Earlier text: PLAIN AND SEARCHING THOUGHTSTHE FRENCH BAPTISTS.
By A. C. Bourdeaux
Communication from Bro. Bourdeaux, &c.
BRO. SMITH:—I have felt an ardent desire to say a few words of encouragement to the brethren and sisters of late; and especially since my visit in Canada, where I felt strong and convincing evidences that the truth, even the present truth, is mighty in the hands of the disciples of Jesus. O how wise, how harmless, and how humble ought we to be while presenting plain Bible truths to those who live in an age of darkness and papal error; that should we succeed in gaining the attention of some of our fellow-men; should the word of truth spoken by us be the means of fixing divine impressions, renewed from time to time, result in bringing them to the knowledge of the truth, and of uniting them to Christ by a living divine faith, we might not glory in ourselves, but rather give God the glory. O my brethren, let us never be unmindful of this truth. We may proclaim, and illustrate, and enforce, the sublime truths of the gospel; but the effective energy is of God. "God giveth the increase." O thou great Master, in whose name we come to our fallen fellow men, let thy word, "Without me ye can do nothing," be deeply impressed upon our hearts in all our labors. Dear brethren and sisters, about two months ago Eld. Letourneaux, a French Baptist minister, formerly from France, came out here to make a short stay among the French people of this vicinity. And among his visits he called on us with the idea of convincing us that we are in error; for said he, "I have often met with individuals in France who believe in the immediate coming of the Lord, and in keeping holy the seventh day of the week, in preference to the first. They believe also in three angels' messages, and pretend to be proclaiming the third, which, they say, is the last and solemn message to this fallen and degenerated world."109 We had an interesting interview with him. He read to us a sermon which he had prepared himself in which he clearly proved the difference between the law of "ten commandments," and the "hand-writing of ordinances," which was "nailed to the cross." The first as being binding upon all; the second as being "blotted out." He had selected for his text the words of our Saviour, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matt. v, 17. After he had plainly shown that Jesus Christ fulfilled the moral law, in that he kept his "Father's commandments," and that if we will enter into life, we must also fulfill or do the law of God, even as he did, we asked him for an instance in the inspired scriptures where it is said that Christ or his apostles kept the first day of the week as sacred time instead of the seventh; or for one where a transfer of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week was predicted. To which he replied, The fourth command implies the observance of a seventh day—a seventh part of time. As he had become acquainted with Sabbath-keepers in his own native country, beyond the vast ocean, we thought proper to not withhold the truth from him; we let it have its course on all points. And O my earnest prayer is, that the Lord may open his understanding to plain, Bible truths, even to the last note of warning to this sin-polluted world. Dear brethren, thank God whom we serve: he is the living and true God. I feel to praise his ever blessed name for his goodness towards us, in bringing our dear brother Daniel Bourdeaux to the light of the present truth. He came from Canada last Summer to make us a visit; and during his short stay with us he fought resolutely against the Sabbath, and other unpopular truths of the Bible. When he left us he took with him a few Bible tracts, and was very anxious that I should go to the Grand Ligne Mission soon, hoping that perhaps Prof. Mormandeau, or other teachers of the Institute, would convince me that I am in error in keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. Satan tried for a while to put snares in my way to prevent me from going to Canada: I was unlearned, and too young (22 years of age) to appear before such learned and mighty men. "But," said Paul, "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." 1 Cor. i, 27. These words of the Apostle banished all my fears, and I felt that if God was for me I had nothing to fear. The 17th of October I went to Canada, and I was happy to meet with my Bro. Daniel at the Grand Ligne Mission. He had long been desirous to see my face; for the cause of present truth commenced to work in his heart, and he was greatly troubled. The next day Prof. M. and I opened a discussion as follows: As they were preparing for Sunday, I remarked, To-day is the preparation for the Sabbath with you. Prof. M. replied, And with you? I answered, With some yesterday was the preparation, and to-day is the Sabbath. Prof. M. And with you again? With me, I answered, the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord my God. Prof. M. So it is with me. Pray tell me, I replied, which day is the seventh day? Prof. M. To-day (Saturday) is the seventh day. To-day then, said I, is the Sabbath of the Lord, and not to-morrow. Prof. M. replied that every day was a Sabbath; for, said he, we read in Acts ii, 46, "And they, [the disciples,] continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness." I answered, Luke said, and they continued daily, etc., did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. He did not say, did keep every day as a Sabbath of the Lord. Furthermore you cannot keep every day as a Sabbath, and fulfill the requirements of the fourth commandment. And you see plainly that such arguments as this cannot go one peg towards establishing Sunday-keeping. Prof. M., after quoting Col. ii, 14-17, to demolish the seventh-day Sabbath, undertook to build upon the ruins, a first-day Sabbath. Our interview was about three hours long. And after the discussion was closed, Prof. M. told me that if I observed the seventh-day Sabbath, I must also observe the first-day Sabbath; and that it would be better for the cause to not say much to others about it; for, said he, "It is better to cover a truth, rather than to offend." Bro. Daniel took a part in the discussion on the side of truth. This discussion was the means of strengthening me greatly in present truth, and of establishing Bro. D. in the keeping of the fourth commandment. On the evening after the first day, after the evening meeting, Bro. D. hurried me to our room, and addressed me in the following terms: "Dear Augustin, I am greatly troubled about the Sabbath; and when I think with what a spirit Mr. M. opposed plain Bible truths, I am led to exclaim, Do they believe what they preach? O pray for me that I may not yield to the besetments of Satan." We prayed till he felt that his sins were forgiven. Then he prayed the Lord to guide him in the truth concerning the Sabbath. We continued in prayer till break of day. Of a truth the Lord was with us in our little prayer-meeting, and that to bless. Praise his ever blessed name! A. C. BOURDEAUX. P. S. Bro. Daniel wrote the following letter a few weeks subsequent to our visit at the Grand Ligne Mission. He is laboring among a people plunged in idolatry and papal error; and I trust that you will not forget him in your prayers. A. C. B. WILL THE WICKED HAVE A RESURRECTION?
By James White
This question is plainly answered in the affirmative in the scriptures, but of late it has been denied; and the force of several passages in the New Testament is evaded by saying that the wicked will be brought out of their graves, but not be made alive. But such a view does not present the true idea of a resurrection. Webster defines it, "A rising again; revival from the grave." And revival he defines, "Return to life; recall to activity." Hence, as in death, or the grave, there is no life, no activity, in the resurrection, life or activity is restored. Those who give a negative answer to the above question, claim that the words life and death should have the same signification attached to them in the Bible, that they have in other books. This is but just; but they ought to apply the same rule to the word resurrection. A few texts are sufficient to settle the point. 1 Cor. xv, 22. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." This verse is conclusive on this subject, inasmuch as it must be admitted that all, without any distinction of age or character, die in consequence of Adam's transgression. To assume that "all" must be understood in its plain obvious sense in one part of the passage, and in some other manner, in the other part, is altogether unwarranted. And to attach any other than the literal signification to the terms "die," and "made alive," would be giving the whole ground to Universalism, and cut off the possibility of different orders in the resurrection or making alive. See Rom. vi, 5; Phil. iii, 10; Heb. xi, 35; Rev. xx, 6. John v, 28, 29. "The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation." In this passage one declaration is made respecting all that are in the graves; viz., they shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and shall come forth; but it is impossible that they should hear his voice unless they were restored to life. Thus they that have done good and they that have done evil—they who come forth unto the resurrection of life and they who come forth to the resurrection of damnation, all hear the voice of the Son of God. I am at a loss to see how such testimony can be evaded. Rev. xx, 6. 12-14; xxi, 8. The "second death" hath no power over him that hath part in the first resurrection. And inasmuch as they that come forth to the resurrection of life cannot die any more, if the wicked are not raised to life, there is no place found for the second death. Some who deny the resurrection of the wicked, deny also the authenticity of the twentieth chapter of Revelation. This an easy method of disposing of hard texts. But even that resort will not avail them, as the "second death" is shown to be the portion of the wicked in chap. xxi, 8; and I have never heard the authenticity of that chapter questioned. But aside from these chapters the truth is plainly taught. A word of warning does not seem to be necessary against a theory which sets aside the testimony of plain, definite scripture declarations, or throws away a part of God's revelation to man. See Rev. xxii, 19. J. H. W. Note from Bro. Andrews.
By John Nevins Andrews
BRO. SMITH:—I would acknowledge with gratitude to God the recent visit of brother and sister White, and brethren Hart and Everts. They came to us richly laden with the blessing of heaven, and their visit has proved to this church a source of much blessing. The message to the Laodiceans has been powerfully set home upon the hearts of all by the Spirit of God. I trust that all have been profited to some extent, and that the larger part have been blest with the signal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It has been a season of deep humiliation and of heartfelt confession before God. For this I praise God with all my heart. It is sad to think that we have been so long in a state of wretchedness, poverty and blindness; but it is cheering to think that the church of Christ is now zealously repenting. O what will not the Lord do for us, if we will be in earnest in returning to him! My own state the past season has been one of deep discouragement, and I might almost add, of despair. Despondency and unbelief have had my spirit in almost complete subjection. I write this with sorrow of heart, for such should not have been the case. But the thought that God is again visiting his people, gives to my poor heart a spring of joy. May his gracious work go steadily forward until the perfect day. Waukon, Iowa, Jan. 5th, 1857. P. S. Allow me to say to many friends who have written to me, that the condition of my head has rendered it impossible for me to write in reply. I hope that it will not always be thus. J. N. A. A Letter from D. T. Bourdeaux to his Parents.
By D. T. Bourdeaux
VERY DEAR PARENTS: This is a Sabbath morning; the clock strikes five, and I am roused out of my bed to inform you of my sentiments concerning the Sabbath. First. I believe that Sunday is not the Sabbath of the Lord for the following reasons: 1. I do not find a passage in the whole Bible which authorizes me to keep the first day of the week as sacred time; because on that day Christ rose from the dead, and sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples. 2. I do not have a single instance in the New Testament where it is said that Christ or his disciples considered the first day of the week holier than the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth; and it is still more difficult to find a passage of scripture which tells me that Jesus Christ or his disciples kept the first day of the week as sacred time, instead of the seventh. 3. I am not endowed with faculties subtile enough to discern a single passage of the Bible which foretells a transfer of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. But where is the evidence for Sunday keeping? It is not in the Old Testament. It is not in the New Testament. Nor is it in the Old and New Testaments both. Where then, I repeat it, is the proof? The Roman Catholic Church may answer, but revelation is silent. Now my only alternative is, either to admit the infallibility of the Church of Rome, (and in so doing I am obliged to admit all her infernal doctrines,) or that "the word of God endureth forever," that "the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord" my God. O, away from me the thought of preferring the traditions of poor, sinful, degraded, mortal men, to the infallible word of God. I will ever appeal "to the law and to the testimony," I will follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ. He kept the Sabbath, and I will not be condemned if I keep it also. The law that Jesus Christ taught and followed is good enough for me. I will believe that the Sabbath rests on the same ground that God prepared for it; viz., the seventh day of the week. I will, God helping me, "rest on the Sabbath day according to the commandment," and keep the whole law. But stop! I already hear some of my friends say, You are premature, and acting under a mere infatuation. To such I would say, Do not be rash in your judgments. I have not jumped at the foregoing conclusions without examining the premises on which they are predicated. Search the scriptures for yourselves, and you cannot help concluding that "the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord." . . . Protestants here detest plain truths of the Bible. How will they receive the truth that will separate them from the world! O may God help me, is my prayer. Yes, help me, Lord. I this day retrace my steps. I come within the circumference of the Bible. I enlist in the army of the Almighty. O guide thy poor feeble creature. St. Michel, Archange, C. E. CONFESSION.
By Merrit E. Cornell
SINCE I received the message to the Laodiceans, I have been led to consider with deep humiliation, the wrongs of my past life, and more especially since through the goodness and mercy of God, my mind was enlightened by the divine rays of present truth, I have discovered so many errors and wrongs in my course, that I am led to view with a jealous eye my whole course, especially the past two or three years. Selfishness has characterized many of my movements and an unwillingness to suffer for the cause of truth has crippled my usefulness and grieved the church. A blind zeal has often led me wrong; and I have not remembered to follow in the opening providence. I have lacked faith, and humility, and almost every grace necessary to fit me for the work of God. My example has not been right. I have been forward in precept, but my "good works," have not shone out. I have been destitute of the gold. I am ashamed of my past mismovements, and feel to heartily repent before God. I ask the forgiveness and prayers of all I have in any way grieved. I mean to make clean work, and arise with the remnant. I humbly ask the brethren to be faithful to me, and watch over me for good. I realize something of the solemnity of this hour. By the help of God I will direct my zeal towards reformation and consecration. I see the mercy of God in still entrusting me with a share of his work. The Lord is doing a great work for his people in Ohio. We have seen some manifestations of the power of God, and have received of that Spirit which is power, light, peace and love. Truly the Lord is returning to his people, and we will praise him now and forevermore. Amen. M. E. CORNELL. Milan, Ohio, Jan. 25th, 1857. Conferences and no Reports.
By James White
WHEN those interested in the progress of the cause read in the REVIEW appointments of conferences, especially general conferences, they ardently desire and fervently pray that the blessing of Heaven may rest on those convened. Then they wait, and watch the weekly visits of the REVIEW with much anxiety for a report of such meetings, and when none is given, they are disappointed. We were happy to learn, though indirectly, and of recent date, that the Boston conference was an excellent meeting. J. W. Correction.—We much regret an error which crept into the article on "The Kingdom of God" by Bro. Waggoner, published in No. 12, while going through the press. In the sixth line from the commencement of first paragraph, 3d col. p. 93, he is made to say, "The Saviour takes them to heaven," &c. It should read, "The Saviour takes his people to heaven," &c. COMMUNICATIONS.
By G. W. Holt
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH: For the encouragement of the scattered flock I will give a brief account of the recent work of the Lord among us in this part of the field. When the message to the Laodiceans came to our ears, it found us in the very condition described by the faithful and true Witness. Wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. For myself, I resolved to heed the counsel, be zealous and repent. By so doing I gained a little strength and became interested for my family, and the churches in this vicinity. Nearly all received the message theoretically. But this did not relieve me of my burden. I felt that there must be a breaking down before the Lord and a rending of heart with a great reform, before the Lord could come in and sup with us and we with him. We felt our weakness and need of help at this time. The Lord was mindful of us, and sent Bro. Cornell. We met him at Fremont, and took him to Green Creek, where the church in that place were assembled together. We met with them twice, and had evidence that the Lord had commenced a good work among them. It was evident that our labor at present was for the church in Milan. We commenced meetings in this place on Monday, the 19th ult., and continued day and night for three days. The power of God was manifest in our first meeting. The preaching of Bro. Cornell was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. The spirit of confession was cherished in our meetings. And as heart-felt and deep confessions were made, the cry for mercy from a broken heart, was breathed forth with earnestness and fervency that we scarce ever witnessed before. The Lord heard, and souls were set at liberty. Shouts of "glory" from full hearts might have been heard afar off. Parents confessed to children, and children to parents. Some have been converted, and are going to mount Zion with their parents. The interest increased, and the meeting continued to rise until its close. We went from here to Clarksfield, where the Lord wrought for us in power, and far beyond our expectations. Glory be to God, the work is still progressing. We can say as did Bro. A. S. Hutchins in regard to Vt., a happy change is taking place here among us. The solemn message to the Laodiceans is arousing the church to action now. The conversation we hear now, is about "gold, white raiment and eye-salve, and less about farms, houses, horses and other things of this world." We have confidence that this work will be lasting. O, how solemn is this time. Those who are not moved out by this message now, we have reason to fear never will be aroused until it be forever too late. Milan, O., Jan. 26th, 1857. The Laodicean Message
By Dexter Daniels
Bro. Smith: I want to say a few words to the little flock through the Review, as I am fully convinced that the admonition to the Laodiceans is to us. The message found me in that state, I must confess. At first I was almost unwilling to believe that it was for me; but on an examination of my own heart I found that I was the man. I found that I had done what I ought not, and said what I ought not, and thought what I ought not, and that it was time for me to be more zealous for the cause of God and repent, or be spued out of his mouth. O what a time is this. Yes, God means what he says, and will do it unless we repent. But I feel thankful for this rebuke. I will profit by it. I will arise anew to the work and be ready for the refreshing. It appears to me that that time is soon coming, and God is waking up his people to get ready to receive it. When we look back to the first advent, after the resurrection of Jesus, he told them to tarry at Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. He told them to wait until they were endowed with power from on high; for he says that they should be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. So we see that the church was not then ready to do their work; and the Saviour told them not to depart from Jerusalem until they were ready, or until they received that baptism of the Spirit that would qualify them for the work of God. So they did. They stayed at Jerusalem and prepared themselves for it; for they all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. They got ready, and were waiting for it. O yes, their difficulties, if any, were all settled, all grudging, and jealous feelings, and all hard feelings, put away. They were all ready, and waiting; for they had all been in prayer and supplication, afflicting their souls. So when the day of Pentecost had fully come they were all with one accord in one place. Then suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and there appeared unto them eleven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them. Then they were ready to begin their work for God, then believers were added to them in one day over 3000 souls. O, what the church can do when they are prepared. We were disappointed in 1844, as the disciples were when Christ was slain. They thought that it had been he that was to redeem Israel. They were disappointed. They waited until Pentecost. Then they had power to work and begin the gospel. So in 1844 with us. We verily thought that we were then to be redeemed; but we were disappointed, we were sad. But now the waiting time has come, now the just shall live by faith. Heb. x, 35-39; Hab. ii, 9. Now blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garment, lest he walk naked and they see his shame. I believe that the latter rain will soon come, and God has sent out the admonition to his church to get ready for it. We cannot be waiting unless we are ready. So he tells us to be zealous and repent, to get ready for a baptism of fire or the Holy Ghost. In order to be ready we must be pure in body and soul. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. We must not use tobacco, or snuff, or intoxicating spirits; for if we do we are filthy. The holy Spirit cannot dwell in such temples. We must cast away all such filthy things. We must purify ourselves, for he that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure. The ark of the covenant was pure gold, within and without. God's holy law was deposited therein. So if God's holy law is written in our hearts, we must be pure within and without. I rejoice this night that God has sent the warning to get ready for the latter rain; for unless we are clean the Spirit will not fall upon us. We must fit our temples for it, then he will come in and sup with us and we with him. Unless we do this we shall soon be left outside the city among dogs and sorcerers and murderers. We need not think that the latter rain will do this great work for us. No, no. We must get ready for it; then we shall share in the blessing. This rain is soon coming, and the warning has gone out to prepare for it. Then the Spirit of the day of Pentecost will come upon us. [Acts i, 5.] Not many days hence. Then the refreshing will come; [Acts iii, 19.] the latter rain. James v, 7. The Spirit will then be poured out upon us from on high. Isa. xxxii, 15. Then the church will come up leaning upon her beloved, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, terrible as an army with banners. Songs vi, 10. Then she will have power over the nations. Rev. ii, 26-29. Then one can chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Then the 144000 will come up, and perhaps 3000 be added in a day to the church, as it was formerly. By the grace of God I will get ready for this. But we cannot be like the world, and indulge in the filth of the flesh, and at the same time be ready for it. No, no. We must deny ourselves and take up the cross, or be left out. In conclusion I would say, Let us be zealous and repent, buy that gold tried in the fire, that we may be rich, and white raiment that we may be clothed that the shame of our nakedness do not appear, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see. It appears to me that this is the last call to the church to get ready, and unless we do, we shall soon be purged out. O let us not let the enemy make us think that we are better than we are. He will try to make us think so. Now he is busy. But he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. I feel like laying all upon the altar and beginning anew. Dear brethren, have you any hardness against any, settle it at once. Forgive them if you think that they have injured you. Get ready. Let us get ready ourselves, then pray for those that we may think have injured us. Your brother in tribulation and patience,
DEXTER DANIELS.
New Boston, Mass., Jan. 13th, 1857. Preparing for the Loud Cry
By William Harris
Bro. Smith: I have thought that I would not write again for publication; but as I have seen some of the esteemed ones whom I love dearly on my tour north, who say they had looked for something from me, and loving as I do to read the cheering communications from the commandment-keepers, I want to say to them that I have been searching my heart, and finding myself altogether unprepared to aid in the loud cry, or share in its glorious effects. Brethren, I feel that I have a great deal to overcome. It is clear as the sun that we have been in the Laodicean state of the church, and I lament that I had got so cold, so formal. But thanks be to God for the warning. I intend to take heed, and buy gold more precious than the gold of Ophir. O yes, I want gold tried in the fire, and white raiment. I remember that Jesus has said to the scribes and pharisees, "This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." I think that will apply too closely to us. I want the mind of Job, when he said, "But he knoweth the way I take. When he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold." I want to feel as did the prophet when he exclaimed, "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." I feel more like giving up all, and lay not up for to-morrow, but prepare for coming events. Brethren and sisters, we have been trading with the world and buying whatever our appetites and eyes craved, all our lifetime, until we have spent all, or worn out our bodies in the fashions and pride of the world. Now in the very last moments of time when only a few days of probation are left us, Jesus calls aloud, Buy of me gold tried in the fire, and white raiment. O merciful Jesus, to give us timely warning! Let us spend what we have left of our means, our time, our talent, in purchasing this durable riches and durable clothing, the white raiment; yes, and eye-salve that we may see; for we are represented as poor, blind and naked. I want to see the church come up to her first love—the love she had in 1844. Then we had nothing that we held dear. We were not building houses to stay here in; but we were looking for a city that hath foundations. But Oh! my heart has been pained in meeting with some who profess to be with us in the Third Angel's Message, that were not only building largely, but suffered their laborers to work on the Sabbath on their own house, and in their sight. Whilst they kept the Sabbath by resting themselves, they broke it by letting their servants work. I suppose we shall not get all right until we get Jesus into our hearts, and the world out. We are all alone here, and are glad when any saint gets strayed this way, that we can see his lovely face. Remember us in your prayers. Wm. Harris.
Port Byron, N. Y., Jan. 18th, 1857. JOHN FISHELL, JR
By John Fishell, Jr.
BRO. SMITH: The little church in Delhi feel willing and determined to take heed to the warning voice of the faithful and true Witness; that is, to be zealous and repent, and to open the door of our hearts and let the Saviour in, that he may sup with us and111we with him. We believe that the time is near when the Third Angel's Message will go with a loud cry, and we feel the importance of rising from this lukewarm state, and having our loins girt about with truth, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, and get on the whole armor of righteousness, that we may be kept from the hour of temptation, and appear without fault before the throne of God. Dear brethren and sisters, we make a good profession: let us act accordingly: let us strive together to advance the cause of truth. Though we have but two mites to give, God will accept it if we give cheerfully; for the Lord loveth the cheerful giver. Let us remember that much has been expended to get the light of present truth before us. May the Lord bless us and give us a spirit of sacrifice. Delhi, Ing. Co., Mich., Jan. 3d, 1857. Consecration in Perilous Times
Sister P. Barrows writes from Bridgewater, Vt., Jan. 11th, 1857: "I praise God that he is blessing some with his holy Spirit to bring out light from his word. I am thankful for the many exhortations in the Review from the dear brethren and sisters. I feel like taking the advice. I want to be right. I have been trying for some time to make an effort. I have felt as though something must be done; that all was not right, and when I read Bro. White's timely warning, it searched me through. I have given myself up to the Lord: he is able to work for me: my trust is in him, praise his holy name! I feel like consecrating my all into his hands for time and eternity, and believe he will accept the offering. "We are living in perilous times. We have need of the whole armor, and to watch and pray continually lest we fall into temptation. Can it be that Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts and we will not let him in? that loving Saviour who has died to purchase our redemption? O let us heed the admonition and let the Saviour in, that we may be clothed with white raiment, that we may not be found naked, but be baptized with the holy Spirit that we may see. I hope some of the faithful watchmen will come this way once more. We are lonely, there being no Sabbath preaching but the Review, and none to meet with on the Sabbath." The Laodicean Message in Corunna
Bro. J. B. Sweet writes from Corunna, Mich., Jan. 27th, 1857: "I would be glad to give in my testimony in favor of our present position. I believe without a doubt that we are in the seventh and last state of the church. It has not taken any weight of argument to prove to me that I have been in an indifferent state. But I feel very thankful that the Lord has given me a willing heart to readily receive the call to the Laodicean church. We moved from Ohio to this place in the latter part of November. We found a few scattered ones in this section who were trying to journey on to the city of rest; but at the same time they were not obeying the injunction in Heb. x, 25. We have by the help of the Lord started meetings here in Corunna. We believe that the last call is now going to the church, and we also believe that before this generation shall pass away, all will be over: the curtain will be dropped, and earth's great drama closed forever." Striving Toward the Holy City
By Emily Day
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say through the Review to the dear brethren and sisters, that I am still striving to press my way onward to the holy city. The truth is still dear to me. I read the Review with interest, and I trust with profit, especially those articles on our present condition as a people. I feel thankful that the Lord has not left us in darkness concerning our true state, but is showing us how wretched we are. I know that I have been in a lukewarm state for some time past, but I will try with the help of the Lord to "be zealous and repent." I desire to have the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment, and my eyes anointed with eye-salve, that I may see clearly all the precious truths connected with the Third Angel's Message. I feel that we are living in an awfully solemn time. O let us be awake and be diligent to make our calling and election sure. Let us be honest with ourselves, and know whether we be in the faith or not. If we make a mistake here, it will be a fatal one. I believe we have but little more time to get ready. The loud cry will soon be given; may we all be prepared to act our part. We are alone here in keeping the Sabbath, having no privilege of meeting with others of like precious faith, without going to Milan, about 18 miles distant. Bro. Holt gave lectures here two weeks ago. A number are convinced of the truth, and I hope some will be willing ere long, to live it out. O Lord speed on the message, is my prayer. Yours in patient waiting.
EMILY DAY.
Hartland, O., Jan. 15th, 1857. Every man has in his own life follies enough—in his own mind troubles enough—in the performance of his own duties deficiencies enough—in his own fortunes evils enough—without being curious about the affairs of others. AMBITION.—The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall; but in charity there is no excess, neither can angel or man come in danger by it. Reverence for the Commandment
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
BRO. C. P. Buckland writes from South Barre, N. Y., Jan. 18th, 1857: "BRO. SMITH, I would say for the encouragement of the Editors and the little flock, that the weekly visits of the paper are truly welcome to me. It cheers and strengthens me. It is two years since I commenced taking it; and in reading the paper and the Sabbath Tracts, I have been able to see the light on the Sabbath, and now am trying to keep all the Commandments as they are given in the decalogue. May God give me his holy Spirit to teach me, and his grace to make me humble and childlike, teachable, ever ready to receive the instruction of his word. O that I may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. May God sanctify and bless those that labor in word and in doctrine that they may give each one a portion in due season, that we all may come to the unity of the faith." A Glorious Change Through Sabbathkeeping
Bro. T. H. Moffet writes from Bowne, Mich., Jan. 20th, 1857: "It is not quite a year since I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath, and to do the will of my Master. It was entirely a new thing for me to keep a day sacred; for it was a thing I never had done in my life; but now I feel that a glorious change hath taken place. I now hail the approach of the Sabbath with delight. "I thank God that he had thoughts of mercy towards the inhabitants of this place and sent one of his servants this way to preach the word of life to us that we might turn and live. The paper is a welcome visitor under my roof. It is a great help towards uniting us in the hands of love and the unity of the faith. I feel that the testimony to the Laodiceans is meat in due season. I am determined to heed the words of our Saviour, God giving me grace and strength so to do." Seeking Meekness and Righteousness
Sister Jane M. Lowrey writes from Lorain, N. Y., Jan. 6th, 1857: "I find my heart often encouraged and made glad in hearing from the dear saints through the Review. It is a great privilege to me to be reckoned with those whom the Lord shall rebuke and chasten. I do not find any promises to any others. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. May the Lord help all his dear children to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and buy gold tried in the fire that we may be rich, and white raiment that we may be clothed, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see. I feel many times astonished at the goodness and long suffering of the Lord with his people in giving them warning after warning calculated to arouse and prepare them for his coming. I mean by his assistance to seek meekness and righteousness, if perchance I may be hid in the day of his anger." Seeking God’s Favor and Forgiveness
Bro. J. S. Day writes from Monterey, Mich., Jan. 13th, 1857: "It encourages me to read the testimonies and the resolutions of the brethren and sisters to obtain the gold tried in the fire, and the white raiment that they may be clothed with righteousness. "It is about six months since I began to seek the favor of God, and the forgiveness of sin. I do not regret that I ever embraced the last call of mercy, the Third Angel's Message; but I do feel solemn when I realize the stupidity which we have passed, or are passing through. How near we have come to being spued out of the Lord's mouth. I hope the time will soon come when God's people will get where he can pour out a blessing upon them. Brethren, let us be zealous in this matter. I am striving to overcome every besetment, and to bring my 'tithes into the storehouse' of the Lord, that I may receive a blessing when the windows of heaven are opened." A Son Accepts the Sabbath
Sister S. Elmer writes from Ashfield, Mass.: “I have of late learned how to appreciate the proverb which says, Good news from a far country is like cold water to a thirsty soul. My son called on my father on his way to the West last Fall, and endeavored to show him from the Bible that the seventh day was the true Sabbath, and the importance of keeping it. He at once acknowledged that there was no authority in the Bible for keeping the first day, and said for the future he should keep the Sabbath. Although he belonged to a large church of the Baptist denomination, he did not stop to inquire, What will my brethren think of me? but said he should obey God rather than man. In a letter to me he writes as follows: ‘I would inform you that I am not sorry that I am keeping the Lord’s Sabbath. I have had some opposers, but I heed them not. While God enlightens my mind I shall go on rejoicing. Praise the Lord!’”