BRETHREN in Michigan, did you ever hear of this strange locality? Can any of you point out its position on the map, or tell in what part of the State it is situated? In what direction shall we go, and how shall we reach it from Battle Creek? We are interested in this place, not because of any present associations with it; for we do not know that anything important is now transpiring there. None of our tents are located there, never have been; we have no church there; nor has present truth ever made, to our knowledge, much of a stir in that section; but in that unknown region, according to one of our opponents, sister White once had a vision! L. H. Chase of Adrian, Mich., in the Gospel Banner of Aug. 15, 1864, purports to give an extract from "Ellen White's book of visions," which opens thus: "The Lord gave me the following view in Palsshaw, Mich." The vision from which he quoted, does read as follows: "The Lord gave me the following view in 1847, while at Topsham, Me." Shall we set this down as an index of the writer's accuracy in quoting from the vision? We hope he does not always become so confused.
But our object in introducing this subject is to refer to the following question which he asks in connection with his quotation from the vision: "Was a single theory taught in the so-called third angel's message, that did not have its origin in Ellen White's visions?"
We chronicle this as another instance of either profound ignorance of our views, or a gross misrepresentation of them. We would ask him or any one else to point to a single theory which we promulgate in connection with the third angel's message, which did have its origin in the visions. Not that we think any the less of them on this account; for this is not, and never has been claimed to be, their province. In addition to this we will ask a question on another point, which a person would be inexcusable for misrepresenting, though he might be misinformed on the other; and that is, Are any of our theories dependent on the visions for support? Do we defend them by the visions? or do we rest them upon the word of God, and defend them wholly by that? All know how this is. They know that we advocate nothing for which we cannot draw support from the word of God. Now for the conclusion: If a theory is found in the word of God; if it is there seen to be clearly recorded, defended and established, what matters it how or in what way it was suggested? And hence if, on the ground of our opponents, our views which we find so amply sustained by the word of God, did originate in the visions, it only proves that the visions and the word agree. Consistency is a jewel not often over-exhibited on the part of the opposition to the truth.
The often recurring question is still unanswered, Why all this opposition to the visions? Why is every opportunity watched to throw out a sneer, a slur, or an insinuation against them? What evil have they done? Do they lead to anything immoral, irreligious, worldly, low or degrading? On the other hand, is not their tendency in every respect just the reverse? Then why is there such commotion against them? If the test laid down by the Saviour still holds good, that by their fruits we are to know them, then those who oppose them damage themselves more than they do the visions.
Crinoline Disappearing in Paris
CRINOLINE is fast disappearing in Parisian circles. At the watering-places it is quite abandoned, and it is said that in another twelve-month the crinoline will be unknown in Paris.
Spiritualist National Convention.
By Editor
THE National Convention of Spiritualists just held in Chicago is reported to have ended in—smoke. We apprehend the greatest trouble the Devil has with his forces in these last days, is insubordination, and an ungovernable opposition to all restraint and discipline. The Detroit Tribune thus speaks of it:
"The National Convention of Spiritualists recently in session at Chicago had a good time. Seventeen States were represented at its sessions, and the numerous delegates, no two of whom seemed to agree on any point, were busy promulgating the 'harmonial' philosophy. Upon electing officers and enrolling the names of delegates Mrs. E. A. Welch of Wisconsin announced her desire to 'represent high Heaven in the organization.' A committee of one from each State was appointed on national organization; after which the appointment of a committee on resolutions created considerable heated debate. A committee of five on the state of the nation was also named, which reported a series, condemning the rebellion, supporting the administration and declaring in favor of the re-election of Mr. Lincoln."
The Chicago Tribune closes its report of the Convention with the following remarks:
"The Convention has adjourned; the only wonder is that it ever met. Such a mass of heterogeneity surely never was gathered before; probably never will be again. It would be about as difficult to make a combination out of those elements as to manufacture a rope of sand. The difficulty is that each one wants to be chief. Not one of all that motley throng but thinks him or herself the one commissioned by the spirits to turn the world (of tables) upside down and bring about the proselytization of the race to the grand harmonical philosophy.
"The inharmonialists have, we fear, found a hard row to hoe. They have been saved from disruption during the past week, only by a hair-breadth. The Convention certainly was a witty one, if we accept the definition of wit usually recognized—'a union of the congruous with the incongruous.' Some of the people there assembled appeared to be sensible; the great majority otherwise, and it is difficult to account for the exceeding patience with which the vagaries of the fools have been received by the more intelligent. But the Convention is dead; we would not speak ill of it. May the whole flock of spiritualists, harmonialists, spirits, bloomers, strong-minded women and weak-minded men continue elsewhere and ever, and as in this their recent Convention in this city, to supply the best correctives to their vagaries by the absurdities and follies which overload their few grains of reason and common sense."
YEAR-DAY PRINCIPLE
By M. E. Cornell
Interesting Extracts. No. 9.
BY ELD. M. E. CORNELL.
YEAR-DAY PRINCIPLE.
Dr. Elliot says, "We find it hinted at by Melanethon. And the Magdeburgh Centurators fully advocated the year-day principle, and applied it to the Papacy, as also most Protestants afterwards."—Horæ Apoc., Vol. iii, p. 260.
Prof. Stuart says, "It is a singular fact that the great mass of interpreters in the English and American world have, for many years, been wont to understand the days designated in Daniel and the Apocalypse as the representatives or symbols of years. I have found it difficult to trace the origin of this general, I might say almost universal, custom."—Hints, p. 77.
Again he remarks, "For a long time these principles have been so current among the expositors of the English and American world, that scarcely a serious attempt to vindicate them has of late been made. They have been regarded as so plain and so well fortified against all objections that most expositors have deemed it quite useless even to attempt to defend them."—Hints, p. 8.
Note. Nebuchadnezzar was made to eat grass "Seven times." Dan. iv, 32. A. Campbell says, "A 'time' is one revolution of the earth." Josephus says, "Nebuchadnezzar ate grass seven years."
Therefore the conclusion has been drawn, that those "seven times" were seven prophetic days, literally seven years. If this be correct, it is confirmatory of the year-day principle.
LOOKING FOR WHAT IS COMING.
The Portland Inquirer says: "This year brings with it uncommon apprehensions for the future. There is a fearful looking for some great events. Great events are coming on the earth: events big with human welfare."
The New Orleans Delta said: "That the great fight will be fought, that the world-battle is as inevitable as to-morrow, is no dream of dyspepsia, or threat of a lunatic. It is evident to any one that will take the trouble to open his eyes and look around him."
THE PRESIDENT A SPIRITUALIST.
"We learn, from a reliable source that our President, Abraham Lincoln is having private circles at his house. About the time of his election, we were informed by one of the leading Spiritualists of Boston, that he had evidence for believing that Mr. Lincoln was in sympathy with the spiritualist movement; but it was not till within a few weeks that we received evidence that was satisfactory."—World's Crisis.
THEY ARE CONDEMNED OUT OF THEIR OWN MOUTHS.
A spirit professing to be that of Burke says: "I don't want my son to believe all that comes floating on the spiritual ship, for I don't believe more than half of it is genuine." Banner of Light, Jan. 5, 1861.
"They will deceive us for their amusement. Where is the medium but what has either seen or felt this? I have both. But wise spirits, who are to us the revelators and executors of the divine will, designedly deceive us for our good." Banner of Light, Oct. 26, 1861.
Bread upon the Waters.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. WHITE: With respect to the appeal, in behalf of our afflicted Bro. Edson in Review of July 26, I wish to add that while on my way from New England to present the third angel's message for the first time as far west as Indiana, fourteen years ago this month, I stopped and had an interesting meeting with Bro. E. and a few friends of the cause. When about to leave for Indiana he offered a large roll of bank bills which he earnestly pressed me to accept from his hand. I declined receiving it, stating that a brother from Connecticut had presented me with $50 to defray my expenses, that would meet my wants. He urged me to take as much of it as needed, saying, I have sold my place and all that I have got is the Lord's to carry forward his cause. Now take all you need. Finally I accepted twenty dollars. This is one only of many instances wherein Bro. E. afterward watched and gladly supplied my wants.
I was stating the circumstances to Bro. D. R. Palmer this morning, how that with their means I was enabled to reach this place with the message, and he with others, received it at that time. "Oh yes," said Bro. D., "I know Bro. Edson, he is a good soul! Here are seven dollars for him, from me and my wife," to which I add five more for self and wife.
Yours in love.
Jackson, Mich., July 29, 1864.
JOSEPH BATES.
Meetings in Minn.
By Isaac Sanborn; John Bostwick
Pursuant to appointment, we have given about twenty lectures at Enterprise, Minn. It being in harvest we could have but few meetings through the week, and some of the time none. Though there was a good interest to the close of the meetings, none have yet become obedient. As our hearers were mostly first-day Adventists who have had the many conflicting Advent theories presented to them for their reception, it is no great wonder if they are slow to receive the third angel's message, which they never before heard.
Seven who had commenced keeping the Sabbath through reading the Review and books, were baptized last Sabbath, and a church of nine members was organized with s. B. fund of about forty dollars per year, and Sabbath-school and prayer-meeting every Sabbath.
Much now depends on how the members of this little church live and let their light shine before their neighbors. If they are faithful, they will constrain their neighbors to unite with them in glorifying God by keeping all his commandments and the faith of Jesus.
ISAAC SANBORN.
JOHN BOSTWICK.
Enterprise, Winona Co., Minn., Aug. 8th, 1864.
Garibaldi Preparing to March Against Rome
GARIBALDI, it is said, is preparing to march against Rome with 15,000 volunteers. His head quarters are at Palermo.
Fear God and Keep His Commandments
Fear God and keep his commandments.
Meetings in Vermont.
By Albert Stone
June 18 the Quarterly Meeting for the churches in Central Vermont, was held with the church in Stowe at the house of Bro. Churchill. This meeting was attended by the brethren from Johnson, Morristown and Wolcott, who came with a mind to work, and was we think one of profit to the saints. This little church, though surrounded by adverse influences, is trying to overcome. May the Lord help them to let their light shine amid the surrounding darkness.
June 25, in company with Bro. Hutchins, met with the church in Troy. A number came in from abroad, and this was emphatically a good, and we trust, profitable meeting. The testimonies given by the brethren and sisters were good and encouraging. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us in the evening while we observed the ordinances. Among the interested hearers were an Advent preacher and his wife, who appeared to be candidly inquiring after truth. May the Lord lead them to the blessed fountain which the third angel's message opens to the thirsty soul. Three united with the church at this meeting.
On the 2d and 3d of July, met with the church in Roxbury. Bro. Pierce had just returned from a visit to the churches in the southern part of the State, and we were glad that Bro. Hutchins also was providentially present.
On account of the copious rain which fell on the Sabbath, and the poor health of some, it was thought best to hold a meeting in two places about four miles apart. But though separated by distance and the storm, we were one in spirit, and did all speak the same things; for the preachers, without previous concert, were led to speak from the same text, and say very nearly the same things.
On first-day, meeting was held at a school-house in the east part of the town, and quite a number not interested in the truth came in to hear, and seemed to listen with candor to the word spoken. This church are much scattered, and have to make some sacrifice to meet together. They have also had some trials to contend with, yet we trust they will, like the ancient worthies, overcome these impediments, through faith, and wear the victor's crown.
Our next meeting was with the church in Wolcott, July 16. This meeting was a time of refreshing to the children of God. The Lord gave much freedom in speaking, both to Bro. Hutchins and myself, and the saints were encouraged by hearing, and much blessed in giving testimony to the truth. One was baptized, and in the evening the Lord blessed in attending the other ordinances of the church.
ALBERT STONE.
Eden, Vt., July, 1864.
Lightning Rods.
For several years past there has been a wide-spread mania in community on the question of lightning rods. Eloquent dealers in this article have traversed the country at every angle of the compass, and by fair speeches and elaborate arguments have robbed honest men of thousands of dollars in money and time, to say nothing of patience, for their worthless truck, which at last sells for old iron. Such as would like to know what truly scientific men think of lightning rods had better preserve the following paragraph which we take from the N. Y. Tribune of Aug. 13, 1864.
G. W. A.
Lightning Rods.—S. H. SUTTON, Naples, N. Y., says: "I am an attentive reader of the doings of the 'Farmers' Club,' and would be pleased to have you present a subject to the Club for discussion, viz: are lightning rods a security and protection to buildings against the effects of lightning?"
"At this time there are two or three splendid teams and carriages fitted up for the purpose of 'rodding' every man's house and barn that they can, by eloquent arguments, make to see the great danger of lightning, and 'the great protection' their rods will give to life and property. Many of my neighbors never have been struck yet with lightning: yet they have been struck by these peddlers with the idea of their danger, and badly struck with the bill of expense. Now, before I 'rod' my house I want to know what the Club thinks of the utility of lightning rods."
Well, Sir, if you have been, as you say, an attentive reader of these reports, you do know that the subject has been most fully discussed, both by lightning-rod makers and by those who disbelieve in their utility, and that the evidence adduced has always been largely in favor of not incurring one dollar of expense for a conductor. The reasons for this conclusion are, that we cannot find that they have ever saved a building, or that an insurance office will take a risk for one cent less upon a house with than it will without conductors. Besides, we do know that buildings furnished in the most "scientific" manner with conductors have been struck by lightning, and some of us would not accept a conductor as a gift. That is what the Farmers' Club thinks of their utility.
The Atonement.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
BY ELD. J. H. WAGGONER.
(Continued from No. 1, Vol. xxiii.)
This point being settled another question arises: Are there two holy places in the heavenly sanctuary? and if so, did not Christ enter the most holy when he ascended on high? In answer to this I notice,
1. When Moses was about to make the tabernacle he was admonished to make all things according to the pattern showed him in the mount. Heb. viii, 5; Ex. xxv, 40.
2. This tabernacle and its officers served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." Heb. viii, 5.
3. The two holy places in the earthly sanctuary are termed "figures of the true" [holy places]; and patterns of things in the Heavens. And they could not be patterns of the heavenly, and be made in "all things according to the pattern" showed to Moses, unless the heavenly had also two holy places.
4. That there are two holy places in the heavenly temple is shown by the book of Revelation, in which prophecy has unfolded various events in this dispensation immediately concerning the position and work of our High Priest. Jesus said to his servant John, to whom he gave the Revelation, that he was in the midst of the "seven golden candlesticks;" and John says he saw seven golden candlesticks, and in their midst the Son of man, when he had a vision of his glory. Rev. i, 12, 13; ii, 1. And when the living creature (one of the cherubim) called him up in the Spirit to Heaven, he said he saw a throne set, and described its appearance, and him that sat thereon; and said there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne. Rev. iv, 2-5. The order given to Moses, in erecting the earthly sanctuary, was to set the candlesticks on the south side of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, which was the holy place. Ex. xxix, 33-35; xl, 24. As this was a shadow and example of heavenly things, we learn by these texts in the book of Revelation, that John's vision of the throne of God was in the holy place of the heavenly temple, where were the seven lamps of fire or golden candlesticks. Therein the Lord said he would manifest his presence; Ex. xxix, 42, 43; and there was our Saviour at the time of John's vision, officiating as priest. In this, a continual or daily offering was made, that judgment might be stayed, and the sinner spared, until the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary or making atonement, which was the blotting out and entire removal of sin from the sanctuary of God. According to the type this work of propitiation or intercession the Saviour had first to fulfill, in order to give man an opportunity to be reconciled to God, or converted, that his sins might be blotted out in the appointed time.
But we look down the stream of time still further; when the dispensation is drawing to a close, and the seventh trumpet is sounded. The third woe comes upon the earth, and great voices are heard saying the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ; the elders before the throne of God announce that "the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and them that fear thy name small and great." Rev. xi, 15-17. Here is a series of events, the connection and location of which cannot be mistaken, showing that this trumpet closes up this dispensation. Our Saviour says, "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. xxii, 12. Paul says the saints shall have rest when the Lord Jesus is revealed taking vengeance on the wicked. 2 Thess. i, 6-10. And Jesus told his disciples they should be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke xiv, 14. Thus it is shown that the judgment of the dead, the coming of the Lord, and the resurrection of the just, are events transpiring under this trumpet.
The prevailing ideas of the judgment are vague and indefinite. Probably a majority, certainly many, look upon it in this light: that the Lord shall appear in the clouds of heaven; that all the dead will be raised, and the judgment will then sit upon the whole human race. Another view is that each one is judged immediately after death. Both these views are forbidden by the scripture which says the saints shall judge the world. 1 Cor. vi, 2. It is not reasonable to suppose that the saints will judge the world in their present state, or previous to the time when themselves are judged. The following from Bliss' review of Prof. Bush on the Resurrection is more reasonable and scriptural than the views generally entertained:
"We are inclined to the opinion that the judgment is after death, and before the resurrection; and that before that event the acts of all men will be adjudicated; so that the resurrection of the righteous is their full acquittal and redemption—their sins being blotted out when the times of refreshing shall have come; Acts iii, 19; while the fact that the wicked are not raised proves that they were previously condemned."
This, however, does not give any chance for the fulfillment of the Apostle's words:—"The saints shall judge the world," and must be, so far, incorrect. That the judgment of the saints is fully accomplished while the Saviour is in the sanctuary in Heaven, before his coming, and therefore before the resurrection, is evident; for (1.) their judgment must be closed while Jesus is their advocate that he may procure their acquittal. And (2.) they are raised immortal, which is the evidence of their acquittal. The judgment of the wicked must be subsequent to the redemption of the righteous (for they will take part in that transaction), and yet previous to the second resurrection. It is quite reasonable to consider that the wicked are merely rejected while Christ is a priest, their cases being passed over for future consideration; indeed, this is the only view that will harmonize all scripture; and as the resurrection of the righteous to immortality and eternal life is the announcement of the decision of the judgment to them, so the wicked are raised to condemnation and the second death, which is the execution of the judgment before determined in regard to them.
I think no doubt can remain that the judgment of the saints, the blotting out of sin, the making of the atonement, and the cleansing of the sanctuary, are identical; and we have seen that in the type the atonement was made—the sanctuary cleansed, when the priest went into the most holy place before the ark; and the most holy was opened only on the day of atonement. This fact is also referred to in the scripture under consideration,—Rev. xi. Under the sounding of the seventh trumpet it is said, "The temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament."
I have before noticed that John was shown a door opened in Heaven; a throne set; and seven lamps of fire before the throne. Rev. iv. But it was not till the seventh trumpet sounded that the temple of God in Heaven was opened where the ark of his testament is seen. By reference to "the example" of the heavenly things—to "the figures of the true"—we learn that the seven lamps or candlesticks were in the holy, and the ark of the testament in the most holy place of the sanctuary. And further, that the work of intercession was continual in the holy place, but the most holy was not opened except on the day of atonement.
From this we learn that the work of intercession of our High Priest in the holy place in the heavenly sanctuary extended from the commencement of his ministry in a. d. 31, to the sounding of the seventh trumpet (1844), when the antitypical day of atonement commenced, in which the sanctuary is cleansed. There are differences in the work of the priest in the two places which need to be noticed.
The intercession, or work of the Priest in the holy, is general, for the whole world; and herein is shown the benefit that the whole world receives from the death of Christ. Every sin deserves its punishment, which is death; and without a mediator this would be the unavoidable and universal consequence. But through the pleading of the Saviour, sentence against the evil work is not speedily executed; Eccl. viii, 11; the sinner is granted an opportunity to repent; a time of probation is given in which he may return to God through Christ. In this sense Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. He has prepared a covering beneath which all may find refuge. By virtue of his death for sin, wherein mercy is exalted and justice honored, the transgressor is spared and invited to accept the blood of Jesus as his substitute, and be reconciled to God. The benefits of probation which all enjoy, are by his blood and intercession. And surely these are no slight benefits. Though the sinner may pass them by unheeding; may scorn the warning voice, and despise the precious blood; the countless multitude of the redeemed who are all reconciled by those very means, forever attest the value and fullness of those means so blindly disregarded by the impenitent.
On the other hand, the atonement, the work of the Priest in the most holy place, is specific and limited. By this it is not to be understood that repentance and reconciliation are not given in the day of atonement, as some have inferred. To sustain such a view it would be necessary to show that the penitent would not have been received, according to the type, on the day in which Aaron or his son made atonement; but that cannot be shown. All received the benefit of that act who "afflicted their souls," as the Lord commanded. But this we learn that such as did not "afflict their souls"—who did not repent, and were not reconciled to God, were "cut off from among the people;" their sins were not blotted out; no atonement was made for them. This work extends only to those who are reconciled to God; who, by confessing and forsaking their sins are entitled to mercy in the judgment; or in other words, to those who are converted, whose sins "may be" blotted out. Acts iii, 19. It is very evident that Peter did not think their sins would be blotted out when they were converted, but at some future time; and the scriptures clearly show that that time is when the sanctuary is cleansed and the atonement made.
DIFFICULTIES OF THE COMMON VIEW.
Though a doctrine should be maintained or admitted on the strength or correctness of its principles, yet in the mind of the inquirer its strength is more readily appreciated by a discovery of the weakness of, or defects in, an opposite view. The common view, that the death of Christ is equivalent to the atonement, is attended with difficulties which, to my mind, are insurmountable. Losing sight of the truth, men have rushed to the extremes of error in opposite directions, and spent their time in useless labor to maintain a fruitless warfare.
We read that Christ died for all. Some who take the view that the death of Christ is the atonement, readily conclude that the sins of all have been atoned for, and argue thence that no condemnation can remain to any. The argument is reasonable but the premise is defective. A regard for the distinction I have noticed would remove this prop of Universalism.
Others, assured from the Scriptures that all will not be saved, that some do now and will finally rest under condemnation, are shut up to the conclusion that the atonement is not made for all. They also regard the death of Christ and the atonement as the same thing, and therefore are necessarily precipitated to the opposite extreme, that Christ did not die for all, but only for a chosen part of mankind. Here again, the difficulties of ultra-Calvinism lie in the assumption on which their argument is based. The distinction herein advocated and sustained by plain scripture facts and declarations, would remove the errors of "Universalists" and "Partialists," and bring all together on the harmonious testimony of the word of God.
And I would urge upon the consideration of the reader that, assuming that the atonement was made on Calvary, one of the above positions must necessarily be admitted. Either the death of Christ was for a limited number, (as the atonement is), or else the sins of all103have been atoned for, and all must be saved. If the atonement be already made, if the sanctuary be already cleansed, and sin blotted out by an act long past, I am unable to see how the destiny of man is to be affected by the proclamation and belief of the truth. It will be said that our faith lays hold of that which has been done for us; and if the declaration referred merely to what the Scriptures say has been done, it would be correct. But if our sin was removed or blotted out long before we were born, it is hard to see how the fact could be more a fact or made more certain by our belief of it; or if our sins were not so blotted out, our unbelief could not affect the omission. But "Christ died for all;" and the impenitent will be "punished with everlasting destruction." It is a matter of wonder that Bible readers have ever for a moment recognized as true the idea that death makes an atonement, when the atonement is always represented as the work of the priest, performed in the sanctuary, with the blood of the offering.
(To be continued.)
Meetings in De Kalb Co. Ills.
By R. F. ANDREWS.
Bro. WHITE: I commenced a series of meetings at the Colton school-house near Shabbona Grove, July 3, and continued them till July 31. The attendance was not so large as it would have been at any other season of the year, yet the interest was great. A number have decided to keep the commandments and try to be prepared for the coming of Jesus. Others are investigating, and a great many are convinced of the truth that have not yet obeyed. I went to Shabbona an entire stranger, yet I was not alone. The Lord was with me and stood by me, praise his name. The truth was powerful. There are quite a number of first-day Adventists in this place. Some heard, others opposed, and some are still investigating, and will I think yet obey. What a mistake to think that the ten commandments only reach to outward acts, when Jesus and the apostles show that they reach to the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The last meeting I took an expression to see how many believed that the ten commandments were binding and ought to be kept, when about twenty-five arose and thus testified that all the commandments should be kept. I expect to commence a series of meetings in De Kalb Village, Aug. 28, and continue as long as the interest will demand. Pray for me that the Lord may direct and give wisdom to present the truth in a proper manner.
Yours in the good hope. R. F. ANDREWS.
New Genesee, Aug. 12, 1864.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. P. Strong writes from Greeville, Mich.: We have closed our meetings at Wolverton Plains for the present. One decided to obey the truth, and others are interested, and investigating our position. There has been heretofore a scattering influence by some that have embraced the truth here; but we trust that much good may come from the meetings, and that God may add to his remnant people, there, such as shall be saved.
Bro. Frisbie has returned home, and I start north to-day.
The minds of the people are very much agitated at present, and unless the Lord direct, we know not what to do. May the Lord save his remnant people, is our prayer.
Bro. B. Sutton writes from Sandyville, Iowa: The cause is upward and onward here. Bro. Snook has just closed a short course of lectures, in which great interest was manifested by the people. We have received six members into the church, among them a Methodist minister and his wife. Bro. Snook had great freedom in presenting the truth. Quite a number of brethren were in from a distance. We had one of the most interesting meetings on the Sabbath that I ever enjoyed. The house seemed to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. A number of others are investigating, who are almost persuaded to go with us to the Kingdom. May the Lord help them to take their stand on the side of truth. The brethren here have decided to build a meeting-house. We have already over eight hundred dollars pledged. We design to build it forthwith. We should be glad to meet Bro. and sister White at our coming Conference.
Sister N. J. Cady writes from Poysippi, Wis.: I rejoice that I have been permitted to hear the third angel's message. It is my prayer and heart's desire daily to be sanctified through its truths. I love God and his dear people, and I want to suffer with them here and at last reign with them in his everlasting kingdom. Oh that we all could always feel the responsibilities that rest upon us. I fear and tremble when I think of the rising generation, and see the temptations that surround them. May we who are parents so live that our children may not condemn us in that day, is my humble prayer.
Bro. E. G. Rust writes from Winfield, Mich.: I am not yet weary in the cause of Christ. Though dark is the way and narrow the path, I am determined by the grace of God to go through with his people to Mt. Zion. Oh that we may be strong to go through the time of trouble that is coming, and come off conqueror through the blood of the Lamb, so that when Christ shall come, he can say, Well done, good and faithful servants, enter into the joys of thy Lord. Oh the blessed plan of salvation! When I think of these things and of what Christ has done for us, it encourages me, and makes me feel more determined to press my way onward. I love the present truth. I love the holy Bible and the truths contained therein, and it is my daily prayer that I may be enabled to live in accordance with it.
Bro. H. Nicola writes from Pilot's Grove Iowa: We are still striving for victories. Our number is gradually increasing, and we think there is an earnest desire to get a better knowledge of the truths of the third angel's message, and to draw near to the Lord, in order to endure the perils of the last days. We have an interesting Sabbath-school averaging about fifty scholars, and ten teachers; also a Bible-class, taking the Lessons in the Sabbath History, numbering about thirty. These lessons have already proved a great blessing to us.
Our last Quarterly Meeting was well attended. Although we had no preaching, which we much desired, yet we felt that the Lord was with us, and gave us a blessing from his heavenly sanctuary.
Bro. H. W. Lawrence writes from West Bangor, N. Y.: I am glad to say that several of the Sabbath-keepers in this locality who have been on the back-ground, are trying to rise. There seems to be a willingness with most all to "lay aside every weight." We have purchased a chapel and think it quite a help in keeping up our visible existence, as we are scattered in several towns and many miles apart.
Bro. T. M. Steward writes from Dane, Wisconsin: I attended the last Quarterly Meeting at Hundred Mile Grove, where we had a very interesting meeting reviewing the evidences of our position, and attending the ordinances. On first-day morning at 8 o'clock we repaired to the lake, three miles away, where two went forward in the ordinance of baptism. After this Bro. L. G. Bostwick, who was with us at this meeting, preached twice to the people, while I returned to Dane to fill my previous appointment there. We had an interesting meeting at Dane. I had four preachers at my meeting in the afternoon; I expect some opposition. The church at Hundred Mile Grove are getting along finely with their new meeting-house, which will be completed by the first of October. I am glad to see our brethren making preparation for sending this message with a loud cry. Lord, speed on the message.
Bro. G. A. Barker writes from Chappaqua, N. Y.: I have been preaching the good news of the soon coming King for twelve years, and must say I had looked upon the Sabbath question as not of much importance, dismissing the subject with the quotation from Paul, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." But now, when I have seen the two sides held up together, and measured, I find that the Sabbath measures the longest, highest and widest, by far. Bro. Cornell's discussion with Eld. Grant should be put into every first-day Adventist family in the world, and then "Both sides on the Sabbath," should follow. Man's words go but a little way, but the word of God abideth forever.
I find in reading the Review that we agree in the view that this nation is the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii. I expect soon to see the image formed to the beast which had the wound by the sword and did live.
The Time to Pray.
By M. Wells
WHEN the first gray streaks of morning,
Lighten up the eastern sky,
And the lark with gentle warblings,
Praises God who reigns on high—
Then I'll hie me to my closet,
There I'll pray for strength to bear,
All the duties of the day-time,
With its weary weight of care.
When the sun with noon-tide glory,
Streams o'er hamlet, hill, and plain,
And the earth all dry and burning,
Pleads for cool, refreshing rain—
I will speed me to my closet,
And I'll drink a purer draught,
From the wells of Thy salvation,
Than the world has ever quaffed.
When the calm and holy evening,
Steals from out the curtained west,
And earth's worn and wearied pilgrims,
Each have sought their couch to rest—
I will kneel in humble posture,
And I'll thank my Father there,
For His blessings resting on me,
And for hearing earnest prayer.
Thus I'll strive throughout life's journey,
Through the morn, the noon, the night,
Faithfully to do each duty,
And to battle for the right.
Then when Jesus comes in glory,
With the bright angelic band,
To redeem his scattered people,
I shall hope with them to stand.
M. WELLS.
Clarendon, Mich.
Providence and Philosophy.
By R. F. Cottrell
PHILOSOPHICAL works of the present day exclude the providence of God from the affairs of men entirely. They say, if you transgress physical laws, you must suffer the penalty; no matter how pious you are, there is no escape. There is no use to pray, having violated the law, you must pay the penalty in full.
The Bible states the doctrine of Providence in this way: "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Ps. cvii, 17–20.
It is possible then for the transgressor to find pardon and healing. Still it is never wise to be a fool. It is much better to learn and obey the laws of our physical being. God is not glorified, nor we benefited by our transgressions.