To what sublime event are we now brought in the investigation of the Sabbath?
Who descended upon mount Sinai?
How many texts of scripture show that God was present with his angels? Note.
For what is the 16th chapter of Exodus remarkable?
What fact renders the 19th chapter remarkable?
For what reason is the 20th chapter also an important and remarkable chapter?
How is it customary with some to speak of the Sabbath?
Why is the Sabbath called Jewish?
But how does the Creator speak of himself? Ex. xxiv, 10, &c.
If then the Sabbath became Jewish because given to the Jews, what does the very same argument prove with reference to God?
[Let this point be particularly noticed, to meet the cry raised by blindness and bigotry, that the Sabbath is a Jewish Sabbath; for there is more reason for calling God a Jewish God than for calling the Sabbath a Jewish Sabbath, inasmuch as God calls himself the God of Israel, but the Sabbath is not once called the Sabbath of the Jews or the Sabbath of Israel.]
Were the Hebrews honored by being thus entrusted with the Sabbath? [Thus the Sabbath and law were not dishonored or rendered Jewish by being entrusted to the Jews, but the Jews were honored in being made the depositaries of them.]
What Bible writers speak of the high exaltation of Israel on this account?
What is the testimony of Wm. Miller on this point? Note.
After what event were the people brought forth out of the camp to meet with God?
What was the appearance of mount Sinai, when the Lord descended upon it?
What did God proclaim from the summit of the mount?
What was the fourth of these precepts?
Repeat the Sabbath commandment.
How did the Law-giver show the estimate which he placed upon the Sabbath?
What is proved in regard to the Sabbath by its being placed in the midst of nine immutable moral precepts? [Ans. That is like them, moral and immutable.]
Is it a small honor which is thus conferred upon the Sabbath?
What scripture shows that God spake just the ten commandments and no more?
In what respect does the Sabbath commandment differ from the others?
Why is the Sabbath to be remembered and kept holy?
What is meant by God's hallowing the Sabbath?
When was the Sabbath hallowed?
To what time did the act of setting apart the rest-day relate?
To what time does the fourth commandment reach back, and what does it embrace?
And how far forward does the sanctification of the Sabbath in paradise extend?
What shows these facts?
How does the narrative respecting the wilderness of Sin show these facts?
What is a decisive proof that the Sabbath did not originate in the wilderness of Sin?
Is the fourth commandment definite or indefinite?
What is the first point embraced in it?
What is that precept?
What is the second point?
What is the explanation of that precept?
What is the third point?
By what is it all enforced?
To what do the blessing and sanctification pertain?
Why may it not be merely one seventh part of time, or an indefinite one day in seven, as some contend?
What objection to the observance of a definite day is drawn from the revolution of the earth on its axis? Note. p. 47.
To suit such objections what should be the motion of the earth?
117But if the earth was stationary, what would be the effect?
How then can these objectors be suited? [These persons should retire with shame before the fact that they are urging an objection for which there is not even a supposable remedy, thus reflecting upon the wisdom of the great Law-giver in enjoining the observance of the Sabbath upon all mankind.]
Give a true statement of the case respecting the revolution of the earth. [See last half of note above referred to.]
That the seventh day of the fourth commandment, is the seventh day of the New-Testament week, is a fact of the utmost importance, and one which the Scriptures most clearly prove; where do they prove this?
State the facts by which this is proved.
How do you know that the day that the holy women kept in accordance with the requirements of the fourth commandment, was the last, or seventh, day of the week?
What is the testimony of Nehemiah relative to the Sabbath?
This testimony is sometimes used to prove that the Sabbath was not known previous to the time of Israel's sojourn in the wilderness of Sin, but was then made known; what fact shows the short-sightedness of this objection? [Ans. The making known of the Sabbath of which Nehemiah speaks, was done at Sinai; but the Israelites had the Sabbath, and were reproved for breaking it, in the wilderness, at least one month before this time.]
What then does the language, "madest known," signify?
Give an illustration of this manner of speaking.
What distinction is to be observed in the language?
The moral obligation of the fourth commandment is often denied; yet how can this obligation be clearly shown?
State some facts connected with the origin of all things.
From whose benevolence does man derive six days of the week for his own use?
What was the act of God in setting apart the seventh day in memory of his own rest?
What is it then on our part to observe this day?
To appropriate it to ourselves is what?
[NOTE.—There will probably be found in each lesson more or less resembling what has already been asked in previous lessons, which may seem like a mere repetition. But there will be nothing lost in this. Let it be remembered that our object in studying the great subject of the Sabbath, is to acquire a perfect familiarity with it, in all its particulars; and nothing will more conduce to this than to often survey the same ground and look at the same facts from different points of view.]
General Conference.
By Editor
It is the opinion of several brethren, whose judgment we have reason to respect, that the best time for a General Conference would be the last of May next, or the first of June, instead of next October.
1. It is thought that to have the General Conference, the Michigan State Conference and the annual meeting of the Publishing Association, all at the same time and place, would make the gathering too large to be well accommodated, and the business meetings tedious.
2. If the General Conference be held in connection with the Michigan State Conference, the first of June, a large collection from our churches in and out of the State, can be accommodated under the tent, one-half of whom could not find seats in our place of worship.
3. If it is necessary to hold a General Conference at all to encourage united and vigorous action, east and west, the sooner the first session is held, the better, therefore the commencement of summer operations is a time preferable to the close.
4. If a tent be sent into New England with two efficient preachers, the next tent season, it would be far preferable that the enterprise be conducted under the direction of General Conference, than under the dictation of many counsellors who might not agree.
We recommend that the General Conference be held in connection with the Michigan State Conference at Battle Creek, as early as such a gathering can be convened under a tent. We suppose that it would be the pleasure of the brethren in other States, and the Canadas, to send to the General Conference either delegates or letters setting forth their opinion of the best course of action, and their requests of the Conference.
The Michigan Conference Committee asks an immediate expression from ministers and people who are interested in the progress of the cause of present truth, east, west, north, and south, relative to holding the General conference at the commencement of the tent season. Should the reports be favorable, this committee will take the responsibility to appoint the conference. Address Elder James White, Battle Creek, Mich.
Bibles.
By Editor
Owing to the great discount on United States' money in Canada, and the high duties, a bill of English Bibles amounting to $100, will cost from $200 to $225. These Bibles cost us twice the amount of their cost one year since. Add to this a fair business profit, and the prices of English Bibles are carried up very high, too high for the poor.
We decide to obtain a large supply of American Bibles immediately, and sell them out at cost for the benefit of the poor. The prices will range from 65 cents to $1,50. Then obtain a good supply of English Bibles, the prices of which will range from $1,50 to $3,50. At present we have for sale only a few copies of the English Bible, nonpareil, marginal reference, at $2,25, postage 21 cents.
Building Up the Cause in Michigan
By Editor
THE labors of Brn. Byington and Loughborough have been greatly blessed since the Conference in October, in building up the cause in Michigan. They are laborers, and God has worked with them, and given them health and strength to perform a great amount of successful labor. It is nice work to build up the waste places of Zion, which calls for careful, judicious, and faithful builders. We wish they could make a tour through Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio.
Bro. Loughborough works for the good of the cause in all departments. He carries with him the Michigan list of subscribers, and has collected and sent in nearly a thousand dollars since last October, while several of our preachers have not in the same time collected five dollars. Let us all work together in the good cause, and if God helps us, we shall do a great work.
Paying Debts for the Review
By Editor
WE would say to those who are notified each week that they are in debt for the Review, that in all probability the present is the easiest time to pay debts. Money is plenty and labor and produce commands high prices. If you do not pay now, probably you never will.
The New Jerusalem.
In the Revelation of St. John, the scriptures describe a glorious city, which shall descend from heaven and be established on the renewed and purified earth. It is a habitation prepared for those saints who shall hereafter live with Christ when all has been accomplished, and the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.
In this description the apostle accurately defines the New Jerusalem as a material structure, established in a certain locality. In it will be found all that can satisfy the renewed and developed powers of those who, although glorified and restored to a state of primeval innocence, are yet endowed still with the attributes, the feelings, and sympathies which man received originally from his Creator. Here the tabernacle of God shall be with man, and God himself shall dwell with them. There will be reproduced in a higher degree all the scenes and glories of paradise; the cooling fountains, the perpetual springs, the healing waters, the river and the tree of life whose leaves are for the sustentation of the people. For the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it, even of that city which Isaiah has described, which the Lord will cause to descend when the new heavens and the new earth have been created. "For, behold, I create a new heaven and a new earth." The prophet thus describes it,—Thou shalt call thy walls salvation and thy gates praise, and "the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." We who are still under the dominion of a corrupt material nature, who, together with the whole creation, groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body, cannot realize these scenes and the surpassing glories of heaven. Here we look through a glass darkly; our perceptions are weak, our intellect darkened through sin, our higher nature overborne by the desires of a carnal mind. Here, while this dispensation lasts, the sons of God are "strangers and pilgrims" who have no continuing city, but "look for one to come."
Still God has not deserted his people. He has not left man to wander on the ocean of life without a chart or compass by which he may direct his course. The Book of Inspiration is the only unerring guide. Without it we cannot attempt to penetrate the mysteries which are involved in the problem of humanity. Man lost by the fall those great principles of knowledge which he had once derived by intuition from his Creator. The curse pronounced on Adam oppresses our spiritual and intellectual, as well as our material nature. In toil, in sorrow, in the sweat of our brow we gather the fruit of the tree of knowledge. The great law entailed upon us since the transgression is, that "man is born to trouble;" but through the cross he will win the crown, for "through much tribulation shall ye enter the kingdom of God," the heavenly Zion.
As men became corrupt, the greater part of the traditional wisdom derived from Adam and the patriarchs was forgotten; and therefore we, the children of transgression, have been toiling ever since along a steep and painful road, working out life's problems by the dim light of reason, picking up fragments of that primeval lore which man when innocent did once possess, which he will again possess when, through Christ, he has been elevated to a higher condition, even to the "inheritance of the saints in light." Then shall it be understood how Christ is to his elect both wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
The advent of our Saviour has, however, solved the great problem of humanity, and has indeed brought life and immortality to light. He proved that the creation which God pronounced very good cannot be essentially evil. He will prove hereafter that what God has cleansed we may not call common. This earth, once so beautiful and undefiled, will again be created anew, and restored to its pristine beauty, when the trail of the serpent has been effaced. Again the roses shall bloom in Sharon, the dews fall on Hermon, and the glory of Lebanon spring forth. But more than this. Our Saviour has proved that the fallen race of Adam might be raised to higher honor; that the feelings and affections and sympathies incidental to our human nature are not inconsistent with the utmost purity; that a material form might be suited to one who was "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners."
A new light has therefore been shed on truths which had been hard to comprehend before the manifestation upon our earth of the incarnate Son of God. Those predictions are now understood as literal, which men had formerly interpreted as spiritual. The great fact stands forth incontrovertible, engraved as upon a rock. The Divine footsteps have left their impress on this earth. God manifest in the flesh has solved the great problem of humanity.
When our Saviour did actually walk with man and endured privation and suffering in a human form; when after His humiliation He assumed again this body, glorified, but still material, capable of recognition, bearing even the peculiar marks of His crucifixion, thus fulfilling to the letter all the prophecies concerning Him; when, lastly, at His ascension, He assured His disciples, by the voice of angels, that He would return in like manner (that is in like form) as they had seen Him taken up into heaven, He gave the strongest assurance that all the predictions connected with His second coming, and the future renovation of the earth, would also receive a complete fulfillment. Hence it follows that our Lord will actually and literally restore all things, all that creation which Satan for a season has been permitted to defile; that man, the first of God's works, will be raised again and endowed in a higher degree with those powers which had been lost and weakened by the fall. His spiritual nature will be more perfect than that of Adam; because having been purchased and redeemed by our Saviour's blood, he is secure from temptation, and no longer liable to fall. His intellect will be enlarged by the contemplation of those mysteries which even angels cannot discern, while his body, preserving still all the attributes of humanity, will yet be endowed with higher perceptions, and thus fitted to share in the pure enjoyments of heaven.
On this earth the story of our race began; here Satan has, for a brief space, displayed his power, and here, when the last scene closes, the triumph of Him who will be the victor over death and hell will be manifested. This earth will be renewed, but not annihilated, at least in the sense in which we understand the term. Why should God destroy His own work? It will be restored, purified, cleansed from all the defilement of sin; and then the saints, whom Christ has redeemed, shall find here an abode. Clothed in those attributes of humanity which our Saviour assumed even after His resurrection, they will behold the pristine beauties of creation, such as it was when God pronounced his blessing upon it. Here will be heaven, for God will make this His especial abode when He shall again return and dwell among men in Jehovah Shammah. Then may it not be, that when all has been accomplished, and God has established His kingdom, those glorious scenes described by the apostle may be actually realized? Here the redeemed of mankind may walk in a glorious city beside the peaceful waters flowing through the Paradise of God. Here the fruit of the tree of life may still be needed for the sustentation of those who, though immortal, are yet clothed in material forms.
Letter from Bro. Nichols.
By O. Nichols
BRO. WHITE: I have received Testimony No. 9, and am much obliged for your kindness in forwarding it in advance of the order.
I have regretted that I objected to your article on "The Nation" in a letter to you last September, and have since queried whether it was my duty to present through the Review the "scriptural position" on "our duty in reference to the war;" for it seemed to place me in a disunited state toward you and some of the ministers; for this reason I delayed sending the article to the Review for several weeks, and as the article was not noticed for five or six weeks afterward, I supposed it was rejected. This subjected me to some trial in regard to the position I had taken. Since reading sister White's testimony on the war I feel somewhat relieved. Sister W. saw that your remarks on "The Nation" have been misunderstood. I honestly thought that you intended to convey the idea that it was the duty of our people that were drafted to yield implicit obedience to the commands of the chief magistrate, and engage in the war, if the authorities required it, and that the government would be responsible for our violation of the law of God. Bro. Snook conveyed the idea that it is our duty to engage in the war, if required. The editor of the Advent Herald endorsed Bro. Snook's article in the Review.
In your subsequent remarks on "The Nation," there are some expressions which might be construed differently—that we need not fear a military draft, that God would interpose in our favor, and overrule that our people would not be drafted, or exempt them from military duty. But a question rises with me, if we publicly confess that it is the duty of our people to yield implicit obedience to the authorities, to obey every law of the land, then do we not acknowledge the supremacy of the laws of the land and the authorities, over God's higher laws? Will God then hear our prayer, and interpose in our behalf? It seems to me that it is our duty to publicly define our position in relation to human governments, and the requirements of God under the three angels' messages, and to do what we can for ourselves. Then we can go with confidence to God for help in any emergency. It would not be wise for our people that are drafted to willfully resist the authorities, for that would only irritate the officers in118power, and subject our people to persecution. The wiser course, in my opinion, would be to calmly state to the authorities our position as referred to, do our own duty first, then we can "come with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We can then pray "for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty;" and especially the Lord's prayer, "Deliver us from evil." Will not the Lord then hear the petitions of his people, and deliver them from one of the worst of evils—engagement in the present war?
It is truly a "perplexing war." Sister W.'s testimony in relation to it is a true picture. I mailed to you yesterday's edition of the Boston Evening Transcript. On the fourth page you will find a true representation of the army of the Potomac. There is much that corroborates the testimony of sister W. on the war. How can God prosper such a corrupt government and leading officers in the armies?
It was a mystery that the leading Democrats of the North, who were always in sympathy with the slave power of the South, should, after the fall of Ft. Sumpter, unite with Mr. Lincoln's administration and fight against their Southern friends. But facts now show that their sympathy with the South never has changed. Their real object was to deceive and control the President and his cabinet, in the appointment of as many Democrats to power and trust, in the army, the navy, and the administration at Washington, as would favor the rebels. Hence the administration, and the army, especially of the Potomac, has been almost continually under the control of Northern traitors professing the Union and the constitution, in order to carry out their nefarious purposes in bringing the North under Southern dominion. But according to sister W.'s testimony they will not fully triumph over the Northern armies. On the same page you will notice the text of Mr. Emmon, of Concord, in 1780. His text was in 2 Chron. xiii, 12. Read the whole chapter; notice the parallel of the two nations of Judah and Israel, with our nation, the North and the South.
After the death of Solomon, Jeroboam, one of Solomon's officers, caused the ten tribes to revolt, and set up an independent confederacy—just what the Southern States have done under Jeff. Davis. Then Jeroboam attempted to subdue the kingdom of Jerusalem under Abijah, and rule the whole nation of Israel; Jeff. Davis is trying to establish his government over the North.
Now if our government had followed the example of king Abijah, 2 Chron. xiii, 12, and not "fought against the Lord God of our fathers" of the Revolution, in the establishment of Southern slavery, the rebellion would ere this have ceased.
Yours,
Dorchester, Mass.
O. NICHOLS.
Meetings in Peterborough, N. H.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. WHITE: We have given twenty-three lectures in this place. The interest continued to rise steadily from the commencement of the meetings. We enjoyed good freedom in speaking the word. An anxious inquiry, “What is truth?” has been awakened in the minds of the people. The word of God is being searched, and our books are in brisk circulation. A general conviction seems to weigh upon the minds of this people, that we have the Bible on our side on the Sabbath question. May they believe not in word only, but in deed and in truth.
After our position on the law of God and the Sabbath was fully set before our friends, Bro. Bourdeau requested all present who believed the first day of the week to be the Sabbath, and could give one text of scripture in its defense, to manifest it by rising upon their feet. All were silent; no one of our large congregation arose.
After two weeks’ labor with the friends here, and the brethren in another part of the town, it did not appear to be duty for us all to remain longer in the place; and as circumstances seemed to demand the return of the Brn. Bourdeau to their home, they left me last week, intending to hold meeting at Washington the following Sabbath.
Last Sabbath we enjoyed a refreshing season together in Peterborough. A goodly number of friends met with us. I spoke to them twice, once on suffering with Christ, and once on overcoming, and the overcomer’s reward. At the close of the social meeting I requested all present who had decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord to signify it by standing upon their feet; ten arose. Others are deeply convicted, and will, I think, keep all the commandments of God. Two who heard most of our lectures had previously embraced the Sabbath and gone to their homes, one living in another town, and one in Mass.
These meetings have not only awakened an interest among those who have not previously heard the third message, but our brethren and sisters are arousing and girding on the armor anew; children come forward for prayers in tears, and express a desire to go with their parents to the kingdom of God. They are also committing portions of Scripture to memory, and reciting them to me on the Sabbath, or when I go to their homes. In behalf of the sick the Lord is also answering prayer, and raising them up. May he speed on the good-begun work, and we to his holy and reverend name give all praise and honor.
Conference in Ohio.
THE conference organized first-day morning, Feb. 22, by choosing H. J. Kittle chairman, and H. F. Baker secretary.
Brn. Oliver Mears, J. Dudley, and I. N. Van Gorder, were then chosen as a committee to arrange business for the conference.
Adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M.
Afternoon session. Meeting called to order by the chairman, and opened with prayer by Bro. White.
Committee not ready to report.
Upon motion a request was made to Bro. White to freely talk to the assembled brethren and sisters of the cause or causes of the sad state of affairs in Ohio pertaining to the church; which he did, much to the edification and encouragement of all concerned. The same solicitation being extended to sister White, hearts melted, and tears were made to flow at the touching appeals and stirring exhortations given as she spoke of what the Lord had shown her of the sad influences at work in our midst.
The balance of the session was consumed in confessions made by various brethren who by the new light given were privileged to see where they had erred, and we all felt to praise the Lord together for his goodness and long-suffering.
Adjourned until 6½ o'clock in the evening.
Evening session. Meeting convened as per adjournment, and opened with prayer by Bro. Waggoner. The committee reported the first business to be the selection of a standing Conference Committee, whereupon Brn. I. N. Van Gorder, Joseph Clarke, and Oliver Mears, were selected to act as such committee; it having been previously decided that such committee be chosen from among the churches at Portage and Lovett's Grove.
The second business reported to be the Treasurer's report. It was then
Resolved, That the churches go into the plan of systematic benevolence.
Resolved, That the treasurers of the different churches be requested to report to the Conference Committee the amount of funds in their hands quarterly, dating from the first of January, 1863, making a report now as soon as practicable, and again April 1, 1863, and thereafter every three months.
Adjourned sine die.
H. J. Kittle, Chairman,
H. F. Baker, Secretary.
A Confession.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE language of the prophet Isaiah applying to this time, is, “Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones, lift up a standard for the119people.” Isa. lxii, 10. Or as he says in chap. lvii, 14, “Take up the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people.” This I understand calls upon us to remove every occasion of stumbling we may have laid in a brother’s way.
I have just read in Review No. 14, Bro. White’s report of the state of the cause in Ohio, and see I have some of the above work to do. I am one of those preachers who were present at the meeting spoken of, when Bro. Butler made a proposition concerning raising a fund to sustain the cause in Ohio, and did not see at the time that his move was against the body. I gave my sanction there to what was done in starting that matter. But I do not conceive that Bro. Butler designed by that move to strike against systematic benevolence. As far as I have said to any one that Bro. Butler was a “secesh” from the cause, on that point, I would say: Brethren, I was “secesh” too, in seconding the work. I want to take this out of the way of Bro. Butler, and hope the Lord will bless him, and enable him to find a place with the people of God, and finally a home with the saints.
It is the eventide of life;
Times closing waves before me roll:
And in this narrow pass of life
I stand to guard my priceless soul.
Through storm and calm, through dark and light,
Weary but resolute I cling
To my good sword, my breastplate bright,
The armor of my heavenly King.
On guard, on guard! the trumpet voice
Rings in my ear; with watchful eye
I gaze, and feel my heart rejoice;
My deadliest foes are drawing nigh.
Ye pass not here, hate, envy, pride,
With all the embattled hosts of hell:
My captain standeth at my side;
I fear you not; I know you well.
Fast comes the night: my watch is done:
This hour I've longed for many years:
I shall not see another sun;
Ended is sorrow, toil and tears.
My Lord appears! O, sweet release!
Nearer I view the heavenly shore,
I lay my armor down, and cease
To be "on guard" for evermore.
Report of S. B. Operations in New York.
By J. M. Aldrich
For the benefit of the brethren at large, but more especially for the information and notification of the churches and brethren within the bounds of the N. Y. Conference, I give through the Review the following report, showing the amount of money pledged by said churches and brethren for the advancement of present truth, through the operations of the S. B. plan; also showing the percentage thereof required to be paid into the treasury of the State Conference, as per decision of the Conference Committee, made in pursuance of authority vested in them for such purpose. (See Rule 4, Conference Proceedings.)
I would say that the Conference Committee—J. M. Lindsay, H. Hilliard, and J. M. Aldrich, recently came together, and after duly estimating the demands of the cause in this State for the ensuing season, and upon considering the proper expenses to be defrayed by the Conference, concluded to levy seventy-five per cent. or three-fourths of the S. B. fund of the several churches for Conference purposes.
The first column of figures in the following list shows the whole amount pledged by the several churches named below; and the second column shows the seventy-five per cent. of the same, to be paid into the Conference treasury:
Enough has been said heretofore about being prompt. It is therefore sufficient to say that it is expected that the several churches named in the foregoing list, will forward to our treasurer, J. B. Lamson, Rochester, N. Y., one-half of the foregoing percentage by the first day of May, and the remaining half by the first of September.
J. M. Aldrich, Conf. Sec.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister M. T. H. Scott writes from Patch Grove, Wis. : For twenty-two years I was a Methodist, but never could I see God’s mercy in placing a never-dying soul in eternal punishment, neither his justice in universal salvation. But when I learned the true doctrine of the destiny of the wicked, I beheld both justice and mercy; and as I search the scriptures with my mind untrammeled by the traditions of men, the Bible unfolds itself with new beauty and interest. When contemplating the happiness of the spirits of the dead, I have imagined myself in midheaven a justified spirit, and looking down upon earth beholding the crime and misery of mortals; yes, even the loved ones of home suffering from injustice! Could I be happy and know all this? The instincts of my nature would invariably answer, No.
I thank God that I have found Bible truth on this point, and that the dead sleep in their graves till the resurrection.
I believe that for the past six years the enemy of souls has put forth more effort to hinder me from doing what I desired in the cause of my Master than he has ever done during my Christian experience. He has buffeted me by sickness and accident. I long to be free from his fetters! I drink not from the fountain of God’s love as I desire. My faith is not strong as I wish. I desire to come up on higher ground than that which I now occupy. Brethren pray for me that I may get on the whole armor of God! I feel that it would be a great help and source of comfort to be where I could enjoy the society of a well organized church.
I fully believe that the second advent of our Saviour is near at hand.
Brethren and sisters let us be careful that our hearts be not over charged with the cares of this life so that the day of the Lord shall come upon us unawares.
J. W. Blake writes from Little Prairie, Wis. : I love to read the cheering testimonies from dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad. Believing as I do, I feel that we ought to live by the day, and put on the whole armor of God, that we may be prepared for the coming and kingdom of Jesus. I can say that the path grows brighter as we journey on through this wilderness of sin. Notwithstanding the scoffing of the world, and the abuse of those who profess to be watchmen on the walls of Zion, I feel determined to fight like a true soldier, to the end of the race, that I may receive the reward. May the blessings of God ever rest upon his dear people, that they may be guided safely through to the haven of eternal rest.
Sister A. Johnson writes from Southampton, Ills. : I believe that we are living in the last days, and that the time of trouble is just before us. But the Lord is my refuge, and in him will I put my trust, “The Lord will also be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name shall put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Ps. ix, 9, 10. I desire to be a valiant soldier of the cross, and to have on the whole armor of God.
Although I do not have the privilege of meeting with God’s people as often as I should like, yet my heart is with them in this great work. I thank the Lord that the sound of the third angel’s message ever saluted my ears. I feel a spirit of resignation to the will of the Lord; and although I may have to suffer persecution here for his sake, yet we have the promise that if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.
May I live humble and devoted in the cause of my Master, that when he comes to make up his jewels, the Lord will own me as his, and give me a place in the earth made new.
Sister Irena G. Camp writes from Gaysville : I have had the privilege this winter of meeting with the saints a few times, for which I have given many thanks to my kind Father in heaven. I attended meeting at Roxbury, and heard some cheering testimonies from the saints, also preaching by the brethren Bourdeau on the subject of the Sabbath, and the words, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” My soul feasted on heavenly food as the words dropped from their lips, and I felt an ardent desire to keep the Sabbath according to the will of God, that I might enjoy the blessings promised to those who do thus keep it. And I felt truly that the Spirit did say, Come; and the Bride, too, with all its beauties and glories, as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, seemed inviting me away, and I longed to be pure and holy, that I might be an inhabitant of that holy, happy place, the New Jerusalem, where the saints will no more be separated, and where there will be no more sorrow nor trial.
I hope the dear brethren and sisters who have the privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath, and also attending to the ordinances of the Lord’s house, will duly appreciate and wisely improve their high privilege, and remember and pray for the lonely ones. In conclusion I would say, The Lord is good. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Sister M. Langdon writes from Mendon, Mich. : I would say a few words to the brethren and sisters, if by that means I could encourage them to press forward to mount Zion. Time is short. We must be on our guard and have our lamps trimmed and burning, and be prepared for the great day, when the Lord shall descend from heaven. I feel encouraged to press my way onward and upward. The Lord has blessed me. I have professed to keep the Sabbath of the Lord over three years, but have not made any other profession until the last quarterly meeting at Parkville, while under the preaching of brethren Loughborough and Byington. It was then impressed upon me that I must be baptized, and I went forward in the ordinance. I feel thankful that I have been spared to hear the present truth, and have had a heart willing to obey it. I want to be a living example for others around. I do not know how to be thankful enough to my Lord and Master for what he has done for me. My husband is a firm believer in the third angel’s message, but he makes no profession. May the Lord enable him soon to stand before the world and own him to all around. Pray for me that I may hold out faithful, and be the means of doing some good in this cause. I want to live in such a way as to meet the dear saints in the earth made new.
Sister M. L. Priest writes from Clinton, Mass. : We thank God and take courage as we learn what he is doing for his people, and think it is very evident that he is setting his seal of approbation to the course pursued by them. We feel to rejoice for the sure evidences that the Lord is still leading this people. All our sympathies are with them. This people is our people, and their God is our God. We want to go through and stand on mount Zion with them; but we are sensible that we are not fully awake, as we should be. We are trying to heed the admonition given through the gifts. We feel very lonely here in Massachusetts. How I wish there could have been order in the church in season to have saved some poor souls, that I fear can never be helped now. The Review is a great comfort to us. We should be very unwilling to be deprived of its weekly visits. I am glad for the tokens of the speedy coming of the blessed Saviour. Our hearts have been growing weary of his long delay. I fear sometimes lest after all we shall fail of being ready. We rejoice for the good work that is going on among the children. As soon as there is a place for them to come to, how soon they are coming in.