Review and Herald, Vol. 6, No. 19.
MAN NOT IMMORTAL,Page 1
Earlier text: MAN NOT IMMORTAL,THE gospel of Jesus Christ presents to the Church one great and glorious hope. But this hope is evidently eclipsed, and almost lost sight of by the popular churches in consequence of cherishing a plurality of false hopes. We may mention some of them. 1. The hope of the world's conversion. The Scriptures nowhere favor the sentiment that the world in this mortal state is to witness a period of universal happiness and holiness, such as looked for by the churches of this day, when all shall know the Lord. The wheat and tares are to grow together till the harvest, and the harvest is the end of the world. Matt. xiii. When the Son of man comes the second time he is to find the world as in the days of Noah. Wicked men and seducers are to wax worse and worse, not better. The Papal horn [Dan. vii.] was to "make war with the saints, and prevail against them," until they take the kingdom; then they will possess it for ever, even for ever and ever. No place then, for the temporal millennium. And those who expect it, cherish a false hope. This holy state is supposed to exist in the seventh millennium, and, of course, in the last days; but read Paul's description of the condition of even those who have a form of godliness in the last days. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." 2 Tim. iii, 1-4. This is a perfect picture of the times, and the Scriptures hold out nothing better for this mortal state. 2. The hope of going to heaven at death. This is the greatest light of the popular churches; this is their brightest hope. From their very infancy they have been taught it. On occasions when the finest feelings were stirred, and every sensibility aroused, this doctrine has been stamped upon the youthful mind. Fathers and mothers have taught it to the circle of little ones who, weeping, stood around the lifeless form of the Christian. And ministers on funeral occasions have set it home upon the softened feelings of the weeping congregation. It is almost impossible to remove this false hope from the mind. Nothing but the word of God, which is "like as a fire," and "like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces," can erase those deep impressions made upon the mind in youth, and which have grown with growth, and strengthened with the strength of riper years. If we turn to the Old Testament we read the words of the wise man as follows:—"The living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything." Eccl. ix, 5. Says David, "Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee." Ps. cxix, 175. Why David? Cannot your soul praise God, when separated from the body, and you are dead and buried? Let him answer. "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence." Ps. cxv, 17. Instead of making death the gate to endless joys, the prophets of God looked through the telescope of faith, down to the resurrection of the just as the consummation of their hope. Says Isaiah, "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in dust." Others have borne similar testimony. We come to the New Testament. "I go to prepare a place for you," says Jesus. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also." John xiv, 2, 3. This is the sure promise of Christ, and the only real hope of the Church. To sustain the hope of the churches, Christ should have said, "I go to prepare a place for you, and when you die, I will receive your immortal souls, that where I am, there your souls may be also." With this view, as a minister once said, "there seems no necessity for the Second Advent and the Resurrection," for if the soul goes to Christ at death, in whose presence there is fullness of joy, and at his right hand pleasures for ever more, why come back for the body? Where is the need of it? But we return to the sweet, hope-inspiring promise of the Son of God, "I go to prepare a place for you." This is during his entire ministry in the heavenly Sanctuary. "I will come again and receive you unto myself." He does not receive to himself his church until he prepares a place for them and comes for them. He does not take their immortal souls to an unprepared place. The Lord's order is perfect. He first goes and prepares a place for the church, then his second advent to earth to take his saints away to those mansions, that they may be ever with their Lord. The false hope of going to heaven at death has taken the place of the Second Advent and the resurrection of the just, which is the only hope of the church. These themes are lost sight of by popular Theologians of this day; for they make death the gate to endless joys, and the consummation of the Christian's hope. Said a distinguished minister a few days since, when speaking of friends who have recently fallen asleep in Jesus, "My only hope is that they are now safe in heaven." How unlike the hope of the gospel. Hear Paul, "Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God, [Macknight's translation, 'namely, the appearing of the glory of the great God,'] and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus ii, 13, 14. The blessed hope of the churches is, that at death the soul will separate from the body, and go where God and Christ now are. Again, hear Paul speak of his only hope, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord will give unto me at [death? no!] that day; and not me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. iv, 7, 8. The hope of the gospel hangs wholly on Christ, and its consummation is at his second coming. But those who make death the gate to endless joys, have made Christ's glorious appearing to be almost anything but what it really will be. Death is said to be the Second Advent. Said a minister not long since on a funeral occasion, "By this dispensation of God's providence, we are all reminded of the importance of a preparation for the second coming of Christ at death." This would make as many Second Advents as there are deaths. But death is called an enemy, [1 Cor. xv, 26.] and Christ is to destroy him which hath the power of death, which is the Devil. Then it would be far more proper to say that death is the advent of Satan, than to assert that it is the second coming of Christ. We are also told by modern Divines that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the conversion of sinners is the second coming of Christ. But this makes ten thousand Second Advents, which is a contradiction of terms. What saith the Scriptures on this point? Says Jesus, "Ye shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." "Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him." Said the angels to the men of Galilee who witnessed Christ's ascension, "This same Jesus that is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Not death, not conversion, not the Holy Spirit; but the "same Jesus" who left the disciples gazing after him in sadness, will come again in glory to the joy of those who are looking and waiting for him. Mark how the Apostle has guarded the doctrine of the personal second advent of Christ. "For the Lord himself [not death, not the Holy Spirit,] shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. iv, 16. The personal second advent of Christ and the resurrection, then, is the only hope of the gospel. It is the "blessed hope" which is as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." It is the helmet (armor for the head) of salvation. Without this helmet, the head, or mind, is exposed to the reception of the deadly fables of the times, of which modern Spiritualism is the master-piece. Spiritualists deny the resurrection. They, believing that the spirit leaves the body at death to fill a higher office, see no necessity for the resurrection. Things to be Considered.
By Editor
THERE are not a few who have much of this world's goods, and who profess the present truth, who have yet to learn what it is to sacrifice for the cause of God. Such seem to think that if they barely pay the price of their own paper, and hand a few dollars to preachers, they have done all their duty, and are then at perfect liberty to heap up all that they can amass. Such may not be just their thoughts, but it is precisely what they do. They profess to believe that the day of God's wrath hasteth greatly, when the rich men will throw their gold and silver in the streets, and yet, instead of seeking to expend it in getting the truth before perishing men, they hoard it up against the day of wrath. It seems painful to speak on this point, yet we dare not refrain. Can such believe the present truth? How full of meaning was that expression of our Lord, "the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word and he becometh unfruitful." How can the spell which holds such be broken? We invite their attention to the following scriptures:— "They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Tim. vi, 9, 10. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Matt. vi, 19, 20. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Matt. xix, 23, 24. "They shall cast their silver into the streets, and their gold shall not be removed; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord." Eze. vii, 19. "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory149of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isa. ii, 20, 21. Shall not such pointed testimonies as the foregoing be heeded? Listen for a moment to some of their statements. They solemnly warn men of the snare of riches. And that in the day of God’s wrath men will cast the gold and silver that has been their ruin, into the streets. They point out also the remedy. Instead of heaping up a treasure which is never secure to you, and which on our Lord’s own testimony will, in all probability, be the ruin of your souls, these scriptures exhort you to lay up your treasure in heaven where it will be for ever secure to you. And what is more reasonable than this? If you expect to remove to the paradise of God will it not be a very natural thing for you to transfer your treasure thither that when you reach that place of blessedness you may find all your treasure there? You profess to believe that the day of wrath is at hand when the fearful scenes described in some of the above texts will transpire. You have the means to aid greatly in warning the world of its rapid approach. Now which course will you adopt; sacrifice of your means to aid in getting the truth before men, and thus lay up a treasure in the kingdom of God, or will you retain your grasp on all your worldly possessions until the day of God’s wrath causes you to cast your gold into the streets? Again there are others who have little of this world, who nevertheless can find means for many needless expenditures, while they are too poor to do anything for the cause of God. Such seem to forget that with self-denial they also would find it in their power to do something in behalf of the suffering cause of truth. We quote one or two texts on this point: "Then said Jesus, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt. xvi, 24. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke ix, 23–25. We are cheered with the accounts from different parts of the field of the prosperity of the cause. There never has been such strong union as seems to exist with the remnant at the present time, and there seems to be a general waking up to the work of God. The late scourge to which some refer in this No., will prove one of the greatest blessings to the cause. It will put the people of God on their guard in their future course, and free them from some who have been a burden to the cause, and whom they could not reform. In speaking of such, brethren should seek to "speak the truth in love." We have declined many testimonies on account of their sharpness. For the future it might be better to make no reference to the malice of those who seek to injure us. The Review must be devoted to the truth, and breathe its sweet spirit. CHRISTIANS SUBJECT TO THE FATHER’S LAW.
By R. F. C.
“Also I will make him, my first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.” Ps. lxxxix, 27–32. No doubt can exist in the mind of the Bible student, that the first-born spoken of in this text is Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. Col. i, 15. The promise, that he should be made higher than the kings of the earth, perfectly agrees with Paul’s declaration concerning Jesus, in Phil. ii, 9. “Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” In order to ascertain the period of the fulfillment of the conditional prophecy which follows, beginning with the words, “If his children forsake my law,” it is necessary to know the time when Jesus was thus highly exalted; for his exaltation is first introduced, and after this the consequence of his children’s forsaking his Father’s law is pointed out. His exaltation is posterior to his crucifixion—it is a consequence of his becoming obedient to the death of the cross. Phil. ii, 8, 9. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; wherefore (for which reason) God also hath highly exalted him.” Peter said on the day of Pentecost, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, &c.” Acts ii, 32, 33. These texts fix the time of his exaltation, showing that it was after his crucifixion and resurrection. Consequently, “his children,” who are in danger of forsaking his Father’s law, of breaking his statutes, and not keeping his commandments, were to be believers in the now exalted Saviour; in other words, the prophecy applies to the Christian dispensation. And though this forsaking of the law of God is spoken of only as a thing that might be, yet it was afterwards revealed to Daniel that it would positively be so. Dan. vii, 25. “He shall speak great words against the Most High, and wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws.” This abomination of desolation was in the future when our Saviour gave to his disciples the signs of his second coming; (Matt. xxiv, 15;) and Paul positively declares that that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first. 2 Thess. ii, 3. So that the falling away from, and opposing God’s law, by thinking to change it, was to be an act of the professed children of the Father’s first-born and exalted Son. Now mark the language of the text, If his children forsake his law. No! it does not read so. It reads, “If his children forsake my law.” This shows that Christ’s children are still subject to his Father’s law; consequently that Christ was not to enact a law to take the place of the one previously existing. That his children are bound to obey him no Christian will dispute; but what we claim is, that he has made no law that conflicts with, or releases us from, that law which the Father in the days of David denominated my law. R. F. C. The Cause in Michigan.
By M. E. Cornell
FOR the encouragement of the friends of truth abroad, I wish to make a brief statement in regard to the churches I have lately visited, and the general state of the cause in Michigan: Our first meeting was at Delhi according to appointment in Review. The subjects of “Order” and “Purity” were investigated before the church with good result. Five willing souls put away sin by complying with God’s own revealed plan; viz., by baptism. At Locke, the next appointment, we found the church prepared to act in union, and an effort was immediately made to set in order things that were wanting. This church had not been visited by any of the messengers since Bro. White met us in conference there last Spring. The brethren and sisters seemed to be much encouraged and comforted, and we trust much good will result from this meeting. At Tyrone we found the Sabbath-keepers anxious to hear the word preached: our meeting there was very interesting. Bro. and Mr. Rathbun came about eighteen miles through the storm to hear once more the warning message, and seemed to be greatly encouraged. One feeble old gentleman about eighty years of age, came eight miles on foot to attend the meeting. He arose and expressed his joy and gratitude at having found the people of God who were taking heed unto the word of prophecy and teaching all the commandments, for which he had been looking more than twenty years. It was truly affecting to hear this aged brother relate his experience, and see him weep while expressing his gratitude for the privilege that he enjoyed. During our stay in Tyrone we listened to a discourse by a minister of the Christian order, in which he endeavored to show that the law of ten commandments was abolished by the death of Christ. He said the covenant which was old and vanished away was the ten commandments, and left the people with the law abolished and none of it re-enacted. We gave notice that we should review his discourse after fifteen minutes' intermission. The truth triumphed gloriously. At the close of the meeting an intelligent man who made no profession, in conversation with a Methodist, made the following remark, “There is only one way to get around it and that is to throw away your Bible.” At Locke and Tyrone the friends were somewhat disappointed in not seeing Brn. Cranson and Curry at the time appointed. Bro. Cranson’s health failed so that he could not leave home, and Bro. Curry’s business was not sufficiently arranged to leave at the time; but he sent on appointments, and joined us at Tyrone about one week after the conference. As Bro. Curry came through and filled his appointments, the friends of truth were strengthened and made to rejoice by seeing this dear brother labor so zealously to build up those glorious truths which he once sought to destroy. From Tyrone we went to Shelby, according to previous appointment, where in company with Bro. Curry, we spent two Sabbaths and First-days in preaching the word. The second Sabbath was occupied in investigating the subject of Church order and baptism, after which four were baptized for the remission of sins. Previous to our coming to this place, a Baptist minister who had read but one of our pamphlets, stated to one of the brethren, that he could show by our own books that our position was false, and expressed a willingness to enter into an investigation of the matter with us. Accordingly this brother went six miles on foot to give him notice that we were ready to listen to his arguments and reply; but to the brother’s deep regret and utter astonishment, this learned man declined, saying, “I am not going to be whittled to pieces by unlearned men.” This reminds us of Ezekiel’s prophecy of the fox-like character of some of the latter day prophets. Chap. xiii, 4, 5. The fox ventures to bark near the farmer’s yard, knowing that if the farmer has a watch-dog he will answer. He continues to bark and wax bolder and bolder until he hears the voice of the dog, and then (lest he be torn in pieces) coward-like beats a hasty retreat. Truth courts, but error shrinks from investigation. Bro. Curry is now prepared to enter the field and devote his whole time to the ministry. We hope he will have the hearty co-operation of every lover of truth, and his labors be crowned with abundant success. Notwithstanding the effort that has been made by some to cause division, and thus hinder the work of God, the cause has been steadily advancing, and the churches generally in this State stand firm and united, having no sympathy for the work of those who having despised reproof are left to their own ways. It is true that in this State a few have left us, but their places have been filled by at least three to one, and by those too, whom we trust will be an honor instead of a reproach to the cause. We see no cause for discouragement. The Lord will defend the right, and the truth will certainly prevail—Amen! Affairs Connected with the Office.
By Editor
It may be duty to make some further statement relative to matters connected with the office. That the friends of truth may understand its situation, we wish to speak with freedom, and to lay open, as far as possible, the course which has been pursued in the publication of the ADVENT REVIEW. It is not for the purpose of uttering complaint against any, but to call the attention of the brethren to several important facts, that we write at this time. We are satisfied that it is not indifference, but a want of understanding relative to the manner in which the REVIEW has hitherto been sustained, that renders an appeal to its friends necessary. We have stated heretofore that the paper and tracts are published at the lowest possible price. With the present number of subscribers, and present price, the REVIEW will not meet its own expense. Hence a sacrifice on the part of some has been absolutely necessary all the way along. This has been of two kinds. 1. A sacrifice of means on the part of those who have been willing to pay for the paper for others, as well as to pay for their own. 2. A still greater sacrifice150on the part of those who have had the labor of its publication to perform. With regard to this latter item, it is duty to make some remarks; for it is chiefly the sacrifice made by these persons, that has sustained the REVIEW. Those who have labored in connection with the office, have been willing to sacrifice their time and ease. That the expenses of the REVIEW might not exceed its receipts, they have been willing to labor for a trifle more than their food and clothing, and this too, when their services elsewhere, or in other kinds of business, would command good wages. Some of them in coming to labor in this office, have, for that very purpose, left business that would command twice or thrice what they had offered them here. Beside this, they have been willing, not only to labor hard, but also to toil early and late, frequently till midnight, and on some occasions all night. And this they have cheerfully done that the truth might be published before the world. In addition to the above, that the expense of life in the city might be as small as consistent, those engaged in the office, with one exception have formed but one family. This has made the expense of publication less, but it has been attended with many inconveniences to all concerned. Nor has the burden of care and toil which has devolved upon the Editor been small. Beginning without means, and with few helpers, it has been his lot to bear the burden in the heat of the day. The oversight and the responsibility of everything connected with the office has hitherto devolved upon him. With the care of a large family, and with much sickness in the family during the past two years, he has had much to prostrate his health and energies. And at the present time his health seems to be seriously impaired. We have thus stated something of the particulars relative to the sacrifices which those have been making, who have devoted themselves to the work of publishing the present truth. It is not the prospect of worldly gain, but the love of Christ that prompts them to act as they have. But, brethren, we think these things ought not so to be. We suppose that those who have hitherto labored in the office would still cheerfully act the part they have hitherto acted, should they have health and strength; but we are satisfied this will not be the case, if they continue to work as many hours as they have done. How many of our readers are willing that this should be the case? How many would be willing to act the same part themselves that these brethren have so cheerfully fulfilled in time past? The second of the two great precepts of God's law is, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Do we do this, when we leave others to bear alone those burdens which it is equally incumbent on ourselves to bear? To the young men in the ranks of the Sabbath-keepers we would particularly appeal. Who of you are making any sacrifice in the cause of God? Do you think it enough that you have to bear the reproach of believing unpopular truth? and is this what you think constitutes alone the making a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice? If no one had ever done more than this, how many of you to-day would be blest with the light of truth? And how is the truth to be brought before others hereafter, unless some are willing to sacrifice in deed, as well as word, for the cause of God? Would you be willing to deprive yourselves of the greater part of your present opportunities for reading and reflection, and even to make the sacrifice of business that others (who feel it as deeply as you would) have cheerfully made? Perhaps neither may be required of you; nevertheless it is in your power, and consequently incumbent on you, to aid those who have this sacrifice to make. To our brethren generally, and to all who are interested in the perusal of the REVIEW, we appeal in its behalf. You are, aware, dear brethren, that we are engaged in the publication of unpopular truth, and that we cannot hope for favor from the men of this world, or from the popular churches, and that steady opposition must be expected, and that we can only continue in this work by unremitting toil and sacrifice. We look to you for aid and co-operation. Shall we look in vain? Do you ask what can we do? We answer, that with the blessing of God you can do much. The REVIEW can be freed from embarrassment, and the burden of those engaged in its publication much lightened. All can do something. Those who have paid nothing on the present volume, can very materially aid us by each sending $1, or more. If all such would act with promptness, it would make a great difference in our affairs. We are aware that the present time is one of unusual difficulty in respect to money; yet it cannot be so difficult in many cases for each individual to raise a small sum, as for the publisher to raise the larger sums which he has to pay out from time to time to meet the constant expense of publication. And besides the relief which this would afford the publisher, whose means to pay others is wholly made up in this way, you would experience the blessedness of obedience to that apostolic precept, "Owe no man anything." And those who have already paid for their paper can render very essential help by each taking some small part of the burden which now devolves upon the publisher. And, brethren, would it not be a pleasure to you to share with him in this matter. A burden sufficient to crush one man, may, by being divided into many parts, be easily borne by a large number. Is it not a greater pleasure to share in the burden as you are able than to leave the whole upon a few? We know that many have done nobly, and are still willing to do all their duty in this cause. For all their past aid we feel deeply grateful. We are aware also that many are poor and have but small means with which to render assistance in this work. It is required of a man according to what he hath, and not according to what he hath not. With regard to all these matters, it has seemed duty to speak out with freedom. We shall not trouble our brethren with many things of this kind, but that they may understand precisely how it is with the office, and what their duty in the case is, we have set before them this statement. If they wish the REVIEW to continue free from embarrassment, they must still share in the sacrifice necessary to sustain it. Those on whom the labor of its weekly issue devolves, have been making constant sacrifice, not only of their time, but of their own health, as well as ease. Is God a respecter of persons? Does he require the sacrifice of everything on the part of some and comparatively nothing on the part of others? Certainly not. The Apostle tells us that there should be "an equality," and that a part should not be eased by placing all the burden upon a few. 2 Cor. viii, 13, 14. We are satisfied that so great a sacrifice on the part of those who perform the labor of the office is not required by God. And not only this, but that it is absolutely displeasing to him that they should sacrifice health and strength to perform all the work now devolving upon them. All that is done by them is cheerfully performed; but this is no reason that their task should not be lighter. A less number of hours for labor and a more suitable compensation for their labor is certainly demanded. The weekly expense of the REVIEW is now stated to be $60; but this estimation was made more than two years since. Since that time, stock, provisions, &c. &c., have advanced, so as to increase the publisher's expenses $500, yearly. The item of paper used in the office has advanced at least $250, from the prices of the same amount two years since. We now inquire, shall this sum of $500, be made up by those who wish to share in the sacrifices of publishing the "present truth"? It should be made up without delay. This would do much to relieve the office of present embarrassments, and lessen the burden of those in the office. If the friends of truth feel sufficient interest in the cause of God, to aid by donations as the Lord has prospered then the REVIEW will be enabled to continue its weekly course. Our friends should understand that continued sacrifice is necessary if this work is carried steadily forward. It has been continued sacrifice on the part of some all the way, thus far, and we expect that such must continue to be the case until the end. But we do also expect that all our brethren will feel it a privilege to share in this sacrifice. It is proper that we state a few facts relative to the Tract Fund. When it was decided, July 1853, that the publications issued from this office should henceforward be sold, an account was taken of those on hand, which were found to amount to $211. As these had been paid for by donation, it was thought proper that they should be furnished to the traveling brethren gratuitously; particularly to aid those who had to labor in new fields. Some time since, the friends abroad were invited to aid in this work by donations, and to this they have responded quite freely. The manner in which this fund has been appropriated, has been from time to time set forth in the REVIEW. It will be seen however that the fund now consists of books and not of money. Without difficulty our friends could raise this fund to $500. We think that this ought to be done at once. Three important reasons sustain this suggestion. 1. This would place a small capital in the hands of the publisher. And every one who has a just idea of the situation of a publisher must be aware that this is almost indispensable. 2. It would enable us to furnish preaching brethren to a considerable extent with our publications, and thus help them considerably in defraying their expenses. 3. And in addition to the above, it would greatly contribute to the circulation of our tracts. Who will aid in raising this tract fund to $500? This would be a material assistance to the office at this time. And as the manner in which it is disposed of in books to the brethren is published in the REVIEW, the whole matter will remain under the eye of the church at large. Brethren can we not look to you for aid in this thing also? We have alluded to the situation of the Editor. A few words more should be spoken relative to him. He has never desired the position of Editor and Publisher, and has repeatedly urged that some other person should take this responsibility; but it having devolved on him, no small amount of care and perplexity has been his lot. Particularly has this been the case in meeting the expenses of the various works that have been issued from time to time. With a small amount of means it is not easy to meet in advance the necessary expense of the works that have been issued. And besides this, the expenses of sickness in the family have made the pecuniary difficulties of the way much greater. Our brethren will bear these things in mind. If the traveling brethren will act as agents, it is in their power to aid very essentially in setting these facts before the friends that they visit. We trust that they will each take a deep interest in this matter. We now submit the case to the brethren at large. Shall we not have the hearty co-operation of all in this work? We confidently expect it, and shall still labor with cherished hope to spread the truth of God. Meeting at Milton, Wis.
By J. M. Stephenson; T. M. Stewart
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We have delayed writing that we might give a more full account of our meetings at Milton. We remained there about four weeks and delivered twenty lectures. Our meetings were generally well attended, much interest manifested, and the best of feelings prevailed from first to last, except a few little interruptions not worthy of notice in this narration. Most of the meetings were attended by three or four ministers of the Seventh-day Baptist connection. They offered but little public opposition, except in the form of asking questions in writing, which was the order of the meeting. We have adopted this plan at all our meetings to prevent the confusion and disorder consequent upon miscellaneous discussions. It works admirably. It gives the people an opportunity of hearing a connected chain of evidence without being confused by disorderly discussion upon points which have not been fully investigated. Their pastor, Elder V. Hull, promises them a review of our position at his leisure; but we have implicit confidence in the God whom we continually serve, that he will take care of his truth, and not suffer any weapon formed against it to prosper.151 We are well convinced that many who heard our lectures are fully convinced of the truthfulness of our position, but they fear the proper time has not yet arrived for them to act. They are ready to say with Felix, when convinced of the truth by Paul's preaching, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. But alas! the convenient season never arrived. We fear that some in this class will be found when our blessed Lord shall return from heaven among the fearful, [Rev. xxi, 8,] of whom it shall be said, "Ye knew your duty but ye did it not." O how bitter must the last plagues be to such persons! How agonizing the pangs of the second death! "Ye fearful souls fresh courage take,
The storm ye so much dread,
Is big with mercies and will break
In showers on your head."
But blessed be the name of the Lord, there were a few who esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures or honors of this world. They have resolved to serve God let the consequences be what they may; to take up their cross and follow Christ through evil as well as good report. May the Lord in the plenitude of his mercy bless them abundantly, and sanctify their example and influence to the present good, and eternal salvation of many others in that community. May he enable them to hold fast their profession and not let another take their crown. And may he abundantly reward them in the world to come for all the privations and sacrifices they will be called to make in the present world. On the evening previous to the last we spent with them we had a meeting in Bro. Babcock's upper room. O it was a precious season to us all. While engaged in prayer and all with one accord, the Lord poured out his Holy Spirit upon us, and filled our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory. It was a time long to be remembered by all present. That little church agreed before parting to meet together weekly to investigate the Scriptures, and pray with and for one another. Our united prayer to our Heavenly Father is that he may add to their number such as shall be saved. On the next day Bro. Sunrock was buried with Christ by baptism. May the Lord enable him by the influence of his Spirit to walk in newness of life. On the next day we took our leave on the morning train of cars for Palmyra, where we have spent four days and delivered four lectures. Prospects are encouraging. Our meetings are well attended under the circumstances, there having been other meetings during every evening since we commenced. Three families have about made up their minds to keep the Lord's Sabbath. Others we think will follow their example. Pray for us dear brethren and sisters that the Lord may bless our labors, and preserve us blameless unto the coming of his Son. For the encouragement of the scattered and persecuted flock of Christ, we would say, "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Our confidence, in the truthfulness and speedy triumph of the third angel's message, is unshaken by the efforts which are now being made to divide the church of God, and scatter the influence of the remnant to the four winds. We believe this message to be the work of God. If so, no weapon formed against it shall prosper. Divine goodness inspires, Infinite wisdom guides, Almighty power sustains, and it must and will prevail. "Be patient, therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord." James v, 7. In patient waiting for the kingdom.
J. M. STEPHENSON.
T. M. STEWART.
Palmyra, Dec. 15th, 1854.