Earlier text: The Crime of Man-StealingTHE SABBATH ALTERED BACK AGAIN.
Bro. Smith: I have recently had the privilege of perusing a Bible Dictionary, called Malcom’s New Dictionary, published by the American Baptist Publishing Society, 118 Arch-st., Philadelphia. The date of preface is 1853. He says, “Sabbath, literally rest. Though it was really the seventh day to God, to man who was formed on the evening of the last day, it was the first, and was kept as such for ages, though called the seventh part of time. Gen. ii, 23. In the first institution of the Sabbath it was instituted to call to mind the wisdom, power and goodness of God. But after the return of the children of Israel from their state of servitude and hard bondage in Egypt that was an additional object of recollection on the Sabbath-day, and also as an additional motive to its observance the day was at the same time changed to correspond with that memorable event, and to preserve the Hebrews more effectually from idolatry, by making their day of worship different from that of the heathen. Deut. v, 14, 15. Under the Christian dispensation, which unites Jews and Gentiles, the Sabbath is altered back again from the seventh to the first day of the week on which the Redeemer himself arose from the dead. It is thus no longer an institution for the Jews as the Mosaic Sabbath was, but for the world as it was before Moses. In the apostolic age the first day of the week was never called the Sabbath, but Lord’s day. Many of the converts from Judaism observed both. Rev. i, 10.” GEO. LOWREE,
Penfield, Mich., Apr. 10th, 1859. NOTE.—We notice in the above a little item lacking which advocates for Sunday-keeping seem lightly to esteem, or at least with which they have but very little to do; and that is—Proof. We have Malcom’s assertion that the first day of the week was kept previous to Moses, and that it was kept as the first of man’s existence. But how much is his assertion worth, unsustained by the slightest inference from Bible language? Just as much as Satan’s declaration to Eve, “Ye shall not surely die;” and no more. He tells us further that the Sabbath was changed at the exode to the seventh day of the week to distinguish his people from the heathen. With just as181 much right we might retort that it is now changed back to the seventh day again for the same reason. So then it seems that at the time of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the heathen were all keeping the true Sabbath; and God had to abandon his day to them, and shift his people over to a false day to distinguish them from the heathen who were keeping the true Sabbath! But under the Christian dispensation which “unites Jews and Gentiles,” (or in other words, takes in the heathen!) the Sabbath goes back to the old heathen Sunday which is after all, the true Sabbath! We are at a loss to determine by what language to characterize such nonsense. The man who will publicly hold it forth as light and information, presumes largely upon stupidity in his readers, or proves it in himself. FUNDAMENTAL MORAL AXIOMS.
“I will only remark,” says Tappan, “that the Divine Code announced at Sinai, and afterwards expounded and exemplified by the Redeemer of men, is in truth a collection of the fundamental Moral Axioms. They are indeed given under the form of laws, but they, at the same time, contain the affirmation of great and universal truths, uttered by the Infinite Reason, and responded to and re-affirmed by the reason of every moral being.” Logic, p. 320. Notwithstanding this plain principle of logic, we find that there are many men whose reason (so-called) does not respond to and re-affirm these great moral axioms. We shall not regard this, however, as disproving the principle above laid down, but only as showing that those men who do not thus respond to the Divine Code of Sinai, are those of whom the Apostle speaks when he tells us of certain unreasonable and wicked men. The Strength of Christian Unity
WHEN bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.—Burke. If there ever was a time when this principle should be put in practice, it is the present. The people of God should stand together. In unity there is strength. Bad men are combining. The wicked are being gathered into bundles preparatory to the great burning. The ranks of our enemies are filling up and closing in on every hand. Let the good also associate, come into the unity of the faith, and stand shoulder to shoulder against the powers of darkness. THE SINNER'S TRIALS.
By Ellen G. White
We often hear the life of the christian described as being filled with trials, sadness and sorrow, with but little to cheer and comfort; and the impression is too often given, that if he should give up his faith and his efforts for Eternal Life, the scene would be changed to pleasure and happiness. But I have been led to compare the life of the sinner with the life of the righteous. The sinner does not have a desire to please God; therefore can have no pleasing sense of his approbation. He does not enjoy his state of sin and worldly pleasure without trouble. He feels deeply the ills of this mortal life. O yes, at times he is fearfully troubled. He fears God, but does not love him. Is the sinner free from disappointment, perplexity, earthly losses, poverty and distress? O no! In this respect he is no more secure than the righteous. He often suffers lingering sicknesses, yet has no strong and mighty arm to lean upon, no strengthening grace from a higher power to support him. In his weakness he must lean upon his own strength. He cannot look forward with any pleasure to the resurrection morn, for he has no cheering hope that he will then have part with the blest. He obtains no consolation by looking forward to the future. A fearful uncertainty torments him, and thus he closes his eyes in death. This is the end of the poor sinner's life of vain pleasures. The christian is subject to sickness, disappointment, poverty, reproach and distress. Yet amid all this he loves God, and loves to do his will, and prizes nothing so highly as his approbation. In the conflicts, trials, and changing scenes of this life, he knows that there is One who understands it all; One who will bend his ear low to the cries of the sorrowful and distressed; One who can sympathize with every sorrow and soothe the keenest anguish of every heart. He has invited the sorrowing ones to come to him and find rest. Amid all his affliction the christian has strong consolation, and if he suffers a lingering, distressing sickness, before he closes his eyes in death, he can with cheerfulness bear it all, for he holds communion with his Redeemer. You often see his countenance radiant with joy, while he contemplates the future with heavenly satisfaction—only a short rest in the grave, and the Life-giver will break the fetters of the tomb, release the captive and bring him from his dusty bed immortal, never more to know pain, sorrow or death. Let this hope of the christian be our hope, and we will ask no more. Many speak of the life of the christian taking away from us pleasure and worldly enjoyment. I say it takes away nothing worth having. Is there perplexity, poverty and distress endured by the christian? O yes, this is expected in this life. But is the sinner of whom we speak as enjoying the pleasures of this world free from these ills of life? Do we not often see in him the pale cheek, the racking cough, indicating a fatal disease? Is he not subject to burning fevers, and contagious diseases? How often do you hear his complaints of meeting with heavy losses of worldly goods; and consider, this is his only treasure. He loses all. These troubles of the sinner are overlooked. Christians are too apt to think they are the only ones who have a hard time, and some seem to think that it is a condescension in them to embrace unpopular truth, and profess to be Christ's followers. The road seems hard. They think they have many sacrifices to make, when in truth they make no real sacrifice. If they are adopted into the family of God, what sacrifices have they made? Their following Christ may have broken friendship with worldly relatives; but look at the exchange—their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life—elevated, yes, greatly exalted to be partakers of salvation—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, to an imperishable inheritance. If the link which binds them to worldly relatives is weakened for Christ's sake, a stronger one is formed, a link which binds finite man to the Infinite God. Shall we call this a sacrifice on our part because we yield error for truth, right for darkness, weakness for strength, sin for righteousness, and a perishable name and inheritance, for honors that are lasting, and an immortal treasure? But even in this life the christian has One upon whom to lean for support who will help him bear all his trials. But the sinner has to bear his trials alone. He goes down into the grave suffering remorse, under darkness, bound by Satan, for he is his lawful prey. It does seem to me if there is any one who should be continually grateful, it is the christian. If there is any one who enjoys happiness even in this life, it is the faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of God's children to be cheerful. They should encourage a happy frame of mind. God cannot be glorified by his children living continually under a cloud and casting a shadow wherever they go. The christian should cast sunshine instead of a shadow. The unbeliever often receives the impression that religion is a gloomy thing, and that the life of the christian182 has nothing inviting in it. If the christian dwells too much upon the rough pathway, he makes it harder than it really is. If he dwells upon the bright spots in the way, and is grateful for every ray of light, and then dwells upon the rich reward that lies at the end of the race, instead of gloom, mourning and complaints, he will bear a cheerful countenance. He has carefully treasured every token for good, and God can safely bless him, and give him gladness of heart. May the Lord ever give us a lively sense of the great sacrifice which has been made for us, and then present before us the inheritance purchased for us by that dear sacrifice, and may our vision be brightened and clear to dwell upon and appreciate the reward and excellent glory prepared for the faithful christian Note to Bro. Anson Byington.
By John Harvey Waggoner
I NOTICE in the last Review that you have given your opinion in regard to our duty in relation to this government. I also feel deeply interested in this subject, and am sorry to lose the co-operation of one so decided in his advocacy of correct principles. Some years ago I was engaged in the field of politics, but left it for, as I supposed, good reasons. Circumstances forbid my showing my opinion at present; but I hope to be able to do so in the future. In the meantime I would like to learn your position more fully; and as we can sometimes best learn the nature of an action from its tendency, I would be pleased to have you answer the following questions: In case of war, would you kill your fellow-man if required by the authority of the United States? If you were appointed a United States Commissioner would you remand a fugitive to slavery? Herewith receive assurance that my only desire in this is to learn, and have others learn, the truth in regard to the difference between us. J. H. W. MY VISIT EAST.
By John Nevins Andrews
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have now been at home several weeks. I esteem it a privilege to express my sincere gratitude for the many favors bestowed upon me by the people of God in my recent tour. To me this tour has been one of deep interest, and I trust of lasting benefit. It has caused me much joy to meet once more with those that I have taken sweet counsel with in former years. To find so many steadfast in the faith of the gospel, and to see that many others have joined themselves to the people of God, was very cheering to me. Yet I missed some dear friends who now sleep in the silent grave; a lot to be envied rather than regretted. But the morning will break at last, and those who watch in sadness for its dawn will in due time behold the splendor of a morning without clouds. --- "How well, is thine;
How long, leave to the will of heaven." At the Review Office my visit was very pleasant. I have had some acquaintance with the toilsome efforts by which in past years the truth has been published. It was very evident to me that the good hand of God had wrought a favorable change in its affairs. The way is open for the truth of God to be published on an extensive scale, and it is my earnest prayer that God will bless this important instrumentality and make it the means of advancing his glory and the salvation of precious souls. I have no doubt that such will be the case. The church in Rochester are striving to be overcomers. It seems to be a hard place to bring men to the truth, yet there are some who will follow the Lord at the expense of all. Would that there were many such in every place. I met many old friends in Western New York, whom I also hope to meet on mount Zion. Yet this remains to be decided; and if the prize is finally awarded to us, it will not be because we run well for a season, but because we are faithful till the crown is given. There remains a rest to the people of God, but it is not yet decided whether we shall enter that rest. At Parma and at Clarkson we had seasons of such interest that they will never be forgotten by me. May they prove of lasting profit to those who were present. What will be the feelings of those who shall at last find themselves on the left hand, when they call to mind those seasons in which God in mercy came especially near. Since my return I have been preparing for publication such "Historical Extracts relating to the Sabbath," as my time and means enabled me to obtain while in Rochester. Will soon forward the manuscript to you. It is necessarily a meagre collection, but at some future time it may be improved. Hoping to be guided by the counsel of God in the path of duty, I remain your brother. Waukon, Iowa, April 15th, 1859. Letter from Bro. Hull.
By Moses Hull
Bro. Smith: After an absence of nearly six months I have been permitted to return to Iowa City. I find the cause here on the decline. Some of the brethren are somewhat disaffected, and some of them have gone so far into Age-to-come-ism, that they have almost lost sight of the Messages. Whether they will reject the Third Angel's Message or not, yet remains to be determined. It is certain that the doctrine of probation in a future reign of Christ cannot be harmonized with the messages; therefore we must reject one or the other. But the worst of all is that those who hold to the Age-to-come steadily refuse to have it investigated, notwithstanding they have been harping upon it all winter, and publishing to those who were favorable to our views that Hull was in error, &c., thus killing our influence with those whom we had hoped to benefit. I hope that such ones may take a second thought before it is too late to retrace their steps. There is another class of brethren here who do not believe that God "is the same yesterday, to-day and forever," and consequently has taken the gifts away from the church, (all except it be that of evangelists, pastors and teachers,) and left us to scrabble along for unity the best way we can. God ordinarily heard prayer in behalf of the sick; but these will not believe that God can now hear prayer unless they could see a case of dropsy cured, or something of that kind. The church in ancient times walked by faith and not by sight. But things are now reversed; some refuse to trust the naked promise, but must see, and then they will believe. But there is a third class here who are firm and devoted, who are trying to be zealous and repent, who strive to rise with the message. The Lord help them to let their light shine to those around them. The brethren in this place have requested me to give a course of lectures here. I have lectured four times. Our congregations have not been large, but there are a few who I think are deeply interested in the truth. May the Lord help the people to realize that they have an interest in the present truth. Iowa City, Iowa, April 19th, 1859. Fellowship of the Saints.
By J. Clarke
"Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies." Ps. cxix, 79. David had much of the presence of God, many inward joys. Often he communed with God, and had many evidences of his love and favor. But with this he was not content; he felt the need of christian fellowship. It was painful to David when the friends of God turned away from him, when those who feared the Lord doubted him. David had sinned, and perhaps these were faithful, holy men who doubted for a time the sincerity of his repentance, and kept aloof from him, and this caused him to pray, "Let those that fear thee turn unto me." Or perhaps, while he was persecuted by Saul, many good men stood in doubt of him, whether the Lord was with him, as many cruel enemies rose up against him, and injured his character as far as possible, while David, for the time, had no means of redress, except in God; then in sorrow and grief of heart he cries out, "Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that love thy testimonies." He did not seek the friendship of the wicked. He says in Ps. ci, "A froward heart shall depart from me, I will not know a wicked person. Whoso privily slandéreth his neighbor, him will I cut off; him that hath a high look and a proud heart, will I not suffer." But he would encourage the good; hear him in verse 6. "Mine eyes shall be upon all the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me." It was the fellowship of the good that he desired, and he was just as averse to the company of the evil. How he abominated the reckless, cruel, revengeful disposition of his servant Joab, although Joab was devotedly serving his interest. How he loved Jonathan, the son of Saul, his deadly foe! No jealousy could cool the friendship of David for Jonathan; for it was based in a love for truth, in mutual confidence as men of truth, and in christian fellowship and love. The most striking example of christian fellowship is recorded in Acts ii. The disciples were with one accord in one place, and after the refreshing those who were converted continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and even sold their goods and parted them to all men as every man had need. All were of one heart and one mind. One spirit inspired them all, even the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Christian fellowship such as that was the genuine out-bursting of the pure heart, and could only exist where the spirit of holiness swayed all hearts. All forced fellowship is vain and insipid. It must originate in true holiness of heart, and life, fed and kept alive by constant intercourse with God in Christ by the influence of the Holy Spirit. CORNELIA RICE
By Cornelia Rice
Bro. SmIтн: All the preaching I have heard the past winter on present truth, has been from the Review, all the conference meetings I have had have been183 in perusing the letters of dear brethren and sisters, many of whom I never saw in the flesh, yet their epistles have cheered my heart. But when I hear from the pen of those I have seen, it has double weight. How Bro. Cottrell's communications, especially the one to lone pilgrims, have cheered my desponding spirit. And I often think of Bro. and Sr. Byington, and many others that I have seen, who are far better qualified to write than myself, and I see nothing from their pen. This has made me feel I was out of my place if I attempted to write, and I shall feel satisfied if my letters are suppressed. But present truth and its advocates are dear to me. I believe God's hand is in the work, and if I am spued out of his mouth I believe the number will be sealed. I often fear I shall be overcome instead of being an overcomer. Yet that I have any distrust in the power of God, but I am so unfaithful. If we had not a High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary I should have no hope. But I look toward his holy temple, and will hope in his mercy. May I be saved at his coming. Folsomdale, N. Y., April 10th, 1858. THE REMNANT CHURCH.
By Mrs. R. Smith
There is a people coming up, with gifts and power divine,
Whose holy influence will be felt, whose holy light will shine;
It will be known who do in truth, the solemn message heed,
Such will be zealous and repent, becoming saints indeed. Their love and union will increase, their interests will be one;
They'll know that they are heirs of God, and joint heirs with his Son;
They'll love God for his own dear sake, not that He's them forgiven;
And truly "sin will be their hell, and holiness their heaven." Their company will be the saints, and each will be so dear,
They'll love to make a sacrifice to benefit them here.
They'll love for their Redeemer's sake; as answers face to face,
So will their hearts while they in each, his lovely image trace. This dread, dull sameness will not long, among the saints bear sway,
The glory in their midst will soon, purge all the chaff away;
Thus separated from the vile, the strong be stronger still,
The great refreshing time is near, and all may come who will. But O, some will not be refined, nor give their idols up;
Such never will let Jesus in, nor with him ever sup.
They yet may linger round the shore, and think to get on board,
But they must come to heaven's terms, the standard can't be lowered. Thrice happy they who're in the ship, though tossed with angry waves!
"Our Father's at the helm" and all who trust in him he saves;
Those who in heart give up their all, lie passive in his hand,
He'll bring with safety into port, to their own promised land.
MRS. R. SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H. O THOU whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon; for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?" Song of Solomon, i, 7. Allusion is here made to pastoral life, and the strong desire of a faithful friend to find a beloved companion, and to spend the leisure hour of noontide heat with him, while the flock reposed in safety; a very fit illustration of the desire of the true child of God to find the Saviour, and his beloved flock; "for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?" Jesus speaks of the church as the flock, and of himself as the Shepherd of the sheep. He says, I am the good Shepherd. John x, 11. David uses the same figure. Ps. xxiii. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters." "He is altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousand." To him the saint aspires for consolation; all the desires of the heart center in him and his. "Where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon, for why should I be as one that turneth aside." If we can find his flock, if we can be where his flock is resting from noontide heat, where his sheep find the cool gushing spring, the fountain of refreshing waters, we will certainly find the Shepherd there, and then, O what rivers of joy, of peace, flow on! Yes, there is peace, there is pure and solid bliss. Tell me where my Shepherd feeds his flock at noon, that I may find my beloved, for why should I be as one that turneth aside? O, why should I turn aside by the flocks of thy companions? No other flock will satisfy the christian's longing desire; he must view his Saviour's face; no other will do. An hireling will they not follow, nor a stranger; for they know not the voice of strangers. Long years of darkness and gloom have obscured the true light, and almost vainly has the burning desire, the ardent longing to find the Shepherd and his flock, been put forth. The flock has been scattered upon the mountains in the cloudy and dark day, but Jesus has set his hand the second time to gather them. Still they are separated for the present in many places, and still the cry is, "Tell me where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon, O thou whom my soul loveth." Soon, O beloved saint, if thou art faithful to thy trust, soon wilt thou know where thy Saviour, thy Shepherd, rests his flock.
J. CLARKE. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." Bro. Smith: It is some time since I have spoken through the Review to my brethren scattered abroad. Not that I have in any degree lost my interest in the paper, or the truths it advocates. My interest and my sympathies are in union with those who believe in, and are proclaiming the last message of mercy to a perishing world. But sickness in my family has occupied much of my time during the last winter. I have therefore had but little time to write or labor in proclaiming the truth. But through the mercy of God in answer to prayer my companion is now regaining her health, for which we desire to be very grateful to him. And with the returning health of my family I am again made free to go out to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. March 13th, I commenced a series of meetings in Hannibal, at a school-house near Bro. Edson's, and gave twelve lectures. The traveling was very bad, and the attendance was not large, but very attentive to the word spoken. Two in that vicinity have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Others were deeply convicted of the truth of our position, and some I trust will soon make up their minds to go with the remnant to mount Zion. April 1st and 2d, I attended the monthly meeting of the church in Jefferson Co., at Mannsville. The Lord met with us by his Holy Spirit and encouraged our hearts to press on in the narrow way that leads to life. The church in Jefferson Co. have been much afflicted by sickness during the past winter. But there is an apparent increase of spirituality, and a desire to remove every stumbling-block out of the way, and as the result, union is increased, and some who have been separated have returned, and the Spirit of the Lord seems to be moving upon the honest around to investigate the truth. April 9th and 10th, I spent with the little church in Oswego, in endeavoring to strengthen the things that remain, and had some freedom in presenting the truth to those that came out to hear. There appears to be in the church an increasing desire to arise and lay off their lukewarmness, and with renewed zeal and energy to engage in the work of the Lord. And truly in the words of the Apostle, "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Rom. xiii, 11, 12. Yes, dear brethren, the long dark night of sin and sorrow is almost past; and the bright day of immortal glory will soon be ushered in by the advent of the Son of God, who will awaken the slumbering saints, and change the living to immortality and eternal life. Do we expect to share in that rich reward? If so, the works of darkness must be put off. Nothing short of holiness, or entire consecration to God, will prepare us to share the mansions of the blest. No sin will ever find an admittance to the earth made new. We must also put on the armor of light. We shall need the whole armor to be enabled to withstand the mighty influence of the powers of darkness in the last fearful conflict between truth and error, righteousness and unrighteousness, sin and holiness. The trial may be severe, but the day of victory is near. Christ and his cause will surely triumph. And they that are his, they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will soon join the triumphant shout, O grave, where is thy victory? O Lord, let thy Spirit and truth arouse thy people, and hasten on that happy consummation. Oswego City, N. Y., April 11th, 1859. Bro. Smith: I would gladly offer a word of consolation to the dear brother and sister who write from Pequot, Wis. DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER: Although a stranger to you, yet I am not a stranger to trials and afflictions such as seem to have marked your pathway while traveling through this wilderness world; and while reading your communication in the last Review, I felt deeply to sympathize with you in your severe afflictions, to weep with you who weep, and to mourn with you who mourn. I would not refer to the sufferings and death of your dear children for the purpose of opening the wound that has been made in your hearts of late, and cause it to bleed afresh. I know by sad experience the anguish of your hearts while watching over your suffering children in their last moments. I feel no language can portray the anguish of heart as the enemy, death, enters and takes from our embrace our loved ones, over whom we have watched night and day from their earliest moments, and we are no longer permitted to enjoy their society here, or hear their sweet voices. No, it is beyond the power of human expression. Yet there is One who knows all our trials, and will sustain us under all our afflictions, if we lean upon his almighty arm. And he will not suffer us to have one trial too much to refine, purify and fit us for his heavenly kingdom. O, let us not murmur or complain, but be assured that he has done all things right. And although this world may seem like a dark and dreary wilderness to you, (which no doubt it does,) and everything around you look sad and gloomy, yet there is a sweet consolation in the thought that beyond this vale of tears there is a better land which the enemy can never invade, where we shall not be obliged to part with dear friends; yes, Where sickness and death cannot enter,
And the weary forever shall rest.
I do hope while passing through trials they will work for your good. Confide in God, and these afflictions will work for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. We see if we fix our hopes or expectations on any earthly object we are liable to be disappointed. Perhaps our children were our idols, and we did not realize that our affections were set upon them when God required all our hearts; and thus he saw it necessary to take them away that our affections might be weaned from earth and set upon things above! Oh, dear brother and sister, have we not abundant reason to praise God that he does yet bear with us, unworthy as we are, and has assured us in his word if we will open the door of our hearts he will come in and sup with us, and we may sup with him! O, what condescension! what love! The promises look good, the inheritance looks glorious. Praise the Lord, the bright morn of the resurrection will soon dawn upon us. Then let us though loved ones have gone and earth seems so drear, not look at our afflictions here, but look up and prepare to take the crown at the loss of all things. A few more trials, a few more conflicts, and we shall get home. We are almost there. Then God will wipe away all tears. I hope to meet you there. O, glorious hour! O, blest abode! As to the darkness that may pervade our minds while engaged in prayer in our family or elsewhere, I know of no better remedy than to try ourselves by the word, and be zealous to learn what God designs we should by his dealings with us, look to Jesus who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, lay hold on the blessed hope, and let the Third Angel's Message find a deep place in our hearts. It will buoy our spirits up amid the darkness of the way, and it reaches far above the things of earth. And that when we shall have done with trials here, our joys may be complete safe in our Father's home, is the prayer of your unworthy sister. Parma, Mich., Apr. 19th, 1859 A Scattered Believer’s Experience
By J. Whitenack
Bro. SMITH: When I saw the request of Bro. Clarke for a love-feast or class-meeting to be held through the medium of our paper, I felt much pleased with the plan, as I am one of the lonely ones, and feel much encouraged and blessed by reading the experience and views of the dear scattered remnant. They speak my feelings, hopes and fears better than I can write them myself. When I see the names of those with whom I have formed a slight, but pleasing acquaintance, my heart leaps with joy to learn that they are trying to hold up the light of present truth amidst the opposition and trials they have to contend with, and my prayer is that God will bless and crown their labors with success, and that I with them may not shun to declare the whole truth. I do feel a strong desire to open the door of my heart, and invite the dear Saviour in to sup with me. I want him to restore unto me the joys of his salvation, and uphold me by his free Spirit. I too often feel like one of old who went down out of the ship to walk on the water to meet the blessed Jesus. The troublesome waves almost bury me; but when I look to him he puts underneath his helping hand. I am encouraged to hope on, and by the grace of God I trust to meet the remnant on mount Zion. I had the privilege of meeting with the church in Catlin not long since. It was a good and profitable meeting. All seemed to be striving to keep the unity of the Spirit and walk by faith. The good Spirit ran from heart to heart. I feel the need of an interest in the prayers of God's people as I have much to contend with. My family and friends all oppose the Sabbath, and I have to contend with spiritual wickedness in high places, besides an evil heart of unbelief. I view myself less than the least; but by the grace of God I am what I am, and I hope to stand as a sign and a wonder in Israel, and at last meet the blood-washed company in the kingdom of God's dear Son. Your brother seeking for eternal life.
J. WHITENACK.
Painted Post, N. Y., Apr. 4th, 1859. Bro. C. Copeland writes from Stony Creek, Mich.: "I feel grateful for the indulgence you have shown me in sending the Review and Herald so long without hearing from me. I can truly say it is the most interesting paper to me that I have ever read. I receive much strength and encouragement through its columns. My heart is with you; and as I hope to share in your joys and consolations, I am also willing to share in your trials and afflictions. To me the way looks brighter and better. I rejoice in the present truth, that I have ever heard the sound of the Third Angel's Message. I often feel to say with the poet, "Why was I made to hear his voice, And enter while there's room, While thousands make a wretched choice, And rather starve than come?" I want to be made free from sin. I must have the wedding garment. O, my brethren and sisters, let us strive to be practical christians, that we may cast an influence on the side of truth. If we love God we shall keep his commandments, and they will not be grievous." Sister W. L. McNitt writes from Avon, Wis.: "It is about six months since I embraced the present truth, and commenced keeping the Sabbath. I have been a professor of religion 29 years, and was very well established in the doctrines and commandments of men when I went to hear Bro. Sanborn. I was prejudiced, but it was new to me and interesting; so I determined to hear him through; and I praise God that I did. When I came to investigate for myself I saw such beauty and harmony in the word of God as I never saw before. I am determined to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free." Fell asleep in Jesus, March 31st, 1859, sister Maranda Edwards, wife of David Edwards. She was one who will be much missed among us. She embraced the Sabbath eighteen months ago, and did adorn the doctrine that she professed. She came by the knowledge of the truth Daniel-like, by books. Now we are left only eight in number; but we believe God will add to us such as will be saved; for we believe in prayer, and we are still praying that more of our friends will get their eyes anointed with the eye-salve. Our dear sister left a husband and one child to mourn her loss, but we praise God that we have a hope that is like an anchor to the soul. We still live in hope of some of us seeing our Redeemer come. O may God help us that we can say in truth, This is our God; we have waited for him. The Church at Gilboa
By Wm. S. Foote
Bro. Smith: As an effort was lately made in Hanover, Licking Co., Ohio, to blind the eyes of the people there, relative to the progress of present truth in Gilboa and its vicinity, by the reading (publicly) of a letter in Review, Vol. xiii, No. 11; and as a construction was put upon that letter corresponding with the dragon's spirit now at work in the hearts of many who are opposing God's last message of mercy to our fallen race, I feel disposed to offer a few remarks upon the subject through the Review. The idea that most of the church at Gilboa have abandoned the cause of present truth, cannot be found in the paper above alluded to. The church there is as strong numerically as it was at the close of the tent-meeting in the fall of '57; and as to its spiritual strength, we can say in the language of father Wesley, "The best of all is, God is with us." Could the opposers of the truth drop into the snug built, commodious new church building at Gilboa, on some one of the Lord's Sabbaths, and see there the scores of intelligent, pleasant looking countenances, on which may be seen strong expressions of joyful hope, and hear there the straight testimony, and many manifestations of holy joy and peace, which fills the hearts of those who through grace are trying to get ready for the coming and kingdom of their Lord; such persons might possibly make up their minds, that although "a few had left, still, the many left behind, stripped for the race, and harnessed for the battle, in the strength of Israel's God, meant to go through to the kingdom which is to fill the whole earth." They would find there a people who, notwithstanding they "delight in the law of the Lord after the inward man," know that "being justified by faith they have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," and are willing to buy of him gold tried in the fire. And although their enemies are strong and numerous, they know that the God of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is stronger than all the powers of darkness, and soon will deliver his waiting Zion, and bring them home to everlasting glory. To those who feel disposed to "make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught," [Isa. xxix, 21,] we would recommend the careful consideration of Rev. xxii, 15. "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Wm. S. Foote.
Pendleton, O.