"REMEMBER the Sabbath-day to keep it holy," is the divine command. And many very precious promises are made to those who obey it. Says the Prophet,
"If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isa. lviii, 13, 14.
But do we keep the Sabbath according to the fourth commandment? Do we keep it according to the instruction of the above text? Is the Sabbath a delight unto us? Are we quite careful to do no more work upon this sacred day than necessity or mercy demands? Are we watchful of ourselves that we do not do our own ways, nor find our own pleasure, nor speak our own words?
These and similar questions have often revolved in my mind respecting myself, and sometimes respecting brethren and sisters. And at times I have feared that some of us might be fonnd destitne of that love for the holy Sabbath which we should possess.
"Love," says the Apostle, "is the fulfilling of the law." What then will it avail to talk of obedience to the commandments of God, if we have not love for them?
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John v, 3.
That the Sabbath-day is not observed according to the commandment by some families is certain to my mind. Ordinary daily labor is suffered sometimes to crowd so hard upon the hours of the Sabbath, that more or less chores are left on Sixth-day to be done after the Sabbath commences, which should have been done before.
Why neglect these duties, brethren and sisters, till the return of the Sabbath? Why not do them earlier? Could not time enough be taken on Sixth-day for it? We are sure that some might redeem time enough on this day for this purpose, if they were diligent in business, or visited less, or had shorter noonings, or made their absence shorter from home.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God," is the exhortation of the Apostle. If this be our constant aim, I think we shall have a love for the sacred Rest-day, which will lead us to make all possible preparations to keep it holy, when it returns. We may then commence it in the spirit of the following lines:
"Another six days' work is done,
Another Sabbath is begun;
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest,
Improve the day that God has blest."
Not only will it be the delight of those who sincerely love the Sabbath of the Lord, to commence it in a proper manner, but also to keep every hour of it holy. But this we fear again is not always done. By some, chores are commenced in the house, at the barn and other buildings, before the close of the Sabbath, which we are sure might be done after its close.
There is a sweet and happy satisfaction in spending the hours of the sanctified Rest-day with those who keep it according to the commandment. With its return all is calm and peaceful.
"Hushed is the tumult of the day,
And worldly cares and labors cease;
While soft the vesper breezes play,
To hymn the glad return of peace;
Delightful season, kindly given,
To turn the wandering thoughts to heaven."
In conclusion, we would ask each brother and sister if our convictions are erroneous or hasty, that a reform is necessary on this subject? If not, shall it not commence now?
"Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God."
Let us watch our words and actions on this holy day, and see that we do all things to the glory of God. Each closing Sabbath leaves a record for or against us. O may it be for us, that we may all finally enter into the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
A. S. HUTCHINS
FRENCH MISSION.
By Michael Belina Czechowski
DEAR BRO. SMITH: My silence has probably surprised189you, as you requested me to keep you informed of my labors—of where I have been and what I have done. I stopped nine days at Bangor. I was very sorry to leave Bro. Bourdeau and return so soon, but it seemed necessary, as the snow was melting very fast; and if I had remained longer I could not have taken back my team.
Our labors in Constable were very agreeable and satisfactory. The Lord gave us one French and one English family. Others were convinced, but made no declaration.
Before the door opens for me elsewhere, I shall labor among the French in this vicinity, and I find plenty to do. I preach in the morning at Champlain on Sundays, then walk to Coopersville, four miles from there, and preach at 2 o'clock, P. M., then back to Champlain and preach in the evening, and afterwards have a Bible class. I held it till midnight the last two Sundays. Monday morning I walk home, a distance of seven or eight miles. My horse is at present unfit for use.
There are many Catholics at Champlain and Coopersville. The priest has become much enraged against me. Two weeks ago he threatened to excommunicate his members, if they went to hear me preach. Some of them said they would go to hear me if they were deprived of communion in consequence. The priest then influenced the trustees of the school-house in which we met at Coopersville, to close the house against me, but an American, not one of our brethren, opened his house, and told me I might hold meetings in it as long as I chose. Bro. Bourdeau left for his home in Vt. two weeks ago. This worthy brother was unable to preach more without resting awhile. His throat troubles him very much. I was very sorry he could not assist me longer.
I received last week $10,00 through the hands of Bro. White. It came in the right time, as I was in great need of money then to pay taxes, make fences, etc. I feel very grateful to the dear brethren for their kindness, and trust the Lord will reward them.
My love to all the dear brethren who compose the 144,000.
M. B. CZECHOWSKI.
Mooer's, N. Y., Apr. 28th, 1859.
"HOW DOES IT HAPPEN
By J. Clarke
THAT we have not heard of these things before?" says the objector; and the question seems unanswerable to him.
How did it happen, dear sir, that no one but Noah knew of the flood? there were good men previous to Noah. How did it come, that God did not reveal the coming destruction to some of the great, the noble, of the antediluvians?
God sent by his prophets to ancient Israel to warn them of impending judgments, and these warnings were always just in the right time. They probably tried to silence those holy men in the same way. How do you know? What evidence have we that you know any more than Baal's prophets? Why are you, O Elijah, troubling Israel with new doctrines? Do you not see that Baal's worship is an old, established affair? Why, O Elijah, will you turn the present order of things upside down? How does it happen that you, a rough old man, know more than all the polished prophets of Baal? Here are thousands of our belief against you, and if you are right, why did we not find it out before? Why did not God reveal so important a matter to some of our priests of Baal? they have influence. God would never have chosen such a rough, unpopular man as you are to carry such a message.
Why, O Jeremiah, are you always harping upon these unpopular hobbies of yours? Has not God blessed us as a nation from Abraham down, and did not even Jacob have idols hid away in his family? and in the desert the same idea was carried out, and even Solomon built a house for image worship, to accommodate some of his family. Indeed, this practice of Baal worship is of very ancient date, and why did not God make this known before, if it was wrong? O Jeremiah, do not make yourself abhorred of every good, faithful patriot, by crying out, Captivity? captivity! Why, Jeremiah, it is no better than treason; you are only weakening the hands of the people.
Why, O John the Baptist, that robe of coarse camel's hair cloth, and that leathern girdle, and that mean diet of locusts? You, the son of a high priest, who might be extensively useful, if you would labor legitimately! If God had such an important message for mankind as you pretend to have, he would have sent a person who dressed and acted like other people. Why, John, you are only injuring your influence.
Why, O Luther, do you cry out so crazily against the holy mother Catholic church handed down to us, in a direct line from St. Peter, the great key-holder. You, a despicable monk, dare to attack the Holy Church, ancient and well established. O rebellious Luther!
J. CLARKE.
WHO SHALL BE GREATEST?
By J. Clarke
This is one of the questions that occur to the carnal heart, in all great civil and political movements; and in great religious movements, happy and humble indeed is that soul who has no such evil suggestions of the carnal mind to oppose.
A very striking instance of this kind is recorded in Matt. xx, 20-28. The mother of James and John came to Christ and asked that her two sons might sit, one on his right hand and the other on his left, in his kingdom.
Jesus knowing that she was unconscious of the presumption which such a request manifested, met it with mild reasoning and persuasion, and tells them they do not know what they ask; while the sons of this aspiring woman, with the same unconscious presumption, press the petition, professing to be able to be baptized with the baptism Christ was baptized with; (O how they must have looked back upon this in after years,) and the mild, persuasive, loving Jesus was not only unoffended, but kindly called them with the other disciples to him, while he condescended to dispel the fog which Satan had managed to throw over them.
He reasons thus: Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them, but it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, (to serve,) and to give his life a ransom for many.
A very short method, truly, of disposing of this art of Satan, this ambitious carnal propensity, which adulates self, and seeks its own glory. How sweet, how conclusive is the reasoning of Jesus. No rough or harsh terms, nor words of upbraidery, but the kindest language, to express the purest, loftiest thoughts.
But we have light now upon this subject. We may quickly and clearly see the sin of ambition and pride. Says Christ, Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Says David, My heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty, neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother. My soul is even as a weaned child.
Is this the language of my heart? Brother, is this the language of your heart? Are we thus humble? May the good and merciful Jesus bear with us until we come wholly into the faith and patience of the saints.
J. CLARKE.
STINGY CHRISTIANS.
By Mrs. PHŒBE PALMER
I AM thankful for the opportunity to say that if our —— friends should do much more toward sustaining the institutions of religion among themselves, it would do much towards bettering their spiritual condition. The Bible makes it as much a duty to give according as God has prospered us, as it makes it our duty to pray. One reason why many are spiritually lean is, because they are so lean in their manner of giving.
God gives, generally, in both spirituals and temporals, in about the proportion we give to others. "Give, and it shall be given you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."
Those who do not give gospel measure do not receive gospel measure. We ought to regard it at least as great a privilege to give as to receive. But why do I thus speak? The Bible makes it greater. "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Yet this is a privilege of which our friends do not avail themselves as they ought. In the first place, if they have a church to build, or repair, instead of regarding it as a privilege to lay up specifically for that purpose, as David did, unwilling to sacrifice that which cost him nothing, some, I fear, would regard it as a privilege to have our city friends, by public subscriptions or private donations, pay off the debt to the last cent. And, from the scanty support that some of those give their ministers, I have thought that they might feel themselves as so much in pocket if their ministers might be sustained from abroad also. Certain it is, that it would be more comfortable for the feelings of their minister, who is sometimes left to feel as though he was receiving his scanty support more as a dependant on the charities of his people, than as an ambassador from the court of heaven.
In the days of the prophet Malachi, there were those who were disposed to sustain the institutions of religion in about the same way. They waited long, and in earnest entreaty, at God's altar. They were ready to sacrifice also, but it was of that which cost them nothing. Have you not noticed how ready some people are to appropriate to their minister that which they cannot turn into money? Well just such offers were those who waited at the altar in the days of this ancient prophet. And these would have had the prophet beseech God that he would be gracious unto them. But what does the Lord by the mouth of the prophet say? "Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? Neither do ye kindle a fire on mine altar for naught. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand." And when the blessing of the Lord is withheld from such a people, as it ever must be, how apt are they to suppose it is for want of power with God in their minister! But, though the most holy minister that ever filled the sacred desk, or even Gabriel from the throne of God direct, should minister to such a people, it were in vain to supplicate the blessing of God. God has pronounced a curse on those who offer polluted bread upon his altar. And who can minister blessings to those upon whom God has pronounced curses, unless they will first repent, and forsake their covetous practices!—Incidental Illustrations of the Economy Salvation, by Mrs. PHŒBE PALMER.
PROSPECT IN EUROPE.
That a great war is impending over the Continent, is no longer doubted. The march of Austrian battalions to Italy and the preparations of arms and munitions by France are accelerated. There has been a further and serious decline in the French stocks. We believe Piedmont is in imminent danger of a crushing invasion from Lombardy—that Austria will but act with ordinary prudence in thus averting the blow which else is sure to fall. An army of 200,000 Austrians, resolutely led, might drive the Piedmontese forces over the Alps in a week, investing Alessandria and capturing Turin and Genoa before the French could interpose in force. The seat of war thus transferred to the Alps and Savoy, with Piedmont practically extinguished, Louis Napoleon and Cavour would find the entertainment quite other than that to which they are self-invited. True, Austria is not famed for quickness of apprehension or of movement; were her Emperor a Napoleon I., he would manifestly thus confront the imminent peril. Italy behind a great and triumphant Austrian army is not formidable; with the French on the Mincio or Adige and the190Austrian on the defensive, it may be quite otherwise.
—We say to our farmers—Plant and sow freely, persistently; for Grain and Meat are likely to be in demand next Fall. The war which now threatens is unlikely to be a short and cannot be a little one. It is likely to array a Million of men in arms against each other, subtracting many times that number from productive industry, to employ them in casting cannon, making powder, charging shells, &c., &c. All these must eat, and battle-fields are not well adapted to the growth of food. We shall be disappointed if Europe does not afford us a large market for Breadstuffs before the end of the current year.—Tribune.
The Angel of Mercy.
By S. Elmer
She comes in the hour of deepest trial; when worn by care and anxieties, beset with temptations and the numerous ills of this changing life, then she comes to strengthen and console the sorrow-stricken. Then hope springs up anew, and joy and gratitude fills the heart as she whispers cheering promises: “My grace is sufficient for you;” “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out;” “The Lord hath not forsaken those that seek him;” Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver thee” &c.
Again we behold her bending over the couch of pain. She moistens the parched lips, and wipes the cold sweat from the brow of the dying christian. She points him to that bright morn when he shall burst his clayey tenement, and, blooming with health and immortal beauty, ascend with all the redeemed to the paradise of God. Then she turns to comfort the mourner. She mourns with those that mourn, and weeps with those that weep. She bids them look forward to that bright world where no sickness, pain or sorrow shall ever come; assures them that if faithful, they shall soon meet to part no more.
But it would be utterly impossible to count the blessings that have been bestowed upon our race by this celestial being. Ever since the creation down through the lapse of near six thousand years has she been striving with and beseeching mankind to turn and live; and many have been the means she has devised for their good. But alas! for fallen man, pride and selfishness have marked his course, and often have his hands been stained with the blood of the innocent, while he has rejected all claims to proffered mercy. It was by her kind interposition that the Saviour was moved to lay aside his glory and come into this lower world to suffer for guilty man.
How oft the poor sinner, when realizing his lost condition and almost ready to despair, casts a wishful look to Calvary, and there beholds a compassionate Saviour, expiring in dreadful agony. As he views the affecting scene, he sees on the cross inscribed in living characters, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world;” and as he reads the comforting promise, “The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin,” light springs up in his heart, and he goes on his way rejoicing.
We have been speaking of what mercy has done; we now speak of what she is doing. Commissioned from on high, she is now conveying the last solemn message to mankind—a message which must decide the fate of thousands. Here mercy and truth have met together. As truth moves onward, like a cherub of light she dispels darkness. Error gives way and truth triumphs.
This is a fearful and soul-stirring message, and those who do not heed it must soon drink the unmixed wrath of Jehovah. Time is now closing. The last lingering hours of probation are fast waning away. How solemn the passing moments! Men may scoff now as they did in the days before the flood; but as it was then so it is now. Their day is coming. Already the storm is gathering. The pent up elements will soon burst with redoubled fury, the heavens will gather blackness, the bursting thunders will roll through the concave of heaven, the forked lightnings will gleam through the earth, the earth itself will rock to and fro, and with convulsive throes shake to its center, while all around will be one scene of terror, devastation and ruin. Then haste thee, sinner, ere justice overtakes thee and seals thy doom. Soon the sweet voice of mercy will cease to call. Yet now through the gathering gloom appears a ray of light and her angel form is seen beckoning you upward. Then follow her and find a shelter from the coming wrath. Then you will be safe, and trusting in God, you can smile at the warring elements without.
S. ELMER.
Ashfield, Mass.
Letters.
By O. Davis
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Davis.
BRO. SMITH: The Review and Herald of 3d Mo. 24th, is before me, containing an article headed “Bootless Reform,” upon which I feel it my duty to make some remarks. Firstly, what am I to understand by the expression “Bootless Reform?” Bro. Waggoner pleads for the Dictionary for the definition of terms; and says if we reject their authority, we have no means of judging. Those Dictionaries to which I have access leave me about as much in the dark about the meaning of the term, as I should suppose from his writing that Bro. Cornell was about the meaning of some of the revelations of Spiritualism. I might perhaps by examining in what sense cant phrases of the world are used, get at the signification of the above. But as the maxims and customs of this world are not recommended for us to pattern after, I must of necessity drop that part of the subject.
Secondly, the article refers to a class “who think it their duty to discard the names of the month as they stand at present in the calendar, and also to return to the Bible method of reckoning time. Such seem not to have understood the difficulty of the task they have undertaken.
“For instance, we have received letters during this present month, (March,) dated third month, 1859.” As a letter that I wrote to the Office during the present month was similar to those instanced, I do not feel free to let the subject pass as it now stands. Of those that would return to the Bible method of reckoning time, I have nothing to say. They would probably choose to defend their own position.
Thou appearest to think that those who have undertaken this “Bootless Reform” as instanced above, have not calculated the cost. If they have not counted the cost, they ought most certainly to have realized it by this time; as this “Bootless Reform” was commenced by a religious society from one to two hundred years since, and which has contained many able writers and profound thinkers, also those who have ranked among the first as philanthropists in the ages in which they have lived. I saw the statistics of this society a year or two since, and they then numbered 144,000. I refer to the society of Friends, deridingly called Quakers. It has been said of William Penn, (a member of this society and consequently engaged in this same reform) that he made the only treaty that was not ratified by an oath, and the only one that never was broken. I think that if we were able to ask the poor Indian from what society he had received the most kindness, the response would be, from this very society who are engaged in this—reform. I might mention a Fry, a Wilberforce, and others who like Howard made it a great business of their lives to ameliorate the condition of their suffering fellow men. In the city of New Bedford, near which I formerly lived, and where I did the most of my business, very many of the first business men use only the number of the month. The bills of several of the Banks are also dated in the same manner. Most of the calendars that have come under my observation contain both name and number of the month.
But perhaps thou wilt say I want to see some argument from the Bible on the point. I do not know as I have any to offer except such as are used by the society referred to. They are the same as those used against the present heathenish names of the days of the week. In referring to the society of Friends as those who have long acted under a sense of duty in designating the month by its number rather than by its name, I do not do it as forming a basis or ground of my duty, or of any one, whose guide is the word of God; but to show that it is a subject that has long engaged the attention of a respectable religious body; and as one that is therefore, if for no other reason, entitled to at least a courteous consideration.
The names of the months are derived from several sources. Some named in honor of heathen deities, (and which must certainly be objectionable to those who discard the names of the days of the week for a like reason,) some significant of the seasons, and some derived from the Latin numerals. Of those significant of the seasons, I have no objection to make. Of those derived from the Latin, as September and October, as they do not designate the ninth and tenth months they are not now correct.
The number of the month is free from the above objections, simple and definite. Now my dear brother, to which of the above positions does the Spirit of truth direct?
In Hosea ii, 17 we read, “For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.” Is it not clear from this text, that remembering heathen deities by their names is offensive to God? Jesus has taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” I know not how to avoid such a conclusion. I might quote further, but I think I have written enough to show a sufficient reason for the style I feel it duty to adopt.
I think I have some knowledge of the subjects referred to in the last two paragraphs. I felt it my duty to examine the evidences upon which the doctrine of our soon coming Saviour (and its associate truths) are based, and this necessarily leads to some understanding of those subjects. I might further add that to comply with the injunction to give a reason of our hope has also led me to feel it my duty to examine the grounds of my faith. It is not long since I was invited to attend a religious meeting, appointed by a minister in the Friends’ society who was an intimate and dear friend of mine in our younger years. In the course of his remarks he referred to the second coming of the Lord and the people who taught it, in a way that I thought required of me some reply. After he had finished his discourse, I replied to him. After the meeting I had a conversation with him, and arranged a correspondence between us on our difference of faith. The last communication I sent, covered19134 closely written pages. I had sent several previous. My last has not yet been answered. Now my brother, I presume thou well knowest that to defend and explain our position, an investigation of symbolic, Jewish and Roman time is necessary.
I might write much more on this subject, and relate the Lord's dealings with me when first called to examine the obligation of the Sabbath. I will simply say that first law I was not at liberty to discard. I think I have related the matter to Bro. Bates and some others.
In love, thy brother in Christ,
O. DAVIS.
North Berwick, Me., 3d. mo. 27th, 1859.
NOTE. We do not know what dictionaries our brother has access to; but all that we have in possession, very promptly define the term “bootless,” as “unavailing, unprofitable, useless;” neither do they set it down as a “cant phrase” or a vulgarism. But our brother has entirely mistaken his mark. We had no reference to him in the remarks to which he refers. Nor do we object to a person's designating the months of the year as they now stand, according to their number, first, second, third, and so on, if they are so disposed. But there are some who think it their imperative duty to return to the ancient Jewish mode of reckoning time, and they seem to think they are doing this by simply dropping the names of the months now in use, and designating them by their ordinal numbers. Our design was to correct the misapprehension under which such labor, and also to show that all attempts to carry out in reality such a reform as that, would be utterly impracticable and useless.—Ed.
H Y M N.
By Edwin C. Stiles
“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous.”
Revelation xv, 1.
Harpers on the glassy sea,
Strike your harps in melody,
Children of prophecy,
Make heaven ring!
CHORUS.
Sing, O sing praises, unto our King!
He hath redeemed us, loudly we'll sing.
Over the beast and image, we
Now have gotten victory!
Showing the mystery
Of Babylon!
Golden girded heralds go,
Robed in raiment white as snow,
Pour forth the final woe:
O'er earth's domain!
Now the prophet's vision brings
To our view the King of kings,
Like mighty thunderings,
Welcome his reign!
He is called the "Word of God,"
Clothed with vesture dipped in blood,
Ruling with iron rod,
Nations profane!
He that's holy, He that's true,
With his army rides in view,
Lo now the faithful-few,
Follow their King!
EDWIN C. STILES.
Portland, Me.
Three Commandment-Keeping Families in Iowa
By Editor
Bro. J. F. Smith writes from Western College, Linn Co., Iowa, that there are three families there endeavoring to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We hope they will stand as shining lights in that distant section.
A Communication from Bro. and Sr. Treat
By S. & L. Treat.
From Bro. & Sr. Treat.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As we have no other means of communicating in our loneliness, and as our hearts are refreshed from week to week by reading the stirring epistles and communications from the brethren and sisters in the Review, we thought it might be right to send in our mite to that department of our valuable paper. Although we have not yet so much victory as is our daily prayer to obtain, yet we can say from the heart we love the present truth, and also the strait testimonies from the corresponding brethren. We mean by the grace of God to hold on our way and never give back, but to fight the good fight of faith; not with carnal weapons, but by putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation.
To our joy and satisfaction we had a visit from Bro. Calvin Monroe, of Waldo, some six or seven weeks ago. He gave us four discourses on the Sabbath, the signs of the times, and Spiritualism. We were very much edified and strengthened. The Lord bless and sustain that dear brother while laboring under severe trials and privations, is our earnest prayer to God, who is able to overrule all for his good.
The people in this place are so well satisfied with their orthodox teachers and creeds that they have no ears to hear nor hearts to receive the present truth; consequently, but very few besides a few children and youth were out to hear; but notwithstanding, there was interest enough excited to call forth two sermons on the Sabbath question in this neighborhood. The speaker acknowledged that the Sabbath, as well as marriage, was instituted before the fall, and that the one was as binding at the present day as the other. He also said that God required the observance of the Sabbath in remembrance of the six days' work of creation. He afterwards said that as God enjoined one seventh part of time under the former dispensation, so he does in the gospel dispensation; then tried to prove the change from the seventh to the first day of the week.
I need not proceed any further in detailing his evidences. Suffice it to say, he brought just such evidence as his case would afford him in the absence of truth. It was what has been handed out to the world time after time. The man did the best he could to satisfy his people, and it worked like a charm upon them. Poor souls! it reminds me of the Prophet's language. "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so, and what will they do in the end thereof?"
Now let us exhort you, brethren and sisters, in the language of an Apostle, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us."
From your brother and sister in hope of eternal life.
S., & L. TREAT.
Searsport, Me., April 17th, 1859.
J. M. & F. F. WARREN
By J. M. & F. F. WARREN
From Bro. & Sr. Warren.
Bro. Smith: The Review is still a welcome visitor to us. We are glad the truths it advocates are taking deep root in the hearts of God's children, and that we can see indications of a greater growth of grace and spirituality among the remnant. And while we see the church coming up out of the wilderness, and preparing for the refreshing or latter rain that is soon to be bestowed upon the saints, we earnestly desire to rise with them, to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, be zealous and repent, that we may be counted worthy to share these blessings, and to escape those things that are coming on the earth, and to stand before the Son of man when he appears. We know that ours is a blessed hope. The Apostle saith, Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John iii, 3. We want to be humble followers of the dear Saviour, to have the truth through which we are to be sanctified, in our hearts as well as in our heads. Paul exhorts us that we put off concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of our mind; and that we put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
We are glad there are still some faithful watchmen upon the walls of Zion, who, fearless of consequences, are bold to reprove sin in all its forms, laying the ax at the root of the tree. And though some hypocrites among us rise up against this testimony, and instead of repenting, endeavor to hide their faults by falsehood and deceit, persisting in burning incense to Baal, by the use of that idolatrous weed, tobacco, obeying the lusts of the flesh, being conformed to the world instead of being transformed by the renewing of their minds, that they might prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God; yet we believe that all the honest-hearted will obey the truth, get the victory over the carnal mind, be separated from every idol, that the testimony of Jesus will be confirmed among them, so that they will come behind in no gift, but be ready and waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We desire the prayers of God's dear children, that we may be enabled to adorn our profession by a well ordered life and godly conversation; and that by patient continuance in well doing we may seek for glory, honor, and be crowned with immortality at the appearing of Jesus.
Yours for the whole truth,
J. M. & F. F. WARREN
Westfield, Penn., Apr 1859.
OBITUARY.
By James Sawyer
DIED of typhoid fever in Wright, Mich., March 25th, 1859, Henry Bostwick, the son of Bro. F. Bostwick, aged eleven years, after an illness of about three weeks. He had been a member of the Sabbath School from its commencement. His parents were endeavoring to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
In the loss of this youth the brethren felt the hand of Providence near; but soon the enemy sought another victim on whom to lay the stroke of death. On the 17th inst., after a severe illness of typhoid fever, died, Bro. F. Bostwick, aged thirty-eight years.
Bro. Bostwick embraced the faith of Jesus under the preaching of J. B. Frisbie about fifteen months since, and his companion also. Bound unto their brethren by the love of God, which the Apostle says [Rom. viii, 38, 39] is inseparable, they were walking by faith towards the land of promise.
Our brother has left a wife and three children to mourn his loss. Although the wife of the deceased has been severely afflicted, yet God gave her patience, and she bore evidence throughout the sickness of both husband and son that she was resigned unto the will of the Lord.
As the gospel believers who have gone before, our brother obtained a good report through faith; and although he sleeps like them, "having not received the promise," yet we will not "sorrow even as others who have no hope," for when "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God," our brother shall arise. He has often testified before the world that he desired to do the will of his heavenly Father.
Brethren, pray for our bereaved sister, that the Lord may give counsel and guide her through earth's pilgrimage to the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
JAMES SAWYER.
Polkton, April 20th, 1859
Extracts from Letters.
Sister E. B. Spaulding writes from Panola, Ills.: ‐I am still striving to keep all the commandments of God. I feel sometimes almost discouraged, but I cannot find anything that is worth turning back for. I know that if I give up, all is lost. I still feel resolved to press my way on. I want to be zealous and repent, I want the white raiment, and to have my eyes anointed with eye-salve that I may see just what God would have me to do, that I may be ready when Jesus comes. Pray for me that I may endure to the end, and be permitted at last to be where the wicked will cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.‐
Encouragement from Sterling, Michigan
Bro. Wm. Potter writes from Sterling, Mich.:
"Dear brethren and sisters, I have many times been encouraged by reading your exhortations in the Review, and I would say to you that I am by the grace of God trying to overcome all evil, and prepare to meet you in his everlasting kingdom. I can truly say that I delight in serving the Lord. O how good the Lord has been to me! I feel to praise the Lord for his goodness.
"After embracing the truth last summer, I had the privilege of meeting with a few that are trying to do the will of the Lord, but it has been my lot of late to be separated from them and go to a place where the truth has not been presented. I think there is a good chance to do good here. There are some that are anxious to hear. I think some brother would do well to spend a few weeks in this place. O brethren and sisters, let us be faithful wherever we are."
The Truth Prospering in Naperville
Sister E. A. Pratt writes from Naperville, Ills., to Bro. White as follows: ‐I embrace this opportunity of writing to you to let you know how the truth is prospering in this vicinity. I have distributed my papers and books among those that enquire after truth, and it has had a good effect. Two have come out and decided for the truth; and many more are anxiously enquiring after the right way. They have never heard a discourse on the truth. There is no minister here, and the Baptist meeting-house has been offered for preaching as long as you choose. There is a way open for the spread of truth in this place, if we can have help now, while people's minds are awakened to the subject. There has been a reformation, and many of the young converts are dissatisfied with the church doctrines and are enquiring after Bible truth. The Spirit of the Lord seems to be moving upon the minds of the people to search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. Praise his name for it.‐