THERE are some truths which are important in every age of the world; there are others, which are important, so to speak, only at particular periods. Some run parallel with the course of time; others are developed by the course of time. Some, relating to our fallen condition, our duty and our destiny, concerned the first man that ever inhabited the world, as much as they will the last whose eyes shall look upon it; others are dependent upon the events of particular eras, and chiefly concern the generations that witness them. Of this latter class we understand the Apostle to speak when he says, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth."
Every age of the world has had its present truth. On this point we need not particularize. It will be sufficiently illustrated by a reference to the days of Noah and of our Saviour. To the last generation of the antediluvians the preaching of a coming flood was emphatically present truth. In the years that immediately preceded and followed the commencement of the Christian era, the doctrine of a coming, and then of a crucified, risen and ascended, Saviour, was present truth.
The age in which we live, reader, has also its present truth. You and all the world, did they but know it, have a vital interest herein. It is, as it were, a concentration of all truth. Here the chains of prophecy all center, and here they terminate. It is this generation that is filling up at the same time its cup of iniquity, and every closing outline of probationary time which the inspired pencil has ever drawn; while the prophetic finger is pointing us to a final work of decision and judgment now being accomplished in the courts of heaven.
Should the eye of any to whom this seems strange language, rest upon these remarks; any who have not yet examined the subjects which are now, in outline, to claim our attention, we simply ask them to suspend for a while their judgment in the matter, and neither decide that we have taken a rash, fanciful, absurd or untenable position, till they have looked over with us, carefully though briefly, the evidences upon which it is based. It illy becomes any one in view of an eternity before us, the decisions of the great day, and the fact that truth alone will avail us then, to invent a theory and endeavor to bend the word of God to its support, or to labor for sectional prejudices or party interests; and it as illy becomes us, on the other hand, to pass carelessly by those things which may affect our eternal salvation.
Present truth is connected with the events of time. We have said that the present age has its present truth, paramount in importance to any that has preceded it. In order to show this, we must go back awhile upon the stream of time, and trace the more prominent events as noted in prophecy and recorded in history, to the present time. In this way we may ascertain the truth that especially concerns this age and generation with a certainty that knows no error.
Looking back upon the centuries that have rolled away in the past, we can trace with an accuracy that defies the cavilings of skepticism and infidelity, the hand of God, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Bancroft in his "History Discourses" thus eloquently speaks: "The prayer of the patriarch, when he desired to behold the Divinity face to face, was denied; but he was able to catch a glimpse of Jehovah, after he had passed by; and so it fares with our search for him in the wrestlings of the world. It is when the hour of conflict is over, that history comes to a right understanding of the strife, and is ready to exclaim, 'Lo! God is here, and we know it not.' At the foot of every page in the annals of nations may be written, 'God reigns.' Events as they pass away 'proclaim their original;' and if you will but listen reverently, you may hear the receding centuries, as they roll into the dim distances of departed time, perpetually chanting 'TE DEUM LAUDAMUS,' with all the choral voices of the countless congregation of the age."
And let none take the less interest in fulfillments of prophecy because they lie in the past; for the same God that sees the end from the beginning, and inspired his prophets to write concerning the events of the present, and the near future, moved them also to write concerning those. The stream is the same wherever we may take our stand in its course; and every prophecy that has been accomplished in the past is a living pledge that that which is yet future will as surely be fulfilled.
CONFERENCE.
By James White
THE most interesting, and we trust the most profitable, Conference ever held by the Commandment-keeping Remnant has just closed. There were as many present as could be comfortably seated in our new place of worship; and as many in from abroad as could be well entertained by the church at Battle Creek. It was the greatest pleasure to the church to entertain brethren from abroad, and our dear brethren seemed to appreciate every attention paid to them. Such pleasant interviews are calculated to inspire confidence, and the strongest union among brethren.
Preaching brethren spoke to the large and crowded congregation of believers with much freedom and great plainness. The duty of the church in making a proper use of their possessions to advance the cause was dwelt upon freely. The testimony was most pointed, and the sweet Spirit rested down upon the congregation. Frequently the whole audience, with hardly an exception, would be in tears while the most pointed rebukes from God's word were held forth. About 250 Sabbath-keepers were present at our meetings.
The subject of the unity and gifts of the church was presented, which seemed to have a place in the hearts of the people. Many expressed themselves happy to see this subject taking its proper place in the church. During this meeting Mrs. W. read a recently received testimony for the church, which was received as the voice of the Lord to his people. And before the large assembly a proposition was made to have it published. A vote was taken, when more than 200 brethren and sisters arose in favor of its publication. A call was made for objectors to rise but all kept their seats.
On the Sabbath our meeting held from nine in the morning until dark, with only forty minutes intermission. First-day the social meeting commenced at eight in the morning and continued till half past twelve. The afternoon meeting commenced at two, when Bro. Loughborough gave an appropriate discourse from the words, "Remember Lot's wife." He was followed by Bro. Hutchins, who soon found himself in a most happy state of mind, taking the entire congregation along with him. It was a blessed season. At the close of this meeting five were baptized.
In the evening, after brief remarks and exhortations by ministering brethren, the time was all taken up till past ten with short testimonies from many. Frequently two or three would rise at once. Time and space prevents stating many particulars of this exceedingly solemn, interesting, and profitable Conference. May its blessed influence be felt all through the ranks of Sabbath-keepers.
We are fully satisfied that an important era is dawning upon the remnant. A testimony is ripening in the church which will raise the church to a higher state of spirituality and consecration. J. W.
TRIED GOLD.
By James White
THE blessed Saviour counsels us to buy of him gold tried in the fire that we may be rich. This would imply, what he says directly, that we are poor. This cannot refer to a lack of the goods of this world, for God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom.
Rich in faith. Rich supposes an abundance. Can we know whether we are rich in faith? Says the Apostle, "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." 2 Cor. xiii, 5. What a privilege, to examine ourselves, and prove our own selves, while salvation's stream yet flows; for soon the King will examine all the guests, and they who have not on wedding garments will be cast into outer darkness. Matt. xxii, 1-14. By 1 John v, 4, we learn that faith overcometh the world; and our Saviour promises that if we overcome we shall sit on his throne. O, who would not overcome this poor, dark, wicked world, to sit with Jesus on his throne.
"Come joy, or come sorrow, whate'er may befall,
An hour with my God will make up for them all."
Prove your own selves. Are you rich in faith? Have you got an abundance to overcome the world? Do you rejoice to be partakers of Christ's sufferings? Are you patient in tribulation? Or do you shrink from persecution, or repine when men speak evil of you falsely for the truth's sake? Often the little faith we have is overcome by these things. We want a faith that will light up our path in times of darkness, and give us confidence amid trials and dangers; that will yield joyful obedience to every word of the Lord.
Buy gold. Who shall buy gold? The wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Can any one, possessing either reason or sensibility, rest satisfied in such a most wretched condition, when he has a kind offer extended by which he may become truly and abundantly rich? Will the starving beggar shout and leap for joy, and strain every nerve to avail himself of a promise to be clothed with rich raiment and seated on a throne beside a king? Judge ye. The poor of this world may become heirs of a kingdom.
How shall the riches of this heavenly kingdom be bought? The same Witness testified of old as follows:
"The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Matt. xiii, 44-46.
Who shall "declare unto us this parable?" The scriptures will make us perfect, wise unto salvation, and thoroughly furnish us to all good works; and no testimony can be higher than that of Jesus. In Matt. xix, he spake to a certain young man plainly, and not in a parable. Let us hear him:
"And behold, one came, and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?"
Jesus has also testified that all the law hangs on the commandments to love God with all the heart, and our neighbor as ourselves. Then, of course, if the young man kept all these commandments, he loved his neighbor as himself. But did he? See verse 21. "Jesus said unto him, IF THOU WILT BE PERFECT, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come follow me."
Dear brother or sister: if you had stood there beside the loving Saviour, and he had told you how you might be perfect, and have an unfailing treasure in heaven, would you not have rejoiced at the opportunity, and cheerfully laid hold on eternal life? The young man thought he wanted eternal life; but was he sincere? See again verse 22. "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."
Thus Jesus proved him. He did not love his neighbor as himself: his heart was set on his earthly treasures: he valued them more highly than a treasure in heaven, and he was not willing to make an exchange. This also proved that he was guilty of idolatry, and of course he loved neither God nor man as the scriptures required. Truly he was a poor rich man.
Will you prove your own selves? He was overcome; have you faith to overcome the world? "Examine yourselves." Soon the King will examine you. It is very plain that Jesus has here shown how we may buy the true riches of the kingdom: gold tried in the fire. And as surely as the Saviour laid down a condition in truth, so surely would the young man not be perfect, and he would not have a treasure in heaven, if he did not obey his words.
But we urge this consideration, that this testimony applies with peculiar force to us as a remnant people, looking for our Lord. This will appear evident from Luke xii. This chapter, from verse 13, treats of covetousness and the Lord's coming. First is given a parable of a man that had treasure laid up here, but was not rich toward God. Then follows in verses 22, 23, a prohibition against concern for the things of this life; enforced by illustration of ravens, and flowers of the field, to avoid careful suspense, margin, and it is shown that to obey these injunctions will distinguish between us and the nations of the world. Verse 30. This is a most important point. Can we be Christ's and be like the nations of the world? "And your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." Blessed consolation. Forget it not, ye mourning ones. O, yes, your Father knows it all. Not a sparrow falls without his notice; and the very hairs of your head are numbered. Such care, such condescension, how incomprehensible. "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Let us seek it first, and his promise is pledged for the rest. Dare you take his word? Again he says, "Sell that ye have and give alms." Why, Lord, shall we sell and give alms? "Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not; . . . for where your treasure is there will your heart be also."
But, one replies, we can occupy our treasure here, and serve God in our hearts. Jesus says, "Ye can not serve God and mammon." That this is spoken to the watching, waiting ones, see verses 36-40.
And now we appeal to you, beloved brethren and sisters; has not the faithful and true Witness, in these scriptures, shown as clearly how we may buy the gold? Are the Scriptures sufficient as a rule? Go to your Saviour alone; tell him you want eternal life: you want to buy of him gold that makes truly rich; confess that you believe his word is truth; ask for his own Spirit—the Spirit that humbles and enlightens, and sanctifies through belief of the truth; then read these scriptures, and judge if it will not take all to buy the field. It is "a pearl of great price." Do not try to persuade the Saviour that he asks too much; do not set your own price, lest you mock the giver. May God give us wisdom, meekness, and faith, that we may decide and act according to his will, and overcome the world.
As it seemed to be duty for me to bring out this testimony at our late conference, I would say to the scattered ones, look to God for wisdom. This testimony refers not alone to large property holders. It is not because God needs your treasures; but your faith needs a trial. He can work out all his plans independent of you; but you can never enter into life without being humbled, and having your heart torn away from the vanities of earth. God requires a sacrifice from a willing heart, according to what a man hath, whether it be thousands of gold, or two mites: whether it be of the increase of the fold, the fruit of the earth, or the labor of the hands.
This is the testimony of God's word. It is not designed to turn the poor man's family out of doors, or rob his children of their daily bread. The Father of mercies regards the poor. He knows their wants.
There is a great, a fearful responsibility resting upon the rich of this world. The word points out their position as one of especial danger; a danger that the wise and prudent will hardly dare incur. They shall hardly enter the kingdom. O Lord, anoint their eyes that they may see and obey the truth, and so have an abundant entrance therein. But let others beware of inquiring, "Lord, what shall this man do?" The rebuke of the Saviour is strong to such, "What is that to thee?" Often do the poor complain of the rich for not distributing their means, while their own hearts are not sanctified to God. They are unprofitable, not presenting their bodies holy, acceptable sacrifices to God. He will have a clean people. Responsibility rests on every one. "Examine yourselves; prove your own selves."
J. H. W.
Conference at Lancaster, Mass.
By E. L. Barr
This Conference was composed of some of the pioneers in the cause of present truth, together with the middle-aged and youth, many of whom have recently embraced the truth, and five have followed their Lord in the ordinance of baptism the present season. Our hearts were glad to find Bro. Priest's dwelling, where we assembled, still honored with the presence of the Spirit and peace of God; hence our meetings were solemn, spiritual and profitable for the most of the time.
The strait forward testimony on the Faith of Jesus is bringing the church out of its lukewarm state and preparing the way for the loud voice of the Third Angel's Message and the final triumph of truth. The cause has advanced much in the vicinity of Lancaster the past season. Satan has also made an effort to ruin some, but as yet his efforts have been ineffectual. May the Lord help all to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. There was not that union of action in our business meeting that we could have wished; yet we believe the Lord will carry forward his work until at last a little company there will be found of him in peace without spot and blameless.
E. L. BARR.
Stowe, Vt., Oct. 21st, 1857.
Testimony to the Church No. 4.
THIS little work of 36 pp. will be ready for circulation in a few days. It will be found to be very important testimony at this time. It presents the subject of our duty in regard to earthly possessions in a rational manner, most convincing to those who can say, "Thy will be done." While it shows the wealthy their duty in regard to surplus means, it also rebukes that fanaticism which would urge the poor man to immediately dispose of his humble home and rashly scatter his means where it will not advance the cause.
No price is set upon this Tract. It is free to all who wish so to receive it. Those who would esteem it a pleasure to assist the humble instrument in her calling and work can do so. Address E. G. White.
Sunday-keeping not a Memorial of Redemption.
By Francis Gould
It is generally believed by professed christians that Sunday-keeping commemorates the great work of redemption. That redemption is a great work, cannot be denied, when we see the wondrous love of God, in giving his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The apostle Paul gives a general description of the work: "Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus ii, 13, 14.
The meaning of memorial is to preserve in remembrance, or hold in remembrance, some great event that has taken place, and it is reasonable to suppose that the memorial should always be perfectly adapted to the event which it is designed to commemorate. For example, we will take the ordinance of the passover. God instituted it for a memorial, that the children of Israel should keep in everlasting remembrance, how God with a strong hand led them forth out of the land of Egypt. Now let us look at the word of inspiration, and see how perfectly God has fitted the memorial to the event. They were to commence eating the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at evening; the memorial says, "In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at even, thou shalt eat unleavened bread." Ex. xii, 18. "And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes; that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year." xiii, 4-10.
Again, I wish to notice another event, the memorial of which falls under our own observation; namely, the declaration of Independance. We understand that our forefathers declared themselves a free and an independant nation on the fourth day of July. And we see old and young, the gray headed man leaning upon his staff, who perhaps has participated in the great struggle for liberty, and the youth (who listens with intense interest and delight, while his grandfather rehearses to him the story of the American revolution,) go up once a year, on the fourth day of July to worship at the shrine of liberty, and to pay due homage to that great event, the declaration of Independance. I think every rational mind can but perceive that to commemorate that event on any day of the month but the fourth, would be inconsistent, because the memorial would not be adapted to the event; but men are far more consistent in transacting business in relation to their political and temporal interests, than they are in transacting business for eternity.
I understand that an event must take place before it can be commemorated. To get up a memorial of an event before the event takes place, is absurd; but it is even so with Sunday-keepers. It is true that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ were the agencies God used to bring in the great work of redemption. And these events have their appropriate memorials. Hear Paul. "For I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you; That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, take eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." 1 Cor. xi, 23-26. "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Rom. vi, 3, 4, 5. Here we find God's rule of interpretation which adapts every memorial to the right event, and restores harmony to all its parts.
I think there is a great difference between an agency, and the object effected by that agency: so it is with regard to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and redemption. If the great work of redemption has been accomplished, then it follows that the very foundation of the Christian's hope, in reference to his future reward is cut off. Christ, in speaking of the signs that were to precede his coming, says, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke xxi, 28. Says Paul "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now; and not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves, groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies." Rom. viii, 22-23. Paul in conversing with his brethren in relation to the gospel of their salvation which they had believed, tells them that they were seated with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession. Eph. i, 14. See also Eph. iv, 30. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
The above texts show conclusively that redemption is yet future, and is to be accomplished at the second coming of Christ. Yes, around this great point cluster the hopes of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and saints that are now sleeping in Jesus. There looked Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance. There Moses looked, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of reward. There, David is to be satisfied; for there he awakes in Christ's likeness. There Job looked for the set time that God had appointed him, though he waits till his change comes. There Paul looked when he was in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better. There the Revelator points, and makes a general application; "And 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 to the saints and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth." Rev. xi, 18.
In conclusion I would say, if the ideas I have advanced are correct, then the great plea for First-day (Sabbath) keeping must, "like the baseless fabric of a vision," fall to the ground. I expect in a little way from this that every true saint of God will commemorate the work of redemption. See Rev. xiv, 1. "And I looked and lo, a Lamb stood on mount Zion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." Verse 3. "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders; and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth." The question now arises, what is this new song? "And they sang a new song saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. And hast made us unto our God, kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth." Rev. v, 9, 10.
O that I might help swell that holy song! My soul rests not here, my home is in heaven. I sigh for it. God will set his mark upon all those who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. "And shall not God avenge his elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he long bear with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily."
LETTERS
By B. M. Adams
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Adams.
BRO. SMITH: Standing almost alone (as I do, as a Sabbath-keeper of the seventh day of the week) in this vast city of brotherly-love, so-called, Philadelphia, there are times when the sense of lonesomeness as of a weary traveler in a vast wasted forest, where foes and robbers are sheltered—calls into action every power of the mind to be watchful and more on the alert, against a surprise, so I have been thinking to-day, that, though a sudden simoon may sweep over and prostrate the denizens of this vast hive, yet doth the pilgrim stranger feel that, amidst the wreck and overwhelming flood of evil and perplexity, fears and alarms, he has no interest at stake in their local issues. For the storm that destroys and removes them, will open up the way for a new state of things under the administration of a King and kingdom which they have not denied. In the hour of this world's sorrow, ye, saith our heavenly Leader, and elder brother, "shall have peace;" "and your joy no man taketh from you." To know that for the sake of pleasing God, we do keep all his commandments, calling his holy day "the holy of the Lord, and honorable," sealeth into that soul's heart an acceptable joy and peace, imparted by his holy Spirit, that nothing in this world can give nor take away.
And, too, the encouraging signs in the East—beyond the great river—the Euphrates—that the time of the Sun of righteousness' reign is fast approaching, yet stealing on the world "as a thief," is keeping awake the sons of light, that His glory is soon to arise upon them. The civilized powers of earth had said, when they made peace with Russia last year in Paris, (that modern Sodom,) that "all is well for twenty years to come," when, sudden as the morning light, the conflagration of evil breaks out, and imparts terror, not alone to the British lion's heart, but to all the other emblematic beasts, powers, that there (in India) the war and conflict of ages, of hate and demoniac rage, of lust and rapine, between the once subjected Indians and the iron rulers of Western Europe, (and only in a war of mutual extermination)7will probably spread from the Orient to the furthest Occident in our own land of slaves and slave-holders. Righteous retribution will the Lord our God mete out to men, even on this stage, both national and individual, for all their deeds done in their bodies. May the God of Israel preserve and deliver us, when "the time of Jacob's trouble" shall have fully come.
Your brother in the love of Christ.
B. M. ADAMS.
Philadelphia Pa., Oct, 25th, 1857.
LIFE.
Life has its sunshine! but the ray
Which dashes on its stormy wave,
Is but the beacon of decay,
A meteor glimmering o'er the grave;
And though its dawning hour is bright
With fancy's gayest coloring,
Yet o'er this cloud-encumbered night,
Dark ruin flaps her raven wing.
Life hath its flowers—and what are they?
The buds of early love and truth
Which spring and wither in a day—
The gems of warm, confiding youth;
Alas! those buds decay and die,
Ere ripened and matured in bloom;
E'en in an hour behold them lie
Upon the still and lonely tomb.
Life has its pang of deepest thrill,
Thy sting, relentless memory!
Which wakes not, pierces not, until
The hour of joy hath ceased to be;
Then, when the heart is in its pall,
And cold afflictions gather o'er,
Thy mournful anthem doth recall
Bliss which hath died to bloom no more.
Life hath its blessing! but the storm
Sweeps like the desert wind in wrath,
To sear and blight the loveliest form
Which sports on earth's deceitful path.
Oh! soon the sad heart-broken wail,
So changed from youth's delightful tone,
Floats mournfully upon the gale
Where all is desolate and lone.
Life hath its hope—a matin dream,
A cankered flower, a setting sun,
Which casts a transitory gleam
Upon the evening's clouds of dun.
Pass up an hour, that dream hath fled,
The flowers on earth forsaken lie;
The sun hath set, whose lustre shed
A light upon the shaded sky.—Sel.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. A. Wilcox writes from New York, Oct. 23d, 1857. "I am still endeavoring to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, to be zealous and repent, and buy gold tried in the fire and white raiment that I may be clothed and anoint the eyes of my understanding with eye-salve that I may see and feel my poor, wretched, miserable, blind and naked condition. Last Fall and Winter when I first began to be awakened to a sense of my lukewarm condition by the message to the last state of the church, I felt in a good degree a solemn sense of my wretched condition as I never did before, and resolved to zealously repent, and thought I should rise with the rest of God's people, never more to fall into a lukewarm state; but alas! I find upon examination that I have again fallen into a lukewarm state to a considerable degree during the past Summer. At the Berlin conference in Ct., I began to see that the Spirit of the message to the Laodiceans had nearly lost its effect; but thank and praise our long-suffering God for his kind forbearance toward me in letting his holy Spirit still strive with me. I feel in some measure the importance of being whole-hearted for God, and do works meet for repentance and let my precepts and examples preach to the world that the end of all things is at hand."
"Yes dear brethren, we have reached a solemn point of time in this world's history, when it is very important that God's people put their resolutions into practice; for the last resolves will soon be made, and if we continue to break them, fatal will be the result to us, even to be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. I firmly believe we have come down into the time when 'men's hearts are indeed failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth,' &c. Luke xxi, 26. The night of moral darkness is brooding over the earth, and the signs of the times, with solemn import are proclaiming the end of all things at hand. The judgments of an offended God are hanging over the heads of a guilty world, and soon will be poured out without mixture of mercy upon those who have not a well grounded hope. Even now his judgments are abroad in the earth; and how thankful we should be that sweet mercy is now mingled with them; but soon the last warning notes of the Third Angel's Message will die away, when mercy will take her flight forever from the earth. Justice will take her place; and God, true to his word, will pour his heavy judgments upon the shelterless heads of the wicked. What an awfully solemn time that will be. My prayer is that I may love God supremely and my neighbor as myself, and so live that I may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are coming on the earth and stand before the Son of man. Luke xxi, 36. For the promise of God to those who make the truth their shield and buckler is, when 'a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, it shall not come nigh thee.' 'Neither shall any evil befall thee, nor any plague come nigh thy dwelling.' Ps. xci."
"The agencies are very busy at work which will bring about such a time of trouble as never was since there was a nation. Dan. xii, 1. 'The wicked are doing wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.' Dan. xii, 10. The characters of all mankind will soon be developed. We are all actors on the stage of life. The high, the low, the rich and the poor are all acting their part in this great moral drama. The line of separation between the righteous and the wicked, will soon be drawn. 'Then he that is righteous let him be righteous still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still.' &c. Rev. xxii, 11."
"Dear reader, which side will you be on? Although I am a poor, weak mortal, I tell you on the best of authority, God's immutable word, you will certainly be found on one side or the other; for in the closing lines of Rev., but two classes are brought to view: those who keep and teach the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus on one side, and on the other, those who worship the beast and his image, or teach for doctrines the commandments of men. Rev. xiv, 12; xv, 2; xxii, 14; xvi, 2; xiv, 9, 10; xx, 15. Those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus will escape the seven last plagues; (for they are to be poured upon those who have the mark of the beast &c. Rev. xvi, 2,) as ancient Israel did when they were in the land of Goshen while the plagues were upon the Egyptians; and the last promise in the Bible is, 'Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.' Rev. xxii, 14."
"Thus they have reached the celestial city. Their pilgrim journey is ended and they are now resting from earthly cares, sufferings and sorrows. I mean by the grace of God to join that happy throng in their songs of praise. But the conditions of entering that beautiful city, are to keep the commandments of God. On the other side, those who heed not the warning voice of the Third Angel's Message which is now being given to the world, will drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture, &c., and finally will be tormented with fire and brimstone &c. Rev. xiv, 9, 10. The first verse of the fifteenth chapter informs us that the wrath of God is filled up in the seven last plagues, and in the final end, whoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire which will produce the second death. Rev. xx, 15. Thus 'the end of the wicked shall be cut off.' Ps. xxxvii, 38."
Trusting God and Keeping the Sabbath
By F. M. Palmiter
From Sister Palmiter.
DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel that I would gladly give in my testimony in favor of the truth, might I feel the assurance that it would strengthen some lonely pilgrim as much as I myself have been comforted and my heart cemented in love with the remnant of God's people, while I have read their communications in the Review. But "blessed are they that sow beside all waters," and "we know not whether shall prosper, this or that." But I would like to state, for the encouragement of some one that is almost persuaded to be a christian, or having made a profession many years, has just found that he is not walking in the way of God's commands, that it was with much fear and trembling that I began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I feared that I must inevitably backslide without the helps, (as I had always thought them,) the class meetings, and church, going with the great congregation. But I felt that I must throw myself upon the Lord, trust wholly in him, cling to his word, search its pages daily and try to know the bearing of every line upon my life. And I have not searched in vain. Praise the name of the Lord! I feel that I have just begun to live. Yes, sweet Bible, I will hide thee deep and deeper in this heart. The Lord has been far better to me than all my fears. He has done more for me than all the class meetings ever could do. "The living, the living shall praise thee as I do this day." "Sanctify us through thy truth; thy word is truth." Four years are in the past, and I feel that I have proved him. But when I see the perils of these last days, my heart cries out, who now can be saved. The love of the world is so strong, its pleasures, its fashions are so attractive, especially to the young; and foremost in the race are those who make high professions of godliness, teachers in Israel. But let us hear the word of the Lord by the Prophet. [Mal. ii, 7,] "For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; but ye have caused many to stumble at the law, and have not kept my ways, and have been partial in the law." Says the faithful and true Witness, "I know thy works." My heart sickens at the sight of professed Christians at the present day, with all their outward adornings. The Lord by the prophet Isaiah declares "Their tongue, and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory." Wo unto their soul. But a rich consolation is in reserve for those who obey. "Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him." Oh let us put righteousness on as a close garment worn about us continually. May our light be seen. I want to do in every little act as my Master shall approve. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much. And though I have not with the remnant borne the burden and heat of the day, yet I am glad, and give glory to his name that he has not passed me by, but permits me to bear a witness to the truth before the world at this late hour, and to count myself a fellow traveler with the little flock, and your unworthy sister. F. M. PALMITER.