DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am still striving in weakness to maintain the conflict with the arch-deceiver and his army of wicked spirits and evil influences that surround me while traveling through this dark and lonely waste. I am weak, but I can go to God in humble confidence, and lean upon his all-powerful arm. Our God is strong, and he will deliver those that trust in him.
Let me say to all the beloved ones that are striving with me for an inheritance that faileth not, and garments that wax not old, When the enemy of all righteousness presents to us the riches and vanities of this world, the applause of worldly friends, the enjoyments of sense, and to be called rabbi, and master, if we will fall down and worship him, let us meet him with these words, 'Get thee behind me Satan.' Jesus left the glory of his Father, came to this lonely earth, had not where to lay his head, and died the shameful death of the cross. Remember the scene in the garden, when he sweat as it were great drops of blood, and prayed, 'O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.'
Here the enemy intended to frustrate the great plan of salvation, but angels ministered unto him, and the glorious work that he came to fulfill was finished on Calvary’s cross. And shall we think it hard that we must come out from the world and the fallen churches, that we must get the victory over our evil habits, our quick and hasty tempers, over evil-surmising and evil-speaking, over self-exaltation, idle conversation, and an unreconciliation to the allotments of providence? We must have all our words and thoughts in subjection to the will of God. Every root of bitterness, must be rooted out of our hearts.
How many of us, dear brethren and sisters, have risen in the morning a great while before day, and retired to some lonely spot as Jesus did, and wrestled in our weakness for strength to overcome our evil habits? We who would have others see the light of truth must live it out ourselves.
Since Oct. last my contest with the enemy has been severe; but although I am weak, yet my God is strong, and his promises are sure. I thank him for the consecration to his will, and the love to him and his glorious cause that I feel in my heart. Praise the Lord!
Yours in hopes of an immortal inheritance.
E. DEGARMO.
Parish, Os Co., N. Y.
Finding the Sabbath-Keeping People
By Martha Ashbaugh
From Sister Ashbaugh.
Bro. Smith : I have long wished to say something to the dear brethren and sisters, but have been such a Laodicean that I had neither light nor liberty; but I can truly say with David, it has been like fire shut up in my bones.
In the month of March, 1856, there were two Nos. of the Review found by a little Catholic boy near my residence and handed to me, which I read, and was much interested in the article, "When shall the Nations be dashed in pieces." I sent for the paper, and have read it carefully ever since. In reading of the rise and progress of Adventism, I found it to correspond with my own experience on the same subject at the same time, concerning the shortness of time and the end of all things; and I also believed there must be a people that would come up to a higher standard of holiness, but I did not know that they were the Millerites, as they are called here. By reading and comparing my own experience with theirs, I believe they are the people. I have kept the Sabbath since last Spring, yet have to regret that I conferred so long with flesh and blood before I commenced. I can say of a truth that flesh and blood hath not revealed these things to me, but my Father which is in heaven.
I wish to say to the preaching brethren, Have not some of you a message for us here? I say to you as the Macedonian said to Paul, "Come over and help us." Come to Dundee and inquire. Here is the seat of Universalism, and of course, of Spiritualism, and there is need of a physician.
Dear brethren and sisters, may the law of the Lord be perfected in the conversion of our souls, may his testimonies make us wise unto salvation, his statutes abide with us to the rejoicing of our hearts, and may his commandments ever enlighten our eyes, and the fear of the Lord endure with us forever. His judgments are true and righteous altogether. Pray for your unworthy friend and sister, who is striving for eternal life. Martha Ashbaugh.
Dundee, Ills., Dec. 13th, 1857.
A Hope in Heaven
By Sarah A. Hallock
From Sister Hallock.
BRO. SMITH: I feel grateful to my kind, loving Saviour, that by his grace I am what I am; that the light of his glorious gospel now illumines this once benighted heart of mine, and that through his blood and the word of my testimony I may overcome this world and its haughty prince, the great hater of all that is good.
How sadly has this once lovely earth been desolated by this same enemy, and through his influence, man, one of the noblest works of God, has fallen far below the smallest of those works, and were it not that hope points upward to the throne of a crucified, yet risen and exalted Redeemer, how dark and cheerless would be his earthly abode; but now how sweet is the promise, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne."
I do feel in my heart that this world is not my abiding place, that I have here no continuing city, but I seek one to come, "a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." I am glad that I have not been left to worship at the shrine of my own imagination, to center my hopes upon a mere fanciful idea "beyond the bounds of time and space," which, according to modern theology, an ideal God has prepared for our immortal(?) ideas when our mortal bodies die. I praise the Lord that I have a faith and hope that reach forward to a heaven that is, to a God that is, and to a Saviour that is, and who is about to appear the second time without sin unto salvation unto those that look for him.
O what a glorious hope the faithful christian has. With what confidence, yet with what humility, does he rely upon his Father's promises, and by faith bring near the consummation of all his hopes. Unmoved, he bears the scoffs of the ungodly world around. He listens fearlessly to the low mutterings of the pent up earthquake that will soon break forth, rending kingdoms and distracting nations; for through the telescope of faith he looks into the future, and with joy beholds the chariot wheels that bear his beloved King, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and whom all dominions shall serve and obey; and he can at least say, Now is coming "salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ."
O let the christian's hope be mine, his faith be mine, his God and his reward be mine.
In hope of eternal life when Jesus comes.
SARAH A. HALLOCK.
Ulysses, Penn., Dec. 11th, 1857.
Obedience in the Divine Life
By D. Wilcox
From Sister Wilcox.
BRO. SMITH: I know by happy experience that if we would make any advancement in the divine life, we must obey God in all things. I never realized the straitness of the way, and what a jealous God we have to deal with, as I did this morning while reading some of the travels of the children of Israel. When they reached mount Sinai, near the land of Canaan, before they could go up and subdue their enemies they had to wait there until the Commandments were given, the tabernacle erected, and they all marshalled in perfect order. Without this they could not go up and possess the goodly land, and subdue their enemies.
If God was so particular then to have all things just right, how much more so now when we are about to enter the heavenly Canaan, of which that was merely a type. I believe that God has a strait testimony for his people, and I mean by grace assisting, that it shall not be too strait for me. We must get in that place where we will not even count our lives dear unto us. I think I never felt the importance of moving just right more than I do at present. The cry of my heart is for wisdom from above.
Your sister striving to overcome.
D. WILCOX.
New York, Dec. 10th, 1857.
Trusting God Through Trials
Geo. W. Davis writes from Mill Grove, Dec. 21st, 1857: "I long to go home and be with Jesus beyond all the trials and afflictions of this present life. But by all these trials I am brought nearer to the Lord. O the Lord is good, praise his holy name. I will trust in him. But I can truly say in the language of David, Thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore."
Not Altogether Supposition.
By Editor
Suppose an individual, the head of a family, commences to keep the Sabbath, and his family not only oppose him in this, but take advantage of his working upon the first day of the week to turn that day for themselves into a holiday, for hunting, fishing, excursions, and general pleasure, what is his duty under these circumstances? When they persistently refuse to keep the Sabbath, shall he say nothing, or shall he rather than countenance the looseness which attends the keeping of no Sabbath, endeavor to persuade them to keep Sunday?
This case is not altogether a supposed one. One correspondent has described herself in such a situation, and applied for suggestions in regard to duty. Others also may be similarly situated. We do not know that we can present any thoughts which would not naturally suggest themselves to the mind of any one thus circumstanced, but will simply remark:
1. The case is evidently to be understood of those children who have come to years of maturity and discretion.
2. Such persons have no right to make the obedience of their parents, or of any one else, to the truth, an excuse for their disregarding any institution which they think the Bible upholds. Therefore,
3. If they still consider Sunday the Sabbath of the Bible, and yet disregard it, they betray a lack of principle for which the example of others can offer no excuse.
4. If they do not believe in any Sabbath for this dispensation, they cannot plead the example of those who keep the true Sabbath, to justify themselves in making Sunday a day of amusement. They do it upon their own responsibility, according to their views of the Bible.
5. If they are thrown into a state of doubt and uncertainty by the conflicting opinions and practice of those around them, then should they seek to the word of God for their duty.
In whatever light we may view it, therefore, we can see no excuse for the transgressor, neither can we see how the example of the faithful follower of truth can be appealed to in justification of wrong.
But what shall be our teaching to such? If they still regard Sunday as the Sabbath, and from a lack of principle are making a holiday of it, we would entreat them to strive and cultivate in their hearts a principle of obedience to God. If they have this, so that they can obey God because they love to do so, they will be willing to keep his commandments as he has given them, and keep the day that he has designated.
But if they will not keep the Sabbath, would it not be best to advise them to keep First-day? We would rather see a person, if he really believes Sunday to be the Sabbath, show some religious principle by keeping it, than an utter lack of it, by disregarding it. But we could not under any circumstances advise any one to keep Sunday as a religious duty, any more than we could advise a person, should he reject the true God, to worship Baal. The fact is, God does not require either of these services at our hand.
So long as a person is sincere and honest in observing the first day, his honesty and sincerity may be pleasing in the sight of God. But how long can he retain these? No longer than till light comes. The world will be condemned for disobedience. Their condemnation will be that light came and they chose darkness rather than light. And we hazard the assertion that no one can thoroughly investigate the Sabbath question and honestly reject the seventh day. Their outward appearance and profession before men can be no index to the state of their heart, in the sight of God.
An unbelieving husband may forbid a believing wife the exercise of her parental influence or authority to prevent the violation of the Sabbath on the part of the family. Our judgment in this case would be that the responsibility rested upon him, and we would say, if he so choose, let him bear it to the judgment. But under all circumstances let the follower of truth present both by precept and example, a clear and shining light to all around.
"Lo Here!"
By R. F. O.
Two men lately passed through Mill Grove from the West, and held an evening meeting at the school-house. One of them preached, as I am informed, on the subject of the return of Israel to the land of Palestine, saying,
that the time is come for the restoration. They claimed, as I learned, that they were sent out by one who had the spirit of prophecy, and had an understanding of the Scriptures by the Spirit. I give a copy of the bills by which they advertised their meetings:
The Kingdom Restored to Israel!Ephraim the First Born!
PREACHING!
By a Presbyter of “Jehovah’s Presbytery of Zion.”
On the—day of—at—at—o’clock.
Subject—1. The literal Restoration of the House of Israel to their own lands and former blessings.
2. The literal Regeneration of the Ancient Israelites in the Caucasian race, to establish the Kingdom of God, preparatory for the ushering in of the Millennium of Peace.
Proof.—The Bible, Reason and Analogy.
"Patriot" Pr. Noblesville, Ind.
The zeal of these men is manifest in the fact that they were on a pilgrimage, on foot, from Illinois to Connecticut. I heard that they said that the seventh day is the true Sabbath, though they did not keep it. R. F. O.
The Youth's Instructor.
By Editor
THis little sheet commences its sixth volume with the new year. We print nearly 2000 copies of the January number, leaving 700 copies to supply new subscribers. It should be in every family, and where there are three or four children in a family they should have two or more copies. Brethren, we hope to teach your children pure knowledge, and do them good. Will you not all patronize this little paper? Young men and women, you, too, may be benefitted by it. At least you can assist the Office by taking it, and then can find children enough around you to read it. Have you young friends to whom you would show kind feelings by making them a present? Well, what would be better than a neat little monthly paper, teaching the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus? Now we want all these 700 spare copies called for for new subscribers. Don't wait till Spring. Send now, and if you have not the money, send it as soon as you can. Terms, in advance,
Single copy, 36 cts.
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Aid for a Poor Crippled Brother
By Roswell F. Cottrell
A Brother J. W. West, of Petersborough, Madison Co., N. Y., has written to me, asking pecuniary aid. He is a stranger to me, says he is poor and a cripple. Is it not the duty of God's stewards in that region to inquire into his case, if they do not know it, and relieve his wants; or, if more distant brethren should aid, let the same be known? R. F. C.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
M. A. Beasley.—In the item in this number, headed, Not altogether Supposition, you may find some suggestions applicable to your case.
A. M. Eaton.—The lonely ones have the prayers of God's people. It is the darkest time just before day; and the most dangerous part of the journey as we near the shore; but light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. See Ps. xxvii.
Business Items.
By Editor
Wm. Lawton:—The INSTRUCTOR has been regularly sent to Winfield, and West Winfield, and we now send back numbers.
☞ The receipt in last paper to M. T. Ross, of $1.00, should have been to A. Ross, reaching to xii,1.
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Receipts.
By Editor
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A New Effort for the Kingdom
By Editor
Bro. J. F. Hammond writes from Worcester, Mass., Dec 1857: “The prize that lies at the end of the race I still have a desire to obtain. O how inferior this world with all its wealth and pleasures looks to me when compared with the dazzling crowns that the saints will receive from the hand of Jesus. O that I may be so happy as to meet them in glory. I have many fears that I shall lose my crown. Ten years I have professed to keep the Sabbath, and what little progress I have made in the divine life. O that I may be forgiven for all my backslidings and negligence. I have a large family of children, and great responsibility rests upon me. O for wisdom from God to direct me in every duty, that their blood may not be found upon my skirts in the coming day. I mean to make a new effort for the kingdom.”
Faithful and Overcoming
Sister M. L. Smith writes from Fremont, Ohio, Dec. 15th, 1857: "It is almost three years since I felt that I was trampling God's holy Sabbath under foot every week, and resolved to turn and repent of my sins and take heed to the warning of the Third Angel's Message. I bless the Lord for all his goodness towards us, although myself and my dear mother are alone. I am truly sensible that I need a deeper work of grace in my heart, and more of the faith that works by love, and I feel determined by God's grace to be up and doing while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Brethren and sisters, let us be faithful and overcome. Christ has said, To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne."
No Time for Salvation
By Editor
A Subscriber stops his paper with the excuse that he "can't get time to read it." It is pitiable to see a person so driven through the world as not to have time to read concerning those things which pertain to his eternal salvation. If one person should hold another in such a situation, it would be considered the cruelest oppression. And if it is the god of this world that is leading down this subscriber with such a weight of affairs, we hope he will break away from the bondage which he is thus brought into.
The questions will naturally arise, Does he have time to read the Bible? Does he have time to pray? Does he have time to prepare for the final scenes of earth, the judgment, and eternity? If so, we will not regret his lack of time to read the REVIEW; but we fear the only excuse he will have to offer at last for mercy neglected and life lost, will be want of time to attend to his salvation. Take heed that ye be not overcharged, is the admonition of the Saviour.