DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is due perhaps that I should state, in a few words, an account of the reception of the Sabbath commandment in this place. I came here three weeks since, and strove to defend God's holy law by presenting the testimony in meekness and fear. And notwithstanding I am a feeble instrument, yet the evidences in favor of truth were so clear and abundant that four have commenced keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. Others are investigating, and I have good reasons to expect they will embrace the Sabbath, and keep the day according to the commandment. I am struck with astonishment that men of good judgment should in so short a time embrace, and stand out firm on the message when so imperfectly presented. But I suppose it is accounted for easily when we consider, that some are honestly searching for Truth, and have lost confidence in men, and their creeds and commentaries, and have taken the Bible for the man of their counsel.
It is only five weeks, since I was convinced that O. R. L. Crozier and many others are fighting against a truth which is as plainly set forth in God's word as any other. I had perused his (C.'s) articles, and had not seen the other side; and not being interested in the subject (thinking there was little or no importance attached to its investigation) I did not search the Bible for testimony relative to the subject. But I now rejoice with joy that I cannot describe. I was induced to call at Jackson, Mich., in a manner that to me is rather mysterious. I went to listen to Bro Joseph Bates with some reluctance, and much prejudice. But I could not stand before the vast amount of testimony from the Word. I was convinced of the truth, but to confess it was a trial such as I had never before experienced. I would not yield, and my last resort was a lengthy article written by Dr. Thomas, published in the Harbinger. I supposed he would get into difficulty. But to my disappointment, after three hours and a half in review, he showed in a clear manner, from the Bible, that the article contained many absurdities, and the main positions, were founded on mere assumption. This left me standing upon the word of God, and I was obliged to yield and confess that the Sabbath has been, ever since Creation, and always will be binding as long as men and angels are under any obligation to keep a moral law. Praise the Lord, "whereas I was blind, now I see." I could not but see, when once my eyes were anointed with the eye-salve, so clear and glorious a truth.
Yours in patience and hope, M. E. CORNELL.
Tyrone, Mich., Aug. 4th, 1852.
Awakening to the Sabbath Truth
By Henry Lyon
From Bro. Lyon.
DEAR BRO. WHITE;—Though I am a stranger to you, it is a pleasure to me to write a few words for your encouragement in the best of all causes.
A short time since, Bro. Bates visited us, and found us belonging to a nominal Advent church, with a good portion of the spirit of the world. We were wholly neglecting to keep God's holy Sabbath, and I was almost persuaded that Pope's Sunday was not binding on us, and, therefore, no Sabbath to be kept.
The doctrine of the Age to come has had its influence upon us. These things have brought spiritual death into the Advent ranks. Our main organ, the Harbinger, has partaken of the same spirit. We see but a very few of those heartfelt and stirring epistles that we have had in days gone by. Now we ask in all candor, what has brought about this state of things? It needs no prophet to divine the reason.—We have violated one of God's holy commandments.
I thank God that the visit from Bro. Bates, and the paper, has been the means, in his hands, of opening my eyes to see his precious truth. I now see clearly that the Sabbath is binding. We have for a few weeks been trying to keep the commandments of God. In so doing, we find peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. It has a holy, sanctifying influence upon our lives.—It cuts us loose from this vain world.
I cannot see how those who oppose us, can, with their Bibles in their hand, take such a stand against the fourth commandment. God instituted the holy Sabbath in Eden. Abraham kept the commandments, laws and statutes. The children of Israel kept the Sabbath before the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. Ex. xvi, 29, 30. The apostles met and worshiped on the Sabbath. The fathers continued to observe the Sabbath until the Roman power gradually changed the day of worship to Sunday.80Some tell us it was abolished at the crucifixion.—Paul tells us what was done away, which was the law of carnal ordinances, with the Jewish sabbaths. Col. ii, 14: Eph. ii, 15. Does not the New Testament call on us to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus? Rev. xiv, 12. If God be God let us serve him; if the Pope be God let us serve him.—Let us be careful how we decide in this matter. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
My prayer to God is, that his people may be of one heart, and one mind, and go forward in the great work he has assigned them in these last days. How my heart bleeds when I see so much division, and such a hard, unchristian spirit manifested. As a specimen, see an Article in Harbinger, Vol. IV, No. 11, headed, "Vain Talkers." If we have done wrong, why not come to us in love, and in the spirit of the gospel?
O, may God help us to be faithful and cry aloud, and spare not, that we may give a portion of meat in due season. We want the paper every week. I hope the brethren will see to this matter. Time is short. What is done must be done quickly.
Yours waiting for the consummation of our blessed hope, HENRY LYON.
Plymouth, Mich., Sept. 2d, 1852.
The Present Truth in Canada West
By Sarah Henley
From Sister Henley.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Review and Herald is to me a welcome messenger. I am very thankful the Lord has put it into the hearts of his servants to publish a paper to help us instruct our children in keeping the commandments of God. As we live where we cannot have the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith for weeks together, the papers are very acceptable and encouraging.
When we look at the professed Advent church with which we have been associated, and see how cold and formal they have become since they have taken such a decided stand against the Sabbath, we are led to exclaim as did David, "how are the mighty fallen."—O, that they would consider that in resisting the fourth commandment, they are fighting against God.
I feel truly thankful to our Heavenly Father that he has led me to receive the present truth. When I heard the first angel's message I began to search the word of the Lord for myself, and in so doing I was led to believe the Advent doctrine, as then proclaimed. And as there is now such a perfect harmony in our past and present experience I must conclude that the past movement, and present work is of the Lord, and that no weapon formed against it can prosper.
Should any of the brethren feel it duty to come to Canada West, we shall be very glad to receive them. It is the united desire of those I have seen, to have some one come, bringing the present truth.
Yours in hope of immortality at the appearing of Jesus,
SARAH HENLEY.
Brooklyn, C. W., Sept. 5th, 1852.
Delight in God’s Holy Law
By Margaret Cramer
From Sister Cramer.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I feel thankful for the light of the present truth. It is the truth I want. Our blessed Saviour, when praying for his disciples, said, "sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." The Bible teaches us that all mankind will be judged by God's holy law, and the apostle James tells us that if we keep the whole law and yet offend in one point we are guilty of all. Then it is true that we must keep the seventh day, and not the first.
I do feel that that holy law is my delight. The Bible is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I never felt so drawn away from earth and earthly things as I have since I heard the third angel's message. It cuts me loose from the world, and I feel that my affections are placed on heavenly things. I am seeking for that preparation that I shall need, to stand before the blessed Saviour.
Yours waiting for redemption,
MARGARET CRAMER.
Clinton, N. Y., Aug. 9th, 1852.
EASTERN TOUR.
THE Meeting at Norfolk, N. Y., held Aug. 28th and 29th, shared largely of the rich blessing of the Lord. The word preached had free course, and the saints enjoyed freedom of spirit. Many of those present, who have embraced the Sabbath, had but little or no experience in the past Advent movement, yet they are learning the whole truth relative to the past, and our present position. Some are moving very cautiously. This is certainly right; but such, in this age of gross darkness and unbelief, are in great danger of moving too slow.
We presented our views relative to the seventh-day Sabbath, Babylon, the open and shut door, &c., and the Spirit of God fastened the truth upon the minds of those who heard.—We were much cheered by the decided testimonies of some who have formerly been wavering.
We say in relation to the brethren in the vicinity of Norfolk, we hope they will press forward in the present truth, and be decided, settled, rooted and grounded, in all the truth, and live out by their works the "most holy faith" which they profess.
Monday evening, Aug. 30th, we had a free meeting with a few souls in Bangor.
Tuesday P. M., we attended the appointed meeting at Chateaugay. It was well attended, and we had a free time in preaching the word.
The brethren in northern N. Y. are generally poor. And those who have this world's good, have yet to learn what it is to die to this world, and sacrifice to God and for his cause as others have done. Their experience in the present truth has been short. May God keep them, lead them out from the world, and teach them what it is to show their faith by their works, that their faith may not be dead, but living faith.
Friday, Sept. 3d, we were glad to find ourselves among the mountains of Vermont. Though worn by hard labor and the journey, yet the cheerful countenances of old friends were reviving. How blessed to meet warm-hearted friends, whose hearts are in the work to spread the truth, and labor for God.
The brethren at Wolcott had prepared a tent which, in the most convenient manner, joined on to the house of Bro. S. H. Peck, and had prepared seats for about 400 persons. Friday evening quite a large company were collected from the region round about, and some from Canada East. We did not expect to meet near as many. There were many present who have very recently embraced the Sabbath, or are just becoming interested.
We were much blest in presenting the reasons of our faith and hope, and union, love and freedom reigned. We are sure that the word reached hearts that have formerly felt but little. Here we met Brn. Barr and Hutchins for the first time, and heard them speak of their present faith, hopes and joys. May the Lord give them success in winning souls to Christ, and the present truth.
Our expectations were more than realized at this meeting. The cause in Vermont is moving onward. The meetings were harmonious, refreshing, and some of them very powerful.—There were, at least, one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers present, besides others deeply interested.
PULTNEY CONFERENCE
By George Washington Holt
This Meeting commenced on the 9th, agreeable to appointment. The brethren in the vicinity, and a few from abroad, were present. Brn. Wyman and Ingraham, from Vermont, were with us, in the Spirit and power of the third angel's message. Brn. Rhodes, Edson and Andrews were, also, in attendance.
The fore part of the meeting was principally taken up by the presentation of Bible truths relative to the present position of the church of Christ, and its several duties. The importance of church order, agreeable to the New Testament, as we have no other discipline, was taken into consideration by the brethren. It was clearly shown from the scriptures that it was very essential for the church to have perfect, New Testament order; and that a church of such a character, by shedding a healthy influence, would thereby be calculated to accomplish much more good than a church otherwise could. The necessity of union on Bible truths, and of being one in judgment, in mind and spirit, in the church of Christ, was spoken of, and scriptures read on this point, with good effect.
Sabbath evening, a meeting for the brethren in Bath, Wheeler and Pultney was deemed necessary in order to talk over some differences which had arisen among them. This proved a very profitable meeting. Humble confessions were made of errors, and wrongs committed by some, and a closer union effected. The necessity of living nearer to God, and setting a double watch over their words and actions, was deeply felt. At the same time Bro. Andrews spoke to as many as could be accommodated in the meeting-house, while others remained outside.
The meetings were all well attended. An unusual number were present to hear the reasons of our faith. First-day it was judged that five-hundred people, or more, were congregated in a grove fitted for the purpose, where they listened to the sublime truths of God's Word, connected with the third angel's message, set forth in a clear manner, accompanied by the Spirit and power of God. The servants of God had much freedom in presenting Bible truths during this meeting.—While some mocked, others listened attentively; and the falling tear showed that the heart was affected. Some were desirous of hearing more on the subject, and wished the paper to read.
The Lord is blessing, in a wonderful manner, the labors of those that keep the Commandments, and the faith of Jesus.—They have much to encourage them at this time, as the interest among the people, to hear on this subject, is greatly increasing, and a door opening before them, continually, into new fields of labor. And while the Macedonian cry is raised, "Come over and help us," some are constantly leaving the enemies' ranks, and taking a decided stand on the side of truth, to join the company of commandment-keepers, that are every where spoken against, falsely, for Christ's sake. We have much reason to rejoice and be exceeding glad, knowing that they so do to our Master.
I do rejoice to see the work of the Lord prosper. I hear good news from every quarter where the present truth has been presented. The Lord has truly set his hand to gather his people, from the East, and from the West. He will say to the North, give up, and to the South, keep not back. "Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isa. li, 11.
G. W. HOLT.
Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 14th, 1852.
BE NOT WEARY.
By Harriet N. Stevens
BY HARRIET N. STEVENS.
"Be not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."
BROTHER, be not weary,
Let not hope decay;
Though so long and dreary—
Faint not by the way.
Droop thou not in sadness,
'Twill not always be.
Don the smile of gladness,
There is light for thee.
What though darkness brooding,
Dim the vision o'er!
Waves of sorrow flooding,
Hide the cheerful shore!
What though storms are raging!
What though foes are near!
All their powers ongaging!
Should we therefore fear?
Look not backward, brother,
'Twould thy ruin be.
Lurks there many a danger,
Many a snare for thee.
Shun the worldly pleasure,
Leads it down to death!
Spurn the golden treasure,
Fleeting as a breath!
Be thy watchward ever,—
Life! Eternal Life!
Patient wait, but never
Yield the eventful strife.
Onward! Upward! Brother,
Grasp the glittering prize;
Yonder it awaits thee—
In the starry skies.
Paris, Me.
False Impressions and Wrong Moves.
By Editor
The cause in northern Vermont and Canada East has suffered, and some of the most faithful and self-sacrificing brethren have felt deeply the withering influence of the false impressions, and wrong moves of some who have professed to teach the present truth. O, when will such learn to keep humble, and make strait paths for their feet, so as not to weaken the church, and wound the hearts of those who ardently desire the welfare of the cause! We cannot see these faithful brethren weeping over those wrongs without feeling more than language can express. We will not keep silent. May God set them free, and remove from them the cause of their trials. Of all the hinderances that the cause has met with, none has half equaled the injudicious moves of many who have professed to teach the present truth. O, when will the day of false impressions, and wrong moves among some who profess to be God's people be past! Let those who see the evil of these things not keep silent. It is time for those who have been thus wounded to assert their liberty, and no longer be bound.
Letters received since Sept. 2d.
By Editor
W. Bryant, S. W. Rhodes 2, A. M. A. Cornell, M. E. Cornell, E. O. Davis, A. A. Dodge, J. Bates, C. Munroe, M. E. Johnson, S. Henley, P. Holcomb, S. R. C. Denison, J. N. Andrews, O. Davis, J. Kemp.
Appointments.
By James White
THERE will be a Conference at Panton, Vt., to commence Friday, Oct. 1st and hold several days. Bro. White designs attending this meeting on his return to Rochester. Those who wish to hear the reasons of our faith and hope, are cordially invited to attend. It is expected that several brethren from other parts of the state will attend.
By request of Brn. Everts, Bragg and Sperry.
Bangor, Me. Friday, Sept. 24th, at 6 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
It will not be possible to hold Meetings in all the places where we have been requested to hold them. We expect to see the scattered friends at the above appointed meetings.
JAMES WHITE.
Conferences in Michigan and New York
A CONFERENCE will be held at North Plains, Iona Co., Mich., where Bro. B. B. Brigham may appoint, to commence Sept. 24th, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
Also, at Tyrone, Livingston Co., Mich., where Bro. Kellogg may appoint, to commence Oct. 1st, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. The friends of truth, and all who wish to know the reasons of our hope, are invited to attend.
H. S. CASE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a General Conference, to be held at Rochester, N. Y., No. 124 Mount Hope Avenue, to commence Sept. 24th, and continue several days. It is expected Brn. Rhodes, Andrews, Wyman, Ingraham and others will be present to give lectures upon the subject of the Seventh-day Sabbath, The Sanctuary, The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, The Time of Trouble, &c.
A cordial invitation is extended to all in this vicinity who are interested in the present truth, and those who wish to know the reasons of our faith. A full attendance is earnestly desired, and it is hoped that all who can will avail themselves of this opportunity of listening to the important truths connected with the last, solemn message of mercy.
In behalf of the brethren,
G. W. HOLT.
Delay of The Youth’s Instructor
By Editor
The Youth's Instructor, No. 2, will be delayed several weeks. Under present circumstances, it is impossible to publish it at the regular time. We will do the best we can.
For Printing Materials.
By John Nevins Andrews
Hiram Bingham, $10 00; Elon Everts, $5 00
Elijah Potter, 5 00; Sr. L. Drew, 5 00
Jane Haskell, 1 00; Emeline Haskell, 1 00
Stephen Pierce, 1 00; Royal M. Peck, 1 00
Samuel Swan, 1 00
For the Review of O. R. L. Crozier in Pamphlet Form,
By J. N. Andrews.
George Cobb, $5; Elon Everts, $5; Harriet Town, $5; Enoch Colby, $5; A. R. Morse, $5; E. Lothrop, 25 cents.
Receipts.
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S. Harriman, C. Brown, T. Penoyer, J. A. Blackmer, J. Flint, J. Martin, L. Lockwood, each 50 cents.
H. Lyon, $10; G. Smith, $5; M. North, $4; Lathrop Drew, $3; S. Pierce, $2; L. Adams, $1.83; W. Holcomb, 1.35; C. B. Spaulding, 75 cents; N. A. Gale, N. Rublee, each 70 cents; C. Amy, 25 cents; M. Stillman 20 cents.