J. H. L., of R. I. In reply to your query how it is known that the ten commandments and no more were on the tables of stone, we refer you to Deut. x, 2, 4. After Moses had come down from the mount and broken the first tables in view of the idolatry of the Israelites the Lord told him to hew him two other tables like the first, and come up to him again into the mount; and he adds [verse 2], "I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou breakest." Here is a promise to Moses from God that he would write upon the second tables the same words that were upon the first tables, no more and no less. Now if we can find what he did write upon the second tables we have proof positive of just what was there to the exclusion of everything else. Verse 4 of Deut. x, then, reads thus: "And he [God] wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly." This language, in connection with verse 2, confines the writing on the tables, to the ten commandments. What is found in the second verse of Ex. xx, is not a commandment, and could not therefore be included. That is merely the language in which God orally introduced himself to the Israelites and in which he urges upon them peculiar reasons for gratitude and obedience.
From L. A. B. of Mich. : 1. "Does the silence in heaven, spoken of in Rev, viii, 1, occur when Jesus comes with all the holy angels with him?" Matt. xxv, 31.
ANSWER.—We think not; inasmuch as the silence of Rev. viii, 1, takes place under the seventh seal, and the coming of the Lord occurs under the sixth. See Rev. vi, 12-17.
2. "Is the word archangels [plural] found anywhere except in the Episcopal prayer-book? Is not the archangel of the Scriptures, Jesus?"
ANSWER.—Whether this word in the plural is found elsewhere than in the Episcopal prayer-book or not, it is certain that it is not found in the Scriptures. The word means chief angel, or ruler of angels, and undoubtedly refers to Christ. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians [iv, 16] tells us that at the resurrection of the dead the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel &c.; and from John v, 28, we learn that it is the voice of the Son of God which the dead hear when they come forth.
3. "In 1 Pet. iv, 11, where it says, If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, does it mean to give of our means, or that those who go forth to preach should proclaim the truth with the ability they have?"
ANSWER.—The word there rendered minister is defined by Greenfield as follows: "To minister to another's necessities, relieve, assist, or supply with the necessaries of life," &c.
Which? Mortal or Immortal?
By Editor
THE second edition of "Which? Mortal or Immortal?" revised and enlarged is now ready. Price post-paid 15c.
The Propensity to Sin
THE propensity and inclination to sin which exists in the natural heart of man, is shown in the very wording of the ten commandments. Our rule of life is given us as an instrument of restraint. Nearly all its particular precepts are put in the negative form—"thou shalt not," &c., showing that we are naturally inclined to do those things which God sees it necessary to prohibit.
The Origin of Fashionable Adornment
It is sometimes profitable to inquire into the origin of things, and learn the source from which certain customs and fashions have sprung; for however true it is that a stream from a pure spring may become corrupted in long meandering from the fountain head, it is certain that an impure fountain cannot send forth pure water. And as persons are sometimes inclined to bolster up the natural pride of their hearts, in the idea that they are treading in the steps of illustrious ancestors, by parity of reasoning, it ought to have a beneficial effect occasionally for them to learn that some of their customs sprung from a source just the opposite. With these remarks we commend one item to the consideration of those who are inclined to indulge in that outward adorning, which the foolish and immodest fashions of the day demand. According to tradition [see Kurtz's Sacred History, p. 54] the first person who added ornament to female apparel, was Naamah, the daughter of Cain!
English Bibles
By James White
👉 English Bibles.—We have a good assortment of English Bibles. The prices are, sent by mail, post-paid, from $1,25 to $2,00, according to size and binding.
J. W.
Publications for Sale in Freeport
By James White
Bro. L. Lathrop, Freeport, Ills., has an assortment of our publications for sale. J. W.
Payment for Brother Ingraham
By Editor
N. F.: We have finally received the $10 for Bro. Ingraham. It was directed to Elder James Peck!! Charges 75 cts. Had you got a New York draft, less the exchange, it would have been worth $10 to us. As it is, there is a loss of 75 cts. and the use of the money two months.
Sending Money by Draft
By James White
Those sending money from the east, not less than $10, should, if convenient, send in a New York or Boston draft, less the exchange. We get a premium here full equal to the exchange. J. W.
Caution—Jewelry.
By James White
We advise our brethren not to receive jewelry when offered to them to use for the benefit of the cause. Those who give it are generally deceived as to its real value. They were abominably cheated when they bought it, and think they are giving five or ten times more than can be realized for it. Worn and damaged jewelry sells for the next thing to nothing, and will not pay the trouble of marketing. Let those who have it, and from a sense of duty wish to wear it no more forever, sell it themselves, and appropriate the proceeds as they think best. J. W.
APPOINTMENTS.
GENERAL CONFERENCE AT BATTLE CREEK.
It is deemed advisable to hold a General Conference at Battle Creek, to commence on sixth-day, at 6 P. M., September 28, 1860.
The church at Battle Creek will esteem it a privilege to entertain all who wish to come, and all are cordially invited. Yet that there may be more equality in bearing burdens, we recommend to all that can, and especially to those who reside near Battle Creek, to bring provisions with them, after the manner of the last Conference. It is hoped that all will endeavor to get to the place of meeting in season to find a place to stay during the Conference, and be ready for the evening meeting at the going down of the sun.
We would give an especial invitation to brethren in the ministry, and request churches in other States to send delegates, as important business will be considered.
J. N. ANDREWS.
URIAH SMITH.
J. H. WAGGONER.
JAMES WHITE.
BATTLE CREEK CONFERENCE.
A GENERAL rally is expected of those who have a mind to work. The real, active friends of the cause are requested to be present. Several empty houses will be engaged for the use of those who come in camp-meeting style, with the exception of a family tent. Also stables and barns will be hired for horses. Stable room and hay for horses will be provided for 50 cts. each, for three nights. Come to the REVIEW Office, where you will be shown a place to stay during the Conference. The Michigan Tent will be needed.
WM. HALL,
G. W. AMADON,
A. A. DODGE,
S. T. BELDEN,
ALBERT KELLOGG,
JOHN DAIGNEAU,
J. W. BACHELLER,
Committee of Arrangements.
Note to Brethren in Wisconsin.
By John Norton Loughborough
In closing up the finances of the Wis. and Ills. tent, it was found by the conference that they still lacked $30 to pay what had been borrowed. As the churches in Wis. have pledged their s. B. money for the support of the tent, they are requested to send it immediately to L. Lathrop, Freeport, Ills.
In behalf of the conference.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
A Testimony of Present Truth
Sister M. Waid writes from Lynxville, Wis.: "I am happy to think I am one that has been led to see present truth. I feel that a work of grace has been deepened in my heart, and I am glad I ever turned to serve the Lord and keep his commandments. I can pray as David did, 'Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart; make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for therein do I delight.' I feel thankful for what the Lord has done for me."
"Brethren and sisters, let us be faithful. I am trying to overcome all the besetments of sin. I rejoice that we can give in our testimonies to those we cannot see face to face. Let us try and speak often one to another, and by so doing we shall get our spiritual strength renewed. Let us confess our Lord before men, that he may confess us before our Father in heaven."
Business Department.
By James White
Business Notes.
D. Arnold: Your letter containing article has never come to hand.
A. S. Hutchins: We find 25 cts. to your credit besides the 60 cts. For the whole amount we send you 10 each of B. S. A., and Two Laws, and 1 Seven Trumpets.
Geo. Smith, Ind.: Sent you package of books by express the 16th inst.
G. W. Holt: We place the $1 to your credit on book.
W. T. Davis: You will see by the receipts that your remittance pays to number 18 of present volume.
We sent a box of books the 24th inst., to S. Osborn, Washington, Washington Co., Iowa. It contained Spiritual Gifts Vol. 2, Hymn Books, and a general assortment of our publications, which can be had of Bro. O. at Office prices. J. W.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Vol. and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipt pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
G W States 1,00,xvii,1. J Berry (for R W Wilder) 0,50,xvii,19. A Fitch 0,50,xvii,19. M B Garner 0,50,xvii,19. T W Newcomer 0,50,xvii,19. C B Wheelock 0,50,xvii,19. Wm Camp 2,00,xix,1. W S Simpson 0,50,xvii,19. Thos White 0,50,xvii,19. Horace Cornwell 0,50,xvii,19. D A Miner, Esq 0,50,xvii,19. W W Stockman 0,50,xvii,19. Dr C W Foster 0,50,xvii,19. Dr B S Taylor 0,50,xvii,19. Ruth Judd 1,00,xviii,19. Mrs M Snow 0,64,xvii,1. Mrs R Hilton 0,15,xvi,19. D Bisbee 1,00,xvii,1. Jno B Webster 1,00,xvii,8. W Grant 1,00,xvii,1. Thomas King 0,50,xvii,19. A J Corey 1,00,xvi,1. D Griffin 0,40,xvii,19. Robt G Curtis 1,00,xvi,1. M .Adderton 1,00,xvii,14. W T Davis 1,00,xvi,18. Wm Hunt 1,25,xviii,1. J Aldrich 0,50,xvii,19. D Libbey 0,50,xvii,19.
FOR MICHIGAN TENT.—Mrs M Snow $0,36. Ch. in Hillsdale, Mich. (s. B.) $5.