DEAR BRO. WHITE: The third angel's message found me in darkness, and without hope; and in the language of the Psalmist, I can say, "My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped." After the tenth of the seventh month '44, we continued taking the papers from Boston and Rochester, expecting to receive light from them; but when they began to throw out darkness rather than light, in removing the ancient landmarks, by setting new dates for the termination of the 2300 days, entering into controversies on different questions, and affirming the seventh month movement not of God; which I could not credit, I lost relish for them.
Not knowing what to believe, in this state of mind the world began to attract my attention, and mesmerism coming along, and calling itself a science, caught me in a snare. While on this enchanted ground the Lord sent his servant here to warn me of my danger, and declare his last message of mercy, that I might be rescued from the devouring enemy. O, praise to God forever, who has delivered me from that snare of the Devil, and who will deliver, for in him I trust. "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day."
Pray for me all ye that have communion with God, that I (though not deserving the least of his mercies) may, with you, "be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in this last time," when the last child of God shall be sealed.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us strive to die daily unto sin, and not be conformed to this world, but be transformed into the image of Jesus, for he loves to see his people bear his likeness, "who is holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners." Live as strangers and pilgrims here, walking in all the ordinances of the Lord's house blameless. Then will the God of Jacob be our refuge in the time of trouble, which is fast approaching.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Heb. iv, 15. Who is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Heb. ix, 24. And by his own blood hath he entered into the Heavenly Sanctuary, to make atonement for his people, and obtain eternal redemption. O, what a halo of glory shines around these precious truths. Praise the Lord for the sounding of the third angel's message, which is bringing out his children in the unity of the Spirit, from the darkness and wanderings whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day, Eze. xxxiv, 12, that they may know where to stand, even keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And this work will go on until all the jewels are sought out of the rubbish which has been thrown upon them.
My heart melts with gratitude and praise to God that he has called after me, with a loud voice, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation." Rev. xiv, 9. I had long been convinced that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Bible, but the message of the third angel shows it to be a mark, or sign, between God and his people forever. Ex. xxxi, 13, 16, 17; Eze. xx, 11, 12, 19, 20. And those whom John saw standing with the Lamb on the Mount Zion, were marked with the "Seal of54the living God, having his Father's name in their foreheads. Rev. vii, 2, 3, and xiv, 1.
The sign, or mark of the beast, is evidently the keeping of the first day of the week, instead of the Holy Sabbath, which God did not command; but was instituted by that power which should think to change TIMES and LAWS. Dan. vii, 25.
May God keep his scattered ones from the mark and worship of the beast, and his image, which is in our midst, and from partaking its spirit, and grant speedy and eternal deliverance from its power, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in Christ.
SARAH GRIGGS.
Avoca, (N. Y.), Oct. 15th, 1851.
ELIZABETH DOW
By Elizabeth Dow
From Sister Dow to Sister Temple of Boston.
DEAR SISTER: After long delay I take the pen to acknowledge the reception of books and papers, for which I praise God, and give you many thanks. I became a convert to the Advent faith in 1842. In 1843 I was taken sick, and ever since have been sorely afflicted. Have had little means of obtaining light or instruction, and have lived most of the time with opposers.
The Sabbath question is one on which I had bestowed very little thought. Never for a moment doubted that the fourth commandment was fulfilled by a right observance of the first day of the week, taking for granted that the day was changed at the commencement of the Christian dispensation. But when my attention was called to the subject by your pamphlets, and I began to search the Sacred Record for proof, how great was my surprise to find that there was none. I gave the New Testament a thorough examination, read the books again and again, carefully comparing all with the Word, and became fully convinced that the "seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God." This being, as you know, a work of the understanding, I endured it very well; but when the importance of the subject came up before me, and the guilt of disobedience, it reached the heart, and, viewed in connection with the third angel's message, was overwhelming. "The commandment came, sin revived and I died."
But thanks be to God, the struggle, though severe, was not of long continuance. Light continued to increase, until the path of duty became unmistakably plain, and I resolved, God being my helper, to pursue it whatever may oppose. With this resolve came peace and joy such as none but Jesus gives, and none can find save in the path of obedience. My Sabbath, formerly a dear precious day, lost its charms, and the Sabbath of the Lord has become indeed a "day of sacred rest."
This subject has also led to great searchings of heart with regard to all the holy law of God. And I now humbly ask the prayers of those who have "purified their souls in obeying the truth," that I may be enabled henceforth to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." And also to "walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Thus I have endeavored to give you a brief account of my views and feelings. Writing is very painful to me, much of the time impossible. If any brother traveling in this vicinity, will be kind enough to give me a call (at the residence of John Wilcox) I would esteem it a great favor.
The Paper—I prize it very highly. On some subjects it has already thrown a flood of light. Others are yet a little dark, had hoped by reading more to get more light. But with grief I say it, the paper must be dispensed with unless it can come free of all expense.
P. S. This has been detained a few days awaiting an opportunity of private conveyance. My heart is full this morning; I must add a few lines. I want words to express to you my gratitude for what I have received through your instrumentality. O how ignorant I was of the import of the third angel's message, and what a wonder of mercy that it should be shown to me at this late hour, in my seclusion from society, and the means of grace and especially from all of like precious faith. Truly, this is the Lord's doing and marvellous in my eyes. The good Shepherd, I humbly trust, has sought me out, and has led me into green pastures, beside still waters.
ELIZABETH DOW
Newport (N. H.), Sept. 25th, 1851.
Reports from Ohio and New York
By John Nevins Andrews
From Bro. Andrews.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: In the midst of tribulation and affliction my soul is joyful in God. I was never more deeply impressed with the importance of the work in which we are engaged, than at the present time. My heart is bound up in it, and in a work so sacred I would cheerfully spend and be spent. Souls are perishing, who may now be reached, the time for labor is short, the night in which no man can work is at hand. Shall we not then while the day lasts, do what we can, so that by any means we may save some?
I spent the first Sabbath after leaving you, with the brethren in Oswego. Found them strong in God, and well established in the present truth. Several who have not been with them heretofore, have recently united with them in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
In Cleveland O., I found a few who are willing to manifest their love to God by keeping his commandments. I regret to say, however, that by a cunningly devised fable, some others are making void the seventh commandment. Those, however, who make void the fourth commandment by a similar fable, are not well prepared to rebuke such iniquity.
In Norwalk and Milan, we had a season of considerable interest. Some things which had hindered the work of God were removed, and several who were halting between two opinions, took a decided stand for the truth. May the blessing of God rest upon his people in that place.
I have spent several days in this city and vicinity. Strong prejudices seemed to exist in the minds of many; in other minds some degree of conviction as55to the truth of this subject. So far as I have been, I have endeavored to set forth the reasons of my faith and hope. God has seen fit in some measure to bless the effort, a considerable number, will I trust turn away their feet from the Sabbath, and cease to do their own pleasure on the Lord's holy day. I hope that wisdom and grace may be imparted to them, so that they may act with decision in keeping the commandments of God.
I shall leave in a short time for Indiana. I hope to go with the blessing of God resting upon me, and labor with acceptance in his cause. Adieu.
J. N. Andrews.
Cincinnati, O., Oct. 27th, 1851.
ROSWELL F. COTTRELL
By Roswell F. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: There is a little company in this place who are trying to "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." Our hearts were refreshed and encouraged by Bro. Rhodes, who called on us, and held a meeting a week ago. I thank God for the consolation and encouragement I have received from this interview, and hope we may be favored with another visit from him, or some other of the traveling brethren.
My early education was such, that I have believed in the personal appearing of Christ, according to the Scriptures, from my youth. In 1843 and 1844, I heard the solemn cry, "The hour of his judgment is come," and though I felt no disposition to oppose it, and thought I loved his righteous appearing, yet I was not disappointed when the time passed by. I saw the proclaimers of the Advent in darkness in regard to the commandments of God, and bowing to an institution of Papacy; and perhaps this was the reason I did not believe. But since I have heard the message of the third angel, which was since the commencement of the Review and Herald, I have reviewed carefully the whole movement, and the solemn inquiry in my mind has been, Was it from Heaven or of men? After some nine months careful and cautious examination, I have just arrived at the decision. I believe with all my heart, it was from Heaven. I cannot believe that God would suffer Satan to get up so exact a fulfillment of the prophecies to deceive the lovers of Jesus Christ—those who wait, and look for his appearing. If any one inquire how I can believe all this, since Christ did not appear according to the expectation of his children, I answer: We are instructed [Rev. xiv] that an angel should fly through the midst of heaven, saying, "Fear God," "for the hour of his judgment is come," and yet there is time for two other messages to follow in succession, before the Son of man is seen on the white cloud.
I greatly rejoice that when "the temple of God was opened in heaven," his children on earth saw, by faith, "the ark of his testament."
Yours in the blessed hope,
ROSWELL F. COTTRELL
Mill Grove, (N. Y.), Oct. 19th, 1851.
M. M. TRUESDELL
By M. M. Truesdell
From Bro. Truesdell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I write to let you know that I am growing stronger in the truth. New light is continually breaking in upon my pathway. O, I do thank my Heavenly Father for his great mercy in sending his servants this way with the truth, and that I had a heart to receive it.
There is no bible doctrine plainer, or more clearly taught, than the doctrine of two laws. One is called the law of God, a royal law, spiritual, holy, just and good, and perfect, which is, was, and always will be, the delight of the saints of God. The other is called the law of Moses, a yoke of bondage, which Peter says, "neither our father nor we were able to bear," contrary to us and against us. Notwithstanding this plain fact, Marsh, Cook, Grew, Bywater, and many others show no difference, or make no distinction between these two laws, but confound them in one, and by so doing are leading souls to destruction.
Jesus says, if we break one of the least commandments of God's law, we shall be of no esteem in the reign of heaven, [Camp Trans.] But they tell us we may break the fourth precept in that law, and be blameless. The Prophet says "Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things, they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them," Eze. xxii, 26.
I rejoice that God is now raising up a class of servants that will make up the breach in his law, and restore the fourth commandment. Bro. Edson's article in No. 5, on the two laws, is excellent. The last lingering doubt with reference to the mark of the beast, (what it is) is gone. It is so plain that the first-day sabbath is the sign, or mark of the beast, that those who reject this truth will be left without excuse.
The little band in Elmira, numbering twelve, are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth. Our meetings on the Sabbath are interesting and profitable. The third angel's message wakes up, and puts new life into God's people, and unites them in one. Last June there was not one in Elmira that observed the Sabbath of the Lord. God speed the message is my prayer.
M. M. TRUESDELL
Elmira, (N. Y.), Oct. 28th, 1851.
Defending the Third Angel’s Message
By Lebbeus Drew
From Bro. Drew.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: Bro. Stockings and myself were at Centerville, Elmira, Martin's Hill, and Hornby, week before last. There had been some one through those places but a short time before, distributing Mr. Grew's Pamphlets, containing the no Sabbath views. A few were shaken, but I trust they will see the fallacy of that work, and become established in the truth. We saw Bro. Sweet, and think he will receive the third angel's message.
Dear brother I have regretted that I did not attend the conference at Oswego. We think of having another at Bath soon. If so we shall expect you, or some of the traveling brethren to meet with us.
LEBBEUS DREW.
Pultney, (N. Y.), Oct. 28th, 1851.
Rejoicing in the Seventh-Day Sabbath
By Calvin Washburn
From Bro. Washburn.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I think it is high time that I should inform you respecting the paper you have sent to us in these woods, I want you to continue it, for I find that it agrees with the Bible, and that is my guide. We do rejoice in the light that we have received in obeying the commands of God. I now rejoice, with my wife and family, in keeping the seventh day holy unto the Lord.
There are none that believe in the Sabbath to our knowledge within seventy miles of us. I feel more convinced that the sanctuary is being cleansed, since I have commenced keeping the seventh day, than before. I am poor in this world, but I feel rich in faith a part of the time, and I can say, glory be to God forever, for the Lord thinketh on me, and my family, although in a howling wilderness, praise his name. I hope he will find me when he comes. Please to forgive me in not writing before. I will aid in publishing the paper as the Lord may prosper me. I do rejoice that the Lord put it into the mind of Brn. Rhodes and Andrews to make us a visit last spring to give us the light of the third angel's message, for I find that it agrees with the Bible and my experience.
CALVIN WASHBURN.
No. 5, First Range, (Me.), Nov. 8th, 1851.
Testimony from the Medford Conference
By Alfred Wiley
From Bro. Wiley.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: On account of the bad state of the weather, I left the conference at Medford very early Monday. Had I known what time the cars left Boston, for South Reading, (at which place I reside,) I should have staid to commemorate the death of our dear Saviour, with the brethren, which to me would have been a great privilege. I would here add my feeble testimony in favor of the meeting. It was the first meeting of the kind that I ever attended; and though it progressed differently from what I had expected, yet I can say it was good for me to be there.
By it I learned a number of things, that are profitable. First, how that the enemy tempts us to indulge unholy thoughts, and look with jealous eye, upon those that God has called to feed, and watch over the flock. Second, that while we retain such feelings, grudging one against another, we are shorn of our strength, and cannot have power with God. Third, that God designs that his people shall receive light, and truth, in just the way he has chosen, to which my heart responds, amen, praise ye the Lord.
From what I have seen of those who are giving the third angel's message, just as we have it in Rev. xiv, 9—12, I can say that my heart and hand is with them. Come life or death, let us stand shoulder to shoulder. Though there be no more than Gideon had, (300,) yet with the Ark of the Lord, we are destined to overthrow the Midianites.
Since the conference at Medford, I have seen the advent people at South Reading, and talked with some who express a willingness, and desire, to hear the truth, and I think that if some good lecturer could go there, good would be accomplished.
Yours in hope of the glory of God,
ALFRED WILEY.
North Reading, (Mass.), Nov. 4th, 1851.
Extracts of Letters.
By Editor
Bro. Frederick Wheeler writes from Rocky Hill, Conn. Oct. 21st, 1851:
"Before leaving the conference at Sutton, I felt that it was duty to visit this State, and in company with Bro. Holt I came down to the conference at Berlin. The meeting was blest of God to the quickening of his saints. It was a season of refreshing from his presence. The next Sabbath I spent at Abington in company with Brn. Holt, Chamberlain and Belden. A few confessed the truth fully, and others were interested. I think a company will be raised up in that place to hold up the light of the third angel's message. I have since visited several places, and have endeavored to present the truth to such as have an ear to hear. I spent last Sabbath with Bro. Daniels at Chickopee, and had a very interesting interview with him."
"Last first-day I spent at Warehouse Point, spoke three times to the brethren in the Advent Hall. Some were quite interested, and I believe that some in that place will soon confess the whole truth, and take a stand on the commandments of God."
"I believe that I have enjoyed the approbation of God as it regards my course since I have started out to give myself more fully to the great work of proclaiming the last message of mercy, the sealing truth of the gospel. I know that I am nothing of myself, and am sometimes led to inquire, can it be possible that God has called one so weak, so unworthy, to this great work. And yet I feel his constraining hand laid upon me, and I sink into his will, and endeavor to consecrate myself, and all anew to him and his work, and feel that God accepts the sacrifice. My future course I leave with God to direct. I have started out to labor when and where he shall open the way, and to continue to travel as long as the Lord shall open the way, and bless me in so doing. Pray for me that I may not be left to my own understanding, but that I may be guided by heavenly wisdom in all that I do."
"I can this morning, by faith, in some degree anticipate the glories of the heavenly rest, and my heart takes fresh courage. The gospel armor I will not put off, the contest I will not yield, until with all the ransomed host I shout the final victory in the name of the Lord, Amen."
Bro. Holt writes from Fairhaven, (Mass.), Oct. 20th, 1851:
"Since I parted with you at Sutton, (Vt.), I have visited some towns in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. In all these places the interest is increasing in the great and important truths of the third angel's message. I found the brethren that have embraced the present truth, holding fast the profession of their faith without wavering. Our conference in Connecticut was one of deep interest to the tried friends. Perfect union existed through the meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out, and the brethren were strengthened, and encouraged, to press forward to the Holy City. The truth I think took deep root in some hearts, while the law of God shone clear from the New Testament."
"I feel more and more like serving God with my whole heart. O I want to be like Jesus, and suffer with him here, that I may reign with him in glory. I do delight in the holy law of God, and I thank God that Jesus Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death. Glory be to God, I will praise him forever for the light of his Word."
"I found some in the east part of Connecticut who have received the truth, and others are deeply interested, also in Rhode Island. May the Lord give them strength to stand, is my daily prayer. I believe he has some jewels in Rhode Island that will adorn the Holy City. Amen."
"The meetings in this place, Sabbath and First-day, were interesting. The Lord crowned them with his blessing, though they were meetings of labor, Truth triumphed, and the Spirit of the Lord prevailed."
Bro. Israel Alden of Bath, (N. Y.), writes, Oct. 28th, 1851:
"I returned with Bro. Stockings, yesterday from a visit to Elmira and Centerville. At the former place we found quite a number of the dear saints, striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. We held meetings Sabbath and First-day with them. The truth was sanctioned by the Holy Spirit. Glory to the name of Jesus, he was present to strengthen, and confirm his people. Truly he clothes his ministers with salvation, and his saints shout aloud for joy."
"The melting power of God was manifested while we partook of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus. And when we had so done we washed the saint's feet, in obedience to the precept and example of our blessed Lord. If the testimony of the Spirit is worth anything, as received on this occasion, it certainly is right to follow the example, and obey the precept of our Divine Lord, in this ordinance of the church. We left them strong in God, in the midst of enemies, and with bitter opposition from even those who have been looking for the Lord."
"At Centerville there are five or six who are searching earnestly for the truth. Some of them have decided to sanctify the Sabbath of the Lord our God. The opposition there, as in other places, is strong; but I hope, and believe the truth will triumph."
Sister Seely of Rochester (N. Y.), writes, Oct. 14th, 1851:
"According to your request, (which I esteem a great privilege,) I write a few lines. I have received your paper for nearly one year. At first I merely read it to gratify an acquaintance. I soon became interested, and was anxious to know the truth. I went to the Lord to teach me, to give me wisdom. I had no rest day or night. I had always believed the Lord was in the advent movement. I never have had a doubt. The first book I read of Bro. Miller's I read with great interest, and the first advent lecturer that came to Rochester I heard, and received the truth with gladness of heart. And now after I have come so far, shall I reject the third angel's message?"
"My friends, who are many, besides the church, said that the law was all done away in Christ, and if I kept the seventh day, I was fallen from grace. I made my case known to J. B. Cook. He said he had kept the seventh day, and had been shown that it was wrong. Elder Marsh said there was no day, binding to be kept, one day is just as good as another. Oh, I praise the Lord that I was not left to believe them."
"The church that I had always loved, I loved, still. I knew I should be looked upon by them as a poor deluded one if I observed the Sabbath; but all I wanted was to know that it was right, and I would keep it. I went to hear Bro. Rhodes, and was strengthened in the truth. It is now about eight weeks since I began to keep the Lord's Sabbath."
"I need the prayers of God's children, and I know I have them. Jesus does hear prayer. My soul is exceedingly happy while writing. Though storms are without, I have peace within. I praise the Lord for his truth, and for a heart to believe it. It cuts me loose from the world, yes, I gladly leave all, even my dear friends, to follow Jesus."
"I am happy, I am happy—Oh, wondrous account, My Joys are immortal, I stand on the mount, And gaze on my treasure, and long to be there, With Jesus my Saviour, the kingdom to share."
The following we take from an excellent letter written by a Sister in Volney, N. Y. It was not designed for publication; yet it contains so much important truth, that we take the liberty to publish it for the comfort and benefit of the little flock. "Come out from among them and be ye separate," says Paul.
"My soul has been filled with joy inexpressible of late in view of the opening truths of the blessed Bible. I am refreshed in reading in the paper of the prosperity of Zion. I read many of my own thoughts and feelings in the expressions of gratitude to God, from the brethren, for the way that he has led them, and for the means used in bringing them to an understanding of the truth. True, I have my trials. If ever I knew anything about a rending of heart, it has been in view of the necessary preparation to live in the sight God without an Intercessor. The present is the only time to seek that preparation. I am sensible that I must be even as the Word requires. My deeds must compare well with the 'Statute Book,' or I shall not receive the seal of God, and be covered with his covering. I think that the only way to gain the ascendancy over the powers of darkness is to agonize with God in secret prayer."
"Since the Oswego Conference I have felt that I was dead unto the world, and alive unto God, more than ever before. My dark understanding has been daily enlightened by the Holy Spirit of promise as56I have studied the Word, and sought to know the will of God concerning me. The stand that I was led to take there, in regard to separating from the wicked, has had a tendency to make me feel that I was crucified unto the world, and the world unto me, more than any restriction that the Lord has ever put upon me."
"But I wonder at the forbearance of God with me. The Enemy was determined to make me think that if I separated from sinners, it would be setting myself up wiser than Christ; but how different. How plain the design of God in separating his children in this time of preparation to stand before him, blameless, holy, unrebukable, the son of God. Why should we conform to this world by visiting and having communion with those to whom we can have no possible access with the truth? How plain that the Lord has 'hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes,' even unto us who confess his works and ways. God has a design in separating us from the world, and it is necessary that we understand it in order to be benefited. It is not, if I understand it, because we are by nature more holy, neither because we have no need of them in any way, but because God has a more important work for us to perform on the earth. We have no time to spend as they wish to spend it. We seek not our, nor their, present, but eternal welfare. And as they reject the 'Word of Life' we leave them, and press our way to those who are starving for the want of it."
"We live no longer the rest of our time unto ourselves, but unto God. O, I do confess with shame that had I been firmly planted on the truth, and been living wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man, I should have long before learned this, and many other lessons which I have yet to learn. Now I will say that I have never known of any one thing that seemed to lift me up in the sight of the Lord, where I could seem to live in his favor, as that of coming 'out from among them,' and being separate. I have felt a transforming by the renewing of my mind, that I was his, Christ's, and he was mine, and that I was not of this world. And I do now praise the Lord and take courage. I am sensible that I have but just begun to tread the thorny path that leads to the Celestial City. We need keen trials to fit us for that holy place. Jesus trod the thorny way and suffered unjustly, but we justly because of sin."
"I was thinking a few days since of the bitter cup God had necessarily prepared for us, which we must drink to sanctify and save us. And that he had an equally bitter cup for the wicked; but it will not sanctify and save them. I felt encouraged to drink with patience, and account not my life dear unto me for the sake of Christ. I realize too, that the feeblest lamb amid the flock is, and will be, the Shepherd's care."
"The Lord leads his children along step by step, and when we have the light to take one, we shall have no more until we have first taken that step. Then we can see clearly how, and where to take the next. 'We walk by faith, and not by sight.' And every step we take must have a previous trial to fit us to stand after we have taken it. I expect as we advance, the pathway will narrow, and grow more and more rugged, and there will be no chance to rest this side immortality. As I feel that I am in the crucible, I wish to be thoroughly refined, (only let me endure the trial,) and made like Jesus."
"My soul is not only troubled for myself, but for others who also must have much done for them. Some, who profess to love God, and have this world's goods, think it hard to let go of it, to help others into the kingdom. Such love is counterfeit coin. It will never pass the fiery ordeal. I should like to have them placed, for a little while, where there was an abundance around them, but could not control any of it, if they really wanted it to obtain the word of life. Then have held up before them the bleeding cause of Zion in its true light, and what they must be to be found like Jesus; and see if they would not sigh aloud for the freedom they now enjoy. If it were millions they possessed they would rejoice the more to give all. I thank the Lord that he has let me feel a little for Zion."
"But how unworthy to speak, or write in his name. My soul is bowed with reverence as I write, his mercy has been so great in giving me to see and keep the true Sabbath, and to see all his past wonderful work in the advent movement, and now the third angel's message, which is gathering the remnant into the 'unity of the faith' and the knowledge of the Son of God. O, I do want to take to myself the whole armor, that I may have a shield from the power of Satan, and be kept from the hour of temptation, that is soon coming upon all the world, and stand at last upon the sea of glass with the 144,000. Blessed release! Cheer up, ye weary ones; remember, some crowns will have many stars. I long to have those who have borne the burden and heat of the day receive them."
THE SABBATH.
By Editor
The many positions taken by those who oppose the Sabbath of the Bible, are as much at variance with each other, as with our position. We were forcibly struck with this fact while reading an article in the "Advent Herald" of Oct. 25, 1851, headed "The New Testament Sabbath." As there is no signature, we suppose the "Herald" fully endorses the sentiment of the article. The writer, in laboring to establish the first day, correctly states that Rom. xiv, 5, 6; Gal. iv, 10, and Col. ii, 16, do not refer to a day of weekly rest. So any one may see that he, in establishing his first day sabbath, takes from the no-Sabbath position its most reliable props. We copy the following from the article, on this point, which we pronounce good.
"Some have suggested that the weekly day of rest under the gospel, which is an eminently spiritual dispensation, is not to be a rest from labor or business, but only from sin. To such it is sufficient to reply, that every day of life ought to be a day of abstinence from all sin; and when it shall be shown that we are at liberty to indulge in six days out of seven, and then avoid it for one day only, it will be time enough to make a more serious and expanded answer.
"But some persons of more seriousness ask, Does not the apostle Paul (Rom. xiv, 5, 6,) declare the observance of days a matter of indifference? He does; but the context clearly shows that he speaks not of the weekly Sabbath, nor of any institution of the decalogue, but of matters beside the moral law. The same remark is substantially applicable to what he says in Gal. iv, 10, and in Col. ii, 16.
"Every law is to be known by its position and connection in a code. This is an invariable rule in interpreting every body of laws, and ought to be applied to the laws of God and the teaching of the apostles. When the whole connection of one of their arguments shows that they are simply endeavoring to wean their converts from Jewish ceremonies, it is most unfair to extend their general remarks to institutions as old as the creation, and observed before the fall of man, and by all the pious after the fall, up to the giving of the ceremonial law, and then not re-enacted as a part of the ceremonial law, but put in the middle of the moral law. 'The hand-writing of ordinances which was against us,' is indeed 'blotted out;' but that can never prove that the Sabbath, which is for us, is blotted out also.
"The apostle James says, 'He that keepeth the whole law, and yet offendeth in one point, is guilty of all.' That he here means the moral law is evident, for he cites two of the precepts of it in the next verse: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not kill.' James ii, 10, 11. Now, if you do not kill, or swear profanely, yet if you violate the fourth commandment, you are become a transgressor of the law. Let those who indulge in Antinomian laxity concerning the law of the Sabbath, solemnly consider the course of reasoning adopted by James, and be warned in time."
Letters received since October 21.
By Editor
G. W. Holt, L. Seely, S. W. Rhodes 3, E. Harmon, J. N. Andrews 3, L. Drew, H. Edson 2, I. Alden, W. M. Smith, M. M. Truesdell, N. N. Lunt, A. Wiley, W. Mayhew, Sophronia, J. Bates 3, J. K. Bellows, O. R. L. Crozier, J. C. Bowles, 2, E. Everts, S. Howland, O. Nichols, M. Lockwood, R. F. Cottrell, M. L. Bauder, Elias Goodwin.
The Poor.
By Editor
It is with the greatest pleasure that we send the "Review and Herald" to the worthy poor, gratis. "Hearken my beloved brethren," says the apostle James "hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him."? It is this class that we are most sure of benefiting. God calls the rich as well as the poor, and the reason why he chooses the poor, is because they obey his call, and follow him, not being hindered by the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world. "So the poor of the flock, that waited upon me, knew that it was the word of the Lord." Zech. xi, 11.
We are sure that if the cause in which we are engaged is of God, the poor will share its benefits, and we could rejoice to enter 1,000 names of the worthy poor upon our list immediately. If God has called us to the work of publishing the paper, it will be fully and freely supported without waste of time in writing duns, or space in its columns to publish them.
We see by the late numbers of the "Harbinger and Advocate" that the editor has struck from his "free list" all but 75 of his "201 names of the worthy poor," because he is not able to continue to send the "Harbinger and Advocate" to them free. Here we wish to say, that this is just such a list as we wish to obtain. And if some of the brethren in, or near Rochester will take the trouble to obtain the "Harbinger's" free list of the worthy poor, and forward it to us, we will send them the Review and Herald free, and if any are so poor that they cannot well pay the postage on it, we will cheerfully pay it for them. The brethren should look up the poor, and send in their names.
Delay of This Number
By Editor
We regret the long delay of this number. The next may be expected in two weeks.