Verse 1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bore twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The angel continues to show John the wonderful things of the city of God. In the midst of the street of the city is the tree of life. Although the word street is here used in the singular number, with the definite article, the, before it, we do not understand that there is but one street in the city; for there are twelve gates, and there must of course be a street leading to each gate. But the street here spoken of, is the street by way of distinction; it is the main street, or, as the original word signifies, the broad way, the great avenue. The tree of life is in the midst of this street; but the tree of life is on either side of the river of life; hence the river of life is also in the midst of the street of the city. This river proceeds from the throne of God. The picture thus presented before the mind is this: The glorious throne of God at the head of this broad way or avenue, out of that throne the river of life flowing lengthwise through the center of the street, and the tree of life, growing on either side and forming a high and magnificent arch over that majestic stream, and spreading its life-bearing branches far away on either side. How broad this broad street is, we have no means of determining; but it will be at once perceived that a city three hundred and seventy-five miles on each side, would be able to devote quite an ample space to its great avenue.
But how can the tree of life be but one tree, and still be on either side of the river? 1. It is evident that there is but one tree of life. From Genesis to Revelation it is spoken of as but one—the tree of life. 2. To be at once on both sides of the river, it must have more than one trunk, in which case it must be united at the top or in its upper branches, in order to form but one tree. John, caught away in the Spirit, and presented with a minute view of this wonderful object, says that it was on either side of the river. Another eye-witness has borne similar testimony: "We all marched in, and felt that we had a perfect right in the city. Here we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water; and on either side of the river was the tree of life. At first I thought I saw two trees; but I looked again, and saw that they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood, and the fruit was glorious, which looked like gold mixed with silver." Experience and Views, pp. 12, 13. And why should such a tree be looked upon as unnatural or incredible, since we have an illustration of it here upon earth. The banyan tree of India is of precisely the same nature in this respect. Of this tree the Encyc. Americana thus speaks: "The Ficus Indica (Indian fig, or banyan tree) has been celebrated from antiquity from its letting its branches drop and take root in the earth, which, in their turn become trunks, and give out other branches, a single tree thus forming a little forest." Thus we believe the tree of life extends and supports itself. The tree of life bears twelve kinds of fruits, and yields its fruit every month, probably one kind each month. This fact throws light upon the declaration in Isa. lxvi, 23, that all flesh shall come up from one new moon to another to worship before the Lord of hosts. The word new moon should be rendered month. The redeemed come up to the city from month to month to partake of the fruit of the tree of life. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations: literally, the service of the nations.
Verse 3. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him; 4. And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
This language proves that the great God, the Father, is referred to, as well as the Son. The word, his, in the sentence, "And they shall see his face," refers to the Father, as we learn from chap. xiv, 1.
Verse 5. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Here again we have the declaration that there shall be no night in the city; for the Lord God will be the light of the place. Verse 7 proves that Christ is the speaker, a fact which it is of especial importance to bear in mind in connection with verse 14. To keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book is to obey the duties brought to view in connection with the prophecy, as, for instance, in chap. xiv, 9–12.
Verse 8. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
For remarks on verse 9, see Thoughts on chap. xix, 10. In verse 10 John is told not to seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Popular theology says that the book is sealed. One of two things follows from this: either John disobeyed his instructions, or popular theology is fulfilling Isa. v, 20–23. Verse 11 proves that probation closes, and the cases of all are unalterably fixed before the coming of Christ; for in the very next verse Christ says, "Behold, I come quickly." What dangerous and insane presumption, then, to claim as Age-to-come believers do, that there will be probation even after that event! Christ's reward is with him, to give every man as his work shall be; which is another conclusive proof that there can be no probation after that event; for all the living wicked, those "who know not God," the heathen, and "who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2 Thess. i, 8, will be visited with swift destruction from Him who then comes in flaming fire to take vengeance on his foes.
Verse 13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Christ here applies to himself the appellation of Alpha and Omega. As applied to him, the expression must be taken in a more limited sense than when applied to the Father, as in chap. i, 8. Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, of the great plan of salvation. Verse 14, as before noticed, is the language of Christ. The commandments of which he speaks are his Father's. Reference can be had to nothing else but the ten commandments as delivered on Mt. Sinai. He pronounces a blessing upon those who keep them. Thus in the closing chapter of the word of God, and near the very close of the last testimony which the faithful and true Witness there left for his people, he solemnly pronounces a blessing upon those who keep the commandments of God. Let those who believe in the abolition of the law, weigh well this fact.
Verse 15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Dog is the Bible symbol of a shameless and impudent man. Who would wish to be left in the company of those whose lot is outside of the city of God; yet how many will stand condemned as idolaters, how many as those who make lies; and how many more as those who love them and love to circulate them after they are made!
Verse 16. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Jesus testifies these things in the churches, showing that the whole book of Revelation is given to the seven churches; which is another incidental proof that the seven churches are representatives of the church through the entire gospel dispensation. Christ is the offspring of David, in that he appeared on earth in the line of David's descendants. He is the root of David, inasmuch as he was the great antitype of David, and the maker and upholder of all things.
Verse 17. 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 the water of life freely.
Thus are all invited to come. The Lord's love for mankind, would not be satisfied in merely preparing the blessings of eternal life, opening the way to them, and announcing that all might come who would; but he sends out an earnest invitation to come. He sets it forth as a favor done to himself, if persons will come and partake of the infinite blessings provided by his infinite love. His invitation, how gracious! how full! how free! None of those who are finally lost will ever have occasion to find fault with the provisions that have been made for their salvation. They can never find fault with the light that has been granted to show them the way of life. They can never find fault with the invitations and entreaties that Mercy has given them to turn and live. From the very beginning there has been a power exerted, as strong as could be and still leave man his own free agent,—a power to draw him heaven-ward and raise him from the abyss into which he had fallen. Come! has been the entreaty of the Spirit, from the lips of God himself, from the lips of his prophets, from the lips of his apostles, and from the lips of his Son, even while in his infinite compassion and humility he was paying the debt of our transgression.
The last message of mercy that is now going forth, is another and a final utterance of divine long-suffering and compassion. Come, is the invitation it gives. Come, for all things are ready. And the last sound that will fall from Mercy's lips on the ear of the sinner, ere the thunders of vengeance burst upon him, will be the heavenly invitation, Come. So great is the loving-kindness of a merciful God to rebellious man. Yet they will not come. Acting independently, and deliberately, they refuse to come. So when they shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and themselves thrust out, they will have no one to accuse, no one to blame but their own selves. They will be brought to feel this in all its bitterness; for the time will come when it will be as described by Pollok, when he says,
"And evermore the thunders murmuring spoke
From out the darkness, uttering loud these words,
Which every guilty conscience echoed back:
'Ye knew your duty, but ye did it not.'
Dread words! that barred excuse, and threw the weight
Of every man's perdition on himself
Directly home—
'Ye knew your duty, but ye did it not.'"
The bride also says, Come. But the bride is the city, and how does that say, Come? If we could be strengthened to behold the living glories of that city and live, and should be permitted to gaze upon its dazzling beauty, and be assured that we had a perfect right to enter therein, and bathe in that ocean of bliss and transcendent glory, and revel in its glory forever and ever, would it not then say to us, Come, with a persuasion which no power could resist? Who of us in view of this could turn away and say that we had no desire for an inheritance there?77
But though we cannot now look upon that city, the unfailing word of God has promised it, and that is sufficient to inspire in us an implicit and living faith; and through the channel of that faith it says to us, Come. Come if you would inherit mansions where sickness, sorrow, pain, and death, can never enter; if you would have a right to the tree of life, and pluck its immortal fruit, and eat and live; if you would drink of the water of the river of life, that floweth from the throne of God clear as crystal. Come, if you would obtain through those glittering gates of pearl an abundant entrance into the eternal city; if you would walk its streets of transparent gold; if you would behold its glowing foundation stones; if you would see the King in his beauty on his azure throne. Come if you would sing the jubilee song of millions, and share their joy. Come if you would join the anthems of the redeemed with their harps of gold, and know that your exile is forever over and this is your eternal home. Come, if you would receive a palm of victory, and know that you are forever free. Come, if you would exchange the furrows of your care-worn brow for a jeweled crown. Come, if you would see the salvation of the ransomed myriads, the glorified throng which no man can number. Come, if you would drink from the pure fountain of celestial bliss, if you would shine as the stars forever in the firmament of glory, if you would share in the unutterable rapture that fills the triumphant hosts as they behold before them unending ages of glory ever brightening, and joys ever new.
The bride does say, Come. Who of us shall resist the invitation? The word of truth is pledged to us that if we keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we shall have right to the tree of life, we shall enter in through the gates into the city. And we shall feel that we are at home in our Father's house, amid those gorgeous splendors, and that these very mansions were prepared for us; and we shall realize the full truth of those cheering words, "Blessed is he that is called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb." Rev. xix, 9.
"Let him that heareth say, Come." We have heard of the glory, of the beauty, of the blessings of that goodly land, and we say, Come. We have heard of the river with its verdant banks, of the tree with its healing leaves, of the ambrosial bowers that bloom in the Paradise of God, and we say, Come. Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.
Verse 18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
What is it to add to, or take from, the book of this prophecy? Let it be borne in mind that it is the book of this prophecy, or the Revelation, which is the subject of remark; hence the additions or detractions are to be from this book. Nothing can be called an addition to this book except something added with an effort to palm it off as a part of the genuine book of Revelation. To take from it would be to suppress some of its testimony. As the book of Revelation could not be called an addition to the book of Daniel, so if God should see fit to make further revelations to us by his Spirit, it would be no addition to the book of Revelation, unless it should claim to be a part of that book.
Verse 20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The word of God is given to instruct us in reference to the plan of salvation. The second coming of Christ is to be the climax and completion of that great scheme; it is most appropriate, therefore, that the book should close with the solemn announcement, Behold, I come quickly. Be it ours to join with fervent hearts in the response of the apostle, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
A Great Crisis
By R. F. Cottrell
Is evidently before us. We shall need to be wholly converted to God in order to be prepared for it. There is great danger of self-deception. We may have adopted, early in life, some idea or notion into our religious or even political creed, that we consider as established beyond question; and, in such case, there is danger of trusting to our own perverted judgment to the rejection of the clearly revealed will of God. The reason why revelation is rejected by so many, is because men assume to judge of its requirements and teachings by their own depraved natures and perverted judgments. God gives us evidences sufficient to prove the truth of his revealed word.
Then he requires us to receive it as a whole, not objecting to some parts which are not in perfect harmony with our prejudices, or which are not clear to our mind. When sufficient evidence has been given to establish the truth as a whole, the particulars, though they may not coincide with our creed, are to be received by authority. This submission to the authority of the Author of revelation, even in things in which our judgment fails to perceive the reasonableness, is the result of being converted to God. It is because man is not capable of directing himself, that revelation condescends to offer him guidance. A guide that consults, and always approves our judgment, is of no use to us. The pocket compass is of no use to the man lost in the wilderness, who always condemns it and rejects its guidance, when it disagrees with his opinion of the way it ought to point.
The great danger to which we are exposed is that we shall willfully follow our own way, to the rejection of the revealed will of God. The Lord offers us help. Shall we accept of it, or shall we say that we can help ourselves? Some are willing to receive the teaching of God through the gifts of the Spirit, so long as it is in perfect harmony with their views and feelings, and consequently is useless to them as a guide, but when it corrects their errors and reproves their sins, and proposes to lead them into the right way, they reject it. God cannot help them, unless they will accept of his help.
God has seen fit, in his great mercy, to reprove the wrongs of ministers in the present truth. I desire and design to be benefited by it. I want a more perfect consecration to the will of God. I want to feel the solemn responsibility that rests upon me to preach the word, and to let my life correspond with the solemn truths which I utter. To be instant in season, out of season, to reprove, to rebuke with all long-suffering and doctrine. I want to feel the woe that is upon me, if I neglect duty, and be willing to suffer with Christ before I reign with him.
My brethren in the ministry, shall we, after having preached the gospel to others, become cast away? May God forbid! Let us heed the testimony and come up to the work. Let us be as willing to sacrifice, as our brethren who contribute of their means to advance the cause. We know but little of suffering yet. Compare them with the sufferings of the apostle to the Gentiles, and we shall be ashamed to mention them. Let us awake to duty and get ready for the refreshing.
I humbly ask the prayers of the people of God, of those with whom God communes by his Spirit. Pray that God will give me spiritual discernment and overcoming grace.
R. F. COTTERELL.
Report from Bro. Loughborough.
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report I was on my way to North Liberty, Ind., to attend the quarterly meeting in that place. This meeting held from Friday evening, Jan. 9, to Sunday evening. A few came in from Laporte and other places. We held seven meetings in all. Gave five public discourses which were listened to with good interest. The meetings of the church we trust will be of lasting benefit to them. Our hearts were encouraged at the last meeting, especially as we were met to attend the ordinances, to see a daughter of one of our brethren make a start to serve God. Several persons furnished themselves with our publications at this meeting, desiring to understand more of this matter. May they take a stand for truth.
Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 17 and 18, in company with Bro. Byington, spent in quarterly meeting at Charlotte. Our meetings were of interest. Many more than we anticipated turned out to hear. Some who would not attend the tent meeting, listened with interest to the truth there. We were glad to find the church all holding on their way, and others almost persuaded to take up the cross.
On returning from this meeting to Battle Creek, we met Bro. White, and it was thought best, for several reasons, to exchange appointments; and so Bro. Byington and myself came on to Caledonia to attend the quarterly meeting there, appointed for Jan. 24 and 25. This meeting continued for five days, in which we had twelve meetings, and gave nine public discourses.
Our minds were especially drawn out upon the signs of the times and the necessity of God's people all striving to prepare for the scenes coming. The church is arising there. Backsliders were reclaimed, and souls converted. Yesterday ten were baptized. A Sabbath-school was organized, and parents begin to feel the necessity of taking hold for their children. Last evening two of Bro. Hardy's children took hold at the family altar, to make a start to serve the Lord.
We have come here to-day to attend quarterly meeting which will commence to-morrow evening.
J. N. Loughborough.
Wright, Mich.
Meetings in Iowa.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. WHITE: Since my last report I have had some good meetings, and I rejoice to say that the prospect is brightening. The truth has a deep hold on many at West Union. Our last meeting was a truly affecting scene. After a lengthy meeting, we talked a long while, even till about midnight, when we bade them an affectionate farewell. The next day we journeyed forty miles to Independence. We felt that the Lord was with us, and prospered us in the way. Here we agreed that it was safest for Bro. Snook to go directly home with our team, for it was thawing up fast. I then took the cars for Waterloo. I had eight meetings with the friends there, and six were baptized. The scene at the78baptism was solemn, and the effect was good upon the people. I could hear of but one that stood opposed to the visions. The church was organized after baptism, and they appear to be united and happy.
Sunday morning I was conveyed to my appointment at Laporte City, sixteen miles, where I had three meetings that day and one the next morning. This visit was timely. The most spiritual had been discouraged by a spirit of debate and formality that had nearly destroyed the life and interest of the meetings. The talking and chit-chat before and after meetings had been deleterious. The assembly was not solemn; instead of deep feeling and meditation, a light spirit prevailed. Our testimony was received, and the weeping, melting spirit came into the meeting. I trust they also will see better times. I arrived here last evening weary and worn. Have had twelve meetings in six days and traveled sixty miles in the time. I commence meetings here this evening, having sent a special request to all who deny the visions to come and hear our defense. I learn that most of the seceded party are coming out. O that the Lord may give wisdom and power to defend the precious testimony he has in mercy given to the remnant.
M. E. CORNELL.
Marion, Iowa, Jan. 28, 1863.
Meetings in Wakeman, Ohio.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
After my failure to get to Orwell, I returned west as far as Wakeman. The brethren judged that there was a favorable opening there, as a good impression was left with many when Bro. Cornell was there with the tent. Had it been possible for him to have remained long enough to go through the course, doubtless a good work would have been accomplished. I had taken a cold during the heavy storm preceding, which disabled me for some days. The Congregational house was obtained, and I commenced lecturing Sabbath evening (16th inst.) I held two meetings, and had an appointment for Sunday evening following; but on Sunday the sexton informed me that he was ordered to close the house. He said no fault was found with my preaching, but the ladies papered the house, and objected to our using it, as the paper might be loosened! For so weighty a reason, the synagogue was closed.
An upper room in the Exchange was fitted up, and there I continued till Monday evening last. It rained much of the time I was there, and the roads were exceedingly bad; consequently the meetings were not largely attended. But all considered the attendance good under the circumstances, and the interest was good. Those who had kept the Sabbath were much strengthened and encouraged, and several additions made to their number. Others acknowledge the truth who will, I fear, never obey it.
Though the circumstances were so unfavorable, I greatly enjoyed and prized the privilege of giving the word of warning to those who came so constantly through mud and rain to hear. May the truth grow brighter and more precious to their hearts.
I have another place selected to give a course of lectures; a good opening. But I must defer it till the weather shall change and the roads be different. Meantime I shall employ myself visiting such churches as I can get conveyance to.
I came to this place to visit and form acquaintance with Bro. Bartlett; but was sadly disappointed on learning that he was in the army. I found his companion keeping the Sabbath alone. She is firm in the truth as far as she has had opportunity to learn it, never having heard a lecture. Induced to enlist, partly for fear of a draft, he has had occasion to regret the rash step, and encourages sister B. to hold on to the truth, and keep the Sabbath of the Lord, which he is not permitted to do. I ask the brethren and sisters especially in this State, to remember these dear souls, in their prayers, earnestly desiring that God in the richness of his mercy, will work out for them a deliverance.
J. H. Waggoner.
Oberlin, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1863.
Why not be Prompt?
By J. M. Aldrich
Many times during the month just past, have I been led to wish that our brethren might learn to be prompt. In religion, as well as worldly matters, success depends in no small degree upon the single item of promptness. A lack of this essential item in any matter, whether of a religious or worldly character, betrays a lack of interest therein. Brethren, must it be true of us that we are faulty in this respect? Let us for one moment consider the nature of our faith—the shortness of time, and the great work to be done therein for ourselves and the world! Ought we not to be deeply interested? Ought we not to be zealously engaged? Ought we not to be prompt?
I submit the foregoing considerations to some of our brethren in New York,—particularly those that were, and still are, so negligent about forwarding their S. B. reports, as required by the action of our State conference. Said reports should have been all sent to the Secretary prior to the first of January. Ample time was given for the same to have been done. But the first of January came, and but few reports came with it. I immediately wrote nearly twenty letters to different brethren, calling for said reports. I am glad to say that I have finally received satisfactory returns to most of them, but am still waiting as patiently as possible for a few others yet to report. Will those few be good enough to delay no longer? The conference committee cannot well discharge their duty in the matter till all the reports are received; and doubtless the brethren all through the State are getting anxious to hear through the Review what is being done financially for the cause. Brethren, be patient a little longer till those few tardy S. B. reports and individual pledges are sent in. The committee will then immediately take the matter in hand and report. Meantime, I am happy to say, for your encouragement, and to the credit of the S. B. enterprise, that the reports already received reveal the welcome fact that our fund will be ample to give the cause a liberal support in this State. And although I have indulged in a few words of complaint, hoping that some may be profited thereby, and so do better in the future; yet I have to congratulate the brethren for the efforts they have put forth, for the liberal pledges given, and for the manifest symptoms of striving to come into the order and harmony of God.
The cause is evidently onward in this State. Let us all take courage, and double our diligence, and withal learn to be prompt. Don't let the S. B. pledges get behind. Keep paid up square. Let all be done in season, and having resolved to transact business with the Lord on the plan of being prompt, let us not fail to forward in time to our Treasurer, J. B. Lamson, Rochester, N. Y., the several amounts of percentage that may be assessed against us by the conference committee, as per requirements of the State conference.
J. M. ALDRICH, Con. Secretary.
Somerset, N. Y.
The Holy War.
By B. F. Snook
"FINALLY, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." Eph. vi, 10.
This was a timely admonition in the days of the apostle, and it is equally as much so in our own days. Paul was conscious that the Christian could not stand in his own strength; and hence urged the necessity of his seeking to obtain the strength which God giveth to his weak and trembling saints, to enable them to stand for his truth. He next presents us with such directions as we need to aid us to prepare for service in the divine warfare. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil." Verse 11. From this we conclude that those who do not heed the testimony of the Lord's servants, in not taking unto themselves the whole armor of God, will fall by the darts of the enemy.
Here is, evidently, a comparison of the Christian's life to the life of the soldier, and a reference also to his equipments for warfare. Gibbon thus describes the armor of the Roman soldier, to which allusion is made:
"Their arms were uniform, and admirably adapted to their service: an open helmet with a lofty crest; a breast-plate, or coat of mail; greaves on their legs, and an ample buckler on their left arm. The buckler was of an oblong and concave figure, four feet in length, and two and a half in breadth, formed of a light wood, covered with a bull's hide, and strongly guarded with plates of brass. Besides a lighter spear, the legionary soldier grasped in his right hand the formidable pilum, a ponderous javelin, whose utmost length was about six feet, and which was terminated by a massy triangular point of steel, of eighteen inches."
This armor was, first, defensive; that is, for the protection of the person. Second, it was offensive, involving those death-dealing weapons with which their enemies were slain on every hand in the deadly contest.
The Christian soldier's armor is somewhat different in its nature. "Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth." The object of the girdle is to strengthen the parts which may be the weakest; hence, the girdle is a symbol of strength. Truth is the Christian's girdle, and if he trusts to such a girdle, he will receive strength.
"And having on the breast-plate of righteousness." This will protect the breast, with the vital organs, from exposure to danger. If the enemy fires his darts of slander and calumny against us with our breasts thus shielded, we shall receive no harm.
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Verses 14, 17. Here is a complete armor, offensive and defensive.
No man can stand without this armor. Living faith, an unwavering hope, and a holy life, will be a perfect shield to us, in which the enemy cannot harm us in the least. Then with the Christian sword, the word of God, we can slay our enemies. We can live by this blessed word, and while living according to its directions, we can speak forth its precepts, and they will be mighty, and cut their way to the hearts of all the honest.
While engaged in the divine service we must be faithful, and do our whole duty. Says the apostle, "Praying always, with all prayer, and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Verse 18. There is no time for the man of God to spend in a prayerless condition. He should be on his watch, and be praying continually. His heart should swell with holy affection for his God and for his brethren, the companions of his toils and struggles for eternal life. Then he will feel like praising God continually, and praying to him for a continuance of his blessings from day to day.
Thus should we live if we would stand in the evil day. We must face the enemy, and stand our ground. Do not run. There is no protection for the back. And why not? Because all the true soldiers of the cross face the enemy, and only need to have the parts exposed protected. But the traitors and cowards who flee when the enemy appears, for want of a protection of the back, may, and generally do, receive an occasional shot, though Satan considers them his own, in safe keeping, and continues to direct his batteries at the faithful.
Dear brethren, let us take to ourselves the whole armor of God, and be faithful and valiant soldiers, so that we can say in truth,
> "I am a soldier of the cross,
> A follower of the Lamb,
> And shall I fear to own his cause,
> Or blush to speak his name?"
We should not fear. Jesus, the coming King of kings and Lord of lords, is our Captain. He is sure to gain the victory. Every enemy of his shall be slain. And every one of his faithful soldiers will surely receive the palm of victory, and the crown of everlasting life.
"Then do not be discouraged,
For Jesus is your friend."
O let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, that we may stand till he comes; and then share in all the bright realities of his everlasting kingdom.
LETTERS.
By F. T. Wales
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Wales.
Bro. White: The shaking time has had such an effect upon us in Canada, especially in Melbourne and Ely, that it has left God's true people much scattered and lonely. We often consider, and strive to appreciate, the weekly visits of the Review. Yes, how welcome is its return as the mail comes in, in which (as we often say to each other) we expect the paper. We feel it profitable, and very cheering, to read the many spirited and faithful testimonies which we receive weekly in the Review. In consequence of our being so situated and scattered as not to be privileged to have meetings every Sabbath, it makes the reading of the Review seem more precious. And in consequence of the comfort and encouragement which I have received from the many exhortations I read weekly from the dear brethren scattered abroad, some whom I have seen, and some whom I have not seen, I feel it a privilege, though most unworthy of them all, to cast in my feeble testimony on the side of present truth. I believe with all my heart, that the Seventh-day Adventists as a body are God's true remnant people; and by his grace I mean to be one of that number. Though sometimes in view of the straightness of the way, and the perils that are thickening around us, I tremble and feel to cry out, O Lord, spare thy people! But I know he is faithful in whom I have believed.
Yes, dear brethren, I believe and know that God is79in this great work of the third angel's message, and as soon as his people earnestly take heed to the testimony to the Laodiceans and are zealous and repent, this truth will go with mighty power. But, dear brethren, I fear we as a body have not taken heed, with such humility and mourning because of our iniquities, as we must as a body, before God will so pour out of his Spirit upon us as shall cause the truth to triumph and sinners to be brought to a knowledge of it, the work be closed up, and we go home to the city of our God. O, let us awake. Let us gird on the armor, let us who profess to be Sabbath-keepers examine ourselves and see whether we are in the faith or not. I for one, when I look at the teachings of God's word, fear lest I shall come short of doing the will of God; for it is only they that do the will of God that shall abide forever. But there is such a city, such a kingdom, such a new earth, and such a glory promised to the children of God, which I see by the eye of faith just before me, that it stimulates me to action in this glorious cause. Brethren, my determination is to be faithful.
Your unworthy brother striving for eternal life.
F. T. Wales.
Melbourne, C. E.
The Garden of Agony.
THE breezes are cold, as from Cedron they blow,
And over Gethsemane quivering they go;
But Jesus regards not the chill of the air;
He came to Gethsemane's garden for prayer.
The heavens are covered with wild-looking clouds,
And darkness unwonted the soft starlight shrouds;
But Jesus beholds not the terrors they wear;
He came to Gethsemane's garden for prayer.
The hours of the night-shade pass sadly away,
And long is the time to the dawning of day:
But though all be sadness, he lingers still there;
He came to Gethsemane's garden for prayer.
Thus Jesus prepared for that ocean of wo,
That soon in its wrath o'er his soul was to flow:
The dark scenes of pain he was strengthened to bear;
He was heard, when those hours he devoted to prayer.
My soul, when the tempest of sorrow is high,
O'erwhelmed with thy anguish, to God lift thy cry:
O yield not thy thoughts to the woes of despair;
For God ever hears and will answer thy prayer.