p. 133 | Review and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 17. (3/12/1861)

BLINDNESS HAPPENED TO THE GENTILES.

By James White

It is a matter of astonishment to the world that the Jews were so blind to the fulfillment of prophecy as not to know the day of their visitation. It is equally astonishing that the Protestant world at the present day are so blind in regard to the signs of the times. I notice in a late No. of the Northern Independent an article predicting the speedy termination of the system of Romanism, so far as "its powers for evil" are concerned. This judgment is founded on the late and impending revolutions in Europe. To this end it bespeaks the sympathies and prayers of christians in behalf of Garibaldi, the king of Sardinia, &c. Immediately preceding the article above referred to, is the following from the Christian Guardian:

"Church of England.—The Pantheistic element appears very strong in the Episcopal Church in England. The Buddhism of the East, moulded into a more modernized type, has gained ground among many of the clergy, one of whom calls that ancient system Pantheism.—'The gospel preached to the farther Asia half a thousand years before the gospel of Jesus was proclaimed in the nearer East.' These false teachers and 'beneficed betrayers' seem to have allied themselves with christianity as opponents in throwing every possible doubt on the resurrection of the Saviour, and the existence of a God who is not diffused throughout and identified with nature, but is its Creator and Ruler. Sad that University essays, and College lectures, and pulpit homilies, should carry with them such pernicious poison as this infidel system distils. Tractarianism also, in other quarters in the Church, is increasingly bold. A list of the names of 151 clergymen has been affixed to a document recognizing transubstantiation and the mass. Alas! for the church, in which these two egregious errors prevail!"

If the temporal power of the Pope is curtailed the system of Romanism has no "power for evil" though half the Protestant world is degenerating into Catholicism! Such is the judgment of Protestants even in America. The outward demonstration is the whole basis of judgment. But in this they are consistent, for they judge of the rise or decline of Protestantism in the same manner. If the meeting-house is large and gaudy, and the church roll large, they call the church prosperous, though the spirit of the gospel has died out and the spirit of the world taken its place. And thus they go on, publishing to the world the evidences of their degenerate, fallen state, and blame us for seeing it! J. H. W.

REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.

By Joseph Bates

DEAR BRO. SMITH: I commenced a series of meetings in Orange, Ionia Co., Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 30, which continued every evening, Sabbath and first-day for three weeks, with good attendance. Some of the time the weather was so severe it was doubtful whether any would feel interested enough to attend the meeting. In this we were happily disappointed.

Last summer Bro. E. M. Davis, of Ionia, who a few months before embraced the Sabbath in Orleans, interested his relative, Bro. Williams, of Orange, to examine our position, and furnished him with books. Bro. Williams and companion became convinced of the Sabbath truth, and lent the books to their neighbor Howe, who also with his companion became convinced and settled in keeping the Sabbath. About this time Bro. Edgar was invited to preach in the district, and gave three lectures. Hence the interest and call to hear further on the subject of the three angels' messages of Rev. xiv.

Some of the brethren from Ionia and Portland met with these two families twice. These were all the meetings held in the district for a long time. Some came several miles to hear. The brethren from Ionia and Portland, and some from North Plains, met with us on Sabbaths and first-days, and helped to make the meetings interesting, and were much revived and strengthened. At the commencement of our meetings Bro. Howe's eldest daughter was deeply convicted. In answer to prayer the Lord's promise was verified, and she became a happy convert.

But few professors, except two or three ministers, came to hear. At the close of one of our meetings a Baptist professor from another neighborhood said it was evident from my preaching about the unconscious state of the dead, that I was an infidel. One of the principal men in the district, who had opposed our position and acknowledged that he was a wicked man, replied to the Baptist, saying, "I guess the old man is about right." Finding himself alone on the opposite side he walked away.

On first-day, 17th inst., a hole was cut in the ice in a running stream, and seven were buried with Christ by baptism into death. Some others held back to see their way more clearly. This was the most solemn baptizing, which I had witnessed for a long time. I knew that it was good to be there. A solemn sense of God's presence rested upon the church and people. One aged spectator said, "I never witnessed such a scene as I have to-day since I came to Michigan." He could not attend any of our meetings, but seemed immovably fixed and settled on keeping the first day of the week for the Christian Sabbath. As I called to pray with him once more before I left, the Sabbath question came up, when he said, "Well, I mean to keep both Sabbath and Sunday too." After the baptizing, we held three more interesting meetings. At our last one a request was made for all to rise on their feet who believed that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord. More than half the congregation arose. After meeting I saw a man passing out by me, whom I had noticed attentively listening about every meeting. I said, "You are a stranger to me, but I have noticed your constant attendance here; what are you going to do with these truths?" He replied, in a decided manner, "I am going to keep the Sabbath."

There are now fifteen that profess to keep the Sabbath in Orange, and we expect others will join with them in their Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school.

A number furnished themselves with books, and some with the papers.

Previous to our meetings in Orange I preached two evenings in Caledonia. I was also with the church and people at Wright the last Sabbath and first-day of January. I spoke to them four times. The Lord is strengthening them to take higher ground and claim his promises. Help, Lord, is my prayer. I returned from Orange to Caledonia the 20th inst., and found the church in a tried state, some of them laboring for freedom and victory. While here I was summoned home, as all my family were sick. I left the 23d inst., after the Sabbath. Thank the Lord, my family are gaining and much better. Brethren all well in Monterey.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich.

PEACE.

By Geo. Wright

"My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." Such is the dying legacy of our blessed Lord to his sorrowing disciples, and not to them only, but unto all that should believe on him through their word. In the heart of the humble, trusting child of God, this peace flows like a river. He cannot explain it; for it passeth all understanding. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory.

O, says one, that I could find this peace. Often I find my mind is like the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Well, my dear friend, I know that God declares there is no peace to the wicked; but does he not call on you to acquaint yourself with him and be at peace? The apostle Paul makes it clear how we may become acquainted and be reconciled to God. "Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Come then to Jesus without delay. Come, for all things are now ready. Many have come and tasted that the Lord is gracious, and still there's room. Now is the accepted time. Jesus is still waiting to be gracious, and bestow that peace that the world can neither give nor take away. How will you escape if you neglect so great salvation?

A revival has just closed in this village among the Presbyterians. They claim a number of conversions. I can have no confidence in this work as being of God, and these are some of my reasons. The people of this community have had the plain truth proclaimed faithfully, and have rejected the commandments of God as a whole, and still adhere to the traditions of men. In vain, says Jesus, do ye worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. I think they and their work are correctly described by the prophet Hosea. Chap. v, 6, 7. They shall go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. They have dealt treacherously against the Lord, for they have begotten strange children. A month shall devour them with their portions. To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them. They are crying, Peace, peace, when sudden destruction is at hand. No coming of the Lord in their testimony. They ignore the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.

Dear brethren, while this spurious work is going on, let us see to it that we are coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Honest souls are doubtless watching us closely. God forbid that any should stumble over us and lose eternal life. Let us preach by an upright walk and a meek and quiet spirit. In short, bring forth much fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, &c. In this way, by making use of the means that God has placed within our reach, we shall with his blessing win honest souls to the peaceful fold of Christ.

Look where you will among the nations of the earth, and all is commotion. Europe is one vast camp. Men's hearts are failing them for fear. Civil war is threatened in our midst. But, dear brethren, we need not fear. God is our refuge, and a very present help in time of trouble. We know that beyond this scene there is rest. Jesus soon is coming. We will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Amid and above all this we can hear the sweet voice of the Saviour, Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Pet. iii, 14. Soon we shall sing,

*"Our trials past, our joys complete, Safe in our Father's home." GEO. WRIGHT. Lapeer, Mich.*

NOTES ON SCRIPTURE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THE BOOK OF PSALMS.

As a collection of prayer and praise this book is without a parallel. The finest compositions of men are far inferior to it. The psalms of David have been reduced to metre in order to be sung, but every such attempt only spoils their beauty. Josephus says they were written tri-metre, and hexa-metre, and it is certain they were written in a form to be sung. 1 Chron. xvi, 7; xxv, 6. The titles of many of the psalms show that they were written expressly to be sung. Verses can be found which can be sung in metres now in use. Ps. xix, 14, is an example in short metre, thus,

Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation Of my heart, be acceptable In thy sight, Lord, my strength.

The first seventy-two psalms were written by David. He says [Ps. lxxii, 20], "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." The titles of the remaining seventy-eight show that they were written by various individuals, among whom is Moses [Ps. xc], title, and also many from David. The psalms are not compiled in the order in which they were composed. Compare Ps. lix, title, with 1 Sam. xix, 11; and Ps. iii, title, with 2 Sam. xv, 13-16. The third psalm was written when David fled from Absalom. The eighteenth may be found in the twenty-second chap. of 2 Sam., but there is some difference in the language. The fifty-first is David's confession of his double murder and adultery. The seventy-eighth is a brief outline of the history of Israel from the time they left Egypt down to the time of David. The ninety-first points to the time of the plagues. The ninety-second is a psalm for the Sabbath-day. (This is the only place the Sabbath is mentioned in the book.) The ninety-sixth may be found in 1 Chron. xvi, 23-33. The hundred and second is expressly for the afflicted. The hundred and fifth [verses 1-6] may be found in 1 Chron. xvi, 8-22. The hundred and nineteenth is a beautiful eulogy on the commandments and word of God. It is divided into twenty-two sections, each section containing eight verses. The sections are headed by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in their regular order. Every verse, with two or three exceptions, contains some allusion to the commandments and word of God. The following is a list of the terms, and the number of times each one occurs. Law, twenty-five; testimonies, twenty-two; ways, twice; precepts, twenty-one; statutes, twenty-two; commandments, twenty-one; judgments, eighteen; word, thirty-seven; way, once; righteousness, once; words, four; judgment, three; testimony, once; faithfulness, once; ordinances, once; commandment, once. The hundred and thirty-seventh is a prophecy of the Babylonish captivity. The three last psalms are a continued outburst of praise; and so ends this wonderful book.

MAN'S MEAT.

In the beginning God gave to man the seed of every herb, and the fruit of every tree for food. Gen. i, 29. It was not the original design that man should subsist on flesh, and death would never have been known in the earth if man had not sinned. Death came by sin. Rom. v, 12. After the flood the Lord permitted man to eat flesh—there was no restriction, he could eat any kind he chose. But when God chose the nation of Israel for his own people he commanded them not to eat certain kinds. Lev. xi. When the Lord rejected the nation of Israel from being his people, men were placed on precisely the same footing in this respect they were before; for the law of Moses (of which the prohibition not to eat certain animals was a part) was done away. The only restrictions relative to eating flesh in this dispensation are found in Acts xv. A council of the church sanctioned by the Holy Ghost declares that it is necessary to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled. Verses 28, 29. They were not permitted to eat blood in the first place. Gen. ix, 4.

In the beginning every kind of fruit was good to eat, but now some kinds are poisonous. This is the effect of sin.

BEASTS' MEAT.

Great men have wearied themselves in speculating upon the state of the animal creation before the fall, and some have asserted that some species were always carnivorous. But the Bible settles this question beyond all controversy. It expressly declares what was to be the food of man and beast. "And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat." Gen. i, 30. If some species of animals had been carnivorous, and subsisted on others from their creation, there would be some intimation of it, but the explicitness of the language forbids such an idea. Read it again. To every beast, and every fowl, and everything that creepeth upon the earth, I have given every green herb for meat, and it was so. This shows that God designed that animals should eat grass and other herbs, but after man sinned, enmity sprung up between different races and they gradually became carnivorous. It was peace and happiness throughout the animated creation till man sinned; and how great was the effect of that sin. But the blessedness of the first dominion will be restored, praise the Lord. Micah iv, 8; Isa. lxv, 25.

D. HILDRETH.

A FEW WORDS TO THE YOUNG.

By A. G.

I HAVE been thinking of the state of the young among us who profess to believe the third angel's message, and to be getting ready for the Lord's coming. How few among us who are living out the principles of the gospel; the principles of our "holy religion!" There seems to be a great lack of consecration. I see but little difference between them and those who do not profess the truth. Indeed, the similarity is such, that I have heard the remark from the wicked, that they did not wish any better company than such and such a Sabbath-keeper. Of what honor is that individual to the cause of God? Did the young realize the weight of responsibility that rests upon them—what God requires of those in the morning of life, while the pressing

cares of those who are older are unknown to them, they would be whole-hearted in the cause they profess to love.

While some are loitering about with their former associates in the streets or stores, or spending their time, which is only lent them, in reading forbidden works; others are busily employed with useless embroidery and trimmings on their clothes, and for what? Oh, to look like the world around them. It reminds one of the Israelites that left Egypt, but still longed for the "leeks and onions" they had left behind. Is it true that we have left the world and still wish to carry it all along with us? Where is our dying to the world, our coming out and being separate? How long will ye stand in the way of sinners? How long live at the halves, while the judgments of God are just before us, and his wrath to be poured upon the heads of the ungodly. O let us be zealous and repent of all our wrongs and get into the work of God, make straight paths for our feet, that the lame be not turned out of the way, and we find an abundant entrance into the kingdom so dearly purchased for us.

Yours trying to overcome, A. G.

WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES.

By H. S. Gurney

It is true that a multitude of men and women, with their children, are deceived, and their ministers are whispering, peace! peace! and nothing would disturb them more than to tell them the Lord is coming, and undertake to show them the evidence. It is by no means pleasant to be persuaded that the churches professing to put on Christ have fallen to a level with the fashionable world, and that the only testimony God has to her is, "Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, for her sins have reached unto heaven." It is true we have fallen upon perilous times. There is almost an overwhelming combined current setting against the heart of true religion, and nothing short of a corresponding effort on the other hand will overcome and give the victory. This deplorable state in the religious world is the foundation of the perils the apostle speaks of. To take a view on the bright side of the fallen position occupied by the church, is to see how inspiration has described her state as belonging to the last days.

True christians will rejoice at the presentation of evidence that our Lord is coming to set up his glorious kingdom, and put an end to sin with all its train of evils. Jesus himself told what the evil servant would say to those who would give meat in due season, viz., My Lord delayeth his coming. Now the proof is in the language itself, that those who use this language are professors of religion. They use the familiar term, "My Lord," &c. But they eat and drink with the drunken, and before the Lord comes their portion is appointed with hypocrites and unbelievers. May God save the remnant.

H. S. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich.

A Seventy-Year-Old Believer’s Testimony

By Wm. Peabody

From Bro. Peabody.

Bro. Smith: This day I am three-score and ten years old. I think I can say something as Jacob said to Pharaoh when Joseph brought him in and set him before Pharaoh. Jacob blessed Pharaoh; and Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and forty years. Few and evil have the years of my life been. Gen. xlvii, 7-9.

It is nearly forty-two years since I embraced the Christian religion, and nearly eight years since I embraced the third angel's message. I think this has been the best part of my life. I have strong faith, looking for the coming of the Lord. I live alone in this village as to keeping the Sabbath. There are none nearer than Rochester. I sometimes go about thirty miles to meeting. This is my great enjoyment. I often think how happy we shall be when we all get into the kingdom.

Yours of like faith. WM. PEABODY.

Scottsville, N. Y.

A New Sabbath-Keeper’s Testimony

By T. V. Canright

From Bro. Canright.

BRO. SMITH: Although a stranger to you and the little flock that is waiting for the coming of the Lord, yet I wish to cast in my testimony on the Lord's side, and to say that I also am waiting with those of the same precious faith. It is only about three months since I commenced keeping the Sabbath; and I feel to thank the Lord that I was ever willing to believe in the present truth, and try to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I meet with scorn and ridicule on every side, yet I feel to look up and ask my Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do. My wife and myself are the only Sabbath-keepers in this place; and if the Review did not come to us on its errand of mercy and love, we should be lonely indeed. But when we read the letters from the brethren and sisters we feel to take new courage to go on till we shall be permitted to enjoy the blessings of eternal life in the new earth. The time, according to prophecy, cannot be far distant. I would be glad if some of the brethren could come and present the truth in this place, and wake up the people to a sense of their duty that they might escape the vengeance that is coming on the earth. May the Lord help all that believe in the third angel's message to be firm in the truth. Soon Christ will come and deliver us from this sinful world, and take us to dwell with him forevermore.

Yours in hope of the saints' inheritance. T. V. Canright. Coldwater, Mich.

Reasons for Keeping the Sabbath

By A. Hall

From Bro. Hall.

Bro. Smith : It is with increasing pleasure that I look over the epistles of the lonely ones, many of them scattered over the country, isolated from the society of those with whom they would be glad to meet. Such is my position. About two years ago I embraced the Sabbath, having previous to that time had doubts in my mind about the day. I did not know but the day had been lost, and had not examined the subject; but I now find evidence of its correctness. 1. It is called the seventh day, or Sabbath, by the Bible published by the American Bible Society. 2. Religious denominations of the present day admit it, taking the first day for Sabbath, and averring that it has been changed; which, I think, they have fairly failed to show. 3. Chronologers all agree on it, and consequently do not dispute it. 4. The Jews still hold to it.

I was a Baptist, and first-day keeper for Sabbath until I fell in company with a brother and sister, from Bristol, Vt., who explained to me the duty of professors

of the religion taught in the Bible. When I examined the subject I found I had but one thing to do in the premises, and that was to take the commandments of God as the rule of practice, or the commandments of men; and still I have brethren and sisters who say they are sorry to see me desecrating God's holy day. I offer them my reasons for change, and leave them to their choice.

A. Hall.

Athol, Warren Co., N. Y.

D. H

By D. H.

BREVITY.—A writer in the Christian Secretary thinks that much might be gained, if speakers in prayer and conference meetings would "observe the miller's creed—to always shut the gate when the grist is ont."

D. H

LETTERS.

By A. S. Hutchins

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Hutchins.

DEAR BRO. SMITH : I have just read Testimony for the Church, No. 6, and I hope not altogether without profit. I have asked, Shall the Lord speak and not be heard and obeyed? Shall such reproofs, warnings and admonitions, pass unheeded? Does the Lord stretch out his hand to save poor, feeble, erring man, and we regard it not? God forbid. May it be said of none of us, "They would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproofs."

God's word abounds with warnings and instructions for these perilous times. It holds out life, eternal life to the overcomer; but death to the unbelieving and disobedient. How inconceivably great the contrast! "I know thy works," says the faithful and true Witness. He stands at the door and knocks. His counsel is affectionate, but alarming and final!

"O, wake and open wide the door, Bid thy Beloved wait no more."

Admonition after admonition has also been given us through the gifts, but how have they been slighted and neglected! How have the hearts of some of God's dear servants, upon whom heavy burdens have long rested, been wounded and their spirits crushed in consequence of this!

O that that the remnant church might arise to the position that it is our duty and privilege to occupy. O that we might all possess more of the Holy Spirit, and have more fellowship and love one for another.

"Union is strength," is an old and truthful adage. Love cements our hearts together. It unites our faith and action in the service of God. A lack of this principle scatters and divides the flock, and leaves us weak, and hence an easy prey to the enemy.

My heart beats with sympathy for Bro. and sister White. I feel deeply for them in their afflictions and trials. I am glad that every sorrow and grief of their afflicted hearts is known unto the Lord. I am glad he knows each groan and sigh. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Pet. iii, 12.

To Bro. and sister White, I would say, May the Lord help you still to cheerfully partake of the sufferings of Christ, that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Your brother, in hope of eternal life, A. S. HUTCHINS.

THE BETTER COUNTRY.

Nowhere on the earth do we find the presence of all good things without any evil things, nor of all evil without any good: and this we are ready enough to admit of our own country when we call it better than all we have named. It contents us, if at all, only on comparison with other parts of the same world.

Now all such comparisons ought to lift every thoughtful mind to higher and more satisfactory contemplations. It would be well for us, as a growing habit,—and the wonder is, we are not irresistibly tempted, if only for our relief,—to overleap all these limits, and think and speak often, not of this or that eligible region on the earth, but of "a better country, that is, an heavenly."

The word country, in this familiar scripture, is borrowed, as being understood, from a foregoing use where the Greek properly signifies fatherland, native country, or home. The writer says that the patriarchs whom he commemorates, in leaving their own land, and seeking that which God had promised, in faith, as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth," sought indeed a fatherland or home, but a better than that which they had known; and then, to show that this was not the land of Canaan, the literal subject of the divine promise to Abraham, he adds, "That is, an heavenly." By so much, therefore, it was better, more desirable than any country on the earth.

The description is universally understood of the future condition of God's children. It is their final abode, after the resurrection, upon Christ's second coming, the "place" which he told his disciples he went "to prepare" for them, and which evidently they were to enjoy when he should "come again and receive them to himself;" for the sacred writer seems to have in view a condition to which not only the living apostles, but the deceased patriarchs also, still look forward, those ancient worthies, as he afterwards says, having "received not the promise," or all that was promised, "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." And further, if we adopt the view always extensively held, which Dr. Chalmers among others has eloquently set forth, that this earth, purified and renovated, will be made the abode of his people, we understand by the better country, the "new earth" of which other scriptures tell us, and which, thus transformed in its condition and use, will become heavenly. Under any interpretation, the phrase denotes the future home, or what an ancient writer calls "the blessed fatherland of the just."

And what theme is better fitted to cheer believing hearts amidst private anxieties and ills, or public agitations and calamities, even in "perilous times?" Let us be at home in such thoughts.—Sel.

THE CHILDREN.

By L. C. Hutchins

WEEP for the living, not for the dead, Sweetly they sleep in their lowly bed, Taken away from the evil to come; And Jesus will gather the children home.

Those who remain tread a thorny way, Bearing the burden and heat of the day, Trials without and temptations within, Well if they keep from pollution and sin.

But should they leave the straight path as they go, Take the broad way to perdition and woe, Well had they found them a peaceful bed, Quietly laid with the early dead.

Weep for the living, not for the dead; Sweetly they sleep in their lowly bed, Taken away from the evil to come, And Jesus will gather the children home. He will be faithful, whose word is given, Of such little ones is the kingdom of heaven. L. C. HUTCHINS.

Pier Cove, Mich.

A Testimony of Faith and Perseverance

By W. B. DAVIS

From Bro. Davis.

BRO. SMITH: I have often thought I would like to write and let you know what the Lord has done for us, although unworthy of the least blessing from him. When I look back and view my past life, I see that it is by the grace of God that I am what I am. It has been a little over a year since we commenced to try to keep all God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. The Bible that once I looked upon as a mere history, and very imperfect at that, has now become my delight; and I can truly say that I delight to meditate on the law of God. I thank the Lord that my lot has been cast among Sabbath-keepers, and that the Lord gave me a willing heart to receive the truth. I believe the third angel's message is bringing out a people to serve the Lord, and I want to be found among that number that will keep the whole law.

It cheers my heart to read the letters that come to us through the Review from week to week. Time is short, and if we are faithful we shall soon see the One we long for. It is only a short time that we have to suffer, and then we shall have eternal life, and be permitted to see each other face to face. I mean by God's assisting grace to be an overcomer and stand with the remnant on mount Zion.

Yours striving for the kingdom W. B. DAVIS. Brodhead, Wis.

Hope in the Coming Saviour

By A. J. Dyer

From Sister Dyer.

Bro. SMITH: I take my pen, striving to glorify my heavenly Father; but how shall I, a frail creature of the dust, praise the Lord who made the heavens, and worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will? I thank the Lord for sending me this glorious message. O, the blessed hope of a soon coming Saviour! I know that I am weak and sinful, and realize that without his aid I should come up to the day of the Lord all unprepared to meet my Judge. But I am striving to claim his precious promise, My grace is sufficient for thee, and all unworthy though I be, I believe his grace is sufficient to cleanse me from all my sins. Praise the Lord! the blood of Jesus can wash all the deep stains of sin from the soul, and make us meet to join the song that bright, holy angels sing in that blissful realm of glory. O, how bright and pure must be the joy of heaven! O, may we be found worthy to enter into that rest. Here are afflictions, troubles and trials. Sin and decay are abroad in the earth. Here the heart's wealth of affection is poured on things transient and fleeting; broken bands and desolate hearts are here.

"I'm weary of loving what passes away, The sweetest and dearest, alas, may not stay; I long for the land where these partings are o'er, And death and the tomb can divide us no more."

O, the untold glories of that land which God has promised to the righteous. Sadness and mourning shall flee away, and sorrow and sighing shall have no place; for everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.

Yours striving to overcome. A. J. DYER. Lyons, Fulton Co., O.

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. R. Sawyer writes from Port Byron, N. Y.: "I am still willing to be led by the third angel's message; to follow on step by step until a character is developed which shall meet the approval of the faithful and true Witness. I can testify to a purifying and saving power in present truth. Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life, &c. John xiv, 6.

"O, let us walk in the way, be made free by the truth [John viii, 32], become sanctified wholly, and thus be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation which shall be brought at the appearing of Jesus. Let us become more united. Union is strength. We are exhorted to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might [Eph. vi, 10-18], not looking to one another for a pattern, but unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith [Heb. xii, 2], and thus become of that number that shall overcome and sit with Jesus on his throne. Rev. iii, 21. Remember me in your prayers that I may with you say in the language of the prophet, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him and he will save us."

Bro. W. Allen writes from Princesville, Ills.: "I have have just returned from a short, but very tedious journey. I crossed the Illinois river at Chillicothe, and traveled an easterly course about thirty miles. I made it my business, as usual when among strangers, to inquire if they were getting ready for the coming of the Saviour, referring to the signs of the times, &c. With many it seemed to be very strange doctrine, and yet interesting. They said they had never heard of an Advent preacher on the east side of the river. I had obtained a few of your books, which they readily purchased of me. One man sends for the Review."

Sister N. Davis writes from Ayersville, Ohio: "I feel like pressing onward and upward toward the mark of our high calling, having my face set Zionward with a firm hold on the anchor of hope, which is sure and steadfast, and entereth to that within the vail, whither Christ has for us entered. Although we may be called to pass through the furnace of affliction, we have an High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and will if we are faithful bring us off more than conquerors, and place upon our brows the glorious starry crown of victory."

Bro. S. B. Whitney writes from Malone, N. Y.: "I am much encouraged and strengthened by the cheering reports from the west, but still I sometimes almost fear that I shall be overcome, and finally fail of the kingdom; yet my purpose is to keep striving, and not sink down in despair. The prospect is not very cheering in this section, yet the church are still holding on, feel assured that the promises are yea and amen to those that believe."

Bro. Wm. Herald writes from Green Spring, Ohio: "We have been striving to arise and come up to the help of the Lord; and bless his holy name, we have had a refreshing season. For the last two weeks we have had prayer-meetings every night, with one or two exceptions; and, blessed be God, we have had a season of rejoicing. The Lord has poured out his Spirit upon us, and every soul has been encouraged to persevere. We have also been led to rejoice in the addition of three more precious souls to our number, and we still hope by the grace of God, an upright walk and godly conversation, to bring others to the knowledge of the truth."

Bro. A. G. Hart writes from St. Cloud, Min.: "I desire to say to my brethren through the Review that my P. O. address is St. Cloud, Minnesota. I am still trying to overcome. I want to go through to the kingdom. I want the church to pray for me that I may live in such a way that my light may shine all around. I would say to the brethren in Minnesota that I shall put in my mite to help on the cause this summer."

Sister N. J. Babcock writes from Spring Grove, Wis.: "I would bear my testimony in favor of the truth. It has been about two years and a half since I commenced to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I feel like still pressing on toward heaven. When I think of the goodness of God to me, his love in sending his Son to die that we might live, I am led to exclaim, How good he has been to me! Let us put our trust in God and his word. Let us try and prove faithful, soon Jesus will come and take us home to the city of God. There will be no sorrow. There sin and temptation and death will never enter, but the weary will be at rest. Oh how I long to be there! I was but fourteen when I commenced to keep the commandments of God, and I am not sorry that I started when I did. I mean by the assisting grace of God to prove faithful."

OBITUARY.

Fell asleep Dec. 25, 1860, Mary, my wife. Her disease was scrofula, terminating in death after an illness of four months. She suffered greatly, yet she said, I will not trust in man. She fell asleep without a struggle. I do not mourn without hope. Our Saviour said, The hour cometh when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live.

JEREMIAH STRYKER. Wheeler, N. Y.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce to my friends the death of our little daughter, Alma Gertrude Shaw. She died Feb. 18, of putrid sore throat, aged three years and five months. Although we are left to mourn, yet we do not mourn as those that have no hope, for I believe that when Jesus comes to ransom those that now sleep in their graves, she will be brought again from the enemy's land.

Dear brethren, pray for us that this great affliction may prove for our good and the glory of God. I still feel like standing firm for the truth as it is in Jesus, and trying to live it out in my daily life and conversation. I hope to be an overcomer at last, that when Jesus comes to awake the sleeping dead I may say, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him and he will save us.

L. W. SHAW.

Fell asleep, Feb. 11, 1861, Libby, daughter of J. F. and E. W. Ballenger, aged two years and five months. Her disease was scarlet fever. No doubt God in his providence has permitted this affliction to come upon us to win our affections from the transient and passing things of earth to those more permanent and abiding realities beyond this mortal life, which effect, I trust, it has produced. Her decease has severed a link in our little circle that none but Jesus can re-unite, and has left a void in our hearts that nothing but his Spirit can fill. We mourn our loss; but the words of the Lord to Rachel are very comforting to us [Jer. xxxi, 15-17], and it only remains for us to prepare for that event that will re-unite the righteous parents and children in bonds that can never more be severed. A discourse was preached to an attentive audience by Bro. Ingraham, from Job xiv, 14.

J. F. BALLENGER.

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