AMID conflicting rumors and opinions, it is no easy matter to measure the actual progress of the foreign movement toward intervention; but the fact of such movement we no longer see reason to doubt. Those influences which in the end control cabinet counsels and governmental action are manifestly increasing; so that we incline to regard intervention as only a question of time. Very decisive success on the part of our army might forestall it; a prompt movement to array the slaves and free people of color in the ranks of freedom, as fighting men, would foreclose intervention, but in the absence of either, it should be expected.
It is one of the alleviating features of foreign intervention that, to justify itself before the world, it must plant itself on the ground of being demanded by common humanity, and therefore will insist that the South shall guaranty the abolition of Slavery. This is said now to be the doctrine of the French Cabinet. There will be equal reason to expect it of England and Russia.
In such an event the great purpose of God, to give freedom to His oppressed children, may be accomplished.
As to the future integrity and glory of the American Union, we only know that it was long ago said, "Righteousness exalteth a nation." Perhaps we are yet to learn that unrighteousness does not.—Ob. Evangelist.
A Valuable Catechism.
THE following catechism appeared in the St. Louis Advertiser. Let it be carefully studied by our patrons:
Question 1. What is the first thing to be done when you write to an editor on business?
Answer. Give the name of your post-office and State.
Question 2. What rule is to be observed in sending the names of new subscribers?
Answer. Give the post-office of each one, with the county in which it is situated, and State.
Question 3. What else should be observed?
Answer. Give the name of each subscriber in full.
Question 4. Is the same rule to be observed in sending money for old subscribers?
Answer. Yes. The post-office, State, and name in full of each one should be given.
Question 5. How do agents sometimes cause trouble and confusion in keeping accounts?
Answer. They receive money from some member of a family other than the one in whose name the paper is sent, ordering it to be credited to the person from whom they receive it.
Question 6. What should you do when you wish a paper changed?
Answer. Give the post-office and State to which it now goes, and then the post-office and State to which you wish it sent.
Question 7. What should subscribers do when the agent from any cause fails to call upon them for the amount of their subscription?
Answer. Send it themselves at the risk of the office.
A PRISON-HOUSE INCIDENT.—A correspondent of The Independent writes as follows:
Being an old subscriber of your paper, I beg leave to mention an incident for your columns.
Last month, when our wounded prisoners were in the Tobacco Warehouse in Richmond, on the third story, where every thing was alive with filth and vermin, and where our men were compelled to lie down without anything under them, (this was the case on this story,) and many, whose wounds had forced them to throw away part of their clothes, had nothing to cover their nakedness, one young man in the midst of a crowd of rebels—some of whom were selling bread, others insulting our men by their cowardly language—was seen to raise his arms and exclaim, "O my God!" "O my country!" and a few moments after, without any further utterance, to expire.
Yours,
NURSE ON THE STEAMER S. R. SPAULDING.
OBITUARY.
By Mrs. D. Chamberlain
Fell asleep in Jesus, July 27, near Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich., sister Martha Cole, aged 31 years, wife of Bro. Wm. Cole. Her disease was consumption. Sister Cole heard the third angel's message from Bro. M. E. Cornell about ten years ago. When visited by the writer about one year since, for the first time, she manifested a love for God and the present truth. Her health was so poor, and meeting so far distant, she could not meet with brethren and sisters. I saw her a few days before her death. She had resigned all into the hands of the Lord, waiting his summons to rest. She left a husband and two children to mourn the loss of a dear companion and mother. O, may she meet them all again in the New Jerusalem.
"Freed from all suffering, toil and strife,
She's sleeping in the Lord;
Freed from the ills of mortal life,
She waits a rich reward."
Mrs. D. Chamberlain.
Parshalville, Mich., Sept. 11, 1862.
Religion of Christ.
By W. L.
It is indeed a sad mistake to suppose that the religion of Christ is suited only for the sick, the aged, the feeble—that it is only needed by us when sorrows, afflictions, and storms of disaster, and the monster death, threaten us. Strong as are its comforts and consolations in these hours of sadness, speaking hope, joy, and peace, to the anxious soul, it is not here alone that we need the Christian religion; it is not here alone that its hallowing and purifying influence is most demanded. Poor indeed is that conception of the Christian life, that takes it from the busy scenes and stirring activities of the health and vigor of manhood. God intended that we should live the Christian life, if we hope to die his death. He intended that if we would enjoy the consolations of the gospel in hours when we feel the worthlessness of all things earthly, that we labor in his service while in health and full of energy.
How few professed Christians let the gospel have any thing whatever to do with their daily lives. Go to their homes, their stores, their shops, their farms, witness their daily life, and see whether there are stamped upon all that they say and do, broad, deep, and undeceiving marks of holiness and purity. Can we tell the very moment we enter the house of Christians? Are there no sure signs which say unerringly, Here dwell peace, harmony, contentment, and love; that here prayer, thanksgiving, and praise, daily shed their blessed influence on our homes, our lives, our conduct, just such as belong to the world? Is there nothing to distinguish us the disciples of Christ, save a sort of lifeless, unfeeling attendance with the church on the Lord's day? Is this the best evidence we can give of the Christian life—of the power of the good Spirit of God in our hearts? Surely such is a poor, shameful return for the love that has been manifested for us. 'Tis but a vain mockery of real Christian life.
There is no condition of life where the Christian religion does not come fitly and powerfully with its peaceful and purifying influence. We may be wealthy, and surrounded by all that the most cultivated taste could desire, but what a mellowing and refining grace does the gospel throw over the scene. Instead of being a castle of hoarded treasures of the miser, such a home becomes the center of the warmest Christian benevolence, whither want, and misfortune, and suffering will often go for relief, and never leave without a lighter heart and more cheerful countenance. We may be poor, Christianity has power to make humble homes the abode of purest joys. Be we learned, honored, refined, Christianity adds to and adorns the highest condition of life, and gives a surety of honor which nothing can destroy. Wherever we are, whatever our condition, the Christian religion is worth everything to us. Life and health fail, wealth passes from us, honors, and ranks, and titles, are as uncertain as the breath of the throng, but the Christian religion stands sure, permanent, and unchanging, unfailing amidst all calamities and disasters. Shall we not then, brethren and sisters, honor it more highly, appreciate more fully the priceless riches of its blessings, and so walk as to feel that we are entitled through the mercy of our Father to claim some of his enjoyments?—W. L.—[Gospel Advocate.
Who is able to Stand?
“Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?”—1 Samuel vi, 20.
God is essentially, infinitely, and eternally holy; and his holiness influences him, and appears in all he does. His holy eye observes the least violation of his law; his holy heart loathes all impurity: his holy law condemns every transgression; his holy arm will punish every obstinate offender: and his holy covenant saves myriads of beings from their sins. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. His holiness makes him a consuming fire to sinners, and produces the question, “Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?” Not the formal professor, the presumptuous pretender, the proud legalist, or the unsanctioned church member,—these will not be able to stand. But only those who now fall at his feet in penitence, flee to Jesus as the refuge for the guilty, trust in his glorious atonement for peace, rely on his precious promises for support, plead at his throne of grace for daily supplies, are clothed in his righteousness, united to his person, and lovingly look for his appearing. Sinner! you must appear before this holy Lord God: how will you be able to stand? Reader! whoever you are, examine into your state; be wise in time, nor rest without good ground to conclude that you will be able to stand. Believer! see to it that your evidences are bright, that your preparation is complete, and that you have no just cause for fear. Set the foot on the Rock of Ages, obtain grace to sanctify your soul, and trust in Jesus alone: so shall you be able to stand. Oh! my soul, see to it that in that great and terrible day, the day of wrath, thou wilt be safe. Ponder the question, “The great day of his wrath is come, and WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?”
“Thou, even thou art to be feared; and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?”—Ps. lxxvi, 7.—Sel.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
Business Notes.
A. B. Williams: We have been sending the Review regularly since the commencement of this volume, to Mrs. Ada Williams at Marathon, N. Y.
Books Sent By Mail.
S. O. Davis 0,06c. Robt. Mortan 0,06c. J. McMurtry 0,06c. W. W. Kelly 0,06c. P. Ekis 0,06c. Wm. F. Crous 0,50c.
Books Sent by Express.
A. S. Hutchins Morrisville, Vt. $7,76.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
James Harvey $50. Rosana Bisbee $10. James Morton $5. Edward Lobdell $20. Tamar Lindsay $10. John M. Lindsay $22. Charles W. Lindsay $10. Elizabeth O. Lindsay $10. Justus G. Lamson $10. Martha J. Lamson $10. Elijah B. Gaskill $10. Miss Jessie A. Gaskill $10. Laura A. Gaskill $10. Delilah C. Elmer $10. W. V. Field $10.
Donations to Publishing Association.
Church at Olcott, N. Y. $10. Church at Somerset, N. Y. $10.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on all transient publications, at the rates of one cent an ounce for Books and Pamphlets, and one-half cent an ounce for Tracts, in packages of eight ounces or more. Those who order Pamphlets and Tracts to be sent by mail, will please send enough to pre-pay postage. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers) — 3010
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6–12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast — 154
Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four — 154
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man — 154
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency — 154
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come — 154
Miraculous Powers — 154
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul — 154
Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered — 103
Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days — 103
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth — 103
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door — 103
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity — 103
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti — 103
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week — 103
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern — 103
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath — 103
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design — 103
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix — 102
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths — 52
Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter — 52
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references — 51
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, “The Sabbath not a Type” — 51
The Two Laws and Two Covenants — 51
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists — 51
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath — 51
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question — 51
ONE CENT TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath? Unity of the Church Spiritual Gifts Law of God, by Wesley Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word—Personality of God.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law Infidelity and Spiritualism—Mark of the Beast.
English Bibles.
We have on hand a good assortment of English Bibles, which we sell at the prices given below. The size is indicated by the amount of postage.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage,
The Hymn Book, containing 464 pages and 122 pieces of music. | 80 cts.
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound | |
Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History, | 60 “
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels. | 50 “
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, | 50 “
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, | 75 “
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
The Sabbath Law.
By Joseph Clarke
THE fourth precept sets apart a specific day. It says nothing of proportions, or abstract principles, but with certainty, definiteness and clearness, it sets apart the seventh-day.
It gives no one any license to reckon from any other data, but gives the starting point: and, with wonderful care, God words this command with such astonishing accuracy, that a child of six years old would fully understand it, and with such guarded care, that no legal acumen could ever get any other meaning from it.
It does not say in general terms "Work six days" and "rest the seventh;" but it breaks upon the ear in its very introduction, with "Remember the sabbath9day." Here is the starting point. Thank God, he has not left this important regulation at loose ends, to be tampered with by men, or societies, or nations, or the Pope, but has set the stake himself; and woe to him who removes the ancient landmarks!
Doubtless the Roman Catholics in the days of Luther, imagined themselves in the right, because their influence swayed the politics of Europe; because kings and emperors trembled at the displeasure of the Pope. But did all the thunders of Rome, terrify the reformers? or could all the armies of the church, or the decretals of the Pope, make one wrong right? No! Right is stronger than armies, stronger than creeds, stronger than prejudice itself.
I assert that the mere principle of proportion is not to be found in the fourth precept. On the contrary its very first injunction, precludes such an idea; and the idea is plainly inferable, that an attempt would be made to forget or make men forget the true Sabbath. The word, Remember points to the past and the future; as though it would be necessary to keep the past in memory, to escape the future attempt to abrogate this law.
No doubt God foresaw all the dodging and twisting and squirming there would be, to evade the strict interpretation of this precept, and so he gave the interpretation himself, and wove the command and interpretation so closely together, that they are inseparably one, and so left man without excuse.
Examine carefully this singular document. It is singular, because the more we consider it, the more are we impressed with its definiteness, its clearness, and its internal impress of divinity.
It seems impossible for God himself, to have found language, to convey so many ideas in fewer words, to enforce upon his people a uniformity of custom, in the celebration of the Sabbath.
It will be noticed that the very objections brought against the true Sabbath, are met conclusively in the command itself, as if the Lord in giving this law, saw in the future, the methods men would pursue in trying to subvert this command, and so he fenced it around, with prohibitions, with cautions, with specifications, with statements, and reasons, so completely, that the artless child of eight years wonders at the logic of its father, as he attempts to absorb the law of God in the traditionary institution of Sunday.
Notice the six days are spoken of only twice in this precept, and then without the article prefixed, and in each case numbered in connexion with the seventh, which seventh day is carefully located in each case. Of course the seventh-day being the last of the week, another week immediately following in succession, to the close of time, there is no ground for cavil. Also, notice the Sabbath is repeated three times, and the seventh twice, and in each of these five instances, with the definite article prefixed; and we are informed that in the original, the definite article is here emphatic.
The seventh. What seventh? The very seventh-day upon which Jehovah rested. Do we know when this day comes? If we do not, we know when the first day Sabbath comes, and by taking the day preceding that, we fulfill the letter, to the best of our knowledge.
We may say that the fourth precept is truly a wonderful document: it is a woven web, which all the sophistry of men cannot inweave; it is so simple, that all the ingenuity of men cannot make it intricate; and it is so comprehensive, that the honest soul finds in the command itself, an answer to every objection against it.
This command is so brief, that it cannot be condensed; so full, that nothing can be added; and so clear, that it cannot be explained to appear more plain.
It is urged that the Sabbath revolves around the earth; the same may be said of every day; so that this argument is as weighty against Sunday; and the man who is presented to the grand jury for breaking Sunday, would be committed for contempt of court, if he should defend himself by so groundless a plea; and more than this, such a plea made in opposition to God's holy law, impeaches the wisdom of God, and manifests excessive folly.
A great deal is said about the Sabbath at the poles of the earth; I will merely say that Moravian missionaries in Greenland, know when Sunday comes, as well as we do; and Bayard Taylor gives an account of a Sunday spent in Kautokeino, Lapland, and by reading we may find accounts of seamen, wintering in the far north, who kept their favorite days, with as much accuracy as ever.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
To the Churches in Michigan.
It is a fact that our State Conference is as yet only partly organized. Some steps were taken at the Conference a year since, and it is desirable to complete it at the coming conference. It will be necessary for those churches that wish to become connected with the Conference to send a written request by their delegates, or by mail to J. N. Loughborough, Allegan, Alle. Co., Mich., and also to report as to the state of their organization, number of members, &c.
It is still further desired by the committee, that those who have business of any kind which should be brought before the Conference, report it to J. N. Loughborough the first opportunity after their arrival at Monterey.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, } Conference
M. E. CORNELL, } Committee.
MOSES HULL,
APPOINTMENTS.
Providence permitting, there will be a meeting of Seventh-day Adventists in Fairview, Jones Co., Iowa, commencing October 3, 1862, at six o'clock P. M., and continuing over Sabbath. The church at Lisbon and Marion are cordially invited to attend.
D. WEAVER.
Note to Subscribers.
By Editor
THE volume and number in connection with your name on the margin of your paper, or on the wrapper, is that to which your last remittance paid. If any mistakes have been made, we shall be happy to correct them. If any are far in arrears, and feel unable to pay full price, let them send a part, and their past indebtedness will be settled as favorably as possible. The names of all such which are not soon reported will be erased.