Review and Herald, Vol. 3, No. 12.
EXTRACT FROM A DISCOURSE BY JOHN WESLEY,Page 1
Earlier text: EXTRACT FROM A DISCOURSE BY JOHN WESLEY,THE ADVENT HARBINGER.
By Editor
IT is extremely unpleasant to occupy space in the REVIEW AND HERALD, in noticing the unchristian treatment, and abusive language of the conductors of the Harbinger toward those who claim the right to teach and keep all the commandments of God. We have stated our design and ardent wishes, to meet our opponents upon bible ground. We have felt determined to maintain this position, and if those who oppose us choose to stoop to the mean work of attacking character, to carry their points, not to notice them. We have had our eyes open to the course pursued by the Harbinger, in its difficulties with the Advent Herald, for years. And with astonishment have we looked on and seen its course relative to "Boston difficulties" with which was connected Weethee, Needham, and others. And we have become perfectly satisfied that it is in vain to expect justice of the Harbinger, especially in matters where its interest is concerned. And were it not that justice to the cause of truth, and our much injured brethren, demands that we should speak of the abuse of the Harbinger, we should keep silent. We have no idea of noticing all the misrepresentations, and low, unchristian language of the Harbinger relative to Sabbath-keepers, for our time and space can be better employed; but it may be duty to notice a few things for the benefit of those who may be in danger of being deceived. We refer the reader to an article in the Harbinger for Aug. 28, 1852, headed, "Vain Talkers," written by "C." [Crozier.] In speaking of the REVIEW AND HERALD, he says: "The conductors of that paper have been requested to publish corrections of the falsehoods that have appeared in its columns from the pens of those men and their associates. But this they have refused or neglected to do. By such refusal or neglect they have forfeited all claim to respect, either as Christians or honorable men." Without doubt, "C." refers to the article sent to us by C. W. Low, C. Crawford Jr., M. Whitaker and Nathan Richardson, headed, "Mr. Joseph Bates' Misrepresentations," published in the Harbinger for July 10th. It is true we did not publish their article. Those men were strangers to us, and as their article possessed a bitter spirit, they entering into that slanderous strain so common to the Harbinger, ranking Sabbath-keepers with Shakers and the followers of S. S. Snow, raising a warning against us, as a class of deceivers, we say that no reasonable person of common sense, will decide that it was our duty to publish it; or if we did, not till we had learned the particulars in the case. The following from the article will show its character: "In conclusion, we would say to the brethren and sisters generally, be on your guard, that ye be not deceived by the false statements and misrepresentations of Mr. Bates and his associates, for this is their general course in attempting to prove their false theories." Under these circumstances, we gave the following note in the REVIEW AND HERALD for July 8th. "TO CORRESPONDENTS.—C. W. Low, C. Crawford, M. Whitaker, and N. Richardson.—Your communication is received, and relative to it we remark as follows: 1. The nature of the case is such that we should greatly err to publish it without a more thorough knowledge of it. 2. Those who have read our publications know that we have not the least sympathy for Shakerism, or the heretical teachings of S. S. Snow. 3. Your sweeping remarks relative to 'Mr. Bates and his associates,' seem much like the bitter remarks of others who have endeavored to prejudice the people against Sabbath-keepers. 4. We shall forward your communication to Bro. Bates, and if you have been misrepresented, it will be a pleasure to him to correct." It will be seen that we did not refuse to publish their article, notwithstanding its abuse; we only wished time to obtain a thorough knowledge of the matter. But at the close of their article when published in the Harbinger, its Editor gives the following unrighteous, bitter "NOTE.—The Review declines publishing this statement. This is unfair, as it has previously given the opposite side of the matter. But this is not to be wondered at, for misrepresentations, and fearful perversions of the plain word of the Lord, are prominent traits of that paper." In the REVIEW AND HERALD for Aug. 5th, Bro. Bates replied to the charges of misrepresentation brought against him, showing them false. And in the REVIEW AND HERALD for Sept. 2d, is the following testimony to the point: "It is in defense of truth, and the character of our beloved Bro. Joseph Bates, that we send you this statement for publication in the Review and Herald; for we learn that the article published in the Advent Harbinger of July 10th, entitled, 'Mr. Bates' Misrepresentations,' signed by C. W. Low, C. Crawford Jr., M. Whitaker and N. Richardson, is made use of, in prejudice the minds of many that otherwise might listen to the truth, and likewise to the injury of the character and influence of Bro. Bates. Therefore, we feel constrained (painful as it is to publicly expose the errors of those we love) to say that their statement made in the Harbinger, is not correct. It contains many errors and misstatements. And we further say that the statement made by Bro. Bates in the Review and Herald of May 6th, of the manner in which that meeting commenced, and progressed, to its painful close, was correct." Defense of Brother Bates
By Editor
We regret that Bro. Mason, actuated by the spirit of error, should write to the Harbinger office in the unguarded manner that he did, giving the enemies of truth a chance to revile us; but it is certainly christian in him, after seeing the advantage that the Harbinger had taken of his letter, to let the facts be known, and thus show that Bro. Bates is free from the charges made against him. Bro. Mason may expect to receive similar treatment from the Harbinger for freely letting facts be known, to that experienced by Bro M. E. Cornell, but with a conscience void of offence, and the blessing of God, he can bear with pleasure all the curses of those who violate the fourth commandment and "teach men so." God is on the side of his truth, therefore, weapons formed against it will not prosper. Even the wrath of man will praise the Lord. This unrighteous course pursued by the Harbinger will prove effectual in opening the eyes of the honest children of God, and leading them to the truth in the end. In seizing upon93the first opportunity, when the chance looked favorable, to slander, and if possible, crush Bro. Bates, a self-sacrificing, devoted servant of Jesus Christ, the conductors of the Harbinger have shown what is in their hearts, and what they would do to others should a favorable opportunity be presented. But, thank God, such revilings only serve for the breeze to fan the flame of truth, and to lead its devoted proclaimers to more watchfulness and prayer. This seems necessary to the advancement of the cause of truth. "It must needs be that offences should come, but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh." The question is asked by C., "Is the possession of a nice brick house, a sofa, a piano, silver forks and good clothes, evidence of the wickedness of their owner, and that his religious sentiments are erroneous?—If so, some who are keeping the Seventh day will come short." We answer, that a man may have all these things when the light of truth breaks into his mind, but if he believes the Lord is coming, he will act out his faith, and his works will show that he really believes what he professes to believe. The possession of all these things is certainly a small evil compared with the corrupting doctrine that the commandments of God are done away, and the sin of pouring out slanderous abuse upon those who observe and teach the commandments. It has been our object to expose the absurdities of the no-Sabbath system by the plain word of God, and teach our fellow men the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And it is painful to us to be, in any way, called from this work, to reply to those who have no better arguments to offer than slanderous reports relative to Sabbath-keepers. It has been and still is, our design to meet, in a candid and thorough manner, the arguments brought against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. This we have done.—And if the Harbinger did not feel the force of the truth it resists, it would not resort to slander to raise prejudice against us. As Eld. Marsh's house, furniture, &c., have been by the Harbinger the subject of free remarks, and as those remarks have cruelly borne upon us, it is just to introduce here a letter from Sister Jane Fraser, that our readers may have the facts in the case, and if any of them have received wrong impressions, they may be corrected on points she refers to. BROTHER WHITE:—As I am identified with that class who profess to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, who are everywhere spoken against and misrepresented, I wish, for the sake of the cause of God, to state some facts in reference to a recent article in the Harbinger, in which all this class are called liars. I was in Eld. Marsh's employ about four months, commencing August, 1851. When I first went there, they had a very nice Melodeon, which they said cost $70.00. The use of this was given to a Mrs. Webster, a very proficient teacher of music, for such services as she might render in making his wife and daughters competent to play the Piano.—(Which C., in the article referred to, has well said, was not bought, for it was a hired one.) During the time that I was there two of his daughters did take lessons on the Piano, and Mrs. Marsh commenced a few weeks before I left. Eld. Marsh was expecting to sell his house and lot while I was there, which he valued at three or four thousand dollars. But for some cause he was disappointed. I state these things that your readers may have the true, unvarnished facts in the case.
Rochester, Oct., 1852. JANE FRASER. Reply to False Charges Against Bates
By Editor
These individuals were present at the meeting referred to, in the article published in the Harbinger of July 10th, and know whereof they affirm. But for not publishing that article, containing false charges against Bro. Bates, "C." states that the conductors of the REVIEW AND HERALD have "forfeited all claim to respect, either as Christians or honorable men!"—And charges us with giving evidence that we love a lie!!! Such abuse will open the eyes of the candid. The next thrust in the article headed, "Vain Talkers" is at the character of Bro. J. Bates, yet his brethren are associated with him, and all ranked as liars!—After quoting from an unguarded letter from H. C. Mason, making certain inquiries relative to Eld. Marsh's house, furniture, &c., and stating that Bro. Bates was circulating unfavorable reports relative to Eld. Marsh in Mich., C. adds: "The above is not a tithe of the falsehoods those men 'feel called' to circulate." He then goes on to show that Bro. Bates is a liar, in circulating reports in Mich. unfavorable to Eld. Marsh, and adds: "All liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." The conscientious, uninformed reader of the Harbinger who is ready to receive all that is taught in that paper, by this time could easily imagine that he saw J. Bates, and his brethren that keep the commandments of God consuming amid the flames of the lake of fire and brimstone. But we will let H. C. Mason speak for himself. He voluntarily sent us the following, a few days since addressed to Eld. J. Marsh. "I will say a few words in regard to my inquiry which I wrote to you which was this, the report as stated by one Joseph Bates that you had the past season been building one of the nicest brick houses in the city of Rochester, and that you had bought a sofa that cost $150 00, and that you had bought a piano for your daughter that cost $300 00, and that you and your family dressed in all the extravagances of a city life. Now the remarks that I have to make are these, not expecting the report would come out in full, but only an answer to it, and not knowing the privilege you would take with the report, I should have been more precise in laying it before you. Now as there were several persons in the room, and all engaged in talking, at the same time, I may have mistook friend Bates' reply as to what use you put your receipts to. And as regards the prices of your furniture, I got them from other sources, as a report.
H. C. MASON." Mason’s Letter on the Sabbath
By Editor
We regret that Bro. Mason has not furnished us with the original copy of the following letter, but as he has not, we give it as written by him, from memory. Bro. Mason says: "As near as I can recollect, the following is a true copy of a letter written to Eld. Joseph Marsh, Ed. of the Harbinger, Sept. 12th, 1852. FRIEND MARSH.—When last I wrote to you, August 8th, I did not then think that I should have occasion for writing to you so soon again, but circumstances alter cases sometimes you know. I have been studying the Sabbath question for some months past, and when I wrote to you I was firm in the belief that the Sabbath was not binding upon us, but by evidence too plain to be misunderstood I have been constrained to acknowledge the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord our God. When I see men like yourself, Crozier, Shelden and Frisbie, who pretend to stand up for the plain literal interpretation of the Scriptures, make such sad havoc of the word of God as you do of 2 Cor. iii, 7—16, with various other passages in the New Testament, it is enough to make the very blood chill in my veins. Take the Harbingers of February 7 and May 24 and compare them with the Bible and see whether you would dare to stand before the Judgment bar of Almighty God with such an interpretation of his word as that. May God help you to see the sandy foundation upon which you stand, when trying to make an abolition of God's law, when it is said that, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled."—May God enable you to see the difference between his holy law and the hand-writing of ordinances which was against us, is the prayer of your friend and well wisher. Now I wish to call your attention to an article in the Harbinger of August 28, headed, "Vain Talkers." Now it appears that you have taken the liberty to come out and make a platform of my shoulders for one column and two thirds of slanderous abuse upon the character of a certain class of individuals that you know nothing about, saying that thirteen fourteenths of what they all say, is false. Now my letter did not call for such an answer, neither did I expect it or wish it. I simply asked you to give me an answer, yea or nay, instead of which, your colleague has come out and used language at my expense which it seemed that no Christian would use. Is this doing by others as you would that they should do by you? Is this loving your neighbor as yourself? Bro. R. Randal wishes me to say that he wants you to stop mailing the Harbinger to him and he will send you the money as soon as he can get it.—I, also, request that you will look over your books, and see how many numbers of the Harbinger I have had that I have not paid for, and send me a statement of the amount due you, and I will send the same to you. I feel truly thankful for what light I have received through the Harbinger, but I can go with you no further, and I request you to stop sending the same to me.
H. C. MASON.
Climax, Mich., 1852." The Harbinger’s Financial Troubles
By Editor
The readers of the Harbinger, whose eyes have for years, fallen upon the almost weekly duns of that paper, and who have read the numerous, stirring articles from the Editor, headed, "Our Wants," and "Our Pecuniary Wants," could not be blamed for having the impression that the Editor was a very poor man, and that it was with great difficulty that he obtained a livelihood. Let such compare their impressions with the above testimony. But it is said that Eld. Marsh is "trying to sell his house and lot in order to pay debts incurred in publishing." Is it any marvel that his subscribers should fall off, and that many should lose their interest in a paper that teaches the abolition of the commandments of God, and is ready to publish false reports of those who do and teach them. Men who get their eyes once open, will not support such a paper. Has not the Harbinger of late been committing suicide? The following shows the spirit of the Harbinger, whose motto is, "Speak the truth in love." "We have been credibly informed that Hiram Case and S. W. Rhodes, two of the most prominent and active Seventh Day evangelists, are in the habit of advising the subscribers of the Harbinger to stop their paper without paying for it! Men who will advise such dishonesty will not scruple to corrupt God's word, nor to do any other wickedness that they deem necessary to carry their points, provided they think they can escape punishment. They are wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware of them." Now let Bro. Rhodes speak for himself in this matter. Bro. Case can do the same. DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say that the statement of the Harbinger that I have advised "the subscribers of the Harbinger to stop their paper without paying for it," is a false charge. So far from this, that money handed me for my personal benefit, I have handed to the Editor of the Harbinger to pay what the individual owed for that paper. I have always advised those stopping the Harbinger to pay what they owed for it. This, and other slanderous reports, may be noticed hereafter. S. W. RHODES. Sabbath-keepers have been wickedly misrepresented by the Harbinger as possessing a denunciatory, unchristian spirit. We mourn that we are no more like Christ. We have nothing to boast of. It is the mercy of God that his Spirit is with us, as a people, and that we feel the perishing condition of those exposed to the wrath of God. This should lead us to great humility of soul. It is well known that the REVIEW AND HERALD has often spoken out plainly against an unchristian spirit, and has faithfully warned its readers to seek for the spirit of meekness, and ever manifest a right spirit to those who oppose us. We do not say that all of our brethren have at all times moved and spoken with that discretion that they should. We have reproved some privately, and have often pointed out in the REVIEW AND HERALD faults in some professing the Sabbath. What a wonder, if Sabbath-keepers, coming out of the different classes of professed Advent believers, and the different churches, should all, at first start, move in perfect, gospel order. But this is our aim, and the REVIEW AND HERALD will not cease to enforce the necessity its readers manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in all the walks of life. If any of our brethren have been misinformed respecting the Harbinger, and have at any time stated what was not correct respecting it, we confidently expect that they will take the first opportunity to correct the same. We expect to be vilified through its columns, but trust that none of our brethren will indulge in a spirit of retaliation. In the remarks of the Harbinger for July 31st, upon the note of Bro. M. E. Cornell, is the following: "LOVE is a prominent fruit of the spirit of Christ; the greater degree of that spirit the possessor has, the greater will be his love for his brethren." Now we will give the following from the same article, which the Editor may consider a strain of love. "And had his feet been planted on the rock of truth, or the plain word of the Lord, he would not have been deceived by the unqualified assumptions, the dogmatical and unlawful inferences, the fearful perversions, the mystified expressions, wild, metaphysical and vain ramblings, foolish dreams, and mesmeric influences of those who practice such things." (!) What love is this! This Editor seems to claim alone the right to pour out his bitterness on those who do not agree with him, then, perhaps, in the next paragraph turns around, and in his accustomed strain talks of love. Here are some of the expressions relative to Sabbath-keepers, so common in the Harbinger. "Such liars and unprincipled men—their villainy—reckless of the truth—unsafe to hear them, or keep company with them—we warn all persons to beware of them—their unholy spirit and practices—swaggering raillery of these vagrant strangers—perhaps he don't know silver from tom—they vilely sneak away, muttering—they are wolves in sheep's clothing." We close by saying, this is a manifestation of the real spirit of the Harbinger whose position has been that the ten commandments have been abolished, and are now being fulfilled in LOVE, whose motto is, "Speak the truth in love."(!) Dunkirk Conference.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I returned last Fourth-day from Rock Co., where I had been laboring (and in the southern part of Dane Co.) for a couple of weeks. I left home for the purpose of assisting Bro. Harris to hold a meeting in Dunkirk Township, Dane Co., commencing the 17th ult. The message had never been proclaimed there. Many were much interested in the truth. The last meeting I held there, was one of much interest, and deep feeling was manifested by those who heard. Bro. Harris acknowledged the truth, expressing his firm belief in our obligation to keep God's unchanged law. I also lectured in Cooksville, Rock Co., by request of Bro. Hoxie of that place, who is also favorably disposed to the truth. I pray that he and Bro. Harris may have faith and grace to renounce the favor of the world, and keep God's holy Sabbath. At Cooksville I was joined by Bro. Phelps. We spent the Sabbath (25th ult.) with the band at Union, who are strong in the Lord, fully determined to obey God in spite of the beast or his agents. From thence Bro. Phelps went to Albion on his way North. We design holding a few conference meetings, Lord willing, in this State, this fall, to bring the brethren together to consider the state and necessities of the cause in the West. I fear many of the brethren in this country do not fully realize the shortness of time, and the importance of doing with our might what we find to do. A large part of this State has not yet been visited, and unless the brethren act with energy, and a sense of the responsibility resting on them, but little can be done this Winter. There is much to do in the West, and laborers are few. Many professing faith in the message are in the Laodicean church, and want more of the power of godliness to live their faith before the world. How much we need to deny self, and seek only that honor that cometh from above. I never realized as I now do, that the friendship of the world is enmity with God. But if God is for us, who can be against us? Blessed be his name, his grace is sufficient for us. His promises are precious, and his word is truth. Yours in love,
Baraboo, Wis., Oct., 1852. J. H. WAGGONER. Tyrone, Mich., Conference.
By Hiram S. Case
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—Our Conference has just closed in this place, with the happiest results. Quite a number for the first time confessed the truth. We gave, in all, seven lectures, and on the evening of the second day, we met to break bread, and had a heavenly, melting, confessing time. Parents confessed to their children, and children to their parents. It was remarked that there never was so powerful a meeting here before. God manifested his goodness, and poured out his Spirit. Some rejoiced, while others wept aloud, and we all felt that God was with us. The brethren came from Plymouth, Jackson and Livingston to hear the third message. The way seems to be opening into new fields of labor, and we have more calls than we can attend to. My prayer is, Lord, send more faithful laborers into the field, that will feed the flock with the present truth. I feel more than ever like crying aloud, "the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." I see that the Harbinger has commenced an attack on the character of the dear servants of God, but I can say that I feel to rejoice, though unworthy, that I can suffer reproach for the truth's sake. It seems to encourage me to put forth a more vigorous effort than ever, to spread the truth. We have come to a point of time when the dragon is wroth with the remnant of the seed of the woman, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The war is commencing, and soon the armies will take the field, but victory will turn on Zion's side. Yours in hope of entering the City. Tyrone, Mich., Oct. 4th, 1852. H. S. CASE. London Falling Stars and Northern Lights
LONDON, Sept. 5—Between the hours of ten, on Tuesday night, and three yesterday morning, in the heavens, was observed one of the most magnificent specimens of those extraordinary phenomena, the falling stars and northern lights, witnessed for many years past. The first indication of this singular phenomenon, was about ten minutes before 10, when a light crimson, apparently vapor, rose from the northern portion of the hemisphere, and gradually extended to the centre of the heavens, and by 10 o'clock, or a quarter past, the whole, from east to west, was one vast sheet of light. It had a most alarming appearance, and was exactly like that occasioned by a terrific fire. The light varied considerably; at one time, it seemed to fall, and directly after rose, with intense brightness. There were to be seen mingled with it, volumes of smoke, which rolled over and over and every beholder seemed convinced that it was a tremendous conflagration. The consternation in the metropolis was very great; thousands of persons were running in the direction of the supposed awful catastrophe. The engines belonging to the fire brigade stations in Baker street, Farringdon street, Watling street, Waterloo Road, and likewise those belonging to the West of England station in fact, every fire-engine in London were horsed, and galloped after the supposed scene of destruction with more than ordinary energy, followed by carriages, horsemen, and vast mobs. Some of the engines proceeded as far as Highgate and Holloway, before the error was discovered. These appearances lasted for upwards of two hours, and toward morning, the spectacle became one of more grandeur. “At two o'clock in the morning the phenomenon presented a most gorgeous scene, and one very difficult to describe. The whole of London was illuminated as light as noon-day, and the atmosphere was remarkably clear. The southern hemisphere, at the time mentioned although unclouded, was very dark; but the stars, which were innumerable, shone beautifully.—the opposite side of the heavens presented, a singular, but magnificent contrast; it was clear to extreme, and the light was very vivid; there was a continual succession of meteors, which varied in splendor. They appeared formed in the centre of the heavens, and spread till they seemed to burst; the effect was electrical; myriads of small stars shot out over the horizon, and darted with that swiftness toward the earth that the eye scarcely could follow the track. They seemed to burst also, and to throw a dark crimson vapor over the entire hemisphere. The colors were most magnificent. At half past two o'clock, the spectacle changed to darkness, which, on dispersing, displayed a luminous rainbow in the zenith of the heavens, and round the ridge of darkness that overhung the southern portion of the country. Soon after, columns of silvery light radiated from it; they increased wonderfully, intermingled among crimson vapor, which formed at the same time, and when at full height, the spectacle was beyond all imagination.—Stars were darting about until 4 o'clock, when all died away. During the time that they lasted, a great many persons assembled on the bridges across the river Thames, where they had a commanding view of the heavens, and watched the progress of the phenomenon attentively.”—New York Commercial Advertiser, Oct. 22, 1839. Without any apparent intention on the part of the writer, who was probably not aware of the prophecies on the subject, he has described the phenomena as most fully answering to their prophetic description. He does it, however, in language more full and impressive than the usual brevity of the inspired writings will allow. The scriptures speak of these wonders in the heavens, as an exhibition of "Blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke;" while this writer, on beholding them, with thousands of others, speaks of them as something "extraordinary—singular—most magnificent—vast—alarming—intense brightness—terrific fire—dark, crimson vapor—most gorgeous—tremendous conflagration—volumes of smoke which rolled over and over—beyond all imagination—producing very great consternation—galloping of every fire engine in London," &c. Another instance of this phenomenon was very extensively witnessed in this country early in the evening of Jan. 25, 1837, when, as described by many, the very heavens, for a short time, seemed to be on fire, and when the snow upon the ground much resembled blood and fire; which was so alarming in appearance, as to cause the solemn inquiry, with some, who were out at the time, if the day of judgment had come—and also to cause the animals to tremble with fear. In one place, near a mountain, the people informed me, that on the snow there was the appearance of "waves of fire rolling down the mountain." A clergyman of Mass., gave me the following account of the same phenomenon, as he and others witnessed it, in one of the towns of Cape Cod, in that State. He was sitting with another minister in the pulpit, who had just commenced a discourse on the subject of the final judgment, to a crowded audience of a protracted meeting; when suddenly, through the windows, the whole house was filled with the most vivid and fiery light, so alarming in its appearance, that several of the audience shrieked aloud—all was disorder and commotion—many rushed for the doors, and all prospect of further worship for the time, seemed to be lost, till one from without, perceiving the consternation within, forced his way through the astonished crowd up to the desk, with an account of the aurora-phenomenon just witnessed by those out of doors. Then this clergyman, as he said, called attention, and informed the audience that they had "more cause for admiration than alarm, and that the appearance which they had just witnessed was but a beautiful and unusually splendid exhibition of the aurora borealis, which the Lord had been giving them." Then the audience resumed their seats, and the meeting went on. Though his opinion on the subject, and his quietus for the alarmed audience were doubtless honest with himself, and approbated by all who look not for their Lord soon to come, I must consider it extremely injudicious, contrary to the word of God, and very dangerous to the unconverted who are quieted with it, because in the very connection of these foretold "Wonders in the heavens," the Lord rather says, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." Joel ii, 1. Somewhat similar accounts of this phenomenon might be greatly multiplied, as having been more or less frequently seen since about seventy years ago, as recollected by the aged, when, as some of them have represented, it appeared as armies fighting in the skies, and more fiery and terrific than anything of the kind they had ever before seen, or heard of from others.