Nothing is more desirable than union in the church of Christ. And there can be no permanent and scriptural union, without an agreement in views of bible truth. "Howbeit," says Jesus, "when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth."
"He will shew you things to come." John xvi, 13. It is the design of Heaven that the church should enjoy the Comforter fully, be led into all truth, consequently be one. One in sentiment and in action. O, what a church that would be—"the light of the world"—"a city that is set on an hill." How impressive and instructive the prayer of Jesus.
"Sanctify them through thy TRUTH; thy word is TRUTH. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the TRUTH. Neither pray I for these alone, BUT FOR THEM ALSO WHICH SHALL BELIEVE ON ME THROUGH THEIR WORD; that they all may be one, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU HAST SENT ME." John xvii, 17-21.
Truth is a unit. The office of the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, is to guide into all truth. The prayer of Jesus will be answered, and the church will be one, especially that church, that is to stand in the time of trouble such as never was, and is to be changed to immortality, and translated, at the appearing of the Son of God. Says Paul:
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come to the UNITY OF THE FAITH," &c. "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro," &c. Eph. iv, 11-14.
This perfect unity of the faith never has existed since the days of the apostles. It is evidently to exist just prior to the Second Advent, and is to be completed by the "latter rain," the "refreshing from the presence of the Lord," when the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, is to be poured out in all its fullness.
It is the present duty of every child of God to search for truth, seek carefully for the Spirit of truth, plead earnestly for the Comforter, and strive to be united fully with that people who have the truth. "Thy law is the truth." "Thy word is truth."
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. Here we will give a class of texts, never more applicable, and, to our mind, never so important, as to that people who have been scattered and torn, and who are to witness the time of trouble, and the coming of the Son of Man. We hope our readers will study them with much care.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment." 1 Cor. 1, 10.
"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God." Rom. xv, 5, 6.
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Phil. ii, 1, 2.
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss." 2 Cor. xiii, 11, 12. See also, 1 Pet. iii, 8; and Phil. iii, 16.
For the Pamphlet entitled 'Experience and Views.'
O. Hewet, Russel Lockwood, Sarah Griggs, $1 each.
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How to Stop your Paper.
By Editor
If you wish the "Review and Herald" discontinued, please return one number with your name and address written upon it, or get the Post Master to do it for you, and no more will be sent to you unless you request it. We have no desire to send the paper where it is not wanted.
If you wish to stop other papers, where a stated sum is required, you should first pay what you owe, and request your paper discontinued. Then if the Publisher continues to send it, you should not take it from the Post Office, unless you wish it continued. If you take it from the Post Office, the Publisher can require pay; but if you refuse to take it from the Office, it is the Post Master's duty to notify the Publisher, and he will discontinue it.
The fact that some of the brethren who are poor have continued to take papers that they did not want, because they did not know how to get rid of them, has led us to make these remarks.
Reply to the Harbinger
By Editor
We see by the late numbers of the "Harbinger" that the Editor is replying to our Review of his article, entitled, "Seventh-Day Sabbath Abolished." We humbly think that his assertions are much stronger than his arguments. We have not had time to notice his position in this number, but expect to in our next.
Choosing Paper for the Review
By Editor
The quantity of paper we purchased last August, and which we have used in publishing the "Review and Herald" is nearly exhausted, and we shall soon be under the necessity of purchasing again. Some have suggested that we might use a poorer article of paper, but we feel very unwilling to do so.—We think the friends of the cause generally would decide to use nice paper. From the best calculation we can make, the cost of a volume of thirteen numbers of our paper would not be more than three cents less, if we should use such paper, as is used for the "Harbinger." Will those who feel an interest in the paper, especially the committee, give us their advice soon.
A Hymn Book.
By Editor
There are many calls for our little Hymn Book, but the small edition is exhausted, or nearly so. We wish, therefore, to publish a larger collection of Hymns, applicable to our faith and hope. And we now invite all who feel interested in such a work to forward to our address, appropriate Hymns, either original or select. We want a number of good Hymns on the Sabbath. If the friends will help, we can have a choice Hymn Book.
Handling Letters and Book Orders
By Editor
While we have been from home, many letters have been received, some requiring an answer, and many orders for books and papers. We are not able to give them that attention they deserve for want of time. We will do the best we can, and if we pass over anything of importance the friends must write again. If correspondents wish to save us much time and perplexity, and have their orders attended to correctly, they should put that which relates to business matters on a sheet, or a portion of the sheet, by itself.
Sending the Review and Herald
By Editor
Our list of names has increased about one tenth within four weeks. We hope and believe that the increase will be greater for time to come. Those who send names for the paper should always notify the individual to whom it is to be sent, and ascertain whether it is, or is not, a welcome messenger; and if it is not, we should be notified of the fact so as to discontinue it.
We have 500 copies of each of the back numbers of the present volume, designed for those who wish the paper. The brethren should remember to send in the names of all who wish to take the Review and Herald, whether they are able to pay for it or not. And if any of the friends know of our sending it where it is not wanted, they should notify us of it immediately.
Books and Papers for Traveling Brethren
By Editor
We have sent a box of books and papers to Josiah Hart, Northfield, Vt., for the traveling brethren to distribute.
Laborers in the Western Field
By Editor
Brn. Joseph Bates and Hiram Edson intend visiting Canada West, and laboring some weeks there.
Bro. G. W. Holt left Saratoga the 18th, on his way from Vermont to Oswego.
Bro. Rhodes has returned from Mich., and gives a good account of the state of things in Jackson.
The labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews in the west have been greatly blest of the Lord.
Bro. E. Goodwin writes that those who have recently received the truth in Oswego are strong in the faith.
Visit the Saratoga Office
By Editor
We shall be happy to have the traveling brethren, and the friends of present truth who may visit Saratoga, give us a call at the corner of Circular and Phila Streets.