BRO. SMITH:—With humble gratitude to God I wish to acknowledge the truth as set forth in the article from the pen of Bro. Waggoner, under the head, "When will the nations be dashed in pieces?" My mind has been very much relieved on some points which have perplexed and held me somewhat in bondage in relation to expression of sentiment in full faith and decision; but thank God the mist is fleeing before the bright rays of truth. I find that I have not held correct views in relation to Christ's becoming the antitype of the Melchisedec priest.
When in my mind I step back a few years and retrace our history to the present, I see a steady flow of light which may be compared to the rising of the sun; and "if we follow on to know the Lord, we shall know his going forth is prepared as the morning." God will reveal light and truth according to the necessities of his people, and none need to stumble who follow on to know the Lord, seeking righteousness and meekness, for light is sown for the righteous, and where there is a congenial soil it will spring up in abundance to supply a present necessity. Would a father give a stone to a hungry child who asked bread? Does our heavenly Father notice a sparrow falling to the ground, and is he less mindful of the most noble part of his creation for whom he gave his Son a sacrifice for sins? With what confidence we should come to a throne of grace, humbly acknowledging our weakness and dependence, want and desire.
With satisfaction I review the late proceedings in connection with the cause of present truth. I hope we may ever maintain a spirit of sacrifice; it should ever be our great object to maintain the spirit of Christ, and overcome the world, flesh and the Devil. Whatever may be thrown in our way, no obstacles can be greater than Jesus endured, and he is the great pattern; and soon if faithful we shall see him as he is, when we shall be made like him, when he, the head of the church, shall return from the marriage, and introduce us to that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that FADETH NOT AWAY. Thank God for an enduring substance.
The moral and political world are affording unmistakable evidence of the near approach of the end. The eastern world are by no means relieved from trouble by the late treaty of peace with Russia. There are questions now agitating Europe which threaten a greater calamity than has just passed in the late war with Russia, and how much more favorable does our own boasted land of liberty appear? If in the present moral state of the world, and the awfully corrupted state of the professing church, we fail to see the signs of the times and an approaching end, with what kind of eyes do we look? Surely we cannot be looking with a single eye to the glory of God.
These are perilous times, and if we do not watch we shall be overtaken as by a snare; but knowing the times and seasons we will watch, and by calling to our aid the unerring word of God, we shall shun the rocks and shoals of a dangerous coast, and enter the harbor of rest in the kingdom of God.
Yours waiting to join in the song of deliverance and redemption.
H. S. GURNEY.
North Fairhaven, Mass., June 8th, 1856.
The Office Debts.
By Editor
At the business meeting of our late Conference the financial condition of the REVIEW Office was taken into consideration. Spirited remarks were made upon the value of truth, and the disagreeable weight of long-standing dues in the paper. If the spirit of life and sacrifice could pervade the whole Church, that was exhibited in this meeting, they would not long exist. It was voted to unite the two debts, what is behind on Vol. VII, and to move Office, and to invite the Church to follow the example of the members of the Conference, and designate their free-will offerings to be paid before the first of September, towards its removal.
There is now due to move Office and to pay for Material, $152.33. If to this we add what yet remains due on Vol VII, $295.36, we have $447.69, as the entire indebtedness of the Office. The following is what has already been pledged towards meeting this sum and the subject is now open for other members of the Church to "do likewise."
It should be borne in mind that a few individuals, (and among them preachers and the poor,) have pledged more than half the sum to be raised. And those of this number who have means have opportunities as well as disposition, to often hand it out, to advance the cause. We think it will be a pleasure to the brethren abroad to respond to this call either with means or pledges without delay.
J. Byington (pd. $5) $25.00. | J. Cornell $10.00.
J. Dorcas (" 0.75) 20.75. | J. P. Kellogg 10.00.
D. R. Palmer 15.00. | I. D. Perry 10.00.
J. Hart 10.00. | M. Philips 10.00.
D. W. Williams 5.00. | J. R. Lewis 5.00.
J. Bates (pd,) 5.00. | S. W. Rhodes (pd,) 10.00.
A. Hart 7.00. | E. Goodwin 10.00.
E. Green (pd.) 5.00. | W. Holden 5.00.
Z. Brooks 5.00. | D. H. Simonds 3.00.
G. Lowree (pd. $2.50) 5.00. | Wm. Hough (pd.) 0.25.
J. P. Hunt 5.00. | M. G. Kellogg 3.00.
J. F. Byington 5.00. | L. Russell 15.00.
C. Smith (from the | J. B. Frishie 5.00.
purse of his late son, | A friend 10.00.
Wm. M.) (pd.) 5.00. | B. Hall 5.00.
M. Lockwood (pd.) 1.00. | R. Lockwood 5.00.
C. Hurlbut " 1.00. | A. P. H. Lelsey (pd.) 5.00.
Sr. Palmer " 1.00. | J. F. Eastman " 0.64.
Canaan, Me., Conference.
By E. L. Barr
BRO. SMITH:—On my return to this State last March I found the cause in a languishing condition. In some places the number of honest-hearted disciples have been diminished by Brn. going West. Others have fallen asleep; while there are other vacancies for which we sorrow as those that have no hope. There are many true-hearted lovers of truth yet left, some of which have been passing through trials of a fiery kind, and are coming forth as gold, for which we would adore the name of our God who guides his saints and will eventually bring them to their eternal rest.
The late trying scenes that have thinned our ranks is a preparatory work for the final triumph of truth. Those left have stronger faith, love each other better, and the world less, and in view of the perils that God has brought them safely through, are constrained to consecrate their all to God in a more perfect manner than ever before.
The offering has been accepted of the Lord, and proof given of that acceptance by a manifestation of his power to save soul, body and spirit, when the powers of darkness were combined to destroy. A few have recently embraced the truth, while we never witnessed a more serious, candid listening to the truth in large congregations by all than we have for a few weeks past, for which we thank God and take courage.
Our late Conference was one of interest and profit to the scattered saints, and we believe the beginning of better days to the cause of the Third Angel's Message in this State. Our first meeting was honored with the presence of the Spirit of truth, which continued with us and wrought for us, especially at the close. The coming of Brn. Philips of Vt., and Folsom of Mass., was like the coming of Titus. Their prayers and exhortations were blessed of God to the good of his weary saints, who felt the importance of being dead to sin and alive to God, having all consecrated to his blessed service, together with a fixed determination not to rest till the work was accomplished. Their fervent prayers and soul-stirring exhortations at our last meetings were proof that the refining process was going forward, and that God had not led his people out here to perish.
One honest soul came forward resolved to go with us to Mount Zion. We were also cheered by meeting with one of the scattered saints who had for many long years been striving to obey the truth, but never enjoyed the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith till now. Lord bless the lonely ones, is our prayer.
Our business meeting on First-day morning, was harmonious. The subject of Tent-meetings was taken up; and inasmuch as some leading Brn. in Vt. feel anxious that the Tent owned by Brn. in Me., Mass., N. H., and Conn., should be manned and in the field this season in these States, and have also given some little encouragement in regard to sending some help to labor with the Tent, it was the decision of the Conference that this Tent ought not to go West. Hence,
Resolved unanimously, That Brn. Barr and Philips act as agents to enlist laborers to go with the Tent.
Resolved, That when suitable laborers are enlisted we will do what we can to sustain them in new fields as the way may open to hold meetings in each place, as long as the interest will justify.
Resolved, That Bro. Stockbridge Howland, of Topsham, be Tent Treasurer for this State. E. L. BARR.
Canaan, Me., June 19th, 1856.
P.S. Those wishing Tent-meetings in this or the other States, will please write me at Canaan, Me. E. L. B.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
By John Norton Loughborough
Died, May 24th, in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Bro. Asa Greenman, in the 70th year of his age. Bro. Greenman has been most of his life an observer of the Lord's Sabbath, and died in anticipation of the blessing of the future world.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
The Decadence of Public Morality
By Editor
Looking at the history of political parties, and the lives of public men for a few years past, who can doubt that a great decadence has taken place in the public morality of the country? Whether or not this decadence is to extend, become permanent, or perhaps finally blot out every vestige of national virtue, is not for us to predict. It is a sufficiently lamentable fact, that it is at all plainly marked on the current record of the Republic. Nor will we pretend to say that this lapse of public morality necessarily involves a parallel decay of private morality—of the sturdy virtues of independence, intelligence and patriotism, which have heretofore inspired and ennobled the great mass of our people, from whom political parties and public men are evolved. Yet we must believe that the people cannot long submit to, or even tacitly endorse a bad public morality, without becoming contaminated thereby. It seems to us that we are on the verge of a crisis; aye, perhaps have already entered upon an ordeal more perilous to our national life, or civilization and republican institutions, than has ever before occurred.
Tent Meeting.
By J. H. Waggoner; M. E. Cornell
Providence permitting, there will be a Tent Meeting in Moscow, Hillsdale Co., Mich., commencing on Sabbath, June 28th, and holding over First-day, or as long as may appear to be duty. Meetings on Sabbath and First-day at 10 o'clock A. M., and at 12 1-2 and 5 P. M.
J. H. WAGGONER.
M. E. CORNELL.
Letters.
Mrs A Vickery, A M Preston, J Y Wilcox, J M McLellan.
Receipts.
By Editor
Jas S Farnsworth, E Cray, H Kenyon, E Clark, C N Russell, Geo Smith, I B Woodin, E Kingsley, D C Demerest, J Butchart, (for R Scott,) B Hostler, Geo Sanders, C Hurlburt, Wm L Saxby, C Smith, N A Scripture, C H Howland, each $1. L Woodworth $2. B Landen $1.12.
ON VOL. VII.—E Kingsley, C Hurlburt, each $1.
REVIEW TO THE POOR.—P Dickinson $2.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
RATES OF POSTAGE.
"Books bound or unbound, not weighing over four pounds, for any distance under 3000 miles, when pre-paid, one cent an ounce. When not pre-paid, 1 1/2 cents an ounce."
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This is the title of our new Hymn Book and is prepared for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote not only public worship, but also the social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns of poetic merit, expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Nearly every Hymn can be sung in some one of the pieces of Music, which will promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the Churches.—Price, 62 1/2 cents.—In Morocco, 70 cents.—Weight 7 & 8 ounces.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price, 50 cents each.—Wt. 9 oz. each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, points out distinctly the commencement and termination of the 2300 days, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing, and explains the disappointment of the Advent people in regard to time, and the true position of those who are now waiting for their Lord.—Price 12 1/2 cents. Wt. 3 oz.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12 1/2 cents.—Wt 2 oz
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The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Constancy, &c.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The Law of God In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented.—Price 12 1/2 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Atonement This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.—196 pp.—18 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.—148 pp.—12 1/2 cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
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Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
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Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
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POEMS.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all these sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.—Price 25 cents.—Wt 4 oz.—In paper covers, 20 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—In paper covers, 15 cents.—Wt 3 oz.
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Liberal discount on these works where $5 worth is taken. Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.
A Visit to Hastings
By James White
To the brethren and friends in Hastings, Mich., I wish to say that it will not be consistent to meet with you next Sabbath and First-day; but will remember my obligations to you, and visit you soon. J. W.