p. 8 | Review and Herald, Vol. 19, No. 1. (12/3/1861)

FOURTEEN REASONS

By G. W. A.

WHY I BELIEVE THE LORD IS SOON COMING.

1. The sun shall be supernaturally darkened before that awful day. PROOF. Matt. xxiv, 29. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened." Abundance of history shows this to have been most remarkably fulfilled, May 19, 1780.

2. The moon shall not give her light. PROOF. Mark xiii, 24. "But in these days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." The same histories which show that the sun has been darkened, also show that at the same time the moon did refuse to give her light.

3. The stars shall fall. PROOF. Matt. xxiv, 29. "And the stars shall fall from heaven." Millions of living witnesses will now attest how this was fulfilled in 1833.

4. The gospel shall be universally preached before the end. PROOF. Matt. xxiv, 14. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Reports of missionary operations and Bible societies tell us the gospel has been sounded to every tribe and language and people upon the face of the whole earth.

5. An unprecedented increase of knowledge. PROOF. Dan. xii, 4. "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Whether this means a great triumph of science, art, and literature, or knowledge on the Scriptures, particularly the prophecies, both are astonishing matters of fact,—though we think Bible knowledge is meant,—and the present generation are the witnesses of its fulfillment.

6. Heaping up treasures for the last days. PROOF. James v, 1–3. "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. . . . Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." Every one can see how this prediction is verified in the present covetous, money-making, over-reaching, selfish age.

7. The general declension of piety among professing Christians. PROOF. 2 Tim. iii, 1–4. "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men ("Christians"—Wakefield's trans.) shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Whether this dark picture is wholly fulfilled now or not, we all do know that the nominal church is fast becoming like a dead carcass, and that the vilest iniquities are cloaked up under the garb of piety.

8. The rise and progress of the doctrine of Spiritualism. PROOF. 1 Tim. iv, 1. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." This is the master-piece of Satan's deception, and is to flourish immediately in connection with the end of all things.

9. The proclamation of the three messages of Revelation. PROOF. Chap. xiv, 6–12. These messages, which we have not space to quote, follow in consecutive order; the first announcing that the hour of the judgment has come; the second, that the nominal churches are fallen; and the third, a reform upon the commandments of God. For the last twenty years the globe has rung with the doctrine of the coming of the Son of man, which is the crowning idea in these messages.

10. The prevalence of mockers and scoffers as they were to be in the last days. PROOF. Jude 18; 2 Pet. iii, 3. "There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming?" Peter's scoffers and Jude's mockers are now developed wherever the doctrine of the Second Advent is preached, and by this we know that we have reached the days of the Son of man.

11. The anger of the nations, and a general preparation for war. PROOF. Rev. xi, 18; Jer. xxv, 15–38. "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged." Those who watch the signs of the times, and carefully read the Bible, see in the present warlike attitude of the nations a most perfect fulfillment of this scripture, and by it understand that we are in close proximity to the last great day.

12. Rail-roads and steam chariots. PROOF. Nahum ii, 3–6. "The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of His preparation . . . they shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broadways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings." Millions of people who have been hurried over the ground at the rate of a mile a minute, and have wondered at this extraordinary invention of man, have never stopped to think that it is a fulfillment of prophecy, and a sure sign that we are in the days of God's preparation.

13. Likeness of the last days to the times of Noah and Lot. PROOF. Luke xvii, 26–30. "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." The last days are to be times of great iniquity and wickedness; the world is to wax worse and worse until men get so vile and so corrupt that God will rain fire and snares and brimstone and a horrible tempest upon their heads. Surely the wrath of God can be restrained but little longer from this wicked and pleasure-loving generation.

14, and last, though not least, A universal and general expectation of some great event. Like as it was at the first advent, when all men were "in expectation," so it is now. Every body believes we are just on the eve of some great and important event, but the Christian only knows what it is. While others are groping their way in darkness, let us be thankful that we have the heavenly light in our dwellings, and be always ready to give a reason of our advent hope.

CONFESSION.

By F. Wheeler

DEAR BRO. WHITE: We are taught to confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another that we may be healed. I wish to confess and forsake all my faults and sins. I would confess my wrong course toward Bro. Abbey and family. I have watched for their faults, and in my blindness noticed things that I ought never to have noticed. I have nourished a fault-finding spirit, and have conversed about them to others of things that I ought not, much to their injury, and the injury of those with whom I have conversed. I have been unwilling to receive any explanation of things wherein I thought them wrong. I have been engaged in this work when my attention should have been turned to correct the faults of my own family. I deeply regret the course I have taken, and would ask their forgiveness, and would say to all with whom I have conversed, that I am sorry for the course I have taken. They have been very kind to us, and wherein we have failed to appreciate their kindness, we are heartily sorry.

I have also to confess that I have murmured against Bro. and Sr. White, and have thought them too severe, and have spoken of them to a few of my brethren in a way calculated to prejudice their minds against them. I am sorry that I have been left to do thus, for they have been our sincere friends, both as to temporal and spiritual things; and I believe in what they have said, they have designed it for our good. I am heartily sorry for this my wrong course, and hope they will forgive me, and that the brethren to whom I have spoken will consider that the blame is on me, and not on them.

I wish also to say that for years I have had the most perfect confidence in Sr. White's visions, but in my darkness, and through the temptations of Satan, I have been led at times during a few months past to doubt them, and have expressed these doubts in a few instances to others. I am sorry that I ever doubted them, and desire that no one may be influenced by the doubts I have expressed. I believe they are from the Lord, and intend to fully heed the correction I have recently received, and to profit by all the instruction given through them, and intend to counteract as much as possible every wrong influence I have exerted.

I desire to confess my every sin, and to be united with my brethren in the closing work of the gospel age. I have been slow to see and confess my faults,—also slow to engage in the work of organization. I regret this, and intend for the future to be more diligent, believing it will accomplish a work in bringing the church on higher and holier ground.

I humbly ask forgiveness of God and of all my brethren, and ask an interest in their prayers that I may be enabled to reform from every sin, and walk the narrow way of obedience to the whole truth.

Your unworthy brother.

F. WHEELER.

Hubbardsville, Mad. Co., N. Y.

P. S. Mrs. W. wishes to say that she heartily unites in the above confession. F. W.

EXTRACT FROM WESLEY.

"In the highest rank of the enemies of the gospel of Christ, are they who openly and explicitly 'judge the law' itself, and 'speak evil of the law;' who teach men to break (Γťsai, to dissolve, to loose, to untie the obligation of) not one only, whether of the least, or of the greatest, but all the commandments at a stroke; who teach, without any cover, in so many words, 'What did our Lord do with the law? He abolished it. There is but one duty, which is that of believing. All commands are unfit for our times. From any demand of the law, no man is obliged now to go one step, or give away one farthing, to eat or omit one morsel.' This is indeed carrying matters with a high hand; this withstanding our Lord to the face, and telling him that he understood not how to deliver the message on which he was sent.* O Lord, lay not this sin to their charge! Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!"

"The most surprising of all the circumstances that attend this delusion, is, that they who are given up to it, really believe that they honor Christ by overthrowing his law, and that they are magnifying his office, while they are destroying his doctrine! Yea, they honor him just as Judas did when he said, 'Hail, Master, and kissed him.' And he may as justly say to every one of them, 'Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?' It is no other than betraying him with a kiss, to talk of his blood, and take away his crown; to set light by any part of his law, under pretense of advancing his gospel.* Nor indeed can any one escape this charge, who preaches faith in any such a manner as either directly or indirectly tends to set aside any branch of obedience; who preaches Christ so as to disannul, or weaken in any wise, the least of the commandments of God."—Wesley's Works*, Vol. I, pp. 225, 226.

Welcoming the Review and Herald

E. M. Prentiss writes from North Parma, N. Y.: "Enclosed you will find one dollar and sixty cents for the Review and Herald, with the earnest prayer that God will bless its noble efforts, and the precious cause it so faithfully advocates. One year ago I shrunk from its teachings—to-day I greet it as a welcome messenger bearing glad tidings."

THE SINLESS SOUL.

CAN nature in her boundless beauty show Aught fairer than the rose or lily white; Or what is richer than the sunset glow, Or grander than the starry arch of night?

Yes, purer than the lilies of the lake, Far brighter than the stars that nightly roll; Sweeter than song that the plumed songsters make— Far better than them all—a sinless soul.

Go, loving artist, search all nature through, Then place this record on thy sacred scroll; 'Mid what is lovely, beautiful and true, Naught is there that outweighs a sinless soul."

OBITUARY.

By E. N. Fuller

FELL asleep in Jesus near Knoxville, Marion Co., Iowa., Nov. 6, 1861, sister Nancy W. Cronkhite, aged 26 years and 9 months. Sister Cronkhite embraced the third angel's message a few months since, She was received into the church under the teaching of Bro. Waggoner, and has ever since triumphed in the hope of a soon coming Saviour. Sister C. leaves a husband, two little daughters, and many friends to mourn her departure. E. N. FULLER.

SUFFERING WITH JESUS.

By A. S. H.

We have an account in the twentieth chapter of Matthew of an anxious mother who came to the Saviour with her two sons, desiring of him that they might sit, the one on his right hand, and the other on his left in his kingdom.

Jesus, evidently with a design to remind them that this great favor could be conferred upon none only those willing to suffer with him, or for his sake, asks the following question: "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I shall be baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."

In the clearest possible language they are then informed that they shall drink of his cup and be baptized with his baptism; and that the privilege of sitting on his right hand and on his left, shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of his Father.

Some who believe the saints are all to suffer martyrdom, contend that we cannot drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism of Christ, unless we follow him, even to death.

If, then, this be true, it necessarily follows that these disciples, James and John were both martyred. If proof is wanting here (as it most certainly is), to sustain this view, why should it be thought so inconsistent for one to speak of following Christ whithersoever he goeth, and of drinking of the cup of suffering with him, &c., and still believe the "mystery" shown us by an apostle, "We shall not all sleep?" 1 Cor. xv, 51.

Inspiration records the death of one of these faithful servants of God by the sword of Herod. Acts xii, 2. We also learn from Rev. i, 9, that John was banished to Patmos, "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." From this exile, historians agree he returned and died at an advanced age. Still the Saviour's prediction is fulfilled in them, "Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with." A. S. H.

Business Department.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

C. N. Giles 1,00, xix, 26. E. M. Prentiss 1,60, xx, 1. Harriet G. Dana 1,00, xviii, 1. D. W. Milk 1,00, xx, 1. M., & L. Dickinson 1,00, xx, 1. R. Gorsline 1,00, xx, 1. E. Goodwin 2,00, xxi, 1. S. Burlingame 1,00, xx, 1. L. Carpenter 1,00, xx, 1. T. Phillips 0,50, xx, 1. J. W. Hillebert 0,40, xix, 1. E. Harris 3,00, xix, 1. Mrs. P. D. Lawrence 1,00, xx, 1. J. Atkinson 1,00, xx, 23. J. York 1,00, xxi, 1. B. F. Ball 1,00, xxi, 1. Mary Alexander 1,20, xx, 6. D. W. Bartholomew 1,00, xxi, 1. Lucy Spencer 0,50, xx, 1. L. B. Abbey 0,90, xx, 1. E. Stevenson 2,00, xxi, 1. H. P. Wakefield (2 copies) 2,00, xx, 1. Jennie S. Beecher 1,00, xx, 1. C. H. Healy 1,00, xxi, 1. A. Vanbuskark 1,00, xxi, 1. J. Turnbull 1,00, xxi, 1. M. W. Rathbun 2,00, xx, 13. M. M. Lunger 0,75, xix, 11. E. M. L. Corey 1,00, xx, 1. H. C. Chattan 1,00, xix, 20. J. Stryker 1,00, xxi, 1. J. M. Davis 1,00, xix, 1. G. Sanders 1,00, xvi, 1. A. Cartwright 2,00, xxi, 1. S. P. Swan 1,00, xv, 1. C. Cartwright 2,00, xxi, 1. J. Sanders 1,00, xv, 1. J. P. Hunt 1,00, xix, 1. Wm. J. Mettler 1,00, xx, 20. Mary A. Beasley 1,00, xxi, 1. A. J. Dyer 2,00, xix, 10. Esther Adams 1,00, xx, 1. W. J. Mills 1,00, xx, 1. D. Richmond 2,00, xxi, 1. W. R. Hill 1,00, xx, 1. E. Tillotson 1,00, xx, 12. J. B. Taber 2,00, xx, 1.

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PUBLICATIONS.

The New Hymn Book, containing 464 pages and 122 pieces of music. . . . . 80 cts.

History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound—Part I, Bible History—Part II, Secular History. . . . . 60 "

Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question. . . . . 15 "

The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6—12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . . . 15 "

Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God. . . . . 15 "

Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . . . 15 "

Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency. This book should be in the hands of every family, as a warning against Spiritualism. . . . . 15 "

The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . . . . 15 "

Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul. . . . . 15 "

Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. . . . . 10 "

The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth. . . . . 10 "

Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . . . . 10 "

Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity. . . . . 10 "

Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . . . . 10 "

Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . . . . 10 "

Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . . . . 10 "

Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . . . . 10 "

The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix. . . . . 10 "

Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design. . . . . 10 "

Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references, . . . . 5 "

The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . . . 5 "

Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment—Apostasy and perils of the last days, . . . . 5 "

Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type." . . . . 5 "

An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . . . . 5 "

Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . . . 5 "

Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . . . 5 "

Brown's Experience in relation to entire consecration and the Second Advent. . . . . 5 "

Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c. . . . . 5 "

Sabbath Poem. A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed, . . . . 5 "

Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . . . . 5 "

Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the great controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . . . 50 "

Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . . . 50 "

Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. An Argument by H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . . . 75 "

Debt and Grace as related to the Doctrine of Future Punishment, by C. F. Hudson, . . . . 100 "

Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer. A History of the doctrine, . . . . 100 "

PENNY TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Judson's Letter on Dress—Law of God, by Dobney (2 cts.)—Law of God, by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word.

These small Tracts can be sent, post-paid, in packages of not less than twenty-five.

Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.

The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.

German. Das Wesen des Sabbaths und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote. A Tract of 80 pp., a translation of Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Price 10 cents.

Holland. De Natuur en Verbinding van den Sabbath volgens het Vierde Gebot. Translated from the same as the German. Price 10 cents.

French. Le Sabbat de la Bible. A Tract on the Sabbath of 32 pp. Price 5 cents.

La Grande Statue de Daniel II, et les Quatre Betes Symboliques, et quelques remarques sur la Seconde Venue de Christ, et sur le Cinquième Royaume Universel. A Tract of 32 pp. on the Prophecies. Price 5 cents.

These publications will be sent by mail, post-paid, at their respective prices. When ordered by the quantity, not less than $5 worth, one-third will be deducted from these prices on Pamphlets and Tracts, and one-fourth on bound Books. In this case postage added, if sent by mail. Orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash, unless special arrangements be made. Address Elder JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.

The New-Office Building

BRO. "U. S." furnishes the above engraving of the New-Office Building. It is a view from the north-west, and differs from the first plan—a floor view of which was given in Review for July 16—in that the rear, to the right, is twenty-six by eighteen, instead of twenty by eighteen, and two stories instead of one. The front on the north is twenty-six by twenty, the center is forty-four east and west by twenty-six, and the rear on the south is twenty-six by eighteen. This gives abundance of room for our present business, and would be sufficient for an increase of tenfold.

The building is a good one. The material was good, and the builders have shown themselves masters of their business. Their energy and promptness, combined with mildness and a good degree of Christian patience, has won the highest regard and esteem of the trustees, and a good reputation in the community. We regard it as one of the providential favors to the cause in which we are engaged, that Brn. Jones and Day, assisted by Bro. Leighton, were our builders. The cost of the building, including hoisting apparatus, cistern and eave troughs, new machinery and fixtures to run the engine and press, and a comfortable fitting out of tables, shelves, drawers, chairs, stoves, &c. &c., will cost not far from five thousand dollars.

The Association is in debt about four thousand dollars, and depends upon unpaid pledges, and the liberality of the friends of the cause generally to meet this.

UNION OF THE SECTS.

By J. Clarke

DISCIPLE ELDER. Our meetings are all free. We unite in the revival with all denominations.

OBSERVER. Did I not once hear you say that infant sprinkling was a mockery, and wholly unscriptural?

D. E. Yes, I believe that immersion is baptism.

O. How then could you unite with the Methodist Elder in his discourse on baptism?

D. E. I had no fellowship with it.

O. Do you believe that the scriptural mode of baptism, immersion, is the only true mode?

D. E. I do, and I cannot see how any one can hope for salvation who varies from this.

O. In what then consisted the union?

D. E. Oh, Well, we — we —

J. CLARKE.

APPOINTMENTS.

By Isaac Sanborn

Bro. and sister White design to hold meetings with the brethren in Michigan as follows:

Wright, Dec. 14, 15.

Orleans, " 21, 22.

St. Charles, " 28, 29.

THE Lord willing, I will hold meetings with the churches in Northern Wisconsin as follows:

Rubicon, Dec. 14, 15.

Koskonong, " 21, 22.

Meetings to commence in each place on Friday evening. We hope the brethren will make the necessary arrangements, and give wide circulation to the above appointments, that all our scattered brethren may have the benefit of these meetings. Come, brethren and sisters, with your hearts filled with love to God, and we shall have a good time. ISAAC SANBORN.