An Exalted People

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1910

An Exalted People

“An Exalted People.” — Under this title, Elder Uriah Smith, so long editor of this paper, wrote in the REVIEW of Aug. 6, 1857:—

We have enough thus to elevate our minds. The storm of wrath before us, the events of the judgment, our great salvation, and final condition are described to us in strains as lofty and sublime as language can embody, or the mind of man conceive. Read the following: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: . . . the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7: 9, 10.

Can any one let his mind go forward to the scenes so awfully grand as this, and be occupied at the same time with small thoughts, and perplexed with trifles? And is there nothing calculated to eclipse all minor considerations in the thoughts of the great white throne, and One sitting thereon before whose face the heavens and the earth flee away; of that promiscuous and universal prayer which the great and proud and mighty of earth shall soon raise, to be hid from the presence of the wrathful Lamb; of the melting of the elements with fervent heat, and the springing therefrom of a new earth, the abode of righteousness; of the taking of the kingdom under the whole heaven by the saints; of their entering upon an eternal respite from all their toil and sorrow, and shining as the stars of the firmament of heaven forever and ever?

There are no themes more ennobling and elevating upon which the mind can dwell. . . . Look aloft! Our citizenship is in heaven. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God. “Heirs of immortal crowns divine.” It is meet that for joy we should sing. The truest honor, the highest privileges that can attend this mortal state are conferred upon us.

“Why do they then appear so mean? And why so much despised? Because of their rich robes unseen The world is not apprised.”