Bro. Smith : I am willing to be counted among that poor and, at present, despised company, "who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." I have written to you before for books, which I then wanted for argument's sake. They have opened my eyes more fully to see the truth and beauty of the word of God.
I have been dissatisfied for the last two or three years with the doctrines which have been taught by those who profess to understand the word of God, of the natural immortality of man, the conversion of the world, the immateriality of God, and the institution of the first day of the week for the Sabbath. All these I condemned as spurious, but at the same time I felt a greater condemnation resting upon myself for trying to convince others of the fallacy of such doctrines, while I was myself rebelling against God and breaking his holy commandments. I felt more deeply the necessity of coming out from the world while attending a Methodist revival at Little Prairie last winter, but it seemed hard for me to come out all alone and take such a different course from the rest. How I wished that the truth might be preached there that I might embrace it; but it could not be so then, and I knew that procrastination was dangerous, for I could see that according to the prophecy of Daniel and the revelation given to John, that the door of mercy would soon be shut. I was at last, by the mercy of God constrained to yield, and now feel to praise the Lord, although others may revile me.
The ministers and members of the M. E. church appeared very lamb-like at first; but as soon as I began to give my views on the Scriptures, their speech was as that of a dragon. They told me that I must not mention such strange things to the young converts until their minds were settled, or they might become infidels. But I knew that the truth would not make them infidels. My heart longed for them to know the truth, and I found one friend who had ears to hear, and a mind to understand. O what joy it gave me to see that by degrees the true meaning of the word was understood by him. The anxiety that I felt for a time none can tell but those who have had a like feeling for some dear friend. I looked on to see how the scale would turn, with intense interest. I was pleased to see a letter in Review No. 13, from him. He has sent to the Office and obtained several books treating on the different subjects of our faith, which he has read and embraced with pleasure. C. W. Olds (the individual's name) lives one mile and a half from me. We have much opposition here, and there have been several sermons preached for our particular benefit, by the ministers of the place, but they were to us as the "sounding brass and tinkling cymbal." We expect Bro. Phelps will be here this fall, and I have faith to believe that some of the honest ones will receive the truth, although there is great prejudice. My prayer is that their eyes may be opened that they may see their danger before it shall be too late; and may he help me so to live and conduct myself that whether I sleep or wake I may be the Lord's at his coming.
Yours truly.
WM. CARTHY
Little Prairie, Wis., Sept., 1859.
Investigating Present Truth
By Sybil Whitney
From Sister Whitney.
Bro. Smith: You will wonder perhaps that I should address you so familiarly, being an entire stranger to you, only as I have become acquainted with you through two or three copies of the "Herald," left here a few months since by Bro. Lawrence of Bangor.
In perusing the "Herald," together with some pamphlets published at your Office, a light has shone upon my mind, which, in the language of Milton, "beams darkness visible," and I feel inclined to open my eyes, though, at times, I must confess, I feel an apprehension that if I do, I am in danger of embracing false doctrines, as there so many false things in these last days that it has come to be with me almost the first idea when anything new makes its appearance; and were it not that I have proved old and long-received persons, opinions and doctrines false, I should not be so well prepared to obey the injunction, "Prove all things," or so careful to "hold fast that which is good."
Remembering that the Saviour says that "every scribe that is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old," it has occurred to my mind, while I have been examining your doctrine, and proving it by the test of God's word, that the "words" which "are closed up and sealed until the time of the end, are the new things, while the Sabbath of the Lord and the saints' inheritance in the earth are the old.
As the result of my investigation of these subjects, I am fully convinced that God has never changed the the fourth commandment, or authorized men to do it, and having long professed to be governed by the word of the Lord, I dare not any longer confer with flesh and blood, but have to-day commenced, under rather discouraging circumstances, to remember the Sabbath-day.
I am alone in the community, in a family of eleven persons, all members of churches—one Catholic, two Methodist, and eight (including myself) Congregationalist. The Lord only knows what will be the immediate or final result of this step, but I "walk by faith and not by sight." The Lord has brought me, hitherto, by a way unknown, and I have proved him a safe guide, and am willing to be passive in his hands as to results; but as to duty, my cry unto him is, What wilt thou have me to do? I feel that I have given all for Christ, but O how frail I am! Who is sufficient for these things?
This subject was first presented to my mind two years ago, but the difficulties of the way caused me to turn aside from it and go with the multitude, throwing a vail over my eyes lest the light should shine too clear, but I thank God that he has enabled me to submit to his will, if I am not deceived.
Enclosed I send a dollar for the "Herald," for I feel the need of instruction, of counsel and encouragement.
Asking an interest in your prayers, and praying that God will crown your labor iu the Lord with success, I am respectfully yours.
SYBIL WHITNEY.
Malone, N. Y., Aug. 1859.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister M. L. Priest writes from Lancaster, Mass., Sept. 10th: "I am still trying to pursue the narrow way that leads to life, but my progress is so slow that at times I am almost discouraged. Not that I feel like giving up the truth, O no! but I believe Jesus wants such followers as will be living witnesses, that can be known and read of all men. Such will be valiant for the truth; they will endure hardness as good soldiers; when trials arise they will fight their way through, and they will do them good; when severe temptations beset their pathway, so that they are in great heaviness, they will flee into the name of the Lord, and find it a strong tower, a sure retreat; they will honor Jesus by believing that he is able and willing to make a way for their escape. But alas! this is not the way with us at all times; but when fiery trials are permitted to come which reveal hidden forms of selfishness and sin, we are oftentimes disheartened, and begin to give place to the enemy, by doubting whether we are the Lord's or not. The very means the Lord takes to purify and fit us for usefulness here, and for a better world, are the most odious to us. O I am sorry it is so with me. It seems to me I never saw so much in myself to abhor, as I have of late. Truly there is no good thing in me, and yet I hope on. It is no worthiness of mine that gives me hope; but the long-suffering and tender mercy of our God and the merits of his dear Son."
"I am fully satisfied, and have been for a long time, that these are perilous times. No means will be left untried by our great foe to destroy us; but I believe it is our privilege to go through and have an abundant entrance into the kingdom. I know we ought to be awake. I have been stirred up to-day while reading the Review, to put forth more of an effort to be a daily living Christian. O I sigh to be free—free from sin. O this vile nature, this deceitful heart! How I wish it was entirely in subjection by grace! It must be soon, or I fear it will be forever too late. How it would rejoice my heart to see the work prospering here in the east, as it does in some places in the west."
Prevailing Prayer and State Conferences
By David Chase
From Bro. Chase.
Bro. Smith: Our little company of nine in Fairhaven are still striving to hold on our way, and I think making some effort to arise with the last message of mercy. I feel more than formerly that when I pray in secret, I must get hold of the strong arm of God before I leave the place, or the effort is a lost one. I must prevail or perish. Read Gen. xxxii, 24-30. Jacob was alone, and wrestled until the break of day. "And the angel said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God, and with man, and hast prevailed. And he blessed him there."
When thus engaged in secret it is often suggested to my mind to stop, but if I continue to press my petition I do at length prevail, and find the blessing. O let each brother and sister press their suit, and say with Jacob, in the Lord's strength, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." The Lord will hear the earnest, pressing call, and will bless. Thus we shall gain the title of Israel, and be overcomers and possess all the great blessings promised in the word of God.
I am much pleased with the proposition of Bro. White, in reference to the importance of State conferences. The word is, Exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching; but it has not been so with us in the east. We used to have camp-meetings often in the first angel's message, and make great efforts to go and carry as many as we could, and some of the poorest were freely helped to go to meeting by those stewards who had horses and money. I do think the cause in the east has suffered much by not having more meetings. I believe God will bless his own appointed means. "So much the more as ye see the day approaching." Not only more meetings, and protracted longer, but exhorting one another more and more.
We are scattered and some of us poor, and must be helped to go, but the testimony of Christ through the apostle must and will be heeded. If we do not heed it, others will be raised up that will obey it. We shall have to make more effort and more sacrifice to do it, but God will bless his obedient people, and they will wax stronger and stronger. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I feel the fire burning while I try to write. O Lord, make us all living, acting members of thy one body to move as members of a perfect man. The time draws near when every one shall be delivered that is written in the book.
O brethren and sisters, let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Yours looking for the blessed hope.
DAVID CHASE.
Fairhaven, Mass.
Conferences in Michigan.
By James White
WE fear that we shall not be able to go through with the conferences at Lapeer, North Plains, Wright and Monterey, without help, and have urged Bro. Loughborough to join us at Lapeer, and follow on to the other appointments. No doubt, all in the vicinity of these conferences are pleased with this arrangement. We have just received a line from Bro. Loughborough at this Post Office (Topsham, Me.), from which we copy the following:
"If you think it proper, and think the brethren North can pay the extra expense of my going, I shall probably be ready to meet you at Lapeer. All my purse amounts to $15. On this I must live while I spend a few weeks in Parkville. Unless I should receive something, I shall have no means with which to get to Lapeer, unless I borrow. I mention these matters to you, for you to counsel me upon. I want to labor mostly in new fields this winter; but if I do, it will be without the hope of receiving much. Cannot some plan be devised to sustain messengers in new fields?"
We take a liberty with this letter which we hope will not grieve our brother Loughborough. We wish the plain facts in the case to be known. Now if the brethren in Northern Michigan wish the labors of brother Loughborough, they will please inform him at Battle Creek of the fact, and send him means to meet home and traveling expenses.
If the brethren in the vicinity of North Plains wish a conference to hold over Sabbath and for several days, the conferences at Wright and Monterey can be put forward a week, and give room. Let them write to the Office if they wish a change made, and, also, secure the labors of Bro. Loughborough. J. W.
Conference in Ulysses, Pa.
By R. F. C.
THIS meeting has just closed. Near a hundred brethren and sisters were present, and we had an interesting season. Bro. E. L. Barr was with us, and his testimonies in favor of Bible truth were refreshing and strengthening. Bro. B. F. Robbins of Friendship, also met with us, and preached on the subject of entire consecration, to the edification of the church. The cause is onward in this region. Bro. Barr will labor for a while here. May God bless his labors to the salvation of souls.
I give below an account of our business meeting, which was held this morning, Sept. 18. R. F. C.
BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS.
Bro. Nathan Fuller was chosen chairman, and R. F. Cottrell, secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, that we approve of the plan of Systematic Benevolence, as recommended by the Battle Creek Conference, and that we act upon the plan, for the advancement of the cause of truth.
Resolved, that we co-operate with the brethren in New York, in the tent enterprise the ensuing season.
NATHAN FULLER, Chairman.
R. F. COTTRELL, Secretary.
New Work.
By J. B. Frisbie
I HAVE just published a small work on the order of the church of God. It will be a help to those who wish to become better acquainted with our discipline, the Bible. Price, single copy, five cents, or $3,00 a hundred. Without covers, three cents a copy, or $2,00 a hundred, in all cases post-paid. Those whom I may visit shortly, I will supply personally. Others can order by mail from the Review Office. J. B. Frisbie.
APPOINTMENTS.
Conferences in Iowa.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will meet with the churches of eastern Iowa, in conference, as follows:
At Dayton or Richmond, Washington Co. (where the brethren may appoint), commencing Friday Oct. 7th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and continuing over Sabbath and first-day.
At Mt. Vernon, Lynn Co., commencing Friday Oct. 14th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and continuing three days.
We desire to see all the brethren and sisters in that part of the state at one or the other of these meetings. It is desired also that Brn. Graham, Brinkerhoof and D. W. Hull should attend with us if possible.
M. E. CORNELL.
M. HULL.
Conference at Catlin
By Frederick Wheeler
Providence permitting I will meet in conference with the church at Catlin, Chemung Co., N. Y., commencing sixth-day, Oct. 14th, at 6 o'clock P. M., and continuing over Sabbath and first-day. It is desired that there should be a general gathering of the brethren and sisters in that vicinity. F. WHEELER.
Conferences in Minnesota
By Wm. S. Ingraham
Providence permitting, there will be a Conference at Deerfield, Steele Co., Minnesota, to commence Oct. 14, 1859, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and first-day, and as much longer as thought proper.
Another Conference will be held at Bro. Moses W. Porter's, five miles north of Mantorville, Dodge Co., Minnesota, commencing Oct. 21st, at 2 o'clock P. M., and continuing over Sabbath and first-day.
I hope our friends will come together praying that success may attend our efforts to spread the truth in Minnesota.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
General Conferences
By James White
Providence permitting, we will meet with the brethren in General Conferences as follows:
Washington, N. H., Oct. 1, 2.
Roxbury, Vt., " 8, 9.
Berkshire, " 15, 16.
Buck's Bridge, N. Y., " 19.
Mannsville, " 22, 23.
Brookfield, (Bro. Abbey's) N. Y., " 29, 30.
Lapeer, Mich., Nov. 5, 6.
North Plains, " 8–10.
Wright, " 12, 13.
Monterey, " 19, 20.
We shall expect Bro. Loughborough to join us at the Lapeer Conference, and be with us at North Plains, Wright and Monterey.
Meeting at North Plains will commence in the evening of Nov. 8th. At Buck's Bridge, at 1 P. M.
JAMES WHITE.
Advent Conference at Willing
By B. F. Robbins
Providence permitting, there will be an Advent Conference in the town of Willing, Allegany Co., N. Y., near Bro. Josiah Witter's, on the second Sabbath in October, to hold over first-day. We hope the brethren in Ulysses, Willeyville and Port Allegany will be present, as many as consistently can, and all others scattered abroad of the same faith. B. F. ROBBINS.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes
E. S. Decker : Received.
A. J. Richmond : In our report of books sent we include those only which are exclusively the property of the Office.
Letters.
By Editor
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand.
E. Inman, J. Bates 2, E. Sanford, A. Tuttle, D. B. Staples, A. C. Hudson, M. Slayton, J. W. 2, R. F. C., A. G. Carter, T. N. Elliott, T. M. Steward, M. Hodges, M. E. Cornell, E. Styles.
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FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
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Books Published at this Office.
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 pp., 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents---In Morocco 65 cents.
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Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism.---148 pp. Price 15 cents.
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Last Work of the True Church. Price 5 cents.
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Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents In paper covers, 20 cents.
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GERMAN. Das Wesen des Sabbaths und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote.
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Books from other Publishers.
By Uriah Smith
Debt and Grace as related to the Doctrine of a Future Life, by C. F. Hudson. Published by J. P. Jewett & Co., Boston. 480 pp 12 mo. Price $1,25.
Works published by H. L. Hastings, for sale at this Office.
The Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer, by D. T Taylor. Price $1,00.
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