DEAR BRO. SMITH: I am returning from Sutton and Dunham, where I have been laboring for some time past. The number of Sabbath-keepers is still increasing in this section. Two or three more have come out on the truth since I wrote you last; and others acknowledge that the doctrines we advocate are scriptural. Among those who have recently embraced the truth is a French sister who became convinced of the importance of keeping the Sabbath by reading our French works. I made her a call a few days since, and found that she had kept three Sabbaths, and that she was willing to obey the truth as soon as it was made known unto her.
The 7th inst. Eld Tompkins of Dunham spoke on the change of the Sabbath, and we reviewed him the same day. Elder T. is said to be an old experienced preacher; but his theory could not sustain him. He gave us another opportunity of letting the truth shine in Dunham. The efforts of those ministers who have lately opposed us have rather helped the cause of truth. Some of our opponents have shown what spirit they were of, by getting mad, and by threatening to prosecute and imprison us; others have hurt themselves by circulating false reports; and others have shown their inconsistencies by taking contradictory positions. A regular Wesleyan preacher in Sutton affirmed that we taught Spiritualism, and that I had taught indecent views in Melbourne, C. E. The same preacher said he could prove that Bro. Stone had two spiritual wives. But our friends in Sutton know well that we have preached against Spiritualism, and that we have shown the necessity of keeping all of God's commandments; and we were never in Melbourne. Bro. Stone's moral character and reputation as a preacher are too well known and respected in Vermont where he has preached for more than thirty years, and even in Sutton and Dunham, to be affected by the tongue of the slanderer.
Last week I heard a preacher take the following positions while trying to unsettle the mind of a certain brother on the subject of the Sabbath:
1. "I am not acquainted with the views of these men."
2. "They teach false doctrines, heresies," &c.
3. "The Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day."
4. "We should keep the fourth commandment."
5. "The law is against those who keep the seventh day."
6. "Our learned men have not found out that the seventh day is the Sabbath."
7. "I will write to our editor, that he may help your mind, and show that the Sabbath has been changed."
8. "I would keep the seventh day if it was generally observed."
9. "Mr. G. preached a discourse on the Sabbath last week, and proved that we were keeping the seventh day."
This is a sample of what is held out as truth on the Sabbath by first-day preachers; and if it is true that error follows a zigzag course, and has as many horns as the apocalyptic beast that John saw, it is evident that the first day Sabbath is erroneous. The brethren in Dunham and Sutton are getting more and more settled on the truth. Truth is plain, straight and harmonious, and it will stand when God shall sweep away the refuge of lies (Isa. xxviii, 17); and those who have the truth will agree, and will be shielded from the tempter's power. All can understand the truth in regard to the Sabbath question. Even the little child of three or four years old can see that the seventh day is the holy Sabbath of the Lord our God.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
MEETINGS AT BRIDGEWATER, MICH.
By John Norton Loughborough
This meeting, of which we have before spoken in the Review, continued until I had given twenty lectures. Although the weather and roads were bad most of the time during these meetings, yet they were for the most part well attended. The people of the place were mostly bigoted sectarians, and could not think of admitting that there were any necessary truths outside of their creeds. Some, however, gave attention to the word spoken, and when we left some four or more had made up their minds to obey the truth. Several others were investigating, and we hope will take their stand upon the truth. Some who confessed that we had the truth took a very strange position, namely, "There is no other way to creep out of keeping the Sabbath only of two evils to choose the least;" thus making it an evil to keep God's commandments, and a less evil to break them, and all "because it will make disturbance in the neighborhood."
Our last discourse was on the destruction of the wicked. The Lord gave me good liberty in standing for the doctrine of eternal life only through Christ. But church members were very ready after meeting to consign me to an endless hell. They thought men who taught such doctrines as I taught ought to go to such a place anyhow. Some of them could even use profane language as they talked strongly of trying the tar-and-feather argument. Instead of this causing the truth to lose its force, it of course showed to those who could submit to an argument that this was the best weapon our opponents had.
We were glad to learn on our return home that some have come out where I labored in Convis a few weeks since. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
THE BOOK OF DANIEL.
By D. Hildreth
THIS book is naturally divided into two parts—the first historical, and the second prophetic. The book is divided into twelve chapters, the first six being historical, and the last six prophetic. There is a prophetical dream in the second chapter, but it is Nebuchadnezzar's and belongs to the historical part of the book. Chap. i. In the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came against Jerusalem and took it, and carried away some of the chief men of the city to Babylon, among whom were Daniel and his three companions. Verses 1, 2; 2 Kings xxiv; 2 Chron. xxxvi. Chapter i. gives an account of the learning, wisdom, and promotion of Daniel and his three fellows.
Chap. ii. This chapter gives an account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the metallic image and its interpretation.
Chap. iii. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold about a hundred feet high, and set it up in the plain of Dura, and commanded all people to worship it. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to obey, and were cast into the fiery furnace. See with what boldness they answered the king. Verse 16. After Daniel had interpreted the dream the king made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, but he preferred a lower station; and at his request his three friends were placed over the affairs of Babylon. Chap. ii, 48, 49. It was no doubt through envy that certain Chaldeans made known to the king that these men did not worship his image [verses 8-12], as also was the fact in the case of Daniel. Chap. vi.
Chap. iv. gives an account of Nebuchadnezzar's singular abasement, and his re-instatement in his kingdom.
Chap. v. gives an account of Belshazzar's impious feast, the hand-writing on the wall, and the overthrow of the Babylonian kingdom by the Medo-Persian power.
Chap. vi. tells of Daniel's high station in the Medo-Persian kingdom, and his being cast into the den of lions.
We now come to the second division of the book. Daniel now goes back and gives an account of his visions, which were not introduced into the narrative of his book for they would have interrupted the history.
Chap. vii. This chapter contains the vision of the four beasts and was given to him in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon.
Chap. viii. This chapter contains the vision of the ram and he-goat, the date being the third year of Belshazzar.
Chap. ix. In the first year of Darius the Median, Daniel, perhaps reflecting on the vision given him fifteen years previous, recorded in the eighth chapter, opened the book of Jeremiah the prophet, and there read that after seventy years the Lord had promised to bring his people again to their land [Jer. xxix, 10], and perhaps thinking that the 2300 days referred to the same event, and that the captivity of his people had been prolonged, set his face unto the Lord with prayer and supplication, fasting, sackcloth and ashes, confessing his own sins and the sins of his people, and praying the Lord not to defer his promise. In answer to his prayers Gabriel was sent who explained to him the vision.
Chapters x, xi, xii. Daniel had three distinct visions; 1, of the four beasts [chap. vii], 2, of the ram and he-goat [chap. viii], the same explained in chap. ix, and 3, the great vision of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth chapters. The reason why Daniel calls this a great vision [chap. x, 8] was probably owing to the power and glory there exhibited. Chap. x. is the introduction to the vision. Chap. xi. is the prophetic words of the angel, also chap. xii, 1-4. The rest of the chapter is the conversation of those present. The division of the tenth and eleventh chapters is unfortunate as it obscures the sense, and leaves the reader in doubt as to who the speaker of the eleventh chapter is. All three chapters would be much plainer if they were but one. A few considerations will make it plain that the speaker of the eleventh chapter and part of the twelfth is an angel.
1. The vision related in these three chapters was given in the third year of Cyrus. Chap. x, 1. The speaker in chap. xi, 1 says, "Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I stood to confirm and to strengthen him. Verse 2. And now will I show thee the truth." Did Daniel confirm Darius and show him the truth? Certainly not, for that which was noted in the Scriptures of truth [chap. x, 21] was revealed to Daniel in the third year of Cyrus who reigned after Darius. Chap. v, 30, 31; vi, 28. Daniel had little to do in strengthening kings, but angels are sent to execute the will of God. Chap. x, 13, 20, 21; ix, 20-23.
2. It is not reasonable to suppose that Daniel would call this a great vision and neglect to narrate it as he had other visions. He would not give such a lengthy introduction and then neglect to give the words of the angel.
3. The angel would not have exhibited such a display of divine power, and then have gone away without uttering some important prophecy, although he said he was going to return to the kings of Persia. Verses 15, 20.
4. The angel says [x, 21], "I will show thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth." In chap. xi, 2, he repeats, "Now will I show thee the truth," and then continues with a prophecy reaching to the end of the world. Connect the xth and xith chapters, and enclose the first verse of the xith in a parenthesis, and all is plain.
5. The man clothed in linen is mentioned in chap. x, 5; and xii, 6, 7, showing it to be the same vision. Also the angel says to Daniel [xii, 1], "The children of thy people," meaning of course Israel. Daniel was the only prophet to whom was revealed the prophetic periods. He is mentioned by Ezekiel, chap. xiv, 14; xxviii, 3.
D. HILDRETH.
LETTERS.
By John Norton Loughborough
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From. Bro. Loughborough.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would hereby state that I have read Testimony for the Church No. 6, especially that portion which has reference to labors in Parkville Mich. The testimony concerning the first introduction of the truth into that place in a smooth manner is true. I deeply mourn that I have ever been left to thus cripple my testimony, and bring leanness into my own soul. I trust I shall have strength from God in future to bear the straight testimony required by the third angel's message.
In hope of overcoming. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
OBITUARY.
By F. M. Bragg
My dear mother, Mrs. Mary Burritt, died (in Kansas) Jan. 8, 1861, aged seventy years, seven months, and 23 days. She embraced the Advent faith in 1844, and received light upon the commandments in 1852. From that time she kept the holy Sabbath.
At the time of mother's sickness and death we were far separated. We have not enjoyed her society for nearly three years; but in this deep affliction and great bereavement, we sorrow not without the cheering hope that she sleeps that "blessed sleep, from which none ever wake to weep." We believe she will come forth from the tomb in the morning of the resurrection clothed in immortal beauty, "to die no more."
F. M. Bragg.
Cambridge, Wis.
TENT SEASON.
By Editor
"The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few." In looking over the great field, and considering the many and urgent calls for ministers to labor with tents the coming season, and then counting the few who are in a measure prepared to go out with the tents, we are driven to the painful conclusion that all the calls cannot be supplied. And on a careful and prayerful consideration of the subject, we have found difficulties in coming to definite conclusions as to our fields of labor.
Bro. Loughborough is invited and urged to New York, but his feelings are West. Bro. Hull is settled at Battle Creek, but is willing to go to New York. The brethren are anxious to sustain him and Bro. Cornell in Michigan, while the brethren in Eastern Iowa call and expect Bro. C. to that field. Bro. Waggoner is invited to Ohio, but the absence of Bro. Hull from Southern Iowa, the state of the cause there, and the need of an experienced man to labor with Bro. E. W. Shortridge, form strong reasons why Bro. W. should go to Southern Iowa; yet the failure to sustain the cause in Southern Iowa is a draw-back, while the state of things in Ohio present discouragements to any preacher against laboring in that State the coming season.
Again, there are as many tents in the hands of the brethren as can be well manned, and the brethren in Michigan are willing to give up the preachers in this State to labor in other States, provided there be sufficient interest in other States to support them, and furnish good tent-masters that our worn preachers may not bear a double burden. There is no tent fit for use in Michigan, and as the cause is one, it would seem better to occupy the tents already in the hands of the brethren, than to buy more and let some of them be idle. Yet means could be raised at once in Michigan to purchase and sustain one or two tents, if thought best to urge preachers to remain, and labor in the State.
Therefore, we recommend immediate action and immediate report of such action, in those States, or localities where they have not taken and reported their action upon this subject, that we may better decide as to our fields of labor. If tent committees, and true friends of the cause be so scattered that they cannot consult in season, let individuals report for themselves immediately to the REVIEW Office. Bro. and sister White are urged to visit Mauston, Wis., and other points in the West, but are not willing to labor as they have done against unreasonable prejudice, and complaints of harshness and severity in their testimony from professed friends of the cause. Could they be assured that the friends of the cause would stand by them in a faithful performance of their duty, and not divide the difference between them and those who have been reproved by them, and thus throw on Bro. and sister W. an additional burden, they might see their way clear to visit the West. Their labors are also needed in Ohio, and perhaps farther east; but unless the way opens fully, or they receive special evidence of duty, they may fill calls in this State at present.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
M. E. CORNELL.
J. H. WAGGONER.
MOSES HULL.
JAMES WHITE.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
By James White
It is just, and nothing more, that our brethren in Ohio should have the privilege of speaking for themselves relative to the name Seventh-day Adventists.
Bro. O. Mears writes, dated Bowling Green, Ohio, April 22, 1861: "Seeing in the Review the resolutions of the Ohio Finance Committee with their request and your remarks, I wish to say one word, not that I am an old friend of the cause of present truth; yet I am a friend, and have an abiding faith (although surrounded by all manner of discouragements) that God's truth will triumph.
"The name Seventh-day Adventists is the name that I admire, and believe is the most appropriate at present, and should it ever please the Lord to lead his people out and give them a better or more appropriate name, I hope to be one of those willing to exchange."
Bro. James Baker writes in behalf of the church at Cass, Ohio: "We have nothing against adopting the name Seventh-day Adventists. We have strong attachments for each other, and for the precious cause of truth. We would like to see the third message moving forward. O how solemn we feel to see the difficulty which exists in the church at Gilboa."
Sister L. Locke writes from Ayuraville, Ohio, April 18th 1861: "I thought I would write a few lines to let you know that I have no sympathy with the secession movement in Ohio. I choose to remain with the body. I think Seventh-day Adventists is a beautiful name for the remnant, and I hope to be worthy to bear that name."
This sister in humble circumstances in life, gave last year for the Ohio Tent and its support over one hundred dollars. Such persons should not be allowed to do more than their duty in this cause. We suggest to the Ohio Finance Committee that all above Sr. L.'s proportional part for last year should be promptly refunded to her.
J. W.
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
This scripture is supposed by many to refer to the resurrection of the wicked as well as the righteous, because it is equally true of them that they die in Adam. But this conclusion is not necessary, for a thing may be affirmed of a particular class, which is equally true of another class, and yet that other class not be had in view.
The apostle in this chapter is declaring the benefits of the resurrection; but the resurrection of the wicked is not for a benefit to them. If Christ is raised, a benefit is thereby conferred on them that sleep in Jesus. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept." Verse 20. By this the apostle would show that those who are fallen asleep in Christ are not perished, inasmuch as Christ is the first-fruits of the harvest of saints. There is no change in the argument—the next two verses begin with "For." "For since by man (Adam) came death (on those who sleep in Jesus), by man (Christ) came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all (of the class under consideration) die, even so in Christ shall all (the same class) be made alive." But that it refers only to the saints is evident from the next verse. "But every man in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." All must admit that the expression, "every man," in this last verse covers the same ground exactly as the word "all" in the verse before it, hence it cannot apply to the wicked unless they are "Christ's at his coming."
In verse 35 the query is anticipated, "How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" Now if this refers to the general dead, without distinction, Universalism follows. See Paul's answer to the query in verses 42-44. "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."
Will the wicked be raised in "incorruption" and "glory" with "spiritual bodies?" If so, Universalism is true. If not, then the chapter has reference only to the righteous.
This view is also strengthened by the apostle's conclusion in the last verse. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Though the saints die "in" (by or through) Adam yet because "in," (by or through) Christ they will be made alive, therefore their labor is not in vain in the Lord.
M. E. CORNELL.
The Cause Is Rising
Wm. S. Ingraham writes from Monroe, Wis.: "The cause is surely rising here. Since my last letter five more have come out in this vicinity, and some in Brodhead where I am holding meetings."
ENGLISH BIBLES.
By Editor
We have just received a good assortment of English Bibles from Canada, which we sell at the prices given below. The size is indicated by the amount of postage.
PROVIDENCE permitting we will meet in conference with the church at Marquette, Wis., May 18, and 19. Also at Avon, Rock Co., the 25th and 26th.
We hope to meet the brethren from Wisconsin and Northern Illinois at these conferences ready to act their part in the spiritual worship of God, and in sustaining the tent campaign the coming season.
ISAAC SANBORN.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
NOTE.—I have taken the liberty to appoint the Wisconsin conferences at the above dates for the following reasons: First, I greatly desire to be at the Marquette meeting, and, second, duties in relation to the Publishing Association, will detain me in this State about two weeks.
J. N. L.
Providence permitting, we will meet in conference with the church in St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Mich., Sabbath and first-day, May 4 and 5. At Chesaning 10 and 12, as the brethren may appoint.
JOSEPH BATES.
GENERAL MEETING IN KNOXVILLE IOWA.
PROVIDENCE favoring, we will meet with the friends of the cause in Southern Iowa in general meeting at Knoxville on sixth day, May 17, 1861.
Our future labors will depend upon the position and action of the friends of the cause in Southern Iowa, to be determined by the time of the Knoxville meeting.
J. H. WAGGONER.
E. W. SHORTRIDGE.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
D. T. Bourdeau : S. O. Clark's paper is regularly sent. We have sent a box of books to H. Bingham, Morrisville, Vt.
E. Lindsay : Your letter was received, and the book sent to Hillsborough, Ind., the address you gave. The dollar for REVIEW you will find receipted in No. 22.
Geo. Wright : The present volume of REVIEW is about expired. We could not think that Sr. D. wished us to send her the numbers of this volume for nearly six months back. Besides, some of the numbers are exhausted so that we could not give her a complete set if she wished it.
S. M. Holly : The paper was sent to Mrs. P. M. Nash, and the money credited on book, but accidentally omitted in the paper. We give it in this No.
R. Dorman : The paper has been regularly sent to your present address, and the dollar you will find received in No. 22.
Receipts.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
Chas. Buck 1,50,xviii,14. C. Buck (for A. L. Buck) 0,50,xix,1. E. H. Root 1,00,xix,3. A. Rogers 2,00,xix,7. S. A. McPherson (for J. Collar) 0,50,xix,6. E. W. Shortridge (for M. Titus) 0,50,xix,1. R. Perkins 0,75,xviii,22. Jas. Grimes 2,00,xix,22. John Vannorlor 0,50,xix,1. O. F. Walker 0,50,xviii,19. D. S. Sutton 1,00,xvii,14. M. E. McDuell 2,00,xvii,22. L. Steere 2,00,xx,1. Jos. Clarke 6,20,xix,1. Mrs. L. A. Marsh 1,00,xvii,5. A. Horr 1,00,xvii,14. A. Oleson 2,00,xx,1. M. M. Osgood (for H. Carpenter) 1,00,xviii,1. Wm. Kerr 2,00,xx,1. R. Rundall 1,00,xix,1. M. F. Sipe 0,50,xix,1. A. Reedson 1,00,xviii,23. C. Weed 1,00,xix,1. J. Whitmore 0,40,xix,1. H. S. Gurney 1,00,xix,1. H. S. Gurney (for S. Gurney) 0,50,xix,1. J. E. Titus 1,00,xix,1. A. J. Richmond 1,00,xix,1. A. Hafer 2,50,xix,7. G. W. Strickland 1,00,xix,21. E. Bracket 1,00,xix,1. Wm. Smith 1,00,xix,1. Mrs. Wm. Smith (for M. A. Calkins) 0,50,xix,1. J. E. Titus (for H. S. Sanders) 1,00,xiii,1. J. Tabor 2,00,xviii,1. Jas. Hogle 1,00,xix,1. P. M. Nash 1,00,xviii,20. M. Colby 1,00,xix,1.