Review and Herald, Vol. 37, No. 7.
OUR FAITH AND HOPE; Or, Reasons Why We Believe as We DoPage 1
Earlier text: Family DevotionThoughts on the Book of Daniel.
Verse 21. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. Tiberius Cæsar next appeared after Augustus Cæsar on the Roman throne. He was raised to the consulate in his twenty-eighth year. It is recorded that as Augustus was about to nominate his successor, his wife Livia besought him to nominate Tiberius (her son by a former husband); but the emperor said, “Your son is too vile to wear the purple of Rome;” and the nomination was given to Agrippa, a very virtuous and much-respected Roman citizen. But the prophecy had foreseen that a vile person should succeed Augustus. Agrippa died; and Augustus was again under the necessity of choosing a successor. Livia renewed her intercessions for Tiberius; and Augustus, weakened by age and sickness, was more easily flattered, and finally consented to nominate as his colleague and successor, that “vile” young man. But the citizens never gave him the love, respect, and “honor of the kingdom,” due to an upright and faithful sovereign. How clear a fulfillment is this of the prediction that they should not give him the honor of the kingdom. But he was to come in peaceably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. A paragraph from the Encyclopædia Americana, shows how this was fulfilled:— “During the remainder of the life of Augustus, he [Tiberius] behaved with great prudence and ability, concluding a war with the Germans in such a manner as to merit a triumph. After the defeat of Varus and his legions, he was sent to check the progress of the victorious Germans, and acted in that war with equal spirit and prudence. On the death of Augustus, he succeeded, without opposition, to the sovereignty of the empire; which, however, with his characteristic dissimulation, he affected to decline, until repeatedly solicited by the servile senate.” Dissimulation on his part, flattery on the part of the servile senate, and a possession of the kingdom without opposition—such were the circumstances attending his accession to the throne; and such were the circumstances for which the prophecy called. The person brought to view in the text is called “a vile person.” Was such the character sustained by Tiberius? Let another paragraph from the Encyclopædia answer:— “Tacitus records the events of this reign, including the suspicious death of Germanicus, the detestable administration of Sejanus, the poisoning of Drusus, with all the extraordinary mixture of tyranny with occasional wisdom and good sense, which distinguished the conduct of Tiberius, until his infamous and dissolute retirement, A. D. 26, to the isle of Capreæ, in the bay of Naples, never to return to Rome. On the death of Livia, A. D. 29, the only restraint upon his actions, and those of the detestable Sejanus, was removed, and the destruction of the widow and family of Germanicus followed. At length the infamous favorite extending his views to the empire itself, Tiberius, informed of his machinations, prepared to encounter him with his favorite weapon, dissimulation. Although fully resolved upon his destruction, he accumulated honors upon him, declared him his partner in the consulate, and, after long playing with his credulity, and that of the senate, who thought him in greater favor than ever, he artfully prepared for his arrest. Sejanus fell deservedly and unpitied; but many innocent persons shared in his destruction, in consequence of the suspicion and cruelty of Tiberius, which now exceeded all limits. The remainder of the reign of this tyrant is little more than a disgusting narrative of servility on the one hand, and of despotic ferocity on the other. That he himself endured as much misery as he inflicted, is evident from the following commencement of one of his letters to the senate: ‘What I shall write to you, conscript fathers, or what I shall not write, or why I should write at all, may the gods and goddesses plague me more than I feel daily that they are doing, if I can tell.’ ‘What mental torture,’ observes Tacitus, in reference to this passage, ‘which could extort such a confession!’” “Seneca remarks of Tiberius that he was never intoxicated but once in his life; for he continued in a state of perpetual intoxication from the time he gave himself to drinking, to the last moment of his life.” Tyranny, hypocrisy, infamous debauchery, and beastly intemperance;—if these traits and practices show a man to be vile, Tiberius exhibited that character in disgusting perfection. Verse 22. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. Bishop Newton presents the following reading as agreeing better with the original: “And the arms of the overflower shall be overflown from before him, and shall be broken.” The expressions signify revolution and violence; and in fulfillment we should look for the arms of Tiberius, the overflower, to be overflown, or, in other words, for him to suffer a violent death. To show how this was accomplished, we again have recourse to the Encyclopædia Americana, art., Tiberius:— “Acting the hypocrite to the last, he disguised his increasing debility as much as he was able, even affecting to join in the sports and exercises of the soldiers of his guard. At length, leaving his favorite island, the scene of the most disgusting debaucheries, he stopped at a country house near the promontory of Misenum, where, on the sixteenth of March, 37, he sunk into a lethargy, in which he appeared dead; and Caligula was preparing with a numerous escort to take possession of the empire, when his sudden revival threw them into consternation. At this critical instant, Macro, the prætorian prefect, caused him to be suffocated with pillows. Thus expired the emperor Tiberius, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, and twenty-third of his reign, universally execrated.” “The prince of the covenant” unquestionably refers to Jesus Christ, the “Messiah the Prince,” who was to “confirm the covenant” one week with his people. Dan. 9:25–27. The prophet, having taken us down to the death of Tiberius, now mentions incidentally an event to transpire in his reign so important that it should not be passed over; namely, the cutting off of the prince of the covenant, or in other words the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Did this event take place in the reign of Tiberius? It did. Luke informs us (3:1–3) that in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, John the Baptist commenced his ministry. The reign of Tiberius is to be reckoned, according to Prideaux, Dr Hales, Lardner, and others, from his elevation to the53throne to reign jointly with Augustus, his father-in-law, in August A. D. 12. His fifteenth year would therefore be from August A. D. 26, to August A. D. 27. Christ was six months younger than John, and is supposed to have commenced his ministry six months later, both, according to the law of the priesthood, entering upon their work when they were thirty years of age. If John commenced in the spring, in the latter portion of Tiberius’ 15th year, it would bring the commencement of Christ’s ministry in the autumn of A. D. 27; and here the best of authorities place the baptism of Christ, it being the exact point where the 483 years from B. C. 457, which were to extend to the Messiah the Prince, terminated; and Christ went forth proclaiming that the time was fulfilled. From this point we go forward three years and a half to find the date of the crucifixion; for Christ attended but four passovers, and was crucified at the last one. Three and a half years from the autumn of A. D. 27, bring us to the spring of A. D. 31. The death of Tiberius is placed but six years later, in A. D. 37. Verse 23. And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. The “him” with whom the league here spoken of is made, must be the same power which has been the subject of the prophecy from the 14th verse; and that this is the Roman power is shown beyond controversy in the fulfillment of the prophecy in three individuals as already noticed, who successively stood at the head of the Roman empire, Julius, Augustus, and Tiberius Cæsar. The first on returning to the fort of his own land in triumph, stumbled and fell and was not found. Verse 19. The second was a raiser of taxes; and he reigned in the glory of the kingdom, and died neither in anger nor in battle, but peacefully in his own bed. Verse 20. The third was a dissembler, and one of the vilest of characters. He entered upon the kingdom peaceably, but ended both his reign and his life in violence. And in his reign the prince of the covenant, Jesus of Nazareth, was put to death upon the cross. Verses 21, 22. Christ can never be broken or put to death again; hence in no other government, and at no other time, can we find a fulfillment of these events. Some attempt to apply these verses to Antiochus, and make one of the Jewish high priests the prince of the covenant though they are never called such. This is the same kind of reasoning which endeavors to make the reign of Antiochus a fulfillment of the little horn of Dan. 8; and it is offered for the same purpose, namely, to break the great chain of evidence by which it is shown that the Advent doctrine is the doctrine of the Bible, and that Christ is now at the door. But the chain cannot be broken nor the evidence overthrown. Having taken us down through the secular events of the empire, to the end of the seventy weeks, the prophet in verse 23, takes us back to the time when the Romans became directly connected with the people of God, by the Jewish league, B. C. 161; from which point we are then taken down in a direct line of events to the final triumph of the church, and the setting up of God’s everlasting kingdom. The Jews being grievously oppressed by the Syrian kings, sent an embassy to Rome, to solicit the aid of the Romans, and to join themselves in “a league of amity and confederacy with them.” 1 Mac. 8; Prideaux, ii. 166; Josephus’ Antiq. B. xii. chap. x. sec. 6. The Romans listened to the request of the Jews, and granted them a decree couched in these words:— “The decree of the senate concerning a league of assistance and friendship with the nation of the Jews. It shall not be lawful for any that are subject to the Romans, to make war with the nation of the Jews, nor to assist those that do so, either by sending them arms, or ships, or money; and if any attack be made upon the Jews, the Romans shall assist them as far as they are able; and again, if any attack be made upon the Romans, the Jews shall assist them. And if the Jews have a mind to add to, or to take from, this league of assistance, that shall be done with the common consent of the Romans. And whatever addition shall then be made, it shall be of force.” “This decree,” says Josephus, “was written by Eupolemus, the son of John, and by Jason, the son of Eleazer, when Judas was high priest of the nation, and Simon, his brother, was general of the army. And this was the first league that the Romans made with the Jews, and was managed after this manner.” At this time, the Romans were a small people, and began to work deceitfully, or with cunning, as the word signifies. And from this point they rose by a steady and rapid ascent to the height of power which they afterward attained. Dangers that Threaten Us.
C. L. WOODWORTH, in the American Missionary of October, 1870, speaks as follows of the growing and threatening evils with which Christianity must contend, even in this land of light and liberty. The picture is not a very encouraging one for those who think that the church, with the agencies now at her command, is commissioned to convert the world. He says:— “The immense tide of foreign immigration, coming largely from the very poor and dangerous classes of the Old World—the infidelity which marches in the forefront of this immigration, scoffing at the Sabbath, the Church and the Bible—the Romish Church, hostile to whatever has come of the Puritan faith and culture, spreading over the land, and boasting its purpose to take possession of it within the next thirty years; Mormonism with its gospel of lust, and heathenism with its one hundred thousand invaders on the Pacific slopes, and finally eight millions of our own kith and kin, south of Mason and Dixon’s line, who, to say the least, do not love us—are enough to make us serious, and lead us to ask whether we have not all that we can do to save the land for Christ, and liberty, and truth. The first duty of the churches would seem to be to strengthen their position, and secure their defenses against all the craft and power of Rome and the devil. It may be accepted as the common consent of mankind that the great moral battle for the world will be fought in this land, for the simple reason that every enemy of Christ and truth, is here concentrating. . . . Our peril is not from foes without, but from foes within. There is among us a spirit of diabolism that must be exorcised, or it will destroy us. The conflict will come, and it will be decisive. Hence we plead with our people to see to it that the positions of the evangelical churches are made so strong as to defy every assault, come from what quarter it may. If as Christian men, we have any wisdom for a time like this, we shall put in array every Christian power, and set in motion every Christian influence, to meet the enemy who is coming in upon us like a flood.” Of the wonderful field presented by this country for the preaching of the gospel to all nations, he then speaks as follows:— “God has brought the world to our doors, and why should we think we do nothing for it unless we seek men abroad? The heathen are moving in upon us ten times faster than we have shown any capacity to save them in their own lands. We have in the blacks and in the Chinese the representatives of two great heathen races; and it ought to be easier to save them here than under the darkness of heathenism, while their salvation would insure the salvation of the nations from which they come.” “There is, too, this immense gain in doing the work here. We preach to these races in our own tongue, which they are compelled to learn, instead of learning theirs after years of study, and babbling in it ever after. No time is lost, therefore; the moment we face the work, that moment we preach the glorious gospel of Christ. We are startled almost when we think of it, as if we saw the shadow of the Almighty, that in the English language, packed with religious ideas, and holding the best Christian literature in the world, we can, at our own doors, preach the gospel to every nation under heaven.” Correct Doctrine Important.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THERE is a very marked and strong tendency in this age to what is called “Liberalism.” It has come to be considered of no essential importance whether a man holds a correct doctrine or one that is not true, provided he really believes it. Character, we are told, should be the test, and not the doctrine. I know a church that will receive members without baptism in any form, or even conversion, and whose doctrine is directly opposite to that of the church. Universalists, Restorationists, Trinitarians, Unitarians, and in fact, all kinds of theology, may come into the church, though of course, their own doctrine is preferred. Now this strikes my mind as being very contrary to the teachings of the Bible on this subject. Sound doctrine is repeatedly spoken of as being very important. Christ warns his disciples to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Matt. 16:12. He also says, John 7:17, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” This shows that the knowledge of doctrine was esteemed important by Christ. Of the early disciples it is said, that “they continued steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine.” Acts 2:42. Paul preached a form of doctrine, and thanked God that they had received it. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” Rom. 6:17. Timothy, he exhorts thus: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 1:13. This form of sound words was to be held fast by Timothy, and to be taught to others. In reproving the Corinthians, Paul says, “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine.” 1 Cor. 14:26. This evil he reproves. But such a state of things may now be found in many churches of our land. Not only does it go unreproved, but in many instances it is even commended, and thought to be necessary. Paul instructed Timothy to abide at Ephesus that he might “charge some they that teach no other doctrine.” 1 Tim. 1:3. Paul was careful in this matter. He knew there was importance attached to it. Again, he exhorts that young minister, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Tim. 4:13, 16. Again, he tells Timothy that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine. 2 Tim. 3:16. And then he tells him to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Chap. 4:2-4. To Titus he gave similar advice: “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Titus 2:7. Christ said that he hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. And Paul denounces a curse against any one, though he be an angel from Heaven, if he should preach any other gospel. Gal. 1:8. In perfect accordance with this, again he gives his advice: “A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10, 11. This is pretty strong language; but to the Romans he writes equally as strong against those who teach false doctrine. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Paul was afraid of men who had false doctrines, and would allow the church to have no fellowship for them. John is even more severe. He says: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9:10, 11. The reason why the sacred writers were so fearful of false doctrine, and condemned it so severely, and exhorted their followers to have no fellowship with those who held or taught it, manifestly was because false doctrine always leads to wrong practice. If a man holds a wrong theory he will certainly go wrong. As the telling of one falsehood leads to the telling of another, to cover that up; so the receiving of one false doctrine leads to the reception of another, and so on, till the most important doctrines of the Bible are undermined and overthrown. Correct doctrine, sound doctrine, therefore, is of great importance. Error should not be lightly regarded. We believe the Judgment will prove this to be true. THE Saviour gave, as one sign of the approaching end, the roaring, or unusually violent commotion, of the sea and waves. The thoughtful reader will be reminded of his language by the following exhibit of the unparalleled losses by sea during the past few years:— The marine losses of the United States during the year now passing away have reached the heavy figures of over $17,500,000, inclusive of the values of the several cargoes of the vessels lost or missing. The last quarter of the year is always the hardest upon shipping, and the month of October was the most disastrous of the three so far reported. It has to answer for sixty-six vessels lost or missing. Of the lost ones, forty-two were burned at sea—an extraordinary number to be thus destroyed—and a fact which almost forces upon the mind a suspicion of very great carelessness among those who go down to the sea in ships. Of the remainder (including so much as is reported for the month of December), 250 were wrecked, fifty-six were abandoned, twenty-five from one cause or another were sunk, twenty-seven foundered, and forty-five were missing, some of which, however, arrived at port safely during some part of the year. The total losses in the United States marine since 1865 are, 2,821 vessels, valued at $129,067,700. The total losses throughout the world for the last year, from Jan. 1, to Dec. 10, 1870, as reported to the British Lloyd's were 1,887 vessels. Conscience Grows Serpent on the Death-Bed
CONSCIENCE, be it ever so little a worm while we live, grows suddenly to a serpent on the death-bed. THE prophet reproved David for his sin, because he had given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. See from the following article, published in the New York Nation, what occasion fighting Christians give the heathen, and infidels generally, to blaspheme that which professes to be the religion of the Prince of Peace. How long will Christians have to fight to convert the world? Considering that last Christmas day was the eighteen hundred and sixty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Christ, and that the religion he founded was, above all things, the religion of love, the condition of the Christian world presents a curious spectacle. Some forty millions of German Christians are helping in every way in their power to kill and maim a similar number of French Christians, and destroy their property. Large numbers of young French Christians, too, are lying in wait behind hedges and in ditches, trying to shoot passing German Christians through the head; and, when German Christians catch them, they shoot them through the head. Over half of France the Christian churches are turned into hospitals for persons whom their brother Christians have horribly gashed and mutilated. In another quarter of Europe, Russian Christians announce their determination to kill and maim any number of Latin Christians, besides Mohammedans, that may be necessary in order to secure themselves the privilege of keeping in the Black Sea, as many instruments for destroying human life and property as they think proper; and the Latin Christians reply that they will, in turn, slaughter any number of Greek Christians sooner than submit to anything of the kind. Over here we do not at present propose to kill anybody; but it was only a few weeks since, a notorious Massachusetts Christian got up and calmly proposed, as a means of making political capital for the party, that American Christians generally should go to killing English and Canadian Christians, and destroying their property, on account of a certain sum of money; and large numbers of the more “advanced” Christians think that, although he was mistaken, he is still a dear, delightful, naughty man, and that they must really forgive him. To a heathen looker-on of some cultivation and sense of humor, the whole thing, the festival included, would be as good as a play. To Correspondents.
By Editor
F. A. BUZZELL: Your query was noticed in REVIEW, No. 5. A CORRESPONDENT asks for an explanation of the parable in Luke 14:31-35. We do not find any there. L. H. BEEBE: We did not design to be understood as denying the fact that travelers, under certain circumstances, will find a difference in their reckoning of time. Our only object was to show that the extract under notice could not be an authentic piece of information. CORRESPONDENTS who from time to time send in selections for the paper have our thanks; but if when they send whole papers or parts of papers, they will mark the articles to which they wish to call our attention, it will make it much more convenient for us. Count Your Mercies.
By A. S. Hutchins
To MORE frequently count the mercies so graciously bestowed upon us by our kind heavenly Parent, would greatly soften, and often quite diminish, the trials, temptations, and afflictions, of life. It would do much to smooth the pathway of life, and to enable us to run with patience and greater success the Christian race. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith,” Temptations to repine under discouragements, would not so frequently intrude into our hearts. Oh! that with the opening of each new morning, our hearts might awake with responsive songs of praise and gratitude, to the Giver of every good and perfect gift; that they may be tuned each day to his honor and glory; and that in words, and acts of love and kindness to all, we may in some measure reflect a Saviour’s love to the world, as the peaceful waters reflect the gentle beams of the sun. Oh! that we may be suitably impressed with the “depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God,” and of his manifold mercies to the children of men. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32. “Count the mercies which have been quietly falling in your history. Down they come, every morning and evening, as angel messengers from the Father of Heaven. Have you lived these years wasting mercies, renewing them every day, and never yet realized whence they came? If you have, Heaven pity you. You have murmured under afflictions; but who heard you rejoice over blessings? Ask the sunbeam, the raindrop, the star, or the queen of the night. What is life but mercy? What are health, strength, friendship, social life? Had each the power of speech, each would say, ‘I am a mercy.’ Perhaps you have never regarded them as such. If not, you have been a poor student of nature and revelation. What is the propriety of stopping to play with a thorn bush, when you may just as well pluck sweet flowers, and eat pleasant fruits?” Fearless Faith Beyond the Shadow of Death
HE who fears not death will start at no shadows. Knoxville, Iowa.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
JAN. 10 and 11, myself and wife rode sixty miles from Winterset to Knoxville. The weather was fine, and the roads the best I ever saw. Bro. Stiffler furnished us with a good team, and we enjoyed our ride very much. Stopped over night at Bro. Hodges’, in Sandyville. Then came on to Knoxville to be ready for the meeting. Thursday and Friday it stormed considerably and turned cold; yet we had a good delegation of brethren from the surrounding churches, there being over eighty Sabbath-keepers present. Sabbath evening, we spoke to them on the progress of the work and the condition of the cause around us. There were not as many of the Knoxville church out that evening as we wished to see. Sabbath morning, at half past 9 o’clock, had a very good social meeting, though the brethren from other places did most of the work in it. Several of this church did not get in till nearly noon, thus losing a good share of the meeting. This should not be so. Every one should be on hand to commence with the meeting. These seasons are important. We hope there will be a reform in this direction. In the afternoon, we attempted to have a social meeting; but everything was dark and dead. It was very manifest that the church was not in a condition for the Lord to come in and bless us. We felt sad to find such a state of things. In the evening, we pointed out what we thought were some of the difficulties in the way—what was lacking and what was wanting. The Lord seemed to direct, and hearts were moved. After preaching, some good confessions were made, and it seemed lighter. Sunday morning, we had another social meeting. The spirit of confession and contrition came into our meeting at the very start. All were deeply moved, and every heart seemed to be touched. Tears flowed freely. Every moment was occupied, and we felt God’s Spirit powerfully at work among us. It was a solemn place. It was good to be there. After most of the brethren and sisters had spoken, several strong men and women rose up and made a start to serve God. Some of these had long been the subject of prayers and hopes. Words could not express our feelings to thus see them take their stand. Backsliders came forward with weeping and confession. For this we thanked the Lord. In short we had a most solemn, interesting, and affecting meeting. We thank God, and take courage. Bro. Morrison was present, but not able to preach. I tried to preach three times first-day, but was so tired and worn that I could not do it with much energy or effect. I sold about $20 worth of books, and obtained some $30 on the REVIEW and Instructor, with several new subscribers. Monday morning, the brethren and sisters from abroad returned home; but we staid another day to follow up the work here. Years in the past this church has been very unfortunate in the labors bestowed upon it, having had the full benefit of the labors of such men as Hull, Shortridge, Snook, and Brinkerhoff. Coldness, jealousies, and a lack of love, gradually came into the church, and shut out the Spirit of God, and left them in a very sad condition. They have had but little labor for a long time. Indeed they have been neglected too long. Now that the Lord had commenced to work for them, we thought best to follow it up. So Monday afternoon, at half past one, the whole church came together. After plainly stating the case, and all the difficulties as we understood them to exist, we gave opportunity for any one to make confession, who felt that they ought to. We did not propose to hunt up and bring out the difficulties, and make them confess, but let every one, in the fear of God, tend to his own case. The brethren and sisters all took up the case where it was left the day before, and many heartfelt and touching confessions were made. Wives confessed to their husbands, husbands to their wives, parents to their children, and brethren and sisters to each other. Old difficulties were removed, and solemn vows were made for the future. Four hours were spent in this manner. We trust and believe that the work was wrought by the Spirit of God, and that it will be effectual. There had been a lack of sympathy for, and support of, their elder, Bro. Benn Auten, in his many burdens and duties. This had discouraged him very much; but at this meeting he was unanimously assured of their choice, of their support, and their prayers. May it not be in vain. The Bible-class and Sabbath-school were started again. There we left them. On the whole, we feel greatly encouraged with regard to this church, and think we have reason to believe that better days are before them. To the Lord be all the praise. The next monthly meeting will be at State Center. D. M. Canright. Cornville, Maine.
By J. B. Goodrich
Of late, I have been holding meetings in Cornville. About twenty have taken up the cross, and started to serve the Lord. Some are children of Sabbath-keepers. Others never kept the Sabbath before. A number of backsliders have been reclaimed. A good work has commenced, and I hope it may progress until others are brought in. Many are convinced that we have the truth. May the Lord help them to obey, and keep all the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” It rejoiced my heart to hear the brother who was clerk of the Christian Baptist church in Cornville (when I was a member of that body), give us a sketch of his experience and take his position to keep all the commandments of God, and declare that from that day, Dec. 31, we might set him down as a seventh-day Sabbath-keeper. Others commenced to keep the Lord’s Sabbath for the first time. As it was the last day of the year, 1870, and the new year was about to be ushered in upon them, they decided to keep all the commandments of God, that they might have a right to the tree of life, and be saved in the kingdom of God. Bro. Stratton is free, and taking hold well. I hope to see the cause rise in Maine. The truth never looked clearer and more precious to me than now. The third angel’s message will finally triumph. May the Lord increase my faith in this work. Pray for the cause in Maine. Items of Experience.
By Nettie T. Holt
I had decided from principle, previous to hearing Bro. Whitney’s lectures in Keene, N. Y., to be a Christian; but I knew nothing of a Christian life. I was led by “blind shepherds.” I knew nothing of Biblical truths. I did not care to read God’s holy word. I was influenced by professed people of God. They read stories, loved to talk of Dickens’ works, &c. I did not feel the importance of the profession I was making, until the truth of the Bible was set before me; then the responsibilities seemed so great that I nearly gave up in despair. But no; cowardly conscience, how ungrateful! Why is it that we falter and faint by the way? Why grow weary over such a promising prize? Why do we sigh and weep? Are sorrows conquered so? Will the Lord remove the clouds while we sit still repining at our lot? No; I have learned this by experience. But we must toil if we would win the goal of our desires. Resolves, alone, will not help us; for if we would reap, we surely must sow, or not share in the harvest. A contrast between the people of God and the world came before me in a dream, and is still forcibly impressed upon my mind. There were two roads. One seemed to lead to a very quiet and pleasant valley; and many were traveling that way. They formed a grand procession, were arrayed in glittering and costly attire, and their cry was, “Go with us.” They seemed to be happy. They were greeted by all the world. Flowers grew up around them. It seemed an inviting place to go. All the allurements of the world seemed to call me that way. I don’t know why I didn’t go. It is all the Lord’s work in keeping me. The other way was a narrow and stony path leading up a hill, and thorns grew by the way instead of flowers, and a few worn and weary travelers, trusting in the Lord for pure and spotless robes at the end of the race, were going there. I decided to be one of the few. I find peace, and am beginning to love these truths dearly. I do not find so many thorns as I expected. I am trying to form a meek and humble Christian character. My dear friends, if we are the remnant of Israel, may our deeds prove worthy of the name; for “the remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.” THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT.
By C. O. Taylor
In a napkin smooth and white,
Hidden from all mortal sight,
My one talent lies to-night. Mine to hoard, or mine to use,
Mine to keep, or mine to lose;
May I not do what I choose? Ah! the gift was only lent,
With the Giver’s known intent,
That it should be wisely spent. And I know he will demand
Every farthing at my hand,
When I in his presence stand. What will be my grief and shame,
When I hear my humble name,
And cannot repay his claim? One poor talent—nothing more!
All the years that have gone o’er,
Have not added to the store. Some will double what they hold,
Others add to it tenfold,
And pay back the shining gold. Would that I had toiled like them!
All my sloth I now condemn;
Guilty fears my soul o’erwhelm. Lord, oh! teach me what to do!
Make me faithful, make me true,
And the sacred trust renew. Help me, ere too late it be,
Something yet to do for thee,
Thou who hast done all for me. Selected for the REVIEW, by C. O. TAYLOR. Napoleon, O., Jan. 18, 1871
By I. D. Van Horn
On Friday evening, Dec. 30, I began meetings in the neighborhood of Bro. S. E. Edwards, four miles south-east of Napoleon. The Disciple church were so kind as to allow us to use their house of worship, and they have our thanks. I have now been here nearly three weeks, and have held twenty-six meetings. The first two weeks we had good sleighing, and our public meetings were well attended. The people seemed to be very anxious to hear the truth. They came from miles around, and sometimes filled the house, which would seat about three hundred, to overflowing. The last week there has been a great change. The weather became very warm, the snow almost all went off in a day, the roads became very muddy, and the nights dark and stormy, so the people could not get out. This coming when the interest was the greatest, and when the people were making decisions, stopped the work almost entirely. Quite a number became convinced of the truth; but they yet remain undecided about moving out. We came into this place more especially to benefit our brethren and sisters that lived here, and in this the work has been successful. Some of Bro. Edwards’ family made a start in the cause of the Lord. The brethren and sisters were much encouraged. I have good evidence that a good work has been done here. Seven have been buried with their Lord in baptism, and risen, we trust, to walk in newness of life. One of these was a young sister from Defiance, who decided to live the truth against the opposition of parents and friends, since I left there. I organized a church of fourteen members, Bro. George W. Edwards was chosen and ordained their elder. They heartily adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and put down their figures to the amount of $160.40 per year. The Lord gave us his blessing in this work. We feel to give him all the praise. If this little company remain faithful in their duty, and cast a true and steady light, they may expect others to join them soon. I feel to take courage, and go forward in the work and cause of present truth. We will labor on till the jewels are gathered, praying the Lord to hasten on the work. I. D. VAN HORN. Napoleon, O., Jan. 18, 1871
Vienna, N. Y.
By F. Wheeler
COMMENCED meetings, Nov. 5, 1870, at the Maple Flats school-house, town of Vienna. Held in that and adjoining districts, in all, some fifty meetings. In one district especially, there was quite an interest to hear; and from the freedom enjoyed in speaking in the meetings and in conversation in families, I hoped quite a number would embrace the truth. But although quite a number acknowledged the truth, only two decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I hope that others will yet decide to serve God and keep his commandments. I intend to visit them again. I have also held several meetings at Smith’s Mills with some interest and, I trust, profit to the brethren, and others. Last Sabbath, spent with the church at Roosevelt in monthly meeting. First-day, came to this place, and commenced meetings in the evening. Have given four discourses with good interest. I feel like striving to get very low before God, so that I may accomplish some good in this cause. Pray for me. F. WHEELER. New Haven, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1871. St. Johns, Mich.
By A. H. Pervorse
A few in this place have renounced the popular theories of the day, and have indorsed the Advent doctrine as far as they know. They seem to understand that man is mortal, that the dead sleep, and that the coming of our Lord is at hand. I think that these people are earnestly seeking for truth, and that much good could be done, if help could be had. A. H. Pervorse.