p. 126 | Review and Herald, Vol. 36, No. 16. (10/4/1870)

New Time—1875.

THE World's Crisis has come out for a new time, or, what is the same thing, a new point for the termination of the 2300 days. That is, a correspondent contributes what he considers “the unanswerable argument” to show that they terminate in 1875, to which the Editor appends his emphatic—“We endorse the foregoing.”

The writer admits in the commencement of his argument that the 9th of Daniel is an explanation of the 8th; and this one truth which he so marvelously acknowledges, is utterly fatal to every subsequent application which he endeavors to make. The seventy weeks are the first 490 years of the 2300; and the events given to transpire during this shorter period are such as would determine the accuracy of the prophecy, and make the application sure. So far we have a common basis for further arguments. Let us try the positions of the Crisis, by the tests which the prophet furnishes.

1. This writer dates the seventy weeks from “God's remarkable interference for the protection of the Jewish nation,” in the time of queen Esther. The prophecy says they were to date “from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem.” Quite a difference, on the start, between the inspired and uninspired. The decree of Ahasuerus to the Jews, giving them liberty to defend themselves against their enemies, was not in any sense a commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. It cannot by any possibility be tortured into any such signification. And so far as meeting the prophecy is concerned, this writer might just as well have taken the decree in behalf of Daniel after his deliverance from the lion's den, as the point from which to date the seventy weeks, as the one he has taken. One is just as much a command to restore and build Jerusalem, as the other.

2. But granting that that is the event from which to reckon, when did it occur? Our writer says in A. D. 426. On what authority? He gives none. The chronology of our common version gives 509 B. C. as the date; Prideaux 452; Dr. Hales 450. And we find no authority for the date given in the Crisis, except Thurman, whose endorsement is sufficient evidence that it is wrong.

3. But granting that 426 B. C. is the right date, how will it meet the other conditions of the prophecy? Seven weeks, or 49 years were to reach to the completion of the building of Jerusalem. Dated from 426 they end B. C. 377. Was there anything there to mark their termination? Nothing; for, according to Prideaux the building and restoration of Jerusalem was completed thirty-one years before, in B. C. 408, just forty-nine years after the decree to Ezra B. C. 457. Again, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years were to extend to Messiah the prince. Commencing B. C. 426, they terminate in A. D. 58. The expression “to Messiah the prince,” must refer either to the birth or to the commencement of the public ministry of our Lord. But no one places the public ministry of our Lord so late as A. D. 58. Much less can his birth be placed there, which took place thirty years before he entered upon his public labors. Here, as in the preceding instance, the application is out of joint with the fulfillment thirty-one years, and no attempt is made to harmonize the matter.

But further, in the midst of the week, the last, or seventieth week, he, the Messiah, was to be cut off, and cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. How did Christ cause the Jewish sacrifices and oblations to cease? There can be but one answer to this question. It was by offering himself as the great antitype of all these offerings. Suppose a Jew at the present day should solicit a Christian to engage with him in the offering of sacrifices. The Christian would say, No; those sacrifices have come to an end. How so? says the Jew. Why, replies the Christian, Christ, the great antitype of all these sacrifices, has been offered. This would be the reason invariably assigned for saying that those Jewish sacrifices had ceased. No one would plead, as a reason why the Jewish service is not now in force, that it was made to cease by the Romans, at the destruction of Jerusalem in A. D. 70. When, then, was it made to cease? At the time, of course, when Christ was offered, at the crucifixion. Now as the theory under notice ends the sixty-nine weeks in A. D. 58, the midst or middle, of the following week, where the crucifixion took place, would be the spring of 62. Does any writer place the crucifixion there? Not one. The more credible authorities place it thirty-one years before, in A. D. 31.

And finally, this writer says that the 490 years “reach to the time when God should withdraw his protection from the Jewish nation, and leave them to be devoured by their enemies;” which event he places in A. D. 65, although Jerusalem was not destroyed till A. D. 70. Here is a slight discrepancy of five years; unimportant perhaps in a theory where there are so many of greater magnitude; but one nevertheless which we should wait to see explained, before we endorsed the theory in question.

But we submit that the nature of the event is entirely mistaken by our author. The question of the special protection of the Jewish people is not the one which is before the mind of the prophet at all. He does not say that the seventy weeks were to date from a special manifestation of God's protection of the Jewish people and extend to the withdrawal of that protection. Nothing of the kind. But seventy weeks were cut off upon the Jews, or allotted to them as the time during which they were to be considered the especial people of God. The question then is simply this: When did the Jews cease to be the people of God? Did the destruction of Jerusalem mark any change in their relation to God? Not a particle. Were they the people of God up to that time? No one will claim it. The new covenant promised in Jeremiah was made with them. Paul says it was first spoken, or confirmed unto them by the Lord, and afterward by them who heard him. The middle wall of partition which made them a distinct people was broken down by our Lord, and when they formally rejected the gospel by their persecution of the disciples, the apostles turned to the Gentiles. Have they been the people of God, and objects of his special

protection since that? It is foolish to make such a claim. But this all took place many years before Jerusalem was destroyed.

In view of all this, whoever can read the following paragraph without a smile is entitled to the credit of perfect self-possession. We quote from the article:

“Other events as given by the angel, were to occur prior to the end of the seventy weeks, some of which were connected with time, as the birth and cutting off of Messiah, both of which met an exact fulfillment; also to ‘make reconciliation for sin, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to anoint the Most Holy,’ etc.; and all seems harmonious and simple, and easily understood, without any mixing up and confusion of dates and events; and I most fully believe that we now have, what we once thought we had, ‘the unanswerable argument.’”

It is sad to see such strong faith expressed in the reality of that which it would seem that any one in the least instructed on prophetic subjects, must see to be a mere ignis fatuus. For our part, we confess, that in the view under notice, we can see neither the harmony nor the simplicity, nor the ease with which it can be understood, nor the absence of mixing up, nor the freedom from confusion of dates and events, in reference to which the writer speaks so confidently. On the other hand, he could not, apparently, have succeeded better, if he had undertaken to present an array of dates which would not harmonize with the prophecy in one single particular, and connect them with events which do not agree either with scripture declarations, or historic records. We are satisfied that the acceptance of such a view is an act of despair. No one will receive it, who has a better; and he who has has not, is entitled to the commiseration of all those who prize harmony, or have respect for truth.

“Give and It Shall Be Given.”

By James White

THE enterprise of a camp-meeting in Kansas is one that calls for sacrifice. Nothing but a deep sense of duty in the case could induce us to peril health and life to hold a camp-meeting in Kansas, at this late season of the year, after holding eleven the present season under circumstances which have greatly exhausted our strength. At the close of the Michigan camp-meeting, we gave up the meeting in Kansas, agreeably to our statement in REVIEW for Sept. 20, 1870. We were then much worn, and very hoarse. And what added to our discouragements, was the apparent, to say the least, indifference, on the part of wealthy brethren to the wants of the cause, and the general stupor of those whose worldly wealth and consequent cares had benumbed them.

Such an enterprise would cost much, and we could hardly expect the scattered friends in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, to meet the entire expenses. The General Conference was in debt, and we did not feel willing to add to that debt by such a journey. And our people in Michigan came up to their annual camp-meeting empty handed, or if they did not, they failed to open their hands wide on that occasion. With these discouragements upon us, we gave up the Kansas Camp-meeting for the present season.

But on the Ohio Camp-ground, the burden of the western meetings rolled upon us, and we there talked out our feelings upon the subject, and stated our discouragements. The brethren present pledged their prayers, and their means to help. And although their number was not more than one-sixth the Michigan Camp-meeting, they pledged nearly $300, and paid about $150 on the ground. We then decided to hold the meetings in Indiana and Kansas, and also to appeal to all the friends of the cause to help with their prayers and their means. There are, however, wealthy brethren in Indiana who will esteem it a pleasure to meet the expenses of the meeting in that State, and also to assist in the work still further west.

The journey to and from Kansas will be an expensive one. Express charges on books and tents will be large. And we wish to scatter, in the West, our publications free to those who are not able to pay for them. We shall go forward in this enterprise, and manage it judiciously, yet upon a large scale, in full faith that the friends of the cause everywhere will come liberally up to the help of the Lord with their means.

There are many among us abundantly able, and who would please God in so doing, to put from $100 to $1000 each into the treasury at once, to be appropriated to the different branches of the cause. And there is a larger class who can spare $5 to $100 and never feel it, only in the way of enjoying the satisfaction of doing right. We appeal to all, to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty, with their means. The field of usefulness is opening before us everywhere, and it is time to be awake to the wants of the cause. What more may be received than shall be necessary to meet the expenses of the Kansas Camp-meeting will be appropriated to pay the debts of General Conference. And then what shall remain will be applied to the book and tract fund. This whole matter will be laid before the General Conference, at its next annual session, for inspection; therefore none need fear that their money will not be properly appropriated.

We will furnish blank subscription papers to churches, which we request shall be circulated for subscriptions, to be paid at once as far as possible, and forwarded to this Office. Scattered brethren, who do not need them, can send their donations without delay. All receipts will be acknowledged in REVIEW.

JAMES WHITE.

Eastern Tour.

By James White

We have reached home after an absence of eight weeks, during which time we have attended six camp-meetings. We much regret that want of time prevented us from giving weekly reports. The meetings on our eastern tour have been as interesting and profitable as any we ever attended, and would have been reported if we had had time. Our labors have been too great for us; and we decide that we should not hold more than two camp-meetings a month, especially if we are to commence in May and continue into October. Others have reported some of the eastern camp-meetings, and as most of them are now so far in the past, we will detain the reader with only a brief reference to them.

NEW YORK.

The brethren made very liberal preparations for the camp-meeting in the State of New York. All was done with a liberal hand; and yet the many large tents were occupied to the full extent. There was great freedom enjoyed in preaching the word, and the people listened with marked attention. Backsliders and common sinners moved forward to seek the Lord, and we trust much good was done. The most discouraging feature in the cause is the inefficiency of most of our ministers in the State of New York. This is not for want of mind and means to improve and grow into strong men, so much as a lack of devotion and energy to throw themselves into the work. We hope for better things for time to come.

We have only two general branches of work for our ministers: first, to go out and convert men to the truth; and, second, to labor for the churches where they most need help; visit the scattered ones, and keep up our system of benevolence with the churches and all the scattered ones. But it is a fact that some of our preachers are accomplishing next to nothing in either of these branches. And we ask, Why should our conferences support such ministers? We propose that in future our auditing committees in the several conferences make close examinations into what ministers really accomplish, as well as to the time they are occupied.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Having appointed two other camp-meetings in New England, one in Vermont, and one in Maine, whereas there was only one last year, we expected but a small meeting in Mass. this season. But we were disappointed to find it larger than last year. Our friends from Boston and other parts turned out nobly, and the meeting possessed more real interest than last year. The meeting enjoyed the labors of Brn. Andrews, Waggoner, Littlejohn, White, and sister White and others. Here the New England Conference was organized, embracing, Mass., N. H., Conn., and R. I., which will be self-sustaining.

At this meeting our Willie was taken sick of a fever from over-labor and exposure, and ran quite low; but has recovered from the fever, and is slowly gaining his strength. This was a very severe case, which added to our care and toil. But God heard our prayers and delivered us. Let his name be praised.

VERMONT.

Here, too we looked for a small meeting, of no very great importance, and consented to have Brn. Andrews and Littlejohn leave us to go to Oneida N. Y., and Bro. Waggoner to Maine. But judge of our happy surprise to find this one of our most important meetings, and very respectable in numbers. Labor, watching with our sick boy, and tedious traveling, had much exhausted us by the time we reached the camp ground in Bordoville, Vt. But the work of that meeting was before us, and we nerved ourselves for it. And God helped us. There was an ear to hear the word. Our people had come from Canada East, and from all parts of Vermont. And they had brought many of their relatives and friends with them to hear the reasons of our faith and hope. God gave us the word for the people.

Here we met old friends, and enjoyed happy interviews not soon to be forgotten. What is most needed in Vermont and Canada East is labor that shall build up the churches, and gather in souls. That Conference is able to support its ministers who labor to bring in souls, or to build up the churches, and keep up their system of benevolence. Those who cannot do either of these branches of labor are no longer needed by the Conference. But little can be done for the French mission in Canada at present. When things in the Vermont Conference are put in good working order, that Conference will be able to sustain one or more of its French ministers on a French mission in Canada. Until our people bring their tithes and offerings unto the Lord more liberally, nothing can be expected from our missionary treasury in the future to sustain a mission among the French in Canada.

There are wealthy farmers in Canada East and in Vermont who should see to this matter, instead of dividing their large possessions among their children, to load them down with care, and with the responsibilities of making a right use of this property, which they alone can properly bear. But let our ministers wake up to the importance of the work, and let them, under the directing hand of God, put forth efforts, judiciously, which are proportionate to the importance of our time, and they will see our people ready to sustain them in all such efforts. What we need most of all, is a devoted, efficient ministry. Then our people will be encouraged, and the cause will be built up, and will prosper everywhere.

MAINE.

When we reached the ground in Skowhegan, Me., we were much pleased with the situation, and happily surprised to see the ample preparations made. There were seats sufficient for 4000 people, around which were pitched twenty-four tents. There was a general turnout of the scattered brethren in Maine, and on the seventh day there were more than 1000 persons on the ground. On first-day there were not far from 3000 present, who gave the best attention to the word spoken. The meeting in Maine was a success, notwithstanding the discouraging influence of some on the ground who should help and not hinder. But the cause in Maine is outgrowing these things, and all are cheered with the hope of better days.

JAMES WHITE.

Works in Other Languages.

THE General Conference Committee, who are also the Publishing Association’s Committee on Publications the present year, decide to prepare works, as soon as possible, in English suited to the wants of men of other tongues; to be translated into the German, the French, the Danish, &c. And when they have done what they can to secure a good translation, they design to print largely, to be held, and sold, or

given. It is their object to sell, at reasonable rates, all the books, of whatever language, they possibly can. Then they will make provisions to give where, and only where, they should be given.

Bro. Matteson was too fast in his statement in the REVIEW that the Danish tracts were free to all. He should have waited for those whose duty it was to state the case properly. Our Danish people are more liberal than our American people, and if any have special claims on this Office for tracts to circulate gratuitously, it is our Danish brethren. The Committee would say to them that they have found it best to sell our publications where they could, and to give them cheerfully where they could not sell them. And they recommend the same course to them. They want the truth spread abroad, and will print largely. And they will respect the judgment of such Danish and Norwegian brethren as Matteson Hansen, and Olson, very highly, as to the circulation of works among their people. They will also respect very highly the opinions of Bro. Ertzenberger, the Bourdeaux, and our German and French brethren generally as to the circulation of works in these languages, while at the same time they must be allowed to have the general oversight of the whole affair. Otherwise their office is null and void.

However, if brethren obtain translations, and publish at their own expense, the committee, while they do not by any means recommend such a course, will not interfere, unless they should see the cause of truth being injured. But all publications issued by the S. D. A. P. Association must be regarded as under the supervision of the COMMITTEE.

Maxims on Pride, Humility, and Mental Strength

By Jos. Clarke

Items.

PRIDE never appears so despicable, as when shown by those in high station.

He who has gotten above reproof, has really got below the reach of help.

Work is not weakening, but is the means of increasing strength.

The exercise of the mental powers, in a business capacity, strengthens the mind for higher duties.

He who is right, and knows he is right, will be most fearful of doing wrong.

Humility is a grace, admired by all, but possessed by few.

The conclusions of the mind, when the body is weak, or diseased, or very much fatigued, are not so correct as when the physical powers are vigorous and strong.

If you would have a healthy brain, have a healthy stomach.

He who is of a hasty temper, is also of a hasty judgment.

Discipline of mind, is a means of gaining clearness and strength of mind.

Selfishness blinds the mind, and contracts its best powers.

Benevolence, in its true sense, enlarges the mind, and extends its vision.

He who considers himself only as a servant of God, can keep in his true position: it is when men consider themselves as lords of God’s heritage, that they come fully upon Satan’s ground.

All moral truth is intended to improve the character of men: it is by applying the proper portions to ourselves that we perfect the character.

Jos. Clarke.

Clackamas Co., Oregon

By Olive E. McCord

From Sr. McCord.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I still feel a desire to express my interest in the cause of truth. We are still striving to keep in the paths of truth, and to teach our children to walk therein. Though for two years we have struggled on alone amid severe opposition, yet I now gratefully acknowledge the mercy of God, who has sustained us in all our trials; and certainly, thus far, we have found his promises true, that he would not forsake those that trust in him. We have recently had cause to feel encouraged that some will soon come out openly and keep the commandments of the Lord. They have been investigating the Scriptures with the aid of the tracts lent them by us, and now express a determination to face the opposition of those surrounding them. Their anxiety is now joined to ours, that a messenger of the truth may come here and establish a church among the valleys, that shall be a home for the weary pilgrim who desires to walk in the truth. If it is not impossible, my prayer is that an efficient preacher may be sent here soon; one who will be competent to sustain the truth through the bitterest opposition. We are often met with the mocking question, If these things are of such imperative importance, why are no preachers sent to preach them to us?

I feel to rejoice at the success of the California mission, and I believe there are some honest and candid ones here that would not turn a deaf ear to the truth, if properly presented to them. Fresh arrivals, by way of railroad and steamer, are constantly pouring

into this State from the East, all affirming their satisfaction with the soil and climate. We should be glad to welcome any Sabbath-keepers who may think proper to select this portion of the valley as their home. The work has begun here. May it go forward until many who are resting in ignorant security are aroused to a sense of their dangerous position. Through grace and mercy from the Saviour, I hope to be able to stand with those I love on Mount Zion. I want to overcome every evil, and humbly fulfill every duty, that when Jesus shall appear, I may be ready to appear with him in glory.

Olive E. McCord.

Clackamas Co., Oregon

Report from Ohio.

By L. D. VanHorn

ON Sunday evening Sept. 4, we closed our tent meetings in Troy. The next day we took down the tent and shipped it to Clyde to be in readiness for the camp-meeting. Our congregations were large and attentive to the last. The Methodist ministers labored to keep their members away, and they spoke against us with some severity; but it was more to their own injury than to ours. There was some talk on their part of a discussion, but they did not venture.

Our stay in Troy was a few days over six weeks. Many became convinced of the truths of the third angel’s message, but only a few, twelve I think, have resolved to live it out. Some do not keep the Sabbath because of their friends, and others are bound up with the world and its interests.

I remained in Troy a week after the tent was down, visiting from house to house, and held two meetings. On last Sabbath, the 10th, we held meeting in the town hall. The trustees of the town gave us the privilege of using it, and they have our thanks. About fifty were out to our meeting. The friends of the cause will continue to hold meeting every Sabbath.

Last Sunday I held two meeting in Rochester. The interest to hear is still good. Oh! that all who were convicted of their duty would move out and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then would they have joy in their hearts, and hope of everlasting life. L. D. VANHORN.

Norwalk, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1870.

LASTING HAPPINESS.

By Susan Elmer

Oh! where is lasting happiness? In vain we seek it here, Where bitter groans and helpless shrieks Fall painful on the ear.

'Tis not where strife and anarchy In sad confusion reign, Where the poor, stricken captive moans, Bound by a tyrant's chain.

'Tis here the murderer marks his prey, Here, aims the deadly blow; Here helpless, homeless ones are left With hearts o'erwhelmed with woe.

Oh! where is lasting happiness? Long have I wandered round, And chased each flying phantom here; Oh! where can it be found?

Cease, cease each worldly, vain pursuit; Below it is not found, Where cares and disappointed hopes On every side abound.

'Tis where the gates of glittering pearl And golden turrets shine, Where noble brows once furrowed here, With fadeless wreaths are twined.

'Tis where the tree of life doth bloom, And crystal waters rise; Where fadeless flowers the vales adorn In fields of paradise.

SUSAN ELMER.

Ashfield, Mass.

Zeal in the Christian Life

By Jos. Clarke

Zeal.

“Be zealous, therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19. That is, be full of “ardor, warmth, earnestness, enthusiasm,” be fervent, hearty, strenuous.

There is a class of people, calling themselves conservative, who will call your enthusiasm fanaticism; but this need not move you. The zealous Christian, if consistent and wise, will be free from fanaticism. But beware of the influence of those who hold back in every reform, and every advance move of God’s people. Beware of the influence of cold, formal brethren, who hang like icebergs upon the cause of truth.

Lukewarm brethren are your most dangerous associates; and you meet them at every turn. You will find them conservative. They do not see the reason for such plain talk, and such close discipline. They will deem you radical, or perhaps fanatical.

Often we see men of the world so eager for wealth or fame, that the day is too short for them; and they turn night into day, that they may attain to wealth or honor. These men never feel their weariness, so intent are they. They labor on, and on, until age brings them low; and how often they succeed. They complain not of weariness or pain; in fact, they hardly realize that they are failing, until nature gives way beneath the heavy pressure. Yet no one calls them fanatical; all think the object so noble, that the life-risk is well and safely made.

On the other hand, when men enter upon the work of God, how they complain. Oh! the hardships, the aches, the pains, the trials, the conflicts, the terrible conflicts; the selfdenials. Dreadful times, indeed, some people have in becoming Christians.

I would never have become a Christian if these persons had been the only example I had seen of its power. No, I have seen those who saw so much of the bright side of religion that they never thought the trials worthy of mention. So I became a Christian too.

Jos. CLARKE.

JOHN AND SARAH SACHS

By John Sachs; Sarah Sachs

From Bro. and Sr. Sachs.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For the first time we avail ourselves of the privilege of speaking to the scattered ones of God’s children, through the columns of this excellent paper. The Lord has been exceedingly good unto us, and we desire to render unto him honor due. We often feel that it would be a great pleasure to us to be permitted to meet with many of our friends of like precious faith, and especially with those we left one year ago. May the Lord give us all strength to overcome the enemy and our own passions, that we may have an abundant entrance into the heavenly city.

We feel that this is no time to be sleeping if we would win a crown at the end of the race. Let us all be zealous and repent. Let us seek the Lord while he may be found. The salvation of some friend, brother or sister, may depend on our walk. Oh! may it be said of us, “They have done what they could,” and have freed their souls from the blood of all men.

The Lord help his people, is the prayer of your brother and sister, seeking a preparation to meet Jesus with joy.

JOHN AND SARAH SACHS

Pulaski Co., Mo.

JESSE AND ELIZABETH WILMOT

By Jesse Wilmot; Elizabeth Wilmot

From Bro. and Sr. Wilmot.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We feel much encouraged and strengthened in our hope as we read in the paper of God's goodness in leading so many to embrace the truth. Then again we feel to mourn over the condition of our friends and neighbors when they seem to be so obstinate about receiving the truth. Our prayer is that God may put it into the hearts of some of his living ministers to come this way, that we may be instructed more fully in this so-called new way. But we will try to be thankful and content, and try to do what good we can with the means we have to do with.

We ask the prayers of those who are striving for immortality.

JESSE AND ELIZABETH WILMOT

Carrol Co., Mo.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, in the city of Beaver Dam, Wis., Sept. 17, 1870, after a very distressing illness of two weeks, of bilious fever and a complication of other diseases, our beloved sister, Louisa M. Gates, in the 48th year of her age. Her devotion to the cause of truth is well known, and we believe that her preparation for death was timely and thorough. She retained the use of her reason until death had nearly finished its work, and her last anxiety seemed to be for the spiritual welfare of her husband. She bore her suffering with much fortitude and resignation to her Heavenly Father's will, and was even anxious to sleep in the grave beside her little daughter. In conversing on the subject, she many times repeated the words, “Sweet sleep.”

“Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, From which none ever wake to weep, A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes.”

C. M. SHEPARD.

DIED, Sept. 9, 1870, in Walnut, Jeff Co., Iowa, of typhoid fever, Carrie M., daughter of Daniel and Louisa Barrichloa, aged 11 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

After a five weeks' illness, we laid our much-loved Carrie away to await the resurrection, when, we hope, if faithful, to meet the little one on the immortal shores of eternal deliverance.

She was a lovely child, always having a pleasant smile and kind word for everybody. She bade fair for long life, and to be a great help to her mother whose health is quite poor, and who perhaps feels her loss more deeply than any one else. Bro. and Sr. Barrichloa have the prayers of a band of sympathizing brethren and sisters in Brighton. May the Lord comfort and sustain them in their affliction, and help them to cast all their cares on Him who careth for them.

M. E. SWISHER.

Preparing for the Soon Coming of Our Saviour

By G. O. States

Bro. G. O. States writes from Lapeer, Mich.: I am trying to live out the principles of truth as laid down in God’s word, and to get ready for the soon coming of our Saviour. I believe that Jesus is soon coming. How important that we are prepared. Soon Jesus will leave his mediatorial position, and then our cases will be forever decided. How important that we be found ready and waiting.

We will then feel that it was not a vain thing to serve God. Now is the preparation time. Soon the seven last plagues will be poured out. Soon it will be said, He that is holy, let him be holy still. Many of us have long been looking for the coming of our Saviour. Can we not wait a little longer? If we are only faithful, a few short years at most and we shall be permitted to see him as he is. Blessed thought! I want to be faithful, and meet all the redeemed on Mount Zion, where parting will never come. I want to be among the number that John saw arrayed in white robes, and have it said of us, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. There is enough in God’s word to encourage us. It is said that we are to come up through great tribulation. We have had many trials and discouragements here in Lapeer; but a few are holding on to the truth. I feel to ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people, that I may be among the number who will look up when the Saviour comes, and say, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.

Sister N. Gibbs on the South Lancaster Camp-meeting

By Sister N. Gibbs

SISTER N. GIBBS writes from Massachusetts: I had the privilege of attending the South Lancaster Camp-meeting, for which I praise God. To me it was a good meeting. It was a feast of fat things, wines on the lees, well refined. I was strengthened and encouraged to go on my way. My faith was increased. Praise God for that meeting. I have a great work to do in order to stand when the Lord appeareth. I want to come up with God's people without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. It is a great thing to be dead to the world, and to self, and to sin; to be willing to be killed all the day long, to be counted as sheep for the slaughter, but we can do all things, Christ strengthening us; for all things are possible to him that believeth. I desire more fully to realize that we are in the investigative Judgment; that thousands of thousands of heavenly assistants are attending our great High Priest in his ministry, and soon it will be finished, and the decree go forth, He that is holy, and he that is filthy, let him so remain. What manner of persons ought we to be! How careful ought we to live. I must watch and pray, lest coming suddenly the Lord should find me sleeping. Soon Jesus will come. Truly, this is my song. It

“Cheers the heart when joys depart, And foes are pressing strong.”

Oh! that I might be kept through faith by the mighty power of God till Jesus comes.

Letter from Branch Co., Michigan: Longing for Reunion

By W. S. Ernest

BRO. W. S. ERNEST writes from Branch Co., Mich.: How good it is to have the means of communicating our thoughts to one another, as we are so situated that we do not see many of like faith. How often in my lonely hours in meditating on our situation, so scattered that it is rarely possible even to see one of like faith, how often, I say, a heartfelt prayer is lifted to God to haste the work of the third angel and prepare his people for the closing events of time, for the coming of Jesus, and for the reunion on the other shore. Oh! that blest meeting when all the faithful of all ages shall meet to part no more; meet where there will be no more pain, no more sick beds, no more cold forms to be laid in the dark grave, no more of earth’s sorrows; “for the former things are passed away.” May we all have some humble place in his kingdom, and our joys will be complete.

But when I look within my heart what do I find? I find that this world has come in more than I ever thought it would. The enemy has sown tares. This is his work to divert our attention from the things of the world to come; and get us entangled, fastened, glued to this vain and wicked world; for by so doing he knows full well he can ruin us eternally. Dear brethren and sisters pray for me that my faith fail not. And you who have the society of brethren of like faith, and church influences, think of those who are deprived of these blessings, and bear them to a throne of grace. And you who have never written for others’ encouragement, neglect it no longer, but now and then drop a line for the REVIEW. Perchance it may be the means of saving some poor soul that has almost given up in despair. It may quicken some one to a higher life of holiness in the Lord. I speak from experience when I say that loneliness and the cares of this world often drive us far from God; but then some good brother or sister is prompted by the Spirit of God to write a line for the REVIEW, not thinking perhaps, that any need such words of encouragement; but it finds its way to the heart of some brother or sister who has almost given up in despair, and they take new courage and press on to the kingdom. This has been the case with me. God bless the cause everywhere, and save us in his kingdom.

Camp-Meeting Reflections on Self, Suffering, and Preparation

By Mary Martin

SISTER M. MARTIN writes from Blakeville, N. H. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our good camp-meeting has come and gone, and what has it done for us who attended it? Never before did self appear so miserable. If I could tell you so that you could see as I saw, you would with me think it one of the greatest miracles that Jesus could wash my sins away and bring me into his kingdom. But oh! I must be there! Imagination has often pictured the beauties and glories of the world to come; but when I see where I am, and what I have to do before I have a right there, how narrow the chances look. But the Lord is ready to help in the work of preparation. The process is very painful to the carnal heart. Oh! how much our rough natures have to be hewed and polished before we are fit for the Master's use.

I have felt this and thought God was at work helping me. All along the way, in everything that has occurred so different from what I wished, and in every thwarted plan I can recognize God's hand, and feel to thank him every time, knowing he permitted it for my good, not because he loved to inflict pain. If we reach the better land we are to be like Jesus; for we shall see him as he is. He was “made perfect through suffering;” and shall we shrink from the same ordeal? “It is enough for the servant that he be as his Master.” He suffered for our sins and did not murmur. We suffer for our own transgressions, and shall we complain?

We are told to have our treasure laid up in Heaven; but how few would do this, did they not learn by bitter experience the transitory nature of earthly treasures. If our wishes had all been gratified, and all our plans perfected, we should never come in meek submission to bow at “the low footstool of the Crucified.” So God allows events to transpire, a train of circumstances to occur, to bring us where he can teach us the needed lessons, and when we are sufficiently subdued, fully realizing the source of true happiness, making a proper use of the blessings already bestowed, if he sees it will not ruin us, it may be there will come such a blessing,—when and what we never dreamed of perhaps, but so rich and full “that our lips shall only tremble with the thanks they cannot speak.”

I would not mark out the way I am to go, nor designate the blessings I am to receive, or the trials and afflictions I am to be spared. The will of the Lord, not mine, be done. If I can only gain the kingdom, it is enough.

MARY MARTIN. Blakeville, N. H.

Indiana Family Requests Sabbath Preaching Visit

BRO. B. G. WILLIAMS writes from Ind.: Since last winter we have been deeply interested in the doctrine you advocate, more particularly the Sabbath. Since Bro. Lane preached at Potterville, last summer, we have been trying, in our weak manner, to keep the Sabbath, being fully convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath. My father, mother, sister, myself and wife, are the only ones in this neighborhood that keep the Sabbath, and we feel very lonely. Could not some of you come out here this fall or winter and preach for us awhile? We would support a minister as long as he would stay.

Continue reading: Sr. H. C. Wilkinson Rejoices in Family Sabbath Observance