Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 15. (3/13/1866)

Review and Herald

Mar 13, 1866

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 13, 1866

Luther on the Advent.

HOW CHRIST'S COMING IS TO BE REGARDED.

LUKE xxi, 25-36. The Lord here foretells his coming again at the last day, which is to be with great power and majesty. A week ago you heard of his ride into Jerusalem upon an ass, without pomp; where he did not have a place of his own, even a foot's breadth; and where he was crucified besides. This was a poor and sorrowful coming, in which he came not as a Lord, but as a servant desiring to serve, and so to serve as to die for us; as he says, Matt. xx, 28: "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." In short, in his first coming, he rendered the greatest service, such as no angel or creature could, in preparing and making ready the kingdom of believers and the elect. But when the number of his elect is complete, he shall come again, not as a servant, but as a Lord; and shall come for the purpose of delivering us from the earth, worms, death and putrefaction.

This is what he declares in his gospel, and admonishes his people to guard themselves against false security, that the day of his coming may not overtake them unawares; and at the same time comforts them, that they may not be terrified on account of the signs which are to go before that day, but rejoice the more that their redemption draweth near.

In the first place, the Lord admonishes us Christians not to place the date of our lives here upon the earth, but to know that our Lord and Redeemer shall come from Heaven, and thus to be prepared every hour to expect his coming; likewise, that we should be but half, and with the left hand, in this world, whilst with the right hand, and the whole heart, we are in waiting for that day when our Lord shall come in his glorious majesty and power, which no man can describe.

This is the admonition and warning of this passage, that we may regulate ourselves with reference to that event, for there is no abiding here; and not conduct ourselves as the ungodly, who say: "Oh, who knows when the day of judgment shall come!" Such self-secure and godless people, whose hearts are engrossed with eating and drinking, and cares of this life, we are not to imitate; for as that day approaches, all will be busy building, making marriages, eating, drinking, and be quite secure in their own esteem; and with these things shall they be taken up as if there were nothing else to be done. Such people shall that day overtake unawares.

This the Lord tells us in advance, and desires us to order ourselves accordingly. They that disregard it shall suddenly be overtaken. When they are most engaged building, rejoicing and being rejoiced, eating and drinking, and living in the greatest security, above and beneath shall be fire and brimstone. Just as it was in the days of Sodom; they ate, they drank, they danced, they frolicked, and did not care a farthing for pious Lot; as it also is this day with our towns-people, farmers, and nobles. Then Lot said to them, "God shall destroy you with fire;" but they laughed at him, and said, "You pious fool, what know you about it?" What happened? Early in the morning, at the rising of the sun, the sky became black, and a fearful storm arose, and the lightning flashed hither and thither, and in one hour they were in hell. So is it also in our day. People, when they hear of the day of judgment, say, "Oh, that I only had enough to eat and drink, and money plenty to last me till that day shall come, I should have well to do." But when they are fullest of treasure, and most wanton, and it is said to them, "Beware, the day of judgment is at hand;" and they laugh at it and say, "Ha, what a fool you are, to suppose the day of judgment near;" so shall that day break in upon them like a thunderbolt, which flashes in an instant from the rising to the setting sun. What, then, are those royal dollars, houses, chains, and sparkling show!

Hence saith Christ, "Ye, my dear followers and friends, go ye not with the secure and godless multitude, but watch. Your eyes shall behold how their hearts are occupied, and how they will laugh you to scorn; but watch ye; for the day of judgment shall come suddenly, as the lightning, from which they cannot fly. Just as a little mouse is entrapt in a moment, so quickly shall their calamity come upon them."

Such warning of the Lord Jesus we are to take to heart, and carefully mark. For we cannot help it, but must hear and see it, that everywhere people are so wanton; but let us have respect to the words of Christ, and expect his coming, and not turn our eyes after the doings of the ungodly and self-secure in the world; for the Lord Jesus faithfully admonishes us

to expect his glorious coming which shall take place, when the ungodly shall be cast into the abyss of hell, and we, on the contrary, shall be redeemed from the earth, and from all the miseries we here suffer.

This is one thing which we are this day to learn, to wit, that we prepare ourselves for the Lord's coming, as we also confess in the Creed, that the Lord Jesus Christ shall come to judge the quick and the dead. For what is thus briefly expressed in our Creed is fully and overflowingly declared in this gospel, which further adds how matters shall stand in the world as that coming of the Lord approaches, to wit, that Christ shall be neglected, and the preachers of the true gospel be accounted fools, and the godless and undisciplined multitude give themselves to excess and avarice, as if this were the only business of life. Not that it is evil and wrong to provide themselves with the necessaries of life, but that they should not have their hearts "overcharged." If they did but charge their hands, there would be nothing out of place, for there must be work; but that they should burden their hearts, this is forbidden; that is, that they should place their hope and trust in becoming great and rich, caring nothing for Christ, and deriding God's word concerning that day of judgment. To have "the heart overcharged," is to be engrossed with temporal things, so as to disable it for conforming to the words of Christ; just as in our day, people of all classes are only concerned to know how to become rich, and apart from that care not to snap a finger for the word of God.

Thus, says the Saviour, shall it be and go when the day of judgment is before the door. All the world shall be saying to itself, Peace and safety. Here do not mistake yourselves; go not with them; do not so misbehave; keep ye unto me; neither be alarmed; lift up your heads, and see, that when I shall come again from Heaven, I may so find you with nothing wanting; for I shall come for your redemption. But whosoever shall overcharge his heart with things of this world, and not concern himself about that day, thus shall it be with him; he shall suddenly find himself among the dead. He who gives himself to forbidden pleasures and delights shall suddenly be overwhelmed, and he who is busy with his filthy lucre shall presently discover himself, purse, money, and all, prostrate under the hand of judgment. So shall it be in those days, and so shall men find it.

A strong indication of our times, therefore, is, that the day of judgment is not far off; for to this is the world now pretty much given, and shall be much more given. Everything is rearing itself aloft; the passion for display has no bounds; and so great is the confidence of the common masses, that they laugh the ministers to scorn. They shall also become so confident in themselves, as not any more to endure sound doctrine, but to dash the hook from them, and say, "Thou fool! art thou concerned about what is preached?" Of such sort are there already many among the people of town and country. Whosoever lives till that day will know how to understand these words.

Hence the Saviour speaks to his disciples: "Watch, that I may not find you among this barbarous multitude." Thus was it when Lot admonished his sons-in-law; he was derided as one that mocked. For

so they thought: Oh, for many a day has this city stood, and for many a day more shall it continue! But before another day was passed, they were dead, and swimming in fire. This the world will have. It is indeed no fault of Christ; he has faithfully warned the world, and to this day permits his gospel to be preached; but it is of no avail. They should indeed become alarmed, and say, "He who so preaches to us these things is not one to deceive us;" but they go on in their carnal security, and say, "I must meanwhile quaff my glass." On, then, against the words of Jesus, so shalt thou have thy deservings: thou wouldst not hear, I have given thee warning; hence shalt thou be suddenly overtaken. Then shalt they have to say, It has served them right; but now they concern themselves not about it. But the Lord saith, "The day shall come as the lightning's stroke; upon this we may calculate."

Thus shall matters stand before the last day, to the end that people may learn and not vex themselves, that things come to such a close, but say, "Christ has declared it in advance, that thus intractable, barbarous, and greedy, shall the world become." Thus was it with Sodom in the time of Lot, and in the entire world in the days of Noah. It is all said to us by way of consolation, admonitions, and instruction, that we may be able to determine what is signified. The barbarous multitude understand it not; but we are to know, and to watch, that we do not fall into the same indifference. We must eat and drink, but not so as to overcharge our hearts, but lean them upon the Saviour's coming, and know that that which cometh is the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life. Regulating myself by such a rule, I may alike sleep, wake, study, eat or drink; and, come the day of judgment when it may, it cannot overtake me unawares.

Yea, it is our wish, for the sake of the present, that that day should come; for in this life the name of God shall not be hallowed, but more and more blasphemed; His kingdom is withstood; His will is not done on earth; our daily bread is being withdrawn; our trespasses continually increase, and temptation ceaseth not; therefore we pray: Our heavenly Father, Thy kingdom come; deliver us from evil. Help, O Lord; let the final stroke come, and make an end. If we will permit ourselves to be thus admonished, watch and pray, we may be confident that the last day shall not overtake us with dread. But all others shall be overwhelmed, and it will be their own fault; for they are not willing to regard the Saviour's coming as at hand; hence that day must overtake them suddenly, not for any fault in Christ, who amply warns them, but on account of their own guilt, in not taking the warning that is given them.

In the second place, the Lord comforts us, and incites us to rejoice, when we see the sun and the moon darkened, and comets in the sky, and all created things arranging themselves for change, and the usual order of things coming to an end. "When ye shall see," says He, "the sun and moon turning away their eyes, then has the time come for the death of nature." Just as a man, as his spirit is departing, only half sees, and rolls his eyes, is near the moment of his death, so, also, when the world rolls its eyes, and great changes are manifest, know in like manner that the time of its end has come. Lift up your heads, and be not therefore alarmed, for your redemption draweth nigh.

These are words which should be written in golden letters in the heart, for they are unmeasurably full of consolation to those whose hopes are fixed upon the life eternal. "When ye shall see," says Jesus, "that things are moving, that the world is breaking in ways of ghastly terror, be not dismayed, ye that are my followers and friends, but let them be afraid to whom it appertains." But the secure, untutored people about us concern themselves not about these things. And if there should even be three darkenings of the sun in one day, they would still lie in the beer-houses, and drink to the fill. Hence saith the Saviour: "When ye shall see that Heaven and earth are giving way; that people are wedded to their wickedness, and that everything is being borne down by the current, then take heart and rejoice. Rejoice in what? Upon yourselves? No; no; but upon me, for I come. It will be somewhat alarming; for if I throttle the world so shall it have a distressing look, and roll its eyes; but fear not, I am at hand, ye shall be delivered."

Upon this let us lay hold, that we may believe that our Lord Jesus Christ certainly cometh, and that eternal life we shall have. When this day and hour shall come, however, we cannot precisely tell; but still we may know when it is near at hand, as the Lord says: "When these things begin to come to pass, know ye that it is not far off." Hence we are admonished every day and hour.

He gives us, also, a parable of the fig-tree and other trees; not an alarming and horrifying picture of fire, but a beautiful, joyous, lovely picture concerning the trees. When the trees now put forth, says he, "So behold in them, and take note, that now the summer is nigh; likewise also ye, when the sun is darkened, say: 'The trees are putting forth;' and when the sea roars and the waves thereof, say: 'This is the beautiful bloom upon the trees.'" An indication of what? That we shall be eternally redeemed. The world shall look upon these signs in the sun, moon, water, and earth, with reference to what they are to eat and to temporal supplies; but ye, my followers and friends, shall take them for beautiful flowers. Therefore shall ye be joyful, for the kingdom of God cometh unto you that ye may have faith, to which end ye have been baptized, wherefore ye suffer, wherefore also ye are called and entreated.

These two things, then, should we learn, by way of increasing our faith, and having ourselves admonished and comforted. When we behold the manifold scandals with which the world abounds, we are not to turn ourselves to them, but guard carefully against all who move with them, like stocks and blockheads, and care for none of these things. To them shall the wrath of God suddenly come; but we are to rejoice, looking for the Lord, who shall come in the clouds with his angels, and deliver us from all adversities. This is what Christ has preached to us this day. God give us grace to lay hold of it and keep it! Amen.—Walsh's Luth., 13 vol., Cols. 34-43.

I Will Not Let Thee Go.

By Almon D. Farrar

WHEN on my bended knee, I seek thy love to know, Lord grant thy grace to me, I will not let thee go.

Except thou hear my cries, Though feeble and so low, And wipe my tearful eyes, I will not let thee go.

And when on life's rough tide, The way I may not know, Except thou be my guide, I will not let thee go.

When earthly friends forsake, Thou'lt love me still, I know. Except thou be my friend I will not let thee go.

Dear Saviour, thou art mine, My heart doth tell me so, Until thou seal'st me thine I will not let thee go.

Until a golden crown Thou placest on my brow, And tak'st me for thine own, I will not let thee go.

Almon D. Farrar. Kenyon, Minn.

Tobacco and Tea.

By Daniel Taylor Bourdeau

[Bro. White; The following piece on Tea and Tobacco appeared in the Review some three years ago. Please reprint if convenient. J. FRANK.]

It is a matter of encouragement to God's people, that as far as organization and church order are adopted and carried out among us, tobacco and tea are being laid aside. It has often been proved and the testimonies of the church teach that these articles are injurious and expensive, and must be overcome in order that it may be said that we have cleaned ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and that whether we eat or drink, we do all to the glory of God.

If tea and tobacco are injurious to our health, as far as we use these herbs, we violate a principle of the sixth commandment, which says, "Thou shalt not kill." And let us remember that we profess to show a respect for all of God's commandments.

Again, if we see the light on this subject, and manifest more willingness to sacrifice our means in buying tea and tobacco, that we may satisfy an unsanctified appetite, than we do to promote the well-being of our fellow-creatures and the glory of God, do we not show plainly that our affections are not limited to the real worth of things, and that we do not love God supremely, and our fellow-creatures as we love ourselves?

How plain it is that self, tea, and tobacco, etc., are idols, to which many bow and sacrifice. Some can afford to pay several dollars a year to satisfy their appetite for tobacco and tea; but they think they cannot give anything for the advancement of the cause of truth, for religious works, which they very much need, or for the Review, which is the source of so much light, comfort and encouragement to the remnant, and by which we can keep pace with the church in the way of holiness.

It is not necessary to make lengthy remarks to show that with some a reform is necessary on this point, and that the appetite should be overcome. This appetite is not natural but artificial and injurious. In this respect it is like the appetite for spirituous liquors. Some feel worse for not using tea and tobacco. They have had these articles, and their nature demands them. While using them they have been stimulated, and have, perhaps, for the time being, lost the sense of pain; but they have not been really and permanently benefited. To say the least, the injury has been as great as the benefit, so that in reality no advantage has been gained.

If we would overcome this appetite, we should avoid that which would lead us to use the articles that feed it. Hence if a friend presents us a pipe, or a quid of tobacco, or a cup of tea, we should have decision enough to say, No. Here is where many have erred, and have been overcome. A little decision here would save much trouble and perplexity. Tea should not be used as a beverage. To use it as a beverage would keep up the appetite for it. Those who really need warm drink, can use articles that are not prepared with poison, and which are more congenial to our nature.

Again, when we are perplexed in regard to the propriety of using tea or tobacco, we should keep on the safe side, and see that our example does not encourage the use of, and appetite for, tea and tobacco, in others, and cause the good way to be evil spoken of. I prefer to deny myself even of that which might be a benefit to me, rather than to cause others, by my example, to do that which is not lawful.

The idea that there is a difference between tea and tobacco is not a sufficient reason why tea should not be overcome as well as tobacco. It will not do for us to excuse ourselves by saying that one sin is not so great as another. We must overcome every sin. A pure people will the Lord present to the Father at his coming; and now is the time for us to purify ourselves. If we lower the standard to suit the taste of one, why not lower it to suit the taste of another, and so on, till the work of reform stops among us? No, the standard must be raised, and God's people will rally around it.

The fact that the blessing of the Lord does attend those who follow the body in this reform, is good evidence that our position is correct. We truly sympathize with those who are trying to overcome, and would say to such, Be of good courage. Look at the sufferings of God's people in the past, and murmur not. Look at the trials and sufferings that Jesus endured that he might sanctify a people unto God, and remember that he can be touched with the feeling of your infirmities, and that his grace is sufficient. Limit not his power. Master your appetite, or it will master you. You have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." You can yet obtain the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The following lines from sister R. Smith are appropriate on this point:

"Tea, coffee, and tobacco, lay aside forevermore; The High and Holy One will help, if we his aid implore, He'll help to get the victory; and victory must be gained, Or no resolve to break the hold will ever be maintained. "Not victory for a single day, a week, a month, a year, But victory that shall stand the test till Jesus shall appear; A victory that will overcome inordinate desire To gratify perverted taste, by habit made, entire. "The conflict rages fiercely—here a victory, then defeat; But faint not, we can overcome, and make our foes retreat. An armor for us is prepared, with helmet and a shield, And One who mighty is to save, is with us on the field."

Be as consistent in this matter as you would in other matters. See that you do all you can to help yourselves, and the Lord will do for you what you cannot do for yourselves. When the temptation presses upon you and threatens to captivate and overcome your appetite, then flee to the Lord in prayer, and ask him for overcoming grace. In doing this you will resist the temptation, obtain strength, and get an experience that will be a blessing to you and to others. You

will learn the art of obtaining strength to help in time of need, and be enabled to comfort others with the comfort wherewith you are comforted of God.—D. T. Bourdeau.

How to Make Home Happy.

THERE are two institutions which contribute largely to make home happy, to wit, The Sabbath and family worship. The Bible is sure to carry them into every house where it is itself admitted, and they, in turn, sustain and increase its influence. It would occupy too much time to show at large, how effectually the Scriptures contribute to domestic happiness, through the mediums of these institutions. Let it simply be observed, as regards the first of them, that the Sabbath supplies the only season which the great mass of men are allowed to spend at home. Stern necessity drives them abroad during the six working days. If it were not for the Sabbath, the laboring classes would have, in the meaning which we attach to the word, no HOMES. Their natural affections would be blunted, and a diminished interest in each other's well-being, would ensue, in consequence of the infrequency and hastiness of their family intercourse. The several members of the same household would grow up in strange and freezing apathy toward each other. The children would seldom see the father, except for a few hurried minutes, and then it would be when he is chafing beneath the labor-yoke, a time not at all calculated to encourage the reciprocities of paternal and filial love.

These evils are, in a measure, counteracted by the hallowed influence of well-kept Sabbaths. This season is to the laborer and the artisan, a sacred enclosure, shut in by infinite goodness, from the strifes and tumults of life; like that beautiful little isle, the Jardin, high up among the glaciers of Mont Blanc, presenting to the eye, a tablet of unchanging verdure and perennial flowers, embossomed in a sea of everlasting ice.

Nor is it these weekly re-unions of the sons of toil, which furnish the only illustration of the salutary effect of the Sabbath upon the homes of a people. No family can habitually "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," without being drawn more closely to each other's hearts, and having the cords strengthened which bind them to their homes.

No less salutary is family worship, as a means of promoting domestic happiness, and adding to the attractions of home. It is something to bring the members of a family together twice a day. "For in proportion as the subjects of mutual obligations live apart, they will cease to care for each other."

But in the case we are contemplating, they are not merely convened morning and evening to look each other in the face, or to hold a familiar talk; they assemble to engage in one of the most tender and impressive of all services. To listen, as a family, to the counsels of inspired wisdom; to sing in unison their hymns of praise, and bow down together, before the throne of grace, and follow the hallowed accents of a father's voice while he presents, as the revered priest of his household, their common confessions, supplications, thanksgivings, and intercessions. Is it possible to conceive of a service better adapted than this to repress all jealousies and envies, to drive away the gloomy vapors of moroseness, to restore serenity to every clouded brow, to reburnish the chain of affection, and diffuse an air of cheerfulness through the house? If there is a transient interruption of conjugal cordiality, can the coolness survive the family-prayer? If there are heart-burnings among the children, will they not dissolve like snow in the sun, as the petition goes up, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?" If misfortune has come down upon them, will they not cling the more closely to each other, as they pour their common sorrows into the ear of their common Father? If they are enriched with unlooked-for blessings, will they not feel them to be the more precious as they present their united thank-offering to the Giver of all good?

But I must not detain you with this animating theme. Let me rather invite you to prove for yourselves the efficacy of family worship as a help to domestic happiness. Let it be your first care to rear an altar to God, if your house is without one—to repair your altar if it has fallen into decay.

And by this and every other means which God has placed within your reach, strive to prepare yourselves and those who are dearest to you, for a better world. Give the BIBLE the place in your families to which it is entitled, and then, through the unsearchable riches of Christ, many a household among you, may hereafter realize that most blessed consummation, and appear a whole family in Heaven!—Copied for Review from Home Memories.

Wonders of the Universe.

WHAT assertion will make one believe that in one second of time—one beat of the pendulum of the clock—a ray of light travels over 155,000 miles, and would, therefore, perform the tour of the world in about the same time it requires to wink with our eyelids, and in much less time than a swift runner occupies in taking a single stride?

What mortal can be made to believe, without demonstration, that the sun is over a million times larger than the earth, and so far from us, that a cannon ball shot directly toward it, and maintaining its full speed, would be twenty years in reaching it; yet the sun affects the earth appreciably, by its attraction, in an instant of time?

Who would not ask for demonstration, when told that a gnat's wing, in its ordinary flight, beats many hundred times in a second? Or that there exist animated and regularly-organized beings, many thousands of whose bodies, laid together, would not cover the space of an inch? But what are these, to the astonishing truths which modern optical inquiries have disclosed, and which teach that every point of a medium through which a ray of light passes, is affected with a succession of periodical movements, regularly recurring at equal intervals, no less than five hundred million of millions of times in a single second? That it is by such movements, communicated to the nerves of the eye, that we are enabled to see; nay, more, that it is the difference in the frequency of these movements alone which causes the diversity of color? That, for instance, in acquiring the sensation of redness, our eyes are affected four hundred and eighty-two million of millions of times; of yellowness, five hundred and forty-two millions of times; and of violets, seven hundred and seven million of millions of times per second?

Do not such things sound more like the ravings of madmen, than sober conclusions of people in their waking senses? They are, nevertheless, conclusions to which any one may certainly arrive, who will only be at the trouble of examining the chain of reasoning by which they have been obtained. It is worthy of examination.

How Goes the Battle?

By S. W. Hickok

Good morning, brother soldier, how fares it now with thee? What progress art thou making, what is thy prosperity? The combat's growing fiercer, we hear the volleys rattle, I think of thee, and fain would know, with thee, how goes the battle.

Is thy courage strong as ever, determined ne'er to yield? Or art thou growing weary, and fain would quit the field? Do doubts and fears come o'er thee, that 'mid the din and rattle, The foe will be victorious, and with shame thou'lt lose the battle?

Are thy weapons all in order, and ready for the strife? Hast thou faithfully considered thou art fighting for thy life? Art thou surely well prepared with the mighty foe to grapple? Be careful, brother, careful, lest thou perish in the battle.

Didst thou cast aside thy burdens, and prepare thee for the fight? Has temperance given thee vigor to contend with all thy might? Then forward, brother, forward; fear not the cannon's rattle, With Jesus for thy leader, none can face thee in the battle.

But listen, brother, listen, the battle's almost o'er. Hark! methinks I hear them shouting in triumph on the shore. Yes, triumph through the Lamb, who 'mid all the storm and rattle, Has brought them safely through, victorious in the battle.

Then courage, brother, courage, don't, O don't give up the strife, Arouse, with all thy vigor, shouting, Life, eternal life! Soon we'll gain that blissful shore where cannons never rattle, And with Jesus by our side we shall soon forget the battle. S. W. HICKOK. Mantorville, Minn., Feb. 1866.

Manners.

“I MAKE it a point of morality,” says a writer, “never to find fault with another for his manners. They may be awkward or graceful, blunt or polite, polished or rustic; I care not what they are, if the man only means well, and acts from honest intentions, without eccentricity or affectation. All men have not the advantage of 'good society,' as it is called, to school themselves in all its fantastic rules and ceremonies; and if there is any standard of manners, it is well founded on reason and good sense, and not upon artificial regulations. Manners, like conversation, are extemporaneous, and not studied. I suspect a man who meets me with the same perpetual smile on his face, the same bending of the body, and the same premeditated shake of the hand. Give me the hearty—it may be rough—grip of the hand, and careless nod of recognition, and when occasion requires, the homely, but welcome, salutation—'How are you, old friend?'”

Handkerchief Preaching.

I NOTICE in some cases a handkerchief habit in the pulpit, which has led me to inquire if the use of that very necessary article is a part of theological training. I notice that some ministers take it out of their pockets as they do their sermons, and lay it on the pulpit. Some spread it out lengthwise through the middle of the Bible; some roll it up and tuck it under the Bible; some shake it over their heads as if they were going to throw it at the audience; and some keep crowding it into their pockets and pulling it out again, with a nervous movement, as if they did not know what use to make of their hands. I once went to hear a popular young preacher, and as much as half his sermon was made up of pocket handkerchief, and the most of the other half was gold watch and bits of poetry.—Christian Reflector.

Simplicity of Faith.

THE Savior said that one must become as a little child in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Here is a beautiful record of childhood's faith.

"What do you do without a mother to tell all your troubles to?" asked a child who had a mother of one who had not; her mother was dead.

"Mother told me whom to go to before she died," answered the little orphan. "I go to the Lord Jesus. He was mother's Friend, and he's mine."

"Jesus Christ is up in the sky. He is away off and has a great many things to attend to in Heaven. It is not likely he can stop to mind you."

"I do not know anything about that" said the orphan; "all I know is, he says he will, and that's enough for me."—Sel.

Overcoming One Vice Each Year

If every year we would root out one vice, we should sooner become perfect men.

Laziness in Bible Reading.

LORD, I discover an arrant laziness in my soul. For when I am to read a chapter in the Bible, before I begin it I look where it endeth; and if it endeth not on the same side, I cannot keep my hands from turning over the leaf, to measure the length thereof on the other side; if it swells to many verses, I begin to grudge. Surely, my heart is not rightly affected. Were I truly hungry after heavenly food, I would not complain of meat. Scourge, Lord, this laziness out of my soul. Make the reading of Thy Word not a penance but a pleasure unto me. Teach me that as among many heaps of gold, all being equally pure, that is the best which is the biggest, so I may esteem that chapter in Thy Word the best which is the longest.

The Review.

By J. M. A.

A FEW words concerning the interests of the Review, financially, seem to be in order at the present time. Our brethren, perhaps, need to be reminded occasionally of the fact that the publication of their paper, which they prize so highly each week, is attended with no trifling amount of expense. It should be borne in mind that we have not yet emerged from the period of high prices. The price of labor, paper, and all kinds of printing materials, is still exceedingly high, and no immediate prospect of abatement. In fact, paper manufacturers talk of still higher rates. Our present stock of paper is nearly exhausted, and soon we shall have to obtain another supply.

Our brethren should also understand that the price at which the Review has been published during three years of high prices ($2 a year), has not been sufficient to cover the expense of the same, to say nothing of our free list, and those who receive the paper at half price, and other unavoidable losses. Such extra expense has been in part generously met through the liberality of those who have donated toward the purchase of paper, and those who have chosen to pay at the rate of $3 a year.

As the Review has been sustained thus far at the rate established years ago, under the peaceful rule of low prices, we desire to let the price still remain unchanged, especially as we are very partial to free-will offerings.

Now in view of such facts we still feel like drawing moderately upon the liberality of our brethren in behalf of the Review Fund. Brethren, therefore, who feel like donating to this fund, and thus help carry on the good work of disseminating the present truth, have the privilege of manifesting the same in the usual way. And in this connection we can hardly avoid making a modest suggestion to all who feel willing and able to bear a proportionate share of the expense of publishing the Review during the present period of high prices, to follow the example of those of our brethren who pay at the rate of $3 a year. This plan seems more like equality than any other.

Should any be inclined to compare the Review, as to size and price, with other papers, and think that we suggest a high rate, they should first consider that the Review, unlike such other papers, does not engage in promiscuous advertising, which is a source of large profit and income. It advertises but one thing, namely, the present truth. And while our brethren must concede that this one item is of sufficient importance to engage the entire space of the Review each week, they should also bear in mind that in accordance with our rule and practice on this point, we cut off a source of large income that is realized by papers that make general advertising a part of their business.

But let it be understood that the terms of the Review are the same as heretofore. We only ask for free-will offerings. We feel confident, from the known liberality of our people, that the Review fund will be amply sustained. J. M. A.

The Saviour's Titles.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

AN INCIDENT OF THE TIMES.

SAID Jesus, "Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am." And, "One is your Master, even Christ." Paul said, "there is but one God, the Father," "and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things." Also, that the Holy Ghost instructs to call him Lord. 1 Cor. xii, 3. The title of "Lord," is frequently given to "Jesus Christ" in the Scriptures. Of his coming it is said, "The Lord himself shall descend." As an evidence of its frequent use, we find the title of "Lord" directly given to him no less than sixteen times in the short epistle last quoted from; 1 Thess., and fourteen times in the still shorter one, 2 Thess. "By him were all things created." "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." "Who being the brightness of his [the Father's] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power," "hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than angels. It is the Christian's glory that help has been laid upon "one that is mighty to save."

But Peter says, "false teachers shall arise, who shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." We do not assert that this scripture refers specially to any event of our age, yet we have seen one of the most striking fulfillments of it, that was ever presented to the world.

A National Convention of the Unitarians was held not long since in New York. It was an imposing body of great men. Among the speakers, were Gov. Andrew, the first president of the Unitarian convention. Peter Cooper, William Cullen Bryant, Rev. Dr. Bellows, and other noted ones; a multitude of "Rev. D. D.'s" were in attendance. The preamble to the constitution gave rise to the following remarks:

"Rev. Mr. Watson said he could not agree with the first article, which used the words 'Lord Jesus Christ.' He could not call Jesus, Lord; for he believed he was not Lord, in the meaning attached to that word. [A gentleman on the platform here reminded Mr. Watson that 'Lord' was applied to Christ in the New Testament, and a voice, sotto voce, repeated the fact.] That was the language, continued the speaker, of Paul, not of the New Testament; but he could not receive it. . . . If they should use Lord, in the sense of a title among men, he would not oppose them; but they should explain emphatically and distinctly the meaning of the word."

"Rev. Mr. Burley, of Florence, Mass., a tall gentleman of about sixty, with long, brownish, gray ringlets, hair parted in the middle, and a lengthy beard, next rose to speak. He said he should not like to see any form of doctrine adopted among them which should prescribe any one. . . . In one of these articles, Christ was called Lord; but he believed they were wrong. He (the speaker) would be in favor of calling him not even Master Jesus Christ, but Mr. Jesus Christ, in order to explain his character distinctly."—Copied from the Chicago Tribune.

No language can add to the hideousness of the impiety of these "false teachers." While they would allow no other title to Christ than that of "Mr.," they are not ashamed to appropriate to themselves the title of "Reverend," which only occurs in one instance, in the English version of the Scriptures, and is then applied to God. See Ps. cxi, 9.

J. H. WAGGONER.

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