Earlier text: Paul's CloakBELIEVERS in the unconscious state of the dead, the mortality of man, and the final destruction of the wicked, have always claimed for these doctrines that they furnish a complete antidote for Universalism. The difficulty with minds of large benevolence in reconciling the dogma of endless misery with their ideas of the justice of God, together with the belief that all men must exist forever in some condition, has forced them to accept of Universalism as a refuge from the repugnant and Heaven-dishonoring theory of everlasting torment. Their positions are also greatly fostered and strengthened by the prevailing and popular methods of interpreting and spiritualizing the Scriptures; for with a consistent and reasonable interpretation of the Bible there is but little in its pages that can be construed in favor of universal salvation. To evade the force of the literal testimony concerning the mortality of man, and the absolute destruction of sinners, orthodoxy has led the way in spiritualizing the Scriptures; and Universalism has gone but a step further in her wake by spiritualizing the literal threatenings of the word of God against transgressors. If the literal and unqualified declaration that the soul that sinneth shall die, can be construed to mean that it shall live forever in misery, why may it not, with equal consistency, be made to mean a final restoration to a state of happiness? But, as indicated in the above title, a reaction is taking place; not, however, in the manner we would wish to have it, by the reception of the truth, but by a further spread of Universalistic views among the orthodox churches. Instead of renouncing the error of inherent immortality, which directly leads to that of endless misery, they choose to hold to the prime error, giving up the secondary one by taking another in its place, equally erroneous and unscriptural, but more reconcilable with the justice of God. The first steps toward this reaction were taken by the renunciation of the belief in literal fire and brimstone. For the last twenty-five years, but few minds could be found in the ranks of orthodoxy sufficiently bold to preach literal fire as the punishment of the wicked. The language has been construed as figurative; and although there is such a place as hell, there is no literal fire and brimstone, these terms being used as figures to represent the remorse of a guilty conscience, &c. But now a step further has been taken, and even the locality of hell is denied any literality. In a sermon preached by Henry Ward Beecher, on a recent Sunday, as reported by the New York Tribune, he said: “Imagination is the pathway between the flesh and the spirit. It is that which gives to every man aspiration. Men despise it because it is not a measuring quantity. We are taught that it is not safe to build on, but I aver that in the economy of God’s providence the human race has been instructed more through its imagination than through its reason. We are not to suppose that there is a hell—literally, a place of fire and brimstone. I don’t believe it, and you don’t believe it, and you ought not to believe it any more than you are to believe that Heaven is really paved with golden paving-stones. No one believes it; if they did there would be more misers anxious for their soul’s salvation.”
So it seems, according to Mr. Beecher, that “in the economy of God’s providence, the human race has been instructed more through its imagination than through its reason;” and, consequently, hell is an imaginary place. That this belief is really one of the tendencies of the age, and fast becoming popular in “evangelical” churches, is indicated, not only by its being preached by Mr. Beecher, the leading orthodox clergyman of this country, but also by the following, from The Universalist, a leading organ of that denomination: “The whole Christian world is becoming Universalist. And this leads to the statement of the true reason why the Universalist organization has not advanced so rapidly as some ‘evangelical’ sects. It has had in hand the business of converting other sects to Universalism. In this department of its work, it has made such progress that the whole aspect of Christian thought is changed. It has put a leaven into every existing branch of the Christian church, and into ‘the world,’ that is working grandly toward the inevitable result—the eradication of the dogma of endless torments from Christian theology.”
But perhaps it may be objected that this is Universalist testimony, and therefore not so reliable as if coming from those not prejudiced in its favor. Then we reply by quoting, from The Independent, a response to the above: “However the fact may be accounted for, it is unquestionably true that there are many in the evangelical churches who do not believe in the eternity of future punishment, and that there is less disposition than there once was to excommunicate such persons. Whether this class is likely to increase or diminish in future, and whether the orthodox churches are likely to become more or less tolerant of this departure from their creeds, is a question respecting which opinions will probably differ. . . . We have an impression that Mr. Greely, and other prominent Universalists, anticipate a time, not far distant, when the belief in universal salvation will not be treated by the orthodox churches as a heresy demanding expulsion, but when individual Christians will be at liberty to think on this subject as they may or must. If that time ever arrives, and the Universalists are found to be orthodox on other points, the denomination may perhaps be swallowed up in the evangelical fold. We are content to watch the general tendencies of denominational life, irrespective of creeds, without assuming the function of a prophet in an attempt to predict the final result.”
While it is undoubtedly true that belief in universal salvation is finding its way largely into the orthodox churches, we are also gratified at occasional indications which obtrude themselves upon the public notice, that the error of endless torment is in some measure being supplanted by the Bible truth concerning the destiny of wicked men. Some are opening their eyes to the fact that God has threatened everlasting destruction upon the wicked instead of everlasting torment, and hence can comprehend the justice of God, as well as his mercy, in his declaration that his anger at the wicked will cease “in their destruction.” May the truth go onward in its march, until the honest in heart are chosen out from the world, and from the churches, who shall take the truth as their shield, that they may “be hid in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger,” which will “consume” the wicked until “they shall be as though they had not been.” Western Tour.
By James White
A change of appointment of an important meeting is always to be regretted, especially if that change be made only two or three weeks before the meeting takes place. It is almost sure to mislead some, and put many to inconvenience, and injure the interest of the meeting. Therefore, in giving a line of appointments which will cover several months, we regard it a matter of great importance to place them so that change of neither time nor place may be necessary. But unlooked-for causes sometime make changes appear very necessary. And it is impossible to call the people together to our camp-meetings without giving them a few weeks’ notice. If possible, there should be at least six weeks’ notice of all our meetings. Our brethren may be assured that these matters have caused us much care and anxiety. And whatever we may have to do with important meetings in the future, our brethren may be assured that we shall spare no pains to act our part faithfully, in the fear of God. The change in the time of the Ohio camp-meeting caused some confusion. And it was a matter of regret that the attendance was not more general. It is now decided that Clyde is not the most accessible place for all the brethren to meet at their annual camp-meeting. Locating it near the center of the State for next year, it is hoped that there will be a general turnout of the brethren and sisters, with their relatives, friends and neighbors. It is now thought best that each family that is able to do so, occupy a tent of respectable size of their own, so as to give ample room for all their friends. The Ohio camp-meeting this season, though not large, was an excellent meeting. The word spoken seemed to take hold of the brethren, and the people generally heard with marked interest. The Methodists, who have the finest church in the place, asked Mrs. W. to speak to them. The appointment was given in three churches, and on the camp-ground Sunday evening, and on Monday evening, the Methodist house was crowded with attentive hearers. The whole thing passed off finely, and left a good impression. It was on the Ohio camp-ground that, contrary to our decision, and our feelings relative to more camp-meetings the present season, the burden, relative to our scattered people in the West, rolled upon us. We made the matter the subject of prayer, and our convictions deepened that our work in this direction was not finished for the season. We laid the matter before our good brethren in Ohio, and they pledged their prayers and means to go with us in the work. They pledged $300, and paid on the ground $150. And in many ways they manifested their deep interest for us, and the prosperity of the cause. The Ohio Conference meets all its bills liberally and promptly. This year it gives $200 to the General Conference, and has not less than $1000 in the hands of the S. D. A. Publishing Association without interest, to be called out when Ohio shall need it. May God raise up and qualify laborers to enter such fields as Ohio, with that zeal manifested by the pioneers of the cause. We had suggested a camp-meeting in Indiana; but as it was not immediately responded to by the friends in this State, and as we were not clear that there was time to hold a camp-meeting the present season in Indiana, we withdrew the suggestion. But as we decided to hold a camp-meeting in Kansas, and could not place the appointment sooner than Oct. 15-19, we also decided to spend a week in Indiana, on our way West. We were aware that the cause was weak, the friends in Indiana being few, and did not expect, at this season of the year, only a very small gathering of the brethren. Bro. Lane immediately left us in Ohio, and came to Indiana to arrange for a camp-meeting. The place selected is Tipton, Tipton Co., on the railroad, at the Methodist camp-ground. Here are a speaker’s stand, board tents, seats and wells. We have the privilege of the ground for $50. We are glad to see as many of the scattered friends in Indiana, as are present. Some are detained by sickness. Those who have spoken the word, have enjoyed freedom. The social meetings have been good, and encouraging. The Sabbath has been a good day. Here, on this ground, in the midst of his friends, surrounded by those who are the direct fruits of his labors, our dear brother, Elbert Lane, has been set apart to the gospel ministry. Bro. Lane, when he gave himself to the work, did not linger about our churches, to preach to those who could not be benefited by his youthful labors. But he came to the new field of Indiana, and God has blessed his labors. He has proved himself, and has gained a reputation that he could not have done in lingering about our churches. The opposition from ministers, and from the people generally, is just what is needed to lead a young man to close thought, and thorough investigation. Could Brn. Strong and Lamson of the Michigan Conference, and other young men, take a similar course, they would soon find themselves surrounded with the fruits of their labors, as Bro. Lane finds himself situated in Indiana. First-day, our congregations were large, and very attentive. God gives power to his word, and it is wonderful how the crowd listen to the voice of truth in the third message. We spoke in the evening, giving some of the reasons of our faith and hope. Mrs. W. is now speaking as we pen these lines, and Bro. Littlejohn is to address the people this evening. The battle goes well. The brethren and sisters are becoming149interested in the work. And although our meeting is small, it is destined to be a very profitable one. Bro. E. B. Lane decides to remain in the State, baptize, organize, and set things in order, and with his natural brother, S. H. Lane, enter new fields in the State. May God bless the brethren and sisters in Indiana, and add to their numbers such as shall be an honor to his cause. The meeting closes second-day at noon. There is a good degree of spirit with the brethren in this State to hold a yearly meeting. And it is thought that it should be a camp-meeting. They are now raising a fund to meet the expenses of this meeting, and to make preparations for a camp-meeting next year. Our few friends in Indiana are generally in good condition to live, and some of them are wealthy. Much depends upon the course these men take as to the destiny of the cause in Indiana. If the friends of the cause in this State, rich and poor, take hold of the work to meet the expenses of meetings, the expenses of ministerial labor, and the circulation of our publications in the State, those who have the general supervision of the work, will second all their efforts to promote the interests of the cause. The field is a wide one. Laborers are few. Calls for help are abundant. And it is duty to put forth labor where the friends are ready to fully co-operate with the laborers. JAMES WHITE. Truth: The Law of God
By Roswell F. Cottrell
“God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John. 4:24. What is truth? The law of God. “Thy law is the truth.” Ps. 119:142. “All thy commandments are truth.” What law is the truth? The law that God spake from Mount Sinai; the ten commandments. “Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from Heaven, and gavest them right judgments and true laws.” Margin, “laws of truth.” Neh. 9:13. “Which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” Rom. 2:20-22. According to both the Old Testament and the New, the law of God, the ten commandments, is the truth. All these commandments are truth. Did Christ abolish the truth? Did he change the truth? These same commandments of God are righteousness as well as truth. “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172. Were they to be abolished? “My salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, [Who are they?] the people in whose hearts is my law.” Isa. 51:6, 7. “All unrighteousness is sin.” 1 John. 5:17. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” Chap. 3:4. Therefore all righteousness is obedience to the law. “And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” Deut. 6:25. Speaking of the perpetuity of these commandments, Jesus says, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,” &c. What was Christ’s work in respect to the truth? His language on coming into the world was, (See Heb. 10:5-7,) “Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not concealed thy loving-kindness and thy truth from the great congregation.” Ps. 40:7-10. He bore his testimony for righteousness and truth in the great congregation in his sermon on the mount. Matt. 5:17-20. “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” John. 18:37. Truth is embodied in the law of God; therefore it is something to be done—something to be obeyed. “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John. 3:20, 21. “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [sin, transgression of the law,] indignation and wrath.” Rom. 2:8. Obedience to the truth purifies, sanctifies, and makes free. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth.” 1 Pet. 1:22. “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” John. 17:17. God’s “ten words” are all truth. See Ex. 34:28, margin. “The truth shall make you free.” John. 8:32. “And I will walk at liberty; for I seek thy precepts.” Ps. 119:45. Who oppose and resist the truth? 1. The devil. “He was a MURDERER from the beginning, and abode not in the truth.” John. 8:44. He was once in the truth and left it. 2. Idolaters. “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator.” Rom. 1:25. Idolaters, by having “other gods,” and thus violating the great truth taught in the first commandment, viz., that there is but one living and true God, change the truth of God into a lie. The fourth commandment also tells the truth—that God, after laboring six days in the work of creation, rested on the seventh, and that for this reason he blessed and hallowed the day on which he rested. Now if we trample under foot this hallowed rest-day, and observe in its stead another day, a day upon which he did not rest, and which he neither blessed nor sanctified, do we not change the truth of God into a lie? 3. The papacy. “It cast down the truth to the ground.” Dan. 8:12. It thought “to change times and laws.” Chap. 7:25. The work of casting down the truth, and of changing the law of the Most High, which is the truth, is identical. 4. Apostates of the last days. After delineating the character of these, the apostle says, “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:8. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Chap. 4:3, 4. Read Isa. 59, noting verses 3, 4, and 13-15. We shall be judged by the truth. “For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth; he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” Ps. 96:13. “As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law, . . . in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” Rom. 2:12-16. The truth will shield God’s people in the time of trouble. “His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” See Ps. 91:1-10. It shall open to them the city of God. “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” Isa. 26:2. “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.” Rev. 22:14. How shall we know the truth? Do the will of God. “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.” John. 7:16, 17. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Chap. 8:31, 32. “I have more understanding than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Ps. 119:98-100. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” Ps. 111:10. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John. 2:3, 4. What is the “present truth?” That God is sending forth a special message to restore to his people the truth which the papacy “cast down to the ground,” and which has so long been trampled under foot.” “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:9-12. Letter from Bro. Ertzenberger.
By James Ertzenberger
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I know that many of you are very anxious to hear from your absent Bro. Ertzenberger; and as letters to single persons will not be sufficient, I will write in general, so that all may know of my return in safety to Switzerland. As I stated in my note of Sept. 8, I took a first cabin passage on board the English steamer “Calabria,” which left New York City for Liverpool, England, Sept. 8, at half past three P. M. The first days of our journey were very nice days; but I was taken sick, as early as Sept. 9. On Sunday morning I felt better, but then the weather changed. A wind arose and the sea became very rough. I therefore became sick again, so that I kept my berth four days in all. As I felt well I was very glad. Seasickness is a bad feeling. I had my good seasons, too, during which time I could enjoy the nearness of God, who blessed my soul. The Lord is on the ocean as well as on the continent. And wherever he is, there it is good to be. To cross the ocean, was, on this occasion, a trip of15010 days and 16 hours. On the 17th we approached the shores of Ireland, and called at Queenstown the next morning, at 4 o’clock. Monday morning we entered the port of Liverpool, and at 8 o’clock A. M. we left the ship. There I learned that books of English authors which were reprinted in America, are confiscated. I had but one of this kind, and could pass by. The same day at noon, I was on the way for London, to take the boat from London to Antwerp in Belgium. She left London, Sept. 20, at noon, and arrived safely at Antwerp after 22 hours. I intended to go to the Swiss Consul; but as he was not at home I took the train for Cologne in Prussia, where I arrived safely. At that place my trunk was opened; but there was nothing in it for them. On account of my trunk, I was delayed, and obliged to take the boat for Manheim, Baden. I remained at Manheim during the Lord’s day (Sabbath), because I felt not free to travel on. I was sorry to be a third Sabbath among those who ignorantly keep the first day, or Sunday. I proceeded on Sunday, Sept. 25, and took the train for Basle (Basel), at 6:15 A. M., and arriving there at 6 P. M., I could not wait, but came to this place the same evening, and surprised my dear mother and brothers, who expected me a few days later. I was happy to see them again after a separation of 16 months. My dear mother and brothers are well. Thanks, mingled with joy, filled my heart, and gratitude ascended on high. Our Heavenly Father has dealt very graciously with me. He kept me from danger and peril while on the ocean, preserved me while on the road traveling within the Prussian lines. From Antwerp to Basle, at nearly every station, I found soldiers. Many of them seemed merry, others sad. Among them were very young ones, but eighteen years of age. At Cologne and Manheim I met transports of French prisoners. To see them saddened my heart. In the larger places on the Rhine there are hospitals for the sick ones. Oh, what misery is caused by the war! May the Lord look in pity upon it. May this terrible war be finished very soon. The minds of the people are filled with the war, and it is difficult to approach the heart. Wheresoever I passed through, it was the war which was spoken of; and thus the minds of the people are led away. May the Lord help. May I be a humble and faithful servant in his vineyard, able to lead many a soul to Him who is able to save from destruction to life everlasting. May I be among them; may we all share in that blessing. I have to thank you, I have to thank God, for all you and he have done for me. Surely he has answered your prayers. I believe he sent a mighty angel to go with me. He blessed my poor soul, and I praise his holy name. The Lord also is blessing me while visiting friends and relatives. I intend to meet a few Sabbath-keepers, with others who are interested in the truth, next Sabbath. May I have heavenly wisdom. May I be guided by God’s Holy Spirit. Next week I hope to see the dear brethren and sisters at Tramelan. Remember me still in your prayers, and the work in this country. I also hope you will excuse the shortness of my note of Sept. 8. I had no time to write much. I wrote according to the American manner. Once more I thank you very much for all you have done for me, and wish you Heaven’s rich blessing. Acts 20: 32. Farewell. Yours thankfully, JAMES ERTZENBERGER. Liestal (near Basle), Sept. 28, 1870. Set Your Affections on Things Above.
By John Matteson
THE Jews were very proud of the temple and of their city. It appears that the disciples partook some of these feelings. It seemed to them that Christ did not notice the temple enough. He manifested no signs of admiration for this idol of the Jews. Said they, “See what manner of stones, and what buildings are here.” Mark 13:1. “Some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones, and gifts.” Luke 21:5. “His disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.” Matt. 24:1. As though they would say, Master, why don’t you notice these things? Everybody else talks about it, but you don’t seem to have one word of praise to bestow. Here was a favorable opportunity to deeply impress their minds. “See ye not all these things?” Now look at the great buildings and goodly stones which you admire so much. “Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Christ looked beyond the present into the future. He knew that these beautiful buildings soon would perish. Therefore he did not think much of them. And he instructed his disciples to look upon earthly things through the light of prophecy. Then they would not set their affections upon visible things, which are all destined to perish; but upon invisible things, which remain. In the last days, the admiration and affection of men’s hearts is generally drawn out after the works of men’s hands. New discoveries, new inventions, new railroads, new cities, new farms, new improvements, are the theme of conversation. Men are ready, like the disciples, to rebuke those who will not with them admire the new fashions and wonderful improvements of every kind. Such a town is growing up and developing itself as by magic. Such a building is almost finished, and will be a real ornament to our city. Such an orchard is the finest and best-producing one in the county. Such a machine is invented, and is said to be a real success. Haven’t you heard? Aren’t you interested in it? Don’t you want to invest some in it? Try your fortune. Don’t stand there, so old-fashioned and dull. The world is progressing; and soon the light of science will burst so abundantly on this favored world as to make it almost a paradise. Well, now look at all these wonderful things. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, . . . . the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” And they that love these things shall perish with their idols. Set your affections on things above. JOHN MATTESON. Camp-Meeting at Charlotte.
By Joseph Bates
I wish to add my testimony to the cheering and interesting reports which have already been published in relation to this important and soul-inspiring meeting. First, the location was beautiful; about one mile from Charlotte, a few rods in from the main traveled road, with a running stream of excellent water on one side of our circle of forty-two church, and two large field, tents, places of refuge and coverts from storm and from rain. There were said to be about one thousand Seventh-day Adventists there, attending divine service in a most orderly, peaceful, and quiet manner, listening with deep anxiety to the burning truths and soul-stirring remarks and discourses from the servants of God. Bro. and Sr. White were the chief speakers. The clear, earnest and powerful manner in which they presented the truth, is evidence to all who had ears to hear, that God is graciously strengthening them with his quickening Spirit to draw out his remnant people, to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven. How important, then, that all who are longing to be saved should strive to attend these camp-meetings, when they are within their reach. I thank God, and our Lord and Saviour, for the precious privilege I enjoyed, and the blessing which I received at the Charlotte camp-meeting, and pray that the great company of believers who there united in a covenant to seek the Lord more earnestly and serve him more faithfully, will never fail to carry out their solemn pledge. When the proclamation of the second advent of our Lord and Saviour was drawing down into 1843, camp-meetings were first appointed in a few places, which called out the people to take a united stand in the message; but when the servants of God were being filled with the Spirit from on high, and began to go forth crying with loud voices, Behold the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet him! in the summer of 1844, then camp-meetings were multiplied all around, which called out and united the great body of Adventists who had embraced the message. See “Life Incidents,” pp. 132–139. If the same great plan is to be followed out to the close of the third angel’s message, to draw out and unite the people of God “to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord,” (and it would seem from our experience of the two past years that it is so), then how important that we sacrifice to sustain camp-meetings, and be sure to attend all within our reach. Report of Labor in Missouri.
By R. J. Lawrence
My last report was dated Aug. 10. On the eleventh, Bro. Pierce Hackett brought me on my way to this place, Prairie City. We stopped at Butler, the county-seat of Bates Co., to inquire. The sheriff, a Baptist, learning our business, was anxious that I should stop there a while. I consented, provided a place could be obtained in which to hold meetings, and a boarding place for me. A hall was secured, and I stopped with the sheriff and commenced lectures that evening. Stayed until the 24th, and gave eleven lectures. But few attended. The people evidently were not interested in the second coming of Christ, and doctrines connected therewith. So Bro. Hackett brought me to this place, to Bro. Clostermyer's. I commenced meetings the 26th, in a country school-house, occupied two Sabbaths and first-days in each month by Disciples and Baptists. I was told that I could have the house the remainder of the time, but they have managed so that I have had it but one Sabbath, and that was the first. I continued, evenings, as I had opportunity. There was a growing interest, and some half dozen commenced to keep the Sabbath, when some of the leading spirits began to see the tendency of the truth, and engaged a Disciple preacher to contest the points. He is said to be the smartest in the country. So I heard a note read from the preacher, Eld. Landen, that he would commence to review my lectures on Thursday evening, Sept. 15, and occupy alternate evenings with me. I accepted. Accordingly he started on the kingdom of the second chapter of Daniel; had the image smitten by the stone at the first advent, and the kingdom set up there. I replied on Friday evening. Monday evening he replied very boastfully. On Tuesday evening I presented a connected chain of prophecy, commencing with the second of Daniel, showing that the four divisions of the image were four universal kingdoms, and that the fifth was to be universal and eternal. Also that the beast of the seventh of Daniel symbolized the same as the four parts of the image; and that the horns of the beast of the seventh chapter symbolized the same as the toes, which he acknowledged. He had tried to establish, and said he had done it, that no part of the image existed this side of A. D. 606. Then I showed that the dragon of Rev. 12 symbolized the same as the beast of Daniel 7, and the legs of the image and the horns of the dragon symbolized the same as the horns on the beast and the toes of the image, consequently were transferred from symbol to symbol. The horns did not come up on the dragon until A. D. 483; so, then, Christ, who was symbolized by the stone, did not smite the image at his first advent, for he could not smite the feet before they existed. In Rev. 13, John sees a beast having all of the characteristics of the four beasts of Daniel 7, having also ten horns like the nondescript beast, evidently symbolizing the same power. And the dragon gave his power, and seat, and great authority, to the beast. In Rev 17, John sees the beast carrying a woman (Catholic church). The beast is said to have ten horns, which are ten kings. They shall make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them. Then the image certainly was not smitten in the days of the papacy. In Rev. 19, John saw Heaven opened, and beheld a white horse together with his rider and the army which followed him. In verse 19, he saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies making war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. Here unquestionably, is the smiting of the image. When? at the coming of Christ. Now please read Ps. 2: 8, 9: “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” This must be after the Judgment, described in Dan. 7: 9, 10, for in verse 14 of this chapter, after the Judgment has set, the Son of Man takes “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom,” which is said to be “everlasting.” Question: Will he smite the image before he gets possession of it? Certainly not. Then it is to be smitten, as we have before shown, at the coming of Christ, and not as Eld. Landen would have it, more than eighteen hundred years before, and then come to an end at the second advent, or be submerged into the Father's kingdom, and Christ cease any longer to be king. After I got through, then the Elder arose and said that he would review it the next evening, and gave out an appointment for a protracted meeting, to commence next Saturday, and to continue indefinitely. The next evening he came on with an array of assertions from Rollin's History, applying the little horn to Antiochus, and waxed very boastful. At the close he gave an appointment to speak on the covenants on Friday evening and on the Sabbath, and would give me no chance to reply. So I am crowded out of the house. I took notes, and shall review in a private house. There are eleven here keeping the Sabbath, and others interested. There is a school-house two miles away, open for me. I may go there. Pray for me. Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
SINCE last report I have given 36 discourses at the tent-meeting at Richmond, Maine. There were opposition and various discouragements in the way; still the meeting is to be regarded as a success. Two Advent preachers and one Freewill Baptist took a decided stand upon the truth; also some others; and a great amount of prejudice was removed. Bro. Waggoner aided much in the effort in a reply to a discourse by one Eld. Walker against the law. Probably no effort against the law of God was ever more completely exposed than this one. But what added to the interest of the meeting most of all was the coming of Bro. White just in time to meet, and refute before the people, some of the worst slanders ever circulated by the first-day and no-law Adventists against Sr. White. They went abroad after witnesses, and one came to the tent. Bro. White met him, and by151questions completely refuted the slander and proved that Sr. White was not there at the time, and so had no part in the fanaticism referred to. No candid person could fail to see that those reports were without any foundation. All these investigations of false reports against Sr. White, and the public refutation of them, created a greater desire than ever to see and hear Sr. White. Then after the camp-meeting, though much worn and feeble, Sr. White came and gave one discourse of about one hour and a half. The large hall was crowded, and scores stood up all through. The interest was great, and it was remarked that there never had been a more able and powerful discourse in that village. The Lord gave Sr. White perfect liberty, and the reaction in the public mind was wonderful. One of the leading church members expressed his astonishment that a woman could become so acceptable a public speaker, and wished his people would move in favor of female speakers. After laboring so long against the current of prejudice, this was a happy day for us, and we could only thank God and take courage. The interest in the meetings there has been growing, and the believers there were greatly encouraged. For two weeks past I have been giving lectures at New Sharon, Me. But the effort has proved not very successful. Some have taken books, and subscribed for REVIEW, and there may yet be some fruit. It may not be best that we should have prosperity all the time. We are cast down, but not discouraged. We must “try again,” and lean more upon the arm of the Lord. ELIZABETH C. CHIPMAN
By Elizabeth C. Chipman
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often been cheered by reading letters in the REVIEW from those that keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, and have often thought that I would add my feeble testimony in favor of the truths of the third and last message. I do feel to praise God that he ever sent this truth to me, and gave me a heart to embrace it. My greatest desire is that I may live so that my actions shall correspond with my faith, and that I may be the means in God's hand of bringing some to the knowledge of the truth. I feel that there are great responsibilities resting upon us all, in view of the shortness of time and the great work we have to do. Oh! let us awake and arise, and gird the armor more closely about us, that we may be able to fight against the wiles of the enemy of souls. It will not be long that we will have the privilege of pleading with God to forgive us our sins. Oh! let us be in earnest now, for we know not how soon mercy will cease. My prayer is, Lord help us to see ourselves as thou seest us, that we may make sure work for the kingdom. I feel that I need the prayers of God's children, that I, with them, may be saved when Jesus comes. I feel to sympathize with those who are not permitted to meet together from Sabbath to Sabbath to worship God, and I realize that we who have these privileges have more to answer for if we do not improve our time as we ought. But wherever we are, we can serve the Lord. May we persevere a little longer, then he will say, It is enough, come up higher.