It has been truly said that prophecy is history in advance, and that history is the record of prophecy fulfilled.
The working out of the great plan of human redemption and salvation is a progressive work. The successive steps of this work are promised beforehand in prophecy, so that as they are fulfilled in the given order, faith in God and revelation shall be the result. Prophecy and its fulfillment are intended to keep alive the faith that God is—not that he was, a long time in the past, or that he will be, some time in the future; but that he now exists; because we now can see his work in fulfillment of the promises made long ago. Those great chains of consecutive prophecy, beginning some time in the past, and leading, step by step, down to the end, are calculated to strengthen and confirm the faith of the believer, and especially so as we approach the end, when faith shall be scarce, iniquity shall abound, and the love of many shall grow cold; in short, to sustain God’s people amid the perils of the last days. The progressive fulfillment of these prophecies proves progress in the work of the Lord; so that while the scoffers of the last days say, “All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation,” it is evident from these that they do not, but that the ultimate promises of God will be verified.
And as the work of God in the fulfillment of his plan is progressive, so the faith of believers must be progressive; not that they must abandon their former faith, but they must add faith to faith. This the human heart is not naturally disposed to do. Though ready to be carried by every changing wind of the fleeting fashions of a vain world, in religious faith there is an aversion to progress, especially to progress in the right direction. In gradual apostasy from the faith, it is easy to progress; but to walk in the increasing light of truth, men are not naturally inclined. Hence, prophecy and its fulfillment tests the faith of men.
There are two grand events of prophecy, the first and the second advents of Christ; and in connection with these two events come two especial trials of the faith of those who profess to believe.
What caused the Jews to fall and be rejected at the first advent? Why was Christ a stumbling-block to them? The answer is, “Because of their unbelief.” But they professed faith in Moses and the prophets, and were as strict in the fulfillment of the form of religion as are the mass of Christians at the present day. In what was their unbelief manifested? In not accepting the progressive fulfillment of God’s plan as given before in prophecy. And so in their unbelief, they fulfilled the prophecies in condemning Christ. Acts. 13:27. They proposed, as professed Christians now do, to attend to the practical part of religion, without regard to prophecy and its fulfillment; and so they went on offering their sacrifices and attending to those duties that God had truly enjoined, thinking, doubtless, that this was a safe course, while they closed their eyes to the progress that had been made in the fulfillment of the divine plan, which challenged their faith, demanding advancement, and, being neglected by them, proved them infidels.
At the present time, the faith of the church is being tested in a similar manner. The history of the closing work of the gospel has been given in prophecy. Rev. 14:6–12; 10:5–11. The closing proclamations of the gospel are here given in promise; the closing work and experience of the true church will be just what is here indicated. The people of God will be able to show just where they are, and what their work is, by a reference to these promised messages and their fulfillment; and this will be positive proof that the end is at hand—that the Son of man is about to come to reap the harvest of the earth and tread the wine-press of the wrath of God.
And it will be seen that the probation of mankind is to close with a grand and final test on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The subject of the commandments of God, as well as the faith of the gospel of Christ, will be agitated and discussed, just as we see is the case at the present time; and this will discover the true worshipers of God, and distinguish them from the worshipers of the beast; that is, the followers of the great papal apostasy.
The great lines of consecutive and descriptive prophecy, contained in Daniel, chapters 2 and 7, and in Revelation, chapters 12 and 13, are of great importance on two accounts. In the first place, they show our nearness to the Judgment and the close of human probation, and, secondly, they are still more important in a practical sense, because that in their fulfillment they bring mankind to a grand and final test, which closes probation forever. This test is found in the message of the third angel, found in Rev. 14:9–12. These prophecies and their fulfillment in history are so plain that the common mind can understand them; and it is self-evident that a just God will not make that a final test—a test on which the salvation or destruction of men depends—which cannot be comprehended by men in general. But that such a test is before us cannot be disproved.
As we have already observed, it is evident from this last message that the commandments of God will be a leading theme of discussion, as probation draws to its close. The professed worshipers of God will hold different positions in regard to these commandments. The dispute will be concerning the commandments of the moral law or decalogue; because all are agreed that the ceremonial law, consisting of types and shadows, has passed away, being nailed to the cross of Christ. So we see that the contest will be upon the ten commandments, as we see it being fulfilled at the present time.
The question then arises, Who will be right in their position on the commandments? While some contend that they have been abolished, and others that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment only has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, and others still that these commandments are perpetually binding and unchangeable in every jot and tittle, who will be right? Those who keep them. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The saints in this time of their patience will keep both the commandments of the Father and the faith of the Son.
Men may contend that these commandments have been abolished or changed; they may argue and wrangle and throw dust to blind the eyes and turn the heads of the unsophisticated, so that they can hardly tell their right hand from their left, yet this prophecy sets it all right and plain to the willing and obedient mind. The commandment keepers only are safe. All the others follow in the wake of the great apostate church, the power that persecuted the saints, and thought to change the times and laws of God.
Here is the use of prophecy. It shows the path of duty. It shows infallibly where the truth lies, at a time when without it good men might be deceived. It makes it sure that there will be a final test of the gospel; that that test will be upon the commandments of God; and that they only who keep them will stand the test and be translated without death into the everlasting kingdom of God.
The Jewish church were tested on prophecy and its fulfillment, and a large portion fell. The Christian church are to be tested, and who shall stand? They that shall stand are unerringly described as keeping the commandments now in dispute among the professors of the religion of Christ.
R. F. COTRELL.
The Law and the Gospel.
A CERTAIN author says:—
“I would, if possible, anatomize the natural heart. It is in vain to offer the gospel, unless the law has been applied with clearness and cogency. At the present day, certainly, there is far less danger of erring in the direction of religious severity than in the direction of religious indulgence. If I have not preached redemption in these sermons so fully as I have analyzed sin, it is because it is my deliberate conviction that just now the first and hardest work to be done by the preacher, for the natural man, is to produce in him some sensibility upon the subject of sin.”
The law as well as the gospel has an important work in the conversion of every sinner. It goes before the gospel, to do what the gospel cannot do, viz., to teach the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3 : 20. Then the gospel comes after, to do what the law cannot do, that is, to forgive the repentant sinner. Rom. 3 : 24–26. See this fully illustrated in the case of Paul. Rom. 7 : 9–25; 8 : 1–7.
“The law reveals and makes us know
What duties to our God we owe:
But ’tis the gospel must reveal
Where lies our strength to do his will.
J. N. A.
A Precious Legacy.
By A. M. Lindsley
Besides the gift of God's dear Son, there is yet another precious endowment recorded for our benefit, that we may at times lose sight of. It is found in the epistle of Paul to the Philippians, 1st chap., 29th verse, and reads, “For unto you it is given, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” God's people, in a world of sin and temptation, must needs pass through tribulation and anguish of spirit while on their journey to the promised inheritance. Our great adversary does not fail to act his part in throwing hindrances in the way of the struggling child of God. But if we can meet the buffetings of Satan in the spirit of the gospel, it is well. The great apostle Paul, while suffering at Rome in bonds, and great affliction, was able to sum it all up as gain to Christ. He had an elevated stand-point, and, looking and acting from that, he had faith to believe that Christ would be magnified in him by his afflictions, whether by living or dying. He was willing to help to fill up that which was behind of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh, for his body's sake, which is the church, knowing that if he was partaker of the sufferings, he should also be of the glory.
The spirit of the gospel points to a life of self-denial. God saw fit, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of our salvation perfect through suffering. The way may often seem hard and almost impassable to the tempted and tried soul, when as yet his trembling faith has caught but glimpses of the prize which lies before him; he may even find himself saying, “I can never go through,” “It will not pay;” but let him get his heart on fire with love to God, and zeal for his cause, with a little of the faith of the great apostle, and his trials will assume a very different aspect. He can view them as gain to Christ, and not only to him and his cause, but he will realize the strength and excellency of the promise that our light affliction will work for us a far more exceeding, and eternal weight of glory. But let him at the same time be careful that his afflictions are not of his own making, else he will receive no reward. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, is the rule. Let every step, although marked with blood, be made in the onward progress toward our journey's end, for we shall not pass this way again. In the end, who can tell the rich reward? It has not even entered into the heart to conceive how great the things in store for the faithful ones. “Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4 : 19. A. M. LINDSLEY.
A Good Return.
FOR the encouragement of those who send the REVIEW to their friends, we insert the following letter. We do not expect that all these efforts will be attended with such results, but as some of them are, it is well worth while to risk so small a sum as is required to send the REVIEW six months:—
“I have received the REVIEW AND HERALD from some friend for the last six months, and I wish it continued; and if this does not reach you in time (for I see by your notice there is but one more number due), send me the back number; for I do not wish to lose a single one. I like the paper and the glorious truth it advocates, and I am letting others read my paper, and they are getting interested. As soon as convenient, I shall send for some tracts and other works to distribute. Please find inclosed $2.00 for REVIEW.”
Monterey, Mich.
By A. S. Hutchins
AGREEABLY to appointment, the quarterly meeting for Allegan County was held at this place, on the 7th and 8th inst. Eld. S. N. Haskell and Bro. E. H. Root were present, and there was a general attendance of the brethren and sisters from several churches. Inclusive of the prayer-meeting at the commencement of the Sabbath, eight meetings were held.
Subjects were introduced and dwelt upon in the sermons, setting forth the danger and liability of our losing the spirit of the work in which we, as a people, are engaged; and of drawing back unto perdition. Also of the importance of the gifts of the Spirit and of the readiness and willingness of the Lord to graciously bless those who have a living faith in the truths which unite us as a church of Seventh-day Adventists.
Bro. Haskell showed clearly from the Scriptures that such as have this faith would take delight in obeying the divine mandate, “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” The Spirit of God manifestly impressed hearts with the importance of being “rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6: 18, 19.
In a meeting on first-day, to consider the question of raising means to pay delinquencies in this State, on our periodicals, and to raise a fund for the Tract and Missionary Society, the following resolutions were adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we recommend the holding of general quarterly meetings for the State.
2. That we recommend the holding of district quarterly meetings, in each district, at least two weeks previous to the general quarterly meeting. These meetings may be held by the directors, in the absence of the President.
3. That we recommend the appointment of a district Secretary in each district.
4. That we recommend the raising of a Tract and Missionary Fund, at once, of sufficient amount to first pay up the present indebtedness of delinquents, on our periodicals, to be proportionally charged to each district; and second, to keep a sufficiently large amount on hand to meet all the demands of the Society.
5. That we recommend the ordering of all the tracts and books, through the President, by each district.
Immediately on the passage of these resolutions, about $540.00 were pledged for the purposes above specified, some $230.00 of which were paid down. These figures, we think, show quite a good start in the right direction for this quarterly meeting, considering that it was not fully represented by all its churches, and that the church at Monterey has quite a heavy bill of indebtedness to settle for recent repairs on their meeting-house.
We sincerely hope that each donor may so faithfully discharge all the duties enjoined by the word and the Spirit of God, as to finally be of the number of whom it shall be said, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Monterey, Mich., June 10, 1873.
SOW THE SEED.
He that goeth forth in spring-time,
Sowing oft in tears and pain,
Shall, when comes the harvest-gleaning,
Gather in the golden grain.
And though long the seed lie hidden,
Useless seems this weary toil,
Faint not, for the root is striking
Deeper in a fruitful soil.
Sow the seed then, morn and even,
Nor at noon thy hand withhold,
God will give the promised increase,
Thou shalt gain an hundred fold.
’Tis like bread upon the waters
By the hand of mercy cast,
When its mission all is ended,
Found and gathered in at last.
Souls for whom the Saviour suffered,
Wander now the downward way;
From the “everlasting burnings”
Shall we pluck them while we may?
Courage, then, O toiling Christian;
Raise the gospel standard high;
Rest not till the evening cometh—
Till the darkness draweth nigh,
When at length the Reaper-Angel
To life’s harvest-field shall come,
Thou mayst then, with glad rejoicing,
Bind thy sheaves and bring them home.
—Christian Messenger.
NOTE
By A. S. H.
Our meetings at Springport on the 24th ult., and at Convis on the 31st, were well attended. We were thankful to meet with several brethren and sisters, at Springport, from Clarence and Lee, who have recently embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. Lamson, and others.
Passing through these towns on our way to Convis, we formed several pleasant acquaintances with the brethren. A brother in Lee, some seventy years of age, is among those who rejoice in present truth, as they who have found a pearl of great price. Though a professor of the Christian religion about one half of a century, he knew of no religious denomination whose faith he could indorse, or with whom he chose to unite, until he embraced the Bible Sabbath and the hope of the immediate coming of the Saviour. With Seventh-day Adventists, he feels at home. Said he, “I prize more highly the truth which Bro. Lamson brought us, than I should a present of ten thousand dollars.” His testimony in the meeting at Convis was harmonious with the Spirit of the Lord, and highly cheering to the old pilgrims.
The brethren and sisters brought a good report from Newton. They testified that the quarterly meeting held there two weeks previous was a blessing to the church. If the brethren here continue to walk in the light, and press forward for victory, they may be strong, and strengthen the hands and hearts of others. May the Lord bless them with overcoming grace.
I call to mind the meetings and visits, from house to house, with the dear friends in Convis, with a good degree of satisfaction. We felt the presence and blessing of Jesus with us, as we labored to do them good. They are a kind people; and we ardently desire their present, future, and eternal welfare. A. S. H.
June, 1873.
Napoleon, Mich.
By H. M. Kenyon
I RETURNED to this place June 20, from Richmond, Macomb Co., where I had been to finish the work which I began last spring. The tent is now pitched at Armada, two miles from where I held meetings.
Found the meetings in the tent at Napoleon still in progress, with some interest, though not as much as would desire to see. The pointed truths which have been presented, some are not willing to bear. Had our first Sabbath meeting last Sabbath. About seventy were present. At 10:30 A. M., listened to an interesting discourse from sister Van Horn, which was well received by the people, after which, we had a social meeting. Quite a number of spirited testimonies were given. Two fully committed themselves to keep the Sabbath.
It is intended to continue meetings here as long as duty may demand, hoping the blessing of the Lord may attend our effort, and many be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. H. M. KENYON.
D. T. BOURDEAU
By D. T. Bourdeau
From the Vermont Tent.
WE have met much prejudice and opposition in this place, from the first. Religionists have labored hard to crowd us out of this place, and have been very busy in circulating false reports to keep the people away from our meetings. Yet some will come out to hear, and intend to hear us through. We have given fifteen discourses, and are in the midst of the Sabbath question. From the eagerness with which “Which Day do you Keep? and Why?” “Elihu on the Sabbath,” and “Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined,” were taken last evening, we should judge that several were anxious to know the truth about the Sabbath.
This is a thriving railroad town, and the Methodists and Universalists are in a thriving condition, from a popular stand-point. But we regarded this as a central point, and a good point at which to start the work. When we labor farther back in the country, we shall not be met with the question, Why don't you go where the people know something? We shall probably remain in this town until camp-meeting.
When I see the fields opening before us, and see so many influential brethren, who might be true missionaries, kept away from the work by worldly interests, and contenting themselves with being pleasantly situated near relatives, or in connection with good brethren, while souls are perishing for want of knowledge, my soul is filled with sadness and anguish. When will influential brethren take their position in the work, so that sufficient help may be had, and a proper connection be made in labors in new fields, that lives may not be endangered by some being obliged to labor beyond their strength, as they have done in the past, and are in danger of doing in the future. Pray for us.
D. T. BOURDEAU
West Burke, Vt., June 16, 1873.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
By John Norton Loughborough
California.
Our tent meeting is still in progress, with a deep, solemn, and increasing interest. We have canvassed the Sabbath question, and are reining up the people to the importance of obedience. Over a dozen have already taken their stand to keep the Sabbath. Thirty-six dollars’ worth of books already taken.
We have our first Sabbath meeting next Sabbath. We shall hold on here as long as the interest demands our continuance. We are well and in good spirits, determined to act our part in this great and solemn message. Pray for us.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
Napa, Cal., June 18, 1873.
Southern Missouri and Kansas Tent.
By J. G. Wood
We have been in this place a little more than four weeks. Have given forty discourses, and debated the destiny of the wicked one day. Twenty-eight have signed the covenant to keep all the commandments of God. Others are interested, and almost decided to obey. We hope and pray that their decision may be in accordance with the will of God and his truth. We bless God for the work he has wrought in this place through the humble efforts of his servants. Bro. Blanchard’s health is poor; he expects to go home to rest and recruit for a short time. Bro. T. J. Butler has been with us a few days, and assisted in preaching the word. We go from here to Clintonville, Cedar Co., Mo., which will be the address of T. J. Butler and J. G. Wood, until further notice.
In our last report, we made a mistake in saying all that came out on the truth here last fall were firm. Upon further investigation, we learn that three or four have given up the Sabbath. We hope this little company of Sabbath-keepers will so live and adorn their profession that others may see their good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
J. G. Wood.
Milford, Barton Co., Mo., June 8, 1873.
The Iowa Tent.
By J. H. Morrison; C. A. Washburn
THE NORTHERN IOWA Tent is now pitched at Fredricksburg, Chickasaw Co., a small place, but quite a nice country around. The people seem to be friendly. We hope for some good to be done here, and trust we shall have the prayers of God's people. Meeting commences to-night.
Our Post-office address will be Fredricksburg, Chickasaw Co., Iowa.
J. H. MORRISON,
C. A. WASHBURN.
June 19, 1873.
Missouri Tent.
By L. P. Long; J. H. Rogers
We have now been here two weeks. Have labored assiduously to get the truth before the people. On last night, ten arose to keep the Sabbath in the future, one of whom has been an active elder in the Josephite branch of the “Latter-day Saints.” He manifests a proper spirit. Others of his church are much interested. Many are convinced, both believers and infidels, that we have the truth on the application of symbolic prophecy and the Sabbath. We still feel like laboring for others. We have enjoyed much of God’s blessing while presenting the truth for this time. We long for that strength which cometh from God to abide with us continually. L. P. LONG,
J. H. ROGERS.
Lee Summit, Jackson Co., Mo., June 23.
Tennessee.
By R. K. McCune
We have had a very refreshing visit from Bro. E. B. Lane, and a great reviving in our midst, considering the short stay he made with us. Seven were baptized, a little church of thirteen members organized, and some others are willing to join, but circumstances at present hinder them from so doing.
We have organized S. B. to the amount of thirty-three dollars, which would have been more but for the fearful work the cholera is making around us. It is said to be the most destructive malady that ever visited Nashville, and all kinds of business is sadly deranged. We beg the prayers of our people, that the destroying angel may pass us by, and God's mercy be extended to the community at large. R. K. McCUNE. Edgefield Junction, Tenn.
The Mannsville Meeting.
By M. H. Brown
According to appointment, this meeting convened the last Sabbath in May. Owing to the distance which some lived from the customary place of meeting, in connection with the very severe weather of the past winter, and a lack of interest on the part of some, this church has had no Sabbath meetings since last fall. The appointment of a two days' meeting secured a good representation from the Adam's Center church (twelve or fifteen), and a general attendance of the Mannsville church, as well as a few from without. The Spirit of the Lord was present, to search the hearts of his people, as well as to cheer and encourage the despondent, and we all felt that the meeting was one of profit. It was at least productive of one good result: the appointment of Sabbath meetings, commencing on the next Sabbath. Several members also expressed a determination to sustain the meetings by their influence and their presence.
We feel a deep interest in the welfare of this church. We are anxious to see them engage in the work of the Lord more earnestly, by sustaining their Sabbath meetings and entering heartily into tract and missionary labor. The Lord has rich blessings in store for those who engage in this branch of the work, if they seek the Lord earnestly for wisdom and strength to do it aright.
M. H. BROWN.
Sanford's Corners, Jeff. Co., N. Y.
An Acknowledgment.
By D. D. Stevens
I WISH to acknowledge the goodness of God in showing me his truth. For surely he hath “brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.”
About one year ago, while a spiritualist, talking with Bro. J. Dorcas on the state of the dead,” I was convinced that there is no sound evidence that the soul can exist after death, as natural immortality is the foundation which spiritualism rests upon. I gave up my belief in the seven spheres of progressive development, and the whole calculation of spiritualism fell to naught in my estimation. I was then without belief or hope of anything beyond the present life.
About this time I became much interested in reading Eld. White’s articles on Bible Hygiene in Health Reformer. This led me to take up my long-neglected Bible, and with the aid of books, tracts, pamphlets, and the REVIEW, began to investigate; because convinced that “the dead know not any thing;” that the seventh-day Sabbath is God’s memorial, and for the last nine months, have tried to keep all the commandments of God, and hope for eternal life through Christ our Saviour. D. D. STEVENS. Cedar Co., Iowa.
Indiana.
By S. H. Lane
Soon after the last General Conference, I left my home in Michigan to labor in this State. Sabbath and first-day, April 5 and 6, met with the church at North Liberty, St. Joseph Co. There are a few faithful ones in this church who are still trying to live out the truth. The meetings were of an encouraging nature, and we experienced the blessing of the Lord. While in the county, spoke several times in our church house at that point. The inhabitants of the village turned out well, and gave the best of attention to the word spoken. Some interest to hear further was manifested.
April 7, commenced a course of lectures in a school district, two miles east of North Liberty. Spent about five weeks in the district. Although the roads were almost impassable on account of the mud, the people came out each evening appointed for meetings, often filling the house. They became interested. Disposed of quite a quantity of publications. A few decided to obey God by keeping his commandments and the faith of Jesus. We held three Sabbath meetings with them. Several took a part in testifying their determination to live a Christian life. Since then, they have met with the church at North Liberty.
May 9, began labor in Howard Co., in the central part of the State. Spent a short time visiting the little bands of Sabbath-keepers at four different points. They have had but little labor bestowed on them for the past two years. We felt to rejoice that all, or nearly all, are still loving the cause of present truth.
Sabbath, May 31, was a good day for the church of Alto. We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. This was the first time this church ever enjoyed such a privilege. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and we enjoyed a precious season.
Tuesday, May 27, Bro. E. R. Jones came from Michigan to assist me during the tent season. Soon as a place was determined on, and circumstances would admit, we pitched the tent at Michigantown, Clinton Co. Commenced meetings evening after the Sabbath, June 7,—one hundred present the first meeting. Our congregations since then have ranged from one hundred to four hundred. The best of attention is given to the word spoken thus far. The people are very kind and friendly. We have given fourteen discourses. Have sold, already, quite a quantity of publications. Many are becoming much interested. We are looking anxiously forward for the result. We desire to be humble in the sight of the Lord, that he may make us instrumental in doing good in his cause.
S. H. LANE.
Brown Co., Wis
By Francis Depas
Wisconsin.
WE have not, up to the present time, had the pleasure of hearing the present truth preached among us in the French language, by one of God's servants. I feel an interest to report what God's grace and Jesus' power have done among the French in this place, although it must be done in a tongue which is not mine, and in which I have no education. For this work, God be praised.
Last November, I started in the present truth, hoping in the blessing of God, whose promise has not been in vain. There are now four families keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and are strong in the message of the third angel of Revelation, and in the faith of the soon coming of Jesus for the gathering of his people. Ten have decided to go forward in the ordinance of baptism; among them is a man over seventy years old, who has been confined to a bed of sickness for nine months. His only hope of recovery is to see one of God's servants among us, hear more of the plan of salvation, and be baptized. May God hear our prayer, and send us help by the one he will choose himself to send among us.
We have much opposition and persecution, but this is the way by which to enter the kingdom of God. We look to Him who is almighty and knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation. The words of the apostle Peter apply to all of God's people: “Wherein we greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few; and none among us. Pray for the success of the cause among the French in Wisconsin. FRANCIS DEPAS.
Brown Co., Wis
The Review.
By J. A. Wood
How much I prize its weekly visits. I would rather have but one meal on the Sabbath than be deprived of it. It is the only Sabbath preacher I have. How many good conference meetings I have had while reading the testimonies of others. How brightly the light is shining on the third angel's message. It seems that all might see the truth.
Dear brethren and sisters, those of us who have not the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith, let us all fulfill Mal. 3:16, in speaking through the columns of our paper. My prayer is for the prosperity of Zion, and that we may live in obedience to all God's requirements, reflecting light to those with whom we associate.
J. A. WOOD.
La Crosse Co., Wis.
The Book of Daniel.
By M. B. Lichtenstein
After my convictions of the first advent of the Messiah, as being fulfilled in Christ Jesus, according to true chronology in the prophecy of Daniel in connection with history, my mind was led to search for a reasonable excuse for my Hebrew brethren for their dark state, in denying God's promises, (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 7:14; 9:5, 6; Jer. 31:30–34; Dan. 9:24–27, as being already accomplished. And hope for fulfillment of things which had not been promised.
Daniel, upon whom we look in the true light of prophecy as the main pillar upon whose prophecy we base the science of times; a prophet of God according to the testimony of the angel Gabriel, the Hebrews do not exactly regard as such. The division of the books in the Hebrew Bible will show in part that the Hebrews do not look upon Daniel as a prophet with as much reverence, even, as upon the prophet Obadiah; because of his not living in the solitude. The Hebrew Bible is divided thus:—
TORAH [law], which includes the five books of Moses. NEVEIIM [the books of the prophets], which are Joshua, Judges, 1st and 2d Samuel, 1st and 2d Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habbakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. And KETHUBIM [hagiographa], which includes the rest of the Old Testament. Thus we see that the book of Daniel is not classified among the prophecies of God, but rather among the lives of the saints, equal with the book of Esther. But what a sad mistake this will prove to them when they will look upon Him whom they have pierced, and find out that the paschal lamb, which the Israelites celebrated in Egypt, which was a type of the antitype, has also been predicted by the prophet Daniel, in the cutting off of the Messiah, the true Paschal Lamb, after the sixty-nine weeks, which was fulfilled in the crucifixion of our dear Redeemer, Jesus Christ. May the Lord open their eyes and enlighten their minds, is my earnest prayer.
M. B. LICHTENSTEIN.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Persecutions.
By A. Vuilleumier
PERSECUTIONS are the lot of the children of God in this world, as long as they remain with a generation of wicked men who like to live in their sins and in the lust of the world. And when these see some who profess to believe in the soon coming of Christ deny, by their acts, what they profess to believe, and others in a state of discouragement and indifference finding no joy in the service of the Lord or the plan of salvation, how natural it is that they should conclude that the Christian leads a gloomy, monotonous life.
How much more attraction would the Christian’s profession have, if the Christian would try to live out the truths of the Bible, and show the happiness and blessing that he can enjoy by having his heart filled with the true love of God, if he would do as the martyrs who preceded us did during the apostolic age, and the long, dark, and bloody period of the papacy, when they suffered all the persecutions which were invented to destroy those faithful servants of God. Through all the Old Testament, we may also see the humble and bloody path of all the holy prophets and true worshipers of our almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
Arriving at the day of our dear Saviour, when the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child, Rome, in the person of Herod, attempted to destroy all the children of Bethlehem, from two years old and under, (and by doing that saved a generation). There we see God watching, and delivering our dear Redeemer from Herod’s hands.
The dear Son of God, who had not where to lay his head, who was without sin, and came upon this earth to suffer the most ignominious death, being nailed upon the cross, died in agony, shedding his own blood for us. Who can measure the love Christ felt for a lost world, when he hung upon the cross, suffering for the sins of guilty men? Held for a time under the dominion of the grave, he rose from the dead, opened a way for the human race, and ascended up to Heaven in the sight of his disciples, promising to them, by the words of the angels, that in like manner as he was taken away from them, so he would come again. What encouraging words for the faithful.
Let us read in Heb. 11:37, 38; there we see the persecutions of the apostles: “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Read also of the persecution under Diocletian:—“The majority of the believers suffered martyrdom with a firmness and calmness that confounded their executioners, and caused many to believe the gospel. Till their last moment, they uttered prayers or songs of praise. Only a few denied their Saviour.”
Are these not all examples for us who are waiting for the soon coming of Christ, believing that persecutions, also, shall be the lot of the generation that shall witness the coming of the Son of God, the King of glory, with all the holy angels? How would it be with us? Would we be in a condition to praise the Lord while the last breath of life remains in us, or would we deny our Saviour to save our life, and so lose eternal life? The Saviour said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell; and, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven.”
Dear friends, God knows what is in our hearts. Let us be humble, that we may be lights in the world, and, directed by the Holy Spirit, we may be able to endure till the end. A. VUILLEUMIER. Battle Creek, Mich.
The Cathedral of Strasburg.
The complete restoration of the cathedral of Strasburg to its pristine perfection is a matter of general interest. Herr Klotz, the architect in charge of the work, has just published his report, from which it appears that the expense of restoring the masonry will amount to 240,000 francs, and the repairs of the roof to 187,000 francs. The replacing of the glass and inside fittings will cost 143,000 francs, and other accessory repairs will come to 28,000 francs. The total expense will amount to 598,000 francs. The cross, which threatened to fall to ruins, has again been raised, and the damage done to its apex is now being repaired—an operation of great difficulty and danger. 1,221 panes of glass have been injured. Three painting and glazing firms in Strasburg are putting these in as quickly as possible, to avoid the unsightly expedient of closing the apertures with wood. Continental travelers will be glad to hear that this astronomical clock is uninjured, and only wants cleaning. The twelve apostles will once more file out in procession as the clock strikes twelve.