Earlier text: THE TWO WITNESSESREFLECTIONS ON THE SANCTUARY.
THE SANCTUARY! Momentous subject! Grand nucleus around which cluster the glorious constellations of present truth! How it opens to our understanding the plan of salvation! How it lifts the vail from the position of our Lord in heaven! What a halo of glory it throws upon his ministry! What a divine harmony it establishes in the word of God! What a flood of light it pours upon past fulfillment of prophecy! How it fortifies the mighty truths of these last days! What a glory it sheds upon the future! With what hope and joy and consolation it fills the heart of the believer! Glorious subject! Its importance can neither be overdrawn nor overestimated. It is as though a new apartment of the heavenly temple were suddenly opened before us, filled with all the divine splendor, the majesty and the beauty of eternal truth. We venture the assertion that it is impossible for a person to entertain correct and scriptural views on the subject of the Sanctuary, and yet be at variance with any of the fundamental points of what we consider Present Truth; and perhaps no one fact can serve to place its importance in a stronger light than this. It is the great safeguard against all those bewildering errors, which since the passing of the time in 1844, have torn and scattered the once harmonious body of Advent believers. An application of this fact in a few particulars may be well. The wild and disastrous work that has been made by some during the past thirteen years, in setting so many erroneous times for the second advent of the Saviour, growing out of the idea that the prophetic periods must reach to the coming of the Lord, in the light of the Sanctuary might have been avoided. That shows us at once that those periods were not designed to extend to that event. The most important one, perhaps, any where given in the Scriptures, is expressly declared to reach only to the cleansing of the Sanctuary. Dan. viii, 14. The 2300 days ended in 1844. We believe that then our great High Priest entered into the most holy of the heavenly Sanctuary, and commenced the work of its cleansing, as the prophecy declared, and that no jot nor tittle of what we were warranted to expect at that time, has in any wise failed. That any of the prophetic periods extend beyond the termination of the 2300 days we have no evidence. The 1335 days will doubtless here recur to the mind of the reader, and the inquiry will arise if Daniel's standing in his lot at the end of the days does not mean his rising in the resurrection, and if therefore those days do not extend to the coming of the Lord. The difficulty lies in the expression, "stand in thy lot." The lot is taken to mean the "lot of his inheritance," and the sentence is supposed to refer to the resurrection. The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance however shows that this is not its meaning. The Hebrew word from which lot in Dan. xii, 13 is translated, is "goh-rahl." This word occurs, and is translated lot, seventy-six times in the Old Testament. That the reader may be able to determine its signification we give the instances of its use. Lev. xvi, 8. Aaron shall cast lots, one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scape-goat. 9. upon which the Lord's lot fell. 10. on which the lot fell. Num. xxvi, 55. the land shall be divided by lot. 56. according to the lot shall the. See also Num. xxxiii, 54; xxxiv, 13; xxxvi, 2, 3; Josh. xiv, 2; xv, 1; xvi, 1; xvii, 1, 14, 17; xviii, 6, 8, 10, 11; xix, 1, 10, 17, 24, 32, 40, 51; xxi, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40; Jod. i, 3; xx, 9; 1 Chron. vi, 54, 61, 63, 65; xxiv, 8, 7, 31; xxv, 1; xxvi, 13, 14; Neh. x, 34; xi, 1; Neh. xi, 1; ix, 2; 5; xxi, 3; cxxv, 3; Prov. i, 14; xvi, 33; xviii, 18; Isa. xvii, 14; xxxiv, 17; lvii, 6; Jer. xii, 25; Eze. xxiv, 6; Dan. xii, 13; Joel iii, 3; Obad. 11; Jonah i, 7; Micah ii, 5; Nah. iii, 10. The definition of the word lot, as given by Webster, 1. "That which in human speech, is called chance, hazard, fortune, but, in strictness of language, is the determination of Providence; as, the land shall be divided by lot. 2. That by which the fate or portion of one is determined; that by which an event is committed to chance, that is, to the determination of Providence; as, to cast lots; to draw lots." There is another word [gheb-tel] which is translated, region, country, lot of inheritance, &c., as in Deut. iii, 4, 13, 14; xxxii, 9; Josh. xvii, 5, 14; xix, 9, 20. But it not being the word used in Dan. xii, 13, all ground for the objection usually raised on that point, is removed. It will hence be seen that Daniel does not stand in the "lot of his inheritance," as it has been expressed, at the end of the 1335 days, but he stands in his lot in the decisions of the judgment of the righteous dead. He stands in his lot, with all the righteous dead, in the person of his Advocate. And such we believe has been his position since the ending of the days. The vexed question of Daniel's standing in his lot is therefore thus reduced to a finality. The word that is used, determines it with a precision, from which there is no appeal. Being satisfied with regard to the termination of the prophetic periods, we are guarded also, by this subject, against giving up the past Advent movement, as a delusion, or ignoring the divine agency that produced it. We are prevented from missapplying the first and second messages of Rev. xiv, as they were but proclamations preparatory to the Sanctuary work; and we are as firmly fixed upon the third, since that work is its very root and foundation. But we call attention more particularly to the connection which this subject has with a practice which constitutes one of our distinguishing features as a people—we mean the observance of the Lord's Sabbath. We read in Revelation, "that the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." Chap. xi, 19. This ark of the testament, whether contemplated on the earth, as man was connected with it under the former dispensation, or in heaven as it is here introduced to us, is equally an object of interest. Considering that the Sanctuary of the first covenant was but a type or shadow of the Sanctuary of this, which now exists in heaven, who may tell us that the ark of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man, differs from the former, either in the purposes for which it was used, or the things which it contains? The ark of the earthly Sanctuary was called the ark of the testimony, or testament. Ex. xxv, 22. It contained the tables of stone, on which were engraved by the finger of God the ten commandments, and just as he engraved them. Ex. xxv, 16; xxxi, 18. The ark of the heavenly Sanctuary, called also the ark of his testament, as in the text above quoted, [Rev. xi, 19,] must also contain similar tables, else it was not prefigured by the former. The ark, then, under whatever dispensation we view it, suggests to our mind the same idea: the commandments of God, as he uttered them from Sinai, and engraved them with his own finger. But who can suppose that thoughts of the ark, or the writing it contained, suggested to the mind of a Jew, the observance of the first day of the week as a day of rest! Neither does it suggest such an idea to our minds; but quite another, according to the reading of the fourth commandment contained in it, which says, The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, &c. Such are some of the considerations which naturally connect themselves with the ark of God. But, says the Revelation, "The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament;" therefore considerations like these have been, and are still, agitating the minds of the people; and as we have seen by faith, through the the declarations of his word, those tables of the law carefully preserved in the holy temple of the Highest, overwhelming impressions of its immutability and perpetuity have rolled over us, till we could do no otherwise than turn our feet to the keeping of all those holy commandments. Here is a nail in a sure place. The tables of the testimony are enthroned in heaven. There they exist without liability of change or decay. Men may legislate and hold councils, and pass decrees, and vent their rage against those who will acknowledge the claims of the royal law, but they cannot touch the law: as high as heaven from earth it still remains above their reach. What must man do to change it? He must ascend to heaven, dethrone Jehovah, burst through the angel guards into the sacred temple, wrest from the ark the mercy-seat, and with his own would-be omnipotent finger, change the writing of the imperishable tables. And yet people will talk about the change of the law as a very little thing! or even proceed further and speak of its abolition! They might as well talk of abolishing earth and heaven! The temple has been opened in heaven, and there is seen the ark of his testament. I have set before thee an open door, says Jesus, and no man can shut it. Rev. iii, 8. Men may endeavor with all their energies to obscure the claims of the law, but they cannot obscure them. They may raise all the stir they please amid the dust and dirt of earth, and joy over the portion they succeed in throwing into their own eyes: but we have only, as it were, to look away to the heavenly Sanctuary, and behold therein the ark of his testament, and in that ark the tables of the commandments, safely deposited beneath the eye of Him who slumbers not nor sleeps. We now perceive a beauty, before unnoticed, in the work of redemption. Sin is the transgression of the law. The law is deposited in the ark. The cover of the ark is the mercy-seat. Ex. xxv, 21. Before the mercy-seat Christ pleads his blood for sinful man. Before the eyes of our Mediator therefore lies the law which we have transgressed, and which is the test of our characters. And now, reader, what think you? Can you with confidence approach the throne of grace, and plead with the Minister of the Sanctuary for mercy until you are conscious that you are at least striving to keep every one of those commandments, just as they are engraved upon those tables which repose beneath the mercy-seat before which he ministers? Think well upon this point; and may the Lord help you to seek in a consistent manner remission of your sins, and justification by faith in Christ. Thus the Sanctuary becomes a great bulwark of the truth on every hand. We do not say that a person cannot keep the Sabbath unless he believes in it; but we do say that a person cannot believe in it, and yet consistently, we may say honestly, refuse to observe the Sabbath. Never lose sight of the Sanctuary. When the carnal heart is venting its spite against the law of God, look to the Sanctuary. Amid all the opposition of "unreasonable men" against the commandments of God, look to the Sanctuary. In hours of darkness, trial, temptation and persecution, look to the Sanctuary. There is light and glory there. There help has been laid upon one that is mighty. There our High Priest ministers for us; and thither our hope has entered, within the vail. Heb. vi, 19, 20. TOUR IN WISCONSIN.
By J. H. Waggoner
BRO. SMITH : After our meetings at Round Grove, we went to Crane's Grove, Ills, where we found two families keeping the Sabbath. We held a meeting in the evening, (Feb. 23,) which we trust was profitable to all in attendance. Next day we went to Bro. Sanborn's in Green Co. Wis. We found Bro. S. and his companion and a few others, firm in the present truth. He took us on our way as far as Mt. Pleasant, but on account of sickness in his family, he was unable149 to remain with us, or accompany us on our way north. We remained at Mt. Pleasant over the Sabbath, and till Third-day, March 2d. Nothing had ever been spoken in favor of the Sabbath in this place, but much against it; and we regretted to find that prejudice against the truth was exceeding strong. But little interest was manifested to hear. The Expositor is read considerably, and the Age-to-come is emphatically the hobby. The tendency of the no-law teachings was plain to be seen in the absence of family prayer, and want of faith in the influence of the Spirit of God. Though the teachers of these churches profess to enjoy much more light than the denominations around that reject their views, we think that the Apostle's description of those of the last days will apply more forcibly to them than to any other class; "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof." On First-day, A. M., Eld. Collings of Ills. came in just before the close of the meeting, though he had an appointment at Twin Grove, about twelve miles south. He took occasion, without having heard more than our closing remarks, to denounce us as "perverting and mangling the word of God." Though he spoke in the evening, and remained there when we left, we could not by any means press him to even try to sustain his accusation, or speak on the point then at issue. In the afternoon Bro. Andrews spoke on the perpetuity of the law of God. Every point touched was cleared of all obscurity, and proved beyond the possibility of successful contradiction. Eld. C., though he spoke considerable on the subject, did not touch on the points presented by Bro. A. Some of the positions of Eld. Collings were truly singular. He declared that the penalties of the law given to Israel were only temporal, to be inflicted by the rulers, and did not reach to the future. And so of its blessings; they referred only to their present life in the land of Canaan. According to this, no action done under that constitution, (as he sometimes termed that system,) can be a subject of future judgment. The murderer, if stoned, has had his punishment, or if he escaped, his escape was final. And so of the obedient: a happy life in the land of Canaan, was his only portion; and if either class, from Moses to Christ, are raised at the last day, their destiny cannot be decided by their actions in life. In regard to the "commandments and laws" kept by Abraham, (Gen. xxvi, 3-5.) he gave a trialogue as follows: 1. Come out from among thy people. 2. Walk through the land. 3. Offer Isaac. By comparing Gen, xxvi, with chap. xii, the fallacy and folly of such statements will be apparent; he had cause and effect reversed. And that we, as subjects of the covenant of grace, would develop better characters in keeping the above three commandments than in keeping the ten given on Sinai, may well be doubted! He also declared that the ten commandments were "the beggarly elements of the world," and many other things equally absurd. Yet many seemed to think there was great force in his arguments. Truly do the blind lead the blind. On our way to our published appointment, we passed through Union, Rock Co.; but as we went by a hired conveyance, we did not have the opportunity of visiting there that we desired. According to request, the brethren made arrangements for our meeting at Koskonong, Jefferson Co. Words cannot express my feelings on returning to that place after an absence of over three years. Time was when the leaven of the Third Angel's Message pervaded almost the entire community. Parents and children united their voices at the altar of prayer. The Spirit of God deeply impressed the truth on willing hearts. Their meetings were characterized by fervent prayers and exhortations. But now, how changed! Though many retained a belief of the message, the Age-to-come had supplanted its spirit and power, the family altars were broken down; and the meetings when held, attended by but few, were scenes of contention and confusion. Had the faithless shepherds, Stephenson and Hall, plotted the downfall of the message from the beginning, they could not have wrought more effectually. But the good Lord was pleased to honor and maintain his truth. Some have realized the fearful position they occupied, and were glad to hear the cry of the Third Angel again raised in Koskonong. Bro. Phelps has for some time past been waiting in hope that an effort would be made, to free the cause in Wisconsin from the influences that have so long bound it, and he hailed our appointment with joy. He said when he heard that Stephenson had turned away from the Sabbath he was fired with new zeal; and the influence of that act was about the same on all who delighted in the law of God. We had supposed that it would be quite different; but we presume that Koskonong may be considered a fair representative of the whole; and we found that they had so far lost confidence in him before that time, that not a single one, so far as we could learn, was the least shaken by his apostasy. As Bro. Phelps has spoken for himself in the Review, we need not speak of his present position; but it was with grateful joy that we heard him declare his anxiety to again enter the field and devote his time exclusively to the present truth. Also the result of our meeting with Bro. Mellberg was truly gratifying. He confessed his past errors with many tears, and has again set up the family altar, some time cast down. This brother has the ability to do good in the cause of truth, and we hope and pray that the Lord in his providence may call his talent into use. He feels a deep interest in his own countrymen, and the Norwegians. Of the latter seven or eight families are keeping the Sabbath. We left some books for distribution among them, as some of the younger can read them, and are already somewhat interested in the truths relating to the message. We left Jefferson Co. cheered and encouraged. But we regret that Bro. Phelps' circumstances are not more favorable to his fulfilling his ardent desire. We hope, however, that the churches will do their duty in his behalf; and we would ask the Lord's faithful stewards to remember his case. Yesterday morning Bro. Hart left for home, as his business seemed to call him. This we regretted very much, as we desired and had expected his assistance in our labors in this State. Bro. Andrews and myself arrived here last night, and commence meetings this evening. We shall remain here over First-day, the Lord willing. MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By James White
FEBUARY 26th, we met in conference with the brethren at Green Spring. We preached at this meeting the best we could, but it was a dark hard place to preach. Some who had been in the truth for years, came with an exalted spirit, destitute of a sense of the solemnity of this time and the present work. The erring were faithfully reproved. The meeting closed with some degree of freedom, and hope for better times in time to come. March 6th and 7th we met in conference with the brethren in Gilboa. Here assembled about one hundred brethren and sisters in a school-room, fifty by twenty-five feet. The people crowded in so that the place was very uncomfortable. All three of their meeting-houses were closed against us, yet on First-day it was thought that our congregation packed into the school-room, was nearly as large as all three comfortably seated in their meeting-houses. The opposition in Gilboa, is bold and wicked. We had freedom in speaking the Word, but our feelings were saddened at the bold, scoffing faces of many scorners. The pointed, solemn truth spoken, sometimes caused even the scoffer to weep, but he would the next moment resist it with a careless smile, or cover his feelings with a sort of angry grin. The harvest is very ripe in Gilboa. Eighty there profess the present truth. How solemn the thought! The last message of mercy ripening the harvest of the earth! It is so! It is so! Where the people have a chance to hear the reasons of our faith and hope, a few decide for the truth, the mass decide against it, and fall back never to be aroused again by the truth. The work is taking this form more and more, which is to us a tremendous evidence that we are nearing the loud cry of the message. In this church is much wealth which will doubtless sink some, while others begin to feel their responsible duties as stewards of the Lord. Brother T. J. Butler was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. At their meeting of business the brethren voted unanimously that $100,00 should be raised in Ohio for Bro. M. E. Cornell as a donation, to assist him in publishing a book, entitled, "Facts for the times, a book of Extracts." This is a valuable work. We stated to the conference, that on the strength of their vote, we should borrow the $100,00, and print the book immediately. On our way home we obtained the cash, and now say to the brethren in Ohio, send your donations to this Office, or hand them to Bro. T. J. Butler of Gilboa. March 13th and 14th we enjoyed freedom with the young church at Lovett's Grove. Bro. Holt's labors have been greatly blessed in this place. He thinks about forty are keeping the Sabbath in this place. A few weeks since there were none. We enjoyed great freedom with these brethren. On First-day God manifested his power in a wonderful manner before the crowded assembly. Several decided to keep the Lord's Sabbath and go with the people of God. We feel much indebted to Bro. and Sr. Tillotson who were with us two weeks and conveyed us comfortably with their carriage all the way from where we left the rail road at Green Spring, till we found it again at Freemont where we took the cars for home. Here we will add, that we regard the cause in Ohio in a prosperous condition. There is much wealth among the brethren which we fear will drown many of them in perdition. This is the most discouraging feature at present. God help them to faithfully perform their stewardship. They may expect the labors of Bro. J. N. Loughborough this tent season. J. W. Daily Remembrance of Good Things
Refresh your memory with good things daily. Report of Publishing Committee.
By Editor
It has become our duty to report to the friends of the REVIEW the financial condition of the Office. Since May 7th, 1857, the expenses of the REVIEW have exceeded receipts about $625,00. This sum is needed to meet demands against the Office. And besides this sum, $1000,00 at least is now needed to go forward with the publication of the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and books which should be published immediately. As our Book Fund of $1400,00 is in books, it can render assistance only as cash comes in from the sales of books. A work of 200 pages on the Signs of the Times, was commenced last fall, but was not finished for want of means. It is much needed. Bro. Waggoner has revised his "Truth Found" for publication, and there are other works, amounting in all to about 600 pages, which should be published, and will be as soon as possible if the friends of the REVIEW will do as follows: 1. All those who receive bills of what they owe, pay their indebtedness without delay. 2. All the friends of the REVIEW comply with its terms as near as possible—pay in advance—be ready for next volume—only eight weeks and it will commence. 3. All who can spare the money now, send pay for one or two years in advance, instead of six months. Will traveling preachers, and some brother in each church, collect means in payment of the REVIEW, and forward it to the Office. CYRENIUS SMITH, } Publishing
J. P. KELLOGG, } Committee.
D. R. PALMER. } LETTERS.
By Mary Fairbanks
'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.' BRO. SMITH: I have long felt a desire to cast in my testimony on the side of present truth, and a sense of my own weakness has prevented me from doing so; but I now feel like saying a few words, weak as it may be. And first, to those lonely ones, who are situated as I am, and have not the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith, I would say, Be of good cheer. Let us be faithful to the light God has given us; for I do believe we have the true light of Bible truth on the Third Angel's Message. How thankful and humble we ought to be that God has not left us to grope in darkness and unbelief on this important truth. In view of God's goodness, let us not murmur at our lot, that we have to go alone, as it were, but rejoice that we are called to go at all. We are often lonely and weary, and by sorrow oppressed, but Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness. My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish. These and many others are precious promises for the lonely pilgrim, therefore let us cleave to the Lord and to the word of his testimony, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not. We shall not always be alone. The day is not far distant when if we are faithful to the grace and light given us, we shall join that innumerable company, and sing the song of redeeming love forever. O, ye lonely ones, if we are so happy as to reach that blest abode, we shall forget the rough lone way we traveled to get there. The Lord help us to persevere to the end of the race. And to you, dear brethren, whom God has called to work in his vineyard, and labor in word and in doctrine, my heart often sympathizes with you in view of the hard toils and trials you are called to pass through; but the blessed hope is in view. God has not called you to beat the air, but to proclaim his everlasting gospel of the kingdom to a wicked world. Remember the promise, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. It is through much tribulation we enter the kingdom of heaven. May you join with Paul where he says, 'I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.' You are in a good cause, it is God's cause and he will sustain you in all your hardships. I do not think as some do that you need to work for exercise; for I think when a man has rode twenty-five miles to meet an afternoon appointment, and preached two hours, he has had exercise enough for that day, as our brother says. I rejoice to know the cause is rising in spite of all the powers of darkness. O that the Lord would raise up and send forth more laborers into the field. Will my brother Editors excuse me for saying a few words to them. I rejoice that your labor and toil is much relieved by the help of the power press, and also for the precious truth you send forth to the scattered flock. I feel I should almost faint by the way, were it not for the Review and Herald which comes weekly bringing the blessed tidings of the kingdom and the prosperity of the cause. As I was reading in the Review your account of the commencement of the Third Angel's Message, under what trials and privations you engaged in the cause, and see that the present time, I am reminded of our Saviour's parable of the grain of mustard-seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which, when grown it became a tree. Has not this message become quite a tree? And bless the Lord, it is growing rapidly, notwithstanding all the clubs and stones men have hurled against it to break it down. You have reason to rejoice to see the truth you advocate spreading through the land. Our Saviour tells us every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Where should we look for these things, were it not for the truths brought out by your researches. The nominal church is asleep, and their watchmen are all dumb dogs, they refuse to bark. Therefore brethren, go on, and the Lord bless you in your patience of hope, and labor of love. My dear brethren and sisters generally, perhaps in reading over what I have already written you will have sufficient reason to think I have exposed my weakness enough. It may be true, but bear with an old pilgrim whose hour-glass has counted off seventy-one years this day. When I look back upon my long life, I see much that I have reason to repent of, but the Lord being my help I will strive with you to overcome the world, the flesh and Satan. The Lord has done great things for us, in bringing us into the present truth and the love of it. There are many who see the truth but do not love it, it is unpopular, but let us strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. And why? because they wish to take the world with them. We must become very small if we would walk in the narrow path. O let us strip ourselves of this world's popularity; that we may run the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despised the shame and is seated at the right hand of his Father in heaven. Let us go to Jesus, bearing his reproach without the camp. We who are looking for the coming of the Lord, should cut loose from this world's pride. We need all our time and talents for a preparation for that all-important day. O my soul, how much sanctifying grace I need to stand when Jesus comes to gather his ransomed ones home. I often fear I shall be left in that day; but God has not called us to fear, but to believe and hope. The Christian's hope is compared to an anchor, and if it is cast within the vail where Jesus is it will hold; and the nearer we live to God, the stronger our hope. Not that we merit anything, but in keeping the commandments there is great reward. Let us give all diligence to make our calling and election sure in Christ Jesus. Your unworthy sister striving for eternal life.
MARY FAIRBANKS.
Suspension Bridge, C. W., Feb. 25th, 1855. Truth Making Impressions in Iowa
By M. Hull
Bro. Smith: I am cheered from week to week with the Review and fully believe it is to be the organ of the remnant. It has been misrepresented to me, which has caused me to have strong prejudice against it, but I find upon examination that it is just what we need. I do long to get more into the spirit of the truths it publishes, especially the admonition to the Laodiceans. Brethren, shall we heed the present truth? Shall we open the door while the Lord is knocking? or will we neglect these things and let others take our crowns? I thank God that men are beginning to see the positions they occupy. It is a solemn truth which should make a lasting impression upon every heart. Truth is making a good impression in Iowa. Since I arrived here (Dec. 25, 1857) nearly a score have commenced keeping the commandments of God in connection with the faith of Jesus. May the Lord preserve them. The truths concerning the Two-horned beast, Three messages, Sanctuary, &c., are making deep impressions. J. M. Stephenson's articles have done but little harm in Iowa, as he makes his pills so large that few are able to swallow them. He asserts that a Jew can keep the ten commandments, and hate God and his neighbor at the same time. Again he asserts that every one of the ten commandments are abolished. He had loaded his gun so heavy that it has shot the wrong way and killed him instead of the commandments of God. Brethren, cannot we have a Tent in Iowa? I do think this State is the best field in the West. I am certain that two good, humble men with a Tent in this State can do much for the cause of truth. Will the brethren act upon it immediately? Brethren, pray for me that I may understand the present truth, overcome the corruptions of the present world, and at last sit down with the faithful in the kingdom of God. M. Hull. P. S. My address is Philo, Union Co., Iowa. M. H. The Law of Liberty and Ordinances
By J. S. Richards
BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of five pamphlets and six papers which you sent by mail, and which were received about one week since. I am really thankful for the favors and hope you may be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. My mind has been much interested while reading the pamphlets; and I have seen in them many points made very clear by the reasoning—many which had caused me much perplexity, inasmuch as I did not realize the marked distinction between the "perfect law of liberty," and the law pertaining to ordinances! Almost every query in my mind seems to have been anticipated and answered to my satisfaction. The papers are also profitable and interesting, and as they may be needed I hope you will be enabled to continue to publish, and if I become free from embarrassments of a pecuniary character, I hope to find myself disposed to subscribe for it for my own and others' benefit. I acknowledge that the Advent doctrine has done much for me, but the views of truth which seem to be presenting themselves really make a great harmony and bid fair to do additional work in the way of preparing men for the solemn events before us, and especially the last—the change which is to be wrought for the church—the change from mortality to immortality. I have never been able to see how God can save any man who is alive "at that day" unless that man is dwelling in the light—is so dedicated to God as to be in the place where he keeps all the commandments, and by so doing is accounted as having "right to the tree of life," &c. And yet I did not plainly see how much is expressed in the words, "his commandments," which are found in the Bible. Probably I do not yet see all the truth, but I am decided to continue to investigate, and I pray God to lead me in his truth. I am so much convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath that I ventured to rest last Sabbath, and although several wanted me to work, (I am a boot and shoe maker by trade,) I could not conscientiously do so, and to-day I look back to that day as the most peculiar of any in all my efforts to do my Father's will. Friday, at sunset, I was ready to say Sabbath, and Saturday, at sunset, I felt that I had arrived at the beginning of the first day of the week. To-day I have mailed two books, the Sab. and Ad. Miscellany, and Perpetuity of the Royal Law, to Dr. D. S. Richards, (a brother of mine, and well disposed towards the Advent truth so far as he has known of it,) who now resides in Richmond, Maine. And if I can see any prospect of getting his attention I mean to get other works into his hands, if the Lord will. I think I can preach easier and present a more beautiful and solemn array of Bible requirements than at any previous time. It does seem impossible to keep the light under a bushel. No man can tell how much my mind has reached after the truth, nor how bad I felt when I found myself again with those who never prized the Bible; and though I tried to enjoy their company and pleasurable pursuits, yet I often anxiously hoped I might once more get hold of something that I could see was both Bible and present truth, that would give me assurance of the right kind. Pray for me, and may we meet (if not before) where our hopes shall not be blasted, but where we shall see the King in his beauty. J. S. RICHARDS. Centre Lincolnville, Me., March 9th, 1858. P. S. THURSTON
By P. S. Thurston
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I will say by way of encouragement, I realize of a truth that the Spirit of God is not confined to localities, but wherever I go bearing testimony, I find some who have received the good word of our Lord into their hearts, and are faithfully striving to work out what God151works in, that others may receive of the things which make for their peace. Lest some one might infer from the above that I was presuming to preach, I will state that wherever I travel on business, there in my weak way do I try to let my light shine, improving every opportunity to impart instruction; and I thank God I find many in this western land who are hungering, yea, even thirsting, for the bread of life and the waters of salvation. There are but very few Sabbath keepers in our vicinity, still there are some with whom we take sweet counsel. I verily believe the Lord is preparing the way for his truth to run and be glorified, preparing the hearts of the people to receive the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Our hearts were made sad by parting with the saints at Mackford; still I trust the same Lord who is high over all, will preserve all his dear children and gather them all into his glorious kingdom, wherein I hope to have a seat. Hancock, Waushara Co., March 10th, 1858. RETURN TO THE LORD.
By D. E. E.
"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." Lam. iii, 40. Pilgrims in the narrow path to heaven,
Do ye seek to prove the Lord of hosts,
That the best of blessings may be given?
Yea! the remnant cry, with one accord,
We are striving, for hath said our Lord,
Bring all the tithes according to my word. Now, in kindness God doth say to all,
Turn ye e'en to me with all your heart;
Yea, with fasting, weeping, mourning, call,
Upon my name, if I may not impart
A blessing such as that there should remain
In your glad hearts scarce measure to contain. Robbed has been our Lord of his just due;
Still in mercy he hath said, Return
Unto me, and I'll return to you.
Blessed promise! and we'll heed it now,
Lest our hearts in stubborn blindness bow
To the arch Deceiver's snaring power. Coming Out of Babylon
By C. & A. J. Estes
BRO. SMITH: Permit us through the Review to confess to our brethren and sisters, and to all that may chance to read these lines, that we have seen the error and delusion that is in the churches and feel to cry aloud. Babylon is fallen. We feel to praise God that we have heard and obeyed the solemn call, "Come out of her." This is the third Seventh-day Sabbath that we have tried to keep by the help of God. We feel that we are but children in this new faith, and beg all your prayers that we may resist all temptation and persecution like good soldiers, and ever be found with our armor on, ready at all times to fight the good fight of faith, and that we at length may receive the crown of everlasting life. We believe that the last call of mercy is now sounding, and what is done must be done quickly; for the kingdom of God is at hand. The way that we found the Advent truth was by searching the Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation. Yours in hope of eternal life. C., & A. J. ESTES. North Paris, Me, Feb. 27th, 1852.