Earlier text: TOBACCO ON HEALTH"Modern Adventism Unveiled."
By Editor
SUCH is the title of a fly-sheet of two small leaves which has been sent to this Office through the kindness of a friend. The author was evidently ashamed of his poor attack upon Adventism, as it comes forth without any signature, or the imprint of any publisher. We learn, however, that it was written by one "Eld. W. Wheeler." Some very false and foolish things are ascribed to Adventism, and then Adventism objected to on their account. Also eight or nine points of objection are raised to our views of the prophecies of Dan. ii, and vii, the great image and the four beasts. Of what church this Eld. Wheeler may be a member, we know not. But if his church has produced any eminent commentators upon the Scriptures, we would refer him to them in confirmation of all the principal features of our views of the above-named prophecies. In stating as the views of Adventism those views which have been advanced by the most eminent and critical expositors of both former and modern times, this Elder seems not to have discerned that, so far as human authority was concerned, he was paying Adventism the highest kind of compliment. If he has a controversy with the views of the expositors aforesaid, he had better settle it with them, before attempting to dazzle any body as an opponent of Adventism. He makes his attacks after the usual manner of skeptics and infidels; that is, throwing in an isolated objection here and there, or what he would fain have pass for an objection. He seems to prefer, for himself, darkness rather than light, carefully concealing his own views, and giving nothing to take the place of the theory which he attacks. Now if the said Wheeler has any belief on these important questions, if he has any views to which he is not ashamed to sign his name, or any system to maintain, let him present it, and it will be time enough then to hold it up by the side of Adventism, and discuss the relative merits of the two theories. We cannot close this brief allusion to this leaf, without giving the reader a specimen or two of its profound teaching. One of its objections to Adventism is stated as follows: "9. The Advent ten-kingdom interpretation is an uninspired and fanciful interpretation of an inspired one, and violates every principle of the symbol and interpretation already fully given in the Bible. How? Answer. It makes the stone destroy that which never had any existence in the image. The image was made of gold (the Chaldean empire,) silver (Medo-Persian,) brass (Gresian,) iron and clay (Roman.) Now it is a fact that the Roman empire was destroyed by the Ostrogoths, Vandals, Huns, &c., when the empire embraced the gold, silver, brass, iron and clay; hence the conclusion is irresistible that neither the gold, silver, brass, iron nor clay can be broken to pieces by the stone (Christ) in 1866. Hence Adventism is a bundle of gross absurdities, contradicting not only the facts but the inspired interpretation of the Bible." This is profound. Let the reader divine the meaning of this sentence, if he can: "It makes the stone destroy that which never had any existence in the image." The prophecy declares that the stone should break in pieces the gold, silver, brass, &c., of the image. This little sheet says this was done by the "Ostrogoths, Vandals, Huns, &c." Then these were the stone referred to! The interpretation of this symbolic representation was, "In the days of these kings," the kings (kingdoms) which arose when the Roman empire was "divided," Dan. ii, 41, "shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed." So, according to this new light, the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom, was the overrunning of the Roman empire by the hordes of northern barbarians! By the side of this, Adventism is a bundle of gross absurdities, is it not! The allusion to 1866, or any other definite time, has no application to us. Again we read: "10. Adventism says, 'The clay and iron feet, the iron legs, the brass thighs and sides, and the silver arms and breast of the image, are literal kingdoms, but the head of gold is a spiritual head or kingdom.' This is evidently a creature of man's own device!!" Yes, we think just so; and we would advise our friend for his own credit to keep all such imaginings to himself. This is the first time that Adventists, so far as we know, ever heard of it. A word or two should be said respecting the literary beauties of this attack on Adventism. The author uniformly spells the era of the Seleucidæ with an n—Selenicidæ. We never heard of such an era. He spells the word Israel with the e before the a—Isreal. That is a people we never heard of. Chaldean he spells Chaldeon. Bible is sometimes written with a small b, sometimes with a capital. He also introduces to us a strange king, namely, Antiochust. We have heard of a king of the name of Antiochus, and though he was an inferior and contemptible king, and not brought to view at all in Dan. ii, vii, or viii, still we do not know that he was deserving of the infliction that is expressed by adding a t to his name. Our author also speaks of an Adventist, "Mr. Barak." Does he mean the Barak of Old-Testament times? We used to hear of an Adventist by the name of Berrick, which is probably the name referred to. And certainly Eld. W. appears to know about as much concerning Adventists and their teachings, as he has evinced in writing "Barak" for Berrick. We would just say to such of our readers as have seen, or may see, the third-rate effort here referred to, to just let it pass into its merited oblivion. What is True of Our Country.
ALTHOUGH endeavoring to take a hopeful view of the future, Preston's last Bank Note Reporter nevertheless draws the following picture of what is true of our country at the present time: "All loyal men hoped and expected that we would bring this struggle to a close without depreciating our currency more than 100 per cent. "With gold at 250 to 280, the enemies of our country now tauntingly say, 'What is your currency worth?' 'What are your gold bonds worth?' 'What is your country worth?' It is true that more than ten times, and more than twenty times, 60 days, have elapsed since this war began. It is true that more than ten times, and more than twenty times 75,000, men have already been engaged in this deadly strife. It is true that hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands of our fathers, brothers, and sons, have already fallen, or been maimed or crippled for life. It is true that our National, State, County, City and Town debts, caused by this war, have rolled up tens, hundreds, and thousands of millions of dollars, until, like the sands upon the sea shore, it is almost innumerable. It is true that millions of children, wives, brothers, sisters and friends, are weeping for fathers, husbands, sons and dear ones, which are not. It is true that the names of those in our midst (who would roll back the car of freedom across the battle-fields of Gettysburgh, Antietam, South Mountain, Bull Run, Shantilly, Fredericksburgh, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, Shiloh, Donaldson, Pea Ridge, and over the lifeless remains of Wadsworth, Sedgwick, Kearney, Stephens, Richardson, Lyon, and thousands of others, and start again with the chief corner-stone of the Southern Confederacy,) is legion." With all this true, what is there pleasing in the future prospects of this nation? If our hopes were built on earth, or our trust centered in earthly governments, we might well despair. But we can rejoice that our hopes are on high, beyond the influence of the commotions of this revolted world. Now is the time to wean our affections from earth entirely, sever every link, and lay up our treasure in Heaven. Soon the nations will be dashed to pieces and the saints of the Most High take the kingdom, to possess it forever and ever. Amen. Fly lingering moments. Revised Edition of the Fourth Commandment.
I\N a communication signed "Wardlaw," in the "Earnest Christian" of June 1864, in reference to Heb. iv, 9, we read: "In the ordinary interpretation, the spirit of this allusion, and of the analogy suggested by it, is entirely lost. There is not a vestige of it left. But interpreted as above, so completely is it preserved, that the language of God in Gen. ii, 1, 3, might, in the full spirit of it, be accommodated to the work of Jesus when he rose from the dead, and the consequent sanctification of the first day of the week. 'Thus the work of redemption was finished, and all its glorious ends secured. And on the first day of the week Jesus rose from the grave, and finally rested from the work he had done;—wherefore the ascended Lord blessed the first day and sanctified it.'" This is preparatory to a new edition of the fourth commandment; for as the fourth commandment is based on the facts recorded in Gen. ii, 1-3, so there must exist some such record as is here suggested, before any command can be framed for the first day of the week. But such a record as this would be open to a slight objection or two, which we will state: 1. The work of redemption was not finished by Christ's ministry up to the time of his resurrection. If it was, wo to the hapless generations that have lived since that time. 2. All its glorious ends were not then secured, if by secured is meant brought into actual possession of the race. Nor will they be, nor the work of redemption be finished, till all the redeemed stand together on mount Zion. 3. Christ did not rest on the first-day of the week from his work. On the contrary he continued it through the forty days of his sojourn with his disciples after his resurrection, and has been continuing to work for the redemption of man, as our great High Priest above, from that time to the present. 4. "Wherefore the ascended Lord" did not bless "the first day." 5. He did not sanctify it. Now if these five "nots" can be removed, or five facts in relation to past events be reversed, then the way is open for a command for Sunday-keeping. But even then it would be more satisfactory to us if it could be found where Christ had given us a command to keep it, than to have it left for men to frame down here in the nineteenth century to meet a perplexing exigency that has arisen in their theory. Bro. White: We are meeting with some success here. Some of the best, and most influential men of the place, are becoming interested, and starting in the truth. We feel encouraged to labor on, though our congregations are small, scarcely ever exceeding one hundred. We begin to feel that our duty is nearly done here; and we shall soon go to another place. We have sold about $22 worth of books. Our History of Sabbath, paper covers, are all gone but one. We shall send for more as soon as we ascertain where to pitch our tent next. The people here are poor, and provisions are scarce, and demand a high price. They say they would like to get our books, but do not feel able to purchase them. May the Lord bless them, and keep their hearts ever inclined to his truth, that they may be sanctified in obeying it, and at last find a home with the saints of God, in his everlasting kingdom. Pray for us, that the blessing of God may attend our labors, that they may not be in vain in the Lord. Yours in the truth.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Ithaca, Mich. Under date of July 11, Bro. Van Horn again writes: Our labors in this place are being successful. The Lord is working, and quite a number of the people are not only becoming convinced, but convicted; and are beginning to live out the truth. The whole community, for miles around, is being stirred up to investigation, and many are interested in the points of Bible truth presented at the tent. When we do not have meeting at the tent, by request of friends we appoint meetings in their school districts, which are well attended, and we think will result in good. We have good reason to hope that the standard of present truth will be represented by a company of commandment-keepers in this place. The prospects now are favorable. May the Lord still continue his work, and his blessing be with this people, in showing them the light of truth. Pray for us, that we may move in the order of the Lord. Yours in haste,
I. D. V. H. Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
WENT to Manchester, N. H., for the tent, and while there, held two or three meetings with the dear friends of truth. Their love for the truth is unabated. Bro. Wm. C. Gage, of Manchester, was willing to sacrifice his liberal salary in a printing office, leave friends and home, and share with us the labors and perplexities of a tent campaign. Bro. G. is now with us, acting as tent-master, and leading the singing. June 4th and 5th had three meetings in Palmyra, and three were baptized. While waiting for help to start the tent, attended the Advent quarterly meeting at Exeter, and became acquainted with many of the old '43 Adventists. Exeter has been a noted place for Advent camp-meetings for many years. I was invited to preach, and gave two discourses. The first on "evil angels," and second, on "good angels." When they saw that I did not introduce a conflicting sentiment, prejudice gave way, and I was treated with Christian courtesy. By request, I gave three lectures in Corinna village, on Spiritualism, &c. The interest was good. I was treated very kindly by Eld. I. Damman, by whose invitation I gave the lectures. Bro. and Sr. D. are opposed to the Sabbath, and some other views we hold, but manifest a good degree of Christian charity. Though differing with us on several points, yet many have treated us with kindness. In this we have proof of honesty and sincerity, which, I trust, we appreciate. We find it quite difficult here to get from place to place, at this season of the year. Teams are scarce, and so many men have gone to the war, that what are left are very busy. Tent operations here will be more expensive than usual. A brother could not get a horse to go ten miles to meeting short of paying $10. This was the 3d of July, and horses were in great demand. I mention this to show that we are having difficulties to overcome, and although we do not see immediate results, as we have in the West, yet a good work is being done. Prejudice is giving way, and the way is opening before us. An earnest request is made for Bro. and Sr. White to visit Maine. Many join in this request besides Sabbath-keepers. Hope they will come if possible. Report from Bro. Snook.
By B. F. Snook
Bro. White: I am still laboring all I can for the advancement of the good cause. Our quarterly meeting at Fairview was well attended by the brethren and sisters of neighboring churches, and we enjoyed a good refreshing time. At Laporte we had a good interest inside and outside the church. The brethren of that place are doing well, have almost completed an excellent house of worship, and we trust are rising in the work. Our meeting at Waukon was a perfect success. We had a great turn out for that place, and an excellent interest. The brethren here are doing well, I think, and, as a church, are perfectly united. I hope they are going to see more prosperous days, and be a light by which many may yet see the way to salvation. From thence I went to Elgin, and held two meetings of deep interest, baptized three, and then went to West Union, where I preached to a good turn-out, though it was a very rainy evening. I shall continue on the tour till I visit the quarterly meetings south. I feel truly thankful to the Lord for the assistance afforded in the preaching of the Word, and for the success of his truth. Note from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. WHITE: The church in Monterey is laboring for order, union, and fellowship one with the other. Sabbath July 2, was a good, quiet, peaceful, rest-day of the Lord. One more was baptized and added to the church. Yesterday, Sabbath, 9th, according to appointment, was the monthly meeting of the churches in Allegan Co. A goodly number of brethren and sisters from Monterey, Allegan and Watson, met with the church at Otsego, and enjoyed a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The subject of the soon coming of our blessed Lord and Saviour was their soul-inspiring theme. Testimonies were sweet, cheering, melting and convincing. Two youth, and a mother for her absent son, were prayed for by request. A number expressed their joy for the good union meeting. Praise62 the Lord. The next monthly meeting was appointed to be held in Watson, the second Sabbath in August. Otsego, Mich., July 10, 1864. A Tree Cut Down with Bullets.
A MOST vivid idea of the awful storm of death that sometimes sweeps over the battle field, is given in the following instance of a large tree actually cut down by the continual stream of bullets hurled against it “ “Most people,’ says the Richmond Enquirer, ‘have doubted the literal accuracy of the dispatch concerning the battle of Spottsylvania, which alleged that trees were cut down under the concentrated fire of minie balls. We doubted the literal fact ourselves, and would doubt it still, but for the indisputable testimony of Dr. Charles Macgill, an eye-witness of the battle. The tree stood in the rear of our breast-works, at a point upon which at one time the most murderous musketry fire that ever was heard of was directed. The tree fell inside our works, and injured several of our men. After the Battle, Dr. Macgill measured the trunk, and found it twenty-two inches through, and sixty-one inches in circumference, actually hacked through by the awful avalanche of bullets packing against it. The foliage of the tree was trimmed away as effectually as though as an army of locusts had swarmed in its branches. A grasshopper could not have lived through the pelting of that leaden storm, and but for the fact that our troops were protected by breastworks, they would have been swept away to a man.’” The New England Mission.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: Our tent was pitched in Canaan, Me., July 1st, for the purpose of holding a meeting over Sunday and Monday, the 3d and 4th. Elders Howard and Hanscom, both Advent preachers, had appointed a meeting to be held in Canaan at the same time, and we offered them the use of our tent, which they thankfully accepted. Sunday morning, Eld. Howard gave a sound and interesting discourse on the subject of the atonement. The Lord backed up the word by the approving influences of his Holy Spirit. We are happy to say that Bro. Howard gave the moral law its appropriate place in the atonement. In the afternoon, Eld. Hanscom gave a practical discourse, and in the evening Eld. Howard spoke on the signs of the times. Monday morning, preaching by Bro. Cornell, on the nature of man. In the afternoon, a discourse on the same subject, by Bro. Howard. In the evening, Bro. Cornell spoke with clearness and power on this government. The interest was intense, and a favorable impression was left on the minds of the people. At this meeting, prejudice was removed. We became acquainted with several Advent brethren and sisters, who rejoice in hope of the coming of Christ, and gave the people an opportunity to see that it is not necessary to quarrel with, denounce and condemn those who differ with us. If we think we have important truths that others have not got, we ought to show it by a great amount of Christian love and forbearance. If we see others in error, we must remember that we, too, have erred, and that he who styles himself, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth," has borne with us, gently leading us step by step in the way of truth and duty. Let us imitate our merciful Creator in this respect. We can do this, and yet exalt the great truths that we love. We would have remained longer in Canaan if the locality had been more favorable for holding evening meetings. From Canaan we came to Cornville, where we found an urgent request to hold tent-meetings at Kendall's Mills. Bro. and Sr. Cornell, and Bro. Gage left for Kendall's Mills, leaving me to spend the rest of the week with the brethren in Cornville. I had a very pleasant time in visiting the brethren and sisters, and spoke twice on the Sabbath, and once on Sunday. I tried to show the necessity of carrying out practically the truths of the third message. The brethren and sisters seemed to feast upon the truths spoken, and outsiders were interested. We were happy to form an acquaintance with Eld. Stratton. This brother loves the truth. His amiable and teachable turn of mind, and his good experience, qualify him to strengthen his brethren. May God bless this brother as he tries to feed the brethren and sisters in Cornville, and as he moves out with the sanctifying truths of the third message. I came here on the cars this morning, and find the tent pitched, and a good interest started. Kendall's Mills, July 11, 1864. True and False Charity.
By D. M. Canright
SUNDAY, June 26, Bro. Lawrence gave a discourse on the duty to preach the Word, and in showing why it was necessary so to do, of course he had to expose the popular sins of the time, both of the world and the professed church. When he had finished, a minister, who said that he represented the M. E. Church, arose, and began to cry for "charity." After calling Bro. L. a hypocrite, an ignoramus, &c., he concluded thus: "You are all the time talking about the corruption in the churches. This isn't a Christian spirit. If you would have a little charity for others you would do much better." Then up jumped another one and echoed back, "Why can't you have a little charity;" and thus he continued to sound upon that delightful word "charity." Neither of them, however, pretended to deny the statements made in regard to the fallen condition of the churches. Indeed, the Methodist man, the next day, while in private conversation with me, acknowledged that it was all true. Still they plead for "charity, charity." Now, this is no new thing to us; for wherever we go and begin to expose the popular sins of professors, the first thing we hear is the stale cry for charity. What do they mean by this? They simply mean this: You must keep still; you must not expose these fashionable sins; for if you do, you condemn the works of others; and that is uncharitable. "Charity coveteth a multitude of sins." Their definition of charity would be, to "Cover up all the sins you can, whether repented of or not; coax the Devil to do as little evil as possible." Peace, peace! this is charity, religion, holiness, everything! This has been preached so long that all the teachings of the churches summed up would read, "Conform to the world as much as you can, thus making peace." He who violates this truce of peace, say they, is uncharitable. But what is charity? The following from the Hand Book of the New Testament, p. 136, is to the point: "Charity, from the exalted position which St. Paul has given it among the Christian virtues, has frequently been perverted in its application, and placed in opposition to truth. But the proverb says, 'Truth is the greatest charity;' and as charity aims, or should aim, at the welfare of mankind, and as the welfare of man is inseparably involved in their reception of, and adherence to the truth, it follows that that which is most true must be the most charitable." This is the correct meaning of charity. If you see a person indulging in error or wickedness, tell him of it, and warn him of its consequences if persisted in. In short, be bold to speak the truth and reprove wrong at all times. So St. Paul taught. "Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." 1 Cor. xiii, 6. Will they accuse St. Paul of being uncharitable? Hear him again: "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, (accursed)." 1 Cor. xvi, 22. Remember that this is the same apostle who has just been extolling charity so highly in chap. xiii. John, the apostle of love, thus expresses his charity for those who willfully reject the gospel: "If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God-speed." Listen to Stephen, filled with the Holy Ghost, as he talks out his charity for those who had rejected Jesus, and were now persecuting his followers: "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers; who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it." Hear Jesus himself as he expresses his charity for the fashionable professors of his time, the scribes and Pharisees: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Here, then, we have examples of Christian charity. Now, whom shall we follow? Shall we hold our peace when we see the false shepherds leading the people astray? When we see them with their eyes blinded by the smoke of their burning sacrifice to their tobacco god, their brain dizzy with the wine of Babylon, and themselves breaking the law of God, and teaching others to sin, shall we be "dumb dogs" when we know that the wolves are tearing the flock? No, never! But we will "cry aloud and spare not." But, says one, The sheep themselves don't like to be rescued. So with the man who is nearly overcome with cold; his senses are all benumbed, his reason gone, and he wishes to lie down in the snow to indulge, as he thinks, in sweet dreams. If he is permitted to do so he must inevitably perish. Now, we ask the advocates for peaceable charity, what shall be done in this case? Let him perish for fear of incurring his displeasure? Or shall we use every means in our power to arouse him, let him feel and talk as he may? Judge ye. The command to the faithful watchman is, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew thy people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins." This is true charity to shew a man his danger and arouse him to a sense of his condition. That charity which would hold its peace while a man was destroying himself, is a false charity. We must ever remember that "Truth is the greater charity." So then, brethren, if you love your neighbors, and would be charitable to them, cease not to warn them at all times, whether they will bear or forbear. If you succeed in awaking them to their danger, they will with gratitude acknowledge that you exercised toward them true Christian charity. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS
By M. E. Cornell
Interesting Extracts. No. 4.
THE following extracts are from Prof. Stuart on Prophecy, as published in the Biblical Repository in A. D. 1882. Some of his remarks appear to be interesting and according to truth. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE AND FALSE PROPHETS.
"I agree as to the fact, that the heathen seers were rightly named manteis, from mainomai, to rave; as Cicero has declared in his first book De Divinatione. But what an immeasurable distance, now, between a raving man or woman, uttering incoherent sentences; or (which was more common) a dissimulating hypocrite, uttering cunningly and artfully and equivociously constructed sentences and poetic riddles; and a Hebrew prophet, animated by the strongest and deepest feelings of reverence for Jehovah, and a holy ardour in the cause of true piety! Is there ambiguity, flattery, self-seeking, enigmas, in the message of the latter? None. Are not all these stamped on more or less of the heathen oracles? They are. And such being the case, we would separate the Hebrew prophet from the heathen seer, not by discrepancies of a mere physiological or psychological nature, which lie beyond our ken in case they exist at all; or rather, which involve contradictions and impossibilities; but by a rational, enlightened, holy, excited, zealous state of mind, which raised the true seer unspeakably above all false ones, and did this by making him in a high degree like to the Author of his inspiration. Here is something palpable. The oracles speak for themselves. The ambiguities, enigmas, swelling words, polytheistic precepts, and other like things, contained in heathen oracles, are a palpable contrast to the Scriptures; but they are not more so, than the condition of their seers was discrepant from that of the Hebrew prophet." THE ALLEDGED OBSCURITY OF THE PROPHETS DISPROVED.
"What is prophecy? That part of it with which we are now concerned is prediction. And what is prediction? It is the foretelling of certain things which are to happen; it is a revelation made through men, to men, respecting future things; a declaration that certain events will take place. Now what is a declaration or revelation? If this be unintelligible, both to him who utters it, and to those who are addressed by him; if neither he, nor they, nor any one who comes after them, is able to explain the meaning of this revelation—and this because it is in itself obscure and unintelligible—in what tolerable sense can this be called a revelation? I admit that a multitude of causes might hinder wicked and carnal and ignorant men, from understanding what the prophets uttered. Prejudice, want of being conversant with spiritual things, passion, and many other causes might interpose, and effectually prevent the carnal Jews from rightly comprehending the oracles of their prophets. But to say that neither the prophets themselves, nor the intelligent and pious men of their times and of succeeding generations, were able to understand what God had given them for the very purpose of making a revelation to them—what is this but to say, that the purposes of the Divine Spirit had been frustrated, for want of perspicuity in the language which he employed? And can we soberly maintain this? Either God did design to reveal something to his people, when he inspired the prophets, or he did not. If he did; then his design is frustrated, just so far as the prophecy is in itself unintelligible; and how can we admit that the designs of the Holy Spirit should be frustrated? If he did not; then what is prophecy but illusion; a seeming to make a revelation, while in fact none is made, or even intended to be made?"63 "That those who live in the times when a prophecy is fulfilled, should have a more complete and satisfactory view of the things or objects treated of by such prophecy, than those who lived before its accomplishment, is, indeed, plain enough; just as plain, as that a man who has been at Constantinople will understand the topography of it better than a writer understood it, who has undertaken to describe that city and yet has never visited it. But how this will make the words of the writer in question to mean any more than the ideas which he himself attached to them, I do not see. I take the meaning of any language to be, the idea which the speaker or writer himself attached to it. Just this, and neither more nor less, all right interpretation will give as his meaning." "Whenever we are asked, then, whether any particular prophecy is obscure, the proper answer always is, to ask, whether it does not communicate, in an intelligible manner, just as much as the author of it designed it should communicate? And this, of course, is its meaning—its full meaning. The sense of any words, is the idea which the author of them intended to convey. How much then did the author of any prophecy intend to convey by it? This is the fair question; and one which should be always asked by an interpreter. And when this is rightly answered, the full meaning of the prophecy is unfolded. . . . They did what they intended to do, and were commissioned to do; and did it well; and then they ceased to do. Why should we imagine this to be otherwise?" "That is, in other words, men are better operated upon by what they do not understand, than by what they do understand. For my part, I know not how to believe this. If I worship God at all, it is on account of what I do know of him, and not on account of what I do not know. If I believe in the argument from prophecy, in order to prove the divine origin and authority of the Scriptures, it is on account of what I understand of it, and know has been fulfilled, and not on account of what I do not understand. The Samaritans were reproved by the Saviour, for worshipping 'they know not what;' it is desirable, then, for Christians to know what they are to expect and believe, in order that they may know what to do and how to worship. In fine, for myself I have believed, and must still continue to believe, that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." I must believe that when he reveals any thing to men, he does not wrap it up in darkness. I must continue to cherish the belief, that when he undertakes to instruct them, he does not leave them ignorant. All which he intends to accomplish he does accomplish. His accredited messengers are not "blind leaders of the blind," but "clothed with light and salvation." They are not men bereaved of their understanding, their reason, their consciousness, their free-agency; but the most enlightened, the most rational, the most free, of all men on the face of the earth." Note from Bro. Snook.
By B. F. Snook
To ALL THE DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS WHO HAVE ASSISTED ME TO PAY FOR MY HOME: Permit me, my brethren and sisters, to acknowledge your kindness through the Review, and to say that my home is paid for, and that my notes and mortgage, held by Bro. White, have been redeemed. I return to you my most hearty thanks; and to my dear Bro. White, who has aided me so very much, I return most grateful thanks, and confess myself under many obligations, and hope that I may ever live in such a way that the cause I love may never suffer by me. Note from Bro. Sanborn.
By Isaac Sanborn
I HAVE now preached at Pleasant Grove sixteen times to attentive congregations. Last Sabbath, three were baptized and received into the church; and in the evening we attended to the ordinances, and enjoyed much of the divine blessing promised by the Saviour to his people on such occasions. One more is waiting to be baptized, and others who are interested, we trust, will decide soon. The brethren begin to see the importance of a more determined effort to arise and gird on the whole armor, that they may quench all the fiery darts of Satan and his evil host. May the Lord help them to overcome, is my prayer. Quarterly Meeting in Wis.
By Joseph G. Wood
Bro. WHITE: Our Quarterly Meeting at Avon, Rock Co., Wis., has just closed. Many of the brethren that lived here have moved away, and the church is becoming somewhat scattered, yet nearly all are firm in the truth. This meeting was well attended, and was one of profit and we trust interesting to all. We had no messenger, but the deep, heart-felt, and cheering prayers and testimonies from the brethren and sisters were such as tell of the spirituality of the church in this place. And although pestilence is in the land, and the wheat crop is genearlly nearly all destroyed, the brethren can look up and bless God; for they can read on all sides, signs of the soon coming of the Son of man.
JOSEPH G. WOOD.
Brodhead, Wis. Sister A. Tucker writes from Elk Horn Grove, Ills. The seed which Bro. R. F. Andrews planted here eighteen months since, is springing up, and although the enemy is striving to root it out, yet it has the prospect of bearing much fruit. We were blessed and strengthened by the visit of Bro. and sister Sanborn last spring. I feel to thank God for the interest manifested among the young, and for the many testimonies given at our prayer and conference meetings. I rejoice that the interest is still increasing. Bro. W. Nichols writes from Windsor, Cal.: I feel that if there ever was a State that needed to be enlightened in regard to the Advent doctrine and Sabbath, it is this one. The other day I heard of a Seventh-day Adventist, and started to hunt him up. I inquired of a man if he knew of any one that kept the seventh day for the Sabbath. Oh, says he, that kind of folks are all dead long ago; the last was an old man in Ohio, who died ten years ago. I told him he was mistaken; for there were some left yet. I found the man I was looking for; but he was a first-day Adventist, or had been, ten years ago in the eastern States. Sister S. Bliven writes from Laurel Glen, R. I. I am trying to keep the Lord's Sabbath, and am looking for the time to come when I with the rest of the commandment keepers shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Let us be faithful that we may have a right to the tree of life. Sister M. Bean writes from South Troy, Vt.: The blessed hope I have, reaches forward to the resurrection morn, when the loved ones we have laid away will burst the fetters of the tomb, and come forth, being made immortal, no more to suffer and die. Having the blest hope of soon seeing Jesus, with the redeemed of all ages, it leads me to purify myself even as he is pure. My heart glows with gratitude to my heavenly Father, for this hope, and for the way he has led me, especially for above seven years, since I have found it good to obey God and keep his commandments. How much now I delight in the Sabbath of the Lord. I love the truth, and am earnestly striving for Bible holiness, believing it to be my privilege to be enabled to reckon myself dead indeed unto sin, and alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. I praise the Lord for what he is doing East and West. Bro. J. H. Warren writes from Medford, Minn.: I feel greatly encouraged from week to week as the Review comes to hand bringing the solemn truths that belong to this generation, and also the cheering testimonies of the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, who have the faith of Jesus, and are keeping the commandments of God. Let us hold on a little longer, for it will be but a little while before "He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry." It is my determination to overcome, and be gathered with God's people, when Jesus shall come. "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. C. O. TAYLOR
By C. O. Taylor
BRO. WHITE: After an absence of seven Sabbaths, I am again at home. The last meeting that I attended was at Roosevelt. It was the monthly meeting for Oswego Co. The attendance of the brethren was large, and the Lord, by his Spirit, worked for us, in correcting us of our wrongs. Truly it is no time to lay down our watch, to rest on our leas, or to look behind us. On first-day, six were buried with Christ in baptism, including our much-esteemed Bro. L. C. Patten, wife, and two daughters. They also united with the church at Roosevelt. The Lord's eye of mercy is on that family for good. May they ever realize it, and faithfully love and serve him. Our afflicted, yet beloved Bro. Edson, had strength given him to attend this meeting, for which I felt very thankful. Adams' Center, N. Y. July 5, 1864.