The liver is the largest gland in the body, and weighs several pounds. Under diseased conditions it may be so enormously enlarged as to weigh nearly twenty pounds. It is one of the most important digestive organs, as it has many and varied functions. In the light of modern investigations, the old idea that the liver has little or nothing to do but make bile, has had to be largely modified. While the action of the pancreatic juice upon fat is a strictly chemical one, that of bile is purely mechanical, as it simply tends to emulsify the fat. Inasmuch as human milk contains four per cent of fat, we should naturally expect that bile would be secreted at birth, and it has been ascertained that the process of forming bile is begun several months before the infant is born (Bunge’s Physiological Chemistry, 214).
Another important function of the liver is that of acting as an inspecting officer for all the digested food, with the exception of fats. The circulation of the blood from the abdominal organs is such that it must pass through the liver, and the liver possesses the remarkable property of destroying, neutralizing, or temporarily retaining various poisons that may have been accidentally or purposely taken into the system with the food, or formed as the result of fermentation and putrefaction during the digestive process. Experiments have shown that a large percentage of cocaine, nicotine, and morphine is thus destroyed.
When human beings indulge in the average Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it is due to the patient and faithful work of the liver that serious results do not more frequently follow. When rabbits are hung up in the market place until they have so putrefied that their heads are almost severed from their bodies, or when meat has been kept in a refrigerator for weeks, or even months, to become tender, which is simply a process of decay; when large quantities of tea, coffee, or other poisonous substances are freely poured into the stomach,—the only thing that stands between the person and the grave is the power of the liver to retain and destroy poison. But sometimes the much-abused liver becomes weary, and then it is called “torpid.”
To correct this condition, powerful drugs are frequently put into the system to stir it up, instead of instituting vigorous dietetic reform, which would give the liver a much-needed rest. The liver is a closed door to keep poisons from entering the general circulation. As the result of unnatural dietetic habits, the liver sometimes becomes an open door, allowing the system to become loaded with poison; and the result of this same abuse is that the kidneys become so crippled that they also allow poisons to accumulate in the system, thereby hurrying the unfortunate sufferer to the tomb.
Another important function of the liver is that of storing up sugar in the form of glycogen, and dealing it out to the blood stream as it is needed. It does not, however, have the power of holding all the sugar, and undoubtedly the muscles to a certain extent also act as storehouses for glycogen (Schaffer’s Physiology, 917). This last-mentioned fact accounts for the phenomenon of hibernating animals. In the summer, a large amount of glycogen is stored up in the animal’s muscles and liver; then during the winter, all the functional activities are slowed down to a minimum, and the animal’s life is maintained by the glycogen previously deposited in the system. And were it not for a similar provision, man could not take unusual physical exercise in an emergency, without sitting down and eating more food to replenish the immediate waste.
Quantity.—The quantity of bile secreted in twenty-four hours has been variously estimated at from one to three pints (Bunge’s Physiological Chemistry, 217).
How Stimulated.—Bile is poured out to a certain extent during the entire twenty-four hours, and is partially stored up in the gall bladder, although investigations made by accidental openings in the abdominal wall show that bile is more largely secreted several hours after a meal, or about the time when the digested food products are passed from the stomach into the small intestine. One investigator has found that a hot enema will cause an increased flow of bile.
How Hindered.—While the liver will undoubtedly submit to more abuse and wrong treatment than any other digestive organ in the body, yet the same general violation of natural law, as related to digestion, has a corresponding influence upon the liver. The overwhelming of the liver by poisonous so-called foods, and by substances that promote intestinal decomposition and putrefaction, is one of the most potent causes that cripple its usefulness and activity. The wearing of tight clothing, which tends to compress it, and in some instances even to crowd it out of place, is productive of untold harm to this faithful digestive organ.
Activity Ceases.—The activity of the bile gradually ceases as it passes along the intestinal tract, partially because a large percentage of it is absorbed and carried back to the liver to be used over again—a very economical arrangement of nature.
INTESTINAL JUICE
A large share of the intestinal digestion is undoubtedly due to the presence of pancreatic juice, which has been carried on with the food substances. There is no positive proof that the intestinal juice has any definite action on any food substance other than cane sugar. It has, however, been found that from four to sixty per cent of cellulose ordinarily disappears in the intestinal canal. This is, however, probably due to the action of germs, which ordinarily inhabit this portion of the alimentary tract. Until recently, it has been supposed that germs acted an important part in the entire digestive process; but definite experiments have demonstrated that stomach digestion is better and more successfully carried on without the presence of germs. Nuttall821and Thierfelter, two German scientists, assisted a mother guinea-pig to give birth to her young, by performing an abdominal operation, thus taking them from the abdominal cavity under aseptic precautions. They were afterward placed under a bell jar, and arrangements made for their feeding so as entirely to exclude all germs. It was found at the end of a certain number of days, when they were killed, that the contents of the alimentary canal were entirely free from microbes, and the guinea-pigs had grown faster than those not having the privilege of this germ-proof rearing. This demonstrated that germs are in no way essential to the digestion, growth, and health of an animal.
In the intestinal juice is a ferment known as invertin, which changes cane sugar back to maltose, the form into which saliva and the pancreatic juice transforms starch.
Quantity.—It has been very difficult to determine absolutely the quantity of intestinal juice produced, but by experiments upon animals it has been estimated that man secretes about five pints in twenty-four hours (Schaffer’s Physiology, 557). Under abnormal conditions, the ability of the intestines to secrete fluid is great. In cholera morbus nearly all the fluid in the body can be drained off in this way, thus producing death in a remarkably short time.
How Stimulated.—Rapid changes of temperature, in the form of hot and cold external applications, have the power of increasing the flow of intestinal juice.
How Hindered.—The secretion of the intestinal juice is hindered by food that contains but little bulk, which is largely free from cellulose; also by a sedentary life, thus giving rise to obstinate constipation. Its reaction is generally alkaline, although when a large number of germs are present, it may, on account of the fermentations produced, become acid.
CO-OPERATION AND UNITY IN THE CAUSE OF GOD — A LESSON FROM DIGESTION
The saliva acts upon just one element of the food that is to be transformed into living material—the human temple. The gastric juice likewise acts upon a single element, and this is also true of the bile. The pancreatic juice, however, is able to transform a larger number of food elements, and thus prepare them for suitable material in the construction of the body-temple. This co-operative process of the various digestive juices is a beautiful object lesson of the sympathy, co-operation, and mutual encouragement that should exist among Christian laborers in the many departments of the cause of God. Various forms and diverse methods of labor are required to effect that transformation in the hearts of sinful men which is spoken of as translation from the realm of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Like the saliva, some departments of God’s work are calculated to reach in a special manner but a single class, while other departments, like the pancreatic juice, may be able to act upon and influence a number of the various elements that go to make up human society.
Looking from a different standpoint, we see still another lesson: The food is acted upon step by step, one digestive juice after another performing its characteristic work in preparing the food for assimilation. So the human intellect must be led on step by step, line upon line, precept upon precept, no new light contradicting light formerly received, no new truth undermining truth formerly learned. In conditions of health the various digestive juices co-operate, the presence of one always stimulating the other to activity, as illustrated in the tendency of the saliva to stimulate the flow of gastric juice. And so one truth has a tendency to create hunger and thirst for another truth; and thus, if medical missionary work, the educational work, the canvassing work, the religious liberty work, and various other branches of work are properly related as a whole, representing the great work of transforming fallen men, thus rendering them fit for a place in the heavenly building,—if all these departments of work are properly related, then one will stimulate the other whenever and wherever they come in contact. As the different digestive juices are especially adapted to act upon different food elements, so it will be found that the different lines of work in the cause of God are in a special sense adapted to reach different classes in society. The stomach does not complain of the saliva as doing too much work, neither does the saliva complain of the stomach. It is the work of each of the digestive juices and organs to co-operate one with the others; God has arranged that they shall be a means of mutual stimulation.
Censure Does Not Reclaim
“No ONE has ever been reclaimed from a wrong position by censure and reproach; but many have thus been driven from Christ, and led to seal their hearts against conviction.”
A HUMBLE, REVERENT DISPOSITION
The King's Messenger
We learn the ways of the Holy Spirit by meditation. We learn what kind of influences to look for, and to recognize them when experienced. Such meditation is not unnoticed nor neglected on high. By means of it the Holy Spirit imparts to us enlightenment, trust, and courage, without which we often should fail. A willing spirit is essential. He who tries to stand apart from the sphere of the Spirit's influence, and to analyze His workings in the critical spirit of an unconcerned outsider, is not in the right frame of mind to receive such a revelation. But, if there be a humble, reverent, and willing disposition, a desire to be entered and controlled by God through His Spirit, a purpose to learn of Him at first-hand and to obey His teaching,—this disposition not only is recognized, but is enriched by divine influences to the largest degree. To learn the ways of the Holy Spirit it is necessary to believe in His existence and power, to realize our need of Him, and to open the heart to His entrance, that He may take charge of our lives.
HOME
By N. M. Coon
MRS. N M. COON
(Battle Creek, Mich.)
Is there another place on this broad earth that is the center of so much pure affection, around which cluster so many fond memories, or where so much perfect rest may be found? It is our treasure-house, and here dwell those we love best. It is a place of sympathy and encouragement. Those who are wearied with the cares, and disappointments of life come here for rest and counsel, with no fear of being deceived; for in each loved one we may confide.
Early in life the love of home is shown. Watch the little toddling child in its first intelligent play, and see how, almost invariably, it will play “house.” Just a corner that contains the little one’s belongings is divided off, perhaps, by a few chairs. And then you will hear the dear baby voice say, “This, baby’s home; that, mama’s home.” In after years the association is no less dear to those who have gone out from the family circle. Have you ever met a friend, and, on inquiry, have received this answer, from the tired one, “Oh, I am going to father’s to rest a little while, and to see what they think I had better do.”
It is not grandeur of structure nor elegance of furnishings that makes the true home. It may be the humblest of cottages, but love dwells within.
When God created man, He placed him in the midst of perfect environments, and implanted within him a love for his surroundings. The Christian home is the nearest approach to this first model of any since the fall. Yet even here perfect peace can not hold undisputed sway; for an enemy is abroad in the land, scattering death and disappointment everywhere.
But we have the promise of a home into which sorrow, death, and destruction can never enter, and where nothing can ever harass or make afraid. Compare this with our present home. Here, we have no surety; there, we “shall not build and another inhabit,” we “shall not plant and another eat.” Here, we are often in poverty; there, our share is riches and honor. Even in this sin-cursed earth there are many beautiful mansions which men have built, but they perish with time. But in the new earth will be the New Jerusalem, prepared by the Lord himself, whose mansions are everlasting. When we see the beauty of the flowers; when we behold the grandeur of the mountains, and delight in the mighty rivers, and the glories of the heavens above us, we pause to remember that the Lord, who made them, has prepared a home for us, and we are lost in amazement and adoration. For He has told us in His word: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
Here in this world we often receive promises which are not fulfilled, because they who promise are not able to perform; but He who has made this promise is able to carry out all that it contains. The Lord of glory will be with us there; for He has said, “Where I am, there ye may be also.” Let us keep this in our hearts, and have “respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Let us think of the earth as it comes from the hand of the Creator the last time, restored to its Edenic beauty, and the New Jerusalem in all its unimagined splendor as its crowning glory. Turn to Rev. 21:10, and read the brief but graphic description recorded there.
May we have the faith which takes hold of these precious promises and appropriates their life-giving truths, that when the New Jerusalem descends from God out of heaven, we may “enter in through the gates into the city,” and dwell forever in the light of the Son of God.
The Christian’s Missionary Duty
“FORGET not that your first and principal business as a disciple of Christ is to give the gospel to those who have it not. He who is not a missionary Christian will be a missing Christian when the great day comes for bestowing the rewards of service.”
LOVE THE ERRING
By Melissa Sollars
BLESSED assurance, He's coming again;
Look up, and be joyful, ye children of men!
Soon the long night of sorrow and sin will be o'er;
Bright shines the light from Eternity's shore.
There are sad homes on earth where the tempter still reigns,
Where captives are moaning and clanking their chains,
Looking in vain for strong, helping hands
Able to rescue, and break the strong bands.
So long are the days, and still longer the nights!
Strong is the battle, and feeble their might.
Like the prisoner doves to the strong window panes,
Prisoners still, and still clanking their chains.
O Father, look down from thy kingdom above,
And give us, we pray thee, hearts melting with love,
To gather the lost ones from mountain and plain,
To meet thee, prepared, at thy coming again.
—Mrs. Melissa Sollars.
THE EVIL EFFECTS OF NARCOTIC DRUGS USED AS MEDICINE
By Kate Lindsay
KATE LINDSAY, M. D.
In addition to the almost universal use of narcotics, without either their prescription or their sanction by a physician, the use of a great number of drugs of the same nature, which are prescribed by the profession as medicines, is gradually becoming more prevalent among the laity, without any medical advice or prescription.
In fact, it would seem as if the use of narcotics by the people at large often begins with a medical prescription filled once by the doctor's orders, and ever after by order of the patient, who soon learns that the taking of this drug gives immunity from physical suffering, for a short time, at least, or produces unconsciousness of mental discomfort. The temptation to get even short periods of freedom from mental and physical suffering leads to indifference concerning the after results, which are increase of pain and mental distress. Once the patient has taken on himself the prescribing, it means larger doses of the medicine at more frequent intervals; for the nerves become weakened by the use of the drug, and the body loses its power to endure pain and discomfort.
There is a long list of these drugs in common use by the profession, the principal of which are opium and its various preparations. Then there are chloral, kola, hasheesh, absinth; all the coal-tar preparations, as antifebrine, antipyrine, phenacetin, cocaine, etc.; and the bromides; to say nothing of the extracts of the various nerve-quieting herbs, as valerian, celery, and a long list used by patent-medicine men in the manufacture of their various compounds.
All these are purchased and swallowed in the form of patent medicines by a gullible public, or taken under their own proper name as purchased from the druggist. One and all, they damage and derange the nerves, and destroy the harmonious, painless working activity of the different organs of the body. It has been estimated that there are about half a million opium inebriates in the United States, three fourths of whom are women; also that this habit is increasing every year. Just think what must be the effects of all this drugging on the sensitive nervous system of women; and through this nervous demoralization of the mothers, how the children must suffer!
Opium especially is used in many forms. In some cases it is taken after the Eastern method, by smoking until the narcotic sleep is produced; in other cases it is taken in the form of morphine injections, and in yet others in the form of fluid preparations, as laudanum, paregoric, and the many forms of infantile “soothing” sirups, which annually soothe many little ones into oblivion, and which are “so handy” as sleep producers for the unprincipled nurse when she wishes to spend an afternoon with some favorite chum or admirer.
How frequently have I seen mothers thoughtlessly handle these deadly drugs, and indifferently pour them out for their babies. To be sure, the little one rested after taking the benumbing drug. The fermenting food, which was injuring the delicate digestive organs, went on doing its work just the same. The little sufferer made no outcry. Pain was stopped, because the nerves were deadened. It would be just as sensible for the sleepy army officer who did not wish to get up and face the on-coming enemy at night, to order the sentinel killed who fired off his rifle and gave the signal that the enemy was near.
If the welfare of the people demands that a pledge be taken against all previously mentioned injurious drugs, there is surely need of one against the use of narcotic medicinal drugs, especially the use of such strong and dangerous drugs as are opium and all its preparations.
More will be written concerning the mental and physical effects of these drugs.
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE
A dear isolated sister, whose husband has been addicted to the tobacco habit, writes as follows:—
My husband has been much discouraged, but I think his courage is growing stronger. Last Sabbath, after my testimony in our social meeting, at which just he and I were present, he took his tobacco out of his pocket and handed it to me, saying: “Here, mother, you take it, and do what you please with it.” I stepped to the stove, and committed it to the flames. I ask you to pray earnestly for him, that he may get the victory over his appetite.
Your kind letter of advice and encouragement was received with thankfulness. I was greatly concerned about what I should do, and I sought the Lord in prayer to know what was best. Soon after, I was called to take care of a woman with typhoid fever. The neighbors desired that I should not go, for fear I should take the disease; but I went, trusting in the Lord. When this woman recovered sufficiently to hear and understand, I read and prayed with her, trying all the time to do the Lord’s will instead of mine. I did all I could for her both spiritually and temporally, and I was wonderfully blessed. After that I took care of two other women, and have just returned home from nursing a family of seven, who have all had the smallpox. I was truly thankful that I did not get that dreadful sickness. I am the mother of eleven children, some of whom are converted, and some are not. Please find inclosed five dollars for the work.
We have just received an encouraging letter from a brother and sister who are engaged in the canvassing work. They say that they are fifty years old, and the Lord is certainly blessing them in the work. They give us the names and addresses of four persons to whom to write and send reading-matter on different subjects. Three of this number have begun to keep the Sabbath through the efforts of this brother and sister, and all are seeking for more light. We are glad indeed to begin correspondence with these persons, and to do what we can to assist in bringing the whole truth before them, and would be glad to co-operate with all our canvassers in this way. There is no class of workers who have a better opportunity to get acquainted with the people than the canvassers, and we shall be glad to receive the names and addresses of persons whom they meet and think would be good subjects to work with.
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
PRAY for a wild and unsettled boy.
A sister requests prayer for three unconverted friends, and for herself and little girl, that they may cease to be selfish and become true Christians.
“I request prayer for myself. I am an Adventist girl, seventeen years of age. My parents are Sabbath-keepers, and I wish to join with them, but I am weak in faith.”
“Please pray for my husband, who is not in the truth, and for my children, that I may bring them up for the Lord. There is only one other sister and two small children here, and we are trying to be faithful.”
“I ask the dear sisters to pray for my children. Our boys have been working away from home, and have grown careless. Pray that they may be thoroughly converted during the Week of Prayer. Pray also for me, that I may have more of the love of Christ in my heart, and more patience in caring for my children.”
“I am working out, and so do not have much time. I have five children. Two of them are working out in the world. My daughter, fourteen years old, has been baptized, but is discouraged. I do want a home where I can gather my children together, and prepare them for the coming of the Lord, which I do not think is far off. Will you please pray that the Lord will open the way for this to be?”
“Offer the prayer of faith for my husband now. He is struggling against conviction, and is seeking excuse rather than truth, I fear. He has always been a good, noble-hearted man, and would be a power if he only had the truth. He is preparing to devote all his time to Sunday-school work, and tries to regard it as a grand work; but I can not rejoice with him. I believe he will come into the light, and that the Spirit is striving with him. Pray that the Lord will melt away his prejudice and pride.”
NOTICE !
“ABOUT two years ago I took two children to raise,—a girl of seven and a boy of six years of age. They are very promising, bright children, but I can not give them the care they should have, neither can I place them in a church school, as it has become necessary for me to engage in work in a home not my own, and under wages, and so I can not do a mother’s duty by them. They must be raised for the Lord. I should rather bury them than raise them for any other purpose. I wish to find a good motherly sister who will take the care of them, while I earn the money. I can pay one hundred dollars a year for board and care. They are well clothed, for a year, at least. I should like to have them placed within access of a church school. They have been carefully raised; have always had a cold sponge bath every day, never ate meat, and have always lived on two meals a day, and I should like to have them continue in this way.”
If any wish to correspond with this sister, her name and address can be obtained by writing to the Office of the Woman’s Gospel Work, 271 W. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich.
BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY
Revelation 9; “Thoughts on the Revelation,” Pages 469-487
DAILY READING FOR DEC. 30, 1900, TO JAN. 5, 1901
Sunday, “Thoughts on the Revelation,” verse 1.
Monday, “ “ “ “ verses 2-4.
Tuesday, “ “ “ “ 5-12.
Wednesday, “ “ “ “ 13-17.
Thursday, “ “ “ “ 18-21.
Friday, Reading Circle Study on this page.
QUESTIONS
1. Who was symbolized by the star in verse 1? What power had he been restraining?
2. What was the pit opened by his death? What was the significance of the sun and the air being darkened by the smoke?
3. What was symbolized by the locusts? To what was their power compared? When did Mohammed die?
4. Who delivered the command of verse 4, and under what circumstances?
5. How was their power limited during five months? How much real time was represented by the five months?
6. Describe the Saracen warriors. Verses 7-10.
7. When was the kingdom established out of the Mohammedan factions? Who was the first king? What was his character?
8. What event marked the beginning of the five months? Give date.
9. What marked the end of the fifth trumpet, or first woe? Give date.
10. When the sixth angel sounded, from what place was a voice heard?
11. What command was given? What were the four angels supposed to represent?
12. Reckon up the prophetic time given in verse 15. Give date for beginning and ending of this period.
13. What historical event marked the end of this period? Give particulars.
14. What new departure in warfare is supposed to be represented in verse 17?
15. Did the apostate church change her character on account of the work accomplished under the first six trumpets? Verses 20, 21.
READING CIRCLE STUDY
By S. N. H.
Ninth Chapter of Revelation
S. N. H.
THE ninth chapter of Revelation is one of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible. There are over forty figurative expressions in the twenty-one verses of this chapter. The historical facts are so clearly described by even infidel historians, that among commentators there is seldom any disagreement in the application of this prophecy. We refer the reader to the pamphlet “The Seven Trumpets,” published at the Review Office, for the historical facts and an exposition of these trumpets.
Trumpets, when connected with nations, in prophecy denote war. Zeph. 1:16. The restored Persian Empire was in the height of its glory when suddenly, like a falling star, it fell before the hordes of the Mohammedans. This opened the way for that system of error to be propagated extensively. The moral atmosphere was darkened with its deadly influences, and is well illustrated by locusts issuing from the smoke of the bottomless pit. Abu-Bekr, the successor of Mohammed, when addressing his soldiers, used almost the same words contained in the fourth verse. This was concerning certain Sabbath-keeping Christians living in the foothills of their course. The fleetness of the Arabian horse in rushing upon the enemy, and then as suddenly retreating, is most strikingly illustrated by the sting of the scorpion.
Othman organized these ravaging hordes into the government known as the Ottoman Empire. He first entered Nicomedia, July 27, 1299 A. D. This was the date taken for the beginning of the five months, or one hundred and fifty years. The warriors had long hair, and wore yellow turbans. As the prophet, in vision, saw them rushing toward him to battle, they appeared as having the teeth of lions. Upon the men and upon the horses were breastplates, and the fury of their dashing upon their prey is described in the ninth verse. Led on by Satan, they were properly called Abaddon, or Apollyon, signifying destroyer.
The time given for the sixth trumpet is one of the most remarkable in the Scriptures, as it specifies the number of days. It was prepared for an hour, one twenty-fourth part of a year, 360 days, making fifteen days; a day, one year; a month, thirty days, or years; a year, 360 days, or years,—a total of three hundred and ninety-one years and fifteen days. But why should God be so definite in this, if it were not to impress the Bible student with the importance of these dates? When God brought his people out of Egypt, he referred to the year in round numbers, even when a definite day was referred to. Ex. 12:41. But here God mentions the exact number of years and days for the Ottoman Empire to continue.
God has three ways of describing nations: (1) By calling them by name before they have acted their part in prophecy. Dan. 8:20, 21; (2) by naming the river upon which the country is situated. Isa. 8:5-8; (3) by language that could be applied to no other power than the one described. Dan. 7:19-25. And then, to make it more emphatic, the time is sometimes connected with the description. In this sixth trumpet we have the time of its duration, and the events that mark its beginning and ending. The language used in describing this power and what it would do, could apply to no other nation that ever existed. We have the name of the river—the Euphrates—upon which it is situated. One hundred and fifty years from July 27, 1299 A. D., brings us to a definite date for the sounding of the sixth trumpet; namely, July 27, 1449 A. D.
But what was the condition of this power at this particular time that would answer to the four angels bound in the great river Euphrates? The four principal sultanates of the Turkish power at this date were situated at Damascus, Iconium, Aleppo, and Bagdad. These powers were loosed for three hundred and ninety-one years and fifteen days, ending Aug. 11, 1840 A. D. That very day the sultan signed away his independence into the hands of England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia; and it is a well-known fact that Turkey has existed by sufferance ever since then. Some have supposed that the entire number of his army is given in verse 16. The Turks were the first to use firearms. The apostle had never seen anything like this. The appearance of the warriors, shooting upon horseback, coming toward John in vision, with breastplates upon both the horses and the men, is described in verses 16, 17. The expression “the heads of lions” denotes the fierce appearance of the horses while in battle. A horse’s tail is a Turkish emblem of authority, a symbol of office.
It is a fact worthy of mention that the Mohammedans themselves acknowledge that they were commissioned of God to destroy the Romanists and the Greeks, and claim that these are not Christians, but infidels. While in South Africa ten years ago, I became acquainted with the secretary of their society. After he had invited me to his house, he said to me, in true Arabian style, “This house and library are free to you at any time.” We spoke freely of their history as a people. He stepped to his library and took down a copy of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” by Elder Smith, and turning to this chapter, acknowledged the application of the prophecy, and said that God called them to this work. “But,” I said, “you killed Christians.” He then referred me to the historical fact of verse 4, and said: “No; the Catholics and Greeks are not Christians, they are idolaters.” He then alluded to their images, etc. This is simply a testimony as to the correctness of the application of this prophecy. Letting this testimony remain for what it is worth, the application of this prophecy to the Turkish power is an established fact.
William Miller and Josiah Litch wrote on this subject in 1838, taking this position, and said that if they were right in their calculation, the independence of the Turkish power would cease Aug. 11, 1840 A. D. Previously to this time the coming of the Lord had been quite extensively preached, but it had not made much stir in the world. They further stated that if they were correct on this point, the little time “quickly” of Rev. 11:14 would come in between then and 1844 A. D. So the conclusion was that at that time the twenty-three hundred days would end, and the Lord would come. Many educated men, of position and influence, looked forward with interest to the 11th day of August, 1840 A. D. When it became known that on that very day the sultan did sign away his independence into the hands of the European Powers, many identified themselves with the Adventists. It gave such an impetus to the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, that it resulted, especially in this country, in the greatest religious movement that had been experienced since the days of the apostles. Language would fail to give the reader a correct idea of those times. The movement was not confined to this country, but God raised up men in Europe and Africa and in different parts of the world to proclaim the first angel’s message—“The hour of His judgment is come.”
PASS IT ALONG
Christ filled the cup of salvation with His own hands. He gave it to His disciples to drink. Drink, and pass it along. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” “Go ye therefore.”
So the apostles partook, and then passed it on. They of Jerusalem passed it on to Antioch; and they of Antioch passed it on to Ephesus and Corinth and Philippi; and they of Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi passed it on to Rome; and they of Rome passed it on to Britain; and they of Britain passed it on to us in America; and we of America are to pass it on to Japan, and China, and India, and to the isles of the sea which have it not.
But there are some who hold on to the cup, and will not pass it on. “It is good,” they say; “blessed! oh, most blessed!” but they will not pass it on. The heathen are perishing for want of that cup, but they will not pass it on. There is more salvation in that cup than they can ever use themselves, but they will not pass it along. When others say, “We have found it so good ourselves, let us pass it over to those millions of poor Chinamen,” they say, “No, we are not interested in foreign missions.”
And so the Lord waits. For “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”—Selected.
Compulsory Arbitration in the American Republics
The late Latin-American Congress, held at Madrid, adopted, by almost unanimous vote, the principle of “compulsory arbitration in disputes between the American republics.” And since by the Monroe doctrine825all other nations are excluded from the affairs of this continent, south of the Canadian line, who but the United States can be the source of ultimate appeal, to do the compelling? “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him”—in his sight.