Verses 1 and 2. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John, who bare record of the word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
The first verse of the book gives its true title—"The Revelation of Jesus Christ"—which shows the title placed over it to be incorrect. It also expresses an important characteristic of the book in the one word—"Revelation"—which is a refutation of the assertion that it is among the hidden mysteries of God. Says Moses, Deut. xxix, 29, "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed, belong unto us and to our children forever." It is here stated that God gave the Revelation to Jesus Christ, that Christ gave it to his angel to show it to John, who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Verse 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.
A blessing is here promised to the reader, to the hearer of the words of this prophecy, and to those who keep the things written therein. This is the best evidence that the object of the book is to reveal things of the highest importance for the general understanding and benefit of Christians. It brings in view things to be kept or obeyed. Chap. xiv, 12, is a pointed instance—"Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." These three verses contain the introduction. Next comes the dedication.
Verses 4-6. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father: to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The entire book of Revelation (see ch. i, 3, 11, 19; xxii, 18, 19) is dedicated to the seven churches, verse 11, at places situated in western Asia Minor, scattered over a territory about two hundred miles in length, by one hundred in width. There were many Christians in other portions of Asia Minor, such as Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, addressed in 1 Pet. i, 1. In fact, Troas, where Paul held meeting with the brethren all night, and Colosse, where he addressed his epistle to the brethren, were in the territory of the seven churches. Colosse was only about twenty-five miles from Laodicea. Miletum, where Paul left his brother Trophimus sick, 2 Tim. iv, 20, and to which place he called the elders of the church, Acts xxi, 17, was also in the same territory.
Why seven of the churches of Asia Minor were selected, to whom the Revelation was dedicated, may be a matter of interesting study. The book was no more applicable to them, than to other Christian churches in Asia Minor. And it is a fact of importance that but a very small portion of the book could be applicable to the Christians of John's day, as most of it prophesied of events then in the future, with which they would have no connection. Neither were the special addresses to the Christians in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, more appropriate to them than to the Christians of Colosse, Troas, Galatia, and Corinth. The best reason we have to offer why these seven were chosen is, because the significations of the names illustrate the character of the seven periods of the Christian church.
Seven seems to be a number in the Scriptures denoting perfection, completeness, and is probably a kind of memorial of the great facts of the first seven days, which divide all time into cycles of weeks.
The book of Revelation is really dedicated to the Christians of the entire Christian age, with seven special messages to the believers in its seven periods, with grace and peace from the Father, and from the Holy Spirit, and from the Son.
1. The words, "him which is, and which was, and which is to come," express complete eternity. The same, in verse 11, calls himself the Almighty, a name never given to Jesus Christ.
2. "And from the seven Spirits which are before his throne." The words "his throne," refer to the Father, and not to the Son who as yet has no throne. Ch. iii, 21. Some think the seven Spirits mean the seven leading operations, or gifts of the Spirit. However this may be, we think there is no doubt but reference is here made to the Holy Spirit.
3. "And from Jesus Christ." The Son is here mentioned as a distinct person from "him which is, and which was, and which is to come." Compare ch. iv, 8, with v, 6, 7.
He is also called the "faithful Witness," "the first begotten from the dead," and "the Prince of the kings of the earth." Are we not carried forward in this last title to the time when Christ will descend from the opening heavens with a name written on his vesture, and on his thigh, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS? ch. xix, 16.
Again, under the sounding of the seventh angel the kingdoms of this world become our Lord's. Ch. xi, 15. If they then become our Lord's, they are not "his until the seventh angel sounds, and he is not the Prince of the kings of the earth before that time.
"Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests." Here we are carried through the plan of salvation by Jesus Christ to its completion. Compare with ch. v, 9, 10.
Verse 7. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
This verse, bringing to view the coming of Jesus Christ, is further proof that in this connection the great events in the plan of salvation through him are traced down to his coming in glory and great power, as prince of the kings of the earth, to destroy his enemies, and exalt those washed by his blood to his throne as kings and priests. He is presented (1) as the "faithful witness," as teacher in his prophetic office, (2) as the "first begotten from the dead," resurrected to enter upon his priestly office, during which, or at the close, to wash his people from their sins in his own blood, (3) as "prince of the kings of the earth," in his kingly office, to rule and reign, to punish and reward.
Verse 8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
This declaration has no connection with the verse before it, nor with the one following it. In the one, John speaks of the coming of Christ, in the other, of himself. Hence, who the speaker is, in this verse, may be determined very much by the terms used. The last two are especially applicable to the Father.
Verse 9. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Murdock's translation of the Syriac, leaves out the word kingdom as follows: "I John, your brother, and partaker with you in the affliction and suffering that are in Jesus the Messiah."5As given in the World's Crisis, said to be from an old translation, or paraphrase, so worn that no trace of date could be found, it reads, "I, John, your fellow-christian, fellow-sufferer, and fellow expectant of the future glorious kingdom of Jesus Christ."
Wakefield translates, "I John, your brother, and sharer with you in enduring the affliction of the kingdom of Jesus Christ."
We understand the "affliction" and "suffering," to be the tribulation through which Christians must pass to enter the kingdom of God. Acts xiv, 22.
Verse 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.
God has given to man six days of the week, in which to labor for a livelihood. The seventh day of the week he has reserved for himself. This day is emphatically the Lord's day. See Ex. xx, 6-11; Isa. lviii, 13, Mark ii, 28. On this day John was in the Spirit, or in vision.
Verse 11. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
On this verse Dr. A. Clarke remarks, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, and] This whole clause is wanting in ABC; thirty-one others; some editions; the Syriac, Coptic, Æthiopic, Armenian, Slavonic, Vulgate, Arethus, Andreas, and Primasius. Griesbach has left it out of the text." He also states that the phrase, in Asia, "is wanting in the principal MSS. and versions, Griesbach has left it out of the text." See also the translations of Whiting, Wesley, Sawyer, the American Bible Union, and others. It would then read, "Saying, What thou seest write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches, unto Ephesus," &c. See remarks on verse 4.
Verses 12-18. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks, and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shined in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not, I am the first and the last, I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell, [hadees, the grave] and of death.
The person of the Son of God, in excellence, majesty and power is here described. John in terror fell at his feet as dead; but Jesus laid his right hand upon the beloved disciple, saying, Fear not. He was then assured that the Being that stood before him in such matchless glory was once dead, was raised to life to live for evermore. Christ passed through death and the grave, and in triumph brought away the keys. He has power, not only of the grave to call men from it; but, also, of death, with which he will punish the wicked. The seven golden candlesticks, and the seven stars are defined in verse 20.
Verse 19. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.
Here John is more definitely commanded to write the entire Revelation. The things which he had seen and the things which were then before him, were the vision of the Son of man, and that of the churches, occupying the first three chapters of the book. The things which should be hereafter shown him, commenced with another vision at chap. iv.
Verse 20. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
The seven stars which the Son of man holds in his right hand represent the angels, or messengers, or ministers of the churches. Christ's ministers of every clime, and every age, are in his hands; hence the prophecy of the seven churches contemplates a vastly wider field than seven of the churches of western Asia Minor of John's day. The seven candlesticks, in the midst of which John saw one like the Son of man—verse 13—represent the seven churches. Christ is in the midst of all his people. "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." The position taken, that the seven churches illustrate the seven periods of the Christian age, gives an exalted importance to the Revelation. But to suppose that the prophecy relative to the seven churches reaches no farther than seven of the Christian congregations in western Asia Minor, dwindles sublime declarations and illustrations into comparative insignificance.
GOD EMPLOYS MEANS.
By J. Clarke
The Review is the organ of a people recently arisen, who are trying to act in harmony with God's Spirit, and we believe that God is in this movement, and is leading our leaders. Thus far we have full confidence that he has done so, and while we hold to the faith of the third and last message of God to man [see Rev. xiv, 9-12], we fully believe God will direct our elders, messengers, and leaders; and when he fails to do this in any case, it will be because of failure on their part or the church.
Whenever God would do anything for his people in ancient times, he first set in motion some agency which directed and controlled the movement; as, for instance, in the exodus from Egypt, and in the return from Babylon. Leaders were appointed of God in each case, and strict order was observed.
Again, look at the agencies set in motion on the day of Pentecost. How the apostles, and elders, and deacons, had the oversight of the church; how, both in word and doctrine, the church looked up to the leaders, as to God-ordained men; and as long as the church walked in the light, they were not disappointed in their leaders.
God moved upon Peter to advance a step from Judaism, and the church followed. Paul, too; with what confidence the churches looked to him! Wo! wo! unto the church when she can no longer trust her leaders.
Mankind are fallen from their first high estate, and by long continuation in this vile world, men have contracted wrong views of truth; their judgments are perverted, and the noblest powers of mind are weakened, almost destroyed. In this sad state of things our hope is in God, who has led out thus far a people under the message of the third angel, and the means employed have been human beings, whom God has fitted up for the work. God is with these men; they have (under God) led us thus far, and shall we not still sit under their teaching, who have so long labored for us in word and doctrine? J. CLARKE.
THE BRIGHT SIDE.
By Martha D. Amadon
THERE is a bright side for every Christian traveler. Whatever circumstances surround him, there is a bright side. We have examples of this all through the Bible. Job in affliction could say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord!" Praise to God has ascended from the fiery furnace, the lions' den, dungeons, and prison houses.
The lives of good men in all ages attest this simple fact true; and can the Christian now feel that the clouds hang so fearfully around that they shut away the light of heaven?
The question often comes to our heart, How may we find the bright side? But if holy men and women of old could find it, may not those to whom it has been said, "When ye see these things then lift up your heads and look up, for your redemption draweth nigh?" Is not this the bright side to this world's dark picture of sin and woe?
Let cares and perplexities come till the spirit is well nigh overwhelmed, yet here is an anchor which will bide every stormy deluge of care.
Friends may prove untrue, and foes oppress, till, like David, we feel that no man cares for our soul; yet that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother will appear to our joy, and they shall be ashamed. Is there not light shining around the coming of the Lord for every way-worn pilgrim?
But often we get our eyes from the bright side. How may we steadily keep them there? Draw still nearer to God. Let every trial drive us there. Pray and agonize, if need be. Prayer! What is it? A soul breathing out after God. Not simply a round of words, smooth and formal; but pray like Jacob, Moses, Solomon, David, Daniel, and, best example of all, the Saviour, when,
"Cold mountains and the midnight air
Witnessed the fervor of his prayer."
Could we have heard that prayer as he plead with his Father! Imagine him on the mountain pleading with him who, he said, he knew heard him always—praying for his disciples, that those few who had believed on him might not be overcome. Precious were those hours the Saviour thus employed. And it is written for us, Cast thy burden upon the Lord. Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.6
No Christian desires the smooth, easy path of the worldling; but his delight is to labor for his Master in heaven. Not to win an earthly crown, but that it may be said to him at last, "Well done."
There are dark seasons for every pilgrim in this world, but such only increase the light when Heaven sees fit to let it beam upon our path. There are sacrifices which draw upon the heart strings; but as another expresses it, "their fragrance is as incense before God."
And soon the day will dawn, and the morning star arise, which will usher in the day of everlasting rest. But who of us will share that rest and joy? Shall I be conqueror then? Am I conqueror now in the daily battles I meet? Will Jesus say to me, "Well done?" Will he place upon my head a crown of victory with his own right hand? Will God wipe away the cause of all my tears? If I am faithful and overcome; and this is possible. There may be seasons of blessedness here, which will smooth life's toils, that we can set up as way-marks to heaven, and know that we are traveling thither.
By His grace who once overcame and prepared the way for me, I mean to be there, and enjoy forever the bright side.
MARTHA D. AMADON.
TOBACCO.
By John Norton Loughborough
BRO. WHITE: Much has been said in the Review on this question and especially concerning its physical effects. I wish to relate two circumstances that have transpired in the vicinity of my labors the last winter as a still further warning to tobacco users. In the town of Johnstown 12 miles northwest of Battle Creek about one year since a man (whose name I will not mention) began to fall in health and consulted with several physicians who told him he was destroying his stomach by the use of tobacco. He died about six months since. On examining his stomach it was found that the coating was almost entirely eaten up by tobacco. But say you he must not swallow the juice. He did not, or at least was not conscious of doing it. The poison was carried into his stomach by the saliva being impregnated with it in the glans of the throat.
Another case is of an individual in the town of Somerset Hillsdale Co. Mich. A person who ten years since was of a bright intellect has become an idiot, no other cause being assigned for it by physicians than chewing and smoking tobacco. The Lord help us as a people to rid ourselves of these slow poisons. Amen.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, Mich., June 1, 1862.
NOTE FROM BRN. INGRAHAM AND SANBORN.
By Wm. S. Ingraham; Isaac Sanborn
DEAR BRO. WHITE: We are in Princeville, Ill., and our meeting is in progress. The weather is cold, the season backward, and everybody in a hurry to get in their corn. But our congregations are large. Last evening closed a discussion on the Sabbath question which commenced Sunday evening. Our opponent was Elder Kelly of this place. He is a M. E. preacher. He took the position that Sunday was the creation Sabbath and tried to demonstrate it by chronological calculation. He said he could prove from Wm. Miller's figuring that we were one day too soon on the Sabbath question, but before he got through he said Miller's chronology was incorrect, and I showed that in his figuring on his plan he had made a sad mistake and it was so evident to the people, that the Lord's truth triumphed gloriously. Some begin already to talk about keeping the Sabbath. The prospect before us is quite flattering.
We earnestly desire the prayers of God's people that while we plant and water, our heavenly Father may give us increase.
May 20th 1862.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
ISAAC SANBORN.
NOTE FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
Our conference at Hamlin, May 17, 18, was a good one. I hope and trust that the church will be benefited by it. Bro. Cornell's testimony on spiritual gifts and particularly the gift of prophecy which God has set in the church, was food to the household in due season. I was not aware until recent confessions revealed it to me, that doubts on this point were the cause of the great declension which took place some years since with many among us; but this seems to be the fact. And since we know the cause, I hope all will beware of the dark and blighting influence of unbelief. Faith is the victory that overcometh the world.
R. F. COTTRELL.
THE COMING OF OUR LORD.
By M. W. H.
"One thing seems certain, we are living in a wonderful age. I am watching with intense interest passing events, for I believe they are among the last, preceding the coming of our Lord. I read the book of Revelation with an interest unknown before, and thus, one portion of God's word, seems opened anew to me."
I have copied the above, from an article in a periodical that came under my notice not long since. Though published anonymously it has struck a chord in my heart that would fain vibrate to other hearts. For it is cheering, occasionally to meet such expressions from a source we do not expect them, especially at this time, when the declaration of Peter, that in the "last days" there should be those saying, "where is the promise of His coming, for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation," 2 Pet. iii, 4, is so strikingly fulfilled. Indeed, we meet this sentiment in some shape at every turn. We hear it from the pulpit, and all the way down to the fireside conversation. If any think otherwise, it is because they have, unwittingly perhaps, fallen into the habit of uttering it themselves.
The design of this article will not be lost, if it arouse the attention of even one, who has not heretofore observed it, to note how often is heard these expressions—or, their counterpart in meaning—"ages and ages yet to come,"—"generations yet unborn"—"our children, and our children's children, for centuries and centuries to come." Surely, it seems as if it were already the lullaby, by which mankind are to be soothed into that false security, that the Scriptures may be fulfilled, that "the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night," and "as a snare upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth."
That we are being so lulled, has come over me at times with such power as to send a shudder through my frame. Verily I have feared lest the Christian world, even Protestant christianity, was acting the part of the "false prophet." And what is to be its doom? "And the beast" (which we have always been taught is the Papal power) and the false prophet, these both shall be cast alive into the lake burning with fire and brimstone. Rev. xix, 20. And by verses 10, 14 and 15 of the next chapter, we may see who is to bear them company. But what does that casting "alive" mean, if not that they shall be in full exercise of their power and strength at the winding up of the world's probation?
I know that we have been taught that Romanism, symbolized by the "beast," is to be destroyed, and "peace and righteousness fill the whole earth." But does Jesus, or do the New Testament writers so teach? No, nor yet does the Old Testament, if we will lay aside our preconceived ideas. Otherwise, what did Christ mean by his pertinent inquiry: "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke xviii, 8. And what does he mean by faith, if not faith in his promises and assurances? Take the one passage, "The just shall live by faith." It occurs in the Old, and is oft repeated in the New Testament, and is a sweet text, even in the sense that Luther and Whitfield taught, "justification by faith." Not long ago, while occupied with my house-hold affairs, I had such a sweet, almost overpowering appreciation of that passage, as meaning living by faith in the words and promises of Jesus, in Jesus as he is, and as he is to be, when his mediatorial work is finished, as I shall evermore rejoice in, and bless God for.
But possibly, the writer of the extract above quoted, did not, after all, mean by the "coming of our Lord," what I understand by it; for I recall to mind how easily another writer, for the same periodical, glided away from the sublime view depicted in the following beautiful language: "Yet once more, will 'He come, then to take to Himself His great power and reign king of nations, as He is king of saints.' Time is hastening on that momentous day, when 'He shall come in the clouds of heaven,' with a glorious retinue of holy angels, and judge the nations from the book of life.' Then, will be awarded to him the glory due unto His holy name, and the kings, and princes, with all the mighty ones of earth shall bow to his allegiance. Even now we seem to hear His coming footsteps in the glorious events of our day. The nations that once sat in darkness, are emerging into the broad light of the Sun of Righteousness, and Satan's power is fast passing away."
What but the spirit of peace and safety so rife at present, could prompt that last sentiment? For when we look at our own beloved country desecrated by war, to say nothing of other evidences of sin, might we not with greater propriety infer, that "Satan has come down among men with great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." Rev. xii, 12. The first view is perfectly scriptural, and should not be blended with a conception, which is the result of the fond hopes of Christians. We are filled with astonishment at the Jews for their non-recognition of the Messiah; but I have feared lest many are repeating their mistake. Are we at best acting differently from the Pharisee, in the temple, when he "thanked God he was not like this publican?"
Reader, let us look about us, with our Bible for our guide. But for the thralldom with which our own early training has bound us, we could not fail to perceive that the principal motive used by both Peter and Paul as incentives to earnest Christian warfare, is the "appearing of our Lord," and the reward then to be given, as in 2 Tim. iv, 8, and similar passages. Look at it, you who have been careless in this matter. It is taking other authority than the Bible, that has brought us where we are. We have rested satisfied with notions drawn from others far too long; till in fact it is as much as a person's reputation is worth, to advance in some circles, ideas out of the "beaten familiar highway," in matters pertaining to theology.
More than thirty years ago I committed to memory that beautiful passage, 2 Thess. i, 7-10. "And to you, who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe in that day." This passage took a firm hold on my childish imagination, and has grown with my growth and strengthened with my strength. Then, is it any wonder that the language of the angels to the disciples, Acts i, 11, has a real significance to me, which places the resurrection, according to 1 Thess. iv, 14-17, and the restitution, Acts iii, 21, through Christ's coming as the crowning glory of the gospel? Is it any wonder, remembering the words of Jesus, "Whosoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels," Luke ix, 26, that I can but tremble when I observe a growing tendency to glide into a channel of belief which effectually does away the necessity for either the coming of our Lord or the resurrection? M. W. H.
Malone, N. Y., Apr. 1862.
LETTERS.
By Lewis Martin
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Martin.
BRO. WHITE: I would say that I still love the solemn truth of the third angel's message. I still feel like putting my trust in the living God. There are a few here in the East, who, I trust, are pressing forward, toward the blessed kingdom. We are quite destitute of preaching, but I trust the Lord will be mindful of us, and send some of his faithful servants along as often as will be for his glory and the good of souls. I had the privilege of hearing Bro. Cornell at Washington. It was truly a blessed season to the most, I think, who were there. May the Lord bless him and his labors, is my prayer. The Lord give us all the grace we need to endure the trials of these last days, and save us finally in the kingdom.
Yours in love and hope.
LEWIS MARTIN.
Bennington, N. H.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister M. A. Nichols writes from Laphamsville, Mich.: "It is a pleasure to us to see the work of the Lord prosper. We have ever believed the battle was the Lord's, and that victory would turn on Zion's side, and the glorious work would go forward in spite of all the enemies of the truth. We feel glad when we hear of the union that exists. I believe that the Lord is bringing out a people for himself, a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, a peculiar people, zealous of good works, a people that will be tested at every step.
"Dear brethren and sisters, the third angel's message is soon to go with power. Can we not see by the signs of the times that probation will soon close, and the sweet voice of mercy die away? When I can realize in a measure the solemn time we live in, I deeply feel the importance of getting the door of my heart open before the Lord. I want to be a whole-hearted Christian, and rise with the third angel's message. Sometimes I tremble and fear that I shall not overcome all my besetting sins, but I trust in the precious promises that I read from his word."
Bro. C. H. T. St. Clair writes from Fairfield, Iowa: "I am not tired in endeavoring to walk in the straight and narrow way, where but few are found walking. I want to have my name among those that may be found walking in this way. Many are the trials and perplexities we have to endure in this sinful world, but my trust is in the Lord. His grace is sufficient. By the Lord's strengthening me, I hope I may be able to7overcome all my besetting sins, and to run with patience the race that is set before me, ever looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. I love the cause of present truth, and love the people of God. I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of God than to dwell in high places in this wicked world. I was seeking after the riches of this world, honor, fame, &c., in this life, when my attention was called to investigate Bible truths. The evidence before me was sufficient that we are living in the generation that cannot pass until the Son of man makes his appearance in the clouds of heaven. In view of this truth, and others connected with the third angel's message, I was constrained to turn in with the overtures of mercy, while mercy could be found. I can now truly say, I want not the riches of this world. I want the true riches, the riches in Christ. I want to lay up a treasure in heaven that will not rust, where thieves cannot break through and steal. I want to be more engaged in the service of the Lord, and to discharge faithfully every known duty that devolves upon me, and to get in a humble place, that the blessings of the Lord may be with me.
We are now living in a heart-searching time. We must prepare for the coming of our blessed Saviour. He will not delay much longer. Have we as a people heeded the strait testimony for the church? Brethren, let us heed the admonition of the Lord, and cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, cut ourselves loose from every idol, and worship the only true God. My prayer is that God will guide this people as he did Israel of old. May we ever be submissive and obedient to his will, that we may be guided in meekness and judgment, that our understandings may be right in all important matters. I rejoice that Bro. Waggoner is again coming to Southern Iowa. May the blessing of the Lord attend his labors there. I want to see this people advance."
FAITH.
By L. E. Millne
My Father who in heaven art,
O guide me in that way,
That I from thee may ne'er depart,
Nor from thy precepts stray.
How could I tread this pathway drear
Without my Father's smile
This weary, fainting heart to cheer,
And all my woes beguile.
Did not my Saviour suffer here
For sinners such as I?
Then why should I the pathway fear
That leads to joys on high?
O, as thy day thy strength shall be,
Is the blest promise given;
O Father, bid my sorrows flee,
And raise my thoughts to heaven.
I will by faith the promise plead,
And on thy strength rely,
O Lord, in every time of need
Do thou my wants supply.
Then will I tread this thorny maze
Without one murmuring sigh;
For Jesus will direct my ways.
And bring his glories nigh.
L. E. Millne.
Overcoming Tea and Tobacco
Bro. Nathan Blood writes from Washington, Wis.:
"I love the truths brought to view by the third angel's message. There are seven of us here that commenced keeping all the commandments of God, three years ago, and have had many opposing influences to contend with, but through the grace of God we are still striving to overcome all our besetting sins, by keeping the commandments and trusting in the merits of Christ. I had used tea and tobacco for the past 18 years, and I thought I could not do without them, especially the latter; but I thank the Lord that I have been able to overcome them both, and my health is better than before. I have been greatly blessed in reading sister White's testimony, and it is my determination to let it have a sanctifying influence upon my daily walk and conversation. I believe the time is not far distant when we shall need on the whole armor of God, to stand all the deceptions of the enemy. I think the cause is rising, and the love of the present truth is increasing here. One more has taken a decided stand with us."
No BACKWARD MOVEMENT.—
Man is constantly advancing to the eternal world. He cannot go back to improve privileges that have been wasted. Life can not be traveled again, and each footprint is made to be seen by us no more. Onward we must go. He that comes after us may profit by our follies, and track our way nearer and nearer to the beach where the ocean of eternity rolls,—he may step after step in the sand till he comes to the last, half washed away by the tide, where we plunged into the vast ocean and disappeared forever; but backward we can not go, to pick up the golden gems which we once passed with indifference as they lay sparkling at our feet.
Onward we are moving, and onward we must continue to move. How solemn, then, does life seem to progress. And how loud the admonition to improve the golden moments as they fly.
Pressing Onward and Upward
Sister Emily Liter writes from Mohontongo, Pa.: "For the past five years we have been trying to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. Myself and companion are alone here, but we feel determined to press onward and upward. I believe the time is near when the Lord will come and gather his elect from the four quarters of the globe. May he therefore help us to have our lamps trimmed and burning."
New Converts at North Leslie
Bro. Wm. P. Squires writes from Lansing, Mich. :
"During the past winter I was working in North Leslie, and became acquainted with one or two families of Sabbath-keepers, and being led to examine the question, I became convinced of the truth, and accepted it; and my wife and myself are now trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have the, cheering promise that if we suffer with him we shall also reign with him. Our trials here will be of short duration; for soon we shall behold him coming with power and great glory, to gather his remnant people; and in view of the nearness of that event, we feel how important it is for us to have the whole armor on, and our lamps trimmed and burning. There are quite a number here who would like to hear the truth, and I think there are some who would embrace it. We desire an interest in your prayers, that we may grow in grace, and press boldly forward till we gain the victory over the beast and his image, and this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruptible put on incorruption."
Pressing On Toward the Kingdom
Sister B. E. Place writes from Oswego, N. Y.: "I would say to the dear brethren and sisters who love the truth and feel that they are being sanctified through it, who feel in truth that they are bound for the kingdom, go on dear brethren in the Lord. I am bound to meet you there. I feel that I have no will or desire apart from the will of my God. The one great desire of my heart is to know the path in which I should walk that I may be in my place and at my post."
Preparing for Christ’s Second Advent
Sister C. Pixley writes from Pleasant Grove, Minn.: "I love the Review, because it seems to inspire a spirit of searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. Though it does not bring much war news, it tells us of a land of peace which is cheering to us amid the perils of the last days. I believe Christ's second advent into this world is not far distant. I believe that the moral law, every command, is binding on us to the end of time. I wish to do God's commandments that I may have right to the tree of life. I want to have right views of God's word. I want that faith which works by love and purifies the heart. I believe I have no idols in dress, food, or drink, but what I can resign. It seems to be hard struggling to get along here, but my prayer to God is that he would thoroughly purge out the old leaven, that we may be prepared for every good word and work."
Prophecy, Benevolence, and Gospel Order
Bro. C. Woodman writes from North Leeds, Me.:
"I would just say that my heart is still in sympathy with the Seventh-day Adventist church, and the means that are used for the advancement of the cause of present truth. I also have confidence in those whom I believe God has placed at the head of this work. While we are exhorted to despise not prophesyings, it is evident that we should not despise those who prophesy, unless we can show that their predictions are contrary to the word, or unreasonable in themselves. Again Paul says, I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesy. 1 Cor. xiv, 1. Thus we see Paul expresses a preference for prophesyings; therefore let us not despise them to our peril.
I heartily approve of the plan of systematic benevolence; am glad to learn that 'it works well,' which is the best evidence of the merits or utility of any system or machine in the world. It seems that God is blessing the efforts of his people to come into gospel order. There is a heavenly beauty in the words, 'system and order,' as adopted by the remnant church in these last days. God spake in the beginning and brought order out of confusion, system out of chaos. May the Lord help unworthy me to submit to perfect discipline."