p. 200 | Review and Herald, Vol. 6, No. 25. (3/20/1855)

Keeping the Commandments and Faith

By Leonard Stillman

From Bro. Stillman.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say to you and to all of the dear saints scattered abroad, that it is still my determination to try to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In John xv, 11. Christ says, "If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love." This world looks dark and dreary, but the night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore seek to have on the whole armor, that we may be enabled to stand. I want to be an inhabitant of that better land where no one will say, I am sick, where there will be no more separation of friends we hold near and dear. There the parting hand will never be taken.

I have in a little season past lost many friends, among whom was a much loved mother; but I believe she is now sleeping in Jesus, and those that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Yes, praise the Lord, the graves will give up their dead, and the saints put on immortality. Seeing then these things will come to pass, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. It is a great thing to be right in all things, to watch over all of our ways and words, to be patient under all circumstances, and to have that love that if we were required to, we can lay down our life for a brother.

I have no sympathy with those who are trying to injure those who have borne the burden and heat of the day. May the Lord help us to shun the devices of Satan, that we may be enabled to escape the things that are coming upon those that love not the Lord. Soon he that shall come will come and will not tarry, and if any draw back he will have no pleasure in them. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord will not forsake those who put their trust in him and keep his commandments. Soon, if we faint not, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there will be no more sorrow nor sighing, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things will have passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things. I wish to say to all of God's dear children,

Now live in peace and holy fear, In love strive to excel, For Christ our King will soon appear, So brethren all farewell. Yours in love, hoping to overcome. LEONARD STILLMAN. Lisburn, N. Y., March 5th, 1855.

S. JACKSON

By S. Jackson

From Bro. Jackson.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and, are trying to overcome everything that is displeasing in the sight of the Lord. We are living in a dark corner, and our family are the only Sabbath or commandment keepers in this place. We many times feel very lonely, yet we feel that the Lord is with us. We have not seen any of the ministering brethren since last Spring. We know not what we should do without the Review. We are often encouraged in reading the strong Bible arguments and cheering letters from our dear brethren and sisters. We feel to put our whole trust in the Lord, knowing that he careth for those who try to do his will.

S. JACKSON

Corunna, Feb. 1855.

Extracts of Letters.

Bro. Jesse Dorcas writes from Freemont, Ohio, Feb. 25th, 1855:—

"I am rejoiced to be able to say to you, that we have the addition in our neighborhood, of one more family to the commandment-keeping company, and, as I think, honestly converted to the truth of the third angel's message; and it is my earnest prayer that they may continue faithful to the end."

"We have opposition here of most every kind. For instance: one man, a noisy class leader required of me to prove that the day commonly called Saturday, is the seventh day. Well, said I to him, in order to begin, you must admit, and firmly believe that the Bible is a book of divine inspiration. 'O!' exclaimed he, 'I can prove any thing I am a mind to from the Bible.' He continues, 'I can prove from it that it is right for you to steal.' I said to him that I would not bring such a charge against the Bible for my right hand. Still he persisted. . . ."

"Well, said I to him, if you allow that any thing may be proved from the Bible, you will not deny me the right to say that the seventh day, and the Sabbath may be."

"So far as I have heard objections to this glorious truth, they are about of the foregoing shallow character."

Sr. S. J. Gardner writes from Alton, Mich., Feb. 23d, 1855:—

"There seems to be a better prospect of

the truth's spreading and taking root than has been for some time. There seems to be an inquiring mind among the people to know whether these things are so. Spiritualism is progressing very fast in this place; but the brethren stand firm, and take a decided stand against it, and show from the Bible that it is the work of Satan; which serves to open their eyes. We hope to stand united with all the true believers of the present truth."

Sr. M. E. Haskell writes:—

"Permit me to express my sincere sympathy with both you and yours under the extremely trying circumstances in which you have been placed. For our dear Bro. Andrews also do we feel equally to sympathize. I could but weep when I read the piece entitled 'The Office,' in your last. That you should have been called to endure such hardships, and make such sacrifices for the promulgation of these glorious truths, made our hearts ache. God grant that you may neither fall martyrs to the cause, or be compelled to relinquish your post for lack of needful aid."

OBITUARY.

By H. S. Giddings

I WISH to say to the dear brethren and sisters that sister Louisa M. Bates, the wife of William Bates, sleeps in Jesus. She died of consumption, Jan. 17th, 1855, in the 29th year of her age. She embraced the truth one year ago last November, and was baptized last March when Bro. Joseph Bates labored among us. She was a firm believer in the third angel's message. Before she died she told her friends to weep not for her, for it was but a little while that she should sleep in the earth, before they should meet again, clothed with immortality, to suffer no more. She left a companion and brother and sisters to mourn her loss, yet they sorrow not as those having no hope. They would be glad to have some one of the preaching brethren come and preach a funeral discourse.

H. S. GIDDINGS.

Green Vale, Ill., March 5th, 1855.

Courage in Keeping the Sabbath

By Eliza Chaffee

From Sister Chaffee.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel it my duty to add my testimony to the truth. I do rejoice when the welcome return of your paper greets us. It is like bread to the hungry, and water to the thirsty. It is over a year since a few in this place first tried to keep all the commandments of God. We have sustained the prayer meeting though few in number, to worship the God of heaven, and he meets with us and that to bless.

The opposers of the seventh day Sabbath are on every hand. They say that we shall soon be ashamed to keep Saturday for the Sabbath, but to me the Sabbath is more precious now than when I first began to keep it. I receive courage and strength by reading letters from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, and am determined by the grace of God to have my garments unspotted from the world, that I may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the New Jerusalem.

Yours, with the hope of a glorious immortality at the appearing of Christ. ELIZA CHAFFEE. Ordino, Feb. 23d, 1855.

Twelve Embrace the Truth

By E. L. Barr

From Bro. Barr.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say for the encouragement of those who love the cause of present truth, that the Lord in mercy has caused his truth to triumph of late in this place.

Within the last four weeks twelve have decided to enter into life by keeping the commandments. Others are investigating the subject with a good degree of interest. The Lord help them to make the right decision.

Some that have recently embraced the truth have never before made an effort to secure for themselves the blessing of eternal life. May the Lord enable them to endure to the end and be saved.

Much interest is felt for friends in different parts of the country, that the light of the present truth may be extended to them, and some effort put forth for its accomplishment.

May the Lord abundantly bless all of his dear saints, and give them a mind to work while the day lasts.

Yours in hope of eternal life. E. L. BARR. East Pittsfield, Feb. 27th, 1855.

A Pilgrim on the Road to Zion

By Nancy A. Scripture

From Sister Scripture.

Dear Bro. White:—I wish to let those who are pilgrims and strangers here know that I am on the road to mount Zion, striving to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, that I may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city; for I believe they will soon be opened that the righteous nation that keepeth the truth may enter in. I often ask myself, Shall I be there? I believe all will be that are found faithful, and I am determined by the grace of God, to gird on the whole armor, that I may be able to stand in the day of the fierce anger of the Lord.

It is nearly three years since I first heard the sound of the present truth; and when I look back on my past life I wonder how I have been so careless and indifferent when there is so much to be done. I am here alone, no one to keep the Sabbath but myself and husband, yet I am not discouraged for I know on whom I have believed. O that the Lord would deliver me from lukewarmness in this fearful day, and help me to keep humble that I may be able to do all my duty. I often wish for the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith, but this I do not expect at present. All the meeting I have is the Review which comes to me a welcome messenger of truth. The cheering letters from the brethren and sisters cause my heart to rejoice when I hear what the Lord is doing in different parts of the vineyard, in bringing souls to see the truth of his law.

I have often been impressed to write, but have delayed, hoping that I should be able to do something for the cause of truth but at present all I can do is to pray, Lord, save thy people, and give not thy heritage to reproach. O that the Lord would give me a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah, that I may be able to do all his will. Nancy A. Scripture. Essex Co., N. Y.

A Suggestion.

By Editor

As the Brethren in all parts of the field will want the Hymn Book, and the work on the angel's messages as soon as they are completed, we would suggest that each Church, or brethren in certain localities, raise the means and obtain a quantity of these Books, and other works, to be sent to them as common freight, or by Express. In this case the cost of transportation will be trifling compared with Mail postage, and there will be a discount made of at least 25 per cent from retail prices. We shall be happy to pay those who have kindly let us have money, all or a part in books. It will take the book-binder five or six weeks to bind as many of the Hymn Books as will be immediately called for. Those who send their orders with the money first, will be served first, after we have supplied those who have freely given us the use of their money to publish the book with.

We would also say that we have full sets of all the back Vols. of the REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR, which we offer at the following low prices, as we need the pay for them.

REVIEW. Vols. 1 & 2, in paper covers, each 20 cts. Vols. 3, 4 & 5, 35 cts. each. Vols. 2 & 3, bound together in board, leather backs, 85 cts. Vols. 4 & 5, bound together in board, &c., $1.

INSTRUCTOR. Vols. 1 & 2, in paper covers, 15 cts. single; 30 cts. both bound together. In board, &c., both together, 50 cts. The retail prices on these back Volumes will be about 50 per cent more, yet we will send any quantity of them with the other books, as above suggested, at these prices.

FOREIGN NEWS.

By Editor

The principal fact is that the British Ministry has changed again within ten days from its formation. Mr. Gladstone, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sidney Herbert, the Home Secretary, and Sir James Graham, the Chief Lord of the Admiralty, having resigned.

It is noticeable that in the Parliamentary explanations the members of the Government express hopes, confident hopes, that the pending negotiations will lead to an honorable peace. Nevertheless, none of the nations relax in their war activity.

The Emperor of the French seems determined to proceed to the Crimea, to see, in person, what is going on; and no doubt would, if he could, time his visit so as to be present at the fall of Sevastopol. England and Austria have advised him to stay at home. His absence, it is said, would not, in any case, exceed thirty days.

Russia has declared war on Sardinia. It is stated, but on the faith of obscure correspondence, that Tuscany has joined the Western Alliance. Naples has not.

On the 17th February the Russians, who, under Gen. Liprandi, had been for some time collecting around Eupatoria, attacked the Turks with a strong force. Omer Pasha, who had arrived by sea from Varna a few days before, took the command of the Turks in person, and, after four hours' fighting, the Russians drew off to a distance of four miles. By next mail, we shall, doubtless, have details of the action. In the meantime, the following are the telegraphic dispatches that brought the intelligence to France and England:

"Bucharest, Feb. 28.—A messenger who left Eupatoria on the 17th February, and performed the journey from Varna to Bucharest in twenty-six hours, brings the following dispatch from your correspondent at Eupatoria: 'Feb. 17.—The Russians attacked Eupatoria this morning. They were commanded by Liprandi, and their numbers were 20,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry. They commenced the attack an hour before daybreak, and had with them seventy guns. The conflict lasted three hours. The assault was signally repelled. The steamers threw shells among the assailants. The Russians have 500 men hors de combat, the Turks 150. Omer Pasha commanded in person. Selim Pasha, the Egyptian, was killed. Vast masses of cavalry and artillery are now assembled around Eupatoria.'"

'Before Sevastopol, February 18.—A force, said to be 40,000 Russians, with a large number of guns, attacked Eupatoria at daybreak on the 17th, and was repulsed with loss by Omer Pasha. The Turkish loss is said to be inconsiderable, but Selim Pasha, commanding the Egyptian brigade, was killed. The British men-of-war, under the Hon. Capt. Hastings, covered both flanks with great effect. The action terminated at 10 A. M., when the Russians retired a few miles.'"

There is nothing whatever new from the Danube.

Lord Raglan is said to have resigned, to avoid recall. The Earl of Lucan and other officers have been invited to resign.

Very inclement weather had caused suffering among the poor in England, and riots had occurred at Liverpool and London.

It is now expected that Brn. Hall and Stephenson of Wisconsin will visit this State the first of April, when it will be proper to have two or three Conferences in the State. Those Churches wishing Conferences will please send in requests in season to give notice in next REVIEW.

We are now calculating to leave the Office for several months, and if health will permit, attend Conferences in this State; and about the first of May start with private carriage for New England, and hold meetings by the way at Oswego, Lorain, Potsdam and Champlain. We should be happy to join the Vt. Tent, in Northern New York, and follow on with it through Vt. and N. H., on our way to Mass. and Me.—Ed.

Nearer Home

But should the surges rise, And rest delay to come, Blest be the sorrow, kind the storm, Which drives us nearer home.

Soon shall our doubts and fears, All yield to thy control; Thy tender mercies shall illumine The midnight of the soul.

Teach us in every state, To make thy will our own; And when the joys of sense depart, To live by faith alone.

Business.

By Editor

Dr. J. Miracle:—We have received both the letters of which you speak. The one dated Feb. 16th, contained $1, which you will find receipted in No. 24. The paper has been sent to your address regularly.

Chas Drew:—We remember receiving $2 from you at the time you state, but cannot find it receipted. It is now credited in this No. Thank you for the correction.

J. B. Frisbie:—It is not now possible for us to tell whether we did, or did not, receive $5 from you last Summer. We have designed to receipt in the Review, or credit on our book, all money sent to this Office, unless it was sent in for books, to be immediately sent by Mail, or otherwise.

S. Duncklee:—It is received. Those for whose benefit it was sent, return most grateful thanks.

H. S. Giddings:—There was two per cent discount on the money you sent.

AGENTS.

MAINE.

N. N. Lunt, Portland. S. W. Flanders, Canaan. Cyprian Stevens, Paris. S. Howland, Topsham. W. T. Hanniford, Orrington. Wm. Bryant, Wilton. C. Dingley, E. Pittsfield.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

J. Stowell, Washington. S. Bunnel, Claremont.

MASSACHUSETTS.

O. Nichols, Dorchester. O. Davis, N. Fairhaven. Wm. Saxby, Springfield.

VERMONT.

R. Loveland, Johnson. H. Bingham, Morristown. S. H. Peek, Wolcott. Lewis Bean, Hardwick. Edwin Churchill, Stowe. E. P. Butler, Waterbury. Josiah Hart, Northfield. R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield. Jesse Barrows, Irasburg. Alonzo Lee, Derby Line. E. Everts, Vergennes. H. Gardner, Panton. S. Willey, Wheelock.

CONNECTICUT.

E. L. H. Chamberlain, Md'town. A. Belden, Kensington.

NEW YORK.

J. Byington, Buck's Bridge. A. Ross, Caughdenoy. David Upson, Moreland. R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove. John Wager, Orangeport. L. Carpenter, Oswego. A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek. E. A. Poole, Lincklaen. J. A. Loughhead, Elmira. John Hamilton, Fredonia.

PENNSYLVANIA.

M. L. Dean, Ulysses. J. H. Heggie, Alleghany. C. H. Barrows, Port Alleghany. A. Southwic, Snethtport.

MICHIGAN.

Albert Avery, Locke. Ira Gardner, Vergennes. David Hewett, Battle Creek. C. S. Glover, Sylvan. A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids. A. A. Dodge, Jackson. Wm. M. Smith, " A. C. Morton, Delhi. J. M. McLellan, Hastings.

OHIO.

J. B. Sweet, Milan.

WISCONSIN.

E. S. Sheffield, Koskonong. P. Hall, Rosendale.

CANADA EAST.

B. Hills, Melbourne.

Letters.

H. Smiley, E. L. Darby, J. Miracle, C. Drew, N. Guider, M. E. Cornell, H. Barringer.

Receipts.

J Jackson, R Griggs, E Perry, I McCausland, J Dudley, C Dingley, J W Smith, E Potter, E B Potter, A Lamb, A G Smith, E Pennel, H Young, D Richmond, (for L S McClure,) T Moore, P S Thruston, E Walker, L Thomas, R Hopkins, R D T Barnes, S W Flanders, O Bailey, (for O B,) R Loveland, (for H P,) E Emery, P Folsom, R Hancock, Sr, H Page, J Beaty, C Vandyke, P Robinson, S Bunnel, M Hall, L B Stowell, Sr, Bryant, J Chamberlain, D Langworthy, T W Potter, (for R B,) S A Snyder, each $1.

C Drew, S Brigham, J Deming Jr, B S Brooks, R Seymour, J Aldrich, Wm Bryant, S Wood, T P Lewis, H Main, J B Hall, C T Fox, each $2. J W Learned, L O Stowell, each $3. C Chase $3,75. D W Cartwright, A Hoff, each $1,50. A Friend $0,50. D C Elmer $0,25.—$79,57 behind on the REVIEW.

To raise $500 to relieve the Office.

By Editor

A C Babcock, E Potter, L Stillman, T Finch, each $1. J D Cramer, J Aldrich, each $2. S Bunnel $4. S Marlott $5. J M Avery $3.50. J G Snyder $1,25. T M Lowry $0,50. J Stryker $0,39. J Stillman $0,25 —Amount $272,11.

Receipts for the Extra Expense--$30.

J Bates, J Aldrich, T Finch, each $1. F Handy, S H Peck, each $0.25.--$9.75 behind.

For J. N. A.--L Sullaway, A G Smith, L Edmunds, T T Moore, C Chase, F M Cottrell, D W Cartwright, Wm. Bryant, Sr. Bryant, J B Hall, each $1. J M Lindsay, Wm. Dawson, each $2. C Brown $3. Sr. A Z Pond $0.60. H S Giddings, Wm. Bates, C Bates, each $5.

For Tent in New York.

S. Woodhull, . . . . . . . . $3 E. Goodwin, . . . . . . . . $10.

NEW WORKS.

By Editor

"THE THREE ANGELS OF REV. XIV, 6-12," by J. N. Andrews. A portion of this Work has been published in the REVIEW. The cause has long suffered for a Work of this kind. We are happy to inform our readers that it will be ready for delivery in about one week. It will contain five engravings, and probably 132 pages, neatly put up in paper covers. If this shall be the size, the price will be $9 per 100, 12½ cts. a copy.

"HYMNS FOR THOSE WHO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS." This is the title of our New Hymn Book, which will probably be ready for delivery from the 10th to the 20th of April. It will probably contain 336 pages, instead of 320, as we have before stated; and about 75 pieces of music, instead of 50, as before stated.

The Hymns contained on the first 171 pages, are arranged under the following subjects:—Public Worship—Holy Scriptures—The Law of God—The Sabbath—Repentance—Faith—Baptism—The Lord's Supper—The Sleep of the Saints—First Resurrection—Second Advent—Waiting for Christ—The Judgment—The Kingdom of God—Christian Fellowship—Christian Holiness—Christian Warfare—Watchfulness and Prayer—Family Devotions.

The remainder is Miscellaneous, with a piece of music commencing with nearly every left-hand page, while the right-hand page contains hymn, or hymns, of the same meter, appropriate to the music.

Bro. J. N. Loughborough says:—"I have examined 224 pp. of the New Hymn Book, and judge, from the perusal I have given it, that the Hymns are such as the remnant may sing in the Spirit. The Music is what is needed to promote order and harmony in singing. The arrangement of Hymns under different and appropriate subjects I consider excellent."

It has been a work of great labor and care to compile this Book; and we have felt that we were engaged in a very important work, as singing is an important part of the worship of God, and has a powerful influence in moulding the character and spirit of worship. It has been our object to select and prepare those Hymns which express Bible sentiments; hymns of real merit, and spirit, and at the same time reject those which have a tendency to irreverence, and lightness. We have no expectation that the Book will fully suit all. A few have expressed their disapproval of inserting music, while a score to one such have urged us to insert it. We have done in this matter what we thought was our duty, and commend the Book to the Church of God, humbly hoping that it may be blest of Heaven to their present and eternal good.

The binding of the New Hymn Book will be plain, neat and firm. Price 62½ cts. single copy.—Postage 8 cts.—twelve copies, $6; $47 per 100.