Earlier text: Authenticity of the ScripturesStill in the Dark.
By Editor
"DARKNESS covers the earth, and gross darkness the people." If you don't believe it, read the following, which we find in the Voice of the West, of Dec. 6, 1864. "Br. Himes: I was glad to see in your 'journal' of Oct. 9, the idea you present on the commencement of Sabbath keeping. This truth is very important in its bearings on the time when God made the observance of his rest-day obligatory upon man. The Sabbath advocates stoutly affirm that it was required of man from creation, ever onward, to sanctify that day; but it is positively understood that just seven days previous to the first account we have of its ever being kept, the whole host of Israel commenced their march from Elim, and journeyed to Sin, on the route to Sinai. This Israelitish host numbered 600,000 adults, besides children, who had left Egypt but seventy-five days previous, and also a mixed multitude went with them, and flocks and herds, even very much cattle. Josephus says that Moses had 600,000 fighting men out of Egypt, besides women and children. This number far exceeds any two armies who have met in bloody combat since our national trouble commenced, yet all this vast multitude were tramping, by the direction of their unerring guide, the angel, and the cloud, on the seventh day, as sure as the book. Can it be possible that God would lead his only chosen ones in the wilderness, to march with weary limb and burdened back on that day, after he had bidden all men to keep it holy? Surely, this is too absurd to be credited! Though men may affirm and re-affirm it, the assertion is like "the baseless fabric of a vision," which the light of truth will as surely dispel as the Eastern Sun does the morning dew. "In conclusion, let me say, that there is neither command, precept, or example, for any man to set apart, or have respect for any set day as sacred, until about twenty-five hundred years from creation. "Yours for light.
"MARY." The writer well subscribes herself "Yours for light;" for she is sadly in need of it; yet it would seem from her signature that she prefers to keep herself in the dark. The article to which reference is made, is the one on which we offered some criticisms under the heading of "No Sabbath," in Review No. 25, last volume. The arguments set forth in the Voice, will be, no doubt, to many, perfectly satisfactory without further examination. Such seem to be unable or unwilling to notice two facts which are to us very apparent at first sight. The first is, that when Moses in Ex. xvi, speaks of the sixth day, there is absolutely nothing to show that he reckons from the fall of the manna; and when, one month later, we come to the commandment given from Sinai, the proof is absolute that it was the day of the week that was referred to, without reference to the fall of the manna. There is, therefore, no evidence that on the Sabbath preceding the one mentioned in Ex. xvi, the whole congregation of Israel were traveling from Elim. Yet, that they were doing this, "Mary" thinks is "as sure as the book!" The second fact is, that if the children of Israel were thus marching at the command of God, they were not doing "their own work" which the Sabbath law forbids, but were obeying God; and it would have been no more a violation of the Sabbath law, than was the marching around Jericho, forty years later. Yet she thinks it "too absurd to be credited," that Israel should be marching on the Sabbath. Is the record that Israel marched around Jericho seven days in succession, one of which must have been the Sabbath, too absurd to be credited? Will "Mary" think of this? When she will do this, she will find her argument weaker than the walls of Jericho, and everlastingly buried beneath their ruins. Donations for Stock.
By James White
Donations already received to purchase stock amount to $1109.46. The amount of stock for books purchased is $2500. Those who esteem it a pleasure to donate till this sum is made up, will have an opportunity. The object of this is to enable the Association to furnish books, pamphlets, and tracts at old prices. We have also put into the cellar, paper for the Review and Herald, to the amount of $3883. We have not asked for donations to pay for this. We have only asked those who are able and choose so to do, to send three dollars a year instead of the regular price. The readers of the Review are aware that four dollars will not go further in printing now, than two dollars would before the war. For instance. We pay thirty cents a pound for book paper that we then bought for eleven cents, and twenty-five cents for paper for the Review which, before the war, could have been bought for nine cents a pound. But the able and the willing are invited to pay only $3,00 a year for the Review. Most of its readers will choose to do this. Therefore with willing minds and ready hands there will be no lack. Our people are alive, and awake to any reasonable call, and there never has been a time when the business of the Association could be done more efficiently to advance the cause of truth than now. We do not ask for the money of the poor or the stingy. But free will offerings are wanted from the able and the willing to meet present indebtedness.
J. W. The Coming of the Lord Draweth Nigh.
By J. H. Morrison
It seems to me that it is the imperative duty of every professed Christian, to arouse from their slumber and lethargy and reflect seriously upon the subject of the coming of Christ; for it surely becomes us as individuals, and as members of Christ's glorious body, to be ready, and also to be well posted on the promises of His coming. The Bible informs us that no one knoweth the day nor the hour. But I believe it to be incumbent on the watchman to admonish his hearers to be prepared; for I believe the time draweth nigh. I believe this, because the signs of the times indicate it. This is my faith; and faith is the evidence of things not seen, and the substance of things hoped for. All the good and great men, that we read of in the Bible had such faith. Noah had it when he built the ark. Think of the good and brave old man, slowly working year after year. How the people must have laughed at him. Why, Noah, that will never swim! But still he worked on, not because he saw any clouds in the deep blue sky, nor because he heard the earthquake beginning29to rumble beneath his feet, and the fountains of the great deep breaking up; but because his faith was to him the evidence of things not seen.
J. H. MORRISON.
Caloma, Iowa. Report from Bro. Bourdeau.
By A. C. Bourdeau
Bro. White: I would say for the encouragement of those who are interested in the advancement of the cause of truth, that the cause is still onward in this place. The meeting that you and Bro. Loughborough held here, Oct. 29 and 30, was deeply interesting to all the lovers of truth in this vicinity. Your remarks on the subject of temperance, as it relates to health, met the approbation even of out-siders; and we have reason to believe that what you and Sr. W. said on this important subject, laid a good foundation for a reform among Sabbath-keepers in Northern Vermont. My brother and I are trying to keep up the interest that was raised at that meeting; and I am happy to say that two more individuals have embraced the Sabbath, and that some have decided to fully identify themselves with the people of God, and others are reading our publications, and searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so. The friends of truth do well to keep pamphlets and tracts by them to hand out to their friends, and to those with whom they may converse on the truth. These printed preachers often reach persons that cannot be reached in any other way. Nov. 15th, we were called to attend the funeral of Sr. Cross at North Sutton, C. E. My brother gave a comforting discourse for the afflicted, on the occasion, from Rev. xiv, 13. We then spent three days in visiting a few families in Sutton and Dunham, and our hearts were made glad to hear Bro. Buchanan, for the first time, express his determination to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and to go with the remnant to mount Zion. Sabbath, Nov. 26th, attended the Quarterly Meeting at East Richford. This church is struggling on for victory. Our hearts reached out after the young, who seemed like lambs bleating around the fold. May God bless them, and help those that are older in the truth to be where they can feed the tender lambs. A. C. Bourdeau.
West Enosburgh, Vt., Dec. 6, 1864. We understand from Rev. xiii, that there will be a spirit of deference manifested on the part of Protestantism toward the Papacy, or rather a spirit of affiliation or coalescence with that power in some of its anti-christian assumptions. The following article which we find in the Earnest Christian, published by B. T. Roberts, Rochester, N. Y., contains some startling and significant facts. We chronicle these for the reader's consideration, and wait for further developments in this direction. The progress of Popery in this country is truly alarming. We can remember when a Roman Catholic—a man who did not eat meat on Friday—was a curiosity. Now Romanism bids fair to be the dominant religion of the country. The titles assumed by their ecclesiastics are significant. Their bishops are styled bishops of the country, and not of the Roman Catholics in it. New York contains some Protestants, but the representative of the Pope calls himself the bishop of New York, as though his jurisdiction extended over all its inhabitants. They are not only rapidly increasing in numbers, but their church property is accumulating faster than that of any other denomination. The largest and finest churches in Buffalo belong to them, and notwithstanding the heavy expense of building at the present time, another large edifice is in process of construction. In Philadelphia, a cathedral was consecrated last month, which was eighteen years in building, and cost about half a million of dollars. It is the largest church edifice in the United States. More than seven hundred priests participated in the ceremonies, and eight thousand people were in attendance. But the power to which Romanism has already attained is strikingly seen by the special favors shown to its ministers by the Government. When Archbishop Hughes—the man who drove the Bible from the public schools—died, the Legislature of New York conferred honors upon his memory which they have never shown to any Protestant Divine, however great his talents or exalted his services. Since our civil war began, many Protestant ministers have been drafted into the army. Some of them were in poor circumstances, with dependent families; whom it was difficult to leave; and congregations to serve that could ill spare them. Those drafted were compelled to go, or procure a substitute. In one case that we know of, a substitute was refused. The Rev. Thomas S. La Due, of the Illinois Conference of the Free Methodist Church, was drafted under the recent call. As he had a family that needed his care, his brother, a single man, offered to go in his place. The offer was refused, and Rev. Mr. La Due had to take his place in the ranks. How has it been in regard to Roman Catholic Priests? In September last, two Catholic priests were drafted in Bardstown, Kentucky. The Secretary of War ordered that they be not called on to report for service. A number of priests at St. Louis were drafted, all single men, as Catholic Priests always are. Application was made to the War Department, and they, too, were promptly exempted. What right has the Government to manifest such partiality? Is it to be understood that Romanism is to be thus specially favored by our authorities? The political dominion of the Priesthood in the Old World was gained by slow degrees. Is it to be so in this country? Are our religious and civil liberties to be at the mercy of the Romish hierarchy? It is time for the people to wake up to this subject. As a specimen of the claims already put forth by Romanists in this country, we give an extract from 'The Universe,' of Philadelphia, 'the oldest Catholic paper in the United States:' 'The pope is the prince of Christendom. He is the Vicar of Christ. All, therefore, that have the true faith, are under his jurisdiction. He is the universal shepherd. To deny this would be heresy. It would be the contradiction of existing visible fact. Where there is the right of jurisdiction or authority, there is the duty of obedience and loyalty; and where this duty is found, the right to protection is found along with it. The Holy Father, therefore, owes the protection of his sublime office to every member of his flock. This spirit has always animated the Sovereign Pontiffs. They have never lost sight of it. It will distinguish them forever. The allocution against the religious and political tyranny of Russia on Poland, was inspired by it. Rome has always preserved the deposit of faith, and always protected it and its children to the best of its ability.' 'What can be objected against this? All Infidelity, all Atheism, all Protestantism, and all Judaism, cry out against it with one common voice. But because they are false, they have no justice in their protests, and it would be a waste of time to consider what they demur.' The pope the prince of Christendom! Is not that a bold claim to be put forth in the nineteenth century? Infidelity, Atheism, and Protestantism are ranked together! and 'because they are false' their protests must not even be considered! THE VOICE OF THE DAY OF THE LORD
By R. F. Cottrill
“THE VOICE OF THE DAY OF THE LORD.”
DURING the manifestations of divine wrath, at the commencement of the day of the Lord, “The Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hail-stones.” Isa. xxx, 30. Of the kings and rulers of earth which set themselves in battle array, and take counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed, it is said that the Lord shall “speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.” Ps. ii. This voice of the Lord is predicted in many places of scripture, and always in connection with the battle of the great day, or, in other words, the treading of the wine-press of the wrath of God. The prophet Joel gives a description of the assembling of the nations, and the descent of the “mighty ones” from Heaven to the battle, “to judge all the heathen round about.” (Comp. Rev. xix, 11, and onward.) The sickle is put in, for the harvest is ripe; the wine-press is full, the vats overflow, “for their wickedness is great.” And in this connection it is said, “The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake.” Joel iii, 9–17. Mark the effect of the Lord's voice—the heavens and the earth shall shake. The Zion or Jerusalem from which the Lord utters his voice, is not on earth, but in Heaven. It is what Paul calls, “Jerusalem which is above”—the “heavenly Jerusalem.” This will be evident from the quotation which follows. “The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. A noise shall come to the ends of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations; he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord.” Jer. xxv, 30. This takes place at the pouring out of the seventh vial. “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.” And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.” Rev. xvi, 17, 18. Thus we learn that when the great day of the Lord's wrath begins, the voice of the Almighty comes from his holy habitation on high, from the heavenly Jerusalem, from his temple, and his throne which is between the cherubim, and the effect is, the heavens and the earth shake, mountains and islands are moved out of their places. “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hide themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and say to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. vi, 12–17. “The powers of the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matt. xxiv, 29, 30. By comparing the scriptures we discover their harmony and beauty. The shaking of the heavens and the earth immediately precedes the second advent of the Son of man. What causes this shaking? The voice of God, which comes from the throne in Heaven, saying, “It is done.” What is done? The seven last judgments of God—the vials of his wrath which are to desolate the earth of all its tribes—have been poured out. But why come these desolating judgments?—why does the curse devour the earth? Because of sin, which is the transgression of God's law—the ten commandments. The question is answered fully and clearly in the twenty-fourth chapter of Isaiah. After foretelling the utter desolation of the earth, the Spirit of truth continues: “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse hath devoured the earth.” &c Here the reason is plainly given. It is the violation of the laws of God. He has never published but one entire code of moral laws, and that code is the ten commandments. These laws have all been transgressed, but one of them has been changed by men. They have changed the ordinance. This I think is the Sabbath law. It is the law concerning which a change is pleaded in excuse of its violation. All laws are ordinances; though there is a clear distinction between moral laws and the ceremonial ordinances of the church in either dispensation. The “everlasting covenant,” which men have broken, and the violation of which brings the curse, consists of those laws of which the Sabbath ordinance is a part. This is proved by the following scriptures. “And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire; ye heard the voice of the words but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deut. iv, 12, 13. This proves what covenant was given to Jacob for a law. Our next testimony will prove that “the same” is the everlasting covenant. “Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; even the covenant which he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; and hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.” 1 Chron. xvi. 15–17. If the Bible can prove a proposition, our proposition is proved. The covenant promises to Abraham related to the new earth. They made him “heir of the world;” and he looked, according to God's promise, for “a city that hath foundations”—the “heavenly Jerusalem.” See Rom. iv, 13; Heb. xi, 10; Rev. xxi, 10, 14. This is Abraham's inheritance; and in this inheritance the “everlasting covenant” will be kept by him and all his seed; and the Sabbath commandment will not be excepted. See Eze. xxxvii, 24–26. Isa. lxvi, 22, 23. The way is now open to understand the language of the apostle: “Whose voice then shook the earth; but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as things that are made, that those things that cannot30be shaken may remain.” Heb. xii, 26, 27. See the context. God's voice shook the earth when he confirmed the holy principles of his divine law, speaking the ten commandments to all Israel from the summit of the burning mount. Terror seized the people, and even Moses, who was accustomed to receive communications from Heaven, said, “I exceedingly fear and quake.” The great Jehovah has promised to utter his awful voice again. It comes, this time, from on high—from his holy hill—and all the earth shall hear. He speaks in vindication of those righteous principles which he before promulgated from Sinai. His sore judgments are poured out upon the transgressors of his law, his justice stands approved while his terrific and vindictive voice exclaims, It is done: “The earth is moved exceedingly.” It reels to and fro like a drunkard. It is moved out of its place like a cottage; and because the transgression thereof is heavy upon it, “it shall fall and not rise again.” See Isa. xxiv, 19, 20. O sinner, what will you do in that day? Can you stand before the exceeding terror of that voice, which, when uttered in comparative mildness, made Moses, the man of God, exceedingly fear and quake? Thank God! there now is hope. A refuge in Jesus will be a shelter from the storm. His love still pleads. O, forsake your sins and embrace him now. Receive the “kingdom that cannot be moved,” and be of those that cannot be shaken, but remain. False shepherd, beware! You that are flattering yourself and your hearers that God's holy law has been abolished or changed. That voice by which it was uttered will soon convince the world that “God can never lie nor ever change.” There will be a howling among the shepherds, those who, professing to be servants of God, have spent their strength in fighting that law which is the truth, and used their influence to people the regions of despair and death. O, professing minister, take timely warning and escape their fate!