THE Illinois Tent was pitched in Lyndon, Whiteside Co., August 14th. Our meeting was held four Sabbaths and First-days; also during evenings of the last week. In all, thirty discourses were given. We were aided in this meeting by Brn. Ingraham and Hutchins, and the last Sabbath and First-day by Bro. Sperry. Quite a share of the community in Lyndon at the commencement of the Tent meeting were skeptical in regard to the truth of the Bible, but the theme of destruction to the wicked instead of eternal misery, and endless life through Christ, presented the God of the Bible before them in a different light from what they had usually heard.
The several discourses which were given, showing the definite fulfillment of many consecutive chains of prophecy enlisted their candid attention. Some of those who were the most confirmed in their skepticism, after hearing the expositions of prophecy, "thought they were ingeniously got up." All were not so, but there were some to ponder these subjects in a more solemn manner; and at the last meeting while brother Ingraham was presenting before the people the subject of the time of trouble, and the wrath of God, which will fall upon those who do not seek a shelter by obeying God, many, even of those who declared themselves infidels, were deeply affected, some even to tears.
A meeting was appointed in the place the next189Sabbath after the Tent meeting closed; and several came out and associated themselves with the Sabbath keepers who attended the meeting, and stated their determinations to keep all God's commandments. Two men who had been deeply interested during the lectures informed the brethren at the close of the Sabbath meeting, that they had agreed together that if twelve would come out and keep the Sabbath they would commence, but they could wait no longer for that, they should have to obey the Lord.
One circumstance occurred near the close of the Tent meeting which strongly reminded us that this is a degenerate age in which we live. The evening after the last Sabbath of our meeting, after the close of the evening meeting a letter was found on the desk which read as follows:
"DEAR BRETHREN OF THE TENT: Please choose one of your number to speak on the Sabbath question in my church to-morrow in the forenoon, and I will take up the subject in the afternoon. Please accept of this invitation, and be on hand as soon as half past ten o'clock.
"From your brother in the ministry, and pastor of the Congregationalist Church in this place. Wm. D. Chapman."
The congregation had nearly all left the Tent when we discovered this letter. All did not look right. Why was the letter put into our possession in so secret a manner? If the minister wished to take up the subject with us, knowing that we were in the place, why had he not come personally to us? Why send to us a letter written so bunglingly as the above and that too at an hour so late, that he must know that all our arrangements would be made for the next day? These questions went through our mind, and led us to think all was not right. We had already given out our appointments, and subjects, for each discourse the next day, but thought it might tend to advance the cause more if we could have a discussion on the Sabbath question. But we desired to have the minister come to the Tent, as we thought it would divide the interest of the meeting to have meetings in the Tent and meeting house at the same time. A friend who was present volunteered to go the next morning and see if the minister would consent to come into the Tent. Yet we had arranged to meet him according to the proposition if he would not come into the Tent. The friend above mentioned took the letter to the minister, who was as much surprised as we were about a discussion. He wrote on the margin of the letter, "I know nothing about the writing of the above.—Daniel Chapman."
When we received this testimony we saw at once that all was a forgery calculated to throw us into confusion with our meetings, but "The triumph of the wicked is short." Our receiving the letter after the congregation had left, and making the moves we did in regard to it the next morning, spoiled all the contemplated sport of some low-lived opponents. This effort tended only to enlist the sympathy of the people in our favor, and thus arouse a deeper interest in the truth. The people of the place felt indignant about the letter, and have since made some efforts to ferret out the forger.
After this meeting, brethren Ingraham, Hutchins and Mitchell went South about 130 miles from Round Grove, into McDonough Co., to pitch the Illinois Tent, while brethren Sperry and Phillips joined me with the Vermont Tent at White Rock, Ogle Co.
The Tent was pitched at White Rock, Sept. 11th. Our meetings held over two Sabbaths and each evening through the week. In all, fourteen discourses were given at White Rock. Although it was under unfavorable circumstances, and with some sadness of heart that we erected our Tent, yet our hearts were made to rejoice ere the meeting closed by seeing the truth taking effect in some hearts, and we trust some will come out to join with God's people in keeping all His commandments. When we left our brethren in Round Grove, we knew not whether we should go, but felt it was duty to push off into some new field and pitch our Tent. We desired to find an Advent band and pitch it near them. We drove to White Rock, where there was once a church of eighty members; but the age to come and other sentiments has left them scattered and torn. We called on the deacon of the church who told us where he thought there was a good place to pitch our Tent.
He said if we held meetings near there he should probably come and hear, but gave us to understand that he was satisfied on the Sabbath question, and said "If you should succeed in convincing me that the seventh day is the Sabbath, then you can't tell which is the seventh day." He informed us the way to the tavern, which seemed somewhat cool to us, but we thought perhaps it would be all for the best in the end. We went to the tavern and engaged our board and made arrangements for our meeting. We had held but five meetings when the deacon above mentioned came into the Tent, and acknowledged his interest in what was being presented to the people. He wished to know how we were making out to live, said it was too bad for men to come there and preach to the people for nothing, and pay their own board; said he wanted one of us to go home with him. Before the meetings closed he confessed heartily his feelings towards us, paid our bill at the tavern, confessed the truth, took us all home with him and treated us in the kindest manner. Our interview with this family was sweet. They could not free themselves till they had confessed heartily to the Lord. Said the sister, "Lord thou knowest we had forgotten the admonition to entertain strangers." This brother was ready to assist us in returning seats, and carried us with the Tent twelve miles to the cars.
The interest of the Tent meeting continued to increase to its close. It has already proved effectual in bringing several to take a stand on the truth. The meetings will soon be followed up with more labor. On account of the roughness of the weather, and other reasons, it was not deemed advisable to keep the Tent up longer. It became necessary on account of cold before our meeting closed to adjourn to a school house near by.
Some rude fellows of the baser sort seemed intent on causing us some trouble, and so commenced their movements at the commencement of the meeting. Every move they made to create disturbance only enlisted the interest of the people in our favor, and opened the way for the spread of the truth among the people. The second evening after meeting, the ruffians, talking loudly about the "law of Moses," went off and got a lamb, and after cutting off his ear threw him into the Tent intending him, as we supposed, as a sacrifice. Various reports were circulated about the speculation with the Tent. At first it was told that we were Mormons, and charged a dollar and a half to come into the Tent. Next it went that we charged twenty-five cents, and lastly the ten cent story went the rounds.
During the last of our meetings while we were in a school-house close to the Tent, these rude fellows pulled up over half the small stakes of the Tent, then attached one of the large guys to the axle of a lumber wagon, calculating that the starting of the wagon would pull our Tent over; but they failed in their sport, as the trouble was discovered in season to arrest all difficulty; and, as we told the people, although these fellows had intended us harm, they had actually done us a favor in pulling up our stakes, as they had saved us so much of our morning's labor.
Many friends furnished themselves with publications and are searching to see if these things are so. We feel that the cause of truth is still onward in the West. The question was often asked us during this meeting, why we had not placed the truth before them ere this, if we had believed it so long. This was just what they wanted to harmonize the past. Are there not many others waiting for the truth, desiring light. Lord speed thy servants to them in my prayer.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Waukon, Sept. 29th. 1857.
The Power Press by Steam
By Editor
As the brethren abroad will be interested to learn the success of the enterprise of running the Power Press by steam, we would say that the Engine is received and is now in successful operation. It is one of three horse-power from the manufactory of Hoard and Sons, Watertown, N. Y. Its first labor was the printing of last week's REVIEW. It works admirably; and our press-work, no accident preventing, will henceforth be accomplished by steam which never tires. The Lord's blessing has thus far seemed greatly to attend the enterprise. The brethren are requested still to remember in their prayers the prosperity of the cause both at the Office and abroad, and especially that the fact may never be lost sight of, that the grand motive power must after all be the Spirit of God. "Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. iv, 6. May every stroke of the Engine and every revolution of the Press, be instrumental in sending forth that, and that only, which shall be light and food to benighted and perishing souls.
TENT MEETING IN COLCHESTER ILLS.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
Soon after brother Sperry reached this place, we made arrangements to have both of the Tents now in the State, pitched. It was our strong conviction that new fields should be entered. White Rock, rested upon our minds as a place favorable for labor in one direction, and Colchester, McDonough Co., as the other, in another direction. Brn. Loughborough, Sperry, and Phillips went to the former place, Brn. Ingraham, Mitchell and myself to the latter; about one hundred and twenty-five miles from here. The first two nights after leaving Round Grove, we camped out in our small Tent. Here the Lord met us while bowed together in prayer upon the high open prairie, and blessed us much. Praise his holy name.
Our meetings commenced at Colchester, Sept. 18th, and closed the 27th. Twelve discourses were preached in the Tent, besides other meetings which were held there. At first the weather was very unfavorable, especially for evening meetings; but notwithstanding this, a goodly number were out to hear at most of the meetings. Sickness kept a number from the meetings from their commencement to their close. Others for some reason attended but a few times. Among the friends thus deprived of hearing our position, were several deeply interested. They acknowledged light on different points of Bible truth as we conversed with them. They spoke freely of the wickedness of the wicked, and acknowledged they saw but little hope for reform there, while judging of the future from the past.
The parents of sister Mitchell, with other friends live here. Some of them embraced the Advent faith some years since, and stood ready to walk in the light as it shines from the pages of inspiration. When the subject of the Sabbath was presented, they said, It is truth; and we shall keep God's holy Sabbath. This they did with us before we left. Others we expect will decide fully to obey God, and go with us to Mt. Zion.
We were not only kindly and freely entertained here through our meetings, but means were handed us further to help on the cause.
May the Lord bless and reward these lovers of Bible truth, and Bible religion.
Brother Ingraham left for his home (in Pa.) last week.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Round Grove, Ills., Oct. 8th, 1857.
ENFORCING SUNDAY.
By John Norton Loughborough
[Bro. Smith : I send you the subjoined portion of an article published by some religious periodical in regard to the report on the Sabbath (Sunday) law of the State of Pennsylvania, made by the House of Representatives. It came under my observation, as it is, a fragment of an article, and not enough of the paper with it so as to know where to look for it. I would like either the rest of the article or the report referred to. I have thought perhaps it might be proper to put it into the Review; perhaps some one can furnish us with this report entire. It seems to me from what is quoted in this article, that those who have looked upon the people of this government, as too forbearing to pass rigid Sunday laws, must see how the principle is working which if fully carried out will pass even a universal Sunday law, without regard to the conscience of a minor portion who conform to the spirit and letter of the fourth commandment.—J. N. Loughborough.]
SEVENTH-DAY BAPTISTS.
"The Sabbath Recorder publishes a report, relative to the observance of the Sabbath, made by a committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, to whom had been referred a Senate bill exempting the seventh-day Baptists from the operation of the Sabbath laws of that Commonwealth. The act from the operation of which the Seventh-day Baptists asked to be exempted, makes it a penal offense for any person to perform any worldly business on Sunday, works of necessity and charity only excepted. They say they cannot conscientiously regard the first day of the week as the Sabbath, and therefore claim the exemption, as a right secured to them by the great constitutional provision of this republic, securing to all citizens liberty of conscience.
"The committee report against the exemption asked on a variety of grounds. Without denying that liberty of conscience is a most valuable right, they ask if the very nature of government does not require, in some contingencies, the restriction of this liberty? They say that, if no law can be enacted and enforced against which a minority may conscientiously protest, there can be no government, as one class may object, to one, and another class to another law, until all great public interests are abandoned to utter insecurity. A concession, however, to certain scruples of conscience is made by the committee, who admit 'that cases may happen in which the law objected to is not to be regarded as conflicting merely with the settled convictions of the objectors, as to what is most conducive to the welfare of the community, considered in a moral, or pecuniary point of view; but as directly contravening a clearly revealed law of God and placing them under the necessity of practically determining whether they will obey God, in violation of the laws of man, or those of man, in violation of the law of God.'
"Reference is made to the Quakers, whom the law relieves from the necessity of bearing arms, but upon whom, against their consciences, it imposes the duty of contributing to the sinews of war.' Other cases are cited. Here is one:
"Should the gold mines or placers of California, attract to that country a party of Pagans from Asia, whose system of religion requires the offering of human beings in sacrifice, is it conceivable that an American legislator or jurist would so construe the declarations, that 'all men have a natural indefensible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience,' and 'that no human authority can in any case whatever control or interfere with the rights of conscience,' as to make them extend their protection to the horrid rites of this bloody superstition.
"The committee conclude that the exemption sought by the memorialists cannot become a law with safety to the rights and interests of the public. We quote as follows:
"The enforcement of the observance of the Sabbath so far as abstinence from secular employments is concerned, by civil statute, is not the result of bigotry or superstition, but results from a profound conviction of its importance to the public welfare. The Sabbath is believed to be of immense value as an occasion of rest from bodily and mental toil, and as furnishing opportunity for religious reading—for private, and for social and public worship, and for the training of children. It is the only opportunity which many laboring men have of being with their families."
Suffering and Reigning with Christ
If you suffer for Christ, your sufferings are called the sufferings of Christ; and if we suffer with him we shall also reign with him.
Treasure in Heaven.
By Bible Student
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break thro' and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is there will your hearts be also." Matt. vi, 19-21. This is the language of Him who came down from heaven; and if we ever enter there we must obey his words, for by them we shall be judged in the last day. I am aware that in presenting the plain truths of God's word upon this subject I may wound the feelings of some; but I act from a sense of duty, and to such I would say that the time has come when instead of being hurt by the truth we should live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
What are we to understand by not laying up for ourselves treasures upon earth? Not that we should idle away our time or squander our means. O no, for we should not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality. What then? Why, if we lay up treasure upon earth at all it should be for God, to be used for his glory, just as he has directed in his word. Are you still at a loss what to do? "Learn of me," says the meek and lowly One. He commands you to love one another, as he has loved you, and added that "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."
That he means just as he says is plain, for John says we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. All that a man hath will he give for his life, hence if he is ready to do this he will not withhold aught that he possesses, but will feel the truth of the saying, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. He will not turn away sorrowful when called to sacrifice, but will rejoice that he has a chance to use some of his Lord's money as will be well pleasing in his sight.
Doubtless many are ready to say that they are keeping all of the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Perhaps you are not more sure than was the young man who inquired the way to eternal life. He says, "I have kept the commandments from my youth up; what lack I yet?" "If thou wilt be perfect," saith the Son of God, "go sell that thou hast (and put it to interest? O no,) and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." Here was a test which undeceived him, and I fear a similar one would undeceive many now. Although he thought he had kept the commandments, he had not from the heart, neither was he willing to keep them. His treasure was on the earth instead of in heaven. He like others was self-deceived. Christ says, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity." We know by the fruit, God knows by the heart, and if we serve him from the heart we shall bring forth much fruit to his glory.
We have seen by what passed between Jesus and the young man what it is to have treasure on earth, and its effects, for Christ says a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven; also how to lay up treasure in heaven.
I would now call your especial attention to Christ's description of the events to take place when he shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him, as recorded in Matt. xxv, 31-46. Read it with care, meditate upon it in the fear of God and in view of eternity, for the time is at hand. Here are two classes brought to view; one, it seems, had that deep-rooted piety which led them to do good without being proud of it or even seeming to know what they had done. To such the King says, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat, I was thirsty and ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye took me in, naked and ye clothed me, sick and ye visited me, I was in prison and ye came unto me."
Dear reader, will these blessed words be addressed to you? Will the lovely Saviour welcome you to the kingdom prepared for the righteous? or will yours be the sentence, "Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels? For (or because) I was an hungered and ye gave me no meat, I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink, naked and ye clothed me not, sick and in prison and ye visited me not." It will be in vain for you to ask when you saw your Saviour thus; you know that inasmuch as you do it, or neglect to do it to the least of his brethren it is to him. And now to you who profess to be keeping all of the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, let me say, to you these Bible truths apply in full force; and if you, instead of obeying them lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, you will be left without excuse. There can be no excuse for those who believe that the end of all things is at hand, and have made the high and holy profession that you have, for laying up treasure here. What do you, what can you, I ask, want of treasure here? Do you believe what you have been for years proclaiming to the world that this earth with the works therein shall be burned up? Then show your faith by your works, cease to contradict your profession by your daily walk and deal, not only with the world, but with even your poorer brethren and sisters. Cease thus to dishonor the cause you profess to love, cease to lay up what God commanded to distribute, cease to say that you love God while you are breaking his commandments.
I have presented a few of the commandments of the Son of God; if you love him you will keep them, for he says, if any man love me he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode with him. Now in conclusion let me say that wherever the happy saint is found in whose heart the Father and the Son make their abode, he will not be laying up treasure on earth, but in heaven, by keeping all of the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.
"Let your Women keep Silence in the Churches."
By D. Hewitt
MANY sincere and honest souls have been very much perplexed respecting this declaration of the apostle Paul. Many have inferred from this that women professing godliness should keep silent and not speak in prayer and social meetings for religious worship. But the candid reader of the sacred pages will find other declarations of the same apostle that must be brought to harmonize with this in order to get a clear understanding of the Apostle's meaning in 1 Cor. xiv. It is a custom with all Bible students to find all the important texts that bear on any one subject, and compare them together until they come to a satisfactory understanding of what the inspired penman means. No one should found a theory on one single isolated passage, for this mode of proving things has produced many discordant theories in the world.
The reader will please turn over to 1 Cor. xi, and read carefully the first fifteen verses. He will there find that Christ is the head of every man, and the man the head of the woman; that the woman when praying or prophesying should have her head covered. We find by these texts that a woman can pray or prophesy in the church.
The next thing to ascertain is the meaning of the word "prophesy" in these chapters. See 1 Cor. xiv, 3. "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort." We know that all the church were not prophets like Isaiah and Daniel of old; yet we see from the 31st verse of said chapters that "all may prophesy one by one," that all may learn, and all may be comforted. In verse 32 you will see that the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; that is, in speaking and exhorting, we should not say, any thing contrary to what the prophets have said, but harmonize with, and be subject to, them; otherwise it would make confusion, of which the Lord would not be the author. From verses 34 and 35, it appears to be a check on the women that were too forward in meeting in asking questions, &c.; for they had better have talked over these things and asked questions at home instead of troubling the meeting about what did not concern them. Paul in 1 Tim. ii, 12, says that he suffers not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Hence we discover that simply praying, or singing, or speaking in meeting would not be usurping authority over the man, but edifying the man, and pleasing the Lord. Certainly a sister's telling in meeting what the Lord has done for her, and what she intends to do through grace, would not be teaching nor usurping authority over the man.
Phillip the evangelist, had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy; [Acts xxi, 8, 9] and if they were forbidden to exercise their gift in meeting, their prophecies must have been circumscribed and very limited.
We all believe that we are living in the last days. See Acts ii, 17, 18. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." These texts teach that daughters and hand-maidens shall prophesy. Please read on to the 21st verse, and you will ascertain that the point of chronology is just before the great and notable day of the Lord comes.
I hope that we shall all strive to square our lives and actions by the word of the Lord, each one occupy the place that the Lord would have us, and thereby preserve gospel order in the church.
D. HEWITT.
Battle Creek, Oct. 4th, 1857.
LETTERS
By P. R. Chamberlain
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Sister Chamberlain.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it my duty to speak to you of the great goodness of God towards one so unworthy as myself. When I first heard the solemn message to the Laodicean church, I felt that it was truth, and for a time it stirred my inmost soul; but how to get the gold, the white raiment, and the eye-salve, was more than I knew. At times I tried to zealously repent, and afflict my soul, by calling to mind my past sins. I would also look around to see if I had any confessions to make, and greatly feared lest I should be left in a lukewarm state; but I had begun to sink back into cold stupidity, when it was my privilege to attend a conference held at Bro. Belden's, in Kensington, Ct., and thanks be to God I there learned what is meant by being zealous and repenting, and how I might obtain the gold, and white raiment, so much needed. It was simply to act, to go to work, to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, to return to my first love; and blessed be the name of the Lord, even before I had time to act, the eye-salve was applied to my eyes and I began to see.191Oh, how plainly do I see the great, the awfully solemn work that is before us. It seems like being placed right back in 1844, when the sound, The Lord is coming! stirred our inmost souls and brought every power into action. How I pity the poor soul who stands now with one hand uplifted crying, Lord, Lord, and with the other grasps his worldly goods. Let such read the words of Jesus to the rich young man. I also pity the cold professor who, surrounded with all the comforts of life, leaves the lone widow with her fatherless children to suffer. Let such remember the words of Jesus found in Matt. xxv, commencing at the 31st verse. The hypocrite will soon no longer have a place among God's dear saints. This part of the Third Angel's Message will try every man's work, whether it be of God.
To unfaithful parents I wish to say, My brother, my sister, how can you slumber on, when if you would only open your eyes you might behold the sword of the destroying angel hanging over the heads of your children. If there were some fearful epidemic raging, how quickly would you seek a place of safety for those dear ones. How much rather should you seek to hide them from the fearful storm that is fast approaching, by removing every stumbling-block out of their way, and by beginning even now to do just as you wish you had done in the past, and would try to do if you might be permitted to do your work over again. Do not expect yourselves to enter the kingdom while your poor children are left to perish through your neglect. It may be well to reflect upon the history of Eli and his family.
To my dear sisters in Christ, who, like myself, are in affliction, I would say, Fear not, trust in God. Remember how many precious promises his word contains for the widow; and if at any time we are tempted to murmur or complain, we will call to mind the words of Jesus found in Matt. vi, beginning at the 24th verse. Let us be very careful lest we grieve away the spirit whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption. A little while, a few more days of suffering and trial, and we shall be safe at home with Jesus, whose very name fills our souls with joy and makes us long for the day when he will appear, and receive us unto himself. Let us be faithful, dear sisters.
We shall soon hear the voice of God saying, as unto Moses of old, "Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward!" and when the whole church moves we shall see mighty works done in the name of the Lord. To bring this great move about, each one has something to do. We must set our own house in order; and let us be careful that we each for ourselves understand the will of God, and move carefully in his fear, and in unity with the church. Let us be sure that we are in the very place that the Lord would have us in, and we have nothing to fear. O no, for the Lord himself will be our God, our guide, our all, in all. Thanks be to his great name. That God would direct us each, and impart to us all needed grace and wisdom, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.
P. R. CHAMBERLAIN.
Maspeth, N. Y., Oct. 4th, 1857.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE
I WILL never, never leave thee,
I will never thee forsake,
I will guide, and save, and keep thee,
For my name and mercy's sake.
Fear no evil,
Only all my counsel take.
When the storm is raging round thee,
Call on me in humble prayer;
I will fold my arms about thee,
Guard thee with the tenderest care;
In the trial,
I will make thy pathway clear.
When thy sky above is glowing,
And around thee all is bright,
Pleasure like a river flowing,
All things tending to delight,
I'll be with thee;
I will guide thy steps aright.
When thy soul is dark and clouded,
Filled with doubt and grief and care,
Through the mists by which 'tis shrouded,
I will make a light appear,
And the banner
Of my love I will uprear.
Thou may'st leave my care and keeping;
Thou may'st wander far from me;
Sorrow, then, and woe and weeping,
Mercy must mete out to thee;
To the righteous
My rich blessings all are free.—Sel.
Preparation for Christ’s Coming
By Asa Kimball
From Bro. Kimball.
BRO. SMITH: I cordially unite with the request from our brethren to take hold and write more for the Review. I think each member has a part to act in this great work of preparation for the coming and kingdom of our blessed Saviour; for I believe that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; and if our hearts are filled with the glories of the coming kingdom we shall be willing to talk or write about it. Obedience to the requirements of Christ, admits of no physical resistance to unrighteous claims; therefore we are safe in resting alone upon the protection of Almighty God.
How perfectly self-evident that a conscious innocence, a freedom from guilt, a state of daily justification before God, forms a bulwark of defence as invulnerable as the throne of Jehovah against the Man of Sin, with all his infernal craft of falsehood and corruption. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Who can be more interested than the subjects of Christ's kingdom in confessing and purging away every thing that is wrong? If the work in which we are engaged be but the mere trapping of human invention, as some suppose, it will be but a small matter for the Almighty to serve it the same as he is serving every other system of human invention in this his day of judgment.
Who can rejoice with heart-felt acclamation more than the true and faithful commandment keepers at the down-fall of everything that is opposed to God and his truth? The innocent victim of the cruel despotism of black-hearted persecution never cowers. If arraigned before earthly tribunals and falsely accused, how sweet and consoling the reflections, I have harmed no one, I have done all the good I could, I have followed the example set for me by our Saviour so far as has been in my power; and as I am commanded to fear not them that can kill the body, neither will I give myself trouble or uneasiness about what people can say concerning me, while in it.
Who has failed to admire the dignified composure inspired by the conscious innocence of Paul when arraigned at Agrippa's judgment seat? The pomp and splendor of a Roman court sinks into perfect insignificance before him, while he fearlessly dashes at the feet of his highest dignitary the claims of prophecy and the terrors of the judgment day, and demands his decision. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? And the trembling monarch quails before him.
O how mean and sordid, how unworthy of comparison, are all the treasures, blessings and glories of a fading world with the riches of Christ's kingdom which can never fade away! And who will be able to realize and enjoy the blessings of that kingdom so well as those who have complied with the conditions laid down by our Saviour, and made the sacrifices which he requires? How comforting the following language: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
Asa Kimball.
Hampton Ct., Sept. 25th, 1857.
SAMUEL TREAT
By Samuel Treat
From Bro. Treat.
BRO. SMITH: Under a sense of long neglected duty I seat myself to write a few lines to the scattered flock of like precious faith, through the Review, and let you know that although I have so long kept back, it has not been altogether for want of interest, but circumstances hitherto have been unfavorable. Placed as I am here in this dark region, I long to see some of the saints of God, hear of God's dealings with them, and participate with them in their joys and sorrows; but not having the pleasure of seeing, it is a great satisfaction to read communications from the brethren and sisters in the Review.
When Bro. White's article came out on the seven churches it found me not only in the Laodicean state, but also bearing all of its characteristics; feeling rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing; or in other words, feeling that we had the truth, in regard to keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, while at the same time I was destitute in a great measure of it in my poor heart. But thanks be to God, I think those stirring appeals were sent home to my heart for a while, and I did endeavor to heed the counsel of the True Witness, to buy of him gold, white raiment, and eye-salve. I still bless God that his Commandments are not grievous, although they are exceeding broad. And though I have not so much deep feeling as I have had, yet I am still striving to hold on to God's word, and mean to be an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. God's word says, Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. I desire to lead a pure and upright life that I may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.
My prayer is that the Review may constantly go forth to the scattered saints, bearing precious fruit, and the blessing of God may rest down upon those engaged in its publication. May God also bless all the dear heralds of the cross, already gone forth to proclaim the last and solemn message of mercy to a dark and unbelieving world; and may he also send forth more laborers into his vineyard; for of a truth the harvest is great but the laborers are few. O how I long to hear God's word from some of the living preachers, that I may get my soul refreshed.
Dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us be faithful even to the end, for the righteous Lord has promised to give us a crown of life at his appearing and kingdom. He says: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
SAMUEL TREAT
Searsport, Me., Sept. 27th, 1857.
A Request for Laborers in London
By Elizabeth Gibson
From Sister Gibson.
BRO. SMITH: I esteem it a privilege to contribute my mite to support a paper that has been instrumental in spreading so much light and truth, and has cheered and comforted my heart so many times. The Lord has been very good to me notwithstanding I have had trials keen and cutting; yet my trust has been in God and I have found him an ever-present friend in times of need. Praised be his holy name, he knows what is for our good, far better than we do ourselves; and how plain it is to be seen that we have been in the lukewarm state. O how thankful I am that we can heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten." May God help us to bear his rebukes and chastenings as we ought, be zealous and repent, and open the door of our hearts and let the dear Saviour in. I am striving to overcome, for I want to sit down with Christ on his throne.
How thankful we would be here in London to have some of the dear brethren come and speak to us the word of life. We hope some one will see it duty to come soon.
Yours striving for the kingdom.
ELIZABETH GIBSON.
London, C. W Sept. 30th, 1857.