WITH our last paper we closed the examination of the prophetic periods. We have seen that they are all finished and in the past. Before passing to the events to which they brought us, we wish to notice briefly the movement among the people of God which marked this important period, and the prophecies which foretold it.
John saw, as we are informed in the Xth of Revelation, a mighty angel come down from heaven. . . . And he had in his hand a little book open, and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, and cried with a loud voice as when a lion roareth. . . . "And the angel which I saw," says John "stand upon the sea and upon the earth, lifted up his hand to heaven, and swear by him that liveth forever and ever, . . . that there should be time no longer. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
Let this angel and his testimony be particularly noticed: 1st. He swears to time. 2d. He has in his hand a little book open. 3d. He stands with one foot on the sea and the other on the land.
1. He swears to time, and declares that it shall be no longer. What kind of time does he refer to? It must be one of three kinds: literal, probationary, or prophetic. But it cannot be literal time as measured off by months and years; for the angel immediately after speaks of the days of the voice of the seventh angel: no doubt meaning years, as in other prophecies. And we have further a period of 1000 years measured off, even after the resurrection. Rev. xx. It cannot therefore be what we understand by literal time. But does it not mean probationary time? We answer, No; for the angel declares to John, who doubtless personates the church, that he must "prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings." Probation then still lingers after this angel utters his oath. These considerations compel us to the conclusion that it is prophetic time to which he refers. In other words, he declares that with his testimony the prophetic periods end. Look carefully, reader, at this subject. Walk all around it. Look in every direction and see if you can find an avenue to any other conclusion than is here presented. An angel swears that time—some kind of time—shall be no longer. He immediately speaks of days (years) to succeed, and he tells John, and through him the church, to prophesy again before many peoples, showing that there is yet mercy to plead for them, and yet room to receive them. Now as it is certain that some time ends, according to the angel's oath, and as it is certain that only three kinds can be referred to, and as the angel by his testimony settles the matter in regard to two kinds, that he does not refer to them, it is certain that he must refer to the only other kind remaining, and that is prophetic time. This will appear further as we consider the next item.
2. He has in his hand a little book open. As his testimony relates to prophetic time, it must be based on that portion of the Word which treats of prophetic time, and that is pre-eminently the book of Daniel. But what did the angel tell Daniel concerning his book? Said he, [Dan. xii, 4, 9,] "Shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end." . . . "The words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." But the angel has in his hand a little book open. This little book doubtless represents the book of Daniel, which contains the very points concerning which the angel testifies, and as it is open when he bears his testimony, we have a clue to the chronology of his work. We know that it is in the time of the end that he proclaims his solemn message from land and sea; for not till then is the book opened and the prophecy unsealed. But when is the time of the end?
This may be easily ascertained by comparing Dan. vii, 25, with chap. xi, 35. The tribulation of the saints in this last quotation is evidently the same as their oppression by the little horn, the Man of sin; and they were to be given into his hand until a time, times, and the dividing of time, which we have already shown to be 1260 years, commencing in 538, and terminating in 1798. This date therefore marks the commencement of the time of the end; and since that period we must locate the angel on the land and sea.
In Rev. xiv, an angel is also brought to view who has a message of time, based on the same foundation as the proclamation of chap. x; namely, the time of the end and the unsealing of the prophecies. He is thus introduced by John: [xiv, 6;] "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, saying, Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come."
This is called "another angel," because John had before seen an angel flying through heaven, after the fourth angel had sounded, announcing three woe trumpets to come. We call him the first angel, because he is the first of the series of the three angels, of this XIVth chapter; and his message, therefore is designated as the first angel's message. He has the everlasting gospel to preach, which we understand to be the same as the "gospel of the kingdom" mentioned by our Saviour in Matt. xxiv, 14. But it is not in the order of God to employ literal angels to preach the gospel. This has been committed unto men. This angel must therefore be a symbol of the church; and his message must be a special proclamation by God's people, the true church, to be made at the point of time where that message is located.
Upon its chronology, we shall offer but a word. We remark, 1st. that such a message as this was not given by the apostles. They did not preach that the hour of God's judgment had come, or was coming in their day; but they reasoned of a judgment to come. See Acts xvii, 31; xxiv, 25; 2 Thess. ii, 3. 2d. It was not given by the reformers. They did not preach, the hour of God's judgment is come. Martin Luther placed the judgment about 300 years in the future from his time. 3d. Being a message of time, it must be based on the prophetic periods; but no message based on the prophetic periods, can be given till the book containing those periods is unsealed; and the book was not unsealed, according to the testimony of the angel to Daniel, till the time of the end, the commencement of which the prophecy locates in 1798. We cannot therefore look for the angel with the judgment-hour cry, till subsequent to that date. And this makes the chronology of this angel the same as that of the angel in chap. x. And since their work is also the same, and based upon the same foundation, and there cannot be a double fulfillment of the same work at the same time, we conclude that the angels of chap. x, and xiv, 6, are identical.
We have already seen that the prophetic periods cannot extend beyond 1844; and we have now the fact before us that the time of the end, to which the book containing those periods, was closed up and sealed, could not commence earlier than 1798: between this point, therefore, and 1844, we must listen for the oath of the mighty angel, that time shall be no more, and the solemn message that the hour of his judgment is come. Has such a message gone forth? and in the right time? We answer, Yes; and testimony on this point, brings us to the remaining item to be noticed in reference to this angel; namely,
3. He had one foot on the sea, and the other on the land. That just such a movement as has of late years taken place on the Advent question, is contemplated in the prophecy, we cannot doubt. If any are disposed to question this conclusion, let them consider the matter, and tell us what kind of a move they would expect in fulfillment of those prophecies. Let them tell us how a proclamation of the close of the prophetic periods, and the coming of God's judgment hour, would differ from the work there brought to view.
But a proclamation has gone forth embodying both these particulars. A mighty movement has taken place, based upon the evidence that the prophetic periods were about to close. It came up at the right time, being subsequent to the unsealing of the book, in the time of the end. It commenced years previous, but culminated in 1844. The Advent movement! The world witnessed it; and the world has not forgotten it. In the city and in the country, in the towns and in the villages, in the quiet districts, and in the crowded marts, in cars and coaches, and in ships and steamers, as they coursed in every direction over the mighty deep, the sound was going forth, The hour of his judgment is come. It sped on till it encircled the globe. Truly the angel had one foot on the sea, as well as on the land. It has been stated that there was not, at that time, a missionary station on the globe, to which the message did not penetrate. [For a full discussion of this subject the reader is referred to the work entitled, The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, by J. N. Andrews, published at this Office.]
It will be no infringement upon the design of these articles not to speak particularly of the second angel of Rev. xiv, after referring the reader to the above work. Suffice it to say that he follows the first with a solemn announcement. "Babylon is fallen," is the cry that is heard from his lips. This also has been fulfilled in our day. It is a fact that the confused sects of the present day, which we think the Holy Spirit here designates by the term Babylon, mixture, confusion (since it is true of them in fact.) did by the rejection of the doctrine of the Lord's speedy advent, whom they profess to love, and whose appearing they ought therefore also to love;—it is a fact, we say, that by the rejection of this truth, they did meet with a moral fall, a declension in every department of religion, piety and virtue. Although all may not agree with us in the cause, the fact of this change is no assertion of our own. Out of their own mouth we judge them in this respect. It has been acknowledged and deplored by almost every organ of the religious world. As a result of this movement in 1844, it has been computed that fifty thousand left her communion. And we verily believe that a testimony is now ripening, which, in fulfillment of Rev. xviii, 1-4, will bring from her ranks every child of God.
We have thus briefly noticed the move that took place, and such as we might expect would take place to mark the close of the prophetic periods. The days have ended, and a mighty angel has sworn to the fact. No man may undo his testimony. By this we are brought to the autumn of 1844. The testimony that centers upon this point from the infallible witness of the Word is this: Then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed; then will prophetic time be no longer; then is the hour of God's judgment come. Has this failed in any particular? Let none conclude so, till we have pursued our investigations still further. We are now brought to the subject, which from this point onward is the golden key to unlock the portals of the future.
(To be Continued.)
LETTER FROM BRO. WHITE TO BRO. INGRAHAM.
By James White
DEAR BROTHER: We are happy to learn your success in Pennsylvania, and that the brethren in your part of the State are ready to support a preacher. We are aware that the youthful churches there need a laborer with them to care for them, and to extend the influence of the present truth to others. We hope they will enjoy the faithful labors of Brn. Wheeler, Edson, or Cottrell, provided you should leave them to labor in the West. And here we wish to express an opinion in regard to the West.101
Wisconsin is a rich field for labor. Though it has been somewhat blighted by those who professed the Third Angel's Message, and preached Age-to-come; yet there are a few good souls left who stand firm. But a very small portion of the State has yet been explored. There are most urgent calls coming from that State to this Office for help which cannot be responded to.
Illinois and Iowa are nearly as good fields for labor, and Minnesota must be visited. We have some faithful brethren there, who have called repeatedly for help, and have offered to sustain a mission to that Territory, if a preacher could be spared. But who can go? As we survey the fields of labor, hear the many calls for help, and see so very few among us who can go out free from worldly cares, our feelings cannot be expressed. Several brethren among us whom God has called to preach his word, are almost or quite useless to the cause, and will remain so till they become divorced from their large farms. O that they could feel, as we sometimes feel, while reading entreaties from brethren to come over and help them. Their farms and cattle would go, if at a discount, and they would lade themselves with publications and rush out to save perishing souls.
We have enough to do at home, and have calls from different parts of this State enough for twenty men to fill, but must turn from them all and decide which of the calls to fill, which come from Ohio, New York, Illinois and Wisconsin. O God, direct and help.
We are aware that your mind has been exercised in regard to moving West, and making that your field of labor, and you ask advice. We will therefore say that in our opinion it is altogether too late for you to go West to be in the least burdened with the cares of fitting up a home for your family. You have, dear brother, too often gone into new fields to do this. If God calls you to preach, he calls the church to give you a free and liberal support. Read the call to the church in Gal. vi, 6, "Let him that is taught in the Word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things." A house, horse, carriage, food, clothing, books for yourself and family, &c. &c., are good things. God calls, but how slow to hear. But do you repeat this call as faithfully as you should? Because hirelings and hypocrites fleece the flock, should you fear to declare God's calls on his church to sustain those who teach the Word? No. Preach the Word. When the churches in the West will provide you a home ready to your hand, and sustain you in the field, then go if the Lord permits. Should the Spirit urge you, then go if the work of sustaining you be left to the ravens; God will take care of you.
At present, it may be that the Lord is trying his people to see if they will hear his voice, open the door of their hearts, and engage in the work zealously of extending the truth to new fields. We advise you to wait for the opening providence of God. Do what you can in the midst of your friends in Penn., until the way opens for you to go to a more needy field, where you can do more.
If the church should act up to present light, you would at once be placed in a central position in the Western field, free from worldly care, with at least $500 worth of publications to sell and to give away. You are anxious to labor, and wear out in the cause of Bible truth, and what more can the church ask? You should give those who are taught in the Word a good chance to communicate to you in all good things.
But it is said, "It is good for our preachers to labor some." Labor some! What is there but labor in the life of one of God's messengers, who travels through rain or snow, heat or cold, dust or mud, and then at the end of a long tedious day's journey, stands up and preaches two hours, and next day perhaps preaches three discourses, each near two hours long! He needs to labor some, does he? Needs a little exercise for his health, some think! Poor souls, they know nothing of the weary hours of body and mind, sleepless nights, aching heads and weary limbs of these messengers who are wearing out and living at least two years in one. When worn with travel and labor in the field, the Lord's messenger should go to his family, not to labor, but to rest. And if he had a few days of spare time, he should spend it in reading, writing and teaching his children.
But it is thought by some that our preachers should be poor, to keep them humble. Humility is indeed a blessed grace, and we enquire, Would not the blessing of poverty do the brethren good if they could enjoy it part of the time to keep them humble, as well as the preachers all of the time? But this is only an excuse for covetousness. Those messengers approved by the church, must be set free from worldly cares. The church must do their duty in making them God's free men. But it is a fact that some of our most efficient laborers have been left to labor with their hands, while our brethren generally have added to their property. Even some have been getting rich, and souls have been sinking to perdition. Dear brother, shall we not cry aloud and spare not? Shall we not expose the sins of this people, and by the word of the Lord reprove their covetousness? How can we be clear and hold our peace on the subject of the duty of the church to sustain the cause? Let us do our duty in this respect.
We know your delicate feelings on this subject; that you have chosen to suffer rather than to call for help. If you could have given yourself fully to the work, much more would have been accomplished by you. And while acting the farmer or mechanic, do you cast the best influence on others? Were you free from all care excepting care for the flock; were you left free to visit and converse and pray with people instead of laboring with your hands, your mind would be more free, and you would accomplish more in the gospel ministry. We address you in this public manner, that others as well as yourself, may learn our views of the duty of the church to those who teach the Word. It shall be our prayer, dear brother, that the Lord may direct you, and open the way before you to labor more extensively and usefully in the good cause.
J. W.
STRENGTHEN THE THINGS THAT REMAIN.
By J. Clarke
Not long since a flying report came to our ears, that a band of Sabbath-keepers somewhere, were turning back to Sunday-keeping. We have not yet found out where they are.
Oh can it be, now, when all the wicked world are uniting with a fallen church in upholding the counterfeit sabbath, that any should leave the genuine Sabbath? just now too, while the Third Angel's Message is going forth?
Satan is very busy to overthrow the saints, and well does he know our weakness, and how to take advantage of us while we are off our guard to give us a trip, and cause us to stumble, or throw a cloud of unbelief over us.
Well he knows that if he can get us discouraged, then is his time to tell us that all is of no use; or some other suggestion, which he follows up with another, and then another, until he, the arch seducer, often gains his point.
Oh brethren, let us be always in the way of duty, always in the Spirit, always on the alert, watching our hearts lest pride steal in, or vain glory, or carnality, or mammon, or some other sturdy foe, and steal away our peace and usefulness, and perhaps our crown.
Who shall feed the scattered flock, and keep them in the fold, while hungry wolves, hypocritical dogs, lurk around outside to snatch the fattest of the flock for their remorseless hunger?
What mortal tongue can reach all the agonized ones, who alone in secret mourn the fall of Zion? Who but the great master Shepherd?
Turning back! Oh is it possible? Yes it is possible. We have only to displease God by lukewarmness, unbelief, worldliness, unwatchfulness, pride, or a thousand other little ways, by a single one of which, unrepented of, persisted in, we tempt our holy High Priest to withdraw his sweet, consoling, strengthening presence and leave us in awful darkness.
Darkness! spiritual darkness! Oh how terrible for a moment to realize this withdrawal of the Spirit, more appalling to the child of God than earthquake, famine and pestilence, more to be dreaded than any earthly woe.
Who then will feed the scattered flock?
Who will warn them of Satan's devices?
Who but the great Shepherd can lead the flock by the still waters, among the verdant meadows?
He is able and mighty, but he employs under shepherds, whose duty it is to feed the flock with wholesome food, to protect the flock from the prowling wolf and beasts of prey.
But alas! this is a cloudy and dark day, and the sheep are scattered upon the mountains, and in the valleys, and upon the plains. Here are a few and there a few, and while the shepherds are worn down with watching and labor in one quarter, the enemy is busy in scattering and dividing and devouring in another.
But should this reach some lonely one away in some secluded spot, dear saint, take courage. Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh. Strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die. Strengthen thy poor tempted brother or sister. Pray without ceasing.
J. CLARKE.
AN INDEFINITE DEFINITE DAY.
By R. F. Cottrell
THERE is a numerous class of persons that hold the following articles of faith.
1. We believe that the Bible Sabbath is a day of rest after six days of labor, i. e. it is not limited to any definite day, but is any day of rest after any six days of labor.
2. We believe that from the creation to Christ, the Sabbath fell upon the definite seventh day of the week, and that from the resurrection of Christ to the end of the world, the definite first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath. Consequently the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth days of the week are positively and necessarily forever excluded from being the Sabbath.
Do they believe these contradictory articles, or do they only say they do? For both of them to be true, is as truly impossible as it is for God to lie. Why do they not then choose one of the two, and hold to that and reject the other? Why try to serve two masters who are at war with each other? The only reason that I can see why sane men should take such a course is this: From present appearances it would seem that God has changed the Sabbath to the first day, and forgot to tell us in his word that he changed it. Therefore these men, with the benevolent design of apologizing for this inconsistency, have wisely discovered that the Sabbath was indefinite as to the day, and, being “loose upon the handle,” it needed no special act to change it, but could change itself! Now as this theory is a mystery that the Lord has never revealed to man, how much must he be indebted to them for their pious and indefatigable efforts to clear up his character! Or rather, what a pious fraud are they practicing upon themselves and others, to justify them in following after the Man of Sin—the changer of times and laws!
This may seem harsh; but it is not written to harm any one, but to aid the “little ones” in escaping the snare of the Deceiver.
R. F. C.
Sabbath Convention.
By Editor
An interesting County Convention, to promote the better observance of the Sabbath, was held in Syracuse on the 17th inst. It was well attended by ministers of different churches, and was delightfully harmonious. Measures were adopted to secure the canvassing of the State, by Counties, Towns, and School Districts, to secure signatures to a petition to have the locks on the canals closed on the Sabbath. An appeal to the friends of the Sabbath, containing a plan of operations, and also a petition to the legislature, has been prepared and printed, and everything is now in readiness for a simultaneous movement throughout the State. We trust all our readers will favor and forward this noble undertaking.
For appeals and other documents, address Rev. M. E. Strieby, Syracuse, N. Y.—Northern Independent.
LETTERS.
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Bingham.
DEAR BRETHREN: It is now a little over seven years since I felt the power of present truth in such a degree as to move me to restore the breach in God's law, and I bless his holy name that light is now as plainly shining upon the Faith of Jesus as it has upon the Law of the Father. I have been trying to give heed to the counsel of the faithful Witness, and hope God will enable me to purify myself in obeying the truth and striving to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling.
Dear brethren, let us try to get on the whole armor: the trying time is soon upon us. No doubt, in my mind, we have entered the perils of the last days. O that God may give us the holy Spirit's aid to watch and keep our garments, that we be not found unprepared. God is calling the scattered flock to unity of faith, and will soon fit them to give the loud cry, and call our honest friends from their present sleep, bring them out of Babylon and fit them for translation. I acknowledge the receipt of many a cheering letter from my dear brethren who have gone West to labor, for which please accept my warmest thanks. May God grant you grace to sustain you in your work and labor of love to poor dying mortals, and grant you an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom, so soon to be set up, in place of these wicked ones. I feel to thank God and take courage. In almost every place I visit, there is an ear to hear and now and then one has decided to live for the glorious coming kingdom.
Almost all points of Bible truth seem to be understood by the three message advocates, and now my prayer is for grace and humility to enable us to purify ourselves that we may overcome through the blood of the Lamb, and our testimony, and be permitted to stand on Mount Zion with the 144,000.
Your brother in hope,
H. BINGHAM.
Morrisville, Jan. 17th, 1859.
P. S. Where is Bro. B. B. Brown, of Beloit, Wisconsin? Will he write me if consistent. H. B.
E. L. BARR
By E. L. Barr
From Bro. Barr.
BRO. SMITH: The interest was such at the close of the Bristol conference, that it seemed to be duty to continue the evening meetings through the following week. The interest continued through the week. Several were convinced that we have the truth, especially on the subject of the Sabbath. May the Lord strengthen them to walk in the light while they have it, and give them to see how much easier it will be to bear the cross in keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus and live, than to go with the popular current, and finally bear the wrath of an offended God and perish. Sabbath, meeting at Waltham—a day of suffering to the church, especially those that were deeply anxious that every wrong should be righted, and all should so heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, that none should be left to meet the fearful doom of the lukewarm. In the evening, while praying for the sick, the blessing of God rested down upon us, and those that had suffered through the day were now made to rejoice in view of the great love and care God still has for his poor afflicted saints.
First-day, evening meeting at Bro. Gardner's. Second-day, P. M. we repaired to the water side, where we again enjoyed the gracious smiles of our dear Redeemer, while one more of his disciples was planted in the likeness of his death, with the joyful hope of the likeness of his resurrection. In the evening the church assembled for the purpose of attending to the ordinances designed by the great Head of the church to keep the saints humble and separate from the world.
Another effort was made to have every wrong righted, so that all could participate in the same; but the desirable object was not gained. It was finally thought best for those that were in unison and were determined to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless, to move forward and leave others to come along when they got right. With this resolution God was well pleased.
The powers of darkness began to give back. Light began to break in upon the saints. Hard hearts began to melt. Tears flowed freely. Humble confessions were made right to the point, and the oppressed went free ere we reached the point of commemorating the dying love of our compassionate Redeemer. A perfect victory was gained in all the house, and all were prepared to participate in the same, in hope of soon seeing him as he is, and drinking wine in the kingdom of God.
In order to share in this great blessing we must get all right soon and keep right until the Master calls for the faithful servants. No time to backslide now, no time to gratify self, no time to be idle. Remember we are now having our last chance to get ready for the return of the King of glory, and if this time is not rightly improved, all is lost for ever. May God help us to see it and realize it, and work faithfully while the day lasts.
E. L. BARR
South Hardwick, Vt., Jan. 21st, 1853.
LEANDER M. JONES
By Leander M. Jones
From Bro. Jones
BRO. SMITH: It is some over two years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and I can say of a truth it has been the happiest part of my life. I look back to be sure and see some crooked steps that I have made, but on the other hand I can call to mind many a time when the Lord has met with and blessed me. O how cheering it is to look back the last two years and see so many bright spots on my pathway; not only in public meetings but in the field, and in the grove, in the closet and around my own family altar. Truly the Lord has been chief among ten thousand and the one altogether lovely.
I hail the weekly visit of the Review as I would a long absent friend; and while I read the cheering epistles from brethren and sisters in different parts of the field, my heart burns within me.
The light of the Third Angel's Message surely appears "like the path of the just, which is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." That the two first messages are in the past, I believe with all my heart. I well remember the103movement in 1843-4, when the servants of God went out as it were with their lives in their hands, and proclaimed the coming of the Son of man; and how on the tenth day of the seventh month, with longing, streaming eyes they looked for the second coming of the lovely Son of God. But he did not come. There were yet other important scriptures to be fulfilled; the heavenly sanctuary to be cleansed; the last solemn message to be given; the saints of the living God to be sealed; the decree to go forth that we shall neither buy nor sell; the seven vials of God's wrath to be poured out.
Dear brother or sister, how can we doubt these solemn truths any longer with such a flood of light? Why I bless God for the strong unyielding faith I have in the Third Angel's Message. I believe it to be the work of God, and it will go forward though men and devils may oppose.
The Third Angel's Message brings along with it the Sabbath; and I found after I embraced the Sabbath it was like a great lantern, shedding light on the past Advent movement, harmonizing the past with the future. I do thank God for the true light that is now shining. Come, my weak brother, I say to you, be strong; doubt no longer; take hold of the strong arm of the Lord; fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life. Plead earnestly; overcome the wicked one; die to the world, and to self, and everything around you; live for God and him only; wrestle like Jacob of old, until you know that God owns and blesses you as his child; and remember that in a little from this it will be said in heaven "It is done." The solemn decree will go forth, "he that is holy let him be holy still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still."
Yours in hope of everlasting life.
LEANDER M. JONES
Monterey, Mich., Jan., 26th, 1858.
To all that Love the Sabbath of the Lord
By Malinda B. Pierce
Our God.
DEAR brethren and sisters, it is with feelings I cannot express I take my pen on this holy day to pen a few lines to you. Two of us have long stood alone here as to the true Sabbath, and I have felt so discouraged many times that it has seemed as though there never would be any to go with us; but the Lord has done great things for us, for which I do desire to sink at his feet in humble gratitude. My dear father and mother, although between seventy and eighty years of age, begin to behold wondrous things out of God's law. They have resolved to try and keep all his commandments; and this is the first Sabbath of the Bible they ever tried to keep. O, it is the Lord's doings and it is marvelous in our eyes. Some that may read this have known how very much opposed father has been to the Sabbath; but it seems to me he has received it right; for he truly seems like a little child, all his prejudice and enmity gone; and he seems so humble and manifests such a desire to be right, that we feel to say, what hath God wrought! Mother has never opposed, but could not get clear light; but thank God, the scales of tradition have at last fallen off from their eyes, and they begin to see things as they are. They feel their weakness very much, and desire all the saints to pray for them. O that I could render all that praise and honor that is due to the Majesty of heaven.
We that have long professed the truth are striving to rise with the message. I feel as though I could not be left behind. I want to confess and forsake every evil that I may be numbered among God's people. My husband is still in the dark. Do my dear brethren and sisters take hold of his case with all the faith you can get. We try to pray much with and for him, but he says he cannot feel. O the Lord is able to make him feel. I think he is not as indifferent as he was. O that the Lord would undertake his case. Do pray for us all, that we may be a united family, all fitted up to meet the Saviour when he shall appear for the deliverance of his poor, afflicted children. I have realized within a few months more than ever before, that it is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom, if at all. May the Lord help me to go through the trials and perils of the last days in that way, that his blessed promise "all things shall work together for good to them that love God," may be verified to me.
Your sister striving to overcome.
Malinda B. Pierce.
Andover, Vt., Jan. 16th, 1858.
THE CHRISTIAN'S DESIRE.
By Mrs. R. Smith
I LONG, O God! to call thee mine,
And know that I am truly thine;
That all I think, or say, or do,
May meet thine approbation too.
In all, thy glory I would seek,
And but for thee, Lord, would not speak;
I'd raise my voice in grateful lays,
Nor would I move but to thy praise.
I'd part with joys of earthly mould,
And pass through trials yet untold,
Could I but know my Lord was there,
And did each bitter cup prepare.
I'd love to drink it, and rejoice
To have thy will, dear Lord, my choice.
If I might choose, I'd leave to thee
The whole control of mine and me.
God will protect and save his own,
Though in the fiery furnace thrown;
But did we know our case was sure,
'T might not effect sin's needed cure.
To break our hold of every tie;
That we to sin and self may die,
God seems to quite forsake us here,
Nor leave one ray of light to cheer.
Though painful now, "the darkest day,
To-morrow, will have passed away,"
Deliverance will be found ere long,
And then will come the conqueror's song.
If I am favored here to share
An answer to my Saviour's prayer,
We shall be one, his voice I'll hear,
When in the clouds he shall appear.
O, glorious day to those who're found
In Him when the last trump shall sound,
Their sorrows and their sufferings o'er,
And prayer to praise turned evermore.
MRS. R. SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H.
A Welcome Messenger
By Obadiah Davis
From Bro. Davis.
Bro. Smith: The paper is truly a welcome messenger to us. We are encouraged and strengthened by its truthful and cheering testimonies. It is to us a connecting link with the body of the church, and a great relief to our isolated situation—having none of like precious faith to meet with. We often feel to bear to the throne of grace those who are laboring for the cause of truth. O that the Lord may sustain us by his grace, and preserve us from the many snares that surround us. We rejoice in being able to see the good hand of the Lord in giving us the Laodicean message and not leaving his people to their own ways.
There is nothing of general interest to write from this place, although we feel to pray the Lord to open the way for his word. It seems sometimes as though none could hear and obey, while such a combination of adverse influences is operating against the truth. But those that are for us are mightier than those that are against us. May the Lord give power to his truth and a right spirit to his people. My wife unites in love.
Your brother in Christ.
Obadiah Davis.
North Burwick, Me., Jan. 17th, 1858.