p. 48 | Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 6. (1/9/1866)

Earlier text: The Discussion In Portland, Me

Antichrist.

By H. C. Miller

THOSE who believe that our Saviour, "when he ascended on high, gave gifts unto men," giving "some apostles, some prophets," &c., "for the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," not only during the days of the twelve apostles, but "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ," are strengthened in that belief as they behold in the words of good men of undoubted piety, the manifestations of those gifts, especially that of prophesying, and see in the course of events their words fulfilled.

The following from Wm. Tyndale's "Parable of the Wicked Mammon," which I find in Hist. of Reformation, book xix, p. 739, is one of many such prophecies. It was written in the 16th century:

"Antichrist is not a man that should suddenly appear with wonders; he is a spiritual thing, who was in the Old Testament, and also in the time of Christ and the apostles, and is now, and shall (I doubt not) endure till the world's end. His nature is, when he is overcome by the word of God, to go out of the play for a season, and to disguise himself, and then to come in again with a new name and new raiment. The Scribes and Pharisees in the Gospel were very Antichrists. Popes, cardinals, and bishops have gotten their new names, but the thing is all one. Even so now, when we have uttered (vanquished) him, he will change himself once more, and turn himself into an angel of light."

The writer can only refer by this to the last great act in the play—the work of the two-horned beast, in erecting the image to the beast, and doing such miracles as to deceive them that dwell on the earth, enabling Satan to manifest himself as an angel of light.

The writer has chosen the language of the stage to illustrate his point, which will suggest other points to the reader. In the play there are many characters, but one "star." There are scene-shifters, and prompters, and property-men,—their business being to assist in the act, furnish the chief actors with assistance, whisper to them their parts when at fault, and furnish them with the required change of raiment.

Who are they? Without doubt the great "star" in the last act, is Spiritualism. And are not the lesser characters, those who sweep the stage, suggest the doctrines, move the scenes and furnish the garments, the fallen churches of to-day? Have they not by their doctrines, transported their immortal souls to a Heaven in such a way that Satan and his troop can personify them as if brought back and manifested unto the friends of the departed, to deceive and to lure them to destruction? Have they not in truth prepared the world for the last act, and furnished Antichrist with his change of raiment?

Reader, would you be safe from the fascinations of this tragedy? There is only one way: Receive the love of the truth that you may not be given over to believe a lie, and thus bring damnation upon yourself. H. C. MILLER. Chicago, Ill.

M. M. NELSON

By M. M. Nelson

From Sister Nelson.

BRO. WHITE: My heart is stirred within me to speak of God's goodness to me; and as I have not had the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith in some time, I would say a few words through our excellent paper, to the dear saints scattered abroad. While I see so much formality and mixing with the world in its ungodly practices among professors of religion, I am led to thank God that he has a people who separate themselves from these things, and who are willing to be peculiar; and as I see such unmistakable evidences that the Lord is working for his people, and preparing them for his heavenly garner, I rejoice that he, in his infinite goodness, has ever shown me his truth, and given me strength to obey it, though in much weakness and many short comings. He has borne with me, blessed be his name!

The Lord is doing great things for me in improving my health while trying to obey his laws. I feel that I have been a great sinner in the past, and brought sickness and disease upon myself, by wrong methods of living. I thank the Lord for the privilege I am enjoying here at "Our Home" in learning how to live. I desire to be sanctified through the whole truth, and preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord. I have had many precious seasons of communion with the Saviour here, and have found him precious in sickness and trouble. Oh how infinitely good he is to those that trust in him. I would call upon all that is within me to bless and praise his holy name. I desire to live more to his glory, and hope by his grace to be able to overcome and with all the dear children of God, inherit the promises.

M. M. NELSON

“Our Home,” Dansville, N. Y.

Prayer.

By W. J. M.

PRAYER prevails with God. Melancthon, it is said, was once sick, apparently near to death. Luther hastened to his friend. Kneeling by him, he devoutly prayed, "We implore thee, O Lord our God, we cast all our burdens on thee, and will cry till thou hearest us, pleading all the promises which can be found in the holy Scripture respecting thy hearing prayer." And seizing Melancthon's hand he said, "Be of good courage Philip, you shall not die." Soon Melancthon began visibly to revive, as though his spirit came again, and he was shortly restored to his usual health. Thus God hears and answers prayer. Let us pray without ceasing.—W. J. M. in American Messenger.

Letters.

By Editor

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

Communication From Bro. Gurney.

By H. S. Gurney

Bro. White: One inquiry with me is, to be found in the way of duty. I am inquiring the way to Zion. Sometimes I feel strong to meet opposing influences, at other times I fear I shall be overcome. But the promises of God are large and free, and sometimes by faith I can receive them and they look firm. I will try to hold fast whereunto I have attained, and press toward the mark. To lose our interest now in the truths so clearly laid out by the third angel, is to lose our interest in the kingdom of God. To listen to the instructions of our Saviour concerning the signs of his second coming by which we are led to see their application to the present generation, to arouse the church, to warn the world as did Noah; and then to take another track, is to lay the foundation for a final position with those who cry for rocks and mountains to fall on them when the signs shall re-appear to convince the world that what they have rejected was the truth. These are solemn thoughts, but must be true.

The Lord is long suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish. But his plan of preparing a people for his kingdom, can never be changed. The Bible deposited and preserved with men, has cost the blood of the Son of God. It should be read with great care and concern to know the truth.

I find much pleasure in the study of the Bible. But I tremble, while considering the solemn truths so clearly applying to the present generation. In the contemplation of future events, how glorious to look beyond the scenes of earth's last struggle under the power of darkness in the time of trouble such as never was, to the saints of God in triumph, to the city of gold, to the King in his beauty, to the earth made new, to LIFE ETERNAL.

A little while, and the angels who are now waiting for orders, will go forth to gather the elect. Then those who have held fast to the truth will rise to immortal life. I am striving to be there.

The church in Memphis are well united and seem anxious to know their duty under the influence of the third angel's message.

I am satisfied with my removal to this place. Am trying to make myself useful.

Yours in hope.

H. S. GURNEY.

Memphis, Mich.

Extracts from Letters.

Sister M. Starkweather writes from Port Allegany, Pa.: My interest is still with those that are keeping the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. I am striving to live the life of a Christian. I am alone in this place, no one of like faith living near. I am often persecuted, but not discouraged; for all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall have persecutions. Oh what are all our sufferings here compared with what Jesus has suffered for us. Let us go on a little longer with patience, and our sufferings will be over, and Jesus will come to redeem us from this sinful world. When I think of the joys to come I long to go to that better land, to walk the golden streets in the New Jerusalem, and wear the crown of bright glory that fadeth not away.

Bro. A. Wattles, sen., writes from Grand Haven, Mich.: According to the natural course of things, my stay in this world must be short, as I have now reached my eighty-third year; but I praise God for the blessed hope, which is sure and steadfast, entering into that within the vail. I hope with Job to behold my Redeemer for myself and not another. I have been a firm believer in the doctrine of our Saviour's personal, second and near appearing since 1843. Heard on the Sabbath question at the tent-meeting in Memphis, Mich., and soon became satisfied from searching the Scriptures on the subject, that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord and ought to be strictly observed. I thank God that I have found, or rather been found by a people of like precious faith.

Bro. N. H. Berry writes from Farmington, N. H., and speaks of a discourse recently delivered in that place against the Sabbath, by a Mr. Varney, which only strengthened the Sabbath-keepers in their position, as the speaker confounded the ceremonial law with the ten commandments. Sabbath-keepers generally, we are happy to say are too much enlightened, to be in the least touched by a person who is so blind as to see no distinction between the ceremonial law and moral law of ten commandments. The writer further says: "There are at this time ten of us here, who believe that the ten commandments are binding on God's people, and who are trying to get ready for the coming of Christ. We are poor in this world's goods; but we want to be rich in faith. We want some messenger to come this way and set forth the other side of the question, and hold up the truth."

Obituary Notices.

DIED in Paw Paw, Mich., Dec. 10, 1865, Isaac Brown, aged 78 years. Bro. Brown has long been a sufferer, still he had a hope that sustained him to the end. Funeral services Dec. 12, by the writer. P. STRONG.

DIED, in Wheeler, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1865, of consumption, Oscele Wheeler, son of sister Henrietta Wheeler, in the 22nd year of his age. We tried to labor with him faithfully for his salvation; and we think he sleeps in hope. His dying words were: "Lord be merciful to me, and take me from these sufferings. I am dying; meet me in Heaven." Funeral services by the writer. J. W. RAYMOND.

DIED, at Spring Lake, Minn., Bro. Wm. H. Hanna, aged 32 years. Bro. H. was converted under the labors of Bro. Ingraham, some 15 years ago. Nine years ago he commenced keeping the Sabbath, which he observed till his death. He sleeps by the side of his sister, both to come forth, when the Saviour appears. A. O. THOMPSON.

This Week's Review.

By Editor

We realize in some degree the important place the Review is designed to fill, being to very many, about the only source of religious instruction, outside of the Bible. It is therefore a matter of the utmost solicitude with us from week to week, to have each number contain something which will be for the profit of all. We desire it to go forth to its readers like a well-spread table, containing a healthful variety in which all may find something adapted to their wants, and spiritual food and nourishment which they can appropriate to their own Christian life. Such we trust the reader will find this number.

—The article, "The Antediluvians" contains good corroborative evidence of the light that has been given us through Spiritual Gifts. A good amount of testimony to the same effect has already been furnished; but let it come. We care not how strong the position is made.

—Our readers are perhaps very generally aware that the constitutional amendment in regard to slavery has become a law, as we publish this week, under the heading, "Slavery Abolished." In connection with this piece, read another headed, "The Shrew Untamed," and see what South Carolina considers the adoption of that amendment. As for the people of the Southern States, the hellish spirit of slavery is part and parcel of their being; and the leopard will sooner change his spots, than they cease to cherish it in their hearts. A good brother recently said to us, that he used to think it cruel in the children of Israel to exterminate the Canaanites as they did; but now said he, we have a practical illustration of this point, in the Southern rebellion. To get the spirit of slavery out of this nation, it will be necessary to wipe out of existence those former Southern slaveholders, men, women, and children. It is born and bred in them, and will die only when they die. He is right. It may be asked if this action of the government does not affect our view of the two-horned beast. Not at all. We believe that it is toward God's people, the visible church, that the lamb-like pretences and the dragon voice of this power is to be manifested. If we mistake not, we shall soon see enough to fulfill (which means to fill full) this specification.

—"Swine's Flesh," a genuine article from an unexceptionable source. If any of our brethren have laid in a good supply of pork, over which their mouths are watering in anticipation of many a rich and greasy repast the remainder of the winter, perhaps they had better not read it. It certainly will, or ought to, spoil their appetite for the "creature."

—If any think that their cross is too heavy, and that it is too much to give up the lusts of the flesh for Christ, let them read the exhortation from Bro. Matteson, "Why Tarried Thou," and consecrate themselves anew to the work of overcoming.

—The "Report from Tuscola" is cheering. Next to their embracing the truth, the best news we can hear from any church, is that they are "holding on."

—The article, "A Live Church," says to every other church, Go and do likewise. We should not be at all surprised if the brethren in Monterey were the first to avail themselves of Bro. Aldrich's "Enabling Act," and order a quantity of the "Circulating Libraries" as advertised in last week's Review!

—We give a piece of poetry this week from Sr. More, of Africa. She is keeping the Sabbath alone in that far-off land, at the risk of losing her position as a missionary teacher. Let her have the prayers and sympathy of the church.

—The great importance of giving heed to early religious impressions, as instanced in Bro. Goodrich's "Word of Admonition," should be carefully pondered by all the young.

—Other articles, such as "Scoffers in High Places," "What Does it Mean?" "The Gospel of the Kingdom," "Italy and the Papacy," &c., give the trumpet no uncertain sound. Look up and lift up your heads; for redemption is nigh.

"Christian cheer thee—land is nearing, Still be hopeful—nothing fearing, Soon in majesty appearing, You'll behold the Lamb once slain."

Bro. White at Home.

TUESDAY, Jan. 2, Bro. White and family arrived at this place, from Rochester, after a prosperous journey, which he endured remarkably well. He is reduced some fifty pounds in flesh, but yet we think stronger than when he left home. His principal difficulty now seems to be nervous dyspepsia of a severe type.

Sabbath, the sixth inst., he attended meeting and the Lord strengthened him to speak nearly three-quarters of an hour. As a church we were rejoiced to see him again in our midst, and hear from his lips the voice of prayer, and expressions of praise and thanksgiving. The congregation were affected to tears while he expressed to them the love he felt for the dear people of his charge here, and his hope and confidence in God for the future.

Evening after the Sabbath was another precious season to the church. Bro. White, relying on the strength of God, again met with us for the purpose of attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. Our hearts were truly made glad to have our dearly beloved brother again stand before us to present to our waiting hearts, the emblems of our Lord's broken body and spilled blood. Words can hardly express the joy we experienced in being thus favored on this solemn and interesting occasion. Praise the Lord.

God has wrought in Bro. White's behalf. The work of recovery is going forward, and will be accomplished fully. Of this we have no doubt. The point upon which our faith now lays hold is, that the work may be done speedily. We doubt not the brethren and sisters everywhere will continue to offer fervent and effectual prayer in his behalf.

To Correspondents.

By Editor

J. H. Rogers. Have forwarded your letter to Bro. Ingraham.

Articles Declined.

"Lines on the Death of P. S." Do not possess sufficient poetical merit for insertion; neither is the theology altogether sound.—"Thoughts on the Perfection and Perpetuity of the Law of God," Needs re-writing and condensing. We return it to the writer with marks on the first page, suggestive of the revision it should have.—The lines "Home," are too mechanical. Poetry is spoilt by words which are evidently brought in, merely to produce the rhyme.—"Joel's Prophecy." Though the positions taken, as we view them, are correct, yet we think it would not be well to set them before the public, without showing more fully the evidences on which they rest.

Articles Accepted.

Along the way.—Neglecting Means of Grace.—Sabbath-keeping a Greater Sin than Drunkenness.—I'll Risk it.

Further Reduction in Prices.

By Editor

IN No. 4, notice was given that the price of "How TO LIVE" was reduced to $1,00; and now we give notice of the following changes in the price of some other publications, viz. :

Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3 and 4, each, $0,60

Appeal to Youth, Bound, 40

" " Paper cover, 20

" " Without likeness, 10

Appeal to Mothers, 10

Sabbath Readings, in five pamphlets, 50

" " in twenty-five tracts, 40

See next publication column.

Agents having any of the above-named works on hand, are authorized to sell at the reduced rates, and those that were charged with the same, at the higher prices, are requested to give notice of the number on hand of each kind, that they may receive credit accordingly. J. M. A.

An Example.

SISTER Martha Wilcox of Watrousville, Mich., sends in a list of twenty-eight new subscribers for the Youth's Instructor and one new subscriber for the Review. Let other sisters do likewise. The Instructor at twenty-five cents a year, ought to be a regular visitor to many thousand families. J. M. A.

Thanks for Supporting Review Circulation

By J. M. A.

MANY thanks to those brethren and sisters who have responded to the recent call that was made in behalf of the circulation of the Review; also for the orders sent in for the books that were advertised for Christmas and New Year.

Labor on, brethren; the field is still open. J. M. A.

Business Department.

By Editor

Business Notes.

I J HOWELL: Where is J P Jennings Post Office Address?

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

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Subscriptions at the Rate of $3,00 per year

Dr J F Byington $3,00, 29-1, Mrs O T Boothe $3,00, 29-4, B F Bradbury $3,00, 30-1.

Books Sent By Mail.

S G Davis 25c, J W Lonsdale 25c, Mrs F Glascock 34c, A D Rust 15c, Mrs E Chadwick $1,10, P Potter $1,91, H Loomis 50c, L H Winslow 50c, A H Robinson $2,25, W D Dickinson $1,00, W Haskins $1,35, E Thompson 25c, H C Merriam 25c, I D Chaffee 25c, M L Maxson 17c, E Edson $1,00, Z K Stetson 60c, A Ridgway 15c, J Coal $1,35, N Bisbee 58c, L C Tolhurst 57c, J Eggleston $1,00, E Livingston 50c.

Books sent by Express.

H E Carver, Marion, Linn Co. Iowa, $2,00. H W Decker, Monroe, Green Co. Wis., $20,00.

Cash Received on Account.

I D Van Horn $2,25.

Gen. Conf. Missionary Fund.

E Thompson $2,75, E M L Cory (deceased) $7,50, Mrs A F Stansell 50c.

Michigan Conference Fund.

H L Smith 50c.

For Bro. White.

I J Howell $1,00.

For Bro. Loughborough.

J Sawyer $2,50, I J Howell $1,00.

To Pay Expenses on Draft Publications.

A D Rust $1.

Appointments.

By request of the General Conference Committee, I go immediately to Iowa to labor a few weeks with Bro. Ingraham in that Conference, after which I will visit Money Creek, Ill., and Talton, Wis., of which I will try to give due notice in the Review. Pray for me dear brethren, that God may give me a successful tour. ISAAC SANBORN. Jan. 1, 1866.

THE Seventh-day Adventist church of Stowe, Vt., will meet in Quarterly Meeting, Sabbath, January 27. We hope to see a general attendance of brethren and sisters from other churches.

Cannot Bro. A. C. Bourdeau or some other messenger arrange to meet with us. F. GOULD, Clerk.