p. 143 | Review and Herald, Vol. 24, No. 18. (9/27/1864)

"The Hope of Israel."

By Editor

SUCH is the title of a paper issued very irregularly once in two weeks in Van Buren Co., Mich. This sheet has now reached its 18th number; and as quite an effort is being made to circulate it, east and west, and it may be brought to the attention of some who would be taken unawares by this movement, it becomes necessary that we say a word concerning it, to save the honest from deception. To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and we should be recreant to duty did we not put the honest on their guard against every movement which we perceive to be based in hypocrisy, and calculated to mislead and deceive. But we do not propose to enter into any war with this sheet, nor to indulge in any spirit of railery against it, but only to state a few facts which will serve to show to those who wish to walk in the light, the character and object of this movement.

When any new enterprise is started, like the issuing of a new paper, it always has in view some definite object; and more generally it is claimed that some new advancement in truth, or some new development of light, which others have not got, and will not receive, demands its publication. We have therefore been watching somewhat closely, to see what reason would be assigned by the publishers of the Hope for their movement. These persons profess to be Sabbath-keepers and Adventists. What, then, do they have which they could not have with the regular body of S. D. Adventists? and what is accomplished by their paper that is not by the Review?

Only two peculiarities have we been able to perceive in their paper. The first is, a wonderful jargon in the sentiments of the writers; and second, a wonderful harmony and bitterness in opposing the visions of sister White. And this is their bond of union; for it seems to be the only point on which there is union among them. It is negative, not positive. S. D. Adventists already have too much for them, or more than they can endure; hence their movement is not an advance to some new truth which we have not reached, but a receding from something that we already possess.

But these persons, some of them, profess to believe in the gifts of the Spirit. A portion of the writers strenuously exhort their readers to "come behind in NO gift" (the emphasis is theirs); while others as strenuously denounce all gifts of these days as emanating from the Devil. A question here arises as follows: With those of them who believe that the gifts of the Spirit are to be manifested in the church in these days, what is the trouble with sister White's visions? Oh, they are not the right kind of manifestations! They condemn some of their cherished notions or habits, to which, with them, everything must yield.

To illustrate: The prime mover in this work was formerly in sympathy with the body of S. D. Adventists. He professed faith in the visions, so far as we knew. He wanted to preach the message. Through vision it was shown, in substance, that until he could overcome his appetite for tobacco, and rule his own house, he had no duty to go forth as an example of purity to lead people to the truth, and to take a ruling position in the church of Christ. His subsequent course has shown that two determinations were paramount with him; the first was that he would use tobacco, and the second was, that he would preach. There was therefore no alternative left him but to bolt against the visions, which he accordingly did. Under the promptings of that spirit he inaugurated the movement which has resulted in the publication of "The Hope (?) of Israel," as above stated. Other tobacco spirits, we speak from information, not being personally acquainted with them, have joined in, and disaffected Sabbath-keepers are being picked up, east and west, and so the work moves on. Among the appointments of their last issue, we notice a conference to be held by them in Portland, Me., Nov. 3, next.

What is especially to be deplored in this matter is, that a person unacquainted with the two classes of Sabbath-keepers, would not be able to distinguish between them; inasmuch as this faction keep the Sabbath, practise the washing of feet, and profess the Advent faith; hence, whatever follies and fanaticism they may possess or exhibit, will fall, in the eyes of those who might otherwise perhaps be favorably impressed with the truth, as a stigma upon the whole body. They give themselves the imposing title of "God's free commandment keepers!" Free to do what? Free to reject the visions and use tobacco, is all the freedom we are aware of, that is peculiar to them. No gift can be developed among them which does not accord with their own feelings and views; for whatever does not do this, will be as speedily and fiercely rejected as the visions of sister White. But a gift to be of any benefit to us, should be something which would correct us, not something which we are to correct by our own already established habits and pre-conceived notions.

Many of our readers will be reminded by this statement of the so-called "Messenger party," which ran its brief and ignominious race about nine years ago. That movement like this, was based in, and supported by, opposition to the visions of sister White. That work was speedily brought to naught, under God's signal disapprobation. Those who were engaged in it, with the exception of a few who have returned either partially or fully to their first love, have given up the Sabbath and made utter shipwreck of their faith. We are astonished, therefore, to see the names of any who had in any degree recovered from the errors of the former movement, associated as leaders, elders, or abettors, in this. All we can say is, If they have learned nothing by their past experience, let them go on till they do.

Meanwhile, brethren and sisters, let us be awake to the increasing perils of the last days that are upon us. The elements of opposition in all departments are at work. Let us earnestly seek a deeper work of consecration to God, and cleave fast to the great principles of present truth, which are to bring out a peculiar people, sanctify them, as they render obedience to it, and prepare them for translation at the coming of the Saviour.

The "Vision of a Poor Mortal."

By Editor

IN relation to the change of time in commencing the Sabbath, from six o'clock to sunset, which was adopted by S. D. Adventists nine years ago, we have expressly stated that the article which was published expressive of our change of views on that point, based on the authority of the word of God, was written before anything was shown in vision concerning it. Notwithstanding this, Eld. Himes informs his readers that the "difference was reconciled, not by the word of God, but a vision of a poor mortal like ourselves, and of no more authority than the visions of others."

This strikes us as rather a singular way in which to speak of this subject, and hence we make a note of it. Should God choose to give a vision at the present day, for the benefit of his people, whom would he use, but a "poor mortal?" It is not usual we believe for angels to come down to have visions for our benefit; and indeed we can think of no vision that has been given to instruct the human family, except through some member of that family. Jeremiah, Daniel, and John, were all "poor mortals" like ourselves, and doubtless, the Jews could have retorted upon them with the same warmth, and in the same language that is used by Eld. H.

The only question is, is the manifestation given by the Spirit of God? God has promised to give visions in the last days, and he has mentioned no other beings through whom to give them, except "poor mortals like ourselves." Therefore if we are to have visions at all, we must take them through these means. Does Eld. H. mean to be understood that every vision of a poor mortal now-a-days, originates from that mortal, or from some more knavish source? If so, the prophecy comes up for him to dispose of, that in the last days God's Spirit should be poured out, and as a consequence, visions be seen.

But says he, the "vision of a poor mortal like ourselves," is "of no more authority than the visions of others." What may this mean? Who are the "others" referred to? We were not aware that visions were getting to be so plenty. And certainly it cannot be that reference is made so far back as to those poor mortals who were "abundant in revelations," at least between the years A. D. 31 and 96.(!) The only question is, as above stated, Is the manifestation given by the Spirit of God? If it is, it is puerile to quibble over the instrument. And if it is, moreover, it is of "authority." But how shall we test them? Answer. The word of God is the standard. "To the law and to the testimony." The Spirit and the word will in all ages agree. And when any gift appears, at the time specified in the word, and in the manner therein laid down, and agreeing in its matter with the word, on what ground shall we condemn it? We cheerfully invite an application of this test to the visions received among S. D. Adventists.

The Cause.

By James White

REVIEW No. 15 has come, and although its outward appearance is very bad owing to the necessity of using a very inferior quality of paper, yet the reading matter is good, full of life, and exceedingly cheering to those who really love the cause. Probably we hail it with greater delight being from the Office, and knowing nothing of its subject matter, till the printed sheet was before us. We congratulate the readers of the Review in their happy weekly reception of the precious sheet.

No. 15 shows a living interest in the cause, and an encouraging increase of subscribers. Seventy in one week! Cheering indeed! This all shows that the cause is onward.

The brethren with God's help are doing a good work in Maine. Bro. Sanborn reports progress in Minnesota, and God has greatly blest the labors of our youthful fellow-soldiers, brethren Van Horn and Canright, who have labored with the Michigan Tent. Near one hundred souls have embraced the present truth under their labors the past summer. May God make these Davids strong in him.

The friends of the cause have much to encourage them. Preachers who leave all to battle for the truth, should be strong in hope and faith. And those who labor for God with their hands to obtain means to carry on this work, will be very happy on receiving the good news of progress which each week's Review brings them. So, brethren, let us rejoice in the Lord. Again I say, rejoice! God lives and reigns in the cause of truth. Men of professed piety may oppose it, hate it, sneer at it, and labor to crush it and its humble advocates; yet all who receive the love of the truth, and seek to honor the truth in their lives, will be recognized by the God of truth as his special treasure.

Now, brethren, is our time to do good. Our rest and rejoicing will come in due time, if we spend all these moments as we should. These times are perilous; but God looks right on, and sees all our dangers and wants, and will take care of those who trust in him, in the performance of their duty.

These times call for action. Ministers should consecrate all to God and his cause. Worldly considerations cannot hold the man whom God has called, and laid upon his soul the burden of the work.

And those who are called of God to sustain the cause with their means, and seek to do their duty, will act well their part. There are as truly called of God to act their part, as ministers are called of God to act theirs. They should work as hard as the minister, and vice versa. They should be as ready to suffer privation as the minister, and vice versa. In the final settlement "every man," not minister only, will be rewarded according to his works. Those who tarry by "the stuff," will share in the spoil equally with those who go out to battle. If in the way of duty they work for God at home, they will share the approving smiles of the Lord here, and finally receive a reward equal to those who go forth as ministers of Jesus.

Brethren and sisters, it is a mistaken idea that ministers only can work for God, and that they alone

will by and by receive nearly all the reward of well doing. You all have a work to do.

1. Good example is most powerful preaching. The popular religion of the day is of an unequal compound of example and precept of about five to one hundred. Discerning skeptics see this, and are disgusted. Good example on your part will appeal to such with a secret, yet tremendous power.

2. Many of you are possessed of good reasoning powers, and affable manners, which qualify you for family preaching from house to house. While some are coarse, blunt, uncultivated, harsh, irritable, contentious, and destitute of real piety and good manners, most of you, with a little effort in the way of practice, would make eminently good fire-side preachers. You should always carry with you a good selection of our smaller works, so that what you cannot talk, you can leave with your friends to read. Then get them to subscribe for the Review and Instructor if possible. God and his cause call for thousands of just such workers. Why stand ye here all the day idle? Brethren and sisters, the day is far spent. Why not at once enter the vineyard?

3. You hold in your hands the means necessary to sustain the cause in its several departments. True, many of you pay the small sums required by our system of benevolence, as it is called, while others do not come up even to this. Some of you are getting rich, yet you do not change your old figures of benevolence. As the currency depreciates, your real estate and finances rises hundreds and thousands, and for labor and produce you obtain double or more; yet you cheat the Lord by paying into the treasury your depreciated paper money, worth forty cents on a dollar, to meet figures set down in the church s. b. book, before the war, when a dollar bill was worth one dollar. Many of these brethren are becoming wealthy. And they are in perplexity about their money. They are at a loss to know where to invest it. Perhaps they build houses, for which they have no use, barns, or stores, at present extreme prices for labor and material, simply because they do not know what to do with their money.

We would exhort all such to first bring their s. b. figures where they should be, and then, second, to take stock liberally in the charitable objects, and various enterprises to advance the cause.

The Eastern Mission is of great importance. It has succeeded far beyond our expectations. Already four preachers, whom we hope will in due time prove to be efficient laborers, have joined the Sabbath ranks, and church after church is being raised up in quick succession. Brethren Cornell and Loughborough are toiling to the utmost, and God is with them. The openings to labor, and calls for help, are very many more than they can fill. Those men, as well as all others who work faithfully and efficiently in the cause, should be well sustained.

One year since we made an appeal in behalf of the Eastern Mission. And to encourage liberal donations we gave one hundred dollars for the mission. We expected this would be followed by the friends of the cause in proportion to their ability. But we have been surprised and somewhat disheartened to find that only about two thousand dollars have been raised, so that among the hundreds of brethren and sisters who are able to do manifold more than we are able to do, we have been left to do about one-twentieth of the entire sum. And it may be well to state that we were not in the least benefited by this fund. We paid from our own purse the entire expense of our family to and from Maine last fall and winter, their board, and the heavy expenses in consequence of the sickness and death of our eldest son, so far from home. These are the circumstances, dear friends under which we cheerfully paid the sum of one hundred dollars into the treasury for the Eastern Mission. And we have been disappointed, surprised, disheartened and ashamed to see our example followed by men who can do five dollars to our one, by donations for the Missionary Fund of two, five, and in a few instances ten or twenty dollars! Many of our wealthy churches, contented to a man with the small sums of systematic benevolence, if they have done anything for this fund, have taken from their s. b. funds the small sums of two, twenty or fifty dollars for the whole church.

Knowing that the missionary fund was nearly or quite exhausted, we again called the attention of the friends of the cause to the necessity of liberality in that direction, and led off with the small sum of $25. This, with the official statement of the Gen. Conf. Committee has turned a few dribblets into the treasury. It is extremely embarrassing to make these statements concerning our people, of whose benevolence, God-fearing, and well-doing, we have spoken in praise. But it seemed necessary under existing circumstances to bring out the facts before the face of the people plainly, that they may see their stingy offerings, and stinted liberalities, which are, at the coming of the Master, to meet their reward. We hope these remarks will do good. And the best proof that they have accomplished good, will be to see in the Review receipts from persons and churches, of fives, tens, twenty-fives, fifties and hundreds, for the Missionary Treasury. Suppose the treasury should be full, and overflow? What harm in that? It is in the care of three men of ability, piety and strict economy. The Gen. Conf. Committee, the choice of the entire body of Sabbath-keepers, have the control of these funds. The Devil knows better than to raise the cry of speculation, now as order is established among us; but he would have a jubilee to see the treasury drained, and our missionaries come home destitute and discouraged.

We wish here to state, that our intense anxiety for the prompt accomplishment of enterprises, such as the Association fund, and the relief of ministers in providing them homes, has induced us to lead off with donations far beyond our real ability. If it be inquired, How have you been able to do this? we answer, By loading our trunks, when out on preaching tours, with Bibles and books of various kinds, and becoming a traveling merchant, in connection with the duties of a minister, and the vast amount of office business, and in pursuing the same energetic course when at home. It has been double, and sometimes triple labor, that has brought into our hands means by which we could set examples, to be so slowly and stintingly followed. The sequel thus far is, you are laying up treasures on earth, while we have been growing worn and old, two years in one. And we wish here to state, at the age of forty-three, we design to content ourselves with doing one man's work. If the friends of the cause, think our services of sufficient value to give us a support, in so doing, we shall, from choice, give up all separate interests in business, and do what we can for the interest of the Association, and the cause generally. We are happy to state that our circumstances are very comfortable and respectable, for which we can thank God, and our own energetic business tact. We would not appear ungrateful for the many kind favors from dear friends since we have been connected with the cause. But it is our privilege to here state, that for every dollar we have received as a gift, we have given during this time ten dollars.

For the future we design to pay tithes of all we possess, and labor proper hours, seek for the restoring influence of rest for ourselves and over-worked family, and give ample chance for those who have a zeal for the Lord to lead off in the liberal enterprises of the cause. Only this one privilege we claim, of paying ten dollars to each efficient minister who shall be drafted from among us, to help him pay the $300.

God is raising up young men among us to labor for him, and those advanced and worn, should give them room to fight the battles of the Lord.

We like Bro. Gurney's $5 response to "What shall be done?" This brother is a hard laborer, worth about one thousand dollars of our depreciated dollars. We hope $5000 worth of just such responses will come right along. Not from the s. b. funds, but, like Bro. G.'s donation, from individual wallets.

The Association needs ten tons of paper. That amount should be put into the cellar this fall, and will cost at least $5000. If all the professed friends of the cause would donate in proportion to their means, as Bro. G. has done, the sum would be sufficient to obtain twenty tons of paper at present prices. A little more than a year since, we purchased twelve tons at three-fifths of present prices. That is nearly all used, and the Association has not money to purchase another lot.

What shall be done? Shall we raise on publications? Present prices will a little more than meet all other expenses excepting paper. Will the friends supply the Association with paper through this time of high prices by donations? Let ministers and people respond. Something must be done without delay. If prices are raised, the circulation of our papers and books will be decreased, and the responsibility will rest upon those whom God has called to sustain this work. It is for you to say what shall be done. We believe it would please God to have his people cast into the treasury $5000 for this object, and as much more for Missionary labor. And we solemnly believe it would be paid back to them in full measure, in the increase of their lands, their cattle, their business, and good health. "Give," said the Lord, "and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over."

Brethren, we have set before you true objects of benevolence. Money placed here will tell for the cause. There can be no failure. This is a certainty. Yet many will not realize it. You would sooner donate to the soldier's tract fund, where all is untried and uncertain, than to support our missionaries, who labor with a certainty, and report great success weekly. Some of you would sooner donate for a mission to China or Greenland, without the least hope of success, than to help support ministers in our own land who are yearly turning hundreds to the truth. May God pity the inquiring soldier, and may some successful plan be hit upon to furnish our publications for the hospital and military camp. But as yet there has been no other opening only individual effort of those who have friends in the army.

We say, let the Steam Press perpetually groan, and cast forth its increased copies of papers and tracts and books for the people. Give us paper, Christian friends, or the means with which to purchase it, and you shall have publications at present prices by the cart load.

Under present circumstances, it will not be a matter of surprise if but very few persons are willing to receive the Review for half price, which is only forty cents of real money for a year's subscription. Let all with cheerful hearts and ready hands act well their part, and theirs will be the exceeding joy of seeing the cause move forward.

J. W.

Prepare to Spread the Light.

By John Norton Loughborough

In this time, when men's minds are filled with the world and most everything but the love of truth, the direction of Christ, to search the Scriptures, is important; and yet the bare reading of the words by some in this fast age, produces unpleasantness. "What!" they ask, "have I to stop and study, and carefully search the Bible to know God's will? It might be a pleasing task if I was not so much hurried, but I hav'n't time." Some say, "I suppose we might see the glorious truths of God's word sooner than we do, if we prayerfully searched for them, but I wait for the Lord to lead me along and open the truth to my understanding."

These very remarks were made to me a few days since. My thoughts at once reverted to the Saviour's words, "Search the Scriptures." While meditating on this subject to-day, and trying with help to heed this injunction, the following testimony of Bishop Horsley taken from his comments on the 97th Psalm, fell under my observation; and it seems so good, I give it to the readers of the Review.

"It should be a rule with every one, who would read the Holy Scriptures with advantage and improvement, to compare every text which may seem either important for the doctrine it may contain, or remarkable for the turn of the expression, with the parallel passages in other parts of Holy Writ; that is, with the passages in which the subject matter is the same, the sense equivalent, or the turn of the expression similar. These parallel passages are easily found by the marginal references. . . . It is incredible to any one, who has not in some degree made the experiment, what a proficiency may be made in that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation, by studying the Scriptures in this manner, without any other commentary

or exposition than what the different parts of the Sacred Volume mutually furnish for each other.

"I will not scruple to assert that the most illiterate Christian, if he can but read his English Bible, and will take pains to read in this manner, will not only attain all that practical knowledge which is necessary to his salvation; but, by God's blessing, he will become learned in everything relating to his religion in such a degree, that he will not be liable to be misled either by the refined arguments or by the false assertions of those who endeavor to engraft their own opinions upon the oracles of God. He may safely be ignorant of all philosophy, except what is to be learned from the sacred books; which indeed contain the highest philosophy, adapted to the lowest apprehension. He may safely remain ignorant of all history, except so much of the history of the first ages of the Jewish and of the Christian church, as is to be gathered from the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments. Let him study these in the manner I recommend, and let him never cease to pray for the illumination of that Spirit by which these books were dictated; and the whole compass of abstruse philosophy, and recondite profound history, shall furnish no argument with which the perverse will of man shall be able to shake this learned Christian's faith. The Bible, thus studied, will indeed prove to be what we, Protestants, esteem it—a certain and sufficient rule of faith and practice, a helmet of salvation, which alone may quench the fiery darts of the wicked."

Not only is the above true of those who search the Bible, but still greater proficiency may be made by the use of such simple and easy helps as are offered for sale at the Review Office. The Bible Atlas spread out before you as you read of the journeyings of the Israelites, of the mission of Christ, or of the travels of St. Paul, will give you a good idea of the geography of the old world, at the same time that you are storing your minds with sacred truths. The Bible Dictionary will give you a flood of information on ancient customs, habits, dress, &c., which will help you again to a clearer understanding of those texts which make use of customs and articles which are not now in use. Above all, there are all the carefully and prayerfully written books and publications of the Office, especially calculated to post you on the great theme of the Lord's coming, and preparation for the event, by obeying the messages which are to prepare us for it.

Brother, or sister, have you these works by you? "Well," how often do we have it answered, "I read it several years ago, but I have not got it now. I wanted one the other day to give to a man I was talking with, but I didn't have it. I must get one sometime." I think you ought to have a full assortment of publications by you all the time if you are able. If not, better work an extra hour or two each week to get means to buy these helps to learn the truth. Then, when your neighbors inquire about your faith, you have the documents to help them with. May be they will gladly buy a book. If not, if they desire to read, give them one. "Ye are the light of the world." Don't leave all your materials for making and disseminating light so far off that you cannot disseminate light when a sudden demand is made for it. Search the Scriptures. Post up yourself, and be prepared to scatter light and truth to others.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Topsham, Me., Sept. 19, 1864.

Wish of a Good Man.

By Dr. Sharpe

I WOULD rather, when I am laid in the grave, that some one in his manhood should stand over me and say, "There lies one who was a real friend to me, and privately warned me of the dangers of the young. No one knew it, but he aided me in the time of need. I owe what I am to him." Or would rather have some widow with choking utterance telling her children, "There lies your friend and mine. He visited me in my affliction, and found you my son, an employer, and found you my daughter, a happy home in a virtuous family." I would rather that such persons should stand at my grave, than to have erected over it the most beautiful sculptured monument of Parian or Italian marble. The heart's broken utterance of reflections of past kindness, and the tears of grateful memory shed upon the grave, are more valuable in my estimation, than the most costly cenotaph ever reared.—Dr. Sharpe.

The Souls Under the Altar.

By B. F. Snook

"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice saying, How long O Lord holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. And white robes were given unto every one of them, and it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled." Rev. vi, 9-11. This scripture is looked upon by the believers of the immortality of the soul, as being clear and unmistakable proof of the truth of that dogma. We will give a brief and critical examination of this text in which we will show that so far from its teaching the immortality of the soul and man's consciousness in death, it teaches just the opposite view. We will notice,

1. That these souls are not said to be immortal nor of a never-dying nature.

2. Their place. Where are they seen? The popular theory says, in Heaven; for all the righteous go to Heaven as soon as they die. The text however does not give us any intimation that they were in Heaven. It merely says they were under the altar. The altar is a place of sacrifice. Is there such a place in Heaven? If so, then these souls are in Heaven under it; and if so, they cannot be around the throne of God praising his name, as the immortal-soul advocates would have us believe. But this altar is not in Heaven: Dr. A. Clarke gives us a good note upon this point. He says: "A symbolical vision was exhibited in which he saw an altar; and under it the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God, martyred for their attachment to Christianity, are represented as being newly slain as victims to idolatry and superstition. The altar is upon earth, not in Heaven." John saw these souls in prophetic vision under the earth or the altar. They are the martyrs who were put to death by the popes from the assumption of their power in A. D. 538, to the Reformation by Luther.

3. It is objected that as they are represented as crying with a loud voice, therefore these are immortal souls and in a state of conscious existence. This conclusion does not follow legitimately from the premise. We will show that this argument proves too much. God said to Cain, "The voice of thy brother's blood cried unto me from the ground." Gen. iv, 10. Habakkuk says, "For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it." Chap. ii, 11.

The above argument would prove that as the blood of Abel spoke from the ground, and as the stone and beam of timber spoke out of the wall, that therefore they are all conscious. It proves too much and hence proves nothing. This is a figure of speech, often used in the Scriptures, in which life is attributed to an inanimate object.

4. White robes were given to every one of them. A. Clarke says on this, "The emblems of purity, innocence and triumph."

5. We will now prove most clearly that these souls had been killed, and hence there is no possibility of their having been immortal. It was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season until their fellow servants and their brethren also that should be killed as they were (killed), should be fulfilled. These souls were therefore killed. An immortal soul cannot be killed; therefore these were not immortal souls.

This is one of the strongest texts supposed to favor that theory; but it fails to do so; and if it fails, we may justly conclude that upon a fair examination the rest will all fail in like manner, and testify in harmony with God's word, that God only hath immortality, 1 Tim. vi, 16, and hence that man does not now possess it; that it is neither brought to light in man's creation nor by pagan philosophers, but by our Lord Jesus Christ through the gospel, 2 Tim. i, 10. If man would have immortality he must seek for it. Rom. ii, 7.

If he does patiently seek for it, he will put it on in the resurrection at the last trump, when the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed. 1 Cor. xv, 51, 54. B. F. SNOOK.

God's Love and Care.

"LIKE as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."—Bible.

Blessed thought—and how expressive of the love and care of our Heavenly Father for the children of his kingdom on earth. Truly heart-cheering it is for his servants to remember, when borne down by the weight of affliction—when ready to sink in the waters of adversity—when disheartened and discouraged from the fiery ordeals through which they are called to pass—whatever their avocation and wherever their home,—the God of Heaven is not unmindful of them. We are glad to feel that we have the sympathies of our fellow-

creatures—but should not the remembrance that the Infinite, in all the ills that befall us from the errors of our sin-depraved natures, and from the persecutions of a fallen world, lends a pitying ear to our cries of sorrow and is ever ready to bind up the broken, penitent heart?

Let us trust Him—coming to Him in the way of His appointments,—and we shall learn by happy experience that He not only pities, but will shield us from the power of our adversaries, bring us safely through life's pilgrimage, and give us an inheritance where all will be well.

Consolation.

By Adelaide A. Proctor

WHAT seems so dark to thy dim sight May be a shadow—seen aright— Making some brightness doubly bright.

The flash that struck thy tree—no more To shelter thee—let heaven's blue floor Shine where it never shone before.

The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain May echo on some far-off plain, And guide a wanderer home again.

Fail—yet rejoice, because no less The failure that makes thy distress May teach another full success.

It may be that in some great need Thy life's poor fragments are decreed To help build up a lofty deed.

Thy heart should throb in vast content, Thus knowing that it was but meant As chord in one great instrument.

That even the discord in thy soul May make completer music roll From out the great harmonious whole.

[Adelaide A. Proctor.

Report from Bro. Snook.

By B. F. Snook

According to appointment, we began lectures at Hickory Grove School-house, near Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 16, and gave twenty-two lectures. Our congregations soon increased so that the house would not hold the people. We then moved to the grove, which we occupied day and night to the close of the meeting.

The people listened with great interest, and many were convinced that these things are true; but owing to the greatness of the cross, but four decided to go with us; however we still hope for several more.

Bro. Hare whose name appeared in the Review some time ago, is now fully with us, and was baptized. We have great hopes that the seed sown will find good ground in some of the many hearts that heard. May the Lord attend the word with his Spirit's power.

We enjoyed the meeting much. Our good brethren and sisters of Liberty church were very faithful in their attendance, and aided us much by prayer and singing. May God reward them.

B. F. SNOOK.

Note from Bro. Hutchins.

By A. S. Hutchins

BRO. WHITE : I have jnst returned home from Pot-ton, C. E., where we enjoyed a very good season with the brethren and sisters from that vicinity, last Sabbath and first-day. We were glad to meet Bro. and sister D. T. Bourdean here.

On first-day, a goodly nnmber of friends came ont to hear, and attentively listened to the word spoken. One Advent sister gave us enconragement that hereafter she should, by assisting grace, keep the Sabbath of the Lord. May the love of God constrain others to keep all his commandments, "for his commandments are not grievous."

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Sept. 19, 1864.

"He Ever Liveth to Make Intercession for Us."

WORDS of sweetness! Precious to the believer's heart. Glorious as were the death and resurrection of Jesus, his work for the sinner would not have been complete without his continued intercession.

Let each one bring the subject home to his own case. What would you do, Christian brother or sister, if, after rejoicing that your sins were pardoned for the sake of God's dear Son—in virtue of the blood he shed on Calvary, you should become conscious of some departure from the way of holiness which you had so lately commenced, and at the same moment, the awful truth should flash upon your mind, I have no Intercessor! No one to stand between my soul and my offended God! Atonement has once been made, but that gracious Being can never offer such costly sacrifice again; the only blood which could avail with God will never again be poured out. O my soul, what hast thou done! Thou art fallen from the favor of him who has power to perfect thee in eternal bliss, but thou art lost, for ever lost!

No words can depict nor imagination enter into the unutterable woe of such a soul, rendered only the more intense and dreadful by the holy peace which, just before, had pervaded its secret chambers. And this all for one sin; what then for every additional one, until an innumerable multitude which no man could number, had been added to the list! But the compassionate Christ has not thus left our weak and sinful nature without hope,—without a complete, a finished redemption: so that every humble, contrite spirit may bless his name with joy and sing,—

"Look up, my soul, with cheerful eye; See where the great Redeemer stands, The glorious Advocate on high, With precious incense in his hands. "He sweetens every humble groan; He recommends each broken prayer; Recline thy hope on Him alone, Whose power and love forbid despair."

Extracts from Letters.

Sister M. M. Osgood writes from Olcott, N. Y.: I have reason to believe that our great enemy is not asleep, nor on a journey, but present and vigilant as ever. Our Helper has broken the strong fetters the foe had thrown over me, and now he tries invisible silken threads. Yet I am not discouraged; for by the aid of the Spirit and the word, I am enabled to discover them, and through faith they are severed before permanently fastened. I am convinced more and more, that the time has come when God's people must seek earnestly for holiness of heart. I know that we may so trust in God, that the wicked one shall not have power to cause us to sin. He will, if we constantly seek his aid, make a way of escape from any temptation. That we may all be sanctified wholly, and preserved blameless till Jesus comes, is my prayer.

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