DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I should enclose the one dollar without a word if it were not that I think it would be a little disheartening to you to find that after so long being in the way to life I had not a single word for JESUS. I am not ashamed to confess him and his truth before men: if I were, I could not hope to have my name confessed before the FATHER and his holy angels.
If ever I could say that we, in this place, were striving to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD, I have confidence to say it now. I do feel that JESUS and his truth are my light, my life, and my portion forever. Praise his Holy name! And he verifies his word: "they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and walk and not faint." His Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path, to guide me in the way I should go that I walk not in the way of sinners. Truly, wisdom's ways, are "ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that retaineth her. For a full definition, see Wisdom of Solomon vii. 22-29. See also chap. vi, 12-21.
The Lord layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints. Prov. ii, 7, 8. Wisdom's ways when conceded to, are truly delightful, but I see the way is narrow, and beset with thorns. These the enemy has strewn along the way; but if we are determined to walk uprightly, and search diligently, for the old paths, the enemy with all his arts cannot hide them from us. Grace will prevail, and we shall not stumble. "Wisdom revealeth her secrets by littles," and I see she will not make a confident of us, if we are treacherous. We must hold fast and prove faithful to a little grace if we would have more; as it is written, "To him that hath it shall be given, and he shall have an abundance, but from him that hath not it shall be taken that which he seemeth to have." Said JESUS, "behold I send you forth as sheep among wolves." Now when we consider the comparison we must expect to be intruded upon and sometimes torn by the way, but I feel to say, GOD grant that we may suffer wrongs, and injuries if need be; (we expect nothing less from wolves!) but forbid that we should be the offenders, or retaliate an injury done us. It has seemed that I could not conceive it possible for the tongue to frame mischief enough against me, to cause to wish a like injury or one of any sort upon them, much more to be guilty of executing it myself, whether by word or deed. Grace conquers all, a little experience has led me to see that when the enemy hurls his darts, I must draw nigh to the good Shepherd. He is a mighty conqueror, and will fight all our battles for us if we will trust in him; but if we attempt to defend ourselves we are more than likely to be overcome. Are any of us wounded let us remember that He was bruised for our transgression, and by his stripes we are healed.
Do any of us suffer unjustly let us remember if we never suffer unjustly we cannot sympathize with CHRIST in his sufferings; for all he suffered was unjustly; for he never did a wrong, but was as a lamb without blemish. O for purity, and innocence, that we like him may be without blemish, having our past sins hid and our iniquities covered." Let us glory in95tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost that is given unto us.
I have truly been ashamed before my Maker that I knew so little what it was to suffer with his people, and for his name's sake; but you that know what it is to bear reproach, and suffer for the truth's sake, can comprehend fully the last text quoted. I would say to all such, Be not weary in well-doing; in due time you will reap if you faint not.
Your sister unworthily hoping that all of us who profess to love his appearing may learn speedily what it is to love one another as JESUS loved us.
S. PECKHAM.
Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 7th, 1855.
A Sabbath Keeper Seeks Fellowship
By H. Curtis
From Sister Curtis.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:— It is one year since I commenced reading the Review. I feel to thank the Lord for the light it has given me on the Sabbath question and I want more, so that when the Master comes he may find us keeping all the commandments, so that we may have right to the tree of life.
There are no Sabbath-keepers here within a number of miles. O that some preaching brethren would come this way and give a course of lectures in this place. O that we may love God with all our hearts and be kept from the hour of temptation that shall come on all the world to try them that dwell on the earth.
May the Lord sustain you in all your trials and preserve you blameless unto his appearing.
Yours in hope of truth. H. CURTIS. Ionia Co., Mich.
WEALTH.
Wealth, true wealth is that possession which satisfies the heart. Palaces and lands may leave a man miserable. To be satisfied in one's cell—to feel no aching, no void, to sleep peacefully and wake without pain, regret, or remorse, such is wealth. With these the hardest pillar becomes soft, the roughest way smooth, the darkest future bright, and their possessor stands up a man than whom God has made none nobler; free from the canker which follows power and fame, and independent of the exigencies which make and may shiver crowns.96For the promotion of the good, the beautiful and the true, goods and lands are a heritage from heaven; but when wrapped in a napkin, and bound to the heart they congeal human sympathies and blast human life.
CHRISTIAN reader, we address this inquiry to you, and it is one which relates to your present and eternal welfare, your spiritual growth and religious enjoyment. Do you believe it? Do you not know it? The experience of your own heart testifies to the truth of what we say, and your highest interest and dearest hopes demand an honest and faithful answer. In the prayer-meeting, you have the promise of Christ's presence, even though there should be but two or three there. Do you want a stronger inducement? Are you unwilling to turn aside from the world one hour during a whole week, to commune with that Saviour who has promised to meet and bless all who assemble in his name? Can you stem the tide of worldly influence which meets you at every step, without daily supplies of grace? Can you get along in your Christian life, growing in grace and in spiritual knowledge, without the influence of the weekly social prayer-meeting? No. You cannot be an active, vigorous, growing Christian while you deliberately and habitually neglect the house of prayer. Your thoughts, feelings and affections will become worldly, and they will control your life—destroying your Christian character and influence and real spiritual enjoyment. You cannot point to a single Christian in all your acquaintance, that neglects habitually the weekly prayer-meeting, who is spiritual in his thoughts, godly in his conversation, and devotional in his life, and whose influence and Christian enjoyment are what they should be. And what is the influence of such upon the church, upon the world, and upon their own families? We need not answer this question: for no one who is unwilling to meet with the people of God in prayer has any right to expect his blessing—that daily supply of grace which will enable him to overcome the depravity of his own heart and the influence of the world. His life may be moral, but it cannot be spiritual: for he neglects that which has been in every age the great means of spiritual growth, of religious enjoyment and Christian influence. Take from the Church the sacred and elevating influence of the weekly prayer-meeting, and you destroy her vitality, her heavenly mindedness, her aspirations for God; . . . and yet, are you not attempting to do this, so far as your influence will go, when you say, by your example, that you will not meet the people of God in the house of prayer? Yes, Christian friend, you are not only robbing your own soul of spiritual strength and comfort, but you are giving your influence to lower the standard of piety in the church, to increase the thoughtless indifference of the world, and you are placing before your own family an example which says to them that you find it a vain thing to wait on God. Can you thus live without becoming cold, formal and worldly—and yet you, and many who profess to be living for Christ, are compelled to admit that you are strangers in the house of prayer. And for this willful, deliberate, neglect of known duty you have not the semblance of an excuse. You stay away simply because you have no heart to go, and the longer you stay the less you will feel like going. Is it not so? Why, then, will you continue to live so reckless of duty—so dead to your highest interests? Is there no thought which can reach your heart—no obligation of duty to your own soul, to the church and world that can move you to a faithful discharge of duty? Look at the members of the church, with which you are connected—how cold, how lifeless, and how negligent of the prayer-meeting? Are you not among the number of those who stay away?—True Witness.
Trusting God's Providence
By Byron
With patient mind thy course of duty run;
God nothing does, nor suffers to be done,
But thou would'st do thyself, could'st thou but see
The end of all events as well as he.—Byron.
Keep up good Spirits.
You have trials. They are the common lot of mankind. Bear them patiently and with unquestioning submission. Think not they are needless. Fail not to derive good from them. You have met with disappointments. And who has not? Before you allow yourself to complain, pause and reflect. In the past, can you not see many instances in which it was merciful that you had disappointments? Had your desires been gratified, you now see that you must have been greatly injured. You are glad and thankful that God crossed your purposes. Wait patiently, and you shall soon see that your heavenly Father never gave one disappointment that was not needful and good.
You have sustained losses. It was best that you should. In the end you will see it. Even now you may derive great gain from every loss, if you will be led by it to find consolation in God. One smile from Him compensates for every loss. You are poor. No poorer than one who, though he was rich for your sake became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich. He had not where to lay his head.
Your dwelling may be comfortless. Your children poorly clad; you may not be able to procure for them all the necessaries of life. It is a trial. But be cheerful in it. The Lord can raise up friends for you and your little ones. He can give them what is unspeakably more precious than silver and gold. They cannot long be in want. He that hath numbered the hairs of your head knoweth that we have need. His resources are infinite. Trust in Him. Speak to him of all you need. He can make your cup overflow with blessings; or if he withholds some he can give others more precious in their stead.
You have sickness and pain. It is a great affliction. Be cheerful. Show to those around you what power religion has to sustain, comfort and bless, and make a Christian joyful even in the midst of pain, languor, and disease. Be not anxious about the event. All things are ordered wisely and well by your heavenly Father. He does not afflict willingly. He has good and precious purposes to secure in the afflictions which he visits on his people. Perhaps you never received from his hand any providential dispensation which was more needful than this sickness. Let your solicitude respecting it be that you may improve it to the divine glory, and for your own spiritual and eternal good.
The late Plague at Norfolk, Va.
The N. Y. Herald illustrates the awful condition of Norfolk by the following personal experience.
When the disease broke out we engaged a correspondent at Norfolk, and as usual provided him with a substitute in case of his illness or absence. He wrote one or two letters, then fell ill, and his substitute entered upon the discharge of the duty of correspondent. In the third or forth letter we received from him, he stated that he had been attacked, and must resign the post, but that he had requested a friend to supply his place. This third correspondent had scarcely entered upon the work when we heard that his two predecessors had died. Their successor wrote for some time, till one day, we received, instead of his letter a note from his wife, stating that he was ill, and begging that he might be excused. The next mail brought a second letter from the wife, containing the account of her husband's death, leaving her a widow with seven children. She added that she would be glad to discharge the duties of correspondent, and wound up her letter with a few paragraphs of news. She wrote for a short time. The other day her letter was missing—we were addressed by her brother who said that his sister had fallen ill, and that he would try to send us some accounts of the awful scenes round him.
Is there anything in any history of any plague or epidemic more heart-rending than these few facts?
The great business of life.
There are thousands of professed Christians at the present day, who have utterly mistaken the great object and business of life. In all their plans, and schemes, and actions they make their worldly advantage the first great object, and their religious duties and privileges secondary to it. This is reversing the order which Christ himself has given for our guidance, and is an unmistakable evidence of that covetousness which is idolatry in the sight of God. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" is the command given to all men, but thousands who profess the name of Christ seek his kingdom and his righteousness last. They toil hard. They are active, industrious, and enterprising in their habits and calling—but it is all for the world and themselves, not for Christ and his cause. They are diligent in business selfish in spirit, serving Mammon—but not diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. They do with their might what their hands find to do—but they seldom or never find the right thing to do. They lay admirable plans, and start new enterprises to promote their worldly interests—but they never contrive a scheme or start an enterprise for the glory of God. In all that they do they are governed by interests and considerations of a worldly character with little or no regard to their spiritual advantage or improvement. They look constantly at the things which are seen and temporal, and not at the things which are not seen and eternal.
Such professed Christians must be an abomination in the sight of God. Their conduct almost constantly belies their profession. They have solemnly declared before God and men, that they had renounced the world and all its vanities, the devil and all his works—and yet, they are governed in all things chiefly by the Prince and spirit of the world, which they profess to have renounced. They have solemnly covenanted with God to obey and serve him, but they obey and serve him not. They have solemnly sworn allegiance to Christ who hath bought them with his blood but they deny him before men, and oft-times put him to open shame.
The great business of life here is, not to serve Mammon, nor to try to serve God and Mammon. It is not to toil and drudge and sweat, to pile up a heap of glittering dust—to add house to house and field to field,—or to gain honor, fame, or power among men. The great business of life is, to promote the glory of God and the welfare of man—to lay up treasures in heaven—to do justly and love mercy, and to "labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life."—Evan. Luth.
Religion and its Circumstantials.
True religion is a matter of the affections. Love for Christ as the atoning Lamb constitutes its life and strength, Christ being the only and real object of affection. His presence is all that is necessary to insure real comfort in worship. If Christ chooses a mountain as the place of gracious discourse, or a ship as his pulpit, or the way-side as his lecture-room, these, to the real disciples, become places of interest and convenience. The green-sward is a rich cushion when Christ speaks to the heart. It will be of but little use to us that Christ is with others. Sermons will be long and dull, prayers tedious and prosy. The time and place of meeting will be unsuitable, if Jesus does not live in us. His place is in the heart; if he is not there, so far as we are concerned, he is absent.
The Herald Keeps Sunday
By Editor
IN the Advent Herald of Dec. 1st, we find the following from one of its correspondents: “Let us search the Scriptures, and not in our ignorance conclude that we know all the truth when indeed some of us need to be taught the first principles of the gospel. This is true with reference to the Sabbath question, and other plain doctrines of the Bible.”
As we read the above, we could not help mentally responding, That's a fact.
The Herald keeps Sunday.
Unity in the Faith
By R. F. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
BRO. SMITH:—I still hold that the Lord will bring his people to the unity of faith, and that the watchmen will see eye to eye, when the Lord brings again Zion. I have trusted, and still trust, that we shall see alike in reference to the commencement of the Sabbath. Though upon a careful examination of the evidences on both sides of the question, those in favor of sun time preponderated, yet I saw no need of separating myself from the body on that account, but said, We shall all have the truth upon this point, and see it alike before we get through. This confidence I had, because I had confidence in the Third Angel's Message. And as long as I believe that we have this message, I shall feel the utmost confidence that it will unite the remnant of God's people, and prepare them for the Lord. And when I admit that we have been deceived by a false Third Message, I shall be compelled to give up the whole Advent movement, and sink down into that gross darkness that now covers the great mass of the people.
There are, doubtless, some truths in the prophecies yet to be learned, but we shall have them if we continue steadfast in the truths already learned. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
In hope.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y.
Testimony.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
BRO. SMITH:—Your statement in the REVIEW of Dec. 4, relative to Brn. Stephenson and Hall's acknowledgments at the Conference at this place in April last, is true. I then had the utmost confidence that they could never unite with the Messenger; but I am sadly disappointed. They had an undoubted right to change their minds in relation to the Messenger when convinced by the force of evidence that they were in error; but it seems that their strongest motive in giving their influence to that paper was their irrepressible desire to get their views of unfulfilled prophecy before the public. Had they conscientiously changed their views of that sheet, and come to think that it was indeed the "Advocate of Truth," they would doubtless have communicated the same to its conductors, whose motto ought to be, "Report and we will report it," and it would have been made public. But the utmost reserve is maintained by Brn. S. and H., while they dictate the terms of union, which are eagerly accepted by those who evidently have men's persons in admiration because of advantage. Whereupon the REVIEW is discarded as "sectarian," and the Messenger, which has not obtained one public acknowledgment of their confidence, becomes their organ.
This, I think, is the most favorable light in which this transaction can be viewed by any one who has carefully considered it.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., Dec. 12th, 1855.
Other Testimonies.
We are free to say that we were present at the Jackson conference last April, and heard Elds. Hall and Stephenson say they were satisfied with the manner in which the visions of Sr. White were held in church trials, &c., and that they were satisfied that the statements of the Messenger were false, and that they were prepared to help those in Wisconsin.
Asa Hart.
John D. Morton.
Delhi, Mich.
Testimony From the Jackson Conference
By M. E. Cornell; A. A. Marks
We the undersigned being present at the Jackson conference in April, 1855, heard Elds. Hall and Stephenson state in substance as follows: "We have heard Bro. White's statement concerning the affairs of the Review Office, and an explanation from several concerning the manner in which the visions are held, and we now feel satisfied with Bro. White, as an Editor—think he has done as well, perhaps, as any one could under the circumstances."
They expressed also, that they were in union with us as a people, and were now prepared to help Wisconsin.
REPORT
OF THE COMMITTEE CHOSEN TO INVESTIGATE THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE REVIEW OFFICE.
We having been chosen by the Conference held in Battle Creek, Nov. 16th, to investigate the financial condition of the REVIEW OFFICE, report as follows:—
1. Nearly $700, were donated by the Church, and paid out to purchase press, type, and other printing materials.
2. As the business in the Office has increased by the publication of Books, &c., Bro. White has been under the necessity of adding to the Office, in type and other material, $569,39. To purchase this material, and to publish Books, he has borrowed considerable sums of money of different Brn. a part only of which he has been able to pay, leaving debts still on his hands.
3. The wear and tear of type and other material, we estimate at $257,89, which taken from $569,39, (the amount added to the Office by Bro. White,) leaves $311,89, due Bro. White.
Having an opportunity of more fully understanding the cost of publishing the REVIEW, we are fully satisfied with Bro. White's former estimate of cost. It is true that some of the help in the Office, a portion of the time, did not receive full pay; but this would no more than balance Bro. White's extra expenses in Rochester.
At present we know of no good reason why those who labor in the Office, should not receive a reasonable compensation; but at present the Editor does not ask for his services more than one half what he can get elsewhere. The cost of the REVIEW will therefore be about the same here that it has been in Rochester.
A report of the Book department, &c., will be given hereafter.
HENRY LYON,
DAVID HEWITT,
WM. M. SMITH, } Committee of Investigation.
To the Church.
By Henry Lyon, Cyrenius Smith, D. R. Palmer
Dear Brethren:—We stated to you, as published in REVIEW for Dec. 4th, that "the sums to be raised by donations to defray the expenses of moving the Office, and fitting up for business, and to pay Bro. White for material which he has added to the Office, are about $600." You see by the report of the "Committee of Investigation" that there is due Bro. White for printing material, $311,89.
The whole cost of packing and boxing press, type, &c., &c., cartage and freight, and for fitting up the Office ready for business here, amounts to $291,75. The whole amount, therefore, to be raised by the Church, is $603,64.
As yet we have received only about $50. We hope that every Church, and every brother, will at once take this matter into consideration, and send in their free-will offerings to the Office without delay, as the money is very much needed.
HENRY LYON,
CYRENIUS SMITH, }
D. R. PALMER, } Publishing
Committee.
Review and Herald Publication Update
By James White
Bro. Thurston writes from Wisconsin, Dec. 9th:—"I have not received the Review and Herald for a month. What the reason is I do not know, unless it is on account of my indebtedness for the same. I send you $—to pay for the Review and Herald. I wish to be a reader of the Review while it is published; as I fully believe the doctrines it teaches. I have received No. 9. Please send the numbers published since that time."
Note.—We have sent all the numbers to you that have been published, but there were none published from Oct. 30th to Dec. 4th. This suspense was in consequence of moving the Office to this State.
It is now expected that the REVIEW will make its weekly visits to its friends as long as a medium for the publication of Bible truth shall be needed. It is now established upon a proper basis, and the co-operation of all its friends is confidently expected. J. W.
M. E. CORNELL
By Merritt E. Cornell
In consequence of ill health, &c., my labors in the field have for some time past been quite limited; but through the good providence of God I am now so far restored to my former strength that I again feel like moving out into the field as the providence of God may open the way before me.
M. E. CORNELL
Jackson, Mich. Dec. 18th, 1855.
Testimony for the Church Circulation
By Ellen G. White
I HAVE sent out (post-paid) to brethren in different States about 150 copies of "Testimony for the Church." It can be had by addressing me at Battle Creek, Mich. I shall be happy to hear from those who may receive it. Those who would encourage the circulation of such matter, can do so by assisting in its publication. E. G. WHITE.
Books for Eastern Brethren
By James White
For the convenience of Eastern Brethren we left with Eld. J. N. Loughborough of Rochester, N. Y., a full assortment of Books. Those who wish a quantity can obtain them of him. J. W.
The Two-Horned Beast Available
By James White
Seventy-three copies of "The Two-horned Beast," by J. N. Loughborough, have just fallen into our hands from one of our agents in this State. Many brethren have sent in for this work when we could not supply them. If any wish to obtain a few copies now they can do so by ordering immediately. J. W.
A New Work.
By Editor
“An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man’s Present Condition and his future Reward or punishment.”
The above is the title of a new and neat pamphlet of 196 pages, from the pen of Bro. J. N. Loughborough, most of which has already appeared in the REVIEW. By many it has been objected to works which have been published on this subject, that objections to the views here advocated, have not been thoroughly answered. In the work before us we consider all objections to the mortality of man, and the death of the wicked, fairly and fully met. Many have expressed a wish to see it in pamphlet form. Such will be gratified to learn that it is now ready for delivery; and we trust will at once furnish themselves with a copy. We can heartily recommend it to all our Brethren. It can be had of the Author, J. N. Loughborough, Rochester, N. Y., or at this Office.—Price, single copy, 18 cents.—Postage 2 cents. $12 a hundred
Business.
By Editor
E. M. L. Cory :-There will be 26 numbers in the present volume of the REVIEW; consequently there are fourteen numbers more to be published before the commencement of another volume. You have paid to the close of this volume.
A. B. Pearsall :-We have ordered a quantity of Bro. Loughborough's book, but have not received them yet. When they come we will fill your order.
J. M. S :-The $3,72 is received. P. will doubtless send the residue soon.
Receipts.
By Editor
T. B. Mead, A. A. Dodge, N. Guider, a Friend, (for Danl. S. Holt,) each $1. H. Bowen $3. P. S. Thurston $2.
To move OFFICE.—E. M. L. Cory $1. L. Edmunds, D. F. Moore, each $1.25. A. B. Pearsall $1.50. A. A. Dodge $4.
TO SEND REVIEW TO THE POOR.—A. B. Pearsall $5.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
By Editor
☞ "The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.—The office of publication of this periodical has recently been removed from Rochester, N. Y., to this place, and the first number issued here has been received. It is published by a Committee for the Church, and devoted to an explanation and vindication of the religious opinions of the "Seventh-day Baptists," quite a number of whom reside in our midst. It is well edited, we should judge, by URIAH SMITH, assisted by several assistant Corresponding Editors, and to those who have a taste for religious controversy, the Herald will doubtless be a welcome weekly visitor. It is neatly printed, and furnished to subscribers at $2 per annum, or $1 for twenty-six numbers, which constitute a volume."
The above impartial mention of the REVIEW AND HERALD we copy from the Battle Creek Journal, published in this place by WALTER W. WOOLNOUGH, Editor and Proprietor.
Very many of the religious as well as secular papers of the day, are ready to denounce men or journals who stand forth in defense of what they regard as sacred truth, if their views happen to conflict with their own, or to be, in the eyes of the world, unpopular; and some of them do this with such a zeal as to give the lie to all their claims of being gentlemen. We are happy therefore to acknowledge anything like the above which evinces an honorable freedom from sectarian bigotry and prejudice.
A word of explanation may be necessary as regards applying to us the term "Seventh-day Baptists." We are not those who are usually denominated, Seventh-day Baptists. True, we keep the seventh day, and are Baptists, and so far we may with propriety be called such; but our views differ from those of that denomination in some particulars: principally in the belief that we are now in the closing scenes of the present dispensation. The organ of the Seventh-day Baptists, is the Sabbath Recorder, published at 9, Spruce St., New York.
True Happiness
"True happiness is not the growth of earth;
The soil is fruitless if you seek it there;
'Tis an exotic of celestial birth,
And never blooms but in celestial air.
Sweet plant of paradise! its seeds are sown
In here, and there, a breast of heavenly mould;
It rises, slow, and buds, but ne'er is known
To blossom here-the climate is too cold."