DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to relate what the Lord has done for me, in bringing me to see and embrace his precious truth. He has inclined my heart to keep his commandments, his Holy Sabbath not excepted, which, a few months since, I was disregarding.
In 1842 (I think it was) I heard a Second Advent lecture; one of Bro. Case’s first lectures, and the only one I ever heard, until about four months ago.—Some six years since, I became convinced that the churches were fallen, and that if I would have the smiles of my Blessed Saviour, I must come out from among them. I accordingly left the Methodist church, to which I had been a member, thirteen years. I met with sore conflicts, and from a source that I did not expect. To be rejected and cast out from the sympathy of a few individuals in the church, whom I esteemed as God’s dear children, and whom I loved, seemed, for a while, more than I could endure. But the precious Saviour seemed to whisper, “my grace is sufficient.” I felt a consciousness that I was in the way of duty, and was blest in an abundant manner.
I have ever felt, since that time, that God approbated my course then, and I dare not, at my soul’s peril, return to the church. Still I have felt for some time past to lament that professors of religion were so much like the world, that the standard of piety was so low. It has seemed to me, for some time, that it was no cross to be a professed Christian, and that there must be some separating truth to bring God’s people out. My prayer has been for a long time, that he would, by some means separate his people from the world. I have told the Lord that I was willing (as I supposed I was) to become anything, or be any where, only let his will be done. But when his truth was presented, I was not ready to receive it. Oh, the depth of unbelief in the heart.
Last October, I was invited to attend a meeting in Tyrone, some ten miles from my then place of residence. I gladly accepted the invitation, and went without anxiety respecting the meeting, only expected a common religious meeting, and hoped to be spiritually benefited. But I confess I was not a little disappointed, when Bro. Case presented his Chart. My secret thoughts were no food for me this time, and I did not receive much if any benefit. Prejudice was so great, I felt no interest until about the close of the Conference. I then became a little more interested, so that after it closed, by request I concluded to attend another Conference in Sylvan, near Jackson, but had no idea of giving up my first-day sabbath, which I considered sacred, and in the observance of which I had so long been blest. For I verily thought, through tradition, that it was God’s Holy Sabbath. But the time had come for light to break into my mind. And at that Conference on First-day, the sixth lecture, (I think, being the twelfth discourse I had heard on that and other subjects pertaining to the third angel’s message,) Bro. Case presented the subject so plainly that my foundation for keeping First-day was utterly demolished.
Still I left the meeting, hoping to rebuild it by scripture. O, the hardness of my heart! It was too humiliating, and I felt that I could not yield the point. I remained in this state, three or four days, continually searching for testimony in favor of First-day; but could find none. Therefore, I was obliged to adopt the seventh day as the Sabbath. But I think I received it more from a sense of duty, than any other reason. I did not feel it a delight, as I should have done, yet I felt a degree of peace for a while in obeying; but in a week or two my mind became darkened, and I was greatly tempted to believe the seventh day was not the Sabbath.
In this awful state of mind, which continued about a week, sometimes almost in despair, I felt to cry unto God continually. How justly did he hide his presence from me. But in the midst of deserving wrath, he remembered mercy, and delivered me out of temptation, and caused me to rejoice in his love. And before I was aware, I was clapping my hands, and shouting, Glory to God. My heart was then filled with joy, and peace in believing.
Since that time I have not had a doubt respecting the Sabbath, or the third angel’s message; but feel heartily to embrace it, and go on my way rejoicing. But Oh, I feel abased in the dust in view of my unworthiness, my rebellion, and my slowness to believe God’s word. I hope others will take warning, and not do as I have done; but remember the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land. But he that knoweth his Master’s will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. I feel resolved, through the assisting grace of God, to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.
My dear brethren and sisters, I truly believe that time is short; yea, very short. It is time for us to awake. God requires us to be holy in heart, and life. I feel a groaning to be delivered from all sin, to be made like my blessed Master. I want to let my light shine, and exert a godly influence, and to be the instrument in the hands of God of winning some souls to Christ.
God is good in casting my lot among a little band of brethren, while many of the saints are alone, only one or two in a place. I am privileged with meeting152three times in each week for prayer and conference. If faithful, I expect soon to enter into that city, where there will be no more sorrow.
Your sister in the patience of the saints,
ELIZA SMITH.
Tyrone, Mich., Jan. 16th, 1853.
Conviction of the Sabbath
By Lyman K. Walker
From Bro. Walker.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is with a good degree of pleasure that I address you at this time, although we are strangers in the flesh, yet I trust that ere long we shall become acquainted, and made heirs of, and together meet in the soon coming Kingdom.
I have been reading the Advent Harbinger about one year and a half, and I must say that it has been a source of comfort to me, living as I do in a new country, and where sectarianism is triumphant, and the preaching of fables only is popular. In reading the Harbinger, I saw occasionally communications from different individuals, (on one side only,) in regard to the Sabbath; and I saw that many of them were written in a wrong spirit, therefore, paid but little attention to them, until quite late. And since I have been reading the Review, which I have read with interest for the last six months, I have paid more attention to the Sabbath question in the Harbinger than before, and I have been led to examine the most vital and important subject prayerfully and carefully.—I have read the evidences in the Bible, and the arguments, too, very carefully, and I must say that my prejudices, and interest also, were in favor of the Harbinger, or Sunday keeping. But a love of the truth, and a reverence for Almighty God and his holy commandments, compels me to say that I am rationally convinced, and am satisfied, that the fourth commandment has never been abolished, and is still in force, and will be until he who made the Sabbath shall abolish it, with as plain a declaration as when he uttered his voice in awful grandeur on Mount Sinai, to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy."
I am endeavoring to keep the commandments of God, the fourth not excepted. And if I can judge by my feelings in regard to justification on any point, then I am on safe ground; for I find in keeping all of the commandments there is great and present recompense of reward. The time has come when it appears to me that duty demands of me that I pay Bro. Marsh for the back numbers of the Harbinger, and not take it any longer, for reasons following: First, because it is published on the Sabbath day in open violation of the fourth commandment, and also, for teaching others to do likewise. Second, because of the unchristian, and uncharitable and abusive language dealt out so unsparingly, by some of its correspondents, against those who conscientiously observe and keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. Third, because it evidently disregards the ninth commandment also. In one instance in particular, we have positive proof. In the Harbinger for Dec. 11th, 1852, is an article under the head of "Palpable falsehood," in which the acting Editor, and his correspondent, did bear false witness against their neighbor. And in the same number is another article, under the head of "Brother Marsh and the Sabbatarians," and signed by W. Sheldon, which is a pretty fair sample of some of the communications which too often appear in that paper.
Now if individuals that observe the fourth commandment, have misrepresented Bro. Marsh in any way, let those persons be named by their proper names by which they are known, and called, and not abuse other people because they believe and observe the Sabbath day also. In some of those letters, we are put down as ignorant and of no consequence whatever. In the last paragraph of the letter signed by W. Sheldon, as noted above, where he says, "Remember, &c.," if the defect he speaks of there, means the Sabbath question, I would like to see it, that is, I would like to see the argument, for I must say that I have seen nothing in the Harbinger as yet on that subject but what is full of weakness, and militates only against themselves.
I am satisfied that the evidences adduced from the Bible, and the arguments by Bro. Andrews are unanswerable. And I do approve the spirit in which Bro. Andrews has presented that subject. I would say to all of the dear brethren and sisters that are looking and waiting for the consolation of Israel, that we be careful that we possess the Spirit of our Lord and Master at all times, and that the truth should always be spoken in love. And see that we do maintain good works, is the prayer of your unworthy brother, who lives in hopes of having immortality and eternal life when Jesus comes.
LYMAN K. WALKER.
Metomen, Wis., Jan. 17th, 1853.
Appointments.
By Editor
THERE will be a Conference at Clarkson, N. Y., Feb. 12th and 13th. We hope there will be a gathering of the brethren and friends in the vicinity. A number of the brethren and sisters may be expected from this city.
We now expect to be able to visit our dear brethren in Michigan in May, and spend some weeks in the West.—Those who wish us to hold Conferences with them, will please write, that we may be able to arrange appointments, and give notice in season.
PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a meeting of two days at Martin's Hill, Catlin N. Y., to commence Feb. 12th.
W. S. INGRAHAM.
S. W. RHODES
By S. W. Rhodes
From Bro. Rhodes.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am usually well, and in quite good spirits, to help, in Jesus' name, to turn the battle to the gate. I think we have the testimony that our ways please God, when we walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
We have had a good Conference here, and still hold meetings evenings. Several in this region have embraced the Sabbath since fall, when I was through before. Bro. Hatch of Lairdsville, the two Brn. Armstrong of Deansville, and some in this place have embraced the truth. The few in this place are in a prospering state; and the Lord, I think, will add more to their numbers.
S. W. RHODES
Brookfield, N. Y., Jan. 18th, 1853.
E. EVERTS
By E. Everts
From Bro. Everts.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I visited North Hudson, N. Y., 25th, Inst., and found Bro. and Sr. Scripture keeping Sabbath. Alone, as they were, it thrilled my soul to see such striking fulfillment of scripture as we are having on every hand.—"Behold," says Isaiah, [Chap. viii,] "I and the children, whom the Lord hath given me, are for signs and wonders in the land of [true] Israel, from the Lord of hosts, who dwelleth in Mount Zion." Yes they who will obey the Lord, are considered speckled birds.
I found those children to be beacon lights. They were living with their aged, pious parents, who had not received light enough to confirm them in the present truth. I hung up the Chart, and discoursed some hours, while the glad believing heart forced the trickling tears down their cheeks. I closed by asking the aged parent how it looked. He said, "light." Then I said, "what must be done?" The reply was, "To walk in the light." I lectured in the school-house in the evening. Some are anxious to hear more.
E. EVERTS
Vergennes, Vt., Jan. 28th, 1853.
G. W. HOLT
By George W. Holt
From Bro. Holt.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Since my last, I have called to see several in the west part of this town, and in Sterling, and have held some meetings. The cause of present truth is on the uphill march. I have found some seekers after truth, and they are investigating. Some kept the last Sabbath for the first time, and others will probably keep the fourth commandment the first opportunity. We had a very interesting meeting yesterday, seven miles west of the city. Several would come into the truth there, if they had one capable of presenting it in a clear manner. I can only throw out a few broken remarks, and leave them some reading on the subject, praying the Lord to bless the matter published, and lead them by his Spirit into the truth.
G. W. HOLT
Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 24th, 1853.
M. E. CORNELL
By M. E. Cornell
From Bro. Cornell.
BRO. WHITE:—I have just finished a course of lectures at Eagle Lake, Oakland Co., Mich. The interest continued to increase from the beginning. I found three families who were in the former messages. They received the present truth gladly. A large field of labor is open in this section. O that the Lord of the harvest, would send forth more laborers speedily.
M. E. CORNELL
Tyrone, Mich., Jan. 20th, 1853.
New Work.
By Editor
THE SANCTUARY, by J. N. Andrews. This pamphlet contains the same matter that has appeared, on this subject, in the Review. It has been written out with much care, and neatly printed on good paper, with new type. We have published it in this form, that our brethren and sisters might have the whole subject in one pamphlet, to place in the hands of those they feel anxious to benefit.
Tract Publication Funds
By Editor
The amount of money received to publish Tracts is $216 60. The amount paid out is as follows:
For 4000 copies of bro. Andrews' Review of Crozier, 125 00
For 3000 copies of Conversation on the Sabbath question, 25 00
For 1000 copies of Bro. Andrews' work on the Sanctuary, 45 00
Whole amount, $195 00
Balance on hand, 21 60
These Tracts are for gratuitous distribution. But those who choose (as some do) to pay for them, can have them at cost, and the amount will be receipted, and used in publishing other works, which we now have in contemplation.
Appointments at Orangeport, Fredonia, and Busti
By J. N. Loughborough; Hiram Edson
Providence permitting, we will meet with the brethren at Orangeport, N. Y., Sabbath, February 5th. We will hold meetings with them on First-day, where they may appoint.
Also, at Fredonia, where the brethren may appoint, Sabbath and First-day, February 12th and 13th.
And at Busti, where the brethren may appoint, Sabbath and First-day, February 19th and 20th.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
HIRAM EDSON.
Agents for Circulating Publications
By Editor
We are satisfied that the plan of having Agents appointed in different parts of the field, is the best possible way to judiciously circulate the REVIEW and other publications.—We hope they will be chosen wherever needed, that we may present a full list, once in two or three months.
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.
AGENTS.
By Editor
THE following is a list of Agents whose duty it shall be to forward the names and address (in plain writing) of all who should receive the Review; also, to give information of such to whom it should be discontinued. And to receive the free-will offerings of their Brethren and Sisters for the support of the Review and other publications, and forward them to this Office. The traveling Brethren are also solicited to act as agents.
MAINE.
N. N. Lant, Portland. | S. Howland, Topsham.
S. W. Flanders, Canaan. | W. T. Hanniford, Orrington.
Cyprian Stevens, Paris. | Wm. Bryant, Wilton.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
J. Stowell, Washington. | S. Bunnel, Claremont.
MASSACHUSETTS.
H. Flower, Ashfield. | O. Davis, N. Fairhaven.
O. Nichols, Dorchester. | L. Paine, Ware.
VERMONT.
R. Loveland, Johnson. | W. R. Lockwood, Waitsfield.
H. Bingham, Morristown. | W. Morse, East Bethel.
S. H. Peck, Walcott. | L. Titus, E. Charlston.
Lewis Bean, Hardwick. | J. T. Chase, Derby Line.
H. A. Churchill, Stowe. | E. Everts, Vergennes.
E. P. Butler, Waterbury. | H. Gardner, Panton.
Josiah Hart, Northfield.
CONNECTICUT.
E. L. H. Chamberlain, Md'town. | A. Belden, Kensington.
NEW YORK.
W. S. Ingraham, Bath. | John Wagor, Orangeport.
A. Ross, Caughdenoy. | L. Carpenter, Oswego.
David Upson, Moreland. | A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek.
R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove. | E. A. Poole, Lincklaen.
T. I. Giddings, Nile.
MICHIGAN.
H. C. Mason, Battle Creek. | A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids.
PENNSYLVANIA.
M. L. Dean, Ulysses.
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.
Letters Received and Receipts
By Editor
Letters received since Jan. 20th.
H. Cushman, J. Whitmore, C. E. Harris, S. W. Rhodes, H. S. Gurney, J. H. Cottrell, F. Stevens, F. H. Howland, A. B. Randall, A. Kellogg, F. Dawson, J. B. Frisbie, E. Smith, G. W. Holt, S. Spear, J. W. Raymond, N. N. Lunt, M. E. Cornell, E. Everts, L. Bean, J. Bates, B. C. Sherman, C. A. Lyon, G. Brown.
Receipts.
J. S. Wager, M. E. Chatfield, A. Abbey, J. S. Speights, W. C. Davis, A. Lamphear, B. B. Babcock, H. Morgan, S. Gibson, T. Wilson, L. H. Prior, G. M. Burnett, S. L. Hallock, G. P. Cushman, J. North, L. G. Huntley, each $1.
G. Darling, C. M., L. J. Richmond, L. K. Walker, J. A. Loughhead, each $2.
Daniel Sichel $3; Eliza Smith $5; B. G. Jones $1.43; L. Hastings $2.85; C. W. Stanley $1.25; E. L. H. Chamberlain, C. Lyman, J. Mack, Sr. Dartt, each 50 cents; B. F. Robbins, T. I. Giddings, each 25 cents; J. Jackson 40 cents.