We have said, that the angel of Rev. vii, 2, was the same as the third brought to view in chap. xiv. If this is so, we may expect to find the seal brought to view in his message. We turn to that message and find our views confirmed; for a portion of it reads, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God," &c.
Another point to be noticed in the investigation of the seal, is its location; viz., in the forehead. We read of a class also in chap. xiv, 1, who have the Father’s name written in their foreheads; and another class is brought to view in chap. xiii, 16, and xiv, 9, who receive the mark of the beast in their hand or in their forehead. There are two classes then here presented before us: the one having the seal, or the Father’s name written in their foreheads, who stand on mount Zion with the Lamb; the other who receive the mark of the beast in their forehead, and drink of the wrath of God. The seal of the living God, therefore, is the opposite of the mark of the beast.
We do not claim that the sealed will have a literal impression of a seal upon their foreheads, or that the Father’s name there written is a literal writing, or that the mark of the beast is a visible, literal mark in the hand or in the forehead; any more than we claim that the writing of the law in our hearts [Jer. xxxi, 33; Heb. viii, 10] is a literal writing. But the forehead being the seat of the mind by which we receive or reject all theories presented to us, the seal and the mark there located, must evidently signify some prominent doctrines which distinguish the worshipers of the beast and the worshipers of God.
It has been said that not the Sabbath, or the fourth commandment, but the Father’s name, mentioned in Rev. xiv, 1, was the seal of the living God. But this is only limiting the matter, and making a distinction where none is required; inasmuch as the Father’s name is contained in the seal of the law, the fourth commandment. For proof that this was so regarded, see Deut. xvi, 6: "But at the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his Name in, there shalt thou sacrifice the Passover," &c. What was there where they sacrificed the Passover? There was the sanctuary, having in its holiest apartment the ark with the ten commandments; and the fourth of those commandments declared the true God, and contained his name. Wherever this was, there God’s name was placed.
We may derive further evidence concerning the seal, by considering what constitutes the mark of the beast; since the mark and the seal are brought to view in opposition to each other; and in the final wind up of this dispensation, we find but two classes brought to view: the one sealed with the seal of the living God: the other having the mark of the beast.
What then is the mark of the beast? That the beast of Rev. xiii, with seven heads and ten horns designates the Papacy, no Protestant will quarrel with us for believing. By considering the characteristics of this beast in verses 5–7, we find that the same power is prophesied of in Dan. vii; and it is there said [verse 25] that he should think to change times and laws. What times and laws are those which the Pope should think to change? Evidently not the laws of men or nations; for any power which has control of these, is able, and has a perfect right, to change them; and it is neither a mark of arrogance nor of blasphemy for it to do so; and that Papacy has had all these in its control is a fact which need not be mentioned. But here are laws which he shall not be able to change though he shall think to do it; and for doing this, the prophets designate him as speaking great words against the Most High, and blasphemies: it must be the law of God which in his arrogance he should think to control.
Let us then take God’s law, the ten commandments, and compare it with the precepts enforced by Papacy. We find that the Roman Church has omitted entirely the second commandment, and to supply the deficiency, has divided the tenth. Moreover in enforcing the fourth, which is the third in her decalogue, she commands us to keep Sunday, the first day of the week, instead of the seventh day which is enjoined by the law of God. With all this before us, we read in Rev. xiii, 4, that "they worshiped the beast." What is it to worship the beast? The following may be considered a universal rule on this point:
"Whenever any civil or ecclesiastical enactment conflicts with the requisitions of Jehovah, that power is worshiped which is obeyed in preference to the other. 'Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are whom ye obey.' Rom. vi, 16."—Bliss on Apocalypse, p. 233.
Men worship the beast, therefore, by obeying his institutions in preference to those of Jehovah; and the observance of such institutions becomes a mark or sign between him and his worshipers. And as Sunday-keeping, which directly conflicts with the plain requirements of the law of God, is an institution peculiar to Papacy, a fact which can be clearly proved, we are unavoidably held to the conclusion that it is the mark of the beast; and we are further confirmed in this view, when we learn from the very message of the Third Angel, itself, that the issue between beast-worshipers and the saints, is on the commandments of God. "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God," &c. This is one class; and on the other hand it is said, "Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus."
We need not be told more plainly, that if we worship the beast and receive his mark, we do not keep the Commandments of God; and if we do keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, we do not worship the beast, nor receive his mark. Now what is the difference between the requirements of the beast and the Commandments of God? Chiefly this: the one enjoins the observance of the human institution of Sunday, the other commands us to keep holy the true Sabbath, the seventh day. Hence we necessarily come to the following:
Conclusion. A false Sabbath is the mark of the beast, and a true one the seal of the living God.
The question may here arise, If the Sabbath is now the seal, has it not been such ever since it was instituted? and have not all those who have kept it in times past, had the seal of the living God in their forehead? We see no objection to this conclusion. The same arguments we have used to prove the Sabbath the seal now, with the exception of the mark of the beast, would be equally good, if applied to it three thousand years ago; and the Lord told his ancient people Israel, that it should be a sign between him and them forever. This must include, not the literal descendants only, but spiritual Israel also. We find, besides, in Rev. ix, 4, a class brought to view under the sounding of the fifth angel, which had the seal of God in their foreheads.
But all this proves no objection to the special work of the angel of Rev. vii, 2, who ascends, having the seal of the living God. Under the third message it is said, "Here are they that keep the Commandments of God," &c., but we are not to understand by this that there have been none before this time who have kept the Commandments; for God has always had a people on earth, and probably there has never been a time when all the Commandments of God have fallen entirely into disrepute. All we can understand by this is, that there is to be a particular reform, a special work, at a special time, on this question.
We must not confound the possession of the seal with the state of being sealed. While we believe that people in times past have been in possession of the seal, we are not prepared to take the position that any who have ever lived have had that work accomplished for them which is brought to view in Rev. vii, 3. For if the Sabbath is the seal, a correct theory on this question, and an observance of the fourth commandment according to the letter, would of course put one in possession of the seal; but a person might do all this and yet be destitute of saving faith or the Spirit of God; and as has been often and truly said, A mere theory of the truth will not save us. In the work of our salvation the Spirit of God has a large and essential part to act; therefore,
While we believe the Sabbath to be a seal, we believe the Holy Spirit to be the sealer.
The condition therefore of our being sealed, is not only to be in possession of the seal, but also to fulfill every other requirement of the Holy Spirit; as saith the Apostle, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby (by whom—Whiting) ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Eph. iv, 30.
Again, we do not take the position that any who are now living, are sealed; inasmuch as we do not consider any in a state where it is not possible for them to draw back or fall away; and the only idea we can have of the state of those who are sealed, is, that they are made sure of heaven, and are beyond the reach of sin. But it may be asked, Has not the sealing work been going on already for a number of years? True; the mission of the sealing angel is being accomplished; but all must see that the first thing necessary in this work, is the diffusion of light, and the intelligent reception of the truth by those who would be sealed. This work is now going forward. The truth is being received and loved by honest hearts; and we are striving to be guided in all things by the Spirit of truth that we may keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and have the protection of Heaven through the time of trouble, and a passport at last into the eternal city.
When the saints are all sealed, it is evident that the cases of all will be decided, and probation closed. This then is the last work to be accomplished for them preparatory to the time of trouble, and their final deliverance.
Some may here say, If you believe that all those who are found at last having the seal, will be sealed and saved, and all others will have the mark of the beast, what will you do with the Jews, and some others who zealously observe the seventh day, but have little or no interest in other portions of present truth? To this we can only say, that we know nothing of the future, but what we derive from the prophecies on record; and from these we feel safe in the conclusion, that society will eventually resolve itself into two classes: Sabbath-keepers and Sunday-keepers; that all those who are so conscientious in their worship of God, as to remain true to his Sabbath, regardless of the penalties that shall be attached to its observance, will also see and embrace all other truth, and be with God’s people; while those who do not do this will sacrifice their scruples of conscience in regard to the Sabbath, yield to the decrees of the beast and his image, and receive his mark.
We cannot pass over this subject without a reference to Eze. ix. That chapter becomes one of thrilling interest if the events there brought to view are the same as in the first three verses of Rev. vii, which we think there is abundant reason to believe. Behold the man with the writer’s ink-horn by his side, setting a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof, followed by the men with the slaughtering weapons; and we cannot fail to see the identity between this work and that of the sealing angel of Rev. vii, followed by those who have the seven last plagues.21In Eze. ix, the fate of all those who are finally found without the mark or the seal in their foreheads, is most distinctly enunciated. Thus reads the command to those who had the slaughtering weapons, "Go ye after him through the city and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: SLAY UTTERLY old and young, both maids and little children, and women." There are no exceptions here made for the heathen, or the youth, or any who have undeveloped characters when the Lord comes: the command is, Slay utterly. But we read further, "Come not near any man upon whom is the mark." Blessed protection which God vouchsafes to his people! While the men with the slaughtering weapons, the angels with the last vials of God's wrath, are passing through the land, they will not come near any upon whom is the mark. There the saints will stand, as it were, labeled for glory, secure amid the destruction that is wasting around them. When a thousand are falling at their side, and ten thousand at their right hand, it shall not come nigh them. No plague shall come nigh their dwelling. Ps. xci, 7, 10. All others indiscriminately will come under that fearful command, Slay utterly!
If this be so, woe to those who are deceiving themselves and others with a false hope—who think there will yet be left, life and space for repentance after the men with the slaughtering weapons have fulfilled their mission, and probation is ended, and the Lord is come! Be it ours to prepare now for the fearful scenes before us, and warn others to do so too.
We do not close this article, claiming to have cleared the subject of all difficulties; but we think we have established certain reasonable conclusions which cannot be easily refuted, and which are sufficient for a consistent faith.
TENT OPERATIONS.
By James White
It is time to begin to lay plans for Tent operations the coming Summer. We think that we have learned some things of importance in regard to the Tent enterprise from what we have observed the two past seasons.
We think it is of but little use to labor with the Tent in those places where the people have generally heard and have rejected the Message, and have not ears to hear. True, a vast amount of prejudice may be removed by Tent-meetings in such places. And so we might labor removing prejudice till Jesus comes, and leave those who have ears to hear, and hearts that can feel the power of Divine Truth to perish. "He that hath an ear let him hear," seems to be not only a motto for this time, but an injunction to all who may help in this work. In a scriptural manner we should attend to our work. What have we to do with prejudice excited by wicked men and Devils in the hearts of those who have rejected the warning voice of truth? We will leave that for those to care for who make error their choice, while we will attend to our mission,—"Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [‘constrain by intreaty’] them to come in." Luke xiv, 23. And in what way can we more effectually perform this mission to the letter, than to go forth with our portable meeting houses into new fields where the people have not turned away their ears from hearing the truth, and have not hardened their hearts against it.
But we are not unacquainted with many of the difficulties of laboring with Tents in new fields. The people, even those who may become interested in Bible truth, are not prepared to pay the expenses of Tent-meetings, and those who go with the Tents are generally dependent on others for support; therefore Tent-meetings have been held with few exceptions, in those places where there were brethren who would request a meeting in their place, and promise to pay expenses. We do not say that Tents should never go where the Message has been presented. No, the people may have been aroused by the presentation of truth during the Winter, and the way prepared for an effectual effort in such places with the Tent. But to go to those places where the people have been aroused, and have lost their interest, and attempt to re-arouse them by a Tent-meeting, seems worse than time, labor and means thrown away.
Then what can be done? There can be but one answer to this question. The church can come up unitedly, and with means which they profess to have laid on the Lord's altar send the Tents into new fields. Will the friends of truth do it? Now is the time to speak and to act on this subject.
Bro. J. Hart of Round Grove, Ill., writes, April 8th:—
"I am willing to put into the Tent operation $100 if others will do enough to man out a Tent. I will give it in any way the church think best, in money, or part money and part labor."
In a letter dated April 22d, he states:—"I think there could be $250, raised in this Church."
We think that believers in the Third Message in Illinois and Wisconsin will be ready to co-operate with the Brn. at Round Grove in the work of proclaiming the Message in the West. Please address Josiah Hart, Round Grove, Whiteside Co., Ills., on the subject.
We think there should be no more Tents in the field than can be well manned, and sustained on new ground. There are five now owned by Sabbath-keepers. It is our opinion that but one Tent can be used to advantage in New England, considering the lack of preachers, and the prospect of affecting good there, compared with the prospect in the West. If so, we presume our brethren in New England would be ready to send one of their Tents West. We make this suggestion to call the attention of the brethren to the subject in season. J. W.
THE SABBATH AMONG THE FRENCH.
By Editor
We were happy to receive the following letter from Bro. Bourdoux of Franklin Co., Vt., containing as it does the cheering intelligence that he has been led to see the requirements of the fourth commandment of the law of God. We trust that by this a way may be opened for the spread of the Sabbath truth among the people of his language, as one of their own number can better have access to them than any others. The brethren will remember the request which he subjoins in his post script. We know of no better way of making his condition known, or one which would be of more interest to the lovers of truth generally, than by publishing his letter. He says:—
I drop you a few lines, once more, not to argue with you on sunday-keeping, as before, but to let you know how the cause of truth has penetrated into my heart. It is only about a fortnight, since I embraced the unpopular truth of the Bible which is now being taught; viz., the seventh-day Sabbath. W. L. Saxby, my wife's brother, of Springfield, Mass., came out here two weeks ago last sixth-day, and aptly brought with him No. 23 of the Review and Herald which contained the answer to a letter that I addressed you, not long since. I thank you, and God more especially, for the light you gave me, in his Word, on sunday-keeping. When our Bro. Saxby left us, I felt convinced within me that I was in error,—that I was a breaker of the law of God. The words of the Apostle were always in my mind; "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools;" for I found that all the arguments that I had so often appealed to, with an idea of triumph, to establish the observance of the first-day in preference to the seventh, were utterly without foundation in the book of truth. And again, "Thou that preachest, a man should not steal, dost thou steal?" Thou that teachest a man to "fulfill the law," dost thou "transgress the law? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God?"
From that time I have been greatly troubled in my mind. . . . "Notre petite Eglise francaise," was continually before me. What will my dear and beloved French brethren say, when they will see their preacher observe the seventh-day Sabbath in preference to the first-day, a doctrine that they, perhaps, have never heard of before! Can I bear the thoughts of grieving my brethren and sisters, who have been such a help to me, and with whom I have enjoyed so many spiritual blessings? God forbid, I trust that the great "I AM" will put in their hearts to embrace the truths of his Word!
I can expect to suffer persecution—and even some of the bitterest persecutions; but, notwithstanding all this, I am resolved to embrace the truth of the Bible, and nothing else but the truth, let men say as they will. It is certain that no worldly inducements, no hope of gain or worldly glory, can influence me to such a course. I know that reproach, and afflictions await me, in consequence of the keeping of the commandments; yet, "the love of Christ," as said an Apostle, "constraineth us."
I feel that the period for man's life here, the whole duration of this world's existence, all the wealth, and honor, and pleasures of the present life, are less than vanity and nothing, compared with the realities of eternity! In this life, short as it is, our characters must be formed for the long, long eternity. They cannot be formed for it, but through an intelligent reception of the truth, and the sanctification of the Spirit. Such a reception of the truth, however, will not take place except serious attention be given to it.
O may the Lord help me to expound the truth to others, as fast as it is revealed to me! I thank God that my Mother, Wife and Sister have decided already to observe the Bible Sabbath! and there are some more here, who are anxious to hear on the important subject; and they are anxiously waiting for more light. Will not some of the brethren, who can present the truth in a clear manner, come this way, that we may acquire more light in conversing with them. I have but one Sabbath tract in my disposal; and I have never heard a lecture on the subject of the Sabbath. The light that I have received has come through the Review.
Yes, I am convinced by the holy scriptures that the seventh day of the week, is the Sabbath of the Lord. It is the "Lord's day." It is hallowed by God himself. It comes to us as if clad in the atmosphere of heaven. This the pious feel, as the Sabbath dawns upon them, while their hearts are lifted heavenward, in warm desire, and holy anticipations, they feel a hallowing influence come over them. Thus, through the influence of the Sabbath, wherever it is hallowed and improved, are souls ripening for an eternal Sabbath in the kingdom of God. O blessed day! It is as if God, on its return, breathed a breath of heaven upon this fallen world, to hallow and prepare us for our final home. How, then, should it be prized?
Dear brother, it is true that in this favored portion of the world, there are many Sabbath-breakers. Over too many, alas, darkness is extending its influence! But, praise be to the Lord, it is a relief to know that the friends of God, of truth and holiness, are on the alert. Let us hail the Sabbath as a precious gift from heaven. Let us try to improve it. Let us "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," "calling it a delight," "the holy of the Lord," not forgetting that upon him who keepeth it, a blessing is pronounced. "Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 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."
Your unworthy French brother.
AUGUSTIN C. BOURDEUX.
Remember Us in Your Prayers
By A. C. B.
P. S.—Will you let the "lovers of the truth" know of our condition, that they may pray for us. (French.) You are aware perhaps that they are very hard to deal with; when they once settle their mind on any thing it is hard to remove it.
I trust that you will remember us in your prayers to God. A. C. B.
"FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK."
By A. S. H.
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke xii, 32.
There has never been a time since these words fell from the lips of the Saviour, when the declaration, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," could with greater propriety be read and reflected upon as a matter of comfort and support, than by those who live amidst the thickening perils of the last days, and are looking for the glorious appearing of the Son of man. To all such these words are peculiarly precious. For, "unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." And unto all such as "love his appearing," he will give the rich reward of eternal life.
Every one that understandingly desires the kingdom and the gift of eternal life, will most earnestly and habitually look for and love the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; for it is not till then that this gift is bestowed upon the followers of Christ.
We think it would be extremely inconsistent for the inspired writer, to speak of those who "love the appearing" of Christ, and look for it &c., unless the church of God, in the last days, could know and understand those signs which herald his coming.
But proud and worldly-minded divines, and many of their followers, tell us, "We are looking for the Second Advent of Christ," and yet the same moment assert that we cannot determine whether this event is one hundred or one thousand years in the future. Now we give it as our candid opinion, that such people are not looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Saviour. Neither have they any real Bible faith on this point.
It is a clearly established fact in the word of God, that the true church will not walk in darkness respecting the return of their dear Redeemer. No, no, far from this! Even this moment sure and unmistakable evidences are unfolding before us, which announce that he is near, even at the doors. The darkening of the sun and of the moon; and falling of the stars, and many other prominent signs, upon which we may base our faith on this subject, are in the past. So that emphatically it may now be said to the "little flock," "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief!" 1 Thess. v, 4. "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it (he, margin) is near, even at the doors." Matt. xxiv, 33.
It is also clearly sustained in the sacred scriptures, that in the perilous times of the last days, which we have reached, that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." And that "the wicked shall do wickedly;" and shall not understand: also that some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
But to those who are walking in the light as it shines forth from the sacred volume of truth; and have the abiding evidence that their peace is made with God, the exhortation is, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
The three Messages of Revelation xiv, are to purify and prepare the remnant of God's people for the gift of eternal life, when the great Searcher of hearts shall appear.
"Let me among thy saints be found.
When o'er the archangel's trump shall sound."
Two of these Messages have been proclaimed to this generation. And they have not been given without their effect. The first Message [verses 6, 7,] contains the solemn warning, "Fear God, and give glory to him:" and announces that the "hour of his judgment is come." This warning was general, extensive: "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." It aroused and stirred the careless, and unbelieving world. Many set about the work of preparation to meet the Just One. Ministers and members of the different churches rejoiced in the rise and spread of this Message. But the sincerity and depth of their love for the return of their Saviour, with their willingness to make the sacrifice at this time required was soon to be thoroughly tested.
The angel with the second Message announces the fall of Babylon. Verse 8. Thousands of the meek, devoted and cross-bearing followers of Christ, left the sectional and sectarian bodies, and took a stand where they could unitedly and boldly proclaim the glad tidings of the immediate coming of the King in his beauty. Praise God forever and ever! These were days of great freedom and unbounded liberty to God's people. But others mocked and scoffed, and walked and stumbled, in bondage and darkness.
The close of this message brought us to the Autumn of 1844, and to the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel viii, 14. At the termination of this great prophetic period the coming of the Lord was looked for with great confidence. A disappointment had been realized with the closing of 1843; but another and sad disappointment follows: an unexpected trial of the faith of those who loved and anxiously desired the second Advent of their Lord from heaven. He did not come with the expiration of the 2300 days.
But notwithstanding this, the confidence of a few was still firmly based upon the unfailing word of truth. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb. x, 35-38.
The reason of such a severe disappointment at this time, was not at once disclosed by our heavenly Parent. Yet it was a matter of great consolation to all those who did not "draw back," but still perseveringly sought the guidance of the holy Spirit, to feel the abiding evidence that the gentle hand of the Lord had led them thus far. And that they had not followed "cunningly devised fables," nor been led by the power of Satan, neither had the influence of "mesmerism" produced this movement.
But as soon as the faith of those who "cast not away their confidence," was sufficiently tried, and their hearts were prepared to receive and appreciate the truth, the Message of the third angel is heard.
"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus." verses 9, 10, 12.
In the reception and promulgation of this last and most solemn Message of mercy, we are called to sacrifice no point of Bible truth; we have not passed from liberty to bondage, nor from light to darkness. For we cherish and retain all of the light of the past messages, as well as the present. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
We claim that the argument for the connection of the seventy weeks of Dan. ix, 24, with the 2300 days of chapter viii, 14, is beyond refutation. And that the date for the commencement of these days (years) is 457 B. C., which brings their termination in the Autumn of 1844. At which season of the year they commenced.
That portion of the Adventists who now deny these plain and well established Bible truths, as many do, instead of going on from strength to strength, have been and still are going on from darkness to darkness. So they now have but little either in faith or practice to distinguish them from the cold, formal, and fallen churches around them.
A mistaken view of the Sanctuary to be cleansed (justified, margin, Dan. viii, 14,) at the ending of the 2300 days formed the basis of this disappointment. A thorough and critical investigation of this subject shows conclusively that the Sanctuary here brought to view, is not the earth, but the heavenly Sanctuary which is the subject of Paul's inspired comment in Hebrews, chapters viii, ix. For a full and complete explanation on this subject, with an answer to the objections urged against this view, see the works published on the Sanctuary at the Review Office.
We say then that the light brilliantly shines in full justification of the proclamation of the first two messages of Revelation xiv. And no less does it shine forth from the word of God in proof that the third angel follows them, and that this Message is now being given.
Dear reader, are you heeding the solemn warning contained in this message? "If any man worship the beast and his image," &c. Are you bowing to the institutions of the Romish Church? Are you habitually in the practice of violating God's holy Sabbath, substituting for it the first-day of the week? If so, I beg of you to turn to God's holy Bible for light, and there read, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." To this commandment render obedience as well as to every other of the ten, and strive for the Faith of Jesus, and you may then look for eternal life at the appearing of Jesus, which will soon take place.
We have conclusive testimony that increasing success will attend the proclamation of this last saving message. Those who hear and obey its warning notes, will render perfect obedience to all of the commandments of God, and have the Faith of Jesus; and thus be prepared to stand in the great and dreadful day of the Lord, which hasteth greatly. To such the Saviour addresses these soul-cheering words, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
"Heir of the kingdom, say why dost thou linger?
How canst thou tarry in sight of the prize?
Up and adorn thee, the Saviour is coming,
Haste to receive him descending the skies!
Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted,
Watch for the glory of earth's coming King;
Lo! o'er the mountain-tops light is now breaking;
Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing."
A. S. H.
Barton Landing, Vt., Apr. 1856.
OBITUARY.
By E. L. B.
Died in Bangor, Me., Feb. 25th, Sr. Rebekah Johnson, aged 73 years. She embraced the Christian religion in the 28th year of her age, and ever afterward adorned that profession with a well ordered life and a godly conversation.23She was among the first that embraced the Sabbath and found it a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and looked forward with joy to the time when the commandment-keepers would have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.
E. L. B.
Our Example.
By C. R. Austin
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.” When I contemplate the character and perfections of God, I realize in some degree what mortal man must become, in order to be admitted to his presence, and to become his true child. God sent his only and well beloved Son into the world, and he took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh, and became subject to all the trials and temptations of mortal life, and set us an example, that we should follow in his steps; and O what meekness and humility were exemplified in his daily life and conversation.
What a spirit of sacrifice and of diligence in his Father’s business. I often think if our blessed Saviour found it necessary while sojourning here, to spend the whole night in prayer to his Father, how important it must be for us to “pray always and not to faint.” May God grant that the same mind that dwelt in Jesus, may also dwell in the hearts of the remnant, that they may become living epistles, known and read of all men; and so let their light shine that others may be led to glorify our Father which is in heaven.
C. R. AUSTIN.
Berkshire, Vt.
Awake and Engaged in the Cause
Bro. Lewis Martin writes from Bennington, N. H., April 15th, 1856:—"I desire to see God's people24more awake, and more engaged in the cause of our dear Redeemer, who has done so much for us. I truly feel the need of being more awake in my Master's cause. I often look back to 1844. God was with us then; we then felt to let go of the world, and its fashions too. I think there is too much pride and worldly mindedness among our Seventh-day brethren and sisters. May the Lord work mightily for his people, and help them all to get right. We must get into a place where we shall fear God more, and the world less, and get more persecution. We are living in a dangerous time: the world flatters, and so does the Devil. May God help his people to gird on the whole Christian armor."