DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—I am thankful that there is a medium, through which we can speak words of comfort, although separated far from each other. I suppose that those of you with whom I am acquainted will be surprised when you cast your eyes over this paper and see my name, knowing how much I have said against the Sabbath and those that were advocates of it. But, praise the Lord, whereas I was once blind I now see.
Since brother White's family moved to this city, I have attended their meetings occasionally, and loved the spirit they seemed to manifest, but did not like to hear them speak in regard to the Sabbath. When the last Conference of Sabbath-keepers in this city was appointed, I thought I would attend as much as possible, and see if they had any scripture to base their faith upon. The second evening of the meeting, brother Andrews took up the subject of the Sabbath, and answered some objections. When he closed, I felt as though the foundation on which I stood was shaken; still there were some texts (those usually quoted against the Sabbath) resting on my mind which I wished taken out of the way before I could see my way clear to keep it. Conviction, however, that it was truth fastened on my mind with such force that it nearly prostrated my body.—The rest of the family (consisting of my father, mother, and brother and sister Loughborough) were also under deep conviction on this subject. As we came around the family altar, we cried unto the Lord, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, to show us the truth, which, praise his name, he has done.
112During Conference, brethren Andrews and Edson called on us. We raised some objections, which were answered satisfactorily, and scripturally. Still there was an unwillingness in my mind to yield. I took no rest day nor night. The devil kept whispering in my ears, if you embrace the Sabbath you will have to be classed with that humble, despised people everywhere spoken against. This was a source of great trouble to me; so much so, that I concluded that if I did embrace it I would not go among, or be identified with them. I soon found I could not live in this way. Darkness enshrouded my mind, and I was led almost into despair. I prayed the Lord to dispel the gloom, and I would be or do any thing for his sake; and would let my light shine to those around me. The Lord heard prayer. The darkness is gone, and the light of his truth is shining in my heart. I feel like a new creature in Christ Jesus. I praise the Lord that he has counted me worthy to suffer affliction with his people: for if I suffer with him, I shall also reign with him.
I believe it will be but a little while, and my eyes will see him whom my soul loveth. Brethren and sisters be faithful, be watchful, be prayerful; always abounding in the work of the Lord. I would also say, that my father and mother are rejoicing in the truth, striving to keep all of God's commandments. We crave an interest in your prayers, that we may let the light we have received, shine to those around us.
Your sister, rejoicing in the present truth,
DRUSILLA ORTON.
Rochester, November, 1852.
LYDIA BARROWS
By Lydia Barrows
From Sister Barrows.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—How sweet is communion with those we dearly love in the Lord, with that charity that never faileth. My heart rejoices in the truth, as it triumphs, and the Lord is giving the victory to his people that keep his commandments. The Prophet speaks of the earth's being defiled, and says it shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it, and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? And he shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy, shall be sanctified in righteousness.
But those that do his will, shall they fear? No, never! For he has said, "Say unto Zion, fear not," and by and by he will speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and say unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, and that she hath received at the Lord's hand double for all her sins. In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah, We have a strong city: salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
I feel to-day, could I see the remnant, I would say with all my soul, Fear not ye sighing and crying ones; but lift up your heads and rejoice for your redemption draweth nigh. I believe our trials will all work for our good, and we have no feelings like giving up, or fainting by the way; but striving in the strength of the Lord to press our way forward to the kingdom.
We are much pleased with the Youth's Instructor. The Lessons are instructive and interesting. It is just what our children need to enlighten their minds, and give them a correct understanding of the present truth.
LYDIA BARROWS
Irasburgh, Vt., Nov. 9th, 1852.
The Truth Rising in the West
By L. Kellogg
From Bro. Kellogg.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel thankful that I live in these days when God's truth shines out with such clearness—when the third angel's message is being given, and that I had a disposition to heed its call, yes, and that I saw the light on the Sabbath. I rejoice that the truth is rising, and that others are receiving it in the love of it. God is working mightily for his people in the West. Many are embracing the truth here. They come in strong, giving glory to God.
God is working for his people, and the powers of darkness are also at work in every part of the land. But the Lord is good to his children. The truth contained in the last message shines brighter and brighter so that the opposers cannot fail to see it. The church here, I believe, are trying to live by every word of God.
L. KELLOGG.
Jackson, Mich., Oct. 28th, 1852.
Embracing the True Sabbath
By Mary E. Gilbert
From Sister Gilbert.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have of late embraced the true Sabbath of the Lord our God. And I find much more comfort in observing it than I did in keeping an institution of the beast. And Jesus says, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City."
I am determined to do all his [the Father's] commandments, and so live, the Lord assisting me, that I may gain admittance into that heavenly Kingdom.
I have not the privilege of attending meeting on the Sabbath, as those with whom I live do not keep the Sabbath, and are strongly opposed to the truth. Yet I enjoy the presence of the Lord at home. And I believe that he will, in his own good time, let me have my liberty. I have need of your prayers that I may endure the trial, and come off conqueror.
Since I have embraced the present truth, I have realized, in a measure, what it must be to live in the sight of a holy God. I feel the need of having clean hands and a pure heart, and living separate from the world, that I may be able to stand through the time of trouble.
I want to reflect the lovely image of Jesus more fully, and be meek and lowly in heart.
"Come, ye who love the Blessed Lord,
And taste the sweetness of his word,
In Jesus' ways go on.
Our troubles and our trials here,
Will only make us richer there,
When we arrive at home.
Amen, amen, my soul replies,
I'm bound to meet you in the skies,
And claim my mansion there.
Now here's my heart and here's my hand
To meet you in that heavenly land
Where we shall part no more.
Yours in hope of soon seeing Jesus,"
MARY E. GILBERT.
Morristown, Vt., Oct. 17th, 1852.
Pressing On in the Faith
By E. S. Sheffield
From Bro. Sheffield.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The paper I have read with much pleasure and profit. There are some things that seem discouraging, but I feel to thank the Lord that there is much more to encourage than to discourage us; for I know that they are more that are for us than all they that are against us. I have felt sorrowful when I have heard of some, that, after they have known the right way, and have walked therein for a little season, have become discouraged. But I find that it was even so in the days of the apostles; for to some, Paul said, ye did run well, who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth. Jesus himself said, that because iniquity should abound the love of many should wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved.
Then these things should not discourage us. O, no. I feel to take new courage and press on, and say, I know in whom I have believed. I am one that came in at the eleventh hour, and I do feel to love all the brethren, especially those who have borne the heat and burden of the day, and stood firmly on the side of truth when the third angel first began to sound.—Though few in number, their trust was in the word of God. I long to see you all, but do not expect to, until your hopes are realized, your faith lost in sight, if then I am so unspeakably happy as to be one of your number.
Your brother in hope, E. S. SHEFFIELD.
Fort Atkinson, Wis., Oct. 28th, 1852.
Sister Westcott’s Sabbath Conversion
By Amanda Westcott
From Sister Westcott.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Feeling of gratitude to God, and a sense of the duty I owe to my fellow travelers to the eternal world has induced me to relate a little of my experience through the medium of the press. I wish, by the grace of God assisting me, to cast the little influence I may have on the side of truth.
From my infancy I was taught, by precept and example, to observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath. The reason why, was, Christ arose on that day. Yet I never, from my heart, observed it, but merely because it was custom so to do. I never saw that the fourth commandment had any more reference to the first day of the week than to the third. When the no-Sabbath theory came up, I very readily fell in with it, without any further examination, and I really thought I had a firm foundation to stand upon.
In September last, there was a Conference of Sabbath-keepers held in this city, and through the influence of friends, I was induced to attend; but I thought I never should become a Sabbath-keeper. However, I thought I would see what proof they could bring that the Sabbath was binding upon the Christian Church. I thought there was none. I heard two discourses from brother Andrews upon the Sabbath, and the Spirit of God accompanied the word, and settled conviction on my heart. I saw that I was standing on a sandy foundation.
I commenced searching the word of God to find something to overthrow their argument for the Sabbath, but in vain. Texts of scripture, which I once thought strong proof against the Sabbath, now helped to convince me that it was binding. I raised every objection against it I could, but the truth of God shone more and more upon my mind. I continued on in this way three weeks, praying and reading my Bible. I saw the Sabbath was binding, but I thought I never could identify myself with that humble class who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.
Again I thought, what did not our Saviour suffer for us—persecuted even unto death. For our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. I prayed the Lord to help me to be willing to become anything or nothing for his sake. I saw that if I would live godly in Christ Jesus I must suffer persecution. At last, by the grace of God, I was enabled to decide for the truth.
I have kept three Sabbaths only, yet I feel to say in keeping the commandments of God there is great reward. The truth looks precious to me. I now feel to rejoice in it. I praise God that he ever revealed unto me the true light of his holy Word. I feel to say with the Psalmist, "Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." May God keep us humble, and give us grace to endure to the end, is the prayer of your unworthy sister, AMANDA WESTCOTT.
Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 1st, 1852.
J. B. Cook's "Third Fact."
THE Advent Harbinger for Nov. 6, has six columns from the pen of J. B. Cook on the "Sabbath Question," addressed to Bro. O. Nichols. We wish now to notice only the writer's "third fact." He says:
"All moral truth—nay, all the ten commandments are expressed, expanded and enforced in the gospel, save the fourth. The 1st, Mark xii, 29; 2d, Matt. iv, 10; 3d, Matt. v, 33; vi, 10; 5th, Matt. xv, 4; 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, Matt. xix, 18; 10th, Luke xii, 15. 'Thou shalt not kill.' Beware of covetousness, is the style of Christ's command. But no mandate of Messiah was over heard touching the fourth commandment."
That J. B. C.'s "third fact" may be seen in its true light, we will quote the texts which he refers to, as the nine commandments, commanded over again by Christ.
1st. "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord." Mark xii, 29.
2d. "Then said Jesus unto him, Get the hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matt. iv, 10.
3d. "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven," &c. Matt. v, 33—37. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."—Matt. vi, 10.
5th. "For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother; and, he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death." Matt. xv, 4.
6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. "He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness," &c. Matt. xix, 18.
10th, "And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke xii, 15.
Now let us see to what extremity C. has been driven to make out his case. Look at the text he refers to [Mark xii, 29] for the first one of the Father's commandments; but so "expressed, expanded and enforced," that it is indeed "Christ's command." We have only to remark, that Mark xii, 29 speaks of the first of the two great commandments, and not the first of the ten. Here is a perfect failure in trying to show the first of the ten. See "Conversation on the Sabbath Question," on another page.
Look at the text referred to for the second of the ten commandments, [Matt. iv, 10,] given by the Father, but improved by Christ. It is neither the second of the two great commandments, nor is it the second of the ten; but what Christ said to Satan! Jehovah spake the second commandment to Israel; but according to J. B. C., Christ speaks it, in its "expanded" form, to Satan!! This second failure seems much worse than the first. Look at it with care.
In the text referred to for the third commandment, [Matt. v, 33,] Christ does not quote the language of the third, but what "hath been said by them (not God) of old time," relative, doubtless, to the third commandment. He then shows the true import of that commandment. We leave the reader to judge of what bearing the words, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven, [Matt. vi, 10,] have on the third commandment.
Look at the fifth "expanded" commandment. Matt. xv, 4. Jesus here says that "God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother," &c. Tell us; how much is it expanded? Jesus showed the scribes and Pharisees that they made the commandment of God of none effect by their tradition. He does not give it a second time. He does not intimate a change in it. He does not call it his commandment. He refers them to the commandment of God. Ex. xx, 12. "Let no man deceive you."
For the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th expanded commandments, J. B. C. refers to Matt. xix, 18. Now look at the truth of this case. The young man came to Christ and asked, "what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" Jesus answered, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."—The young man saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness," &c. We would inquire, How much are these four commandments expanded?
The truth is, that there is no intimation, or reason to suppose, that Jesus gave these four commandments on a new account. And what folly to teach that he expanded them. He says, "keep the commandments." He does not say keep the nine that I am expanding for the gospel. He refers the young man to the original law of God, the ten commandments, and spoke four of them.
As to the text referred to for the tenth commandment, [Luke xii, 15,] Jesus says, "Beware of covetousness," &c. His words do not intimate the least change or expansive of the tenth commandment.
Now compare the above facts relative to the texts referred to by J. B. C., for the nine commandments, also, the frequent references made to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment in the New Testament, [see conversation on the Sabbath Question,] with the statement that "all the ten commandments are expressed, expanded and enforced in the gospel, save the fourth," and J. B. C.'s "third fact" will be seen to be a gross error. An effort to make out a case; but a perfect failure.
But let us look at this matter again. Admitting that the ten commandments were abolished at the cross, they were certainly binding until our Lord was crucified. Then in addition to the ten which continued to the cross, (according to J. B. C.,) Christ gave nine expanded commandments, making in all nineteen from two Law-givers. Ten contracted, Jewish commandments from Jehovah, and nine expanded, gospel commandments from Jesus!! A favored period indeed!!
Again, if J. B. C. really believes that the ten commandments as given by Jehovah are Jewish, and have been abolished more than 1800 years; and that Christ has given nine expanded commandments for the gospel, why has he not warned his people in this city against circulating cards among their Sunday-School children containing the ten old contracted, Jewish commandments. Why not be consistent with their own views, and have Christ's nine, expanded, gospel commandments printed for their children?
JOSEPH BATES
By Joseph Bates
From Bro. Bates.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Since my return from the West, I have spent one Sabbath with my family and brethren in Fairhaven, Mass., since which time, I have been holding meetings in Mass. and N. H. Since Oct. 15, I have held two-days meetings at New Ipswich, Washington and Newport. At all these meetings the Lord refreshed his people and renewed their strength.
At the last mentioned place, the meeting was held at the house of Bro. Stephen Smith. Himself and companion are fully decided to suffer with the remnant, that they may eventually reign with them. His two daughters were baptized during the meetings and are rejoicing in the truth.
We have also held some interesting meetings in several other places in N. H. I spent the last night with Bro. Baker and family. He is arranging his domestic affairs so as to visit the brethren in Melbourne, C. E.
JOSEPH BATES
West Hartford, N. H., Nov. 5th, 1852.
Rejoicing in Present Truth
By Lewis Bean
From Bro. Bean.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I cannot but rejoice at the different feelings which have taken place in my own heart since the Panton meeting. I love that despised people who are trying to keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. I rejoice that my eyes have been opened. The truth far outweighs all the pleasures of this world.
I am not yet satisfied. I do not feel all that consecration to God that I want to feel, nor the force of the third angel's message as I should be glad to: yet I am determined to press through the crowd and touch the hem of Jesus' garment.
I find a few honest souls who, I think, would be glad to know the truth. They would like to read your paper.
Yours in hope of meeting the scattered saints in a fairer and better land than this. LEWIS BEAN.
South Hardwick, Vt., Oct. 29th, 1852.
JOHN MCCLENNAN
By John McClennan
From Bro. McClennan.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The cause of God is still prospering in some parts of Northern New York. Brn. Wyman and Sperry have recently spent three Sabbaths in this section, and the blessing of God has attended their labors. Some, for the first time, confessed the truth. The last meeting held at Norfolk, was one of much interest. The work still goes on, and God's people are coming up.
We feel that love and union, such as Jesus prayed for, is increasing among us. My prayer is, that we may so live that we may be admitted into the everlasting kingdom of God.
JOHN MCCLENNAN
Norfolk, N. Y., Nov. 12th, 1852.
Bro. Stephen Smith.
By Editor
This dear brother has been passing through severe trials. Unfortunately he fell into the bewitching snare of spiritualism, where the present truth found him about two years since. The presentation of the heavenly Sanctuary, showing him Jesus and the Ark of the ten commandments in the holiest of all, seemed to dispel from his mind the fog of spiritualism.—The change was a happy one indeed, and God blessed his labors for a time, as he went out to teach the present truth to his Advent brethren.
But it was soon visible that he was not entirely free from the influence of spiritualism. This deceptive, blinding influence led somewhat to harshness, and an unteachable, independant spirit, not according to the gospel. And some more than one year since, the brethren assembled in Conference at Washington, N. H., were under the painful necessity of withdrawing fellowship from Bro. Smith, while he stood on the ground he then did.
But, thank God for what he has recently done for him and his family. They see their past errors, have fully confessed and renounced them, and sweet union is again restored. We heartily extend to them the hand of Christian fellowship and sympathy, and pray the Lord to keep Bro. Smith, and make him successful in winning souls to Christ, and feeding the flock of God. In a recent letter he says:
“I feel very clear in my mind, a heavenly calm pervades my soul, and I am strong in the present truth of the third angel’s message. I am desirous to know and do my Master’s will in all things. By his grace assisting, I mean to overcome and inherit all things.”
Appointments.
By Editor
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will hold a meeting at Panton, Vt., to commence Nov. 26th, at 6 o'clock, P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. JOSEPH BATES.
BRO. Wm. S. Ingraham writes that he will meet with the brethren in this city, Sabbath and First-day, Nov. 27th and 28th. We hope there will be a gathering of the brethren and friends. Bro. Ingraham designs spending a few weeks in the vicinity.
An Appeal for Publication Funds
By Editor
This No. has been delayed for want of means. The receipts in this No. help us some; but they are yet about $100 behind our actual expenses since No. 7. If more convenient, the friends can hand means for the REVIEW AND HERALD, and YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR to the traveling brethren. They will forward the same to us.
Letters received since Oct. 28th.
By Editor
A. S. Hutchins, H. Edson, M. E. Gilbert, S. W. Rhodes 3, D. Whitcomb, O. Nichols, H. S. Gurney, H. A. Churchill, J. Bates 2, J. Jackson, W. S. Ingraham, M. E. Cornell, J. N. Andrews 3, J. Bushman, E. C. Skinner, H. Lothrop, S. B. Craig, C. O. Taylor, R. F. Cottrell, M. M. Truesdell, S. Flanders, J. A. Williams, E. S. Sheffield, I. Abbey, R. D. Farnsworth, E. P. Butler 2, H. S. Case, B. Clark, E. Goodwin, J. K. Bellows, H. Chase, H. Flower, F. Strong, S. E. Baker, W. Bixby, E. D. Cook.
Receipts.
A. Tuttle, A. Voke, E. Abbey, S. Abbey, N. T. Preston, C. K. Farnsworth, M. Lampson, D. Demarest, J. G. Heath, S. N. Littlefield, W. G. Sheffield, A. R. Mott, S. A. Steadman, F. Wheeler, J. Fitch, H. Chase, H. C. Mason, a Friend, G. Voorus, each $1.
B. B—, M. A. Coburn, L. Drew, L. Abbey, V. Abbey, P. Lampson, P. Folsom, J. A. Loughhead, L. Titus, E. R. Pond, H. A. Mead, J. B. Sweet, each $2.
L. Kellogg, J. Barrows, each $3; D. R. Palmer, a Friend, A. Hazeltine, A. Belden, each $5; E. Potter, J. Stowell, each $10.
J. Hamilton, A. Miller, P. Miller, a Friend, C. J. Simons, each 50 cents; E. L. H. Chamberlain, C. Potter, each 75 cents.
R. Abbey, $4; E. Smith, E. Everts, each $2,50; M. Southwick, $1,50; H. B. Simons, 36 cents; J. Miracle, 25 cents.
For the Review of O. R. L. Crozier, in Pamphlet Form,
By Editor
By J. N. Andrews.
E. Potter, A. Belden, A. Hazoltine, each $5; J. B. Sweet, M. A. Coburn, each $3; E. Everts, $2,50; H. Chase, J. Fitch, each $1; J. Hamilton, A. Miller, P. Miller, J. P. Kellogg, each 50 cents.
There has been $82,50 received for Bro. Andrews' Pamphlet. This leaves $17,50 yet due. It will be ready for distribution in a few days.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
THE paper is sent to R. Littlejohn, Oakland, Jeff. Co., Wis. M. E. Cornell. We sent you a box of books to Detroit, Mich., by Express as you requested; also a note by Mail, relating to the box at the same time. Have they been received?
F. Wheeler. Have received the full amount for Hymn Books. H. C. Mason. The paper is sent to J. C. Crane.
C. O. Taylor. We shall send a large box of books to E. Everts, Vergennes, Vt. You can get the "Bible Sabbath" of him, or we will send it to you.
E. P. Butler. The money from Bro. C., is received.
Books and Tracts for Distribution
By Editor
WE shall send a large box of books to Jackson, for distribution in Michigan, &c., also to Bro. E. Everts, of Vergenues, for distribution in Vermont, &c., as soon as Bro. Andrews' pamphlet is ready. We shall send some of all the works on hand.
We have published 1,500 copies of a small tract, containing the Conversation on the Sabbath Question in this number. The type is not distributed and we will print many more, if the friends think it is needed, and will forward immediately the means to pay the expense. It costs some less than $1 per hundred.