Review and Herald, Vol. 9, No. 20.
A LETTER TO A FRIEND, ON THE SEVEN CHURCHESPage 1
Earlier text: A LETTER TO A FRIEND, ON THE SEVEN CHURCHESAre the United States a Subject of Prophecy?
(Continued.)
In presenting further considerations which serve to identify the power brought to view under this symbol with these United States of America, we are brought to consider, 5. Its Character. This is all revealed to us in one sentence, short indeed, but abundant in meaning: [Rev. xiii, 11:] “And he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; therefore the animal has a dragon’s heart. His disposition, his motives, intentions, desires, are all like a dragon; his outward appearance, his horns, which must of course be prominent objects to the beholder, his open profession, are all lamb-like. His appearance is good enough, and we might be led to look upon him as a whole, as quite an amiable creature, were it not that when he raises his voice in acts of authority, he speaks as a dragon: like the old fable of the ass in the lion’s skin; if he only had not brayed, his fellow-beasts would have taken him for a lion. But here perhaps some one whose patriotism may for a moment get the better of his judgment, will be ready to exclaim that the application must fail here; that such a character cannot be applicable to our good government, with its free institutions, and the civil and religious liberty which it grants us. Well, let us see. We inquire first what the two horns may signify. A horn is an emblem of power. The following texts will illustrate this: 2 Sam. xxii, 1-3; Amos vi, 3; Micah iv, 13; Hab. iii, 4; Dan. viii, 20-22. It does not denote civil power only. For example, the Papacy was called a horn when it was purely an ecclesiastical power. It was established as a spiritual dominion in 538; but it was not clothed with civil power till 755. See Goodrich’s Church Hist. p. 98. Mosheim’s Church Hist. Vol. i, p. 195. A horn then, denotes power either civil or ecclesiastical. The beast under consideration has two horns like a lamb. What are the two leading powers or principles of our own land? A moment’s thought is not necessary to suggest to any mind that Republicanism and Protestantism are two powers that answer most appropriately to the symbol of two lamb-like horns. We have intimated that no fault could be found with the profession of this government; it is very mild, very lamb-like. A lamb is the chosen symbol of innocence and meekness; and whatever it is used to symbolize, must possess these qualities. Such in profession is our government. The principles on which it is founded are just and Christ-like. What could be more just than the proclamation of civil and religious liberty? What more mild than placing all men on an equal footing, telling them that it is a self-evident truth that they are all created equal; and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? And, in matters of religion, declaring that the Bible is the only religion of Protestants, and that every man has liberty to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience? What could be more lamb-like than this? What could promise fairer for humanity? But, reader, this is only one side of the picture. This is but one phase of this two-faced, hypocritical beast. He first appears and acts before us in mildness and equity; but there are dark, dragonic deeds, the fierce promptings of a dragon’s heart, yet in reserve for the close of this drama. For amid all these professions of mildness and uprightness, we are startled by the voice of a dragon. He spake as a dragon. What is it to speak as a dragon? Let us go back a little and see how a dragon has spoken, for we have an example in the preceding chapter. The opinion is as unanimous that the great red dragon of Rev. xii, is a symbol of Pagan Rome, as that the first beast of chap. xiii, is a symbol of Papal Rome. We find an unerring test of the application of this symbol in the first five verses of the chapter, in the relation it sustains to the man-child, Jesus Christ. It was Pagan Rome that stood ready to devour the Saviour as soon as he was born. It was Pagan Rome that issued a decree at the time of his birth that all the children in Bethlehem and the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, should be slain; thinking thereby to include him who was born King of the Jews in the general massacre. It was Pagan Rome which spoke in regard to the crucifixion of our Saviour in a manner sufficient to illustrate our subject. When the Jews were growing clamorous for his death, how did this dragon power speak through one of its mouth-pieces then in Judea, Pontius Pilate? “Why,” said he, “I find no fault in this man; what evil hath he done?” Now we should suppose that any power making any pretensions to justice or humanity, would consider it an imperative duty to protect the innocent and deliver them from the hand of their oppressors. But did the dragon do so? No. Take ye him, said Pilate, and crucify him. He is innocent, there is no fault in him; nevertheless, crucify him! He acknowledged him to be guiltless, and then in defiance of all justice and humanity, delivered him over into the hands of the executioners. He professed one thing and practiced the reverse. Such, we conceive, is the character of the voice of a dragon. Is the inquiry now raised wherein the two-horned beast has spoken like this? wherein our government has issued unrighteous decrees contrary to its profession? We will notice. We do not claim that the dragon voice is yet fully developed, and the prophecy fully carried out in this respect. But enough has been heard to identify the beast, and to establish a precedent from which we are justified in expecting almost any result. Says the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;” and yet the same government that utters the sentiment, in the very face of this declaration, will hold in abject servitude over 3,200,000 of human beings, rob them of those rights with which they acknowledge that all men are endowed by their Creator, and write out a base denial of all their fair professions in characters of blood. In the institution of Slavery is more especially manifested, thus far, the dragon spirit that dwells in the heart of this hypocritical nation. The fearful strides which this government has made on this question up to the present, afford small ground of hope for the future. The demands of Slavery are imperious, and must be complied with. It began, in 1793, by asking more territory. The territory is purchased and surrendered to its service. Again, it asks for more slave States to equalize its power in the Senate; and to soothe it into quiet, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi are successively opened to its foul embrace. It wants more privileges still. The slaves, though mere chattels, must have some influence in the ballot box. A compromise is effected by rendering five slaves equal to three white men in political influence: in other words, a slave on election day becomes three-fifths of a man! on all other days he is a thing! Again, when Slavery sought to extend its tyranny into Missouri, and it was about to be admitted as a slave State in 1820, the North demurred. But the North through weariness or fear again yielded; and with the solemn pledge on the part of the South that the territory north of 36 30 should be forever consecrated to freedom, Missouri was added to the growing list of Slave States. But the grasping ambition of slavery is unquenchable. Texas is wanted to consummate its purposes. The imbecile North bows assent, as ever, to the dictates of the usurper; and Texas is gained to slavery, to say nothing of Utah and New Mexico. Further, the slave seeks sometimes to obtain those rights which he possesses in common with all men, and flies to a place of refuge. Slavery cannot bear this. It commands the North to deliver them up; and consequently, that monster of human iniquity, the Fugitive Slave Bill of 1850, becomes a law. Again, slavery must have more states, and that too north of the limits assigned to it in 1820. To accomplish this, the sacred barriers then erected against the further spread of this withering curse, must be demolished; the hand of sacrilege must be raised to violate a most solemn pledge. Accordingly a bill is introduced in 1854 for the abrogation of the Missouri Compromise. Like the occasional gleam of lightning before the terrific tempest, so a little of the practical issue of these dragon strides has been seen of late in flames, rapine, robbery, desolation and death on the plains of Kansas. But this is not all. The restoration of the African slave trade is beginning to be confidently talked of by some; and slavery is seeking to enter the Free States with its property. The last triumph it has achieved is found in the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case which was pronounced by Judge Taney on Friday, March 6th, 1857. It is, 1. That Africans are regarded wholly as property, in the constitution, and are incapable under that instrument of ever attaining the position of citizens. 2. That a slave taken into a Free State is not therefore entitled to his freedom. 3. That Congress has no rightful power to prohibit Slavery in the Territories; hence the Missouri Restriction is unconstitutional. Such is the decision of the Supreme Court of this nation on this question; and in view of this, the declaration of Senator Foote, we think it was, may not prove merely an empty boast—that he would one day call the roll of his slaves at the foot of Bunker Hill. Says Erdius Tenney in a discourse preached at Lyme, N. H. on the day of the last annual thanksgiving, “We may sleep over the encroachments of Slavery, but we sleep upon the mouth of a volcano. When its general dominion, which seems approaching in mad haste, is perfected, an Egyptian darkness covers us—an Egyptian retribution has overtaken us. The experience of other nations, the divine rebukes of similar sins far less aggravated, warn us of a hastening catastrophe, more signal and terrific than was visited upon those nations, as our guilt is deeper. Our only hope of preserving our children, our civil and religious institutions, and our country from the debasing, destructive influences, the tyranny of Slavery, is in God; and without speedy, manly, determined resistance of its encroachments, even this hope is presumption.”157In view of the facts thus far noticed, what may we not look for in the future? Can any one candidly consider these things, and tell us what atrocities, however dragonic and devilish, we have not reason to expect from the precedents already given us? Who may tell us that the voice of a dragon is not frequently heard issuing from the halls of Congress?
(To be Continued.) An Appeal to the Brethren in Wisconsin, and all Others who have forsaken the Third Angel's Message.
By Louisa M. Morton
I AM confident we have been in a great error in forsaking the Third Angel's Message, and receiving the doctrines of the future age. In so-doing we have wronged our own souls and grieved the Holy Spirit whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption. Many of us have done it ignorantly in unbelief, and may hope for pardon through the Saviour's atoning blood. Let us take a retrospective view of our course for the last two years. Behold devastation and death in our ranks! Dead, spiritually dead! Denying the influence of the Holy Spirit, left alone to human reason to guide us in our investigation of the precious Bible. That word which the sweet singer of Israel said was a "lamp to his feet and a light to his path," we have assayed to study in our own strength. What have we gained? Where are we? Alas, alas for us! What has been the result of all our labor? Our opinions are as various as human reason can invent. It would be almost impossible to point out every view that has been cherished by those who profess to understand the future age and future truth. We are in darkness "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Well may it be said of us, that we are "ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth," resisting the truth, reprobate concerning the faith. This is cutting language to apply to us, but can we deny it? Can we in the face of facts? My heart aches as I see our condition. "How are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath!" That there is a future age and future truth I do not deny. But present truth and present duty should engage all our attention at this time. Perhaps it will not be amiss to give a brief sketch of my visit among the Sabbath-keepers in Michigan. They received me kindly, but I perceived they looked upon me with suspicion. They watched my movements narrowly, but be assured I watched them as closely as they did me. I very soon saw that the Lord was with this people. The evidences were not to be mistaken. The way opened for me to attend a conference at Hillsdale. There were two hundred Sabbath-keepers present, all firm believers in the Third Angel's Message. The messengers present were Brn. White, Holt, Waggoner and Cornell. I must say I was very much surprised when I heard the evidence presented in favor of present truth. They had Bible to prove every view they presented; and more than all, the Holy Spirit bore witness to the same. I realized more than ever the fulfillment of the Saviour's words, "It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you again: howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth . . . and he will show you things to come." At the last meeting Sr. White was taken off in vision. It was the most solemn scene I ever witnessed. It has made an impression on my mind that can never be erased while reason and life remain. When she came out of vision she gave one of the most thrilling exhortations I ever heard. She repeated these words often: "Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord, and heal all your backslidings. I am confident that no one could speak as she did without receiving instruction from that Teacher who spake as never man spake. But this is not all the evidence I have that they belong to the family of God; that they are his own peculiar people. I have visited the families at Hillsdale, Parma and this place, and can testify that they are a very consecrated people. They have family worship twice, and some, three times a day. They all take part from the oldest to the youngest. It is a lovely sight to see parents and children all join in prayer and praise to one common Parent. The Lord blesses them in their home circles. It has been a continual feast to me. I could say, It is good for me to be here. They do not think they have attained to a position where they can cease to watch and pray; no, no. They expect very soon to see the consummation of the christian's hope. They realize that probation's hours are nearly closed, and that there is a great work to do, and but little time to do it in. I have given a simple statement of facts as I have found them. The church is rising, and I believe the way is being prepared for the loud cry of the Third Message. They are trying to lay all on the altar a willing sacrifice. They mean to make sure work for the kingdom, and not keep back part of the price, and thus wrong their own souls. The word says, "By their fruits ye shall know them." This being the case, I have no fears with regard to this people, as long as the Lord is with them; for a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Neither can a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter. I am aware that my friends will be very much surprised on reading an article of this kind from my pen. I little thought when we parted I should send back such tidings. Truly I can use the language of another after seeing the dealings of God with his children, "What was I that I could withstand God?" I have a confession to make to you. I am sorry I ever lent my influence in support of what I now consider to be error. I thought I was doing God service, but now I see wherein I was mistaken. I have no confidence in the reports we have heard concerning this people. I believe them to be false. They have been an injured, and we a deceived, people. I firmly believe that the Third Angel's Message is, now being given, and I believe it will soon close. The warning to the Laodiceans is for the remnant. It is a fact that the Sabbath-keepers thought that they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing, and knew not that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. The faithful and true Witness says, I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Hear the lovely Saviour's call: Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Who will hear the Saviour's last invitation? Who will open the door of their hearts and bid him welcome? Methinks could we get a glimpse of what is going on in heaven, every energy of our souls would be aroused to action. Perchance the angel of mercy is hovering over the earth to bear tidings to heaven's gate that sinners are suing for pardon, and that their sins may go beforehand to judgment ere the Saviour steps out from between an offended God and offending man. Poor sinner! will you come? And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. Church of God Awake! AWAKE!! AWAKE!!! "Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?
Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?
Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,
Speed, for the moments are hurrying on."
LOUISA M. MORTON.
Battle Creek, Mich. CONFERENCE AT ROOSEVELT, N. Y.
By Samuel W. Rhodes; R. F. Cottrell
This meeting convened Feb. 27th, agreeably to the appointment in the Review. Owing to the bad state of the roads but few attended from abroad, but those present seemed to realize the necessity of renewed zeal and energy in the work of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord was imparted to the brethren, and unanimity of sentiment and action characterized the meeting. The subject of operations with the N. Y. Tent was taken up, and it was unanimously resolved that the Tent should be manned and sent out the ensuing season. That the laborers be furnished with means necessary to defray traveling expenses, and to supply present wants on entering the field, and go out trusting in God to supply their future necessities through the instrumentality which he has chosen—the saints, those who love the truth and desire to be co-workers with God in the salvation of souls. And that it will be the duty of the brethren in Central and Western N. Y. and Pennsylvania to be ready to contribute of their means to sustain the work. And in order that the brethren be ready for this and every other good work, so far as the temporal wants of the saints are concerned, it was recommended that each should have a treasury of the Lord, laying by him in store as God has prospered him, agreeably to the command of the Apostle to the churches of Galatia and of Corinth. And then when the laborers have need, by making their wants known to the churches, they can be supplied, with promptness. It was decided that the labors of Bro. F. Wheeler of New Hampshire are needed in Central N. Y., and that it is the duty of the church to defray the expenses of removing his family to his field of labor, and support him in the field. As this burden will fall chiefly on the brethren in Central N. Y., the brethren in Western N. Y. and Pennsylvania will feel like taking a greater share of the burden of the Tent operation, that there may be an equality. In behalf of the Conference.
SAML. W. RHODES.
R. F. COTTRELL. "LAODICEAN STATE."
By R. F. C.
It has been suggested to me, by brethren, that as some have expressed a desire to get out of "this Laodicean state," a correction should be made through the Review. We understand that the Laodicean is the last state of the true church on earth. This being the case, to get out of the Laodicean state would be to get out of the church of God. We should arise from our lukewarm state and remain in the Laodicean. From the description given of this church, as lukewarm, the modern definition of Laodicean is lukewarm in religion. But as the original definition is, "a just people," all should repent of their lukewarmness and strive to be found in the true Laodicean state. R. F. C. LOVERS OF PLEASURE.
By James White
SOME consider it harsh to make an application of Paul's words to Timothy [2 Tim. iii, 1-5] to the mass of professors of the present day, who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. But they will sometimes illustrate their position to us in a manner so striking that all can see and must acknowledge its force. One characteristic, as given by the Apostle is, that they shall be "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." Is not this fulfilled by church members mingling with the world, and showing so much pride and worldly-mindedness? But the most striking instance is the following: The weekly prayer-meeting of a certain church in this State, this Winter, happened to come on New Year's evening. At the next meeting previous, the pastor of the church called attention to the fact, and said that as this was an evening commonly devoted to pleasure, the prayer-meeting would be omitted that week! Can a church grow in grace under such an influence? Yet this is the condition of the mass: the donation parties of the churches are nothing but carnal pleasures, and both priests and people forsake God to follow their own way, and the customs of those that know not God. What is the duty of God's people in view of these things? Says Paul, "from such turn away." COMMUNICATIONS.
By Rebeckah Smith
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—I love to read letters, and why should I withhold? I have thought when reading selected pieces, that there ought to be more original matter. But if every one should do as I have done, none would be benefited by communications from each other. I have felt too much restraint, but will try and feel as though I were conversing personally with you. I have, with others, been in a lukewarm state. Before I heard about our being in the Laodicean state of the church, in a meeting at West Wilton about the last of last August I think, I said, We have resolved and re-resolved, and are making no progress in holiness. I can live so no longer. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and I feel that the precious are going to be separated from the vile. The saints must go free, having no dead weights. I felt some different after this meeting; but still my will was not subdued. My trials had been peculiar, and, I felt at times, severe. A train of providential circumstances made it necessary for me to leave, last Spring, the dearest spot on earth to me. My feelings on leaving the place where I last saw in life my entire family, are expressed in the following lines: This dear lone room, a sacred place—
Here friends have met in love's embrace;
Here too have died the loved and dear;
The circle first was broken here. The lonely hearth, the vacant chair,
But tell the father is not there.
The only daughter, loved and true,
Here bid earth's scenes a last adieu. I love here to recall the past,
And mourn o'er joys too bright to last.
In fancy's vision here I see
Those forms so loved, so dear to me. My afflictions were just. It was wrong for me to be unreconciled. The 26th of last Oct., I was enabled to give up my own will. Victory was gained, and love and union restored. The next morning I left for Princeton, Mass., expecting to return within two weeks. The 7th of Nov., I felt it duty to go to Springfield, Mass. A special providence opened the way for me to go from there to Cavendish, Vt., where I have a sister I had not seen for many years. The 3d of Dec. I came to Claremont, N. H., the 6th to Unity. The 10th I called on Bro. Stephen Smith's family. Did not find so much opposition as I expected. The 22d I went to Washington. But instead of going on to Wilton, as I would, in a worldly point of view, very gladly have done, I returned the 26th to Unity. Under the labors of Brn. Barr and Phillips, I heard Bro. Smith profess his determination to walk again with the church. Praised be the Lord for what he is doing for that family! I believe there are others there whom Jesus has wanted to save. How long he will wait and plead his blood with the Father is known in heaven. I believe we may know when further labor is of no use. The Spirit will not always strive. We believe God is doing his work for individuals for the last time. If the Spirit leaves now, we have reason to believe it leaves to return no more, and that cases are having their final decision. I have parted with parents, brother and sister, husband and daughter; but this is but a feather's weight in comparison with one's suffering the second death. O who can realize this, and not feel the importance of doing all that can be done to have souls saved? I never felt so little anxiety about my life, health, and every thing that pertains to this world as now. My reputation and my all are with the Lord. From the 10th of Jan. to Feb. 9th, not many shades of darkness or shadows of doubt passed my mind. I was most of the time in the sunlight of heaven. God's glory was in me, and I felt a right to shout glory, glory to God! I often said, This may be preparatory to great suffering. But this was nothing to me while I could feel nothing but glory. I believed God would take care of me when the suffering came. I do find him a present help in time of need. The 27th of Dec. individuals seemed before me, with the impression that I must write and warn them of coming events. I was favored with a retired place where I could engage in this duty with less interruptions than at my residence, where company and other hindrances must be met. If feelings are injured by any thing I have written, it has been undesignedly. Forgive as you would be forgiven. The Judge standeth at the door. Every wrong must be righted. Every sin must be repented of and forsaken. O let us see to it that all is well between us and God. It matters but little what is said or thought of us, if we have a conscience void of offense, and the testimony that our ways please God. Those who cannot bear reproach, though it may seem severe, out of place and uncalled for, we have reason to fear will not be able to stand in the great day when God ariseth to shake terribly the earth. The precious are being separated from the vile, the rebels must be purged out, and those who are used as instruments in doing this, though wise as serpents and harmless as doves, will not escape reproach. Strange trials and dark providences will be among us to develop character. If there is covetousness in the heart, and an unwillingness to do and suffer for the cause of Christ, it must, and will, be made manifest. Every secret thing is being brought into judgment, and fearful indeed are the consequences awaiting those who do not sacrifice and lay all upon the altar. God will have those in his work who are willing to sacrifice ease, worldly enjoyment, and the common necessaries of life. By much fasting and prayer his work must be accomplished. It will be enough for us to rest when it is closed up. Four in Claremont profess to keep the Sabbath. There are many who profess to believe the Lord is soon coming. If we are to be sanctified through the belief of the present truth, and nothing can be done effectually out of the present message, how important that the truth be proclaimed, and all the light held up while there are any to receive it. May we heed the word which is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path, and move right in all our ways. Claremont, N. H., Mar. 2d, 1857. P. S. My correspondents may address me at West Wilton, N. H. R. S. Reports of New England Conferences
By Charles W. Sperry
BRO. SMITH : Incessant labor and poor health have been the cause of my silence for some time past. I have had the privilege of attending the conferences appointed in New England, with other meetings, all of which have been in harmony with Joel ii, 15: Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, &c. The Lord has manifested himself in power, searching the hearts of his people, and leading them to return unto him with fasting, weeping and mourning over their past follies and errors. A minute account of these meetings will be given by others. The meeting at Rouse's Point, which continued four days, was one of deep interest, and I trust of lasting benefit. The brethren came from several counties in N. Y., and a goodly number from Vt., and engaged with zeal in the work. Brn. Byington and Lawrence were present to help in the work. Also Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeaux. We all tried to humble ourselves before the Lord, by which we were led, by the good Spirit, to see some of our faults and put them away from us. All, I believe, are acknowledging and trying to receive the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. Some who had been partially convinced of the truth took a decided stand, and others who never had embraced the Sabbath, resolved to walk in the truth, and sinners were caused to weep. Some of the brethren confessed their indifference about having a conference, but were now thankful for it. Bro. C. O. Taylor was set apart by the church by the laying on of hands, to labor in word and doctrine as the Lord may direct; and Bro. John Whipple as deacon. I trust much good will be the result of this meeting. Parents resolved to go home and confess to their children and their neighbors, and strive for a holy life, and my ardent prayer is that the Lord will strengthen them and me to carry out every good resolution and desire. I do believe that we are receiving the last counsel from the true Witness. I confess that I have been poorly qualified to do the work of God, to help the erring ones, to restore the wandering. I feel that I will try by fasting and prayer to secure a frame of mind that will better qualify me to engage in this last holy work. I believe this counsel will give rise to the loud cry of the Third Angel. And when we get the gold tried in the fire, and the white raiment, then will be fulfilled what John saw, [Rev. xix, 11, 14, 19.] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And verse 14 says, And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. A corresponding passage to the last named verse is found in Rev. xiv, 4. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. But says one, John saw them in heaven. As an evidence that this is a symbol of work here, read the 19th verse. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army; which is a corresponding passage with Rev. xii, 17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. The linen, white and clean, [Rev. xix, 14,] is the same as the white raiment in Rev. iii, 18. This is the battle to be fought, and the Lord is giving us opportunity to get on the armor, and it is with energy and much zeal that we must engage in this work. Now brethren and sisters, shall we remain indifferent to this last counsel. One translation reads, Be zealous and reform. We must arouse for the conflict that is before us, and all we do and say must tell for God. Our lives, our words, our countenances, and all must declare plainly that we seek a country. Brethren, do we realize that Israel must be free from wrongs, to be successful when they go out to battle. I do feel that a deep sense of these things should rest upon us, and a great effort should be made to get every thing right that the Lord may go with those who go with the tents and other ways the coming season. I believe and feel that the time is come for us to cut loose from this world, and walk out by faith as we did by sight in 1844. Our estimate of eternal life is very small when we cannot leave all this world for it. The conflict is before us, the work is a solemn work, the event is momentous. Who will prepare? The battle is a final one. Who will get on the armor? The victory will turn on Zion's side. Who will fight? Come brother, come sister, let us turn the battle to the gate. C. W. SPERRY.
Berkshire, Vt., Feb. 23d, 1857. JOHN J. CURTIS
By John J. Curtis
BRO. SMITH: I would like to contribute my mite for the encouragement of the commandment-keepers scattered abroad. I have been brought to bow myself low at the foot of the cross by the light of the Third Angel's Message, and I feel to bless the Lord for it. I have been striving for a little over one year to keep all the Commandments of God and to have the Faith of Jesus, and I feel to say as David did, Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. Ps. cxix, 135. But still I think that there is much for me to overcome in order to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. I want to be more like the blessed Pattern, who was meek and lowly in heart. I want to heed the counsel of the true and faithful Witness, and buy of him gold tried in the fire, that I may have tried riches, bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.159 I bless the Lord for his goodness to me. I can say I rejoice in the truth. The path which will lead me into the city is one strait path and very narrow, and few find it. The way is plain if we exactly follow the word. We can discern the beast with his lamb-like horns. Soon we shall hear his voice more fully. When the decree goes forth then we shall be able to discern between him that loveth God and him that loveth him not. Brethren and sisters, as we value eternal life, a never-fading crown of glory, which can only be obtained by patient continuance in well-doing, let us get down humble, and be willing to bear the cross in every place. When we meet in a prayer-meeting, we have a work to do, there is a cross to bear that no one else can bear for us. We have meetings on the Sabbath, and Tuesday and Sabbath evenings, and the Lord is pleased to meet with us and that to bless. There are about twenty in this place who are trying to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, that they may get the seal of the living God. May the Lord sustain you and all connected with the Office that it may be indeed as your motto is, Holiness unto the Lord. Yours in hope of immortality.