p. 21 | Review and Herald, Vol. 35, No. 3. (1/11/1870)

The Order of Events in the Judgment.

NUMBER TEN.

When Paul says in Rom. 2:6, that God “will render to every man according to his deeds,” he adds in the next verse this important statement: “To them who by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life.” Now it is manifest that this work of rendering to every man according to his deeds can only be wrought after the examination of those deeds in the judgment. It must be in consequence of the decision of the judgment that the things promised are rendered to men. It is also evident that the gift of immortality is one of the things thus rendered. As the righteous receive this gift in the very act of being resurrected from the grave, it is certain that the decision of the judgment passes upon them before the voice of the archangel and the trump of God awaken them to immortal life.

This part of the judgment work takes place where our Lord finishes his priesthood; for his last work as priest is to secure the acquittal of his people, and to obtain the decision that their sins shall be blotted out. We have learned from the Scriptures that the heavenly temple has two holy places. A further examination will evince the fact that there are two parts to the ministration of Christ; and that his last work is at the tribunal of his Father, in the tabernacle of the testimony, where it is determined who shall receive immortality.

The Levitical priests served “unto the EXAMPLE and SHADOW of heavenly things.” Heb. 8:5. The most important part of the service pertaining to the earthly sanctuary was that which was performed within the second apartment on the tenth day of the seventh month. Lev. 16. This is generally considered as typifying the events of the whole gospel dispensation. But we think the evidence conclusive that this chapter is a typical representation of that part of our Lord’s work which is embraced in the hour of God’s judgment, or in the days of the voice of the seventh angel when he begins to sound.

The sixteenth chapter of Leviticus is devoted solely to the work of finishing the yearly round of service in the earthly sanctuary. This was wrought on the great day of atonement, and was of the most impressive character. First, the high priest was solemnly admonished that he was such only in a typical sense and not such in reality. For on this day, which was by far the most impressive of all, and when he entered the most holy place of the sanctuary, he must put on the plainest and humblest dress; laying aside that splendid dress which the law prescribed for him to wear on other occasions. Lev. 16:4, compared with Ex. 28. He was also to make a public acknowledgment of his own sinfulness by proceeding to offer a sin-offering for himself. Lev. 16:3, 6, 11–14. No part of this can be typical of our Lord’s work, for it was expressly designed to impress upon the mind the infirmity and sinfulness of the high priest.

But this being accomplished, the high priest entered upon that work which directly shadowed forth the work of atonement. He took from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin-offering. Lev. 16:5. On these two goats he was to cast lots; one lot was for the goat to be sacrificed, and one for the scape-goat. Then he slew the goat upon which the lot fell for a sacrifice, and with his blood he entered into the second apartment of the sanctuary. This blood he sprinkled before the mercy-seat and upon it. He did this for two purposes: 1. To make atonement for the people; 2. To cleanse the sanctuary by removing from it the sins of the people of God. Then the high priest returned into the first apartment and cleansed the altar from the sins of the people.

The sanctuary being cleansed, the high priest comes out of the door of the building and having caused the live goat to be brought, he lays both his hands upon his head and confesses over him all the transgressions of the children of Israel in all their sins. These he puts upon the head of the goat and sends him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. And the goat thus sent bears away all their iniquities into a land not inhabited. Lev. 16:7–10, 15–22.

The work of the high priest on the day of atonement was not his whole work in putting away sin. While the ministration was confined to the first apartment which was for the whole period of the year but this day, the priest offered the blood of sin-offering in that apartment to make reconciliation, i. e., to begin the work of atonement. Lev. 4. It was by this very work that the sins were transferred to the sanctuary through the blood of sin-offering. The high priest on the day of atonement takes up this unfinished work and completes it. The business of the day is to finish the great work of atonement for the people of God, and to remove their sins from the sanctuary, and place them upon the head of the scape-goat. The work in the second apartment of the earthly sanctuary does not therefore represent the whole gospel dispensation, but simply that part of it devoted to the finishing of the mystery of God in the days of the seventh angel’s voice when he begins to sound; in other words, it is the work embraced in that period of time denominated the hour of God’s judgment.

There was a period in “the example and shadow of heavenly things” devoted to the finishing of the high priest’s work. There is such a period devoted to the finishing of the work of Christ in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, at the conclusion of the gospel dispensation. That work in the “shadow of good things to come,” was accomplished in the second apartment of the earthly sanctuary. This work in like manner is wrought in the second apartment of the sanctuary in Heaven. It is a remarkable fact that the opening of the second apartment of the temple in Heaven is an event located under the seventh angel’s voice, i. e., in the very time when the work of probation is to be finished. Rev. 10:7; 11:15–19.

The opening of the second apartment of the heavenly temple is with manifest reference to the accomplishment of the events which transpire in the finishing of the mystery of God. These are, 1. The session of the judgment by the Ancient of Days. Dan. 7:9–14; Rev. 11:18; 14:6, 7. 2. The conclusion of the priesthood of Christ at this tribunal in the blotting out of sins. Acts 3:19, 20. 3. The coronation of Christ. Rev. 11:15–17; Dan. 7:13, 14; Ps. 2:6–9. 4. Then the pouring out of the vials of the wrath of God. Rev. 11:18; 15:16.

The Saviour’s priesthood terminates in the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. But the very occasion on which it terminates is that of the blotting out of the sins of his people, when the Father sits in judgment. Again, the blotting out of the sins of the people of God is the very counterpart of that work in the holiest of the earthly sanctuary, whereby the sins were removed from the sanctuary to be placed upon the head of the scape-goat. The session of the investigative judgment must therefore take place in that apartment of the heavenly temple which witnesses the conclusion of our Lord’s priesthood. And hence we understand that the opening of that apartment of the temple in Heaven which contains the ark of the testament is for the session of the judgment described in Dan. 7. The position of the Father during this session of the investigative judgment in the second apartment of the “greater and more perfect tabernacle,” is evidently alluded to in the following texts:

Zech. 2:13: “Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord; for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.”

Hab. 2:20: “But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”

The Father enters the second apartment that he may sit in judgment. Dan. 7. The Son presents himself at his tribunal that he may finish, as high priest, his great work of atonement for the dead and the living. While the judgment of the righteous dead is going forward probation remains to the righteous living. And hence it is that after the hour of God’s judgment has come, the third angel proclaims the latest message of mercy to the world of mankind. But when the sins of the righteous dead have been blotted out, and the righteous living have been prepared for the close of their probation by the work of the third angel, the Son of God terminates his priesthood, and takes his place as king upon the great white cloud. Rev. 14:6–14.

The Closing Messages

By R. F. Cottrell

The Closing Messages.—No. 21.

We have learned that those who are tested out from among the worshippers of the last days, by the last message of the gospel, are distinguished by the fact that they keep the ten commandments of God. This unmistakably implies that the others do not. Who are they that do not? The terrible warning of the message implies exceeding danger; and yet all the great bodies of professed Christians, Roman Catholics, as well as Protestants, hold and teach these commandments as the existing law of God. Only a few stragglers and dissenters take the ground that these commandments have been abolished; and these have been driven to it by necessity; having discernment enough to see that they could not reconcile their theory and justify their practice, unless these commandments have been abolished. Still in practice they do not differ in the least from those who hold them binding. Where, then, is the danger, since almost the whole Christian world hold these commandments, and the few who do not, practice the same in all respects with those who do? May we not expect that the Catholic church will constitute the greater part of these commandment-keepers, since they are the largest denomination, for they profess to keep both the commandments and the faith?

“Aye, they profess to keep them, and yet bow down to images, and pictures, instead of worshiping God only.”

They could explain this to their satisfaction, if not to yours, though it is a violation of the letter of the command.

“They deceive themselves, professing to keep the spirit of the law, while they transgress the letter.”

Deception constitutes the great danger so strongly implied in the third angel’s warning. Rev. 13:14; 19:20. And let me ask, Are the Protestant churches keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment?

“Certainly; and in this country they are now moving strongly for a better observance of it.”

But do they observe the day mentioned in the commandment—the day of the weekly cycle on which God rested from the work of creation, and which for this reason he blessed and sanctified for man’s observance?

“The essential thing in the command is, that one day in seven should be kept holy; the day of observance has been changed, yet the spirit of the commandment is kept.”

What? A commandment of God been changed? It is a matter of interest to know who changed it. And since every well-read person must know, what the Protestant Episcopal church admits—that there is “no scriptural direction for the change”—is it not possible that the change has been made in violation of the will of God, and to the subversion of his authority as a lawgiver, and to the establishing of the authority of the great antichrist of the present dispensation, which, ruling over the kings of the earth during the dark ages, was truly represented in prophecy as the head of the beast? The essential thing in the law of God, is the very thing the law demands. And when it can be shown that the spirit of the fourth commandment can be kept, while we knowingly disregard and trample under foot the very day which it enjoins us to keep holy, the Papist can as truly prove that he keeps the spirit of the second commandment, while he does the very thing which it forbids. If any are curious to know how Papists do this, they may learn by reading their catechisms, that it is “an inferior honor” which they give to “relics, crucifixes, and holy pictures,” to that which they give to God. But in the case of the Sabbath, the superior honor is given to another day, while the day the commandment enjoins is not honored at all, but degraded to the rank of a common, unsanctified day.

But I do not purpose to discuss the Sabbath question here. Those who wish to investigate it, will be greatly aided by our works on the subject, especially by the “Sermons on the Sabbath and the Law,” recently published at the office of this paper.

Those who will thoroughly investigate the subject can learn that the Sabbath was instituted for the whole human family at the creation, before sin entered into the world; Mark 2:27; Gen. 2:2, 3; that it was known and observed by Israel before the giving of the law at Sinai; Ex. 16; that it was uttered by the voice of God, and written by his own hand in the midst of the moral law—the only complete code of moral precepts in the Bible; Ex. 20:8–11; that the Sabbath commandment itself points us back to its origin at the creation; that it requires the observance of the very day, in its weekly recurrence, on which God rested from his creative work, and for which reason he blessed and sanctified that particular day; that this seventh day and this only is recognized and honored as the Lord’s holy day throughout the Bible; observed by Christ and apostles as a day of religious instruction; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2; kept by the disciples according to the commandment, after the ceremonial law, being nailed to the cross, was abolished; Luke 23:56; spoken of in prophecy by Christ as existing at the destruction of Jerusalem, A. D. 70; Matt. 24:20; it was a part of that law of which he said, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle should in no wise pass from it;” Matt. 5:18; and, finally, after the passing of the present heavens and earth, it is prophesied of in the world to come, the final and everlasting abode of immortal saints. Isa. 66:22, 23.

No other than the seventh day, now called Saturday, was ever called the Sabbath by any writer, inspired or uninspired, for more than five hundred years after Christ. And it was not until the latter part of the sixteenth century that the theory was invented that the Sabbath law does not require the seventh day, but only one day in seven, or a seventh part of time. This discovery was made by Dr. Nicholas Bound, of Norton, England. “With the aid of this theory, Sunday has, since that time, wrapped itself in the authority of the fourth commandment, and challenged the obedience of the world as the actual Sabbath of the Lord.” But nothing is more false and deceptive than this theory. It is the day of the Lord’s Sabbath or rest that we are required to keep. That day is the day on which he rested from his creative work, and no other. It is this day which he blessed and sanctified, because that on it he had rested. Without the day there is no sabbatic institution. The fact that the Lord rested upon the seventh day made it “the Sabbath of the Lord.” And that he blessed the day on which “he had rested,” and sanctified it, thus separating it from all other days, and reserving it from common labor to a sacred use, constituted the same day the Sabbath which “was made for man.” And one might with equal propriety talk of wearing his coat to meeting, and leaving the cloth of which it was made at home, as to talk of keeping the Lord’s Sabbath upon some other day.

On the other commandments, Protestants are agreed. Here lies the great danger implied in the message. But those who “keep the commandments,” will keep “the Sabbath of the Lord.” R. F. COTTRELL.

Items at Monroe, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

A SUDDEN DEATH.

An incident occurred here this week that forcibly reminded me of the apostle’s language, James 4:14: “Ye know not what shall be on the morrow; for what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Sunday evening I lectured on the sleep of the dead, to a large congregation. A young man was present who took a lively interest in the meeting, singing, &c. After meeting closed, about nine o’clock, he spoke with much interest about what he had heard. He went home, retired to rest, and at two o’clock in the night his family awoke to find him a corpse. A post mortem examination showed that he died with the heart disease. How suddenly was he cut down! How little did he expect, while in meeting, that that was the last meeting he ever would attend; and how little did we think that one then in meeting would so soon be a corpse—would so soon close his probation. From that he must pass to judgment. How solemn the thought. This strongly impressed my mind that every time we preach it may be the last sermon some will hear till they are called to judgment, and that we ought to say something for them so that our skirts may be clear.

A GOOD ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE TRUTH.

While speaking on the state of the dead last Sunday evening as above mentioned, Prof. Carpenter, of the Oskaloosa Disciple College, was present. At the close of my sermon he spoke several minutes in a very friendly manner. He plainly told the people that he discarded the doctrine of souls’ going to Heaven or hell at death—that with me he believed that both righteous and wicked slept in the grave till the resurrection. Many other things he also said in perfect harmony with what I had preached. This we thought was a good acknowledgment for the time and place, and we think it will open the eyes of many here, especially of his friends, and help them to listen candidly. By observation I find there are very many in the different churches, who are not Adventists, who are discarding the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, eternal torment, &c. Whether they will acknowledge it or not, the influence of Adventism is here very plainly manifest. All these things give us courage to labor on.

PERVERSION OF THE SCRIPTURES.

The Methodist minister, in preaching the funeral sermon of the above-mentioned young man, said, in referring to his sudden death, “His case is an exact fulfillment of the scripture which says, ‘For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh;’” thus applying the coming of Christ to the death of every man. What could be farther from the correct application of that scripture than this? When Christ spoke this language he was not talking of death, but was giving the signs that should herald his glorious second advent. This application is of frequent occurrence among immortal-soulists. It virtually does away with the second coming of Christ, making him come to earth every day, and perhaps every hour for the last 1800 years. With such perversions of the word of God as this, the professed church of God has been blinded to the signs of the times, and prepared to be overtaken as a thief when the Lord comes.

FEASTING.

Eating, drinking, and riotous feasting, were to be a sign of the last days. Luke 21:34; Matt. 24:37–39. This sign is certainly fulfilled before us. An example came under my notice at this place: “GRAND SUNDAY-SCHOOL FESTIVAL, a splendid supper by the ladies, fresh oysters in abundance, ice cream, confectionery, and numerous other GOOD THINGS TO EAT.” This was the grand advertisement which the members of the Methodist church scattered all over the country, by which to draw in the lovers of pleasure; 2 Tim. 3:5. What was the object of all this? It was to get money for the church. But from whom did the money come? All those who loved good things to eat, and a grand time of fun and pleasure. To obtain this, the church members knew that there was a large class who would pay dollars where they would not pay cents for the cause of God; so they get up everything that will gratify their love of pleasure and their appetite; such as, rich cakes, pies, candies, &c., which only pamper a perverted appetite, and destroy life; and the proceeds of this was solemnly dedicated to the cause of God. Truly, Babylon is fallen; from such turn away.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Monroe, Iowa, Nov. 13, 1869.

Cause in Switzerland.

OUR people very slowly respond to the call for means to help the cause in Switzerland. In this hesitancy on their part we have been disappointed. But there are reasons for this:

1. Money is scarce, and many who would be glad to help, have it not to spare.

2. Most of those brethren who have ready cash, have either never seen their duty to help the cause in all its departments, or have so far apostatized as to lose the spirit of sacrifice.

3. In the minds of many there is some doubt hanging over the matter. There are those who are ready to hand out money to circulate publications in our own country, and to help the cause in our own land; but to risk their money to help the cause in Europe does not look so clear.

We are ready to admit that there are risks to run in this matter. And so there have been in every enterprise of importance in the history of the cause at home or abroad. God moves us out to act when it is not possible to see the full results. Here is chance for faith to hold its proper place. In this case, however, faith has a good share of evidence on which to rest.

1. Our very dear Bro. James Ertzenberger, now with us, being taught our language, and also the present truth more perfectly, appears to be a man of real worth, good ability, and sound piety. He is making rapid advancements, and we hope to return him to his dear people in Switzerland immediately after General Conference, in May, in a good degree qualified to translate our works into the French and German languages, and thus spread the truth throughout Europe.

2. With the means we have from which to form an opinion, we decide that in Switzerland there is to-day a body of Seventh-day Adventists in whom we may have confidence. We have the photographs of many of them, and judge them to be intelligent and naturally good men. We have their letters, which show ability, and true devotion to the cause. We have Bro. Ertzenberger's statements relative to them, which, although modest, give the impression that they are men and women who fear God, and who possess more than common ability.

3. Those who recognize the present as the period for the spread in all Christian lands, of the great truths connected with the third message of Rev. 14, can hardly fail to see the providence of God in the raising up of this people in Europe. And what makes the work appear still more remarkable and providential, is that it has been accomplished independent of our agency and help. It has even been carried forward by those who take the greatest pains to oppose Seventh-day Adventists. While they were doing this, our people had not the least idea that they were raising up a body of Seventh-day Adventists. And while we acknowledge the hand of God in this, we feel humbled in view of the probabilities in the case, namely: that in consequence of our fears to trust money with Bro. Czechowski, and our lack of care to patiently counsel him as to its proper use, God used our most decided opponents to carry forward the work.

And while we acknowledge the hand of God in this work, in which we took no part, and feel that we have cause for humility on account of our past unfaithfulness, let us see to it that we come fully up to present duty. Gladly Mrs. W. and self risk $100 in the effort to help the cause in Europe. And when our people fully learn the facts in the case, and also their duty, there will be hundreds of them pressing into the enterprise with their hundreds, their fifties, their twenty-fives, and their tens.

The Fruits of Inordinate Desire

THE moment a man gives way to inordinate desire, disquietude and torment take possession of his heart. The proud and the covetous are never at rest; but the humble and poor in spirit possess their souls in the plenitude of peace.

The Tongue’s Power to Disfigure

Many a sweetly-fashioned mouth has been disfigured and made hideous by the very tongue within.

Book and Tract Department.

By Editor

Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.

EDITED BY ELD. JAMES WHITE.

A Favorable Season

THE present is a favorable opportunity to circulate our publications. In farming communities in particular, the people have time to read, especially in the long evenings of the season. This is an important consideration. Again, the winter is the time of general religious interest, when those seriously inclined are more easily impressed than at any other.

The time to work is when work may be done to advantage. So the farmer decides; and this is also the judgment of the mechanic. All business men adopt the maxim, “Strike while the iron is hot.” Then why should not Christians be as wise in their generation, in their work, as worldly men are in theirs. Now, friends, is the time to strike. There are wonderful commotions, and singular revolutions, going on in the religious world, and God is preparing the people to hear the word, and to read the truth.

As a people we should keep pace with the opening providence of God, and do to-day the work which Heaven designs to be done to-day. To let the present favorable season for evening visits, affectionate talks relative to the truth, and a judicious circulation of our publications, pass, perhaps to be forever lost, would be a sad mistake. Activity, brethren and sisters, activity is demanded of you, by the opening field of successful labor before you.

We are doing all we can to prepare and publish large editions of the most valuable works, which will be furnished at extremely low prices. God helping us, we shall soon have through the press a large edition of a pamphlet of about 200 pages, embracing, briefly stated, Reasons of our Faith and Hope.

This is designed to be sold to our people, at lowest prices, for them to circulate gratuitously to those who are not ready to purchase. A proportion will also be furnished to our active ministers, for them to give where they cannot sell, and the portion thus given from the Office will be charged to the book fund. This is also our plan for the circulation of all our standard works which have a wide circulation. We have just ordered $4000 worth of book paper, and mean, with the help of God, to push the work of spreading the light of truth.

Brethren and sisters, you are invited to assist in this work. And yet there is room to cast in of your abundance into the book fund, and to purchase books for circulation. Now is a favorable time for you to work. And may the Lord help you.

Where are our preachers on this subject? There are the best of reasons in the world why they should set the example, and many of them be represented in the book fund report with their hundreds, their fifties, and their twenty-fives. Some of them have been increasing their property quite rapidly by the liberalities of the church, and these are the last men to keep back in this matter. Let all come up to the good work.

Report from California.

By D. T. Bourdeau

At the date of our last report, written by Bro. Loughborough, we were closing our tent-meetings at Sebastopol. As the result of these meetings, ten were baptized and twelve grown persons embraced the truth, besides quite a number of children and youth. We hope that, with more labor bestowed at Sebastopol and vicinity, a good church will be formed.

Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, we held the opening services in the new meeting-house at Santa Rosa, which, though not plastered, will answer very well for present use. Here we were happy to have Bro. and Sr. Kellogg with us, they having moved to Santa Rosa the same week. There was also a good attendance from Sebastopol, and some from Healdsburg and Petaluma. Four discourses were given with good freedom, and four were baptized.

Sabbath, the 27th, Bro. Loughborough held a meeting at Sebastopol; organized a Bible Class and Sabbath School. He spoke twice the next day, while Bro. Kellogg and myself had a good meeting at Santa Rosa, Bro. Kellogg speaking on the object of our existence, and how it can be carried out; thus opening the way for a course of lectures on the health reform. Sabbath, Dec. 4, preached to the friends at Sebastopol. They seemed still to manifest a good interest in the truth and to enjoy the exercises of the Bible Class and Sabbath School. Bro. Loughborough and Kellogg spent this Sabbath and the next day at Healdsburg, holding four meetings, baptizing two, organizing a church of twenty-one members, and having a good closing season in attending to the ordinances. This was the first privilege of the kind enjoyed by Seventh-day Adventists in this State. Others already keeping the Sabbath are expected to unite.

Sabbath and Sunday, the 11th and 12th, we labored at Santa Rosa, organizing a church of twenty-nine members. Others will join soon. I also labored with this church last Sabbath, the 18th, dwelling upon our duty to the children and youth, etc. We feel deeply for this church, as much has been sacrificed already in building the meeting-house. This is a central place which adds greatly to the responsibilities, as well as to the privileges, of the church, making it highly important that they be faithful and be examples to other churches in all things, if they would retain their important position as a church in California.

Last Sabbath and Sunday, Bro. Loughborough labored at Petaluma, and had a good, free time. He did not organize a church, as several were away, but Systematic Benevolence was re-arranged, the figures being raised materially from what they were last year, making up in part for deficiency elsewhere.

Next Sabbath I spend at Healdsburg, Bro. L. at Sebastopol, and Bro. Kellogg here, and after another meeting in this place the week after, we will enter into new fields again. Pray for us.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Santa Rosa, Cal., Dec. 23, 1869.

European Mission.

By Editor

We have sent $2000. to relieve the cause in Europe from embarrassment, and to forward the work there, in confident expectation that the friends of the cause would immediately respond to our call, and help bear this burden. Up to this time we have received only the following sums. We are in pressing need of the money to help on in other branches of the cause.

J. P. Kellogg and wife,................................$100.00 Ira Abbey and wife,.......................................100.00 H. W. Kellogg and wife,...................................100.00 James White and wife,....................................100.00 Hiram Hunter,.............................................100.00 E. H. Root and Wife,.....................................100.00 D. R. Palmer and Wife,...................................100.00 J. S. Olive,................................................60.00 V. B. Gaskill and Wife,....................................50.00 Samuel I. Abbey,............................................50.00 James Ertzenberger,........................................50.00 J. N. Andrews,..............................................50.00 S. W. Rhodes and Wife,.....................................50.00 Harmon Lindsay and Wife,...................................50.00 C. W. Lindsay and Wife,....................................50.00 Newell Grant,................................................50.00 Hiram Bingham,..............................................50.00 A. W. Maynard,...............................................30.00 A friend,.....................................................38.00

Total, $1278.00 Leaving still due, .......................... $ 722.00

To the Brethren in Illinois.

By R. F. Andrews

Dear Brethren: I want to say a few words to you with reference to raising means to purchase a tent for our State. It has been decided by our most experienced and interested brethren in the State, that we need a tent, and that we must put forth a strong effort to obtain one. Now if we will all take hold of this matter in earnest, it can be done very easily. If we could raise our means by the first of February, no doubt a considerable amount might be saved in the cost of the tent; but it may not be practicable for all to do this. Let the elders and deacons of the different churches in the State ascertain at once what can be done, and those that can forward ready means, let them do so; and those that are so situated that they cannot send the cash, let them send their pledges, payable the first day of June next; and have it understood that it must be promptly met. If enough is pledged, the money can be hired, and the tent bought at a more reasonable price than to wait till tent season is fairly upon us.

At the Monthly Meeting at Nora, Ill., the brethren present pledged as follows:

	To be pd. Feb. 1.	To be pd. June 1.
Thos. Brown,	$25.00	$15.00
Wm. S. Higley,	25.00	15.00
J. H. Bates,	25.00	15.00
C. A. Bates,	25.00	15.00
L. O. Stowell,		25.00
R. S. Durfee,	10.00
Mary Rasmussen,	10.00
G. W. Colcord,	5.00	5.00
R. F. Andrews,	10.00	15.00
Georgie, son of T. Brown,	1.00

Now, brethren, if all will take hold as these brethren have done (and there is no reason why we should not), there will be no difficulty in raising enough means to secure this end. We hope our brethren will follow the liberal pattern set before them; and should there be a hundred or two dollars more raised than is necessary to purchase the tent, it can be paid into the Book and Tract Fund, as tent season will afford us a good opportunity to circulate books and tracts. Let those who have a heart to take hold of this work, correspond immediately with Bro. Ivory Colcord, Coleta, Whiteside Co., Ill., and let us know what you propose doing in this matter. Let us work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in the which no man can work.

Yours in hope, R. F. ANDREWS.

Meetings in Ohio.

By Joseph Bates

ACCORDING to appointment, we met with the church in Fremont, Nov. 23, 24. We were happy to meet with brethren and sisters here, whom we had not seen for some sixteen years. We held three profitable meetings with them. Among those we visited were several respectable colored people who were becoming interested to hear, and learn the position we take in the third angel's message, and are reading our publications.

From Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, we were with the church in Clyde, and held seven meetings, and celebrated the ordinances. Held two prayer-meetings with the youth and children of the Sabbath School. Also a good meeting at Bro. Greenman's, in York Station, where his aged mother had been an observer of the Lord's Sabbath for the last sixty-nine years.

From Dec. 1-6, visited and held eight meetings with the church in Wakeman, and celebrated the ordinances. At our two last evening meetings, the brethren were much encouraged to see so many of their neighbors interested to hear. One little girl of twelve years, manifested her love and zeal for the Sabbath truth, so much that she preferred to be with Sabbath-keepers rather than in the family circle at home, where it was not observed.

Sabbath, Dec. 11, by invitation we held our meeting with the Clyde church at York Station, at Bro. Greenman's. At the close of the meeting, one of his neighbors and his companion, declared they should henceforward keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The Lord blessed and strengthened his people.

In company with Bro. Wolf, we traveled some thirty miles to Melmore, where Bro. Van Horn had raised up a company of Sabbath-keepers the present season, and held two meetings with them on Sunday, 12th inst. We were much pleased to find them steadfast in the truth, and hope our labor was not in vain in the Lord.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Dec. 21, 1869.

An Excellent Example.

To ALL thoughtful young women everywhere, we commend the following, clipped from the Vermont Chronicle. The example it gives ought to be followed by all girls, in reference to all young men of any evil practices whatever:

“Why did you not take the arm of my brother last night?” said a young lady to her friend, a very intelligent girl, about nineteen, in a large town near Lake Ontario.

She replied, “Because I know him to be a licentious young man.”

“Nonsense!” was the answer of the sister; “if you refuse the attentions of all licentious young men, you will have none, I can assure you.”

“Very well,” said her friend, “then I can dispense with them altogether, for my resolution on the subject is unalterably fixed.”

How long would it take to revolutionize society—and for the better—were all young ladies to adopt this resolution?

A Testimony of Faith

By Mary E. Josselyn

From Sr. Josselyn.

DEAR FRIENDS AND READERS OF THE REVIEW: I feel that I would like once more to give in my testimony in favor of the truths of God's word. When I look back upon my situation one year ago, I am led to exclaim, The Lord has been very merciful and kind to poor unworthy me! He has restored me to health, and led me in ways I knew not of. I believe my afflictions have all been for my good, and I would not ask the Lord to remove his chastening hand from me. Although affliction seemeth grievous for the time, yet if we are submissive to the will of the Lord, joy cometh in the morning. I believe the Lord has shown and is still showing me my sins and faults. I know he has helped me to overcome some of them, and I believe if I show my faith by my works, Jesus stands ready to help me, and cleanse me from all sin.

Dear brothers and sisters, I believe it is not only wrong for us to speak of the faults of each other in a way that will lessen them in the esteem of others, but I also believe it is wrong to do the same by our enemies. It is not doing as we would wish to be done by. Jesus did not tell the world how his enemies treated him, but prayed his Father to forgive them. We may not do it with the intention of injuring any one; but how apt we are to justify self. Although I may have told the truth, yet, if I have said anything to cause any one to esteem others less, I am sorry for it, and am trying so far as I know, and can, to make all wrongs right. I do not want to be a stumbling-block in the way of any. I want eternal life, and I feel the time is short in which to obtain it. I ask the prayers of God's people, that I may be cleansed from all sin, that I may be prepared to prevail with God in prayer for my dear friends, and with them have eternal life in his kingdom.

Yours in hope, MARY E. JOSSELYN. Greenwood Prairie, Minn.

Quarterly Meeting at Oakland

By E. M. Crandall

From Bro. Crandall.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been a long time since I have said anything through the REVIEW, but I still love to hear from the brethren and sisters through our excellent paper.

I can say I love the Lord, and feel he has been very kind to me; and I feel to praise his holy name for what he is doing for his people in these last days.

Dec. 4 and 5, the brethren and sisters of Little Prairie, Johnstown, and Oakland, met in Quarterly Meeting with the church at Oakland; and the Lord was pleased to graciously pour his Spirit upon us as we tried to draw near to him by a confession of our sins, and with renewed determination to serve him better in the future.

As the brethren and sisters were attending the washing of feet, liberty was given to all to speak, and as the people began to bring in their testimonies, the Spirit rested upon the congregation to that degree that all in the house felt its gracious influence; and one backslider expressed his determination to take up the cross and live for God in the future.

Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters, that I may be a faithful servant of our Heavenly Father, and meet you all on Mount Zion. E. M. CRANDALL.

Continue reading: A Sabbath-Keeping Company in Iowa