Earlier text: A Concise View of the Evidences of the Christian ReligionMEETINGS IN SUTTON AND DUNHAM, C. E.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: In my last report reference was made to these meetings. After leaving Vt. the way opened favorably for us to give a course of lectures in North Sutton, nine miles from any Sabbath-keepers. Our meetings commenced January the 6th and closed the 27th, we having given twenty-three lectures. Every first-day the house was occupied once or more by other preachers, besides several evenings while there, for different purposes. Before our first meeting the old familiar cry of "Mormons," with other things entirely new, was raised. But our congregations were large and attentive, some of whom were not afraid to hear Bible truth, though it showed new duties and new crosses. Said one Advent sister who embraced the Sabbath, "I don't always want to read in my A, B, C's." After we had given four lectures Bro. Sperry joined us. When we presented the Sabbath question we were opposed by Dr. Cutter (Adventist) with his no-law theory. This effort proved favorable to the truth, rather than otherwise. A few thought we ought to give some one time to present the evidences bearing against us on this subject. We agreed to this if some man should be selected that the congregation chose to hear. Elder P. West, Adventist, was brought forward. A vote was taken expressing a desire that Elder W. preach against us the next evening. Bro. Sperry then presented the subject of the restoration of Bible truth in the last days. As he was closing his remarks, Eld. W. left his seat, coming with a bound over the desk forward of him, and seated himself by our side. What such a precipitous move as this could mean we had not time to speak, before he said he did not want to oppose us; it was the wicked generally that were opposing us, and he did not want to join hands with them, or to this effect. He then arose and desired the congregation to release him from his engagement for the next evening. Said he believed all he had heard, except on the Sabbath, and that might be true. Exhorted them to get the Spirit of the Lord, and that would lead them into the truth. On the evening of the 20th Elder Garwin, a fellow laborer of Elder West's, came to fill his regular ap-101pointment. He occupied the house two evenings in an attempt to show the abolition of the ten commandments, and the re-enactment of all but the fourth. Bro. Bourdeau heard and reviewed both of these discourses. Elder G.'s position was overturned, and his theory shown to be fallacious and unscriptural. The eyes of honest seekers after truth were well opened, while others "walk on in darkness." It is a problem to not a few how our no-Sabbath friends can call Sunday the Sabbath. A blow has been struck against the ten commandments, but nine of them recover from the deadly wound, standing forth in the new covenant leaving the fourth behind. This was the yoke of bondage in the first covenant. Still we need a Sabbath. In support of this new Sabbath neither Elder G. nor Elder W. could give one "thus saith the Lord." In this matter the difficulty is plain; it is in the neck and not in the yoke: they "hardened their necks and hearkened not to thy commandments." Neh. ix, 16. Let the "stiff," "hardened necks" be abolished, be taken away, and the yoke becomes "easy and the burden light." Eight kept the last Sabbath with us. Others have also resolved to keep it; while others are trembling over the cross. Before our meeting closed in S., Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau commenced a course of lectures in Durham, a few miles from us. They are having great congregations and a good, solid interest there. It is thought by our brethren that the tent should be pitched in that section as soon as the season will admit. May the Lord direct. Bro. and sister Sperry left for their home for a season yesterday. To-day I return to Durham to spend some days with the brethren. After our meetings close there we must rest a while, and then enter new fields again if the Lord will. My heart grows warm with anxiety to see this message move in greater power. More soon. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Sutton, C. E. Jan. 31, 1861. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
By Editor
In the Ladies' Repository for Jan., 1861, we notice an elegant frontispiece, illustrative of the ten commandments. The central figure is Moses receiving the tables from the hand of the Lord, while around it are ten smaller tables, each with its appropriate commandment, accompanied with an illustration showing the practice or violation of that commandment. But what does this mean? Judging from an almost universal custom, we should conclude that we have a new version of the ten commandments for the gospel dispensation. And if the Editor of the Repository will compare diligently his own practice with the commandments graven on the tables which Moses is represented as receiving, he will find that every week he is at variance with them in one very important particular. And if men are to continue to practice according to the new version, which substitutes the first for the seventh day of the week in the fourth commandment, to suit the present time we should have illustrations showing how and when this change was effected, and by what authority it was done, rather than illustrations of the giving of the old version to Moses, one tenth of which is by the practice of the present day rendered in reality null and obsolete. There is, however, one good feature in this question respecting the commandments. Men have happily been taught to reverence them, all unconscious of the discrepancy which exists between said commandments and their own practice. And now, when, by increasing light, they are called to choose between God's precepts and human custom, whether they will give up the law or change their practice, the honest in heart will still hold the commandments paramount, and make their practice correspond thereto. The illustration in question, is another example that it is not until men have their attention called to the subject, and are brought to see that the claims of the commandment interfere with their worldly interest, that they are willing to argue for the abolition of the tables as God gave them to Moses, or even for their modification. THE WORD OF GOD, A SUFFICIENT GROUND OF CONFIDENCE.
By B. F. Robbins
FAITH, or confidence in the word of God, is of great importance to us in this age, in view of the many conflicting theories which at present exist, and all of them professing to be based upon the written word of God. Our Saviour declares, 'Thy word is truth.' This should answer the perplexed inquirer while he inquires, 'What is truth?' The responsibility of the professed religious teacher is great beyond expression. If faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, then teaching should be in strict accordance with the word of God. Here doubtless all will give their assent; but a question will arise as to the mode of interpretation. Many insist that much of the Bible is to be understood in a spiritual or mystical sense, and not in its plain, literal meaning. I am aware that many of the most popular doctrines of this time can be sustained in no other way, because in direct opposition to the plain, literal reading of the Bible. But suppose we admit that a part of God's word is to be understood in a spiritual sense, then the question is, What part? Here all are silent, because all disagree, and because none have any established rules of spiritual interpretation. Hence all are left to their own judgment or sectarian bias, and hence the reason why there is so much confusion among the sects. If there is no established mode of spiritual interpretation, then I may make up my mind to consider the testimony concerning Christ to be interpreted spiritually, and hence I reason that Jesus was born spiritually, of a spiritual origin, in spiritual Bethlehem. That he lived a spiritual life, performed spiritual works, had spiritual disciples to follow him spiritually. That Jesus was condemned spiritually by a spiritual Pilate, was crucified spiritually between two spiritual thieves, died a spiritual death, had a spiritual resurrection and ascension and has spiritually come again. Such an interpretation makes nonsense of the word of God, and destroys the confidence of the hearers in it. But what is the word of God as the foundation of faith? Paul says, 2 Tim. iii, 15, 16, 17: 'And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.' Here we learn, that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. God by his Spirit inspired and directed the writers who penned them. Hence the Scriptures are the word of God, and are all that inspired, not a part. All scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness. They are able to make wise unto salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures alone can make perfect, and thoroughly furnish the man of God unto all good works. Hence the religious teacher is to be instructed himself in the word of God, in order to safely lead in faith, his hearers. It is not the theological knowledge as taught in the popular institutions of the age, but it is the Scriptures and the Scriptures alone that can thoroughly furnish the man of God for his work. For faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, or the Scriptures. But again, 2 Pet. i, 19-21: 'We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take need, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' Here we learn that the Scriptures are a more sure word of prophecy than what? 'For,' said Peter before, 'we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy.' Why are the Scriptures more sure as a ground of confidence than even the glory of Christ as seen by the apostles on the mount? Because the written predictions of the prophets concerning the glory of Christ in his coming and kingdom are recorded in the Scriptures, and are a sure word of prophecy, while what Peter saw of his glory upon the mount, passed away. Hence we are to take heed to them as unto a light shining in a dark place, as the only light amid the darkness and confusion by which we are surrounded. And why? Because no prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation. They mean as they read, and not according to the fancied interpretations of men. Hence they are a sure foundation for confidence; for the predictions of the ancient holy men who spake as they were moved to speak by the Holy Ghost fulfilled in the past have had a literal fulfillment, so will be those predictions which yet remain to be fulfilled. But what are the Scriptures which as the word of God are to be the foundation of our faith, or evidence? 'Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' What then is the word of God? This question is settled by the highest authority, the testimony of Jesus. Luke xxiv, 25-27: 'Then said he unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.' Verse 44. 'And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses and in the prophets and in the Psalms concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.' Here the question is settled. The writings of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms are the Scriptures, the word of God, given by inspiration of God, spoken by holy men of old as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; and what they spake concerning Jesus had a literal fulfillment. But another question arises, Are we sure that the New Testament is the word of God? Were the apostles who wrote it inspired men? John xv, 26, 27: 'But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye shall also bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.' Hence the writings of the evangelists in the four gospels are an inspired history of the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, because the Spirit of truth from God in them testified of him, and they wrote his testimony. But consider again: John xvi, 13, 14: 'Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come.' Hence the writers of the epistles of the New Testament in their instructions and doctrines with their prophetic predictions of things to come, are a part of the Scriptures and the word of God, because written under the guidance and inspiration of the Spirit of truth. Paul testifies [Gal. i, 11, 12], 'But I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.' Eph. iii, 3: 'How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote afore in few words.' 1 Pet. i, 25: 'But the word of the Lord endureth forever; and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.' Rom. x, 6-8: 'Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring down Christ from above, or who shall descend into the deep? that is, to bring up Christ from the dead; but what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart, the word of faith which we preach.' Here we learn from these testimonies that what Paul and Peter and the other apostles wrote and preached was by revelation, and their gospel is the ever-abiding word of the Lord. Hence the Bible, all of it, both the Old and New Testaments, is the word of God and a sure foundation for faith. But let us notice the stability of the Bible, the word, as a ground of faith or confidence. 'But the word of102 the Lord endureth forever.' Our confidence in the word depends upon our appreciation of the truth and faithfulness of God to his word. This the Scriptures abundantly attest. 1 Thess. v, 24: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Cor. i, 9: "God is faithful, by whom ye are called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." 2 Thess. iii, 3: "But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil." Titus i, 2: "In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began." How clearly shines forth the truth and faithfulness of God in the fulfillment of his prophetic word, and in the experience of his people in all ages. Hence his word can be depended upon as sure ground of confidence. But another thing essential to confidence in God and his word is, not only assurance of his truth and faithfulness, but also an assurance that he has promised. Heb. vi, 13, 16-19: "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater he sware by himself. For men verily swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us." Here we learn that our confidence in the word of God rests upon the immutable foundation of his oath and promise. He is faithful, and he has promised. Here is double security for the fulfillment of his word, his immutability and oath. Hence the strong ground of confidence which God in mercy to the weakness of men has condescended to give, as the confirmation of his promise, was not merely designed for Abraham, but for all the heirs of promise, all who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us. What then is unbelief in God's word? The most unreasonable, the darkest of sins; the most God-insulting, the most damning of sins. Why? Because it charges God with falsehood; it believes not his true and faithful promises; but it trifles with the most solemn assurances of God, even his oath, made in infinite condescension to our weakness. Upon what does the unbelief of so many rest as a foundation? It has no foundation at all except it be willful ignorance, which can have no excuse. But humble believer, what a ground for confidence have we! "The word of the Lord endureth forever." The precious Bible is that word, all of it. It is God speaking to us, in its reproofs and corrections, its instructions in righteousness, its promises and predictions of events to come, as really as he spoke to Abraham or the assembly of Israel around mount Sinai. B. F. ROBBINS.
Friendship, N. Y. THE CAUSE IN CENTRAL N. Y.
By F. Wheeler
BRO. SMITH: Perhaps it may be interesting to some of the readers of the Review to hear from me, and the cause in Central N. Y. I spent the last Sabbath in Dec. with the church at Pompey Hill, and was happy in the privilege of meeting with Bro. Poole. The company who embraced the truth at that place through the influence of the tent-meeting last summer, were, with one exception, growing in grace, and growing firmer in the truth. I spent a few days with them, and gave one discourse in the Methodist house. It was very stormy, but those present seemed interested to hear. Some are investigating, and I hope will soon embrace the whole truth. The church at Richville also are growing stronger in the truth and in the Lord. From the 5th to the 23d inst., I labored in the towns of West Monroe and Constantia. The church in West Monroe are united and prospering. Some others there acknowledge that we have the truth. May the Lord help them to obey. Jan. 19 was a season of interest and profit. I had freedom in speaking the word, and while we partook of the Lord's supper, heaven's blessing rested upon us. I gave eight lectures at Constantia Center. It was rather a hard soil upon which to sow the seeds of truth; yet there are some indications of fruit. Three decided to fully keep all the commandments of God. Last sixth-day and Sabbath I met with the church at Roosevelt, at their monthly meeting. I also held meetings on first-day and evening. I think the church are beginning to realize more the importance of a perfect consecration to God, and of coming up unitedly together to the great work in which we profess to be engaged. May the Lord help us all to heed the admonition of the apostle: "And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep." Rom. xiii, 11. The signs of the times portend trouble and anguish to the nations of earth. But the dark cloud that indicates the nations' doom is but the precursor of the dawn of glory's morn to the saints. Brethren, let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. I intend by the grace of God to labor on, hoping at last to share the rest of the saints. THE GOODNESS OF GOD.
By Sarah A. Richmond
WHILE meditating upon the goodness of God I have been led to exclaim with the Psalmist, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me!" How numberless are the blessings daily bestowed upon us who are the objects of his care. In almost everything we behold, we may see the wisdom and goodness of God. Let us for a moment reflect upon the great goodness of God to us. Look away to Calvary, and there behold the Son of God groaning and dying upon the cross. Behold him too, in the garden of Gethsemane. There in deep agony of soul he prays, "Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." But why was this? Oh it was to purchase our salvation. It was that we might be partakers of his glory in those mansions he has gone to prepare. When there was no other way of escape for sinful man, when no other arm could bring salvation, behold the condescending love of the Son of God! What wondrous love! Be thou astonished, O my soul at thy ingratitude! and may the goodness of God lead us to a humble repentance for all our sins. May it inspire within all our hearts due love and gratitude to God for his unspeakable gift. "Return unto thy rest, O my soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." Ps. cxvi, 7. Ashfield, Mass., Dec. 17, 1860. WAITING FOR CHRIST.
By D. Hildreth
"O BROTHER be faithful, soon Jesus will come,
For whom we have waited so long." Many have waited long for the return of their Lord and Master. Some have been discouraged because he did not come as soon as they expected, and have given up their hope. Others are still waiting, and as things written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope [Rom. xv, 4], let us now examine the word on this point, and see if the Scriptures will not afford comfort and encouragement to us who are waiting for Christ's coming. It is only about thirty years since the Advent doctrine was first promulgated; and we see that many righteous and faithful men have had to wait long for the fulfillment of their expectations. 1. Noah. The longsuffering of God waited an hundred and twenty years for the antediluvians to reform, in which time Noah warned them faithfully, and built an ark to save his family. 1 Pet. iii, 20; 2 Pet. ii, 5; Gen. vi, 3. 2. Abraham. It was twenty-five years from the time God promised Abraham to make of him a great nation till Isaac was born. Gen. xii, 2, 4; xxi, 5. Why did the Lord defer his promise so long? Heb. vi, 15. 3. Moses. It was eighty years from the time Moses understood that he was to lead the children of Israel from Egypt into the promised land until he brought them to the plains of Moab, and then he was not permitted to go over Jordan, but died on mount Nebo. Acts vii, 23-36; Deut. xxxii, 48-50; xxxiv, 5-7. 4. Daniel. The reader at first sight might suppose that the events recorded in the book of Daniel transpired in a short space of time; but instead of this being the case, they cover a period of about seventy years. In the third year of the reign of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel had the vision of the ram and he-goat, which was not fully explained to him till the first year of Darius the Median, fifteen years afterward. Dan. viii, 1; ix, 1. That was a long while to wait for the explanation of a vision. We have now seen the patience which others have been called upon to exercise, and shall we mourn because our hope is deferred? We ought not; for we are the very people who are to have patience. Rev. xiv, 12. We see that when great events have transpired the people of God have had timely warning and quite a space of time elapsed before the accomplishment of God's purpose; and as his ways are equal [Eze. xviii, 25], we may expect that he will deal with us as he has with others in time past. Hear what James says [chap. v, 7, 8]: "Be long patient (margin) therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Be long patient for the coming of the Lord, even as the husbandman waits for the fruit of the earth. "Stablish your hearts." If there is a time in the history of man when the heart needs to be established it is just prior to the great events of the second coming of Christ. There are those who are great and mighty, who fear nothing; but the thrilling, penetrating notes of the last great trump will make them fear and quake. If the fingers of a man's handwriting on the wall made Belshazzar tremble, what will the kings and mighty men do when the Son of God appears in all the terrible majesty of his Father? It needs boldness, meekness and faith to prepare the heart to stand in that awful day. Heb. iv, 16; Acts iv, 13. Remember the fearful and unbelieving are found outside of the city. Rev. xxi, 8. "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." 2 Thess. iii, 5. Are we waiting patiently, or are we waiting because we are obliged to? Are we waiting and watching, or are we asleep? It may do to sleep while waiting for a friend; but it will not do in this case. See Matt. xxiv, 48-51; Rev. iii, 3. God grant that we may all be of that number who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb. vi, 12. L E T T E R S.
By S. W. Rhodes
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." DEAR BRN. SMITH AND WHITE; Please accept my thanks for permitting my last letter to appear in the Review. I feel a satisfaction in the acknowledgment of facts contained in said letter, that I do not remember of having experienced in any previously-made effort to overcome the wicked one. But I do not think of stopping here, when the work is only begun. I hope to have light upon further duty, and carefully move forward in the fear and love of God, faithfully discharging my every duty, till all wrong influences of mine shall be thoroughly counteracted. I wish to humble myself fully, and anything you may suggest to me that will help in this good work, shall be received thankfully, and prized highly. I expect it will be a hard struggle for me to gain a victory over my besetments, but I believe it is possible. I prayed much that God would guide your judgment relative to the publishing my letter. I believe he has answered my prayer in the matter. Since Review No. 10 came to hand, and my letter was read by myself, a great burden has left my mind, and a sweet, humble, rejoicing spirit and feeling came over my whole being. I gave God praise. I still feel there is much before me to do in order that the door of my heart can be fully opened, and Jesus in his fullness come in. Dear brethren, had I not the utmost confidence in your integrity, and that the great object of your labor is to advance the cause of God, I could not so confidently leave my letters at your disposal, opening my whole heart to you. I wish to commit myself strongly upon the position and course I am taking to glorify God, and expose the works of Satan. Therefore you are at liberty to use, as you may think best, whatever you may find in my imperfect letters to accomplish a good work in the church. I feel like casting myself as I am with all my present and eternal interests, upon Christ and his church, praying that I may be able by the help of God, to act well my part in this fearful conflict with the world, the flesh and the Devil, in this laborious work of the church in her rising from her lukewarmness. Rev. iii, 16. Especially would I feel after every fault of mine, and when found, bring it with a broken heart and contrite spirit to the feet of Jesus, that all may be washed away by virtue of his precious blood. Those who may have a desire to know the language of my heart more or less during some years, and especially months past, may turn and read Ps. xxxviii, 1–6; li, 1–12; v, 1–3; vi, 1–4, and especially for weeks past have I had great sympathy with the spirit of Ps. xiii, 1–4. God's word is my light and comfort. NANCY LOWELL
By Nancy Lowell
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I am striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and am trying to get the mastery over every sin, and am seeking for that holiness of heart without which no man can see the Lord. I feel that I can say that I love the Lord, I love his cause, and I love his people. My prayer is that I may be one of that number that will say when he comes, This is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us. I fear that I come short of my duty many times, but feel to put my trust in the Lord, believing that his Spirit will guide me into all truth. If it were not for his precious promises, I should almost despair of ever arriving at that beautiful home; but he has said, My grace is sufficient for thee. O for a living faith in all the promises of God! I have been sorely afflicted with disease for many years, but when I contemplate the beauties of that home, then my trials and temptations seem as light afflictions, which are designed to work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. What are all my sufferings here,
Compared with joys above?103
There will be no sin nor sorrow there,
But all be peace and love. I feel to rejoice that there is a rest for the weary. Although I sometimes fear lest I shall come short of entering therein, I feel like laying aside every weight, and running with patience the race set before us, ever looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. I am thankful that we have such an High Priest, who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Dear brethren and sisters, I feel that we must come up to high and holy ground in order to have the Lord work for us, and the message go with a loud voice. My prayer is that the Lord may abundantly bless all his children and bring them all into the unity of the faith. Especially would I crave his blessing upon his messengers, who are proclaiming the last message of mercy to a sinful world. I often think how many trials and afflictions they have to pass through, how they are traveling over the world through the wet and cold, sometimes sick and away from their homes; but still they are not discouraged, but toil on, obeying their Master's will. Jesus says, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods." Blessed promise! Eternal life is worth striving for. Let us do all in our power to help speed on the loud cry of the third angel. I hope this message will soon go in mighty power, and call out all the honest ones; and when the sealing time is over, then I expect God's elect will be persecuted, and will cry unto the Lord day and night for deliverance; and they have the promise that he will deliver them speedily. Thank God! Jesus is soon coming to deliver his saints and take them to mount Zion, when they will sing that song that no man can learn, but the hundred and forty-four thousand that are redeemed from the earth. Pray for me that I may be one of that number. Bro. D. Weaver writes from Fairview, Iowa: "There are about forty in this section who came out under the labors of Bro. Cornell that meet here, though we are somewhat scattered. We feel it a duty and privilege to meet together according to the apostle's directions and comfort one another; and when we meet in the strength of the Lord he never has left us without a blessing. We had no preaching after Bro. Cornell left here, until the Marion conference in October last, when our hearts were made glad in hearing the word from Brn. White and Snook. How great the difference between our greetings with Bro. White then and on our first acquaintance with him in March last, when Bro. Cornell commenced his lectures here. I was then in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. When I look back and see what the Lord has done for me, I feel to praise his holy name and take courage to go on. "We have had some trials since we started, yet the Lord has kept us, and I think I can say that the brethren and sisters, with but few exceptions, are striving to be found in the path of duty, and have resolved to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and be ready to every good word and work. We as a church have adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and shall try to show our faith by our works. Many of us are poor, yet there are none I think but what are willing to give their two mites per week. May the Lord bless our efforts." Sister L. A. Bramhall writes from Parma, Mich.: "Dear brethren and sisters, As I read the communications in Review No. 7, I thought, would that every one who professes the third angel's message could truthfully declare, "My heart is with the remnant;" or that their lives might proclaim to all that their hearts were wholly the Lord's. I fear many of us do not know what it is to be fully devoted to him; but I pray we may be enabled to realize that he will accept of no divided affections. Oh let us arise and gird the armor more closely about us, and know by sweet experience what it is to be whole hearted in the present truth. That our eyes may be anointed that we may see and repent of our half-heartedness before Jesus casts us off forever, is the prayer of your unworthy sister." The Truth Within the Soul
By J. W. Gleason
Bro. Smith: While reading the cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters from different parts of the land, in the Review, I feel to say to the saints scattered abroad that I am trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. As true religion is an inward principle, we must not rely too much on foreign human aid to establish its reign in our souls. The excitement of holy fervor and of devout emotions—love to God and love to men—are not to be kindled up in our hearts by those strange fires which emanate from the passions of men when their hopes and their fears are in a state of ungoverned agitation. We must rely principally upon our Saviour and our heavenly Father. In the stillness of our own souls we must work out our salvation. When no eye but God's is upon us let the holy resolve be made, the resolution taken that our lives, our talents, our influence shall be consecrated to truth, to duty, and to God. Let us seek the assistance of the Father of light and love. In the New Testament we have recorded those heavenly discourses which our Saviour delivered. How admirably adapted to the passing wants of the soul. Read them. Study them. Ponder upon them. Engrave them in your memory. Stamp them on your heart. Let their teachings be your guide in life, your guide in business, your guide in pleasure, in joy, in sorrow, in trial, in prosperity, in adversity, at all times, in all places. Consider his manner of teaching, how gentle, how affectionate, how mild. He did not cry nor strive, but was always calm and serene. Notice his prayers. Let their confidence and devout spirit fill your soul when you address your Father in heaven. Consider the example which he has set us. Observe how he lived and how he died; how he conducted towards friends and towards foes; how he bore insult and suffering. Let that example be constantly before your eyes. Follow it unhesitatingly. Follow it through good report and in evil report, and you need not fear. See also what his spirit was; how benevolent, how merciful, how kind, how full of compassion, how forgiving, how full of trust in God, and resignation to his Father's will; and let the same spirit be in you. Cherish it in your souls and exhibit it in your lives. Bear in mind that true religion is an active principle. It will show itself in action. It is seen, not at particular times, but at all times. It is present in every place; and we must let it be known everywhere that we are Christians, that we abhor whatever is low, mean and despicable, that we practice what is just and honest and noble. We must show in the every day business and duties of life that we are governed by the strict and unbending principles of integrity and righteousness. We must let all who know us understand that we are not to be bought; that we are not to be sold; that no gains, no losses, no threats, no flatteries, can turn us from the straight path of rectitude. We must show that we fear God rather than man; that we love our heavenly Father with an undying love, and our fellow men with a strong, ardent, fraternal affection. In this way are we to show our interest in our holy religion. Finally, my friends, let us bear in mind that extravagances in religion, that undue excitement, that fanaticism and insanity on the subject, is the result of a faint and feeble and inconstant interest therein. Those who do not make religion their daily meat and drink, who are not governed at all times by its sacred influences, who have not constantly in all their pursuits, in their business, as well as in their devotions a reference to the divine will, are subject to periodical seasons of heat and cold. Now they are all on fire; anon they are as cold as an iceberg. Now they are tremblingly alive; anon they are spiritually dead. This is not the life which the disciples of Jesus should lead. This inconstant interest, sometimes like a calm and sometimes like a tempest, is not the interest which wise men and true Christians should exhibit in the most momentous of all subjects. They should feel an interest which never tires, never cools; which knows no excesses and no deficiencies. Excite and cherish in your minds this true, and deep, and strong interest. Be religious at all times, in all places. Let it be your daily bread to do God's will. Kindle upon the altar of your heart the sacred fire of devotion, and never suffer it to go out. Let it burn with a constant and steady flame. Nourish it with supplies from the deep fountains of your own souls and from the boundless resources of God's love. Then will your hearts be always warm, and a sacred influence will go forth from your character, and from your example a light and heat will be radiated which will warm and cheer and enlighten your fellow men, and guide them in peace and safety to the abodes of heavenly joy. Yours in hope of eternal life. J. W. GLEASON. Love of God Makes a Saint
It is not the fear of hell, but the love of God that makes a saint.—Whipple