DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Something less than a year since, the present truth was brought to us. We were then members of the Baptist Church, in a backslidden state, into which we had fallen, for the reason, that we did not receive our portion of meat in due season, and could find no truth applicable to the time, except 2 Tim. iii, 1—5, hence, you will see, we were not in the second angel’s message. Still, for those seven years, to us there has not been a more palpable truth, than that the churches had fallen. But what that gloomy condition of things did portend, we found no means to know, except the scripture above quoted: or by what means to extricate ourselves we could not tell, till mercy came by the present truth.
I was led to investigate, and I feel somewhat happy in the reflection that my mind was thus led to see whether these things were so. For the gold of divine truth had, for years previous begun to grow dim; and the fearful conviction began to rest upon the desponding mind, that without some concealed truth to justify the past, and throw light on the present and future, the blackness of darkness must settle down upon the soul forever. I began to fear that the Bible had lost its power essentially to benefit men. But, thank the Lord, he had one truth in reserve to fill the dreadful void, the proclamation of the third angel, Rev. xiv, 9—12, adapted to this time, as Noah’s message was to the Antediluvians, and as Lot’s was to the Sodomites. For as it was in the days of Noah and Lot, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be. There was a truth, especially adapted to each of those times respectively, as there is also to the present time.
The previously forbidden idea, or then obsolete truth, now occurred with great sweetness to my mind; that “the well instructed scribe bringeth forth out of his treasure, things new and old.” And by searching into that class of truths connected with the third angel’s message, I have found this declaration to be verified.
For years past I have heard but little, excepting old theories, and those mostly detached from the doctrine of the resurrection and second advent; so, as to shun, as it is sometimes called, the delusion of Millerism.—But if I am not under a great mistake, all the truths that can be drawn from the Bible, after rejecting the doctrine of a literal resurrection, as some have done, are not sufficient to sanctify the soul. In proof of this, see 1 Cor. xv, 13—18, inclusive.
The evidence is truly overwhelming, that almost the whole of prophetic inspiration concentrates at one, or the other, of two great and important points; the first and second advent of our Lord. As those who rejected the first advent, must die in their sins, so must those who reject the second, meet a similar doom.—Matt. xxiv, 48—51.
I feel constrained to express something of my gratitude for what the Lord has done for me and mine, in sending to us this last message of mercy. We would give heed to it as unto a light shining in a dark place. It is a truth that answers all the queries, and reconciles all the difficulties which previously existed in my mind relative to the advent faith. It seems to be as a beacon on an unknown dangerous coast, of which, till now, I have had no beacon, chart, or pilot. It points out a way of escape from the apostasy and delusion of the last days, and leads us to the foundation of prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Yes, it truly is the key to unlock the store-house of all those truths adapted to the present apostate age, which awfully foretokens the immediate approach of that day of dreadful wrath which awaits the world.
I am scarcely able to express my thanks for what the Lord has done of late for my dear companion, who for many years has waded in darkness, and recently for some months in despondency or despair, but now is restored in a good measure to that peace, which a love for God’s law imparts, and that hope which the faith of Jesus inspires. Hallelujah to God! “He hath helped his poor servants in remembrance of his mercy.” “He hath filled the poor with good things, but the rich he hath sent empty away.”
I would say in conclusion that the word of God, especially the promises, never appeared so sure, or surrounded with such a halo of glory as since having embraced the third angel’s message. It truly appears, as Christ’s own expression would intimate, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away,” to be more firm than the pillars of heaven.
Yours in love of the truth, STEPHEN PIERCE.
Roxbury, Vt., Jan. 3d, 1853.
The Cause of Truth Advancing
By G. W. Holt
From Bro. Holt.
Dear Bro. White:—I have just returned from a tour of three weeks in Oswego and Jefferson Counties. I can safely say that the cause of truth is gaining ground. The meetings which I have attended, have been full of interest, on the account of deep searching of heart, humble confessions of error, good and thrilling testimonies to the truth, with resolutions to give all for the kingdom of Christ. Several conversions to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The way is opening fast for the third angel’s message. The calls for help are more than can possibly be attended to at present, unless the Lord sends more laborers into the vineyard.
I feel like doing what I can, but that will be very little. Where little is given little is required. I feel myself too unworthy to be engaged in so holy and so righteous a cause as the present work of God. I would esteem it a great privilege to be a hewer of wood and a drawer of water for the saints of God. I want to go with that people in whose heart is the law of the Lord, and of whom God has spoken good concerning; for I am sure they will obtain the victory through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. They will bear the palm branch of victory, and wear the crown of glory on Mount Zion.—I am sure I want to go. The golden City is there, with its towering walls and its pearly gates, and the stream is there that makes glad the City of God.—Yes, the tree of life is there, and Jesus will be there also. Dear Brother, I know I want to go. “I will be in this band, hallelujah.”
G. W. Holt.
Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 11th 1853.
Keeping the Commandments and Faith
By Lydia M. Ricker
From Sister Ricker.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel grateful to God that I live in this time when his truth is shining with such clearness, and the message of the third angel is being given. I thank the name of the living God that I ever had a disposition to heed its call; and that I see the truth of the holy Sabbath. I do delight in the law of God, for his law is perfect.
I know that a mere form of keeping the commandments will not save us; but we must have the spirit of it, and have the law of God written on the fleshly tables of our hearts by the Holy Ghost. I have chosen to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. And by the grace of God, I mean to go through. I want to see the inside of heaven, and all the dear saints of God together there to be separated no more. May the Lord help us to keep the word of his patience, and then he will keep us from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. I mean to live humble, and keep all the commandments of the Father, and the faith of Jesus, [the Son,] so I can have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City.
The Church here meet together every Sabbath, and we have some interesting meetings in waiting on the Lord. Would to God we were more engaged in his cause. But I believe the Lord has a few names in Bangor who have not defiled their garments, and they will walk with him in white.
Yours looking for Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ by obeying the truth,
LYDIA M. RICKER.
Bangor, Me., Jan. 6th, 1853.
BETSEY E. SAGE
By Betsey E. Sage
From Sister Sage.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We have received and read the Review with interest the past year, and think it teaches the truths of the Bible. When I read the letters from the brethren and sisters, I cannot refrain from weeping and giving glory to God for the free spirit of love that flows in my heart to all the saints scattered abroad, in the patient waiting time, keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.—I praise the Lord that there are a few in this place that are endeavoring to keep God’s holy Sabbath, and walk in obedience to all the commandments. I believe the Sabbath of the Bible is binding on us in the gospel dispensation. I rejoice that the third angel’s message has ever sounded in my ears. When Brn. Wheeler and Day came here last Spring, they found us in darkness with regard to the message; but since embracing it, we have enjoyed some of the sweet spirit of the holy Sabbath of the Lord our God, more than we did in keeping the first day of the week. I should be pleased to have some of the brethren come this way, and hold a meeting. I should like the paper continued.
BETSEY E. SAGE
Jamaica, Vt.
Present Truth in Michigan
By M. E. Cornell
From Bro. Cornell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have just finished a course of Lectures in Ingham Co., Town of Lock, Mich. Ten souls are established in the present truth. Also, in Conway, Livingston Co., Mich., ten or twelve are keeping the Sabbath.
Many more are investigating, and we have reason to hope they will soon be established in the truth.—Here is a large field open in Mich. I hope some Brother will come to Mich., from the East, and help in this great work.
Your Brother in hope. M. E. CORNELL. Plymouth, Mich., Jan. 5th, 1853.
H. C. MASON
By H. C. Mason
From Bro. Mason.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Bro. D. Hewitt and myself have to go about six and a half miles to attend meeting with a few of like precious faith, where Bro. H. sometimes speaks from the Chart. There is about twenty-four of us, when we all get together. And we have some most glorious good meetings. Last Sabbath we had a blessed season. The Lord was with us in very deed.
H. C. MASON
Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 4th, 1853.
Extracts of Letters.
By Editor
Bro. J. Byington writes from Buck's Bridge, N. Y., Jan. 7th, 1853:—"I would say that we are trying to keep our faces set for the land of rest. I feel clear as to the truth of the Sabbath, and am also satisfied that keeping the Sabbath cannot save us, unless other duties, and self-denial are attended to in their place, and that nothing can be done right unless we have help from God. The apostles labored to have men leave their sins by repentance, and to walk with God in meekness, and this by the power of the Spirit.
Several have embraced the Sabbath truth here of late. I think the good work is on the advance. It does us good to hear from brethren abroad. I hope they will not only write of their joys, but of their trials also; then we can the better pray for one another."
Bro. E. Goodwin writes from Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 8th, 1853:—"Last Sabbath Bro. Ingraham was with us, and the church seemed much strengthened. To-day we have had a very good meeting. We have enjoyed considerable liberty, and a good degree of the Spirit of the Lord.
Sister Lillis has been quite sick of late; could not sit up at all yesterday; but to-day was, in answer to prayer, greatly blest and strengthened of the Lord.—She came into the meeting and glorified God by praising him, and leaving a good strong testimony in favor of present truth. There has several come into the truth in this place of late."
The word Sanctuary.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE following list, it is believed, contains every instance in which the word Sanctuary occurs in the Bible. It has been prepared with much labor, and contains a large number of texts on the point not cited by any concordance. It is presented for the benefit of Bible students, with the request that they will cite us to any instances which are here omitted, if such there be. J. N. A.
TO THE SAINTS SCATTERED ABROAD :—Redemption is drawing near. The work of the Lord has moved forward, during the past year, altogether beyond our most sanguine expectations. This gives us reason to think that He will make a short work upon the earth. And it is my great desire to get ready for the kingdom; and to be found in the way of my duty. I want to be willing to do the will of our Father in heaven. And it is my heart's desire, and prayer to God, that I may have the guidance of the Spirit of truth.
It is my earnest desire, that I may be willing to suffer with Jesus, the little time which is allotted us, in this state of trial, so that I may share a part with those, who, through much tribulation, enter the kingdom.
We have no cause to grow weary or faint in our minds, but much to encourage us to renewed efforts in the cause of truth. We may be assured that the hand of the Lord is set to the work of restoring his down-trodden truth, and of gathering the remnant of his people; and the work will go on, till a people are prepared for translation, at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The 144,000 will stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion; for the word cannot fail. Let us then hold fast, that no man take our crown. Let us keep all that we have and are, on the altar of the Lord, ready whenever His cause shall demand the sacrifice. This I mean to do by divine assistance.
Yours in the blessed hope, R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., Jan. 1853.
Sabbath Work in Vermont
By Elon Everts
From Bro. Everts.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Bro. Bates has been laboring in this vicinity, viz: New Haven, Panton and Weybridge, and a heavenly influence has accompanied, a blessing followed, resting on the brethren and sisters, and some acknowledged the Sabbath, and others are anxiously inquiring, and one interesting conversion. Bro. Bates and myself were at Low Hampton, Jan. 2d. Bro. Bates lectured in the Advent Chapel in the evening. I judged by the attentive, anxious appearance of the brethren, and also their expressions, that they were fed, and that their cautious fears were vanishing away. At the meeting's close, one Baptist member, a trustee of their house, arose, and invited Bro. Bates to come and lecture in their house; he said that he would open, warm and light the house, and welcome us in, for he wished to hear; for, said he, "I believe every word you have preached." Although thankful for his kindness, we declined the offer, and departed in the morning. A kind feeling pervades the brethren, and their kindness toward us was christian. Some there acknowledge the Sabbath, others, anxiously inquiring, and say that they wish more lectures, and a number in the Baptist church want to hear.
We found Brn. Grandy and Curtis and their companions at Glens Falls. More tears in humble devotion and gratitude, I seldom witness. O! how thankful for our call, a portion of meat to refresh their hungry souls. Three, I trust, are decided on the Sabbath. We found a Bro. Freeman and his daughter in Sandyhill, who appeared interested in the Sabbath, and a colored sister Weston who saw the Sabbath, and said that she should keep it. We went to Fort Edward and found Sr. Little and her husband. She said that she had prayed a long time for some brethren to call. How lonely she felt. Her dear husband sympathized in tears with her. O, how impressively Eze. xxxiv, rests on my soul, when I behold the scattered, lonely, weeping children. Yet, how comforting the promise.
"I will search my sheep, and seek them out, and deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. I will bring them out from the people; I will feed them in a good pasture, upon the mountains of Israel shall their fold be. I will seek that which was lost, and bring that which was driven away; and bind up that which was broken, and strengthen that which was sick: and I will set up one Shepherd over them, and he shall feed them. And I the Lord will be their God. And I will make a covenant of peace with them: they shall dwell safely; and none shall make them afraid. Amen. Praise the Lord, that he has set his hand to gather his people. The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
My soul weeps over those lonely, starving ones, when I think that death is coming, and all are appointed unto death; and one way only of escape is appointed; and that is to heed the third angel's message, that is, patiently to endure our trials; keep God's commandments, and the faith of Jesus. But the holy Sabbath draws so straight a line, that many, I fear, try to climb up some other way; not realizing the weight of importance of simply obeying God. They like Naaman, look for men-great acts. "Who hath despised the day of small things?" ELON EVERTS.
New Haven, Vt., Jan. 9th, 1853.
The Present Truth
By James Hilborn
From Bro. Hilborn.
Dear Bro. White—Though a stranger to you, personally, yet I rejoice to say that I feel familiarly acquainted with the spirit you seem to manifest in that very welcome Paper which you send to me. Unless I am entirely mistaken in regard to what the Spirit of my blessed Jesus is, it is a very prominent characteristic of the principal writers of the Review. And my prayer is that nothing which savors of a contrary spirit may ever find a place in its columns.
As it was sent me free of charge, it is certainly due from me, at least, to say that it has been read with pleasure, and I trust with profit, and I feel to praise God for the light of the present truth that shines into my soul, although I feel to be a lonely pilgrim here. In St. Peter's time there was a present truth, or a truth applicable to that time. The Church has ever had a present truth. The present truth now is that which shows present duty, and the right position for us, who are about to witness the time of trouble such as never was.—Present truth must be oft repeated, even to those who are established in it. This was needful in the Apostle's day, and it certainly is no less important for us, who are living just before the close of time. Obedience to the truth will kill us to this world, that we may be made alive by faith in Jesus. "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth." John xvii, 17. This was the prayer of Jesus. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth." 3 John 4. Error darkens and fetters the mind; but the truth brings with it freedom, and gives light and life. True charity, or love, rejoiceth in the truth. Cor. xiii, 6. "Thy law is the truth." Ps. cxix, 142. David describing the day of slaughter, when the "pestilence shall walk in darkness, and destruction waste at noonday," so that "a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand," says: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Ps. xci, 4.
Now is the time, the only time, to seek a shelter in the truth of the living God. What is done to spread the truth, must be done quickly. The four angels are holding the angry nations in check but a few days, until the saints are sealed. Then it will be too late to spread before precious souls the present saving truths of the Holy Bible. May God help them to receive the truth, and be established in it, is my prayer.
Oakwood, C. W., Jan., 1853. JAMES HILBORN.
Spiritualism and Perfectionism.
By Editor
THESE will no more unite and run in harmony with the present truth, than oil and water will mix. We are ever anxious to extend the hand of sympathy to those who are bound in the snare of Satan; but it is a fact that those affected with Perfectionism and Spiritualism are generally in their own estimation, so far in advance of their brethren that they cannot be helped. They have great spiritual exercises, and views of truth, which they think are directly from God, when in fact they are led captive by the Devil. Such view their brethren in the dark, and far on the back ground, and, instead of humbling themselves before God, take an exalted position, and exhort their brethren to come up where they are. And while imagining that they stand in such great light, cannot receive the counsel of their brethren, whom they view in the dark, and are ready to maintain their exalted position against the opinion of the whole Church. We would be glad to help such, but until they see their poverty, and wretched condition, and humble themselves, they cannot be helped. The spirit they possess will not unite with the Spirit of truth. Such, after scriptural admonitions, should be separated from the fellowship of the saints, according to 2 Thess. iii, 6. This is necessary for their own good, and the prosperity of the Church.
Meetings in Rochester.
By Editor
ON the Sabbath, 124 Mount Hope Avenue, at 10½ A. M., and at 2 P. M.
On First-day, at Bro. Orton's, Union St., third house from Monroe, at 2 P. M., and 6½ in the evening.
Tuesday evening, at Bro. Seely's No. 3, Alexander St. at 6½.
Appointments.
By Samuel W. Rhodes
The Brethren in Rochester have concluded to hold a Conference, at their usual places of worship, Jan. 29th and 30th. The Advent Brethren and friends in the city, are invited to meet with us. The Brethren in the vicinity are cordially invited to attend this meeting.
There will be a Conference at Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y., at the house of Bro. Silas Rogers, Jr., Jan. 22d and 23d.
And also, at Lincklaen, wherever the Brethren may appoint, Jan. 29th and 30th.
Bro. W. S. Ingraham will attend these meetings with me.
SAMUEL W. RHODES.
Publications.
By Editor
THE BIBLE SABBATH, or a careful selection from the Publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including the History of the Sabbath—64 pages.
Perpetuity of the Law of God—32 pages.
The Seventh-day Sabbath—48 pages.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins—24 pages.
Brief exposition of the Angels of Rev. xiv—32 pages.
Review of O. R. L. Crozier on the Institution, Design and Abolition of the Sabbath, by J. N. ANDREWS—48 pages.
Conversation on the Sabbath Question—16 pages.
The Advent Review, containing thrilling testimonies relative to the past Advent movement—48 pages.
These publications can be had of us by sending the means to pay the postage, which is only one cent for each tract.—Those who wish to send means to pay for what publications they order, will find their money receipted for Tracts, with the postage that we pay, deducted.
We also have on hand our Hymn Book, well bound, price 30 cents. Postage 2 cents.
Also the Review and Herald, Vol. II 14 Nos., bound in paper covers, price 50 cents. Postage 7 cents.
The Chart—"A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John and their Chronology," published by Otis Nichols, Dorchester, Mass.—Price—on rollers, $2. We will send it by Mail, without rollers, for the same price.
Back Numbers for Subscribers
By Editor
THOSE who send names of new subscribers, will please inform us if back numbers are wanted, and how many. We can supply one hundred with all the back numbers of the present volume, but shall send none unless requested. We have no other use for them, and shall be glad to send them to those who wish them. Those ordering the REVIEW will please be particular, as we do not wish to withhold back numbers from those who should have them, neither burden any with them. If any of our readers wish back numbers to make up a full set, they can be supplied.
Request for Brother Baker
By Editor
The friends in Western New York often inquire for Bro. Baker. He is requested to attend our Conference and spend a few months in this State if consistent with duty.
Visit to Canada West
By Editor
We understand that Brn. Cottrell and Lindsey design visiting Canada West. The cause has suffered there for want of laborers. May the Lord bless the labors of these brethren.
Correctly Quoting Scripture
By Editor
It is really wrong to mangle the word of God, as some do, in quoting scripture incorrectly. Those who write, should take the trouble to turn to the text they wish to quote, and be sure and copy it correctly.
Letters received since Jan. 6th.
By Editor
M. J. Brown, A. Belden, H. S. Gurney, S. M. Bauder, E. Goodwin, A. R. Smith, M. Leadbeater, M. L. Bauder, H. D. Barton P. M., P. D. Lawrence, R. F. Cottrell, J. Bates, F. Fuller, B. B. Brown.
Receipts.
J. Hebner, J. B. Sweet, J. Cady, P. D. Flood, M. E. Towser, C. J. Stowell, A. B. Pearsall, J. Sage, T. Harris, J. Bushman, H. Bingham, W. Peabody, J. Hanson, W. Lassell, B. Stillman, a friend, J. C. Day, D. R. Wood, Sr. Wood, E. Degarmo, I. Cornell, M. D. Elger, S. Gove, W. Mayhew, C. Deeth, O. Davis, N. L. Thayer, each $1.
H. A. Mead, E. Newson, W. Dawson, L. M. Ricker, P. Rodgers, J. Byington, H. S. Gurney, S. Bunnell, each $2.
F. Dawson, A. Kellogg, J. C. Kellogg, J. Champan, each 75 cents. J. Miracle, J. Thorn, each 25 cents. L. H. Priest, L. Priest, each $1,25. A. Thayer, a friend in Rochester, D. Ford, each $5. H. Dawson, J. Hilborn, each $4. J. P. Kellogg, $10. M. Thayer, $3. E. V. Wyard, 87 cents. P. Crofut, 13 cents. H. Lathrop, 50 cents.
For Tracts.
Henry Lyons, Darius Myers, J. P. Kellogg, each $10. H. C. Mason, 40 cents. A. Woodruff, $1.70. J. Hilborn, R. S. Johnson, each 50 cents. L. Johnson, D. Ford, each $1. L. Harrington, $2.