p. 120 | Review and Herald, Vol. 5, No. 15. (5/2/1854)

The Second Advent—Its Practical Importance.

Some inquiry respecting the practical tendency of the Second Advent and its kindred doctrines, was promised in our last. This inquiry we might prosecute by an appeal to different sources of information. We might inquire directly of those who have been in the habit of preaching the doctrines, and be told that they have found them exceedingly powerful in stirring the hearts and bending the wills of men; but it would not, we presume, be generally thought safe to ground a conviction upon the experience of men who may be biased by an over-attachment to a favorite theory. The only proper course, therefore, is to appeal directly to the Word of God, and ascertain what practical use the writers of the Sacred Canon make of the future advent of Christ. If they frequently urge this doctrine as a ground of repentance, and as a motive for calling into exercise a variety of Christian graces and duties, then, as the Spirit cannot err in the adaptation of means to an end, we must admit its great practical importance.

Peter, when addressing the people in the temple, employed this doctrine as a motive to repentance. “Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” &c. (Acts iii, 19, 20.) St. Paul urges it as a threatening persuasive to love Christ,—“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha;” which, we are told, means, “let him be accursed; our Lord cometh.” [1 Cor. xvi, 22.] He also urges it as a motive of love one to another; “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” [1 Thess. iii, 13.]

Also as an incentive to the mortification of earthly lusts,—“When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify, therefore, your members,” &c. [Col. iii, 4, 5.] “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying all ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing, of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Tit. ii, 12–13.] In Phil. iii, 20, Paul links it very significantly with spirituality of mind,—“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” For every condition, either in the Christian’s or in the worldling’s life, this doctrine has a voice of warning, of encouragement, or of exultation. To the careless it utters the language of warning,—“For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” [Matt. xvi, 27.] To the trembling souls, it says, “And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John ii, 28.) To the dead sinner, it cries with startling emphasis, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” [Rev. xxii, 12.] In the mouth of the humble follower of Jesus, it has a language of triumph, like this, “We know that when He shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure. 1 John iii, 2, 3. Few Christian duties can be more important than watchfulness; and as a persuasive to this, the coming of Christ is often urged. Our Saviour, and Paul, and John often press it on the heart with this avowed end in view. We have not space to quote the passages; but the reader will be well rewarded by consulting in this connexion, Matt. xxiv, 42–44; xxv, 13; Luke xii, 35–37; Rev. xvi, 15; 1 Thess. v, 4–6; Rev. xxii, 7. Let him consult 2 Thess. i, 4–7, and see with what skill and power this doctrine is employed for the purpose of begetting patience and long-suffering in the Christian heart. Hear the same writer in Hebrews x, 36, 37, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise; for yet a little while and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hear James, also, chapter v, 7, 8, “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” See likewise, 1 Pet. i, 6, 7; iv, 12, 13. The reader may also see it pressed as a motive to moderation and sobriety in Phil. iv, 5, and 1 Pet. i, 13; to ministerial fidelity and diligence in Matt. xxiv, 46; 1 Thess. ii, 19; 1 Tim. vi, 13, 14; 2 Tim. iv, 1, 2; 1 Pet. v, 1–4, and against uncharitable judgment in 1 Cor. iv, 5.

But in addition to the numerous passages thus brought under the notice of the reader, and showing the practical importance of this doctrine, there are others which attach to it a still higher degree of consequence, placing a love and “waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” among the gifts of the Christian calling. Thus St. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, thanks God that “they came behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. i, 7. Of the Thessalonians he says, “that they turned from idols, to serve the living and the true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. i, 9, 10. So also to the Philippians, “For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil. iii, 20. Paul speaks of a “crown of righteousness which the Lord should give him at that day; and not to him only; but unto all them also that love his [Christ’s] appearing.” 2 Tim. iv, 8. And in Hebrews ix, 28, he says, “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Other passages might be brought forward; but let these suffice. The reader, we think, if he has never before given his attention to this subject, will be surprised at the frequency with which the writers of the New Testament employ the Second Advent as a motive to influence human conduct. And we would respectfully ask whether the style of presenting truth at the present day corresponds in general with the Divine pattern thus given in the sacred volume? Do we often hear men urged to repentance and newness of life by the awful consideration that the Son of Man is soon to come again, and that suddenly and unexpectedly, to destroy the wicked, and take vengeance on his enemies? Are the righteous, in the instructions of the present day, frequently exhorted to love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to long for, and hasten unto his coming? Alas! No. Other motives have been allowed to take the place of this, which the Spirit has so largely honored.—Witness & Advocate.

AVERY LANPHEAR

By Avery Lanphear

From Bro. Lanphear.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel a deep, and abiding interest in the cause of Christ, and the welfare of Zion, and sympathize with those that are trying to keep all of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, in their trials, and persecutions which they have to endure in this vain and wicked world, for the sake of the truth. I rejoice in God that there are those that are willing to sacrifice many of the comforts of this life rather than disobey the holy commandments of God.

I find by reading the communications from brethren and sisters in the Review, that many of them are keeping God's Holy Sabbath all alone, as it were, and have not the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith for social and divine worship, and mingling their voices together in prayer and praise, are surrounded by those that are obeying the doctrines and commandments of men rather than Him that never speak amiss, and who has said that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, &c.; who rested the seventh day from all the work which he had made and blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Not only will they disobey God themselves, by keeping a man-made Sabbath, but will make derision of, and point the finger of scorn at, and even persecute those who are trying to obey God; and this is done by those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. Dear Friends, we must expect to suffer persecution a little longer. They that fear the Lord, must endure persecutions and trials while in this present evil world, for it will be those that have washed their robes, and come up through great tribulation, that will possess the goodly land. We must remember that Jesus suffered and died for our redemption and has gone to prepare a place for all those that love him and keep all his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.

I learn from sister Morton of Fredonia, who commenced

keeping the Sabbath about one year ago, that there is much opposition to the truth in that place; so much so that she has found it necessary to leave her home and friends and kindred that are near to her by those ties of affection that bind the heart of parents to children and children to parents, and come here among strangers where she can find employment and have the privilege of keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. She depends on teaching for a living; and they would not employ her at home after she embraced the Sabbath. These are some of the trials that those that are called to endure who embrace the truth as it is in Jesus, who has said, Except a man leave Father and Mother, &c., he cannot be my disciple. May the Lord bless and preserve all those that are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. May we all remember that these light afflictions which are but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Let us therefore with patience run the race that is before us looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Yes let us look unto Jesus. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear. By and by we shall see him. We are waiting for him. Signs portends that he will soon appear with all his holy angels; and this is our joy and crown of rejoicing that we shall be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming, if we are on our watchtower. We must watch and pray; for the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober; for they that sleep, sleep in the night, and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night; but let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation; so that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Let us not therefore cast away our confidence which hath great recompense of reward, but be patient; and establish our hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. But who shall abide the day of his coming, who shall be able to stand. It is those who have oil in their vessels, and their lamps trimmed and burning, that will go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God, and in the patient waiting for Christ.

Yours hoping for the kingdom.

AVERY LANPHEAR

Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y., Apr. 17th, 1854.

SEEK GRACE, NOT ECSTACY.—

Think not that all is lost, when thy heart is not elevated with that sensible fervor which thou art always coveting. These raptures are allowed thee as sweet foretastes of heavenly bliss, but thou art yet too carnal to be capable of their constant enjoyment. Seek then growth in grace, rather than flights of ecstasy. While thou art in war, expect not the rest of peace; while combating, expect the feelings of combat. Thy principal concern is, to struggle against the motions of fallen nature, and the suggestions of evil spirits; and if thou doest this with faithful perseverance, thou wilt give true proof of that Christian fortitude which will be distinguished with the crown of victory.

COMMUNICATIONS.

By W. PHELPS

From Bro. Phelps.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—After four weeks absence, I have returned from a tour to the North and West of here, where I have visited several different neighborhoods in search of the jewels. Spent two weeks in one neighborhood, and lectured thirteen times, generally to full congregations. I baptized eight in the time, and about twenty are keeping the Sabbath of the Bible, and have embraced all the present truth as far as they understand it, and they are seeking diligently for more light and truth. They all meet together on the Sabbath-day. Others are inquiring for truth. I am to return that way again soon, and visit other places where I have had urgent calls to come and present the truth. I feel that there is no time to be lost; for the harvest truly is great but the laborers are few. My prayer is, that the Lord will send faithful laborers into the field, who will be self-sacrificing, and can suffer inconvenience, privation and trials, and have their names cast out as evil for the sake of the precious truth. Souls are perishing all around us for lack of the present truth. O what an account will Messengers have to give, while to them is committed the last notes of warning to a guilty world. O Lord who is sufficient for these things? What a consecration of all to God we need to make to prepare us for the work that is before us. Remember me, in your prayers.

Yours in patient waiting for deliverance, at the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of Heaven.

W. PHELPS.

Fort Atkinson, Wis., Apr. 18th, 1854.

BLACK HAWK AGAINST MORSE AND BAINE.

On Monday, the 3d inst., a fact occurred which furnishes another beautiful illustration of the ability of departed human Spirits to act as couriers. Our informant, who was a disinterested witness, was at the rooms of Messrs. Whitney and Conklin, between the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock, A. M., on the day mentioned; Mr. Conklin was in Washington, D. C., and it became necessary to notify him immediately that his child was dangerously ill. Mr. Whitney entered the room with a slip of paper, on which he had written in substance the following: “Say to Mr. Conklin that his child is very sick, and may not recover.” Placing the paper on the table, with his hand on it, he inquired if any spirit would take that message to Mr. Conklin, whereupon it was signified that Black Hawk would convey the same to Washington. In about an hour and a half a dispatch was received by magnetic telegraph from Mr. Conklin, desiring to know how his child was! The next train of cars from the South brought Mr. Conklin himself. On his arrival he was met by Mr. Farnsworth, who being familiar with the circumstances above related, and knowing that Mr. C. had not yet seen his friends in this city, questioned him respecting the cause of his unexpected return, when Mr. C. proceeded to inform him that a Spirit, purporting to be George Fox, came to him, while he was sitting in his room on Pennsylvania Avenue, and said that the chief, Black Hawk, had just brought information of the dangerous illness of his [the medium's] child.

The one and a half hours which intervened between the alleged departure of the Spirit from 553 Broadway, and the receipt of the communication over the wire, must have been chiefly taken up in carrying Mr. Conklin's dispatch to the telegraph office in Washington, which can not be much less than half a mile from his rooms, and in delivering the same at 553 Broadway, which must be at least one mile from the office of the magnetic telegraph in this city.

CONTROLLED IN SPITE OF HERSELF.—At a late Conference at this Office, Mr. —— related an account of some boisterous spiritual manifestations which had recently occurred, at the close of which a medium who was present, but who had till then been left comparatively undisturbed, declared that she would not submit to be controlled by Spirits who would exhibit so much violence, but would promptly send them from her presence. Scarcely had she uttered this declaration when she was seized by an uncontrollable influence and made to pick up the table and smash it upon the floor with so much violence as to brake it to pieces. This may have been a very satisfactory demonstration of the presence of an invisible and powerful agent outside of the medium, but whether it is desirable for a medium to be in a state which will admit that kind of an infringement upon her moral liberties, is a question which would, perhaps, be answered differently by different individuals.—Spiritual Telegraph.

FOREIGN NEWS.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.—No battle yet in the Baltic. The Russians are dismantling their fortresses on the island of Aland. Napier's fleet is still at Kioga Bay. Napier has issued the following address to the fleet:

“LADS: War is declared! We are to meet a bold and numerous enemy! Should they offer us battle, you know how to dispose of them! Should they remain in port we must try to get at them! Success depends upon the quickness and precision of your fire! Lads, sharpen your cutlasses and the day is your own!”

The allied fleets have entered the Black Sea, to effect a movement in conjunction with Omer Pasha. The fleets have steered for Varna.

The Empress and Russian Court are to be removed to Moscow as soon as hostilities commence in the Baltic.

It is confirmed that the Russians have crossed the Danube into Dobrudja. They are razing all the forts; but their general considered his situation so critical, that after crossing he immediately demanded re-enforcements from Bessarabia, Odessa, and even from Sevastopol. The Turks are falling back in good order upon Trajan's Wall.

The report is also confirmed that the Turks have beaten Gen. Ushakoff in Bessarabia, and forced him to fall back. At a point between Nicopolis and Rustchuck, the Turks have also crossed the Danube.

The English and French Governments have entirely rejected the proposals of the Czar, founded upon his letter to the King of Prussia, and brought by Prince George of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

The important announcement has been received of a violation of Servian Territory, by the Russians at Raderjevat.

Austria appears to be acting more in unison with the Western Powers, while Prussia is leaning more to Russia, although temporizing with both parties.

On the 9th the protocol re-defining the integrity of the Ottoman Territory was signed at Vienna by the Four Powers, including Prussia, but simultaneously therewith Prussia introduced into her mutual alliance treaty with Austria, conditions and limitations which would render the treaty a dead letter, and which Austria consequently refuses to accept. The military arrangements arising out of the proposed treaty have been referred to a Commission presided over by the Prince of Prussia.

Hanover sides with the Western Powers. All the minor German States, except Bavaria, do likewise, and will support Austria in forcing Prussia to declare herself, should the subject come before the Federal Diet.

The Independence Belge announces positively that a treaty of permanent alliance—offensive and defensive—had just been signed between France and England, independently of the treaties of the present war.

All Greeks who will not place themselves under the exclusive protection of the Porte, have been ordered by the Turkish Government to leave the Turkish territory within 15 days from March 30.

This expulsion, it is said, was determined on by the Porte contrary to the advice of the representatives of the Four Powers.

THE BALTIC, Apr. 12—Admiral Napier left Kioga Bay for Gothland, the report having been circulated that some of the Russian ports were opened, and that a Russian squadron was off Faroe. It is also reported that three American ships are somewhere in the Baltic, with stores for Russia, and an English steamer was dispatched after them.

All the allied fleet, excepting the Charlemagne steamer, were at Varna Bay on the 20th of March. Eight French line-of-battle ships and six steamers anchored east of Varna, and further east were ten English line-of-battle ships and six steamers.

All the marines of the fleets were to land to protect Varna.

Admiral Dundas had signalized his cruisers to take, burn and destroy everything. His fleets were in communication with the Turkish land force.

Prince Pashkiewitch arrived at Bucharest, Apr. 5. March 30 an important sally was made from Kalafat, and a sanguinary encounter of four hours' duration took place. The Russians were routed and were pursued for a considerable distance.

From March 30th to April 2d, there were engagements of greater or less severity.

It was reported that an important battle was fought near Kassova, from the 2d to the 4th of April, but the result was not stated. The Cyclops British war steamer arrived at Malta on the 7th with important news. The Turks purposely left a free passage for the Russians to Hirsova, and then attacked them in the rear. After a hard fight one half of the Russians were cut to pieces, and the remainder retired across the Danube. No date is given.

The Turks had evacuated the fortress of Czernavoda, in the Dobrudschа, which was shelled by the Russians.

It was further stated, without date, that 30,000 Russians had crossed at Galatchi, without opposition. The accounts of these occurrences are very confused.

From Malta, the 7th, it is stated that an English brig from the Danube, and the steamer Crescent, which was towing it, were fired into by the Russians. Another English brig, name unknown, laden with grain, was sunk by the Russian batteries on the Danube.

Gen. Canrobert, with 3,000 French troops, arrived at Constantinople, Apr. 3.

The declaration of war by France and England caused immense enthusiasm in Turkey.

St. Petersburg was illuminated, and a Te Deum sung in honor of the passage of the Danube.

GREEK INSURRECTION.—Accounts from Jajina of the 3d, announce that the Greek insurgents had been repulsed, and Argyro had been surrendered. Turkish re-enforcements had arrived at Tresava and Bola. The insurrection makes no progress. An Austrian note of remonstrance had been forwarded to Athens, holding the Greek Government liable for all mischief arising from the insurrection.

An insurrection had broken out at Bassin, in India. The Electric Telegraphs were progressing rapidly there.

LATER.—The relations between Austria and Russia were daily becoming more distant.

It was thought that Austria had proposed to Prussia a Germanic ultimatum, demanding the evacuation of the Danubian Principalities by Russia.

Advices from Odessa of Apr. 6, state that Omer Pasha has received instructions from Constantinople, to undertake no important operations until the arrival of the allied forces.

The English and French declarations of war were read to the troops at Kalafat on the 6th, and received with tremendous applause.

Accounts from Varna to Apr. 1, state that the British squadron, having landed the Turkish troops, proceeded in the direction of Sevastopol.

A large number of the English troops at Malta, had sailed in steamers for Constantinople.

A dispatch from Malta of Apr. 9, says, that it was reported at Constantinople that the Russians had been driven across the Danube.

Accounts from Copenhagen state that the Danish Minister of War had resigned, and that the naval armaments were on a larger scale than neutrality seemed to require.

SPIRITUALISM.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [Private Circles,] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Pet. ii, 1.

“When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thess. v, 3.

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,” &c. Chap. xviii, 2.

“Whose [Christ’s] coming is after [immediately following] the working of satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders.” 2 Thess. ii, 9.

“And shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matt. xxiv, 24.

Appointments.

By Editor

PROVIDENCE permitting we will hold meetings as follows:

Milan, O., May 5th, at 2 o’clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.

Jackson, Mich., the 11th, at 5 o’clock P. M.

Sylvan, the 12th, at 2 o’clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.

Locke the 19th, at 2 o’clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.

Appointments will be given for Wisconsin as soon as we hear from the brethren there. Ed.

Western Tour.

It is expected that there will be a general rally of the faithful to the Conferences in Sylvan and Locke. Bro. Loughborough designs to accompany us from Milan, to attend these Conferences with us.

Would it not be well for the scattered brethren to come together something on the plan of a Camp-meeting, bringing a trunk of provisions, and a few bed-clothes.

☞ We shall be prepared to supply our friends with publications at the Conferences in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. We hope they will be able to come to these meetings prepared to supply themselves with publications, and to help us in the expenses of the REVIEW.

Letters.

L. Barrows, J. N. Loughborough, E. Nichols, H. Lillis, J. Byington, M. Steere, J. S. C., E. Harris, J. N. Andrews, L. R. Chapel, S. W. Rhodes, J. Miraflo, J. Lindsey, E. Miller Jr., B. Clark, J. W. Marsh, T. Brown, D. B. Wyatt.

Receipts.

E. R. Seaman, a Friend, F. Baldwin, M. Alderton, R. D. Cushing, W. Holden, J. Slauson, R. Gorsline, Sr. Rogers, J. Peaslee, H. P. Elliot, L. Lockwood, K. S. Pettibone, each $1. D. W. Cartwright, N. Denison, W. Phillips, E. E. Hammond, E. Goodwin, each $2. E. Boyers, J. Place, each $3. C. C. Bodley $4. A Pilgrim and Stranger, R. G. Lockwood, C. B. Preston, each $5. J. Greaves, A. J. Richmond, A. Hazeltine, D. Aldrich, J. Aldrich, Jane Demarest, each $1,50. L. Bean, $0,60. B. R. Walworth, H. Aldrich, S. J. Gardner, each $0,50.—$39,84 behind on the REVIEW. For J. N. A.—E. Boyers, S. Bryant, each $1.