Bro. Marsh: I have been looking very anxiously for something in some of the Advent papers, that would define our position; and as yet I see nothing satisfactory. I know it is said, Nigh, even at the doors; but what I am at is this, Where in the word of God are we? In '43 and '44, we knew where we were; say for instance, Rev. xiv, 6: 'And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven.' We very well knew then, the second angel's message—'Babylon is fallen.' Both are in the past. Now I can draw no other conclusion than this: If we were correct in '43 and '44, as the Advent move did correspond with just such an effect as the first and second angel's messages would produce, the third angel in order follows with his message, and a loud one, too, as loud as the first: If any man worship the beast, and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, &c. 12 v.: Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, (God the Father,) and the faith of Jesus (Jesus the Son.) Now I am left to inquire, What are the commandments of God? if they are the ten commandments, written with the finger of God on the tables of stone?—The next inquiry is, Are we keeping the commandments of God,—every one of them? and have we the faith of Jesus? If so, we shall have a right to the tree of life, and will enter in through the gates into the city. Now, Bro. Marsh, as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, expecting the Lord of the vineyard soon, will you give us the true time of3night? Tell us if you know what the worship of the beast and his image is; and what it is to receive his mark, in the forehead, or in the hand. I do not write this for dissension or any other motive,—but for light. For one, I believe the true saints, or the wise, will understand.
May the Lord direct by his Spirit into his word, and sanctify us in the truth. Amen.