Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 7. (2/14/1884)

Signs of the Times

Feb 14, 1884

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

Cæsar's Household.

By Mrs. E. G. White

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

THE gospel has ever achieved its greatest success among the humbler classes. "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." It could not be expected that Paul, a poor and friendless prisoner, would be able to gain the attention of the wealthy and titled classes of Roman citizens. Their whole life—physical, mental, and moral—was on a different plane from his. To them vice presented all its glittering allurements, and held them willing captives. But from the toil-worn, want-stricken victims of their oppression, even from the poor slaves, ignorant and degraded as they were, many gladly listened to the words of Paul, and found in the faith of Christ a hope and peace which cheered them under the hardships of their lot.

Yet while the apostle's work began with the humble and lowly, its influence extended, until it reached the very palace of the emperor. Rome was at this time the metropolis of the world. The haughty Cæsars were giving laws to nearly every nation upon the earth. King and courtier were either wholly ignorant of the humble Nazarine, or they regarded him with hatred and derision. And yet in less than two years the gospel found its way from the prisoner's lowly home into the imperial halls. Paul is in bonds as an evil-doer; but "the word of God is not bound."

Among the saints who send greetings to the Philippian church, the apostle mentions chiefly them that are of Cæsar's household. Nowhere could there exist an atmosphere more uncongenial to Christianity than in the Roman court under such a monster of wickedness as then stood at its head. Nero seemed to have obliterated from his soul the last trace of the Divine, and even of the human, and to bear only the impress of the Satanic. His attendants and courtiers were in general of the same character as himself, fierce, debased, and corrupt. To all appearance it would be impossible for Christianity to gain a foot-hold in the court and palace of Nero.

Yet in this case, as in so many others, was proved the truth of Paul's assertion, that the weapons of his warfare were "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." Trophies of the cross were won, even in Nero's household. From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly, but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. They felt the warmest affection for those who were older in Christian faith and experience, and they were not afraid or ashamed to acknowledge them as brethren.

And by what means was an entrance achieved and a firm footing gained for Christianity where even its admission seemed impossible? In former years the apostle had publicly proclaimed the faith of Christ with winning power; and by signs and miracles he had given unmistakable evidence of its divine character. With noble firmness he rose up before the sages of Greece, and by his knowledge and eloquence put to silence the arguments of proud philosophy. With undaunted courage he had stood before kings and governors, and reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, until the haughty rulers trembled as though already beholding the terrors of the day of God.

But no such opportunities were now granted the apostle, confined as he was to his own dwelling, and able to proclaim the truth only to those who sought him there. He had not, like Moses and Aaron, a divine command to go before the profligate king with the rod of God, and demand his attention, and in the name of the great I AM rebuke his cruelty and oppression. Yet it was at this very time, when its chief advocate was apparently cut off from public labor, that this great victory was won for the truth, and members were gained to the church from the very household of the king.

In his Epistle to the Philippians, Paul ascribes to his own imprisonment his success in bringing converts to the faith from Nero's household. He expresses himself as fearful lest the Philippians have thought that his afflictions have impeded the progress of the gospel. He assures them that the contrary effect has been produced: "I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places."

It was not by the sermons of Paul, but by his bonds, that the attention of the court had been attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he had conquered rulers. It was with his chain that he had broken from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declares: "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."

The patience and meekness with which he submitted to a long and unjust imprisonment drew the attention of the public, and forced the conviction upon many minds that where there was such a willingness to suffer, there must be an unwavering faith in the doctrines advocated. His cheerfulness under affliction and imprisonment was so unlike the spirit of the unfortunate and afflicted of the world, that they could but see that a power higher than any earthly influence was ever abiding with him. His courage and faith were a continual sermon. And by his example, other Christians were nerved to greater energy. They felt that they would not be losers in becoming the advocates of truth and pushing forward the work from which Paul was temporarily withdrawn. In these ways were the apostle's bonds influential, so that when to all appearance he could do the least, when his power and usefulness seemed cut off, then it was that he was gathering sheaves for Christ, in fields from which he seemed wholly excluded.

When a servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, when his voice is no longer heard in encouragement and reproof, we, in our shortsighted judgment, often conclude that his usefulness is at an end. But the Lord does not so regard it. The mysterious providences over which we so often lament, are designed of God to accomplish a work which otherwise might never have been done.

The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets death with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish far more toward overcoming the opposition of the enemies of the gospel than he could have effected had he labored with his utmost energy day and night to bring them to repentance.

When the servants of Christ move actively through the land to contend against prevailing errors and superstitions, they are doing the work which the Lord has given them, standing in defense of the gospel. But when, through Satan's malice, they are persecuted, their active labor hindered, and they cast into prison, as was Paul, and finally dragged to the scaffold or the stake, it is then that truth gains a greater triumph. Those who before doubted, are convinced of their sincerity, as they thus seal their faith with their blood. From the martyr's ashes springs an abundant harvest for the garner of God.

Let no one feel that because he is no longer able to labor openly and actively for God and his truth, he has no service to render, no reward to secure. A true Christian is never laid aside. God will use him effectually in health and in sickness, in life and in death. It is in the darkness of affliction, bereavement, trial, and persecution, that the light of Christian faith shines brightest, and the Lord's promises are found

most precious. And when the grave receives the child of God, he being dead yet speaketh. His works do follow him. The memory of his words of admonition and encouragement, of his steadfast adherence to the truth under all circumstances, speaks more powerfully than even his living example.

Patience as well as courage has its victories. Converts may be made by meekness in trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise. If Christians would be reconciled to the apparent suspension of their usefulness, and would cheerfully rest from the strife, and lay off the burden of labor, they would learn sweet lessons at the feet of Jesus, and would see that their Master is using them as effectively when they seem to be withdrawn from employment, as when in more active labor.

(Concluded next week.)

The Signs of the Times.

By Editor

PUBLISHED WEEKLY, FOR THE

International Tract and Society.

[For terms, etc., see last page.]

Entered at the Post-Office in Oakland.

THE BIBLE.

By American Messenger

Poised between earth and heaven, Is swept by angels' wings And yet so low it swings, A little child may touch its secret spring.

All the glad songs of earth, or air, or sky, Wake not the joyful strain, Or give such sweet refrain, To soothe an aching heart or bed of pain.

The poet sweeps afar on fancy's wing; But here our thoughts may rise Beyond ethereal skies, Still on, where nature faints and dies.

Towering where earthly wisdom cannot reach; And yet so simply clear Sublimer truths appear, The wayf'ring with confidence draw near.

There may be gathered with a skillful hand, The fairest things of earth, But oh! their paler birth Stamps them forever with a meaner worth.

Nations and kingdoms utter their behest. Their voice, though small and still, Softer than a murmuring rill, Can sway with reedier might the human will.

Love born of earth may shroud itself in tears; But this love never drew A veil of sabler hue, But what some promise sweet might struggle through.

Afar its healing flows, yet oh, how near! How wide yet deep within, Covering all space of sin, Along the steeps where human steps have been.

—American Messenger.

General Articles.

Inside View of Spiritualism.

By Editor

THE SPIRITS CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED.

(Continued.) THE following experience of a circle of "six ladies and gentlemen," is taken from the Boston Bee. The spirit of a dog first identified itself; the paper states:—

"Several satisfactory answers were given relative to its name, that of its late master, time of its decease, etc. . . . The next spirit was that of a cat, who revealed the secret that it had been drowned while at a very tender age, in a cistern, by a young lady who was present. The answers in this instance were correct and satisfactory. "After this, a gentleman (who was a medium) asked if the spirit of a favorite horse was present. The raps were in the affirmative. The raps then gave the name of the horse by the alphabet, its age, the number of years it had been dead, the name of the place where it had been struck by lightning," etc. [Copied from Professor Matteson.]

In these instances the most satisfactory "tests of identity" were given. Who has ever known any better to be given by any spirits?

Dr. Hare became satisfied that he was conversing with Christ, but Woodman says:—

"For our part, we do not believe that Jesus Christ has communicated through any medium directly during the present century, though we do not pretend to know. If he should come to communicate, how would he be known? No living person would know him by his form, his voice, or his writing. No person could be induced to recollect by the relation of unpublished facts in his life, or by any peculiar marks or idiosyncrasies of character, for all these are unknown. So far as we could see, there could be nothing to identify his person. If the communication should be in any respect impure or immoral in its tendency, it would stand self-condemned. If it should be found in perfect harmony with the divine law, still it might come from some other intervening spirit."—Reply to Dwight, page 65.

These remarks would apply to any other as well as unto Christ. And if the professed Christ should communicate "in perfect harmony with the divine law," Mr. Woodman would be inclined to regard it as some intervening spirit—and lying spirit, of course, professing to be what it was not. But suppose it professed to be one who had lived in the present century, with whose form, voice, writing, character, etc., we were acquainted, could we identify him with any greater certainty? A. J. Davis, in the Herald of Progress, Feb. 1, 1862, in answer to a question concerning the appearance of spirits, says:—

"These appearances are intended merely as reminders and as tests of identity. All intelligent spirits are great artists. They can psychologize a medium to see them, and to describe them, in the style which would produce the greatest impression on the receiver. . . . They can easily represent themselves as being old or young, as in worldly dress or in flowing robes, as is deemed best suited to accomplish the ends of the visitation. They substitute pantomime and appearance for oral explanations."

In the Spiritual Telegraph of July 11, 1857, the leading editorial is entitled, "On the Identification of Spirits." The following is the commencement of the article:—

"The question is continually being asked, especially by novitiates in spiritual investigations. How shall we know that the spirits who communicate with us are really the ones whom they purport to be? And for want of a satisfactory answer many minds are thrown into perplexity, and even doubt as to whether the so-called spiritual manifestations are really such. In giving the results of our own experience and observation upon this subject, we would premise that spirits unquestionably can, and often do, personate other spirits, and that, too, often with such perfection as, for the time being, to defy every effort to detect the deception. Not only can they represent the leading personal characteristics of the spirits whom they purport to be, but they can relate such facts in the history of said spirits, as may be known to the inquirer, or to some one else with whom the communicating spirit is or has been en rapport. And this, in our opinion, is done so often as to very materially diminish the value of any specific tests that may be designedly instituted by the inquirer for the purpose of proving identity; and that if direct tests are demanded at all, we would recommend that they be asked for the purpose of proving that the manifesting influence is that of a spirit, rather than to prove what particular spirit is the agent of its production."

So it appears that all their talk about "tests" and "test mediums" is entitled to no credit whatever. The "experience and observation" of the editor of the Telegraph entitles his testimony to as much credit as that of any Spiritualist in the country. According to his view, we can only assure ourselves "that the manifesting influence is that of a spirit," which we would not deny, but we cannot ascertain "what particular spirit" is communicating, as they "personate with such perfection as to defy every effort to detect the deception." This is all that we have ever claimed or could claim, in regard to this great system of falsehood. The following from the same article is equally expressive of their characters and actions:—

"From much experience and observation, however, we are satisfied that if, after having received in all good faith, such messages directly from the spirit friend whom it purports to be, we proceed to inquiries about matters of theological faith or speculative philosophy, or even about such practical concerns of human life as may involve the ambition, conceits, or prejudices of other spirits than the one with whom up to that moment we have been talking, other spirits who may be more nearly related to, or who may have more perfect control over, the mediums, will most probably assume instantly the name and position of our friend, pushing the latter aside, and will set forth his own theories, fancies, and probably falsities, using the name of our friend and all the confidence we may have gained in the latter's identity, by way of enforcing what he would have us believe. And we receive the communication perhaps with the utmost surprise that our friend, in passing into the spirit world, should have so soon changed his opinion on that particular subject!"

What a confession is this! How completely are all their tests of identity and claims for reliability swept away!

Mr. Tiffany has also given pointed evidence on this subject:—

"When communications are received through public mediums, the probabilities are that the communicators belong to a very low plane of development, and that the communications cannot be relied upon, whatever may be the professions of the communicator. There is almost always an influence which belongs peculiarly to each medium—an influence which seems to be a presiding spirit, which that medium will usually recognize, answering to the name of 'Jim' or 'John.' It is generally the case that this spirit will be found on hand first, and is the one to do whatever is to be done, and he becomes the father, mother, brother, sister, or friend of everybody. . . . The circumstances of a public circle are exceedingly unfavorable to getting communications from spirits of a high degree of refinement. The most that can be obtained under such conditions is some external evidence of spiritual existence. The point to which I wish to call your attention is the almost universal fact that mediums devoted to external manifestations, while under the influence of this presiding spirit, are under an influence to deceive, to cheat, which is almost irresistible. It does not matter particularly how good manifestations they get. I have seen this deceptive disposition manifested in mediums who could get very remarkable manifestations, such as the movement, in the open light, of a table with several men standing upon it."—Lect., pages 122-3.

According to this high spiritualistic authority, all the mediums advertised to give public seances are deceivers and cheats, and subject to a deceptive influence; as the Scriptures say of this class, "Deceiving and being deceived," and those who consult them are mere dupes. Mr. Tiffany has spoken our mind exactly.

Dr. Potter says:—

"Not one per cent. of the manifestations have had a higher origin than the first and second spheres. These spheres being full of low, ignorant, deceptive, mischievous, selfish, egotistical spirits, fond of controlling media, they have, by reading the minds of mortals, and picking up old poetry, essays, and the floating notions of the times, with a few facts obtained from higher spheres, passed themselves off for our friends and relatives and the great and good of all ages."—Spiritualism As It Is, page 16.

Dr. Randolph says:—

"The fact is, good spirits do not appear one-tenth as often as imagined; the majority of spiritual appearances are but out-creations—subjective images of the seer objectified—else are psychological projections of other minds—images impressed upon the susceptible person's brain."—Dealings with the Dead, page 255.

A. J. Davis, in "Present Age and Inner Life," says:—

"A medium may obtain thoughts from a person sitting in the circle, or from a mind even in some distant portion of the globe, and still be wholly deceived as to the source of them. Because, so far as all the primary interior sensations and personal evidences are concerned, such impressions do appear and feel, to the receptive vessels of the medium, precisely identical with those which emanate from a mind beyond the dominion of the tomb."

So, according to the great seer, all the phenomena of test-mediumship may be produced without any spirit influence at all!

Jacob Harshman, a medium, writes:—

"Under these influences, they become impatient with the spirits, who do our work by immutable laws. And under such a state of excitement, they respond to their own questions, by a law which they do not understand, and consequently mistake it for a spiritual operation."—Love and Wisdom, page 28.

(To be concluded.)

Character.

THERE is a structure which everybody is building, young and old, each one for himself. It is called character, and in it every act is a stone. If day by day we are careful to build our lives with pure, noble, and upright deeds, at the end they will stand a fair temple, honored by God and man. But as one leak will sink a ship, and one flaw break a chain, so one mean, dishonorable, untruthful act or word will forever leave its impress, and work its influence, on our character. Then let the several deeds unite to form a day, and one by one the days grow into noble years, and the years, as they slowly pass, will raise at last a beautiful edifice, enduring forever to our praise.

The Efficacy of Silent Prayer

The efficacy of silent prayer is illustrated by Hannah when she prayed at the tabernacle gate for a son. There are many moments when audible prayer is hardly possible, yet prayer at that time is very necessary because of the presence of danger or temptation. He who has formed this habit of silently communing with God can easily ask his assistance in the midst of the busy throng, on the crowded street, in the car, or wherever he may be. If we have accustomed ourselves to pray under all circumstances our liability to going astray is reduced to the minimum.

The Necessity of Law.

By E. Hilliard

THE whole universe is governed by law. The planets that pace their rounds in their orbits are held in place by the fixed laws of nature. So exact are these laws in their operations that men have been enabled to tell for months in the future just when certain planets would make their appearance, and also when an eclipse would occur.

There are laws that govern us in our physical nature. A violation of these laws brings its sad result. No man can indulge in intoxicating drinks without injuring himself both physically and mentally. To the degree he indulges, just to that degree he must suffer. The partaker is not the only sufferer. Others often suffer from the inebriate's cruel blows, and from his neglect in procuring the necessaries of life for his family. No one can transgress the laws of his being without others feeling the effects more or less.

Man's interests are mutual. We are dependent one upon the other. Each has rights which the other is bound to respect. There must be law to define our rights and to point out the limits of our privileges, lest man in his selfish nature overreach and trample upon his neighbor's rights. No man has any legal right in a freak of passion to kill his neighbor; he has no right to steal from him, or even lie about him. Were there no law of punishment for these offenses, no community would be safe or have any degree of prosperity. Law is indispensable among us as citizens.

In order to have the highest degree of happiness in the home circle, there must be a standard of discipline and a willingness on the part of all to obey. The parents are the head of the family, and, consequently, the ones to make and adopt such rules as shall be for the good of all concerned. We often find upon the part of the children an unwillingness to submit to parental authority; then it becomes necessary to command. This command must be obeyed, or some penalty inflicted, otherwise the parent's word would become of little force. If the parents are disobeyed, not only must the disobedient one suffer, but the whole family must suffer in consequence. To illustrate. The father has a crop of wheat in fine condition to garner in, and business being very urgent in another direction, he commands his sons to secure the grain. The boys do not stop to consider that they are dependent upon that father for clothing and food, or the justice of the command, but follow their own inclinations in pleasure-seeking. The work is left undone. A heavy rain comes on, and the wheat is spoiled. All the labor in sowing and reaping the crop is lost, the father is crippled in his means to support his family, and they must all suffer in consequence of the disobedient ones.

There are rights between children that each are bound to respect. Because John is stronger than James, he has no right to maltreat and abuse him. If he does, it is the parent's duty to correct him. The parents brought the children into the world, and therefore are responsible for their behaviour toward them and toward one another. Just so with the great God. He brought man into the world, and on him devolves the responsibility of seeing that man obeys his law or suffers its penalty. He has a right to command his obedience, and so particular was he in giving commandments to men that he wrote them with his own finger on the most enduring tablets—stone. Ex. 31:18. The law of commandments we find recorded in the 20th chapter of Exodus. The first four of these commandments point out duty to God, and the last six our duty to our fellow-man.

The laws that govern the planets and the laws that govern us in our physical nature are immutable. Our moral nature stands pre-eminently above the physical nature. Our spiritual interests and duty to God are of the first importance. Shall we not expect then to find that the principles that govern us in these last-mentioned particulars are unchangeable? Let us see. We find David declaring: "The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness." Ps. 111:7, 8. He also tells us, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul," &c., Ps. 19:7. Now that which is perfect certainly needs no remodeling. Christ himself bears the most positive testimony in respect to the enduring nature of this law. He says: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matt. 5:17, 18. Luke bears full as strong testimony relative to the Saviour's words. He says: "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass than one tittle of the law to fail." Luke 16:17.

We need the law to point out our defects of character. If it were not for the law we would not know when we were sinning. "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Rom. 7:7. The disciple John tells us that sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4. Then if by the law is the knowledge of sin, and sin is the transgression of the law, we conclude that as long as it is necessary for man to know his sins, and as long as sin exists, there will be a necessity for God's law, and it will be in force.

Reader, a promise is offered to those who obey these divine precepts: "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." E. HILLIARD.

National "Reform."

By Ira J. Hankins

SEVERAL meetings under the auspices of the National Reform Association have been held in our State during the past year. The leaders of the party seem very hopeful in view of the rapid progress of their work. They are gradually molding the minds of the people in harmony with the principles contained in their platform. But the real, true interest of the effort is concealed by those who are sent out to instruct the people.

This is characteristic of the work of an enemy. Satan deceived our first parents, making them believe that the forbidden fruit would be an actual benefit to them, while his true object was to deprive them of freedom, and bring them in subjection to himself. So with this party—while they promise freedom of conscience, it can only be found in submitting to the principles they advocate. This all persons cannot conscientiously do, consequently their rights will be restricted. Of course they attempt to show that the principles they advocate will really benefit our nation, bringing happiness and prosperity to all our borders; and that God will therefore sanction and bless their adoption. As they present the matter, this looks plausible, but is it true? It is, so far as those principles are in harmony with the Bible. This point should be carefully and prayerfully considered by every party that starts out with a work of reform.

If it can be shown that the principles of this party are not founded on Scripture, it must be evident to every candid mind that the movement is not of God; and that the final results, if the effort should prove successful, instead of bringing happiness and prosperity, will produce anarchy and confusion. But I want to more than intimate that this movement is not of God. I want to show conclusively that such is the case. It was my privilege to attend one of their meetings recently held in Mt. Pleasant. The sentiments of the party were set forth by earnest speakers. Prominent among other things they asked the people to consider the matter of securing a better observance of the Sabbath (Sunday). One speaker remarked, with emphasis, that in his judgment it is unnecessary for a wheel to turn on the Sabbath; and that these railroad and steamboat corporations, in violating the law of the land, violate also the law of God. This is the point I question; viz., how can labor upon Sunday, the first day of the week, be a violation of the law of God? Where have we in the Bible any law requiring the observance of the Sunday as a Sabbath, or day of rest? Unless this so-called "reform party" can produce such requirement, they must admit that their effort is nothing more nor less than the enforcement of a man-made institution; and that it is in direct opposition to the plain command of God, which says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God."

But this, they say, is not a religious question. It is the observance of Sunday as a day of rest, simply, and not as a religious dogma; and therefore will not interfere with anybody's conscience. Not a religious question! and yet Sunday desecration is a violation of the law of God! How can this be explained? Suppose a man conscientiously observes the seventh day, and, having a family to support, cannot afford to rest on Sunday in harmony with the law of the land, what provision will be made for him? The answer would no doubt be the same as I heard given recently in reference to restriction of conscience among Liberals—"Are we to bring down the standard for them?" The party claims that there would be no justice nor equality in allowing a few to conduct business on the Sabbath, and prohibiting others from doing the same thing. In other words, all (without respect to their religious convictions) must submit to the majority, or abide the consequences. Such is the impression given by those who are the most zealous in the work of the party. Such is the deceptive nature of this so-called reform, that many will fail to discern its real object till they are awakened by a spirit of persecution, such as the offspring and image of the papacy alone can instigate.

While the people of God are endeavoring to lead men to a knowledge and observance of the true Sabbath of the fourth commandment, they are at the same time warning them against the claims of the "man of sin," and the reception of the mark of his power, which will consist in the observance of a counterfeit Sabbath (Sunday), instituted by the Catholic power, and enforced by the united efforts of Protestantism.

Glasgow, Iowa. IRA J. HANKINS.

Envy.

By Lyman Abbott

OH, the misery and the meanness of envy!—the most hateful child of a hateful mother. For of all the evil progeny born of the love of approbation, envy is the meanest and the worst. It desires naught for itself except superiority over its fellows, and this it seeks to attain, not by lifting itself up, but by casting its fellows down. From the love of praise the transition is easy and natural to that spirit which hates to hear praise bestowed upon another. This spirit is a stirrer-up of strife; it poisons social conversation with slander and detraction; it entices to treachery and falseness and all underhand measures; it undermines and destroys; it smiles upon its enemy, and smites him under the fifth rib. It is itself the mother of bitterness, wrath, backbiting, hypocrisy, treachery, murder, and all uncharitableness. Beware how you allow this evil spirit to rest for a day, for an hour, in your heart. Beware how you allow yourself in your inmost thought, in your most secret feeling, to wish ill of another's enterprise or evil to another's fame.—Lyman Abbott.

Duties and Temptations

DUTIES done, and temptations resisted, fit us for new victories in the fight of faith, and greater advancements in the heavenly course.

Continue reading: The Judgment