Earlier text: THE DRESS REFORMCLERICAL SLANDER.
By James White
ASCENSION ROBES AND THE LIKE.
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD OFFERED.
In almost every place where our ministers give discourses upon the second coming of Christ, and the necessary preparation for that event, they have to labor against the prejudices of the people, caused by reports of the inconsistencies of Adventists; one of which is, that at a point of expectation in the past, many of them did prepare robes of white linen, and put them on ready to ascend and meet their coming Lord. While all sane persons, who have any knowledge of what the holy Scriptures do teach of the necessary preparation to meet the Lord as he shall descend from Heaven, will agree that to prepare a literal white robe made of cloth as a fitting preparation for the transit from earth to Heaven, from mortality to immortality, must be an indication of downright insanity, none will see in such an act, done in sincerity, evidences of criminality. But we do not believe that anything of the kind ever occurred. We have been actively engaged in the proclamation of the doctrine of the second advent for more than twenty-five years, and have traveled and preached in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Canada, and have not met a person who has seen an Adventist thus attired, or one that was able to give better proofs that anything of the kind ever did occur than vague reports. We have never found the place where the thing occurred. It was always in the next town, county, or State. Again, reports in relation to this matter, and slanders of a similar nature, have a hundred times been denied in Second-advent periodicals, and proofs have been called for of the truthfulness of those statements. No one has been able to produce the proofs. But still the tongue of slander takes great delight in repeating the old threadbare falsehood. Elders Loughborough and Strong met it at Orange, Mich., recently, and Eld. Cornell writes that he meets it at Johnstown, Mich. In both these cases, this miserable untruth is declared from the pulpit by professed ministers of Jesus Christ. The people, generally, credit the statements of these ministers, and conclude that the story of ascension robes is true. Especially do those who are not favorable to Second-advent views take great delight in this sort of clerical slander. And the fact that our people are not always prepared to meet it, is the reason why we have felt called upon to notice the matter at this time. In 1847, while on our passage in a steamboat from Portland, Me., to Boston, Mass., Mrs. W. was speaking to those around her in the ladies' cabin of the fearful storm we encountered in a recent passage between these two cities. She spoke of the importance of being always prepared for the close of our probation, either at death, or at the coming of Christ. A lady near her replied:— “That is the way the Millerites talk. I mean to have a jolly good time before I become a long-faced Christian. The Millerites are the most deluded set on earth. On the day they were expecting Christ to come, companies in different places put on their ascension281 robes, and went into graveyards, and upon the tops of houses and high hills, and there remained, praying and singing till the time passed by.” Mrs. W. then inquired of the lady if she saw any of these persons thus attired. She answered:— “No, I did not see them myself, but a friend who saw them told me. And the fact is so well understood everywhere, that I believe it as much as though I saw it myself.” At this point, another lady, feeling that the testimony of the first should not be questioned, stated:— “It is of no use to deny that the Millerites did put on ascension robes, for they did do it in towns all around where I live.” Mrs. W. asked this lady if she saw them with their robes on. She replied:— “No, I did not see them, as they were not in my immediate neighborhood. But it was commonly reported, and generally believed, that they did make white linen ascension robes and put them on.” By this time strong feelings were evidently controlling these two ladies, because Mrs. W. did not seem to credit what they said against the Millerites. And the first in the conversation stated with emotions of excitement and passion:— “I know it was so. I fully believe the testimony of those who have told me these things. I believe what my friends have told me about those fanatical Millerites, the same as though I saw it myself.” Mrs. W. then inquired of her for the names of some persons who had figured in this fanatical movement. She stated if the putting on of ascension robes was so very common, certainly she could give the names of some. To this she replied:— “Certainly I can give you names. There were the twin Harmon girls in Portland. My friends told me that they saw their robes, and saw them going out to the graveyard with them on. Since the time has passed, they have become infidels.” A school-mate of Mrs. W., who had never been an Adventist, was in that cabin, and had watched the conversation with mirthful interest. She had been acquainted with the Harmon girls during the entire period of their Second-advent experience. She could no longer restrain her feelings, and broke out in a laughing mood as she pointed to Mrs. W.:— “This is one of those twin Harmon girls. I have known them always, and know that this report of their making and wearing ascension robes is all a lie. I never was a Millerite, and I do not believe that anything of the kind ever took place.” The storm that was fast arising in that cabin suddenly abated, and there followed a great calm. Mrs. W. then stated that all the stories about ascension robes were probably as destitute of truth as this one concerning the twin Harmon girls. Elder Josiah Litch, lately editor of the Advent Herald, Boston, in his history of the rise and progress of Adventism, published in the Advent Shield, 1844, makes the following statement:— “Those periods came and passed with no unusual occurrence. As soon as they had gone by, a flood of scoffing, reviling and persecution burst forth, not from the infidel world so much, but from the professed friends of the Saviour; the most idle and foolish stories of ascension robes, and going out into the graveyards to watch, going to the tops of the houses, &c., &c.; these were repeated again and again, both from pulpit and press, until the public were, many of them, at least, almost persuaded to believe them true. “How, or where they originated, except in willful falsehood, we cannot devise. Some of the reports of that character we happen to know, originated with professed ministers of the gospel, who gave date and place, when there was not a word of truth in the whole story. Others must have originated in a similar way.” We do not, however, indulge the thought that what may be said to show the falsity of statements concerning ascension robes will put an end to this kind of slander. No, these clergymen know the influence they have with the public mind, and the advantage they have over us in this respect, and, regardless of justice and truth, they will doubtless continue to do this vile, scandalous work, wherever the glorious doctrine of the coming of Jesus shall be proclaimed. We can only expose their sin in this thing, and disabuse honest minds. The dragon is wroth with those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The Devil will use any willing tool to slander and abuse the followers of Jesus Christ. Scoffers will scoff, and liars will lie, whether they bear the title of Reverend, or be patrons of brothels. And the higher the position, the greater the criminality. But for all these things will God bring men into judgment. Those who fear God and keep his commandments, and suffer reproach for the sake of Christ and the truth, will have their reward. Those who employ the vile tongue of slander against them in order to crush their influence, and keep them from obeying the commandments that they may live, will perish in all their villainy. They will also have their reward. The True Witness has spoken relative to the present controversy and the final destiny of both classes of actors, as recorded by the prophet John. FIRST CLASS. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. xxii, 14. These are doing right. Although they suffer for well doing, all the hate and slander that wicked men and demons can invent, their reward is the holy city and the tree of life. SECOND CLASS. “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolators, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Verse 15. These are commandment-breakers, and commandment-haters—haters of those who keep the commandments of God. They are also noted for two things in particular, namely, loving and making lies. The application of these two items is so natural to these reports of ascension robes and the like, that no further comment is needed. They make lies and love to publish them from the pulpit and the religious press. But, thank God, in the Judgment they are without. The happiness of those who love God and keep his commandments is then no more to be marred by their poisonous influence. Would God that they would repent of, and forsake their wicked course, and live, and finally share the holy city and the tree of life. But as they will not do this work, that they may share that reward, their corrupting influence must be borne with Christian patience and fortitude while the controversy lasts, sustained by the glad hope that when the Master comes, deliverance from their influence will also come. FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD is offered to any person who will present unquestionable proofs of the truthfulness of these statements that believers in the second advent of Christ, on the day of expectation, did put on ascension robes. Those who can produce such proofs, are requested to forward them immediately to the writer, at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., and receive fifty dollars by the return of the mail. WHY IS IT?
By A. S. HUTCHINS
Why is it that some men consider themselves so much more competent to judge of the freedom, peace, and blessedness connected with the service of God, after they have backslidden, and perhaps become bitter opposers of God's holy law, than when they were trying to obey all his holy commandments? Is it because their judgment is so much better, their minds clearer, and their hearts more imbued with his love and Holy Spirit? David says, “I will walk at liberty; for I seek thy precepts. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation.” Ps. cxix, 45, 98, 99. “The men that keep thy law with care,
And meditate thy word,
Grow wiser than their teachers are,
And better know the Lord.” And John testifies: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John v, 2, 3. Now suppose these servants of God had, through the power of Satan and the craft of those who loved not the law of the Lord, been turned away from the truth to some popular error, or to some tradition gray with age, and borne a testimony directly opposite to the above, would our Antinomian friends have said of them, Now they talk like men of sense? How much better it seems to hear them speak since they have got off the “old yoke of bondage?” In this way they talk of men who give up God's holy Sabbath, and turn to the Pagan and Papal error of Sunday-keeping, at the present time. Some years since, after listening to a discussion on the Sabbath question, in which the no-Sabbath advocate made bad work while trying to disprove the obligation of Christians to keep the Sabbath; he said to me as we separated, “Well, Bro. H., be good, be clever, do all the good you can. And if you ever do give up the Sabbath, you will then acknowledge that you have got out from under a yoke of bondage.” My reply was, I cannot tell what I may say after backsliding, if I should turn away from the truth; but at present, I most cheerfully testify, from years of experience in keeping the Sabbath, that the yoke sets easy, and it is my conviction that when the yoke sets hard, the fault is not so much in the yoke, as in the neck, or rather the heart. This circumstance reminded me of the zealous Methodist lady, who, failing to convince her friend that his deceased companion had gone to Heaven, exclaimed, “Ah! you don't believe the dead know anything, nor you won't till you die; then you will find out they have knowledge.” So we will find out that the law is a “yoke of bondage,” when we give up to the carnal heart and reject the law. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God; neither indeed can be.” Rom. viii, 7. “For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” Ps. vi, 5. Again, we ask, Why is it? It seems to me, this question finds its answer in the language of the poet. “When men oppose that law of love,
They lack the wisdom from above;
Deluded souls! they're in the dark,
Without the truth, without the ark.” Men may pass on in blindness and delusion here, opposing the commandments of God, but they will learn their sad and awful mistake, if not before, when they meet Him over his broken law, in the great day of Judgment. A. S. HUTCHINS. From a review of a volume recently written by J. T. Peck, D. D., entitled “The Great Republic,” which we find in the N. Y. Methodist of April 4, 1868, we copy the following significant paragraph: “No great event happens to one people, which does not thrill the nations to the remotest ends of the earth. Not a step upward or onward is taken by one people, but the mass of humanity is moved by it. And in the future this will be the case to a far greater extent than in the past. We are to be, and are being, acted upon by other nations no less than we act upon them. The vices of the most vicious European capitals have become domesticated in our large cities. New York, the heart of the nation, whence the currents flow to the remotest extremities, rivals Paris in open profligacy, and may soon reach the point to which Pompeii and the cities of the plain attained. Fraud and corruption are so common as scarcely to excite comment in our halls of legislation and on the judicial bench, while drunkenness and debauchery pervade all ranks of our public service. A season passed in the capital of the nation, or of any State, could excite only deep foreboding for the future of any people ruled by such men as are too many whom we send to make our laws. The venality of the secular press is such that only the initiated can derive reliable information concerning political or financial affairs. We have great hope of the future, but it is only because we believe in the general preponderance of good over evil, and in the assurance that, sooner or later, the earth shall be given to the Son for his inheritance.” “BLESSED are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Out of the saltest water God can brew the sweetest liquor. The skillful bee gathers the best honey from the bitterest herbs. When a cloud has been dissolved into a shower, there presently follows a glorious sunshine. The more a stone is wounded by the hand of the engraver, the greater beauty is super-induced thereon. By groans unutterable, the Lord ushers in joy unspeakable. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:
By Ellen Morse
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:
It is a little more than three years since I embraced the present truth. I joined the Methodists when quite young. I knew of no other denomination that I liked so well, but soon I was not fully satisfied that their doctrine was true; it seemed to me that I instinctively felt that it was not; but when I read such scriptures as Matt. xxiv, and the Revelation, I thought that there must be one right way, and only one, and the prayer of my heart was, Lord show me the right way. Soon by words said at different times, and not addressed to me, I was led to think of the Advent and Sabbath questions, and the saints' inheritance. I was satisfied of but one thing, and that was that the saints would inherit the earth made new. I read the Bible and tried to understand it, but I thought I must harmonize the Bible with doctrines that had been taught me. I was discouraged about finding the truth myself and prayed the Lord to guide me. I have thought it was an answer to this prayer that in Dec., 1864, I was employed to teach in a district where there were a half-dozen families of Seventh-day Adventists. I was to board around, and the first two weeks I boarded with Sabbath-keepers, at the end of which time, and on Christmas day, I resolved that come what would, the Lord helping me, I would, in the future, keep the Sabbath according to the commandment; and when I asked the Lord to bless me in this resolve, I felt that my prayer was more than answered. By the time I had finished my school I had embraced all the leading points in our faith, and I returned home to meet more opposition than I anticipated. My father took the matter very much to heart, and it seemed to me, that every infernal story that could be conjured up, was hurled at me and the people of my choice. By midsummer my health became very poor, and the days looked dark to me. Satan often tempted me to relinquish the Sabbath for my father's sake, but God in his mercy sustained me in this trial. During this time I seldom saw a Sabbath-keeper, but when I did it would cheer me for days. I submitted to my father's desire for me to take medicine, for I did not feel able to combat everything. In the early part of the winter I took the worst cold that I ever had. I then determined that I would no longer be made a drug shop. I treated my cold with hot and cold water, which cured it in a short time, and I had no more colds that winter. I lived out the health reform according to the best knowledge I had. In the spring I sent for the Review, and How to Live. I soon commenced to live on two meals a day, which were mostly made up of graham soft biscuit and fruit. I improved in strength and good feeling every day, and my father pronounced the reform in diet a good thing.283 In May I was baptized by Eld. Pierce. Since this time my trials have not been just what they were before, but I find there is no safety in sleeping on my post. Young believers, when Satan cannot frighten, he will try to entice you away. I am wearing the reform dress, and I cannot tell you, my sisters, how much I like it. I have been reading the testimony to the young Sabbath-keepers. It is solemn, and I mean to be up and doing. Steele Co., Minn., March 21, 1868. LETTER FROM BRO. DR. ABBOTT.
By S. M. Abbott
The following was written as a private letter to Dr. Lay; but it contains so many good suggestions, and breathes such a love of all the truths we are trying to lay before the world, that we have requested the privilege of giving it to the readers of the Review: DR. H. S. LAY.—Dear Brother: I intended to send you another communication for the Journal, upon the subject of blood-letting. But upon reviewing my article, I decided upon withholding it until there seemed a greater need of contributions. And the more I reflect upon the fact that the practice of bleeding is mostly abandoned, the less I think the article would be of value in the cause of hygiene. It embodied some facts that transpired before I commenced my practice, and some which came under my notice just after beginning the practice of medicine in Buffalo, N. Y. On account of these and other early occurrences, I have always been very much opposed to blood-letting. The last journal (as also former ones) comes filled with valuable truths and practical knowledge. It is just the journal for the people at large. I consider it a God-send to any family who will read and practice its teachings. It certainly diminishes the amount of their doctor bills. And yet I do all I consistently can to circulate it among my friends and patrons. I often wish myself located in a community educated and practicing the hygienic principles thoroughly. In such a community, I should expect to find true Christians and earnest believers in present truth. I have come to believe that the reform diet is inseparably connected with true faith and the plain teachings of the word of God and the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. This conviction I expressed to an old gentleman this morning, upon his stating the fallen condition and faithless state of his (Methodist) church. Then I gave him what I observed at Battle Creek, in the way of living faith and practice of self-denial in the ungodly practices of professedly Christian denominations generally. He seemed waked up to a desire to belong to such a people; but upon learning that they were seventh-day Sabbath-keepers, under the denomination of Seventh-day Adventists, he began to excuse himself and the customs which corrupt and draw away the Spirit of God, that Spirit which he first said had left his church. I tried to show him the point. Dear brother, I want to hear from you, and the dear and well-remembered ones at the Institute. The kind attention I received there can never be forgotten. I am glad to see that Dr. Russell has lost none of his zeal against "Drugopathy." I believe him in the right, and encourage him to redouble his diligence in the crusade. Please give him my Christian regards, and remember me kindly to all who took an interest in me as a guest at the Institute, and accept for yourself and family the kind regards of a brother in Christ. A WICKED WORD.
By H. F. PHELPS.
Yes, I said a wicked word. I know now it was, though at the time I should only have been willing to have said that it might be an improper word. In fact I was too ill-tempered to think anything about it. I was drawing wood with a pair of cattle that were a little more careful to do as they pleased, than to obey orders. They were always sure to go a little, if not a good way, too far, before they could or would mind the word of the driver. Feeling not a little vexed, I uttered a word, a little word, and only a little one; and what hurt could there be in such a little word? It was just such a word as many a Christian is heard to speak every day; and if others say it, surely I may(?). But it is wrong for all, for you, and for me. Upon this occasion my little boy stood near, and, in his innocence, gave me a reproof. Said he, “Pa, does it do you any good to say wicked words?” That word wicked did cut me to the quick. I bade him go into the house. But I began to muse. I knew better. I knew it was an idle word, and we are to be called into account for every idle word; and truly God will not call us into account for what is not wrong. Therefore, an idle word must be a wicked word. Now with these reflections what could I do? My little boy had confidence in me, and what “pa” did was always just right. In one moment I had given way to my feelings, and my tongue had uttered a wicked word, and more than this, I had said it was not wicked. My conscience told me I had done wrong, and,—must I confess to him? By the grace of God I did say to him that I had done wrong. That I would try harder to do right. That we must both try to overcome all evil, which may God help me to do. I do not write this to be heard or seen of men; but for others’ good. It did me good, and I hope it may do others good; and if, when the reckoning day shall have come, and I find it has done some dear child of God a little good, I shall feel to rejoice, and give God the glory. THE RELIGIOUS PRESS.
By Jos. Clarke
There is a conservative religious weekly published in New York; its columns are replete with literary notices, productions, essays, &c. Here we find travels of adventurers in foreign lands, in which are dished up for the public palate, all that is calculated to interest the curious and inquiring mind, as to the manners and customs of foreign nations, their history, relics, scenery, and national prosperity. Here is an account of Mr. ——'s defense of himself in his church prayer-meeting. When asked by one of his parishioners to explain why he allowed his great romance to be dramatized, and placarded and acted in his own city, he replied that what he did as a literary man, he did not do as a pastor of —— church! Here are jokes, and facetious anecdotes. Here are advertised the latest, and most popular magazines and romances. In another religious weekly, we have, in large print, patent medicines, bitters, &c. In fact, we look in vain for real, spiritual food, nourishing and good, in these papers. They are too light for the times. What we want now is light on prophecy and Scripture subjects applicable to our times. The householder must bring out of his treasures things new and old. Can we find such a paper, one that will answer our expectations? We look to the Review, and instead of romance, &c., in its advertising columns, we find a goodly array of tracts on present truth, more than we find time to read as they should be read. Ye hungry souls, here is a feast for you. In these last days, when iniquity abounds everywhere, almost, we have a refuge. Brethren, let us awake to our duty. Let the Review be well sustained by contributions, donations, and bequests. Let the tract fund overflow; and let us not forget the Health Institute, nor our worthy poor. This is no time to lay up fortunes, except to lay them up in Heaven. U. S. bonds may soon be at a heavy discount. If you have them laid up for a rainy day, do not get too many of them on hand. We may invest in a sure fund, a safe bank. If any still hold back from unbelief, we hardly know what to say to them. Our evidences are so plain it seems folly to urge the faithless. Thank God there is a religious periodical, and there is a religious association striving to move in the order of the Lord.
Jos. CLARKE. SAFETY IN THE LORD.
By Rebekah Smith
There's safety only in the Lord, what e'er our station be;
We may be rich, we may be poor, may be on land or sea.
Life's changing fortune will be ours where'er our lot is cast;
Unchanged in mind be ours to meet each change while it shall last. Dear friends are with us here to-day with prospects fair to live,
To-morrow to the dust, in tears, their dear remains we give.
Now pain and suffering is our lot, now dawns a brighter day;
But soon a cloud o'ercasts the sky and shuts the light away. An under current often works to sweep away our peace,
Our reputation is at stake, our trials fast increase,
Dear reputation, dearest far, of all we've called our own;
Must be defaced, then be it so, to God all things are known. Be every circumstance combined, the elements to raise,
By these be every trace removed of all our evil ways.
When Jesus speaks it will be calm, the storm and wind subside;
Oh! may it last till all is gone of selfishness and pride. All else but this we could endure; this then is what we need;
Our very idol must be slain, and we from self be freed.
Then are we fit for Heaven's use, to help build up God's cause,
To boldly speak in his defense, and vindicate his laws. Oh! be it ours to live for God, his glory all our aim,
He'll work in power when we come to him in Jesus, name. All that is wrong will he remove, and bring the truth to light; Oh! we can trust our all with him; his ways are just and right. We'll go then, where he leads the way, whatever man may say,
The greatest saint is nought except the Lord direct his way. Angels can't help but through their Lord; to his arm all is due;
We'll follow him, for surely he will lead us safely through. A Lonely Believer’s Testimony
By Mrs. J. W. Church
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am one of the lonely ones, and truly I do feel lonely. Oh! how I do long to meet with the remnant people who are trying to keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus Christ; and to unite my heart and voice in praising God. I know how to feel for the lonely ones, but those whose companions are traveling with them to Mount Zion do not feel half so lonely. They have some one to converse with by the way. I am trying to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus as best I can. I have no preacher but the Review; it is an ever-welcome messenger. What joy it gives as I peruse its pages! what light it throws on the Scriptures to those who read it with an unprejudiced mind. Pray for me, that I may be found among the remnant in the morning of the resurrection
MRS. J. W. CHURCH.
St. Clair Co., Mich. A Call for Laborers
By Harriet J. Wescott
BRO. SMITH: I sit down this morning to write for a few books and tracts to distribute among my neighbors, as there seems to be an anxiety to read in this vicinity. I pray the God of the harvest to send out more laborers into the field. How glad I would be to have one sent here, if it is the Lord's will. Cannot Bro. Fuller give us a course of lectures here this spring? I think this a good field for labor. There are a few here who begin to understand the signs of the times. The Review is being read with much interest; and as I once more have the privilege of perusing its pages, after being deprived of it four weeks, I can say it is indeed food for the hungry, meat in due season. And as I read Bro. Andrew's report of the labors of Bro. and Sr. White, those tried servants of the Lord, I felt to thank God that I ever took a decided stand on the side of the third angel's message. What a harmony in the truth, take it as a whole; but sever the Spirit of prophecy, and the chain is broken. Theirs truly is a peculiar work, or a work that tells for itself. This message is Heaven-born, and will compel the honest to come in, that the house may be full. How many times I inquire, Shall I be able to stand? Only the pure in heart shall see God. Oh! for the eyesight, that I may see myself just as God sees me. I want to see my faults before it is too late to repent. I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith. I went to Battle Creek last November, intending to settle there, that I might be under the watchcare of those of experience, but God ordered otherwise. I have often asked myself the question, Why am I here? Perhaps the Lord has something for me to do here. If so, I will try to be content with my lot, and let my light shine by living out the truth. My sister has taken a stand with me to keep all the commandments of God. Others are searching to see if these things are so. If Bro. Fuller can come, he will leave the cars at Nunda Station, and inquire for Arby Town. Yours in hope,
HARRIET J. WESCOTT.
Livingston Co., N. Y. The Overcomer’s Crown
By E. Putnam
SISTER E. PUTNAM writes from Maine: I have been trying about one year to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have made some little progress, but there is much more yet to overcome. God’s promises are sure. He will give us grace to overcome; and we may at last be able to stand on Mount Zion, and wear an overcomer’s crown. I often ask myself the question, when I feel desponding; Do I realize that eternal life is to be the reward of the faithful overcomer? a life where there is no more sickness, pain, nor death? “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away?” Unto whom is this precious promise? “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” Oh! what a promise! Sons of God! If we had nothing to overcome, it would not be written, He that overcometh shall inherit all things. Oh! let us take courage; for the time cannot be long at the most, before Jesus will come in all his glory. Our sorrows will then have an end. God grant that we may stand prepared to meet him in peace. WALTER S. ERNST
By Walter S. Ernst
I PRAISE God for the warm sunshine of his love shed abroad in my heart, and in the hearts of the dear saints scattered abroad. While reading the letters in the Conference Department of the Review, I have been made to rejoice that the truth ever found way to my heart, although in embracing it, near and dear friends have separated from me as though I were lost already. It is hard to see our own friends turn against us for believing the truth, but Jesus has said, “Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark x, 29, 30. Yes, indeed, we do find brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, among God's dear people; and you, dear brethren and sisters who write your experience, your joys and trials, be not weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not. The Review is all the preaching that we receive here, but praise the Lord, it comes to us as meat in due season. Oh! how I long for the society of saints. Oh! that God in his providence would open a way that the truth might be proclaimed to this dying people. Surely darkness covers the land, and gross darkness the people; but it is not to be wondered at, for their shepherds put darkness for light, and light for darkness, and they cry, Peace and safety, when sudden destruction cometh. Dear brethren, let us draw nigh to God by prayer, and cry mightily to him in faith, that he would send laborers into the harvest. It is just two years ago to-day that I resolved to keep all God's commandments and the faith of Jesus: “and I can say that the way grows brighter and brighter. Every day brings new trials and difficulties, and I have had some severe ones, but praise the Lord, he has delivered me out of them all, and will deliver all who trust in him. I love all the truths connected with the third angel's message, because I believe that the Lord is leading his people as he did Israel of old. And why should we find fault with the way he leads us, or with those he has in his providence placed at the head of the work? Instead, we should entreat God for them; for they are men of like passions as we are. The health reform, which some thought in the beginning would ruin us, is the means in the hands of the Lord of fitting us for the time of trouble just before us, and preparing us for the loud cry and the refreshing from the presence of the Lord. I am trying to live out the truths of the third message, the health reform included, and I have found it a great blessing to me and mine in point of health. Praise the Lord for the light that shines forth from the pages of sacred truth, and for the gifts of the Spirit. And I would say to all, and especially those of my brethren and sisters of my acquaintance, Stand fast in the faith that was once delivered to the saints. Quit you like men; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. In hope of immortality through Christ. Trials and Faithfulness
By Laura M. Davis
BRO. SMITH: I have just been reading the cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters in the last Review. I love to read them; and as I read from others, I sometimes think that I too might say a few words to cheer some lonely heart; but I feel very unworthy. I know that I must pass through trials and afflictions here if I would reign with my blessed Redeemer; for it is only those that come up through much tribulation, that shall dwell with Jesus in his kingdom. I know that we are nearing the gathering time. Soon Jesus will come in all his beauty; and I, many times, ask myself the question, Shall I be found among the faithful? Yes, I will, by the grace of God assisting me, come off conqueror over every thing that is wrong, that when Jesus comes I may hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.” Your sister in Christ,
Niagara Co., N. Y. LAURA M. DAVIS. W. E. GRAHAM
By W. E. GRAHAM
BRO. SMITH: I desire to say to the scattered saints that are in the present truth, and loving the law of God; that we are striving to keep the law of God, and believing with all the heart the Testimonies God has been pleased to set in the church to guide his people in these last days. We came to this place last fall, but have not found any Sabbath-keepers in this part of Illinois. There are none but myself, and wife, and a sister Rich. We feel very lonely, for we have none of like faith to meet with. We must have the Review, as that will be all the preaching we shall have. We would rather go with one meal a day, than go without the paper. Pray for us that our faith fail not in these days of trial. We want the seal of the living God. We want to stand with the remnant on Mount Zion when Jesus comes. A Call for Gospel Laborers
BRO. JEWEL writes from Fowler's Mills, Ohio: I have seen but one Sabbath-keeper during the past year, but some are investigating the truths of the third angel's message; and some, like one of old, are almost persuaded to be Christians, and keepers of the true Sabbath. I believe that if some ambassador of Christ could come this way and proclaim the third message, his labors would be blessed. The question is often asked me, Why don't some of the Seventh-day Adventist preachers come this way? My prayer is that the Lord will send some faithful laborer to this part of his vineyard. Great Things from God
By Arrowsmith
He in whom we trust, O believers, is a great God, and loves to do all things like himself. Wherefore, look for great things from him; great assistance; great enlargements; great deliverances; yes, the forgiving of great sins, and the great gift of a great salvation.—Arrowsmith. Striving with the Remnant
By N. Grant
Bro. N. Grant writes from Knox Co., Ohio: I believe we are living in the last days, when the dragon is to be wroth with the woman, and make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. I am still striving to be an overcomer, and go through to the kingdom with the tried people of God. Although I feel my weakness and unfitness to be one among them, yet I feel determined by the grace of God to go with the remnant. I realize that we are living in the days when sin is increasing on every hand, and it is only by constant prayer and watching that we can overcome our evil ways. I feel thankful for the paper, and encouraged when I read the testimonies from the tempted and tried ones. Many times I see lines from those that have trials like mine, and my prayer is for such, that God in his great mercy will bless them, and hasten on the day when we shall have our companions with us in trying to lead our children to that blessed land where there will be no more sighing of kind parents for beloved children. Lord have mercy on the youth. I feel thankful for the light of present truth, and for the health reform; I am trying to live it out as well as circumstances will permit. I find that I fall when I do my best, but God has promised to help us in time of need, and he has helped me to overcome much that is sinful in his sight, and hurtful to my health. How good and kind the Lord is to sinful man. Soon we shall see him coming in the clouds of heaven. Who will be able to stand? Shall I?