seventh and the twentieth of Artaxerxes, are the only ones which can be taken for the commencement of this period. And since it terminated in 1844, as it would, commencing in the seventh of Artaxerxes, 457 B. C., for which we think there is abundant evidence, every year has been more or less prolific of new points set for its termination. As point after point has passed, the matter has been extenuated and extenuated, upon every imaginable ground that human ingenuity could invent, till now the most distant point, the present year, to which it can possibly extend, has been reached, and we wait to see, when this is past, where their landing point will be.
But what has been the cause of all these efforts to prolong the days? Simply this: It is assumed (for we must consider it entirely an assumption) that the Lord must come at the end of the days. When therefore the time in 1844, to which the mass of testimony pointed as the termination of that period, and on which all Adventists were agreed up to that date, passed by, it followed that if the prophecy located the appearing of the Saviour in the clouds of heaven at the end of those days, they had not then ended.
Upon this ground but two positions then remained to be taken: either to give up the movement as a delusion, or to extend the days still further into the future. The Advent Herald, perceiving that there was no testimony, historical or scriptural, by which they could be shown to reach beyond the Fall of '44, provided they commenced with the seventy weeks of Dan. ix, simply detached them from that period, (by which alone we have any clue to their commencement,) and set them adrift; and it has prudently refrained since then from assigning any date for their termination: designing apparently to wait until time shall bring us unmistakably to their close, when we can readily, if curiosity so prompt us, calculate when they commenced. This is one way of prolonging the days.
But there is another class to which we more especially refer, who have been more consistent in one thing; namely, in not endeavoring to separate the seventy weeks from the 2300 days, but less consistent in another; and that is, in endeavoring to remove the starting point, so as to bring their termination to some point in the future. To this course the Crisis still adheres; although it is evident from the spirit of its articles, that the writers themselves have but very little faith in their own positions, and fail to inspire any in others. Such expressions as this, "If they do not end this Spring, I expect they will in the Fall," betray an utter lack of confidence in the minds of those who make them, and show that they are groping their way through a labyrinth of mere conjecture and uncertainty.5
Point after point, as we have said, has been set, and passed; but their advocates, nothing daunted by their passing, which shows again that they put no great faith in their own teaching, have been ready to gad about and set another. To such an extent has this been carried that we can look upon it in no other light than mere trifling with the prophetic scriptures. Against such a course, we enter our solemn protest. What is, what must be, its effect, upon the community at large? Most disastrous! The Advent movement in the eyes of the people is turned into a mere farce! Their confidence is destroyed in anything that teaches the near coming of Christ; and their ears are closed from perhaps ever hearing the truth on this subject, wherever it may lie. Men should, at least, pause and seriously consider before rushing headlong in a course leading to such results as these, the effects of which may be for eternity. Again we protest against it.
But what should have been done? We answer that the movements which we have been considering, and the confusion that has arisen on this subject since 1844, need not, and we honestly think would not, have taken place, if candid attention had been given to the question proposed at the head of this article.
What are we to expect at the end of the prophetic period of the 2300 days? Is it said that the Lord shall then come? We answer, No. But it is said. The prophecy reads that then the Sanctuary shall be cleansed. Very well, we believe it; but wherein does this prove that the Lord will then appear the second time? It is answered. The earth is the Sanctuary, it is to be cleansed by fire, and that takes place at the coming of Christ. To these assertions we object. The earth, we know is to be purified by fire, but when does this take place? Peter tells us that it is reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. When does the perdition of ungodly men come? Answer. At the second resurrection, 1000 years from the first. Rev. xx. We aver therefore that the renovation of the earth by fire will not take place at the second coming of Christ, but 1000 years after; and hence it has no connection with the 2300 days.
But here is not the root of the difficulty. This lies, we think, in considering the earth, or any part of it, the Sanctuary. Where is the testimony that the earth is the Sanctuary? The definition of the word, and its usage throughout the Scriptures, forbid such an application; for of the 146 times that the word occurs in the Bible, it is not once applied to the earth. Only two or three texts are ever urged with any confidence as applying to the land of Canaan; but these upon a moment's consideration will be seen to harmonize with the other passages, which almost uniformly refer to the typical tabernacle on the earth, or to the true Sanctuary pitched not by man, of which the former was but a figure or pattern.
We do not design to enter here into any particular argument on the Sanctuary. It is sufficient for our purpose in this article to deny positively the correctness of that theory which would make it the earth or any part of it. We wish all adherents to that view, whose eyes may fall upon these lines, to know that their belief is here called in question and denied; and we would respectfully request them to consider this a sufficient reason for a careful and thorough re-examination of the subject on their part. The truth is what we all want; for error will benefit none of us; and the truth, carefully and scripturally sought after, may be learned; for the wise shall understand. We have heretofore called upon that class of Advent believers called Timeists, for their evidence that the Lord would appear at the end of the 2300 days. We have not seen it presented. Again we put the question, What do you expect to transpire when the days end? The Lord will not then come: there is no such promise. But another work entirely is there located; namely, then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed. And, we repeat, could it be shown that the period extends to the present year, you are doomed to disappointment, if you embrace in your expectations the coming of the Lord.
The present year will soon be past. What position will you then take? Will you disconnect the seventy weeks and 2300 days, as the Herald has done? or will you admit that the prophecy contemplates another event than that which you have expected? If the latter, you will doubtless be willing to go back, and admit its termination where the weight of evidence conspires to place it—in the seventh Jewish month of 1844.
We cannot admit that any prophecy has failed, or that the great movement on the Advent doctrine in the past, was not in the main correct. We believe rather that according to the word of God, the cleansing of the Sanctuary there commenced; that the closing work of our great High Priest in the tabernacle above for the salvation of men, has since then been going on, and will soon be closed up forever. We know that many do not credit, and some are disposed to ridicule, the idea of a Sanctuary in heaven; but we see not how any can thus regard the subject after an intelligent reading of the books of Leviticus and Hebrews; after beholding the earthly tabernacle which is expressly declared to be a figure of the true, and after studying the work of the priests on earth, who, as the Apostle tells us, ministered unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. Heb. viii. By this we are brought down into the "little while," during which we are admonished by the Apostle to have patience; for, says he, he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. By this alone can the prophetic word be harmonized, and the past explained. This establishes the present, and flashes its glorious light into the future.
MOVING WEST.
By James White
For some time past we have been thinking of saying something on the subject of Eastern brethren moving to the West; but have hesitated, fearing that we should not do the subject justice. But as it has, in our opinion, become a matter of considerable importance, we venture. It has become important, because of the great work to be done in the West, the few laborers there, and experienced Eastern brethren are much needed. Also there is danger of some going West who have no duty there, who may suffer privations and much loss, hence the true object, or objects of going West should be considered.
The great object before true believers in the speedy coming of Christ in going West, will be to lead souls to an understanding of Bible truth, and to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.
Another object in moving West to those inclined to consumption, is to enjoy the longer mild season of the year, the less changeable weather, and the dryer atmosphere west of the lakes. But let them not wait till it is too late to recover.
Poor mechanics may do well in the West; but, generally, the poor who move to the West to purchase lands, are disappointed in the prices of lands, the cost of fences and buildings, and the breaking up of lands. They cost more than they expected. It will take such, with good prosperity, several years to become in comfortable circumstances, free from debt. During this time they are doomed to hard labor, and some, at least, privations. They cannot help advance the cause, for all they can do is to pay their debts for lands, &c. And all the while they are laying up treasures on earth. Here is a snare they will do well to shun. But the greatest danger is before our brethren who go West at this late hour, with means to purchase largely of the productive lands of the West. We cannot see how any brother can do it without losing his faith in the present truth. This is not the time to buy largely, but, rather, to sell.
But that God has called some to move to the West who have means, experience and talent to use in his cause, we have no doubt. That such have been greatly in danger of not fulfilling their mission, is evident. God grant that they may lead off, like men that wait for their Lord from heaven, and set an example to those who join the ranks there.
We would say to those in the East, who have toiled year after year to pull a very few souls out of the fire, that the same efforts in the West, or even here in Michigan, would convert twenty to the truth, where you have seen one conversion. We may say that there are almost daily conversions to the Bible Sabbath in towns around us; and even in this village eight or ten precious souls have joined us within a few weeks. Some of our best prayer-meetings are part in English and part in French. Two whole families, and a part of another, of the French Baptists, who are our nearest neighbors, are Sabbath-keepers. Wherever you may go, the people want to hear, and many are ready to obey. If you can feel the approbation of the great Shepherd of the sheep, to come to this field of labor, in Michigan and the West, come. Here is work enough to do. We have labored in the East and in the West, and speak the things we know. And no consideration whatever, excepting a sense of positive duty, could induce us at present to labor on the gospel-hardened shores of New England, while so much can be done in the wide West. Help is needed, and those who have had the courage to breast the storm, and the patience to toil on to accomplish so little as has been done in the East, are the help that is wanted. Let all move in the counsel of God.
J. W.
Report of Meetings.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH : Since the conference at Battle Creek I have been holding meetings in several places, and can truly say the Lord has worked for the glory of his name. At Monterey I gave five discourses to large audiences with good effect. Some more acknowledged the truth, and others are searching to see if these things are so. The social and prayer meetings were full of interest: the solemn and spirited testimonies showing that the truth was getting hold of the heart. Much depends upon the daily walk of the church in Monterey. May the Lord help them to heed Matt. v, 16.
From this place Bro. Charles Jones of Monterey accompanied me, as I went on to fill my appointments, and has helped me much in the work, by counsel, faith, and exhortations.
We held one meeting in Trowbridge at the house of Bro. Curtis. The church there appear to be determined to overcome. The Lord help them to persevere and pay their solemn vows.
Our next meeting was with the church in Watson, in the evenings of Fourth and Fifth-days. A meeting was held in the day-time also, and after a discourse on the gospel and baptism, eight were baptized. We believe the testimony at the school-house, and the solemn scene at the water, has favorably impressed many minds. This young church is greatly encouraged, and we hope they will make earnest endeavors to learn, and humbly obey the whole truth.
According to appointment in Review we met with the church in Bowne, Sabbath, April 25th, and continued until Third-day, April 28th. The meetings on Sabbath and First-day were very solemn and interesting; hearty confessions of wrongs were made, and sweet union and confidence restored. After the discourse on Second-day, seven were buried with Christ in baptism. The discourse on the relation existing between the law and gospel, was listened to by many with deep interest, and the scene at the water was truly affecting.
After the baptism, many repaired to the house of Bro. Carr, and listened to another discourse on free salvation. The falling tears and earnest cries for mercy, showed that the Spirit was taking the word spoken in weakness, and carrying it in power to the hearts of the people. Three arose for prayers, and others with them wept over their sins. By the request of the church, another appointment was given for the next day, when a crowded house listened to a discourse on the hope of the gospel, after which three more were baptized. It was truly cheering to hear precious souls for the first time in their lives, shout the high praises of God, as they came forth from the watery grave.
Our next meeting was with the little church at Ionia village. The subject of the restitution was listened to there with interest.
Our last meeting was at Portland commencing Sixth-day, May 1st. The church at this place had not been visited for a long time, and seemed glad once more to hear the word. Here seven were baptized, two of them new converts. The Spirit of the Highest was with us, and we felt to give him the glory. Truly the Lord is returning to us, and we have great reason to praise him! for we have learned that without the Lord we can do nothing.
M. E. CORNELL.
Battle Creek, May 6th 1857.
A Call to Greater Consecration
By Alvarez Pierce
From Bro. Pierce.
Bro. Smith:—It is now almost two years since I have had the privilege of meeting with brethren of like precious faith, and counseling with, and receiving counsel respecting things of the kingdom. All the information that I therefore receive is through the medium of the Review, and that comes, as I believe, laden with rich truths from the word of eternal life.
I still feel to hold on to the Message of the Third Angel, believing that we are now living in the days of God's preparation and that he is doing up his last work before the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
I feel to heed the admonition of the faithful and true Witness, to buy gold tried in the fire that I may be rich, and white raiment that I may be clothed upon, and to anoint my eyes with eye-salve that I may see. I have felt for over two years that there must be a greater consecration on the part of the church than there ever has been. The standard of piety has been too low.
We as a church are publishing a paper containing the last admonition to a corrupt and fallen church, and a wicked world; and by looking over the pages of the Review, we see how illy it is sustained. When we look at the other denominations and their papers, we see they are sustained; and a small congregation will raise four or five hundred, or even a thousand, dollars, as a salary to their minister. Now this is not the case with us. Brethren, what is the matter? Are we cleaving to the world? Have we our eyes, like the fool, in the ends of earth? Are we laying up our treasure on this sin-cursed earth, which is so soon to be devoted to destruction?
O let us arise in our strength! Our Redeemer is mighty, and let us in his strength, like Joshua of old, resolve that as for us and ours, we will serve the Lord. We profess to be the remnant church; and if we are, God's cause must be supported, and I believe there are means enough in the church to carry on any enterprise that the Lord requires of us; and if we don't do it, he will raise up those that will. In my mind the Lord is now sitting as a purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them of gold and silver that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
I rejoice that the cause in many places is rising, and that the brethren begin to feel the responsibility that rests upon them. Let us come up, brethren, to the privilege of our high calling. If God be for us, who can be against us? And though we are scattered miles and miles apart, we have a medium by which we can converse. Let us then speak often one to another, and the Lord will hearken and hear, and a book of remembrance will be written before him for them that fear him and think on his name.
For me I still feel like going through with the remnant, though I often feel as though I was cast on some desolate shore, and there were nothing but wild beasts prowling around. There is no one that regards the Sabbath here, yet there is one family right on the immortality question, but otherwise they are on the "Age-to-Come" doctrine, and that I cannot endorse. I believe that when Christ comes it will not be to restore the carnal Jew, and to build up old Jerusalem, but it will be to take vengeance on his enemies.
Not long since I attended a meeting of what is called the Disciple, or Campbellite, church, and was requested to make some remarks, and thinking it a good time I took up the subject of the four universal kingdoms, spoken of by Daniel, and the everlasting kingdom of God. I had just commenced when a Baptist elder came in who had an appointment at the same place, and heard my remarks. So when his meeting began he went on to show that the kingdom was the church, and of course set up in the days of Christ and the apostles. I stated one thing to him after he had done speaking, citing him to where Paul says, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."
People are very much prejudiced here against the Advent doctrine. It is almost impossible to get any one to read any of our works, and when they do, it is with so little interest that it does them no good. I should be glad if some of the preaching brethren could get as far as here in the course of the coming season. There are a number of brethren in this State. We live 110 miles from Iowa City.
Brethren, having cast in my lot among you, though unworthy, I still feel that I want to go with you, and make one of that number who will one day stand on mount Zion, and shout victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name; for I feel that your people are my people, therefore where you go I want to go, and where you die there would I be buried. I feel that I need the prayers of all the brethren situated as I am, where no one but my own family regard the sacredness of the Sabbath, that we may be kept from the evils that surround us, and that our garments always may be unspotted from the world, and we be kept faultless unto the coming of the Lord.
Yours till victory shall crown us.
ALVAREZ PIERCE.
Eldora, Hardin Co., Iowa, April 12th, 1857.
The Joy of the Third Angel’s Message
By M. W. Porter
From Bro. Porter.
BRO. SMITH :—I can truly say, The more I read and meditate on the subject of the soon return of the blessed Son of God, and the truth contained in the Third Angel's Message, the more cheering and glorious it is to me. I am becoming more thoroughly convinced day by day of this reviving truth. Most of the time of late, I think I have participated in a foretaste of the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory; but at times before I am really aware of it, I become lukewarm. I plead guilty in this respect. This ought not to be so. It is my duty to be steadfast in the faith wherewith Christ has made me free.
I do believe that the warning voice to buy gold tried in the fire, and to be zealous and repent, is intended for the true church of God of the present day. I feel to praise our God that the means, whereby we can be saved have been revealed to his servants. If we can be saved by being zealous and repenting, should we not hail with joy the warning voice?
I have for some time been anxious to give in my testimony on the side of truth, but on the account of my not being able to pay the money due to the Review Office from me, I have not. I would that I had the means to do more to stay up the hands of his servants while they are toiling unremittingly for the welfare of mankind.
I wish that some servant of God would come and lecture to us. We have a school-house in this district. We live five miles north from Mantorville, Minnesota. Could not Bro. Loughborough or some other one come? To such as my house affords they shall be welcome, and I will pay their expenses to and from this place, and more if I can. There are others that will help. Will some brother come?
I have long wished to say something in regard to sister White's visions; but have felt my inability to speak even my own mind. The "Messenger" was sent to me by some one, I know not who, in which was said considerable against sister White and the visions. Now I don't wish them any harm, but I must say I think they have but little faith in God's promises; for he has said, "It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall dream dreams," &c. Now I am, for one, willing to take God's word for it. I not only believe the visions of sister White to be from God, (for Satan you know never preaches self-denial,) but I believe it is only as a few small drops before a more plentiful shower. I believe that if the disciples of Jesus are zealous and repent, that ere long there will be a mighty out-pouring of God's Spirit upon them.
M. W. PORTER.
Dodge Co., Min. Ter.
Heeding the Counsel to Laodicea
By L. B. Abbey
From Sister Abbey.
BRO. SMITH—With feelings of gratitude and praise to our heavenly Father for his great kindness to me, and also to all the dear children scattered abroad, I wish to say a few words through the Review, for the reading of which I am indebted to those kind friends who send it to the poor. Cheering indeed are the spirited epistles which come to us from week to week, laden with truths which are calculated to stir up and encourage our hearts, and enable us to quicken our pace towards the heavenly Jerusalem.
Since the counsel to the Laodiceans has been sounding through our ranks, I have had many misgivings, and also many temptations; but of late truly the Lord has enabled me again to hope, and lift up my head and rejoice, for which I praise his excellent name. O praise the Lord! My spirit doth rejoice in God my Saviour.
I think Sister Austin's illustration exactly to the point. "We must needs go through Laodicea:" we must be truly a just and upright people, to be accepted of God. But that we were found in a lukewarm state was not necessary. But O how condescending is our dear Saviour, to give this counsel to us, in a time when we were in so much need of it; and has enabled many to heed it. And they are endeavoring to sanctify themselves, that they may obtain that gold which will enable them to stand in the trying day that is just before us. With what gratitude we should bow ourselves before the Lord for his great mercy to us, in awakening us, that we may arouse ourselves, and awake, and examine ourselves, whether we be in the faith.
Prove your own selves. How shall we prove ourselves? I understand it is by searching the word of God to see if our lives correspond with that. If they do, then shall we have confidence in God, and our hearts will not condemn us. Then also "I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates." One says they think the tried gold must be faith; another love. I think it must be "that faith which works by love and purifies the heart," and will enable us to pass through the furnace unhurt, with not even the smell of fire upon our garments.
O how precious is the word of God to those who are striving to be all in readiness to meet the coming Saviour. May the Lord help us all to still give diligent heed to the counsel of the faithful and true Witness,7that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and stand before the Son of man.
I often think of the lonely ones who have said, Pray for me, who have not the privilege of meeting with the dear brethren on the Sabbath, and have no preaching except in the paper.
But, dear brethren and sisters, be encouraged. It is but a short journey now before the pearly gates will be opened, the Saviour will appear, and all the dear children who have been struggling long and hard to obtain the crown, will meet never more to part.
There is room for us in the new earth,
A home for us in glory.
Yours hoping to meet all the saints in glory.
L. B. ABBEY.
N. Brookfield, Apr. 18th, 1857.
"GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART."
By L. M. T. Ayres
WHEN faint and weary is my soul,
And crossed are all my brightest plans,
When disappointment seems enrolled
On every page of life's short span,
I visit then the place of prayer,
And find my God, my portion, there.
When light from heaven shines o'er my heart,
Discovering every latent wrong;
I see the wounds and feel the smart,
Th' oppressive burden checks my song—
Fresh beauties in my Saviour see,
And glory that he died for me.
My foes are strong, a subtle host;
Combatants in unequal war—
Myself incompetent to boast
One conquest; e'en a weapon bear:
Prayer is my citadel; I fly
To my sure refuge:—God is nigh.
My enemies are vanquished all;
Though for a while are not consumed.
While Jesus listens to my call,
Can I once yield or dare presume
To doubt! Trials are morsels from above;
Although He slay me; still I'll trust his love.
When I shall tread the gloomy vale,
Or yield my last expiring breath;
My Father's care, that never fails,
Will calm my fears and sweeten death.
My God, my life, will then my portion be;
And grace shall tune my heart eternally.
Fulton Center, Ills. L. M. T. AYRES.
The Third Angel’s Message and the Comet
By Sarah Jane Gardner
From Sister Gardner.
Bro. Smith:—It is my delight to read the cheering epistles from those of like precious faith, and the truths that are being, (and have been,) brought out from God's word by his chosen friends; for Jesus saith, Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.
We feel that we have been lacking this love that we should have had, but, praise the Lord, we want to heed the counsel of the true Witness, and buy gold tried in the fire, also the white raiment that we may be clothed, and eye-salve that we may see, that all our ways may be pleasing to the Lord.
How exactly we can see the scriptures fulfilling before our eyes. Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Men's hearts are failing them for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth. Professors and non-professors are troubled about the comet that it is said will visit the earth this year. Blessed be the Lord, their rock is not as our rock, our enemies themselves being judges. When they speak to us about it we refer them to the great detector, and show to them therefrom that the Third Angels Message must go with a loud cry to the inhabitants of the earth, and gather the honest, and then one year is allotted for the plagues to be poured out upon those who reject this last Message of mercy that shall ever be given to mortal man.
When I think of the scenes that await the world, and the long-suffering of my kind heavenly Father to me, I feel like trying to put forth every effort in the precious cause of our Redeemer, and press my way on to mount Zion. I hope to live in that way that I can meet all my brethren and sisters of like precious faith, who are trying to overcome and be ready for the coming of Jesus. I would say, O brethren and sisters, be faithful a little longer, and soon our suffering will be over. Soon the last tear will be shed, the last groan will be heard. O what a glorious thought! that these poor mortal frames will soon be made immortal, and all tears be wiped from our faces.
We received much strength from the visit from Bro. Holt who spoke to us from the Word, and some things that will never be erased while memory lasts. May the Lord bless him and his labors, that he may come rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Sarah Jane Gardner.
Vergennes, Mich., April 23d, 1857.