Bro. L. Ashley writes from Ellington, N. Y.: "We know that laborers are few, and that the harvest is great, and we pray the Lord to send more laborers into the field. We wish some brother could come here, and preach the word of life. We think good might be done. Having seen none of the preaching brethren for three years, we should be glad of the privilege. We are encouraged to hear that they are doing so well in the West. The Lord is doing great things for them that love and serve him. Praise his holy name!"
Bro. J. F. Case writes from Monterey, Mich., Dec. 29th, 1856: "Bro. Smith, I thought perhaps you would like to hear from the brethren in Monterey, therefore I once more write to inform you of our condition. Last Sabbath Bro. Bates preached to us from the words, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." After informing us who the little flock are, he proceeded to inform us of the duties of the little flock at this point of time. The testimony was attended by the Spirit, and I trust had a good effect."
"In the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon us like the gentle dew, and we had a blessing from the presence of the Lord, which tended to revive the church as a body. In the evening, after the Sabbath, Bro. Bates spoke to us on the subject of the Seven Churches; and many resolved at that time to open the door of their hearts and let the Saviour in. I pray the Lord to help them in carrying out their resolutions. The church in Monterey appears to be rising. They are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Although the ire of the dragon is manifested in numerous ways, yet they are longing to have the message go with power and great glory."
Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbard's Corners, N. Y., Dec. 26th, 1856: "As the year is drawing to its close it reminds me of the nearness of the Judgment, and the solemn events that are just before us, and causes me to search my heart and see whether I am in readiness to meet it, whether I am striving to live up to the light I have received, and striving to live out the principles I profess before the world, and to get the victory over every besetting sin. I confess that I have been (and still am) too lukewarm; that I have been rebuked and chastened. I feel that I will strive to be zealous and repent, and buy gold tried in the fire that I may be rich, and white raiment that I may be clothed, and eye-salve that I may see."
Sister Mary Burritt writes from Parma, Mich.:— "I sympathize with those that have borne the burden and heat of the day, and my heart is often sad that I shall see their faces no more in the flesh. But the hope that we shall soon meet in that home which Christ has gone to prepare for all his saints, and that Abraham and all the patriarchs, prophets and apostles, and to crown all, Jesus will be there, fills me with comfort and consolation."
"Under the First Angel's Message I was led out from the sects where I could read and understand the Bible more fully, and heartily embraced the belief that Christ's coming was near, even at the door, and tried to live out and manifest my faith to the world."
"The Second Message called me from those that rejected the Message and desired not the return of the Lord. I believe that we are now under the sounding of the Third Angel, the last message mixed with mercy that ever will be given to a guilty world. Seeing these things are so, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. I have to mourn that these things do not nerve me up to more diligence and zeal for perishing souls around us. O may we heed the warning given to the Laodiceans to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment, which is the righteousness of his saints, eye-salve, that we may have that anointing which will enable us to see more clearly the responsibility that rests upon us as individuals. I feel to say that I will arise and open the door of my heart and let the dear Saviour in, that he may sup with me and I with him."
Sister E. S. Tinney writes from Alto, Wis.: "I have seen the question in the Review, Why don't the brethren write? I feel myself quite inadequate to such a work, but this I can say, that the Review comes a welcome messenger to me. I believe if we are faithful a little longer we shall enter into the joys of our Lord."
How pleasing the thought,
That Jesus can say you have done as you ought,
Now enter the kingdom prepared for the bless'd,
With me and the glorified ever to rest.
The poor you have clothed, the needy relieved,
The troubled have comforted, others have saved,
A treasure in heaven laid up for you,
Come bid all your troubles and trials adieu."
OBITUARY.
By James White
IN Adams township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., on the evening of the 7th of January, inst., Maria, wife of Easton Wilhur, fell asleep in Jesus, aged 50 years.
Sister Wilhur joined the Presbyterian church in her youth, where she remained about eight years. She then united with the Methodists, with whom she stood connected nearly thirty years, and until she heard the present truth in the tent at Hillsdale, last Summer. The Third Angel's Message readily found its way to her willing heart, and from that time she lived rejoicing in its light. Her health had been very poor for some time, and she expressed great thankfulness that she was spared to be sealed in the last work of our Saviour. She was fully resigned to the will of God, and expressed an entire willingness to sleep during the time of trouble.
Her loss is deeply felt in her family, in the church, and in the community. The influence of her example over those younger in years and in the faith of the gospel, was truly great; as in her life were combined in a degree not often found, the sobriety and calm cheerfulness of temper so essential in the character of the Christian.
The funeral services were held in the Christian Chapel, near Bro. W.'s residence, on the Sabbath. The house was closely filled with sorrowing and sympathizing friends, to whom I spoke from Rom. vi, 23. The Lord strengthened me to reason of the blessed96hope, and we trust the opportunity was blessed to the good of our Redeemer's cause.
J. H. W.
Adams, Mich., Jan. 13th, 1857.
Eliza Carpenter
By Eliza Carpenter
From Sister Carpenter.
Bro. Smith :—Permit me to add my testimony with those of like precious faith. We receive the Review weekly, and rejoice to read the cheering epistles from brethren and sisters. My heart has been made to rejoice that we have been permitted to hear the prophecies explained, and been willing to receive the truth. I believe now the Third Angel's Message is being proclaimed to a perishing world. O, what a solemn thought! to think the people of this world are so regardless of the truth, transgressing God's law, keeping commandments of men, taking creeds for their guides, instead of the Bible. No wonder the world is in such a state. No wonder that religion has become dead, without power.
There are some honest souls that are ready to receive the truth; and O how it becomes us, as Christians, to act, speak and live, that we may not bring a reproach upon the cause. It is my prayer that I may be zealous and repent, that I may so live that I may adorn that profession that I have made, that I may have my robe washed white in the blood of the Lamb, that I may be looking with joy for my Saviour.
Have we not enough to encourage us on? Has not God done all that he can? Surely then we have the more to answer for. O that we might be active that our sins go to judgment beforehand.
Eliza Carpenter
Hanover, Mich.
The Church in Laodicean State
By Eunice Lamoreaux
From Sister Lamoreaux.
BRO. SMITH:—The Review is a welcome messenger to us. We feel truly thankful that we have a medium through which we can hear from others of like precious faith. As we read the cheering epistles of the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, we feel to praise the Lord that we are found among the remnant that keep the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Brethren, let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. If we have trials we must remember that it is through much tribulation that we enter into the kingdom of God.
I would say to the saints, that the church in this place is firm in the present truth. We meet every Sabbath for a prayer-meeting. We believe the Lord meets with us, and that to bless. We have not had any preaching since Bro. Waggoner was here last Winter.
We fully believe we are in the Laodicean state of the church. We are trying to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness: to buy of him gold tried in the fire that we may be rich, white raiment that we may be clothed, and eye-salve that we may see. We are striving to get on the whole armor that we may stand against the wiles of Satan. We are trying to cleanse ourselves from everything that hinders the free intercourse of God's love with ours.
O brethren, hear the gracious promise: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and am set down with my Father on his throne." Is it not worth striving for? O yes; let us then get all upon the altar; let us not keep back part of the price; let us open our hearts to the Lord that he may come in and sup with us and we with him; let us be faithful; for yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
EUNICE LAMOREAUX.
Delhi Center, Mich., Jan. 4th, 1857.
Statement Regarding the Visions
By James White
NOTE.—I gladly embrace this opportunity to express my views of this matter, hoping it will relieve the minds of the brethren in Vermont and elsewhere. I should have spoken out on this subject before; but I supposed the fact being known that I was in union with the “Address of the Conference” published in No. 10, and my relation to the instrument of the Lord's choice, were a sufficient excuse for my silence. My position has been one of trial. The relations I have sustained to the work in the rise and progress of the cause of present truth, have exposed me to a thousand thrusts from those who were opposed to the work.
I have ever been slow to speak of Mrs. White's visions in a public manner; but in consequence of the almost utter silence of those who should have spoken fit words in season, I have felt compelled to speak. And if I have spoken in a manner that has given the idea that I lightly esteemed them, it has not “resulted from an unwillingness to bear the cross of Christ.” It has been in reference to the welfare of the cause that I have spoken and acted, notwithstanding all my errors. In regard to the visions being a test, I confess that I have spoken without fully expressing myself; and if Bro. B. had pointed out the expressions he merely refers to, I should now be able to give a more definite reply.
It is well known that we have been charged with testing all men by the visions, and of making them the rule of our faith. This is a bold untruth, of which those who uttered it were not ignorant. This I have denied, and deny it still. But there need not be so much blind-fold stumbling over this matter. To say unqualifiedly that they are a test, and carry out the principle with those who know nothing of their teachings, spirit and fruit, at this time when the world is full of manifestations as near the genuine as Satan can get up, would be the wildest fanaticism. On the other hand, for those who profess to believe them to say they will in no wise be tested by them, is most irrational. I still say that the Bible is my rule of faith and practice, and in saying this, I do not reject the holy Spirit in its diversities of operations. If any refer to an expression in a published extract of a letter written to a brother in the West, I would say that that related to those who know but little of the visions save by false reports. I believe them to be the property of the church, and a test to those who believe them from heaven.
Let those who regard it as their duty, speak out as to their character, spirit and influence; while silence will better become me in regard to them. As to the perpetuity of the gifts I shall speak as God gives me utterance. JAMES WHITE.
J. B. FRISBIE
By J. B. Frisbie
BRO. SMITH: I have been lecturing in Ceresco and Newton, some over thirty times. There was some considerable interest manifested. Some ten or more decided to keep the Lord's Sabbath; others were convinced of the truth.
Yours truly.
J. B. FRISBIE
Battle Creek, Jan. 12th, 1857.
Receipts.
By Editor
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the "Review and Herald" to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the admission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
G. S. West $3.00, x.1. Jno. Fishell, jr., 1.00, x.1. Geo. T. Lay 1.00, x.12. Wm. A. Johnson 0.25, x.1. I. Abbey (3 cops.) 3.00, xi, 1. A. Abbey (2 cops.) 1.50, x, 1. E. Emery 3.00, xi, 1. L. W. Carr 1.00, x, 1. J. Jessup 0.37, (free.) Lovina Chandler 1.00, x, 1. Jno. B. Hall 1.00, x, 1. H. Bowen 2.00, xii, 1. H. S. Gurney 1.00, x, 1. (and for Saml. Gurney 0.50, x, 1.) Jas. Hogle 1.00, x, 1. Jno. Pierce, jr., 2.00, x, 14. Jos. Cawood 1.00, x, 13. S. B. Craig 1.00, xii, 1. (and for S. Craig 1.00, xii, 1.) Chas. Wikel 1.00, ix, 1. J. S. Day 1.00, x, 12. G. Felshaw 1.00, x, 1. J. Mills 2.00, x, 1. Geo. Barrows 1.00, x, 1. S. S. Miller 0.50, x, 1. Chas. Baker 1.00, x, 1. L. C. Young 2.00, x, 1. D. Goodenough 1.00, x, 1. A. friend (for A. Russel) 0.50, x, 13. L. Russell (for L. Hadden) 1.00, x, 11. L. Russell 1.00, x, 21. E. Wilch 1.00, x, 21. L. Russell (for P. A. Preeman) 0.25, ix, 19. A. L. Burwell (for J. Bacheller) 0.50, x, 13. A. Bourn 0.68, ix, 18. T. Draper 1.00, x, 1. S. Rogers, jr., 2.25, x, 1. S. Hungerford 2.50, xi, 14.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR.—Jno. Fishell jr. $1. L. M. Abbey, V. V. Abbey, each $2. Jno. Pierce $3. H. Lyon $3.63. A. B. Pearsall $2.44. E. Everts $0.75.
FOR OFFICE RELIEF.—I. Abbey, H. Lyon, H. S. Lay, each $5. D. R. Palmer $10. J. P. Kellogg $4.88. A. B. Pearsall $2.44. C. M., A friend, each $1. A. L. Burwell $2.
FOR BOOK FUND.—I. Abbey $5. J. C. Allen $2.
Note to Bro. Barr.
By Editor
Dear Brother:—The following from Bro. Bingham, with my Note, was published in the Review of Feb. 14th, 1856. Probably, most of those of whom you speak, have not seen it. I know not what more I can say. Will those who think I should say more, teach me what to say. There are those who have dealt out all manner of abuse on us, and the cause to which we have devoted our lives, who would go along with us again if they could get those whom they have abused to do about one half the confessing. If stumbling-blocks, never so small, have been put in their way, they should be removed at once, and then let them feel the enormity of their own sins.
My dear brother, we can pity them, feel for them, weep over them, teach them, and stand ready to receive them to our fellowship when they return; but we cannot repent for them, nor confess for them.
Church Concerns About the Visions
By Hiram Bingham
From Bro. Bingham.
Dear Bro. White:—I am requested to write a word to you respecting the state of general feeling in our Churches as to some expressions made at different times in the Review from your pen respecting the Visions given for the aid of the Church. They feel that by your expressions you have placed a less estimate upon them than the Churches here have, and it has thus brought in some lack of confidence and trials in many minds. They wish you would take the subject into consideration, and if duty demands, make some apology through the Review, that shall be a relief to their minds. Many have been anxiously awaiting such an article from your pen for some time. By your thus doing, you will relieve many an oppressed mind who feels that God's manifestations of favor are a test for his children.
Your brother still striving for life in the coming kingdom. HIRAM BINGHAM.
The Youth's Instructor.
By James White
We design issuing Nos. 1 and 2 of Vol. V, of the INSTRUCTOR on one sheet soon. For the past year it has not been published as regularly as we hope it may be the present year. No. 1, of Vol. V, should have been issued three weeks since; but other important duties have kept us from it, so we intend to get out Nos. 1 and 2 on one sheet. We think our youthful readers will all call it a rich sheet.
We shall have to drop several hundred of our subscribers, for the reason that they do not take the trouble to write to us. But we do hope to have their places more than filled with good new subscribers.
The terms of the INSTRUCTOR for the present year will be 36 cents for 12 numbers. To those not able to pay, free. We hope to have a large list of poor little girls and boys who will take as much pleasure in reading the INSTRUCTOR, as we shall in sending it to them free.
Those who wish to have the INSTRUCTOR sent to their scattered young friends, will please send us their names and address, and 25 cents for each subscriber.
Those who wish packages of the INSTRUCTOR for those who are not now subscribers can have them at the following rates: 10 copies, $2,00; 17 copies, $3,00; 24 copies, $4,00; 40 copies, $6,00.
Those who subscribe for the INSTRUCTOR, and all who think of renewing their subscriptions, should do so immediately. JAMES WHITE.
A Christian's End.
Wise agents always consider their end before they set upon their work; and then direct their actions to that end they proposed. If the mariner launch, it is that he may get to such a harbor; therefore he sails by compass, that he may compass what he sails for. A Christian should have always one eye upon his end, and the other eye upon his way. That man lives a brutish life, that knows not what he lives for: and he acts but a fool's part, that aims at heaven, and lives at random. A wise Christian's end of living is, that he may live without end, and therefore his way of living is, that he may live continually to spend his life in the ways of life; he is always walking in those paths, where he sees heaven before him. O my soul! what is it that thou aimest at? is it a full enjoyment of thy God? Why then, whilst thou art present in this body, be always drawing near to the Lord: so when thou shalt be absent from this body, then thou shalt be always present with the Lord.
Sel.
Books Currently Unavailable
By Editor
G. W. Holt:—We have none of the books you mention now on hand.
Business Items.
By Editor
S. Warner:—We send you good copy. Return old one to this Office.
Lovina Chandler:—The notes you mention were for you.
Wm. S. Ingraham:—Bro. White received the five dollars.
J. Chase:—Accept our thanks.
H. Main:—When a person sends the REVIEW to his friends, at his own expense, we furnish it at half price; your remittance would therefore pay two volumes for both individuals, which, commencing at No. 7, Vol. IX, would terminate as credited.
Books Sent.—S. Agnew, F. Whitman, Wm. W. Miller, M. Edson, C. W. Sperry, T. B. Mead, H. N. Bates, S. Rogers, jr., L. Van Volkenburg, E. E. Sanford.
Letter from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. Smith: As I am writing, I wish to say that with the opening of another year, I find my resolutions greatly strengthened and increased to serve the Lord more faithfully.
In looking over the past, I can see many failings in myself, and a lack of zeal in the service of my heavenly Master. But I am happy to say that the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, inspires my heart with new zeal, hope, and Christian fortitude to go forward.
"I know thy works." We should bear in mind that our works are known in every station in life: in the closet, around the fireside, and in the public walks of life. It is known by the great Searcher if we neglect duty, if we are impatient, or if we speak evil of one another. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. And if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God."
A. S. H.
Charlestown, Mass., Jan. 15th, 1857.
APPOINTMENTS.
PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a Conference at Rouse's Point, N. Y., commencing February 6th, at 10 o'clock A. M., and continue as long as thought best. Will not the brethren come to this meeting prepared to take hold in earnest, on this last note of warning, and observe February 6th as a day of fasting and prayer, that the Lord may give us the eye-salve to see the importance of securing the white raiment and the gold tried in the fire, by which we shall stand the conflict that is before us.
In behalf of the church. C. W. SPERRY. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Conference at Irasburgh
By A. S. Hutchins
PROVIDENCE permitting, it may be expected there will be a conference at Irasburgh, Vt., commencing with the commencement of the Sabbath, Feb. 14th, and continuing until it seems good to the holy Spirit to close. We hope to meet Brn. here from C. E., and Northern N. Y. Will some of the traveling Brn. from Northern N. Y. try to be present. Come brethren and sisters prepared to labor for the Lord. A. S. HUTCHINS.
P. S. We expect Bro. Sperry will be with us in this meeting. A. S. H.
G. W. HOLT
By George W. Holt
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a conference at the house of Bro. Matthew Hutchins, Green Creek, Ohio, commencing Feb. 6th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and continue as long as thought best. Brethren abroad are invited to attend and join in the work of the Lord, by fasting and prayer; that we may be zealous and repent, and receive the eye-salve that we may see how much yet remains in our hearts to be put away before Jesus can come in.
Bro. M. E. Cornell is expected.
In behalf of the church.
G. W. HOLT
Help Needed Caring for Children
By James White
We would say to those Eastern Brn. who have been expecting a visit from us soon, that we can cheerfully leave our children in good hands and go abroad to labor. Is there not some Bro. and Sr. who have no small children, who can come into our family, or settle near by, with whom we can leave our children safely?
JAMES WHITE.