p. 127 | Review and Herald, Vol. 5, No. 16. (5/9/1854)

Earlier text: The last Age the most guilty

End of all Things.

By Editor

"Coming event casts their shadows before." We live in the midst of portentous times. The indications of an appalling and mighty crisis in the affairs of this world are thickening on every hand, and becoming more and more apparent. We have no desire to create unnecessary alarm, or to be considered in the light of a croaker, or to prophesy evil concerning this generation; but we do think that every man of candor and good sense, who is not too proud to learn, or too wise to seek instruction, will take the trouble to investigate and search, that he may be satisfied, touching a subject in which the entire human family are deeply interested. We allude to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven, with all his holy angels, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and 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; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe in that day."

We wish to call the attention of the people to the investigation of these things. No one but a madman would refuse even to look at a subject fraught with such deep and momentous interest to himself, and that of his fellow-men. A spirit of honest inquiry, and a candid examination of prophecy will lead to results far more conclusive and satisfactory, than a hasty and inconsiderate condemnation of every one who professes to believe that the end of all things is near at hand.

In Luke xxi, our Saviour talking with the disciples on the Mount of Olives, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and after specifying the various signs by which that important event should be characterized, proceeds to speak also of the signs which shall immediately precede the destruction of the earth as follows:

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.—And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

Let any man who is not wilfully blind, or wickedly disposed to ridicule every thing serious, ask himself if there is not at this moment distress among the nations and perplexity? Do not men's hearts fail them for fear? Is there not a general fearfulness and want of confidence among all portions of the business community in our own country? Do we not witness the daily arrival of hordes of famishing men and women from the shores of Europe?

Again does not Paul describe the men of this generation, and delineate their character as truly as though he were now present among us, together with an exact and striking portraiture of the very times in which we live? Examine, and see what Paul says of the perilous times of the last days. Does not Peter, also, speak of scoffers and mockers who shall come in the last days? And are there no scoffers among us? Will no one scoff at this article after reading it? And why should they? Is not our private opinion on this subject as much our property, as upon any other subject? We ask no one to believe upon our testimony, but we merely say, that if they will take the pains to look into the prophecy of the Scriptures, and then look at the world as it is, if they do not find a wonderful coincidence between the two, as well as many striking fulfillments of the predictions there contained, going on around us every day, their organs of perception must be obtuse indeed.

Standing for Truth in the Enemy’s Land

By Erastus Harris

From Bro. Harris.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We feel that God is for us, and who can be against us? Christ we find an ever present friend, and help in time of need. Although we are situated some thirty miles from any dear brethren of our faith, we would not repine at this: no; but we will lift up our heads and rejoice; for we believe that we shall soon sit with you and all of our brethren in the kingdom of our God, no more to go out for ever.

Dear brethren pray for us; for we feel we are in the enemy's land, and far away from those who wish us well; yet as long as God would have us live here we feel to say, Amen! But we mean to stand for the truth! although the power and strength of this world is against us, yet we have the victory through our Lord Jesus, and the hope of immortality in the world to come. It seems to me dear brethren, that there are some at the present day like those that Paul found at Rome, who change the truth of God into a lie, and worship and serve the creature more than the Creator. O for an eye single to the glory of God!

ERASTUS HARRIS. Vernon, April 23d, 1843.

Holding Fast to Present Truth

By B. F. Wilkerson

From Bro. Wilkerson.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am trying to keep the commandments of God, and I grow stronger and stronger in the truth of the third angel's message.

I came from Vermont a few weeks since to this place. There is no one here but my mother and one brother who keep the Sabbath of the Lord.

The new time is making some progress in this region; but I feel like holding on to the Lord; and while there are so many spirits gone out, let us try the spirits by the Word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." So we find it. I was conversing not long since with a Timeist, and he affirmed that there was not one of the ten commandments binding on us. We see by this that there is no light in them.

Brethren, let us hold on to the truth, and not be blown about by every wind of doctrine, but plant our feet on the rock, and be established in the present truth. I am glad that there are a few who are willing to come out from the church and the world and keep God's commandments and refuse the mark of the beast. I look forward with joy to that

day when the third angel shall go with a loud voice. Here is the patience of the saints. "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." Isa. lvi, 2. This we see is when Christ's coming is near; for he says, [verse 1,] "My salvation is near to come and my righteousness to be revealed."

I thank the Lord that he has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Brethren, pray for us. I want to be more like my Master; and my prayer is, Lord search me and try me, and see if there be any wicked way in me. I would be glad if any of the lecturing brethren could come this way and present the truth to the people. The third angel's message has never been preached here.

Yours in hope. B. F. WILKERSON. Westfield, Mass., Apr 23d, 1854.

COMMUNICATIONS.

By Marcia S. Avery

From Sr. Locke.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—True and certain it is that we are living in an awful time, a time in which Satan is busily engaged, trying to deceive those who are honest, draw their minds from the truth and lead them captive at his will. I am astonished that intelligent people should be duped by these contradictory spirit manifestations. They manage somehow to tell just enough truth to make those whom they deceive, believe them when they lie. We read in the Word, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," [Acts xvi, 31,] but these pretended spirits say believe on us; but "To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them." Isa. viii, 20. I am thankful that the blessed truth of the sleep of the dead found way to my heart in time to save me from this fatal delusion into which millions are insensibly falling. God forbid that any of his honest children, who are looking for our blessed Lord, should turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables, but according to the testimony "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear and let him be your dread."

O brethren and sisters let us stand fast and be firm in the truth, and we shall not be moved. Although spirits of devils working miracles, are around us, if we be followers of that which is good what shall harm us. Let us resist Satan in all his various forms and the God of Israel will protect us and be our refuge. There are those around us who are crying "peace, peace, when there is no peace," they heed not the watchman's voice and say, "We will not hearken." O that they would turn their ears to the truth and set their house in order for truly the day of God hasteth greatly—"That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wastiness and of desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk as blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord; and their blood shall be poured out as the dust, and their flesh as the dung." Zeph. i, 15-17. There are those who make light of that great day of God, in which says the Prophet, "the mighty man shall there cry bitterly," and Jer. xxx, 23, says "It shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. Behold their ear is uncircumcised and they cannot hearken. Behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach, they have no delight in it. Jer. vi, 10. Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, but "let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." May we all strive for the victory, and press forward trusting in God and he will keep us from the fowler's snare.

MARCIA S. AVERY. Locke Mich., Apr., 25th, 1854.

Hope in God’s Invitation

By K. S. Pettibone

From Bro. Pettibone.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Review I read with interest and comfort. The subjects therein treated are subjects that will bear criticism, being sustained by the word of Inspiration. The signs of the times, the scenes of the earth as they are unfolding and being developed by the nations of the earth, doubly confirm the truths of Inspiration, and loudly calls on man to turn to God and seek salvation, immortality, eternal life.

But will they take heed. They have been enjoying the mercy of God long. Will the judgment, famine, sword, or pestilence awaken? No. But God will receive all that come to him. This invitation inspires me with hope and confidence, and begets within me an earnest of my inheritance.

Yours truly, K. S. PETTIBONE. Grand Rapids, Mich., Apr. 23d, 1854.

Longing for Christ’s Soon Coming

By Sarah S. Miller

From Sr. Miller.

DEAR BRO. WHITE :—We feel truly thankful for the Review. It is read with great interest by myself and companion. It is comforting and strengthening to hear from those of like precious faith. We are living in a place where there is very little vital piety, and where the light of truth is scarcely seen; for they rejected the first angel’s message. I feel almost afraid that they will reject till it is too late. Our experience in the Advent doctrine has been short; but we believe as fast as we understand, and we are determined to make sure work for eternity, and never give up until our Redeemer comes. There are none here who love the glorious doctrine of our Saviour’s soon coming; but I firmly believe it, and am growing stronger though we generally have no preaching, only the Bible, and what we receive from the Review. We take great pleasure in searching the Word of God, in which there are such hidden stores of knowledge, and we rejoice in the prospect of the soon coming of Christ. We never before have felt that longing after holiness of heart, and that desire for entire consecration that we have since we embraced the present truth. My prayer is, Lord increase the work until the message shall go with a loud voice, and the saints all be engaged in proclaiming "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." I feel to praise God that the time is approximating when all who do keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will enter through the pearly gates into the holy city, and have right to the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

My prayer is that the Lord may help us to feel the importance of being in all things like our blessed Master; and finally, that we may stand with him on Mount Zion, there to dwell with him for ever and ever.

We are alone here endeavoring to keep the commandments: and though our names are cast out as evil, since we have been trying to keep all the commandments of God; yet we rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer reproach for the word of God.

Yours striving for the kingdom. SARAH S. MILLER. Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., Apr. 27th, 1854.

SPIRITUALISM.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [Private Circles,] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." 2 Pet. ii, 1.

"When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." 1 Thess. v, 3.

"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit," &c. Chap. xviii, 2.

"Whose [Christ's] coming is after [immediately following] the working of satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess. ii, 9.

"And shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt xxiv, 24.

It has been said that the church [Rev. xviii, 2.] could not be the hold of every foul spirit &c. because the spirit manifestations were not especially connected with the church but were chiefly located among other classes; but if any one doubts that the church is becoming such, let them notice the daily increasing instances where not only professors, but ministers of the different churches have yielded their former prejudices and embraced the spiritual teachings. It is natural that it should be so. The popular theology consisting of some of the most artful fables which the enemy of all truth could devise, has completely paved the way for this last great work of deception. Artfully has he laid his plans and as artfully is he accomplishing them. For the church, with her present unscriptural theology in regard to the state of the dead, and the question of immortality, to stand firm against these manifestations of spirits, would be as unnatural as for water to refuse to flow through a channel already dug. For testimony to show the progress and development of this work, we quote from the Spiritual Telegraph as being the most reliable source of information. The following extracts show how this subject is beginning to take hold on the community. Especially important is Judge Edmonds' report, given at the New York Conference of Spiritualists.

REV. F. S. KING, of Boston, Mass., recently made honorable mention of Emanuel Swedenborg in his sermon; and it is known that not only he, but several Unitarian clergymen in this vicinity, and some of other denominations are strongly disposed to a more spiritual faith, and frequently make full mention of the reality of spiritual communications to their hearers.

NEW YORK CONFERENCE.—At the Conference of Spiritualists in Dodworth Academy, Tuesday evening, April 25th,

Judge Edmonds remarked that ever since his return from the West, he had been desirous of coming here and giving an account of his journey in connection with Dr. Dexter, but had been prevented from so doing until now; he did not come now to give a full account, but rather to apologize. During their journey he had addressed 20,000 persons; had a great many chances of learning the state of Spiritualism; saw many mediums, and from what they saw and heard, gathered vast encouragement for the cause. Mentioned some facts; found the churches depopulated, forsaken by priest and people; found many religious denominations from whom the members were deserting in great numbers. In one instance the Judge was called upon by a clergyman who wished some light on spiritual subjects. He was referred to the book called "Spiritualism." While they were conversing two persons came in. The clergyman seemed agitated, but shook hands with them and immediately left. The Judge learned that these were two members of a church of twenty-seven who had deserted in masse, and gone over to Spiritualism. The belief in Spiritualism had worked marvels. The jury-box, the legislative halls, and even the ballot-box had been controlled by Spiritualists. The farmers were affected by it in great numbers. They made no parade about it. The speaker would give more particulars on the next evening. One incident which frequently happened to them in connection with the presentation of the memorial, was to refer their communications to the committee on post-roads. This was not so much out of the way as some would think. The Judge himself had received information, through spiritual sources, of the sickness or health of his family and friends. We had every thing to encourage us, from what had been seen. The cause was spreading, in a manner which it was not in the power of man to stop. Minds were engaged in it who could make themselves felt. Some Spiritualists were uneasy on account of the persecution poured upon them; but they were too numerous for the stake, the gallows, or the lunatic asylums to dispose of.

Dr. Dexter related the case of the interposition of Spirits in the treatment of disease—a case where a man had lost two fingers by an accident. The doctor thought the fingers could not be restored, but the Spirits directed that they should be bandaged on. These directions were complied with, and time proved their efficacy. The fingers, which had been entirely severed, having become joined in such a manner that, after the elapse of several months, scarcely a scar or mark was visible to distinguish them from the others.

Judge Edmonds alluded to the memorial to Congress, and said he had not signed it because he thought Congress had nothing to do with it. Suppose Congress should report against it, would it make any difference with us? We can investigate for ourselves, without the aid of members of Congress. Spoke of the objection that had been made to Spiritualism on account of the fact that speaking mediums always spoke in their own language. A Spirit had spoken to him in Spanish through two mediums, young ladies, who knew nothing at all of Spanish. His own knowledge of the language was so imperfect that he was obliged frequently to have recourse to the dictionary to understand all that was said. Facts were referred to by the Spirit which were not in the minds of any present, and a name in Spanish was given which the mediums knew nothing of.

FOREIGN NEWS.

The U. S. Mail steamship Pacific, which left Liverpool on Wednesday, April 19, at 2 P. M., arrived at New York on Monday morning about 9 o'clock.

THE BALTIC—CAPTURE OF THE FIRST RUSSIAN PRIZES!

The London Times of the 17th published the following telegraphic dispatch from its Copenhagen correspondent, and the information caused much excitement: "The British frigate Tribune has just arrived from Admiral Plumridge's squadron, having taken five Russian prizes and a number of prisoners!"

These ships had been for some time under surveillance. They were laden with sulphur, lead, and other contraband of war—were last from Lulea, and on their way to a Russian port in the gulf of Finland.

Napier's fleet now musters 37 sail, carrying 1,800 guns and over 18,000 men.

It was rumored that three French ships-of-war would be withdrawn from the Black sea to re-enforce the Baltic fleet.

On the 12th the French squadron under Admiral Parseval Deschenes sailed from Brest to join the fleet in the Baltic under Napier. Letters from Stockholm of the 6th confirm the statement that the Russians had dismantled all the fortifications on the islands of Aland and had retired with guns and stores to the main land.

The Czar had further ordered that all pilots and men capable of bearing arms should remove from the islands to the main land of Finland, and also to remove or burn all ships and boats. This system of defense is to be pursued all along the shores of the Baltic and of the Black sea.

FROM THE DANUBE.—

Eight thousand Russians attempted to storm Rassova, but were repulsed. On April 2, the attack was renewed. Seven thousand five hundred men had been landed to re-enforce Varna. The Cronstadt Satellite of the 4th announced the passage of the Danube at Simnitze by the Turks on March 27. It was further rumored that the Turks had taken Turna, and were advancing in the rear of the Russians. No pitched battle had taken place up to April 9, either at Rassova or Silistria, but much fighting and cannonading had been going on, from March 30 to April 7, in which the list of killed and wounded, especially of the Russians, was much augmented.

One mode of defending the entrance of Cronstadt is new and dangerous. Strong iron chests, charged with powder and other combustible materials, are sunk in the channel, and connected by wires to a galvanic battery. Above the chest is some machinery which, on being touched by the keel of a passing vessel, completes the galvanic circuit and explodes the mine. A hundred of these dangerous inventions are sunk in the narrow entry of Cronstadt.

TURKEY.—

Fifteen thousand troops were daily expected at Constantinople from Egypt, who will immediately on arrival be forwarded to Batun under the escort of English and French steamers.

Some excitement was manifested at Constantinople, and the new Mufti was insulted, April 3. The declaration of war by the allies reached Constantinople on the 5th, and the Porte was about to issue a manifesto in consequence. Lord Stratford had addressed to the British Consuls a circular condemning the Greek insurrection. Accounts from Constantinople of the 5th mention that the city was illuminated in honor of the Turkish victories in Dobrodja. On the other hand, Nicholas had sent an autograph letter, accompanied by his portrait set in diamonds, to Gorchakoff, in recognition of the feat of crossing the Danube.

ASIA.—

Accounts from Erzerum state that Zarif Pasha, General-in-Chief of the army of Anatolia, arrived at Kars on 6th of March, and had been received with the greatest enthusiasm. The army was being supplied with money, ammunition and clothes, so that the ensuing campaign would open under better auspices than that which closed so disastrously in December. Artillery was to be sent as early as the state of the roads would permit, but, at present, with some feet in depth of snow in the valleys and the face of the country a mass of mud and melting ice, military operations were impossible. Kurshid Pasha (Gen. Guyon) was still earnestly occupied in disciplining the forces. It is stated that the whole Russian army is concentrated at Gumri, (Alexandropol) which they are fortifying very strongly, so that should the Russians confine themselves to defensive warfare, the capture of Gumri must precede all attempts at aggressive movements on the part of the Ottoman commander. The voluntary service of the Arab and Kurdish tribes is continually offered to the service of the Sultan.

The navigation in the Baltic is opening.

Admiral Boxer (British) and staff passed through Paris 17th on the way to the East.

Prince Napoleon embarked at Marseilles 17th for Constantinople.

From Paris it is stated that on the 17th copies of a treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, were exchanged between France and England.

Appointments.

By Editor

PROVIDENCE permitting we will hold meetings as follows: Jackson, Mich., the 11th, at 5 o'clock P. M. Sylvan, the 12th, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. Locke the 19th, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. ED.

Providence permitting, Bro. and Sr. White will meet with the brethren in Conference at Koskonong, Wis., May 26th, and at Rosendale June 2d. These meetings will commence on sixth day at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold as long as may be thought best.

Western Tour.

By Editor

It is expected that there will be a general rally of the faithful to the Conferences in Sylvan and Locke. Bro. Loughborough designs to accompany us from Milan, to attend these Conferences with us.

Would it not be well for the scattered brethren to come together something on the plan of a Camp-meeting, bringing a trunk of provisions, and a few bed-clothes.

☞ As we have not heard from the brethren in Wis., respecting the places to hold Conferences in that State; and as appointments for that State should be given in this No. of the REVIEW, we have thought best to give the appointments for Koskonong and Rosendale without delay.

☞ We shall be prepared to supply our friends with publications at the Conferences in Michigan and Wisconsin. We hope they will be able to come to these meetings prepared to supply themselves with publications, and to help us in the expenses of the REVIEW.

Just Received:

By Editor

Storrs' Six Sermons, and a supply of Bible vs. Tradition. They are for sale at this Office.

Business.

By Editor

W. PHELPS.—Both your remittances for books have been received.

BRN. MARSH & HYATT.—We mailed you Charts the 4th.

C. R. AUSTIN.—In answer to your inquiries see Art. in this No. entitled, The 144,000.

AGENTS.

MAINE.	CONNECTICUT.
N. N. Lunt, Portland.	E. L. H. Chamberlain, Md'town.
S. W. Flanders, Canaan.	A. Belden, Kensington.
Cyprian Stevens, Paris.	NEW YORK.
S. Howland, Topsham.	J. Byington, Buck's Bridge.
W. T. Hanniford, Orrington.	A. Ross, Caughdenoy.
Wm. Bryant, Wilton.	David Upson, Moreland.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.	R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove.
J. Stowell, Washington.	John Wager, Orangeport.
S. Bunnel, Claremont.	L. Carpenter, Oswego.
MASSACHUSETTS.	A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek.
O. Nichols, Dorchester.	E. A. Poole, Lincklaen.
O. Davis, N. Fairhaven.	J. A. Loughhead, Elmira.
Wm. Saxby, Springfield.	John Hamilton, Fredonia.
VERMONT.	MICHIGAN.
R. Loveland, Johnson.	Albert Avery, Locke.
H. Bingham, Morristown.	Ira Gardner, Vergennes.
S. H. Peck, Wolcott.	David Hewett, Battle Creek.
Lewis Bean, Hardwick.	C. S. Glover, Sylvan.
Edwin Churchill, Stowe.	A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids.
E. P. Butler, Waterbury.	A. A. Dodge, Jackson.
Josiah Hart, Northfield.	Wm. M. Smith, "
R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield.	PENNSYLVANIA.
Jesse Barrows, Irasburg.	M. L. Dean, Ulysses.
Alonzo Lee, Derby Line.	RHODE ISLAND.
E. Evarts, Vergennes.	Ransom Hicks, Providence.
H. Gardner, Panton.	CANADA EAST.
S. Willey, Wheelock.	B. Hills, Melbourne.

Letters.

A. Woodruff, L. O. Stowell, H. Smiley, L. Drew, S. N. Bascom, G. Storrs.

Receipts.

By Editor

H. H. Stanley, E. Row, (should have been receipted in No. 11,) W. H. Brooks, E. Hutchinson, L. McLellan, M. Southard, each $1.

A. Lucc, S. Vanloon, J. Calhoun, J. Wilcox, C. Corwin, each $2. M. Brown $3. S. Gilbert, W. Dawson, each $4. A Sister $5.

I. Abbey $3.60. J. W. Becker $2.25. S. Blood, C. Bigelow, each $1.50. E. P. Burditt $1.25. W. Nutall, $0.50. J. Boorom $0.40—$56.84 behind on the REVIEW.

FOR J. N. A., a Pilgrim $1.