DAN. 7 contains the next line of prophecy which will engage our attention. The prophecy says: “I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.” Verses 2, 3.
He informs us that the first of these beasts was like a lion, the second like a bear, the third like a leopard, and the fourth he describes as not especially resembling any beast of nature, but says he was a dreadful and terrible beast, and that he had ten horns. As he considered the horns, he saw another little horn come up among them, “before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” Verses 4-8.
After giving a description of these beasts as just noticed, and also of certain sublime and wonderful events which transpired before his eyes as brought to view in verses 9-14, he says that he was grieved, and the visions of his head troubled him. Verse 15.
The only reasonable conclusion which can be drawn from his last statement is, that he was troubled concerning the meaning and signification of a portion, or all, of the things which he had just witnessed; and, indeed, the language which immediately follows, shows this conclusion to be correct: “I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.” Verse 16. The angel informs Daniel that these four beasts represent four kings, or kingdoms, that should arise and bear rule in the earth. Verses 17, 23.
“But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Verse 18. As these beasts did not all arise at one time, but in consecutive order, as may be seen from the fact that the prophet designates them as first, second, &c., so the conclusion is inevitable that the kingdoms represented by these beasts arise consecutively; and as the angel, after stating that the four beasts represent four kingdoms, immediately informs Daniel that the saints shall take the kingdom, we also conclude that the last of the four kingdoms here referred to will be in existence in some form at the time of the final Judgment, and the setting up of the kingdom of God. We may also learn the same fact from verse 11, where we are informed that the fourth beast is to continue till his body is given to the burning flame. So also, 2 Thess. 2: 8.
Having learned the fact that the last of these kingdoms is to be in existence at the close of human probation, we wish next to ascertain where in the history of the world this prophetic chain commences. We learned in our examination of the dream of king Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 2, that there were to be but four universal kingdoms (the last of which should be divided) from the days of the Babylonian Empire till the setting up of the kingdom of God; and as we here learn that the fourth of the series of kingdoms brought to view in the chapter now under consideration is to be in existence at the end of time, the conclusion is inevitable that the first kingdom of this series as represented by the lion, must be the Babylonian kingdom, the same that was represented by the head of gold in the great image. Hence we readily see that the kingdoms brought to view in this chapter under the symbols of a lion, bear, leopard, and a dreadful and terrible beast, are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome; the same as those represented in chapter 2, by the gold, silver, brass, and iron.
Though in this vision certain peculiar features, characteristics, and additional particulars, concerning all these governments, and especially the last one, are brought out by means of the symbols here used, which were not shown in the great image, we shall not now refer to any of these additional facts, except those concerning the last, or Roman, kingdom.
When the angel informed Daniel that these beasts represented four kingdoms, he seems at once to have understood that these kingdoms were the same ones which were symbolized by the great image, and in regard to which he had received previous instruction. This is apparent from the fact that he makes no further inquiry respecting the first three of these beasts. But concerning the fourth beast with ten horns, and the wonderful little horn especially, which plucked up three of the others, he desires further information. Thus it is evident that certain important instructions concerning the Roman kingdom were here to be given, which had not been given in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. We may, therefore, with propriety be, like Daniel, interested to obtain further information respecting the wonderful peculiarities of the last beast.
The angel now proceeds to give the desired information. He says that the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth, and that the ten horns are ten kings, or kingdoms, that shall arise. Verse 23 and the first part of 24. Thus we learn positively that the conclusion that this beast symbolizes Pagan Rome, corresponding to the legs of iron in the great image, is correct; and that the ten horns represent the ten divisions into which Rome should be divided, corresponding with the feet and toes in the great image.
W. H. BLAISDELL.
(Concluded next week.)
Passing Calamities.
THE past three years have been marked with frequent and distressing calamities in this country, and throughout the world. The great Chicago fire of 1871 was preceded by the desolating forest fires in the North-west, and followed by the conflagration in Boston. An unusual number of villages and towns, have been burned during the same period. The Mill River disaster in Massachusetts, the floods of last spring in the lower Mississippi, and the terrible inundation at Allegheny are fresh in all memories. Storms of unwonted severity have swept other parts of the land. Drought has joined with fire and flood to blast the hopes and diminish the possessions of men. Distressing and prolonged financial embarrassment paralyzes industry and trade. Several appalling “ocean horrors,” have added to the burden of public and private distress. The ravages of the grass-hoppers in the Western States have occasioned wide-spread suffering, as well as disappointment and loss. Still heavier judgments have fallen on other countries. Persia, India, and Asia Minor, have been smitten with famine, and thousands have died of starvation. Earthquakes, unprecedented in number, and many of them of great severity, have occurred in various parts of the world. Even the secular press and scientific authorities have remarked the unusual number and severity of these calamities.
The Bible assumes, without argument, that the hand of God is in all these dispensations. It speaks of the thunder as “the voice of the Lord;” of the clouds as his chariot, and the winds as his messengers; of the locusts as his “army,” and of drought as his “staying the bottles of heaven.” It connects all these dispensations with the sins of men, assuring us that “the curse causeless does not come.” It records the occurrence of similar calamities in the past in connection with great events in the history of redemption. “Earthquakes and famines and pestilences” preceded the destruction of Jerusalem, and are to precede similar manifestations of the kingdom of God, until Christ’s final coming at the end of the world.
The voice of these calamities to this nation is a solemn call to repentance. “The Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.” We look for much and it comes to little, because, according to the expressive image of the Hebrew prophet, God “blows upon it.” It is the duty of ministers of religion and the conductors of the religious press to interpret to the people these “signs of the times.” Lovers of Christ and their country should remember that such times, above all others, are the auspicious seasons for lifting up a testimony for truth, and pressing forward every movement of reform.
“When God’s judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” When after years of failure, the earth and heavens promise once more to reward his labors, the prudent husbandman stints his household and denies himself, that he may have seed to sow in hope of harvest. When business is paralyzed, when “the fields yield no meat,” when riches “fly away as an eagle toward heaven,” it is the very time to “sow beside all waters.” That the church in America is not wholly insensible to the opportunity and the duty which it imposes, appears in the fact that her offerings last year were hardly, if at all, affected by the unprosperous condition of the country.—Christian Statesman.
Camp-Meeting in New York.
By George I. Butler
We reached the camp-ground, at Kirkville, Thursday morning, and found things in a good state of readiness. The meeting was larger by far than any I ever attended in that State before. Thirty-two tents were up, many of them large ones. I should judge this meeting was the third in size of those held the present season, Michigan and Iowa alone exceeding it. I should think six or seven hundred, or more, stayed on the ground most of the time. The brethren came on in season, and nearly all stayed through till the close, setting an excellent example in this respect. On Sunday there was a large crowd in attendance, numbering in the afternoon upwards of three thousand people. They maintained very good order through the day.
As Eld. Haskell was detained in New England by pressing duties, and as Bro. White was detained in Battle Creek also, the principal labor fell upon sister White and myself. The people had expected Bro. White’s presence, and were much disappointed in his absence, but put up with it, seeing he was unable to come consistent with his views of duty to other parts of the work and with his own health. But the friends of the cause there would be much rejoiced could we visit them.
The religious meetings were seasons of interest. The Lord gave good freedom in speaking his word. There has been a feeling of sadness and discouragement on the hearts of the people, because they have seen so little advancement made and so few coming into the truth as the result of ministerial labor. This great Conference has been gaining but little in numbers and financial strength for years in the past. But the T. & M. Society have infused new life into some parts of the work, and some of the lay brethren have been very sacrificing and zealous to work for the cause in this manner. But the discouraging effects upon the cause from so little being done is great.
Our meetings started rather hard at first, but the people generally responded to the word spoken, and as the work advanced, the Spirit of the Lord came in. Sabbath was a day of great interest. I have seen no better meetings on the Sabbath at any of our camp-meetings the present season. Many came forward for prayers. God poured his Spirit upon us as their cases were presented to him, and those who came forward gave in most excellent testimonies of humble contrition, and expressed decided determinations to consecrate themselves to God. I have rarely attended so good a meeting. A large part of the afternoon was taken up, and when the general meeting was dismissed, the people were inclined to go to their tents and engage further in worship.
There was one feature noticeable in this meeting which I think is worthy of being carried out more than it usually is. The time between the regular appointments is not usually as well employed as it should be. Visiting and chit chat usually take up too much time. The good and serious influence of the meetings is apt to be lost. Here is considerable time which might be well employed in seeking God by voluntary worship in the tents. Our camp-meetings cost a great deal. Our people take great pains in coming together, and incur much expense. We should make the most of these seasons for spiritual benefit. At this meeting there was more of this than I recollect to have seen in any other camp-meeting held among us.
The good work seemed to take special hold of the ministers more than formerly. This certainly is a hopeful feature. Bro. C. B. Reynolds, whose credentials were withheld last year, made hearty confessions to his brethren and to God and consecrated himself to God. Bro. R. seems determined to do what he can to be in union with his brethren. They seemed glad to receive him, and we hope this will be the beginning of better days to him. Bro. R. may be useful in the cause if he is humble and faithful. His credentials were restored to him and he will doubtless labor again in presenting the truth to his fellow-men. We hope God may bless him.
Sunday, when the matter of giving means was brought up and explained and the extent and nature of the work set before the brethren, there was a good degree of interest manifested. Fifteen men subscribed $100 each for the branch office on the Pacific Coast, and others presented their names whom we thought hardly able to give so much. Upwards of $2,200 were pledged on the Book Funds also, and a forty-foot tent was purchased for the Conference, besides, making a total of about $4,000 pledged for the cause at this meeting.
The brethren feel very liberal toward the general interests of the cause. The State Conference voted $1,000 to the Gen. Conf. Fund, when I did not think of asking so much. They did it with a will. The brethren greatly desire to have the Gen. Conf. Committee remember them in the matter of labor, and are very anxious they should send them some good help for their encouragement. Noticing Bro. White’s suggestion that Bro. Canright might be sent to their help, they passed a resolution in their Conference cordially inviting such action. The brethren in New York are loyal to the cause, and good help should be sent as soon as can be done consistently. We were sorry that other duties obliged us to leave the ground Monday at 5 P. M., as there was much business crowded into that day, and as we left before Tuesday morning, Monday’s meeting was not made as important as it usually is for the spiritual good of the people. But it was the best we could do.
But our camp-meeting on the whole was an excellent one, the best thus far of all the four last held. It was a success in many respects. May God greatly bless New York and make this the beginning of better days.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Western Iowa.
By J. W. McWilliams; J. Bartlett
We have closed our labors at Logan. Ten have signed the covenant. Many more are convinced, and some will yet obey. We have laid the tent by, in consequence of disagreeable weather, and intend shipping it to the place appointed for the grove meeting.
We commenced a course of lectures at Harris Grove, five miles east of Logan, which have been deferred on account of wet weather until after the grove meeting.
The Lord has blessed our efforts in his cause the past season, for which we praise his holy name. Some who have heretofore made no profession have been awakened and started out in a religious life, rejoicing in the hope of eternal life at the appearing of Jesus, and many others who were to the best of their knowledge serving God, with thankful hearts are now walking in the light of present truth.
The friends at Missouri Valley are firm, and advancing rapidly in the truth as it is unfolded to them. We think much good can be done in the country localities in the vicinity of our summer labors, if the work is efficiently followed up.
Many are the calls to hear. The way is opening for the message to go with power. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest” for more laborers in the ripening fields. Pray for us that the Lord will still continue to own and bless our efforts to his honor and glory. We want to be found at our post with our lamps trimmed, waiting the return of our Lord, that we may with the faithful inherit the kingdom prepared for them.
J. W. McWILLIAMS,
J. BARTLETT.
Soldier Valley, Iowa, Sept. 18, 1874.
A Letter.
By Marcia S. Avery
DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: Many years have passed, since my name has appeared in the REVIEW, and although there are very many who have since become readers of its columns, yet there are those I believe by whom my name is still remembered. To such dear scattered friends I would say that I am still endeavoring as in years past, to secure a shelter from the coming storm, to make Christ my refuge and Heaven my home; and although my pen has so long been silent, I have loved the truth none the less, but feel the necessity as much to-day as ever of living it out, and letting my light shine.
I am often made to rejoice while reading the good news from all parts of the field of precious souls who are coming from darkness to light, and willing to sacrifice all for it, and that this last stirring message is going with solemnity and power, to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” I am greatly rejoiced to see the work of the Lord prospering, and feel that we have enough to encourage us to toil on, as we can see so near before us the final consummation of all our hopes.
I would here acknowledge the great and loving mercy of God toward me, in permitting me, after being severely afflicted with paralysis, for the last season, to rise again from a bed of helplessness and tedious confinement, and to give me the use once more of my limbs, so that I am now able to get about, with the aid of crutches. Truly, I can say, “The sorrows of death compassed me;” but the Lord has heard prayer in my behalf, and I want to give him all the glory. No one but God, and those who have passed through the same, can ever know the weariness, anxiety and sorrow, that have been mine, while thus passing under the rod; but thanks to his dear name, I yet live, and trust that I may be purified by suffering, and never be left to complain, but fully comprehend the lesson God would have me learn, by what I have endured, and honor him, striving to do all to his glory, and to live healthfully, and temperately in all things, as I have learned to prize health above all earthly good. With David I can say, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?
Oh! how rich the consolation that we are nearing that immortal shore, where the inhabitants shall not say, I am sick. There we shall not weep over the suffering, and the dying; for sickness and death, or the fears of them, shall have no place. Oh! what a joyful meeting, when we all get home, and when the fullness of the reality bursts upon us, that our toils are over, our pilgrimage at an end; and Heaven, sweet Heaven, is our home forever. If these joys are for me, many are the dear and loved ones whom I shall greet in that sinless land.
Many are sleeping now, till the voice of the Lifegiver shall bid them awake, and yet others are with me waiting for the return of our Deliverer. Let us each gird anew for the race, and as probation’s last hour hasteth, give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; and at last be permitted together to share the unfading glories of that eternal inheritance that is promised to the children of God.
MARCIA S. AVERY.
Locke, Sept. 5, 1874.
Confidence in God.
By A. S. Hutchins
AN unshaken confidence in the protecting care and sustaining grace of God amidst life's toils and sorrows, with a firm assurance of his approving smiles in the Judgment of the great day, cannot be valued; “the gold and the crystal cannot equal it.”
This confidence is based, not upon a mere matter of feeling, or evidence of a presumptive character; it is founded upon cheerful obedience to the revealed will of God, and his precious promises to all those who do it. It lays hold of the Son of God as the great atoning sacrifice for man's redemption, “in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in him.” “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
The soul buoyed up by such a confidence as this will not shrink,
“Though pressed by many a foe.”
“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.”
In this age of deception and false hopes, there are those whose precept and practice are strangely inharmonious with Bible truth, claiming to be led by the Spirit of God, and to be living under its sanctifying influence and power, so much as to be wholly consecrated to God.119These seem to regard not the fact that the Spirit and the word of God lead not in opposite directions.
Says Jesus, “True worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” Again, he prays, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” These, as do other scriptures, teach that truth is to be taken into account in true worship and in Bible sanctification. Those who claim to be enjoying the great blessing of sanctification, which is the privilege of the Christian to attain unto through a life of self-denial, obedience, and devotion, should often weigh it in the balances of the Bible, the unerring test, the sure rule of right.
To claim and publish for ourselves sanctification of heart and life, while our daily record reads otherwise, is as far from that consecration and sanctification enjoined by the word of inspiration as the blossom upon the fruit tree in spring is from the full-grown, ripe fruit of autumn. Such would do well to cast away their confidence in their devotion and acceptance of God, and seek him with the whole heart, learn the great lesson of submission to him, and obtain a confidence grounded upon the rock of truth.
A gentleman who once observed the Bible Sabbath as taught by the fourth commandment, but who for years since had openly violated it, says, “God blessed me before I kept the Sabbath, he blessed me while keeping it, and he blesses me now; he blesses me all the time. My soul is full of love.” Another who had lived in a state of sanctification beyond sin, more than a score of years, on having his attention called to the claims of the fourth commandment, remarked that he would not keep the seventh-day Sabbath if he knew the Lord required it, unless the legislative body of his State should pass an ordinance sanctioning its observance. Another comes forth with the boasted claim of being so thoroughly sanctified that he cannot sin when he tries to.
Now, we submit as “sin is the transgression of the law,” if, in open and deliberate violation of one of its precepts, one may arise to that state of favor and communion with God that he may enjoy the great blessing of an entire consecration and sanctification of all his mental and physical powers to the Lord, that it would be difficult to prove that another might not be sanctified while in violation of every precept of the decalogue.
This would sadly reverse the teachings of inspiration on this question. One might turn “away his ear from hearing the law,” and his prayer be acceptable instead of “abomination” (Prov. 28: 9); he might break the “whole law,” and be guilty in no point.
As we hasten on through the increasing perils and delusions of the last days, to the consummation of all earthly scenes, more and more marked will be the contrast between those who, enlightened by sparks of their own kindling, pass away to perdition, and those whose pathway is illuminated by rays of light emanating from the sacred volume of divine truth, inspiring hope, courage, and holy confidence in God, with every true believer, till under the approval of the Master the cross is exchanged for the crown, till a life of tears and toil shall give place to triumphant joy and endless bliss, in the presence of the blessed Saviour.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Sept. 5, 1874.
SUBMISSION
Since thy Father's arm sustains thee,
Peaceful be;
When a chastening hand restrains thee,
It is he!
Know his love in full completeness,
Feel the measure of thy weakness;
If he wound thy spirit sore,
Trust him more.
Without murmur, uncomplaining,
In his hand
Leave whatever things thou canst not
Understand.
Though the world thy folly spurneth,
From thy faith in pity turneth,
Peace thy inmost soul shall fill,
Lying still.
Like an infant, if thou thinkest
Thou canst stand—
Childlike, proudly pushing back
The proffered hand—
Courage soon is changed to fear,
Strength doth feebleness appear;
In his love if thou abide,
He will guide.
Fearest sometimes that thy Father
Hath forgot?
Though the clouds around thee gather,
Doubt him not.
Always hath the daylight broken,
Always hath the comfort spoken,
Better hath he been for years
Than thy fears.
Therefore whatsoe'er betideth,
Night or day,
Know his love for thee provideth
Good alway;
Crown of sorrows gladly take,
Grateful wear it for his sake;
Sweetly bending to his will,
Lying still.
To his own thy Saviour giveth
Daily strength;
To each troubled soul that liveth,
Peace at length.
Weakest lambs have largest share
Of the tender Shepherd's care;
Ask him not, then, “when?” or, “how?”
Only bow!
—Sel.
Colon, Mich.
BRO. L. SCHELLHOUS writes from Colon, Mich.: For a few years past we have been in rather a low condition. The few who were left of the members were situated from four to six miles apart, still we endeavored to keep up our organization. Met every Sabbath for prayer. No returns to the Conference had been made for two or three years, yet we had kept up our S. B. pledge to the Conference of about $30.00 a year. Now there is quite a change in our situation. The Lord has heard our feeble prayers in adding some precious souls to our number, for which we feel to praise his holy name. Our number has increased from six to fifteen, who all take part in serving our God; and we have increased our S. B. fund from $30.00 to $70.00. We feel to consecrate ourselves anew to God, and to prepare to meet our blessed Jesus when he comes.
To Whom Shall We Render Praise?
By A. S. Nason
“Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Yes, let us give to the Lord all the praise for what he hath wrought for us here in Ipswich. A few weeks ago we numbered only about twelve Sabbath-keepers. For months in the past, we have been earnestly praying that the Lord would add to our number such as should be saved. There seemed to be a good field of labor here. Quite early in the spring, a missionary from Boston came here and scattered books and tracts relating to present truth extensively through the village. There seemed to be some interest manifested to read, but we felt the necessity of having preaching here in order to get the truth clearly before the minds of the people. Then the question arose, Where shall a laborer be found who will take upon himself the arduous work of advocating unpopular truth, and breaking down prejudice in a new place? We made this a subject of fasting and prayer. The Lord heard us, and in answer to our prayers sent his servant, Eld. Rodman, who came in humility, weeping, bearing precious seed. The tent was erected near the center of the village in a beautiful field, and dedicated to God by many earnest prayers. Our congregations were not large, except occasionally. The proud, the pleasure loving, and the gay, cared not to listen to the sublime truths proclaimed in earnestness and power. For a time we seemed to be rowing against wind and tide, but we did not despair. And He who never turns a deaf ear to the cries of his importunate children sent forth his angels to draw some noble souls to the truths of the third angel’s message. With what sincere gratitude did we lift our hearts to God as we saw these noble soldiers advancing and falling into line with our feeble ranks. May Heaven’s richest blessing rest upon every one who has thus determined to bear the cross in the face of a frowning world and boldly dare to live out the solemn truths of the Bible. Some among these stood high in society, and in coming out to obey unpopular truth, they leave many cherished friends behind. The dear Saviour will not forget the sacrifice these dear ones have made for his sake, and if they continue faithful, their reward will be great in Heaven. It is far better to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. We feel to rejoice with trembling, when we consider that in the work accomplished here, we are laid under greater responsibility.
How carefully we need to watch our lives, lest we lay a stumbling-block in the way of some precious soul. We need to redouble our efforts and gird the armor on anew in order to withstand the vigilant foe we have to deal with. He will not be slack in his efforts to overthrow the work of God. But in Jesus’ name we can resist him. Let us, then, with hearts and hands united, present a bold front to the enemy, and press our way onward even to the gates of the golden city. And there on the threshold of that fair dwelling place prepared for the saints of God shall we lay staff and sandals down, to rest forevermore with Jesus.
A. S. Nason.
Ipswich, Mass.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By H. Hilliard
At the quarterly meeting at Russell, Sept. 19 and 20, there was a good attendance. Two loads came from Fine. Father Deland, formerly a Baptist minister, now over eighty years of age, walked two miles before daylight Sabbath morning, and then rode over a rough road twelve miles to come with them. A few came from Pierpont, and all were much benefited by associating together in the love of the truth.
At all these places there is opposition. But since the truth was first introduced, about two years since, by the faithful labors of Brn. Hall and Taylor, a goodly number have laid hold upon it and continue firm. The school-house at Pierpont where they were permitted to hold meetings for a while was closed against them the past summer, when they held meetings outside, and now they hold them in one a mile or two distant. Amid the opposition, there are honest inquirers after truth, and we think the faithful labors of his servants may still be blessed in new fields in this vicinity where they are calling for labor.