Review and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 14. (3/7/1865)

Review and Herald

Mar 7, 1865

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 7, 1865

The Resurrection of the Righteous Dead.

By B. F. Snook

1. How does it take place, and in what does it consist? The Scriptures teach very clearly that it consists in restoring again to life that which dies. The man as such, dies, ceases to live; and as man he will be raised from the dead and made to live again. Isaiah says, "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust, for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." Isa. xxvi, 19.

Again: "For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. xv, 52; "And the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. iv, 16. From these plain and simple texts no other conclusion can be deduced, than that the resurrection will be literal and will consist in a resuscitation of the dead. Indeed this doctrine is so forcibly taught that an argument in its favor might seem unnecessary. But in this age of skepticism, this doctrine is boldly denied and denounced as absurd.

Among this class of skeptics are the Universalists, Spiritualists, Quakers, and many Campbellites, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, &c. They urge that the resurrection is not to be literally understood, but that it is figurative; that it does not apply to the dead at all, for that which dies is gone, never to return again, and the resurrection of such is impossible. With them the resurrection of the widow's son, Luke vii, 11-15, of Lazarus, Jno. xi, 39-40, who had been dead four days, and of Christ and the multitude who arose after his resurrection and appeared to many, amount to naught. They are denied or denounced as fabulous.

They say that death is not death; but a continuance of life under another form; that it is a birth into a higher life; that in death the immortal soul is raised out of the mortal body into a new spiritual body. This is their view of the resurrection.

We will test this some further by comparing it with Paul's view of the same subject. To illustrate this point more fully, we will relate the substance of a conversation upon this subject which took place between the writer and an Universalist minister. He began by denouncing the literal resurrection as absurd, impossible, and contrary to reason. Stating also that the resurrection is progressive, and does not apply to the dead body at all; but to the living immortal soul, which is sown in corruption (this corrupt body) in dishonor, and in weakness; and in death is raised in the new, glorious, spiritual body of honor and power. To this we replied, 'You believe then that the immortal soul is that which is sown, and raised again?' To which he responded, 'Yes.' We then applied the Scriptures to his vain philosophy, as follows: "It is sown in dishonor it is raised in glory, it (the immortal soul) is sown in weakness it is raised in power, it (the immortal soul) is sown, WHAT! an immortal soul? No, but a NATURAL (ANIMAL) BODY, it is raised a spiritual body." 1 Cor. xv, 42-44. To this he said that 'he had not considered the matter so far, and ended the conversation.' Thus is disproved this offshoot of infidelity and vain philosophy.

2. When does it take place? Paul says, at the last trump. Verse 52. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." In this the resurrection and last trump are connected together. Now if we can learn when the last trump will sound, we will know when the righteous dead will come forth. This opposing view says that death is the last trump; but Paul says, that it will sound at the coming of the Lord: "For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. iv, 16. This to the man who believes God and trembles at his word, is all-sufficient. At the glorious appearing of our blessed Saviour, the last trump will sound, it will reverberate throughout all earth, from rising to declining sun, and from pole to pole. The saints will hear; and waking from their long sleep of undisturbed repose, will arise, immortal to meet their Lord and to be forever with him.

B. F. SNOOK.

Report from Bro. Hutchins.

By A. S. Hutchins

Bro. White: since my last report, I have held meetings as follows: Sabbath, Jan. 7th, I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Charleston. We were happy to meet several brethren and sisters from other churches. We think this was a profitable season for those present.

Sabbath, 14th, met with the brethren and friends in Warren, and spoke to them twice. Found a few here striving to overcome. On first-day, 15th, preached a funeral sermon.

Sabbath, 21st, held a meeting at the house of Bro. S. Pierce, in Roxbury, and preached twice with freedom. The brethren and sisters spoke with tearful eyes and joyful hearts of their hope of eternal life. Found Bro. P.'s family in affliction, but trusting in the Lord. Bro. P. was absent laboring with Bro. Bourdeau.

From the 24th to the 29th, visited in Corinth, where I commenced to labor with the F. W. Baptists, some eighteen years since. With this kind people I spent a portion of the time till 1851, when my labors closed with them, and the following year I left the church. It was not without a keen struggle of some ten months that I decided to leave these beloved brethren and friends, to whom I was bound by so many tender ties.

But when I saw the clear burning evidence from the word of God, that the Seventh-day is the Sabbath of the Lord, and found myself entirely destitute of the least fraction of evidence from the pen of inspiration that the first-day is the Sabbath, I was persuaded to obey God let the sacrifice be what it might. With Peter, I am led to ask, "What was I, that I could withstand God?" With the people of the Lord who were keeping the commandments of God, and looking for the soon coming of the blessed Saviour, I took my stand, which I have never seen occasion to regret.

Thirteen years had passed away, marking their changes as they flew, and I was again with friends, who received me as friends, at the present time. I visited eleven families, to all of whom I spoke more or less on the subject of present truth, and our position, with perfect freedom. I think several of the most spiritual members of the church are favorably inclined to our view of the Sabbath. They are much interested to learn our position on church order and Systematic Benevolence.

There being no meeting in the place on first-day, I was invited to stop and preach on that day. There was a very generous turn-out considering the short notice and the fact that there were two funerals in town. I spoke with good liberty on the Christian's hope.

At the close of the services, the good deacon proposed to the friends to help me to some means, which I respectfully declined receiving. I parted with these kind friends in tears with expressions of Christian love falling from their lips.

I feel very grateful to my Heavenly Father for this opportunity of giving a reason of my hope, and the position we occupy, and showing that we are sustained by the immutable word of God.

On Sabbath I attended their Monthly Meeting, was favored with the privilege of speaking to them at this time. There is one copy of the Review taken here which is busy and doing a good work.

May the good Spirit and holy angels still incline these dear friends more and more toward the truth till they see it, joyfully receive it, rejoice in it, and be saved from the errors and delusions of the last days, and finally gathered to the mansion of the blessed, when a voice of majestic sweetness shall say, "Open ye the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in."

Shall I be Crowned?

By L. S.

Selected for the Review.

Shall I be Crowned?

If I, along the cool, sequestered vale of life, Shall keep the noiseless tenor of my way; If I shall shun the scenes of earthly strife, And only live to meditate and pray; Or if contented with an humble lot, I shun the busy city's tempting round, And seek seclusion in a cave or grot, Shall I be crowned?

If I shall be content to carve a selfish way To golden gates, and hope at last to stand In the full brilliance of eternal day, Not having lent a brother once a helping hand, Not having dried a tear, or caused a smile On the wan faces which on earth abound, Nor felt for any sin the siren's luring wile, Shall I be crowned?

Not so: I must of strife and labor bear an honest part 'Tis not by cowards that the laurel's won; The while I keep a pure and spotless heart, 'Tis sin and not temptation I must shun: I must, while here, maintain the faithful fight— In the front rank of God's array be found: Live in the world a champion of the right, And then be crowned! L. S.

The Mariner and the Loadstone

"WHILE the mariner uses the loadstone, the philosopher may attempt to investigate the cause; but after all, in steering through the ocean, he can make no other use of it than the mariner."

Meetings in Gratiot Co., Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn; D. M. Canright

BRO. WHITE: When we made our last report, we had just completed the organization at Ithaca.

Jan. 7 to 14, we spent with the friends in Alma, we were received here with gladness, and we have had some good meetings with them. Soon after we left with the tent, those who had become interested in the truth, gave up their Sabbath meetings, and, on coming here, we found many of them quite discouraged. Our visit to Alma, therefore, was much needed, and we can say that much good has been the result. They now have regular meetings, and a good Sabbath school and Bible class established, which are attended by an average of forty who take a lively interest in the work.

Jan. 15 to Feb. 19, we were engaged in giving a course of lectures in a neighborhood six miles west of Alma. At the beginning of our meeting there was a good deal of prejudice in the minds of the people, but when we had been with them about two weeks, it began to give way before the light of truth, and many became much interested. The third Sunday we took an expression of the people on the Sabbath question, when thirty-seven voted for the Sabbath of the Lord, and only two against it. We stayed here two weeks longer and held two Sabbath meetings with them. There were about forty in attendance each time. These were good meetings, and the blessing of the Lord was richly bestowed upon us. The first and most substantial citizens of the community have become lovers of present truth.

The result of this effort is this: We have given forty-six lectures, and sold $30,00 worth of Office publications, besides about $25,00 worth of Bibles, Charts, and Spiritual Gifts. Between twenty-five and thirty have heartily entered into the work of keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have obtained ten new subscribers for the Review.

During our stay here, one of us met with the brethren and sisters at Alma every Sabbath, by which they have been much encouraged, and several others have embraced the truth.

The first Sabbath and Sunday in Feb. we attended the Monthly Meeting at Ithaca. Our Sabbath meeting was one of the best we ever attended at this place. The Lord was with us, and we felt like giving him all the praise for his goodness to us. On Sunday morning we gave a discourse on Systematic Benevolence, after which a business meeting was held, and the plan was unanimously adopted and entered into by the church, to the amount of $182,00 per year. At this meeting six united with the church, which numbers now forty-one. This church are trying to make sure work, that they may have a place with the people of God in the home of the saints. They have a very interesting Sabbath school in which all take part and try to do their duty.

The cause of truth is prospering in Gratiot Co. A good work has been begun, and we hope it may continue until many shall be brought to the saving knowledge of the truth.

Brethren in Michigan, pray to the Lord, in behalf of the cause in Gratiot, that he may bring up a people here that shall be prepared to stand with the remnant on Mount Zion.

We are now holding meetings in St. Louis. Pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Love.

By E. B. SAUNDERS

"The Lord preserveth all them that love him." Here we have one of the sure promises of mercy, if we really love God. Our own hearts will tell us whether we love him, unless we are deceived in respect to ourselves, and know not our own hearts. If we love God our hearts will flow out toward him in gratitude and holy affection for mercies and blessings, while our inmost thoughts of him will cause us to delight in meditation of his goodness, mercy, tenderness, care and longsuffering: while his power, greatness and majesty will cause us to humble ourselves before him. Then like David we will say, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God."

These are some of our inward feelings, and are the secret springs of our actions. We shall act out our love. If we truly love God we shall draw nourishment from the true vine, and will bear fruit to the glory of God. If no fruit is borne, we may judge ourselves to be deceived, and possibly our profession of love to proceed only from our lips: no matter how loud our shouts of praise and glory, or how high our profession.

The heart that does not yield to God a loving, cheerful, joyous obedience to his commandments, does not love God in sincerity. "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments

are not grievous." They never seem burdensome to him who truly loves God. Nothing will hinder us from doing the will of God, and having respect to his law and ordinances, Sabbath and all, if we truly love him, unless it be a want of light. If we delight to serve the Lord he will graciously overlook a certain amount of error if it be not willful. In this way God can save those saints who left only some of the errors of popery. They joyfully obeyed the light that shone upon them. They were joyous in the truth sent to them, and if more had been granted them would obeyed it. Their hearts were perfect in the sight of God. But it was not in the order of God to let the whole truth in all its noonday brightness shine at once upon those in papal darkness; some has been reserved for us, to test our love; and if we willfully reject it or refuse to hear it when our minds are called to it, we may be assured that our love is not perfect, and our heart not right before God; no matter how loud our profession or how often we appeal to Heaven saying, "The Lord knows my heart." "The Lord knows I love him." &c.

The soul that delights in God will not scorn or trifle with one of God's holy precepts. If ignorant of any one of them, they will with fervent prayer, search the Bible to learn the will of God, and with deep penitence will implore him for pardon. How often we hear the Sabbath spoken of as not essential if our hearts are only right, just as though we could cry down the demands of justice by loud professions of love and holiness of heart; but let such remember that God is not deceived. He yet reigns, and will bring every work into judgment whether it be good or whether it be evil.

E. B. SAUNDERS.

A Column of Comfort.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Pet. iv, 12.

Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Jer. xvii, 7.

O Israel trust thou in the Lord; he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron trust in the Lord; he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; he is their help and their shield. Ps. cxv, 9–11.

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Ps. xxxii, 10.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Ps. xxxvii, 5.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust. Ps. xci, 2.

O Lord be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee; be thou our arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. Isa. xxxiii, 2.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Cor. i, 3–5.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Eph. vi, 13.

As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Ps. ciii, 11.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Cor. xvi, 13.

Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Isa. i, 10.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee by the right hand of my righteousness. Isa. xli, 10.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James i, 12.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me. Ps. cxxxviii, 8.

Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee. Job xxii, 21.

In the day of adversity consider. Eccl. vii, 14.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Ps. xxxvii, 23, 24.

He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death, and in war from the power of the sword. Job v, 19, 20.

Turn you to the strong hold ye prisoners of hope. Zech. ix, 12.

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. Zeph. iii, 12.

Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Ps. l, 15.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God believe also in me. John xiv, 1.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord. Isa. liv, 17.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph. iii, 20, 21. M. D. A.

Meetings in Mich.

BRO. WHITE: My last report was from Woodhull, Jan. 19th. From thence I went to St. Charles, Sag. Co. where I held seven meetings, from Jan. 20–23d. One was baptized and two united with the church. Many of the church in Chesaning were present and participated in the meetings, and all united in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house, and were strengthened to live out the great truths they have professed.

Jan. 23 and 24, held meetings, and visited the church in Chesaning, Sag. Co. This church has of late been deeply afflicted and tried, but is now rising and being strengthened in the Lord. We were glad to see that the church in St. Charles has a kind care for them. We hope they will still love to help them forward.

The 25th, I enjoyed a precious season with the little church in Owasso. Bro. J. H. Ginley was received and numbered with them.

The 27–30th, held five profitable meetings with the church in Green Bush, Clin. Co. Some of the brethren from Gratiot came to the meeting. In their social meetings they manifested a strong desire to live out the great truths they had embraced and go with the remnant church to Mount Zion.

Bro. M. Richmond took me to North Plains, Ionia Co., where I held three meetings, Jan. 31st and Feb. 1st. Brethren from Orange, Orleans, Fish Creek, and Bro. Philip Strong, with a full load from Bushnell, where he had just closed up a three weeks' meeting and reported fifteen willing to keep the Sabbath. Our social meeting was lively, heart-cheering and refreshing. At the close we celebrated the suffering and death of our Lord and Saviour. Two of Bro. P. Strong's company were buried with Christ by baptism, and arrangements made for him, and the Sabbath-keepers of Bushnell to meet with the churches of Orleans and Fair Plains at the new meeting-house in Orleans on the coming Sabbath, 4th inst.

I then accompanied Bro. F. Howe and family to Orange, Ionia Co. where I visited, and held six meetings, Feb. 2–6, to the comfort and strengthening of the church, who with a few exceptions, are all urging their way through these perilous times and gladly receiving the promised increasing knowledge in the path of the just. Their neighbors manifested more willingness to hear than for years before.

This last, is the fourteenth church, besides three other places where Sabbath-keepers are not organized, which I have had the pleasure of visiting since Dec. 14, 1864, in what is called the eastern district in Mich. Many thanks to the dear brethren and sisters who have kindly received and cared for me at their homes, and conveyed me to my appointments from seven to forty miles, where there was no public conveyance.

Sabbath, Jan. 11, met with the church in Monterey, where we enjoyed a good, quiet, and profitable meeting. Our brethren gladly observed the fast, and entered into the work unhesitatingly. I was glad to read your remarks and the appointment in Review, Vol. xxv, No. 10, and wish to say how heartily I concur in the consistent Bible course you have recommended for all the loyal people of God to find their way quietly and safely through this wicked rebellion. I hope that all the loyal people of God will continue to observe the second Sabbath in each month as a day of humiliation fasting and prayer for the purposes you have recommended. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psa. xlvi, 1.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Feb. 1865.

Idolatry.

By I. D. Van Horn; Dudley Marvin Canright

It is a fact plain to be seen, that this is one of the prevailing sins of the age in which we live. Not that men set themselves to work forming graven images to bow down to and worship; but that they are entertaining habits of life equally as sinful in the sight of God.

In the word of God we are exhorted to "mortify our members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." Col. iii, 5. This proves that a person may be an idolater, and not bow down to a graven image. Peter in speaking on this subject says, "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries; wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot." 1 Peter iv, 1-4. Let a person try to get rid of such idols as tobacco, tea, coffee, &c., and we think he would fully realize the language of verse 1. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin."

Now while the people of the world are giving loose rein to their appetite, and as Paul says, Phil. iii, 19, "Whose God is their belly," it becomes God's people to "take heed to themselves, lest at any time their hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, (eating) and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke xxi, 34.

It is truly gratifying to know that a reform in this particular is taking place among S. D. Adventists. The pamphlets entitled "Health, or How to Live," are just what we all need on this subject. We have read No. 1, and would take this opportunity to say, that we heartily endorse its teachings. We can recommend it to one and all, and when you have read it you will say with us, that it is meat in due season, and a step in the right direction of reform.

We have had some experience in this way of living for the past three months, and can testify that our minds are clearer in consequence, and our general health better than ever before. Where we have labored the brethren are heartily adopting this reform. Those who have had a little experience, already count it a great blessing.

Brethren and sisters, send in your subscriptions for these books, and post up on this important subject. May the Lord bless you and aid you in the work of reform.

"Little children keep yourselves from idols."

I. D. VAN HORN, D. M. CANRIGHT.

The Day of the Lord.

THE Scripture says expressly; that before the end of the present dispensation, there will be a time of trial and tribulation, such as the world has never yet seen,—a time when the rulers of darkness shall exercise unwonted influence, and stir up wrath, even to the uttermost, when the infidel and ungodly nations shall follow the leadings of one who is mighty to deceive by miracles and lying wonders, and engage in a vast confederacy against God and his Christ. And that time also will be signalized by the manifestation of the irresistible power of the Almighty. For then will the Lord descend to save his people, and to take vengeance on their adversaries. Then shall be the lighting down of his arm, with fury and devouring flame. Then shall be heard the voice of the Lord above the waters, and the trees of the forest shall be bowed, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. It is a time truly of perplexity and distress of nations, which the prophets have especially characterized in their most sublime predictions as "the day of the Lord."

That day of the Lord has not yet come. True it is, that since the predictions of the inspired prophets, since our Saviour delivered his discourse concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world, there have been many fearful convulsions, many awful catastrophes, which might well cause men to look for the speedy advent of the Messiah. True it is, that already nation has risen against nation, and the great ones of the earth have been bowed down, and the haughty made low. There was the destruction of Jerusalem with its unequalled horrors; the overthrow of the vast empire of Rome. There were the religious wars consequent on the Reformation; and, lastly, there was the fearful convulsion of the French Revolution, whose troubled waves are not yet at rest, by which the whole political and social fabric was agitated. And there have been dire catastrophes in the material creation, tempests devastating the surface, the upheaval of ocean and bursting forth of subterranean fires and earthquakes, sweeping whole cities, with their inhabitants into the abyss.

The pestilence has held its mysterious course throughout the world, like the destroying angel, who smote the first-born of the Egyptians, silently, yet sorely, doing the work of death. And more, there has been, as our Lord predicted, false prophets crying peace, when there was no peace; and false Christs, arrogating to themselves a worship and honor which no created being, no, not even the angels, dare to claim, and calling on the people to trust to other mediators than Christ, and to seek salvation by other means than through his atoning blood. Such things have been, and such things are. Evil still predominates, Satan reigns in the hearts of men, spiritual wickedness is enthroned in the high places. And this corruption of sin, this taint of infidelity, this rebellious spirit against God and his laws will increase and be more fully, more openly manifested as the time of the end draws nigh. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man returns to judge the world. Mankind had then corrupted their ways, and become wicked exceedingly. The sons of God had yielded to temptation, and been carried away in the general defection, and none remained to bear witness for the Lord, save Noah, the preacher of righteousness. But he could not stay the ruin; he only delivered his own family, the little church, whom God shut in the ark. And so "many are called, but few chosen."

Our Lord himself expressly says, speaking of the latter days, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold;" and "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth?" And what is the prevailing spirit of our age? Is it not strangely accordant with these solemn words of our Saviour? There is doubtless a great increase of knowledge, a great development of intellectual power. But is that knowledge sanctified by the Spirit of God? is the aspiring intellect subordinate to the higher teachings of God's revealed word? We fear not. The schoolmaster is indeed abroad, but seldom is the fire on the altar hallowed. There is a doubting and mistrust, a tampering with sacred things, a prying into sacred mysteries; not with feelings of awe and reverence, and of conscious weakness, but with the proud spirit of the rebel archangel, daring the Almighty to prove the truth of his word, seeking to climb heights inaccessible to human power, and, as it were, to snatch fire from Heaven. Thus reason usurps the place of faith, and the world consecrates its idol, and bows down before it with strange incense, as the infatuated multitude did of old on the plains of Dura. Are these mere ungrounded assertions? What does the prevailing literature of the day teach us? Read Carlyle, read Emerson, the mystic writings of the German school, the sophistry of our Tractarians, the open infidelity of Colenso. Do they not all proclaim their homage to a power? And to what power do they bow down? It is to genius, reason, the human mind, the comprehensive intellect, which dares to soar into regions far beyond human ken. These be thy gods, O Israel!

Therefore, since these things are so, since our boasted improvements and advance in art and learning and science tend not to the real saving advantage, but rather to the moral deterioration of the ways of mankind; since infidelity is rife, and the strongholds of heathenism and superstition are rising like the cities of the Anakim, high and fenced up to heaven; since earnest and persevering Christian men can do little to stem the tide of general corruption, and wicked men wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived; there remains but one resource, one refuge for suffering humanity,—the Lord must come. He alone can solve the problem of six thousand years. He alone can overcome the adversary, can rebuke the storm, and say to the troubled waters, "Peace, be still!" But not as it was before, so shall the second coming of our Saviour be. For then he came as the despised and rejected of men, as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Now he will come as a monarch, as conqueror, surrounded by the hosts of Heaven. Then he endured humiliation and an ignominious death. Now he comes to take vengeance on his enemies, to rule the nations with a rod of iron, to overcome Satan and his powers. Now death shall be swallowed up in victory. This is the time which the earnest expectation of the creature has long waited for, when the promise given to Adam at the gates of Paradise shall be realized, and the seed of the woman shall finally crush the serpent's head.

That day of the Lord will come upon a careless and unthinking world like a thief in the night. They will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. How characteristic is this description of a godless unbelieving age, of a generation devoted to sensual enjoyment and material cares! But far different is the case with the servants of God, with those who, believing in his revealed word, look with joyful hope for his coming. They will mark the budding of the fig-tree, and lift up their heads, for their redemption draweth nigh.

It is our consolation to know, in these times of trouble and blasphemy, when infidel principles abound, and the powers of Antichrist are mustering for the battle, that the Lord, who sitteth in the Heavens, shall laugh them to scorn, for their day, the day of retribution, is at hand. The tribulation shall be but for a short time; soon the wicked shall cease from troubling, soon the weary shall be at rest. The clouds are gathering fast; already we hear the thunder peals; the earth heaves with the coming earthquakes; the fountains of the great deep are breaking up; nation is rising against nation, and the tocsin of war has sounded. What may be the course of events, we know not; but this we do know, that the triumph of evil will be short. We know that God reigns, and no harm can come to those, whether they be individuals or nations, who trust in him. Beyond the clouds and darkness, beyond the surging foaming waters, far in the calm, serene on the horizon, bathed in the hues of heaven, rides the ark of God, bearing his church safe, unharmed, shut in, and the powers of hell never can prevail against them; for to them God has given the victory through Him who has redeemed them out of great tribulation, and made them white in His blood. To him be glory forever.

The Season of Prayer.

By Editor

THE days set apart as appointed in the last Review, two weeks since, for prayer, have passed; but the work inaugurated by them has not ceased, and the result of this season we are confident will be felt upon the cause, to the close of the message.

We can of course, at this time, only speak for the church in Battle Creek; but with us it has been a special season. Meetings have been held as requested in the Review; and they have been meetings of deep and increasing feeling to the present time. We think we can safely say that no more profitable meetings have ever been held in this church. A work of humiliation, self-examination, and consecration has been commenced, just such as we have long been aware must be accomplished ere our expectations could be realized in respect to the rise of the message, the power of the truth in our own hearts, and its progress among the people.

We have long been talking of the loud voice of the third message; and the zealous friends of the truth have for years been looking forward with longing anticipations to the time when it should go with power; and now when we have indications, both from what we feel and what we see, that that time is at hand, it causes new courage and a lively hope to spring up in our hearts.

But perhaps a more particular account of each day's meeting, may be of interest. The first day, after reading the article in the Review containing the call for these meetings, Bro. White gave us a discourse founded on the last five verses of the book of James. Instruction appropriate for the occasion was given, on the duty of confessing our faults one to another, humiliation on the part of the church, the efficacy of prayer, and God's readiness to listen to such as are offered up in fervency and faith.

After this an opportunity was given for the brethren and sisters to bear their testimony. But when the church began to try to work, it became evident that we were not in a condition to enter into the spirit of the occasion as we should. A spirit of testimony was rolled upon Bro. White for the church; of reproof for their lack of energy and zeal, and want of interest in the work, and of earnest exhortation to arouse and recover from this fearful position. It told powerfully upon the congregation. At the conclusion of this meeting, all entered into a solemn covenant to spend all the time possible, before the next meeting in self-abasement and prayer before the Lord.

At the second meeting, it was evident that a great advance had been made. Brethren and sisters were ready to confess their backslidings and bring in their testimony with feeling and tears. The Lord blessed, and all were encouraged.

The third meeting was mostly occupied with remarks by Bro. White upon the crisis in our national affairs, our position in reference to the troubles in our land, and the transaction of some business matters pertaining thereto. At the conclusion of this meeting, to make the work more general and effectual in the church, a number of committees were appointed to visit, inquire into the standing of, and assist, some who seemed to be upon the back-ground and in need of help.

Sabbath, A. M. further remarks by Bro. White on Rev. vii, 1-3. The remaining meetings, Sabbath evening and Sabbath afternoon, were prayer and conference meetings, resulting in a still further advance on the part of the church.

Several times during the meetings Sr. White bore a pointed and stirring testimony, and both Bro. and Sr. W. were led out in a remarkable and powerful manner in prayer, to which all hearts responded.

The meetings have resulted thus far in great good to the church, all seeming to feel that prayers to God for help, to be effectual, must be accompanied by humiliation and consecration on our part. But yet we feel that the work is but just commenced; and the meetings will therefore be resumed on Monday evening and continue every evening through the week.

In conclusion we would say that we are strengthened in the position that has been taken on Rev. vii, 1-3. We are confident that in accordance with that position, God has indicted prayer and heard it from his holy temple. And he will answer, in restraining the winds, and speeding to its glorious end his work in the earth.

We have been reminded by these meetings of Ezekiel's vision of the holy waters that issued out from the threshold of the Lord's house. At first they were to the ankle, then to the knees, then to the loins, and finally a river that could not be passed over, but wherein one could swim. So with us. We have made a commencement. We have got out where it is ankle deep, and we say, Let the work go on till we can strike out into the broad river of God's love and power.

Continue reading: The Way They Prove It