"The Preacher and United Presbyterian" contains an interesting letter from Egypt, from which we abstract the following:
On arriving at Thebes I visited the great temple of Karnak, built in part by Thothmes III, the Pharaoh of the Exodus. There, upon the outer wall of the grand hall, we found a record of the invasion and conquest of Judea and Jerusalem, by Sheshouk, or Shishak, king of Egypt, as it is written in 1 Kings xiv, 25, 26.
"And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem: and he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made."
This king Shishak, or Sheshouk, from his cartouch or imperial signet, is represented in his chariot leading the captive Israelites in triumph to Thebes. Their beards and features stamp them unquestionably Jews, as distinctly as the Jewish face can now be recognized in Jerusalem, Constantinople or New York. Their hands are bound with a rope, and their eyes upraised, as if imploring mercy from their conqueror.
The names of the conquered towns and districts taken in this expedition are also recorded in the hieroglyphics. Among these, Champollion has deciphered "the kingdom of Judah, and also the Scripture names of Megiddo, Hebron, Bethshan, Taanac, all cities of Palestine, and also the Valley of Hinnom; and the great place of Jerusalem."
Here we indeed read the confirmation of Scripture history on the temple of Thebes, preserved almost three thousand years, to bear their silent testimony to the truth of the Bible.
I also found many verifications of the Scripture history, represented upon the tombs of Egypt, cut in the solid rock. In the tomb of Raschere, the overseer of public buildings under Thothmes III, the probable Pharaoh of the Exodus, we saw the whole process of brick-making depicted. Some are digging and mixing the clay, others shaping it in the mould, others are taking the bricks from the form and placing them in rows, and others carrying them away to be dried. There also is the taskmaster with his rod in hand, overlooking the slaves at their work. I also found another most interesting incidental confirmation.
"And Pharaoh commanded the same day, the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore; let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof."
Now, on one of the tombs of Thebes, the mode of reaping grain is illustrated. It was cut a little below the ear, and the straw left standing in the field. Thus the Israelites were ordered to go into the fields, and gather straw for themselves, instead of having it brought to them by others as before, and yet were compelled to render the same number of bricks through the day. Such was their additional burden of oppression. In fact, we see almost the entire history of Joseph and the Israelites pictured upon the tombs and sculptured upon the monuments of ancient Egypt.
The steward with his books, taking estimate of his master's goods. The storehouses that were built for the grain of Egypt. The making of bricks with chopped straw, which is still found in the ruins. The Israelites were pursued with horses and chariots. These are represented in every battle scene. Joseph was made overseer of Pharaoh's house. The monuments furnish many evidences of this custom. Pharaoh put a gold chain about his neck. The ceremony of decorating persons of rank with a necklace of gold is often seen. Jacob dies and was embalmed by the Egyptians. To embalm the dead was customary in those days. And they mourned for him three score and ten days. Funeral processions and mourning for the dead are frequently represented; indeed, this custom continues in the land at the present day.
All abundantly prove that the author of the books of Moses had lived in Egypt, and "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians."
During my visit to Thebes, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sir Gardiner Wilkinson, the veteran authority in regard to Egyptian antiquities. I inquired what was his view with regard to the confirmation of Scripture history from the monuments. He replied: "We find that everything confirms the Bible. In fact, the taking of the Jews captive by Shishak, which you saw sculptured at Karnak, is our first determined point in chronology. Before that period all is uncertain. But this date is certain, since the Bible and the record upon the temple entirely agree, and we can therefore trace the subsequent kings in their proper order." He remarked also, "that in his opinion, the explorations and discoveries were still in their infancy." It was most gratifying to receive this unqualified testimony from one who has spent years in carefully studying the monuments and hieroglyphics, and comparing them with history and the Bible.
D. E. GIBSON
By D. E. Gibson
From Bro. Gibson.
BRO. SMITH; It is about one year since I embraced the Sabbath of the Lord. The truths of God's word, as brought to view in the Third Angel's Message, have brought great comfort to my soul. O the goodness of God in giving us the light of truth. I thank him that he sent his servant this way to proclaim the gospel to us, to give time to be zealous and repent.
Bro. Steward is laboring among us faithfully, and has brought out of the treasury things both new and old. Brn. Waggoner and Andrews called this way, and we had a refreshing time in the Lord. I want to be an overcomer, to be dead to this world and alive to God. I am led to weep over my lukewarmness from time to time, but dear brethren and sisters, by the grace of God I am trying to arise with the present truth.
In hope of eternal life.
D. E. GIBSON
Mauston, Wis., Apr. 11th, 1858.
Power of Personal Holiness.
NEVER will the church meet her solemn responsibilities, until her children, bursting asunder the shackles that bind them, and rising out of the slough of earthliness in which they are sunk, come up to that high measure of evangelical sanctification which the voice of Scripture and the exigencies of a dying world alike demand of them. There is a moral omnipotence in holiness. Argument may be resisted; persuasion and entreaty may be scorned. The thrilling appeals and monitions of the pulpit, set forth with all the vigor of logic, and in all the glow of eloquence, may be evaded or disregarded. But the exhibition of exalted piety has a might which nothing can withstand: it is truth embodied: it is the gospel burning in the hearts, beaming from the eyes, breathing from the lips, and preaching in the lives of its votaries. No sophistry can elude it, no conscience can ward it off; no bosom wears a mail that can brave the energy of its attack. It speaks in all languages, in all climes, and to all phases of our nature. It is universal—invincible; and clad in immortal panoply, goes on from victory to victory.
Heart Religion.
NOTHING in the world will answer a man's purpose, when he comes down to a death-bed, but heartfelt religion; a clear witness of the Spirit; a full assurance that the Redeemer liveth. Job had the right experience to suffer and to die by—" I know that my Redeemer liveth."
For this knowledge a dying man would give an empire. All other knowledge to him seems worth-less, and he counts it as dross.
How careful we ought to be, while engaged in the busy cares of life, that we lose not this heartfelt religion, this personal interest in Christ, this lively evidence of our adoption into his family.
That many do lose this simple heartfelt religion is quite certain. They pass years in a state of doubt and partial darkness; and when called to die, they feel unprepared. Death has not lost its sting. They shrink back, and beg for time to complete their preparation.
Dear reader, do you, to-day, enjoy that sweet, humbling, joyous consciousness of your interest, which giveth you the victory ?
The Hope of Immortality
WHAT is man without hope of future life? How feeble! how disconsolate! how unsatisfied! Earth it is true, has a thousand allurements, and opens to our tastes unnumbered sources of joy; but in the midst of them there is a certain something wanting to gratify the soul, if the hope of immortality be absent.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister L. Harrington writes from Claremont, N. H., April 4th, 1858 : "It is six years this Spring since I saw the seventh day to be the Sabbath of the Lord. I feel thankful for his goodness to me in letting me see the light and glory that shines around this truth. I never shall forget the day when I made up my mind to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Although I have not the privilege of meeting on the Sabbath in this place for worship. yet I often think of others that do enjoy that privilege, and hope they prize it as they should. I helieve the Lord is soon coming to gather his poor afflicted people. It rejoices my heart to think our redemption draws nigh; that if faithful we shall meet all the loved ones that are sleeping in Jesus, and with them he caught up to meet the Lord in the air. O may we have our loins girt with truth and we like unto men that wait for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding, that we may open unto him immediately, I hope to be an overcomer and with the remnant finally sit down in his kingdom, with Abraham. Isaac and Jacob, to go no more out forever. O, blessed be God for the prospect of eternal life when Jesus comes! I feel that the Lord blesses me now while I write."
A Testimony on Keeping the Sabbath
Sister E. M. McConnell writes from Ceresco, Mich., Apr. 13th, 1858 : "I thank God that in his infinite wisdom and mercy he saw fit to open my eyes and enlighten my understanding on the subject of the Sabbath. It is over two years since I commenced striving to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and I can truly say I have never been sorry that I started in this glorious cause. But I find it is much easier to float down the stream with the current than to row against it, and I know if I ever gain heaven it must be by the way of the cross. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. xxxiv, 19. I feel indeed that I need much of the grace of God in this evil time. God's people are truly a scattered people, but thank the Lord, he has promised to gather them, and he will do it. I feel strengthened by reading the Review. I bid you God speed. May God bless you and all his dear children, is the prayer of your unworthy sister."
Watchfulness in Perilous Times
Sister S. S. Rogers writes from Evans' Mills, N. Y., Apr. 7th, 1858: "I am convinced we are living in perilous times; that men have become lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud and haughty, having a form of godliness, but destitute of the power. Truly they are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Should not these things admonish us to live more watchful and more prayerful lives to be looking forward for the final consummation of all things. I am one of the lonely ones of earth, and often ask myself the question, 'Who will be able to stand when he appeareth?' In view of these things, I desire an interest in your prayers that I may be one of the happy number to enter the rest that remains for the people of God."
A Testimony of Healing and Perseverance
Sister L. J. Richmond writes from Ashfield, Mass., March 31st, 1858: “Were it not for hearing through the Review of the prosperity of the cause of truth, and from my dear brethren and sisters, I fear I should have sunk beneath discouragements and the trials of the way. But I praise the the Lord that I am permitted to live until the present time. Two years ago this Winter I was evidently near the grave with the consumption; but my earnest prayer was, Lord, if it can be for thy glory, let me live to see thy cause rise, and to feel more of the power of truth upon my own soul. The Lord heard and answered. I was raised up, to the astonishment of my friends and my physician, who said he never expected to see me so well again; but to God be all the praise.
“I have kept the Sabbath since 1851, and have passed through many trials, but thus far the Lord has been my helper. Praise his holy name. I have long desired to see this day—I see it, and am glad. But while I see the cause rising, I feel to tremble lest I be left to be shaken out from among God's people. Still I mean to strive to follow on, and be one that shall endure even unto the end. Pray for me that my faith fail not. May the Lord speed on the message is my prayer.”
Meetings in N. Y.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith: According to appointment our meetings commenced at Buck's Bridge, St. Law. Co., N. Y. March 20th, and closed the evening of the 22d. Brethren Byington, Buck and Lawrence had been holding protracted evening meetings for about a week before I came. Bro. Buck had been giving a series of lectures. At the close of our first meeting, commencing with the Sabbath, a brother arose and declared his determination henceforth to keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God. At the close of our series of meetings, his companion also decided to keep the Sabbath. Some others manifested an increasing interest to learn our position. The living members of the church manifested an increasing desire to heed the counsel of the true Witness, and have a closer walk with God. The Lord continue his blessing to strengthen and prepare his people to meet their coming King, is my prayer.
On the 23d and the 24th inst., we held evening meetings in Norfolk, some fourteen miles further eastward. Here a deep interest was manifest to hear the truth. Brother and sister Phillips were with us at Buck's Bridge, and also in Norfolk. At our morning prayer-meeting, the Spirit of the Lord was manifest, and his saints were greatly refreshed. If our appointments further eastward had not required our departure, we should have deemed it our duty to continue our labors among this people for a little season. We left brother Lawrence with them, and brother Byington was sent for, that the meeting might be continued. In answer to prayer, a sister in the church who had not borne her weight for about three months, was strengthened to arise and be dressed, and walk across the room, where she knelt down and thanked and praised the Lord for the manifestation of his Spirit and power to help her in this time of need. We left her praising the Lord. With brother and sister P. in our company, we passed on eastward over the rail road some eighty miles, to Rouse's Point, on lake Champlain.
Our meeting at Rouse's Point, N. Y., commenced the 27th, and continued three days. The brethren came together from five to twenty-five miles distant. Much interest was manifested to hear the word of the Lord; and we hope our labor was not in vain in the Lord. Some who came to hear, were troubled because our teachings did not harmonize with the revival interest that had been, and still was, exciting the people of the place. We labored to show that the announcement of Christ's second coming was in the past, with the ending of the prophetic periods of Daniel's vision, in 1844. Then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed, at which time the Third Angel declares "Here, (on the earth) is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus." As two separate companies of living saints cannot be said to be on the earth at one time, then those who are said to be converted at this time in the nominal churches, and continue to violate the fourth commandment of God every week, cannot be saints, or true converts, because inspiration says "Whosoever offends in one point he is guilty of all." They must therefore be Hosea's strange children, [chap. v, 6, 7.] but commandment-keepers, the true. At the close of the meeting, some acknowledged that our explanations were clear, and they had never seen the position we occupy in so clear a light before.
JOSEPH BATES.
Stowe, Vt., March 31st, 1858.
APPOINTMENTS.
General Conference.
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a General Conference at Battle Creek, to commence May 21st, at 2 o'clock P. M. This meeting is designed for a general gathering of those who have an interest in the cause, and who wish to come to worship God, and learn their duty at this solemn crisis. We shall be happy to see brethren from other States at this Conference.
In behalf of the Church at Battle Creek.
JAMES WHITE,
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
J. B. FRISBIE,
Conference Committee.
Business Items.
By Editor
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Books for Sale at this Office.
By Uriah Smith
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God an the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco, 65 cents.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6–12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents.
Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. It has been prepared with much care, and considerable expense, and can be had at this Office for 4,00 per 100, or if sent by mail, post paid, 6 cents a copy.
A Brief Exposition of Daniel ii, vii, viii, ix, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary. Price, post paid, 10 cts.
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Illio, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 6 cents.
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 6 cents. The same in German, 10 cents.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism—an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 8 cents.
The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents.
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 12½ cents.
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath. Price, 6 cents.
The Atonement. 196 pp. 18 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp, 12½ cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adopted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 15 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S." Price 5 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iiiCol. ii, 14–17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two titles of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c. Price 5 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented. Price 12½ cents.
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Last Word of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c, and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
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Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.—Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 12½ cents.
Word for the Sabbath.—Price 5 cts.
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Report of Publishing Committee.
By Cyrenius Smith, J. P. Kellogg, D. R. Palmer
It has become our duty to report to the friends of the Review the financial condition of the Office. Since May 7th, 1857, the expenses of the Review have exceeded receipts about $625,00. This sum is needed to meet demands against the Office. And besides this sum, $1000 at least is now needed to go forward with the publication of the Review, Instructor, and books which should be published immediately.
As our Book Fund of $1400,00 is in books, it can render assistance only as cash comes in from the sales of books. A work of 200 pages on the Signs of the Times was commenced last Fall, but was not finished for want of means. It is much needed. Bro. Waggoner has revised his "Truth Found" for publication, and there are other works, amounting in all to about 600 pages, which should be published, and will be as soon as possible if the friends of the Review will do as follows:
1. All those who receive bills of what they owe, pay their indebtedness without delay.
2. All the friends of the Review comply with its terms as near as possible—pay in advance—be ready for next volume—only four weeks and it will commence.
3. All who can spare the money now, send pay for one or two years in advance, instead of six months.
Will traveling preachers, and some brother in each church collect means in payment for the Review, and forward it to the Office.
CYRENIUS SMITH, } Publishing
J. P. KELLOGG, } Committee.
D. R. PALMER,
Funds Needed for the General Conference
By James White
Since this report was first published there has been received for the REVIEW only $75,00 more than the current expenses. There should be received at this Office $1000,00 by the time of our General Conference.
J. W.