CHURCH, signifies a particular congregation of believers in Christ, united together in the order of the gospel. 1 Cor. i. 2.—Cruden.
The true Church, is symbolized by a woman. "And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." Rev. xii, 1, 5.
"And he ordained twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." Mark iii, 14, 15. "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face, into every city and place, whither he would come." Luke x, 1.
Christ's commission to his disciples to gather believers throughout the whole world. Mark xvi, 14-20.
APOSTOLIC ORDER.
In those days the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and they chose seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. "And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly." Acts vi, 1-7. After this Ananias laid his hands on Paul, and he arose and was baptized, and straitway preached Christ. Acts ix, 17-20. Some few years after this, "the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Acts xiii, 2, 3. Barnabas and Paul continued to move on from place to place confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith. "And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church, they commended them to the Lord." Acts xiv, 22, 23.
After these things, Paul sent for the Elders of the Church of Ephesus to meet him at Miletus, and said to them, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts xx, 17, 28.
After this, Paul writes to Timothy whom he had left in charge at Ephesus, charging him not to neglect the gift which was given him by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, (or eldership,) [1 Tim. iv, 14,] and shows him the qualifications of such for bishops and deacons. He also writes to Titus saying, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee." Titus i:5.
To ordain in the Church of God, is to choose to office. Says Jesus, "Ye have not chosen me; but I have chosen you, and ordained you." John xv, 16; Luke vi, 13; Mark iii, 13, 14.
The apostle Paul in his charge to Timothy respecting the choice of bishops and deacons particularly describes their qualifications for office, and shows that both must be sound in the faith of the word, and blameless. The only clear distinction here is for the Bishop; viz., "If he know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God." 1 Tim. iii, 5. As the office of the deacon was omitted here we must look for it elsewhere. In his letter to the Philippians, he thanks God for every remembrance of the saints, the bishops and deacons, showing that they were laboring in fellowship and union in the Church. Phil. i, 1-4. From this we go back to an earlier period of the Church, when the twelve apostles called the multitude of the disciples together, and chose seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, to take upon them part of their burden, especially to relieve them from "serving tables," that they may give themselves "continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Acts vi, 1-6. Cruden says, deacon signifies a steward of the Church treasury. Bishop, signifies a spiritual overseer. 1 Pet. ii, 25. From the reading of the context we learn that Stephen, (one of the seven) became so mighty in teaching the word that he confounded the whole Jewish council. Philip was also an evangelist. Acts xxi, 8. Compare Eph. iv, 11; 2 Tim. iv, 5. Hence we see these officers were not confined to the one specified duty.
Paul also writes to Titus, appointing him to ordain elders in every city, and says, For a bishop must be blameless &c. Titus i, 5-7. He here speaks of the two offices interchangeably, and also charges the elders of Ephesus as the overseers of the flock to feed the Church of God. Acts xx, 17, 28. Once more, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine." 1 Tim. v, 17. We learn, that here are two classes of elders. The first to be counted of double honor if they "rule well." The second, "especially, they who labor in the word and doctrine." This is in agreement with the foregoing statement in the sixth Chap. of the Acts, viz., "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, &c." But we will give ourselves "to the ministry of the word." Still further, "And God hath set some in the Church, first, apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues, &c. 1 Cor. xii, 28-30.
The Apostle writing to the Ephesians afterwards, says of Jesus:—"And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers." What for? Ans. "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." For how long? Ans. "Till we have all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. iv, 11-13.
From the foregoing we learn, that there was order in the Church of God, when Jesus was upon the earth; and after his departure, order was strictly observed among his apostles, and was required to be until the perfection of all the saints.
CHURCH ORDER DERANGED.
By the desolating powers of the fourth kingdom of Daniel called the daily and abomination of desolation. Dan. viii, 13. He saw that the first power was taken away to establish the second power, viz., daily idol worship put down, and Roman Catholic worship set up. Paul saw the same first power working while the Church was in order. He saw that it would continue to work until the Catholic worship took its place, with the man of sin (the Pope) for its head, who would continue his abominable worship until destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's coming. 2 Thess. ii, 1-8.
Daniel was also shown that these two desolating powers would show their indignation against the holy Covenant, [God's holy law of ten commandments,] and these two desolating powers would corrupt men, and cause them to forsake the holy Covenant. Dan. xi, 30, 32. He was shown that the last power, viz., the little horn, (Papacy) would "speak great words against the Most High, and would wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they (the saints and the times and laws) would be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." Dan. vii, 8, 25. Rev. xiii, 5-8, synchronizes with this. The 42 months is the same time spoken of in Rev. xii, 6, 14. 1260 days (or years) shows the period of time that the Church was to be in the wilderness. As this last power (the Papacy) began his reign in A. D. 538, his term of time (1260 years) would expire in A. D. 1798, and the saints be out of his hand. From this point the Church begins to emerge from her wilderness state. Cant. viii, 5. From the foregoing testimony it is clear that these two desolating powers have been in open rebellion against the Church of God, and his holy law for more than 1750 years. No marvel that the Church has been deranged, when it is said of her antagonist, that she was "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." Rev. xvii, 6.
Malachi says, "even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Chap. iii, 7. Says Isaiah, "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left." Isa. xxiv, 5, 6.
From the testimony adduced, there was order in the Church of God when Jesus was upon the earth. Since the days of the apostles she has been deranged by the two desolating powers of the fourth kingdom of Daniel. Fifty-six years ago she began to emerge from her wilderness state; and will continue to rise until order is perfectly restored, and she be known as "A GLORIOUS CHURCH NOT HAVING SPOT, OR WRINKLE OR ANY SUCH THING."23"And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you; whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts iii, 20, 21.
As the Church of God, was founded under the gospel by him who kept his Father's law and order was strictly observed after his departure among his apostles who were all inspired men, who were law-keepers, it is very evident that the work of deranging this order in the Church was by and through law-breakers, as we have shown. Hence is it not perfectly clear that God will employ law-keepers as instruments to restore her to a "glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle."
One of the "holy prophets" says, "Hearken unto me, my people, and give ear to me, O my nation, for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law. Isa. li, 4, 7. These are law-keepers that will have the cup of trembling, and cup of fury taken out of their hands, and the wicked will receive it. Verse 22.
Another of the "holy prophets," says, "Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said we will not walk therein. Hear, O earth; behold I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." Jer. vi, 16, 19. Here are but two classes; one of them reject God's holy law, and are to perish. Verses 19, 21. While the other walk in the old paths, where is church order and the law, and find rest to their souls.
Isaiah, "the holy prophet," speaks more pointedly still: "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach. The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day: and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord: and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isa. lviii, 12-14.
"REPAIRER OF THE BREACH."—What breach? Ans. Breach of the covenant which God hath commanded forever. Ps. iii, 9; Deut. 13. The willful violation of which, subjects the inhabitants of the earth to the curse and torments of devouring fire. Isa. xxiv, 5, 6. Verse 13 shows the breach to be in the fourth commandment, which enforces the keeping of the Sabbath, the holy of the Lord. Verse 14 says, "Thou shalt then delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Who made this breach? We have already shown that the breach was made by Pagan and Papal Rome. The angel Gabriel testifies of their indignation, and causing men to do wickedly against the holy covenant: while those who were opposed to them, and did "know their God," fell "by the sword and by the flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days." Dan. xi, 30, 32, 33. The last power, the little horn, thought to change the laws during the 1260 days [years] that the laws and the saints were in his hand. Hear the little horn speak by the Rev. Henry Tuberville, D. D., of the English College of Douay, in 1649: now approved and recommended for his diocese, by the right Rev. Benedict, Bishop of Boston, Mass. "What is the third commandment? Ans. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. When began the Sabbath to be kept? Ans. From the very creation of the world. Why was the Jewish Sabbath changed into the Sunday? Ans. Because Christ was born upon a Sunday, rose from the dead upon a Sunday, and sent down the Holy Ghost upon a Sunday: works not inferior to the creation of the world. By whom was it changed? Ans. By the governors of the Church. How do you prove that the church hath power to command feasts and holy days? Ans. By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; and therefore they fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church. How prove you that? Ans. Because by keeping Sunday, they acknowledge the church's power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin."
Another unmistakable evidence is that Sunday-keeping, for a Rest-day, is established by National and State laws, and customs of the people, throughout christendom. Now the Bible teaches nothing of the kind; for neither First-day, (by man called Sunday,) nor resurrection day, is once referred to in that book, as a sanctified day, a holy day, or a rest-day for man, (except when the Jews' feast-days happened on that day,) but First-day is clearly shown to be one of the six working days. Gen. i, 5; Eze. xlvi, 1. Hence the proof that the little horn, the man of sin, made the breach in God's holy covenant. This, as I have shown, was hundreds of years after the resurrection. Therefore there was no change nor abolition of a "jot or tittle" of the ten commandments of God before, at, or after the resurrection.
"RESTORER OF PATHS TO DWELL IN."—What paths are to be restored? Ans. "Ask for the old paths." Jer. vi, 16. "Ancient paths." xviii, 15. "Paths of peace." "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. iii, 4. "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant and testimonies." Ps. xxv, 10. His covenant is the ten commandments which he has commanded to be kept for ever. Deut. iv, 13; Ps. cxi, 9. The restorers of the paths then in the last days, will be covenant-keepers, God's people, [Isa. li, 4, 7,] that will keep the whole law. Jeremiah shows two classes, one asking for "the old paths," that they may find rest for their souls. "But they (the other class) said, We will not walk therein. Why? Because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. Chap. vi, 16, 19.
Again: "O, Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, [margin, breaches,] neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the day of battle in the day of the Lord. Eze. xiii, 4, 5.
The class of teachers here addressed, are such as will not keep the Sabbath of the Lord, as commanded in his holy covenant. The Lord is against them, and says, "They shall not be in the assembly of my people." Verses 8, 9. The reader will readily admit that the battle of the day of the Lord is yet future, and cannot come until his voice is uttered from on high. Zeph. i, 14. This prophecy is against those who despise the Sabbath of the Lord, and teach others to tread it under foot, just before, and at the battle of the great day of the Lord. This synchronizes with the "scattering of the power of the holy people," [Dan. xii, 7,] and smiting of "fellow-servants" since 1844, Matt. xxiv, 49.
Sabbath-keepers, then, "shall build the old waste places;" and "raise up the foundation of many generations: and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in." Isa. lviii, 12. Says Paul:
"And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers: for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God," &c., "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro," &c. Eph. iv, 11-14.
This unity of the faith, and perfect church order, never has existed since the days of the apostles. It is very clear that it must exist prior to the second advent of Jesus, and be completed by the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, in restoration of all things, &c.
By tracing the history of the church to the present, we learn that church order and unity of the faith existed in the days of the apostles who kept all the commandments of God. After which all was deranged by commandment-breakers; by the desolating work of the little horn, whose power was broken in 1798. From thence the church emerges from her wilderness state, "leaning upon her beloved," up to the first and second angels' messages; [Rev. xiv, 6-8;] viz., the judgment hour cry, and fall of Babylon, announcing the cleansing of the Sanctuary at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel's vision, in 1844. On from this, it is said, "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice," &c. "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Verses 9-12. One like unto the Son of man upon a white cloud, follows this message.
Here, then, in this last message, we find commandment-keepers throughout the wide harvest field, accomplishing just what has been foretold by the holy seers of old. They are now going up into the breach, restoring first the Sabbath of the Lord, which he commanded in the fourth commandment, and then the "all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
The church of God will then be in order, having her "Elders, Deacons, Teachers, gifts of healing, helps, governments," &c. Then "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion." "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air," &c. 1 Thess. iv, 16, 17. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. v, 27.
My Dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, Let us all labor for perfect union, harmony and order, in this rising glorious church of God.
Mount Cambria, N. Y., Aug. 8th, 1854.
Rejoicing in the Blessed Hope
By Louisa Hunt
From Sister Hunt.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I feel to rejoice in the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, and of being made like him, and of dwelling in his presence, and of beholding his glory, when all sorrows and tears will be wiped away, and death itself will be destroyed. This hope is enough to encourage us on our journey, although we have to contend with unbelief on all sides. The people are waxing worse and worse, just as the prophet said they would in the last days. Men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things that are coming on the earth.
I feel to praise the Lord, that he has opened my eyes in these last days, to let me see the truth of the third angel's message. The Lord is calling out a people to stand before him at his coming, and the24Dragon is wroth with them for keeping the commandments, and having the faith of Jesus; but Satan with all his host cannot hinder them; for Christ is their leader, and Israel will surely prevail. They are going forward in the strength of the Lord, he is the hope of his people, and they will come off conquerors through him who has died to redeem them, and is alive forevermore.
I feel more then ever to press my way on, towards the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We have come out before the world, and profess to keep all the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus, the law and the gospel. It is a perfect work: it will prepare a people to enter in through the gates into the City. I feel to praise the Lord for what he is doing for his people in this place. They are going forward in the strength of the Lord. They are standing firm in the third angel's message. If we continue faithful a little longer, the victory will be ours. Yes we shall see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven to reward his faithful children. O I hope to be one of that number that will stand upon mount Zion, with the Lamb.
Yours in hope of the gospel.
Louisa Hunt.
Springfield, Mass., 1854.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Henry Emmons
From Bro. Emmons.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—After this length of time I wish that a few lines of mine might appear in your excellent paper. But where to begin or end, about talking of the blessed Jesus I know not; but still I will go on to praise his adorable name for the way that he has led me. But I am sorry and feel ashamed to acquaint the dear Sabbath-keeping children, that for more than seventy years of my life, I have, in ignorance, trampled upon God's Holy Sabbath. For so doing I trust my Heavenly Father has forgiven me, for the sake of his dear Son. Praised be his name.
I have now passed eighty years of my life, and regret very much that I have not lived more devoted to the Lord. But by his help I will endeavor to walk more circumspect in the future. I wish we could bear in mind the necessity of being often in secret prayer. The inward man gains strength by retiring from the noise and bustle of the world, and being shut in with God. My soul can witness to the truth of this, this morning.
I want to say a word of caution to my dear brethren and sisters, and take a large portion of it to myself. I am almost ready, yea, do now, wipe the tears from my eyes that I have been overtaken in the fault of light conversation. Depend upon it, in proportion as we let in the spirit of the world, the dove-like Spirit of Jesus will go out.
There are only three Sabbath-keepers in this large city, but to any of the saints who may feel discouraged at this, I would say, cheer up, dear brother or sister, a better day is coming, when the latter rain with "bright clouds" will appear, not with black clouds, as we have now when it rains. That will be full of refreshment.
I must say that the Advent preaching has spoilt, for me, the preaching in the nominal churches. I cannot profit hearing their see-saw preaching.
O what a blessed meeting, when all the saints get home—to see the untold millions break through the tombs of marble and come up from the old churchyards, clothed with immortality, and the martyrs of Jesus, and the ocean casting out every jewel that has been buried in a watery grave. Immortality! It is enough to enrapture our souls with holy fire until Jesus comes.
Shortly he will come. He said he would come again. The two shining ones that saw him when he went up told the men of Galilee that he would come again in the same manner that they saw him go up. No Spiritualism about this! He went up in a visible body, and he will come in the same; and holy angels will escort him down the skies! Is not this heart cheering? When we meet with trials, though they may thwart our natural feelings, yet all things work together for good to them that love God.
HENRY EMMONS.
Boston, Mass., Aug. 8th, 1854.
Irasburg, Vt., Tent Meeting.
By Josiah Hart; Frederick Wheeler
THIS meeting was one of interest. About one hundred and fifty were gathered on the Sabbath, and a large congregation on First-day. I think there was the best attention to the word spoken that we have witnessed at any of our Tent Meetings. There was an ardent desire in the church for a revival of the work of the Lord among them. Our hearts are encouraged while we see so many coming out to hear the truth.
Brethren, let us take hold of the work anew, praying the Lord to revive his work among us, that we may be prepared to nourish those who shall come into the truth. The way is opening wide. There are many who have ears to hear, and souls will be brought into the truth as fast as the church shall be prepared to receive them. Brethren, it is time we were awake. Gird on the armor anew. The Lord is waiting to be gracious. He is willing to give his Holy Spirit, in great measure, to those prepared to receive it. May the Lord prepare us for the work that is before us.
JOSIAH HART.
FREDERICK WHEELER.
ELIZA A. COOPER
By Eliza A. Cooper
From Sister Cooper.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I am still striving for the kingdom, still trying to hold fast that no man take my crown. Truly it is a trying time; the love of many has waxed cold; darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness the people; the Devil has come down in great wrath because he knows he hath but a short time : yet in the midst of all this I am not discouraged; for Jesus says, Look up! Why look up now? Because redemption is near. Glory be to the Lord for his word, and for the light of truth that shines upon my pathway. The loud cry will soon be heard.
I am glad to see the paper as it comes weekly, and the exhortations from the dear brethren and sisters. Some of them I have seen, and others I am expecting to see very soon, when we shall see as we are seen and know as we are known.
Yours looking for deliverance soon.
ELIZA A. COOPER
Aug. 19th, 1854.
Extracts of Letters.
By Editor
BRO. H. S. Boyd writes from Lyme, N. H., Aug. 20th, 1854:—"Myself and family are alone in this place, trying to keep all of the commandments of God, surrounded on all sides by enemies of the present truth. We have some trials, and some inconvenience on account of the stand we have taken on the Lord's side. But he has, hitherto, sustained us, and we trust will still enable us to stand, and convey us safely through all that it is his will we should suffer in our short pilgrimage here. Although we meet scorn and contempt from those who once were our friends, yet we feel that our loss and sacrifice is very small compared with the glory that is soon to be revealed."
FOREIGN NEWS.
The war news by the Asia, although brief, is highly important. On the 9th, Prince (Alexander) Gorchakoff announced to the Austrian Government that Moldavia, as well as Wallachia, will be immediately evacuated. Consequently the Austrian troops on their way to Gallicia, the Bukovina and Transylvania have received orders to halt for the present. Simultaneously with this announcement is a telegraphic statement that 3,000 French troops have effected a lodgment in the island of Aland, and that an equal number have landed on the Isthmus of Perekop, to prevent Russian re-enforcements from reaching the Crimea.
Sir Charles Napier was to attack Bomarsund “next day,” and a formidable expedition against Sevastopol was making ready to embark on board the fleet of transports that had assembled in the bay of Varna.
The other items of interest by this arrival are the death of the King of Saxony, and the indictment of Queen Christiana on a charge of treason, before the Spanish Cortes.
A force of 18,000 Russians has arrived at Tiflis, after three months on the march.
The Paris Moniteur of to-day, (11th) publishes the Austrian demand on Russia, with the Russian reply. Also, the answer of the French Government refusing to grant an armistice, but stating that peace may be had on the following terms: First, Abolition of the Russian protectorate over Wallachia, Servia and Moldavia; Second, Freedom of the mouths of the Danube; Third, Revision of the Treaty of 1841 with reference to the limits of Russia in the Black Sea; and Fourth, No power to have protectorate over Turkish subjects.
Five prisoners were executed at Parma on the 4th, for having taken part in the recent insurrection.
On the 9th of August the carriage in which the King of Saxony was driving, was overturned at a place called Inst., near Insprück. (Another dispatch says “near Brennbuchell.”) The King was thrown among the horses' feet, and received a kick which fractured his skull. He died half an hour afterwards.
Progress of Ghostology in America.
We have latterly not heard much about the spiritual phenomena so called, the last important event in that line which we now recollect having been the formation of Mr. N. P. Tallmadge's and Mr. H. H. Day's orthodox association of acolytes in the new revelation. But though the public attention is no longer called to the subject as when its wonders possessed the attraction of novelty, it is not to be supposed that the business of ghost-seeing and table-pounding is checked in the least, or that the conversion of sceptics is not going forward with as much rapidity as ever. The literature of the phenomena is increasing—there are not less, we should say, than about a hundred distinct books upon them—and the journals devoted to their weekly exposition, numerous as they are, all wear the aspect of thrift and prosperity. One of them calculates that over 200,000 persons—we believe that is the figure—have been raised out of the abyss of absolute infidelity into belief in spiritual existence by the intervention of the rapping, tipping and elbow-jerking ghosts. In the medical line, too, these mysterious agencies are doing a strong business. Aside from the prescribing mediums and somnambulists,—not to be confounded with those whose illuminated transparencies every evening in Broadway attract the crowd of passers to see the spiritual demonstrations at one or two shillings admission,—there are various remedies of ghostly origin which proffer health to the suffering at the most reasonable rates.
N. Y. Tribune.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
1. In writing to this Office, let everything of a business nature be put on a part of the sheet by itself, or on a separate sheet, so as not to be mixed up with other matters.
2. Be careful to write all names of persons and places, plainly and distinctly.
3. In all cases give the name of the Post Office, County and State. When a Town or Village is called by one name, and the Post Office by another, be sure to give the name of the Post Office.
4. When the direction of a paper is to be changed, do not forget to mention the Office to which it has been sent.
5. Let everything be stated explicitly, and in as few words as will express the writer's meaning.
6. In writing texts of scripture, be sure to copy from the Bible correctly. It is no small sin to carelessly mangle the Word of God as some do.
If the above directions are complied with, we shall be saved much time and perplexity, and be less liable to mistakes in transacting the business of the Office.
Business.
By Editor
C. B. PRESTON.—The $1 was not received; but we now send the books.
A. Belden.—See $1 receipted in No. 2.
R. Hicks.—We refer the matter to the Publishing Committee, and abide by their decision. We have no time to give the matter personal attention.
Brn. Stephenson and Hall.—We shall be pleased to receive from each of you eight or ten pages of manuscript each week.
H. S. Boyd.—The REVIEW has been sent regularly to your address.
H. C. Crumb.—Your letter contained $5 only.
Tent Meeting at Jackson, Hastings and Waverly, Mich.
By John Norton Loughborough
As our brethren may be anxious to hear of our success with the tent, we will make a brief statement of our meetings in the above named place.
In Jackson bitter prejudice had existed against those who observe the Sabbath of the Lord. Our meeting held there from July 28th, to Aug. 6th, proved effectual in removing much of this prejudice. Some 600 or more respectable citizens listened with candor to the reasons of our faith. A better state of feeling exists there concerning our brethren.
Our meeting at Hastings has opened the way for future labors there. One individual who had long opposed the commandment-keepers and positively declined attending their meetings, was prevailed upon to attend the Tent-meeting; and after hearing one lecture through, he made the following remark, 'How foolish a man is to judge of a matter before he hears it.' Quite an interest was manifested through our lecture there. A number purchased full sets of books, desiring to understand fully the reasons of our faith. At Waverly our congregations were not large, as the country where our Tent was pitched was new. Although our congregations were small, they were interesting. Some were deeply affected by the truth, and we trust the commandment-keepers there will yet see better times.
Bro. Cornell was not present at the two last named meetings, as it was thought best to hold a two days' meeting at Delhi. His time was occupied in that direction. Bro. J. B. Frisbie attended these meetings, and assisted in speaking the word. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Letters.
C. B. Preston, R. Hicks, S. S. Miller, A. M. Curtis.
Receipts.
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By Editor
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The Law of God: Testimony of Both Testaments:—132 pp.—10 cts.—postage 1 ct.
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Christian Experience and Views—6 cents.
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Tent Meeting at Panton, Vt.
PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a Tent-meeting at Panton, Vt., near Bro. H Gardner's, to commence Sept. 8th at 5 o'clock P. M., and will continue as long as circumstances will allow.
JOSIAH HART,
E. P BUTLER,
H. BINGHAM,
ALBERT STONE,
Committee of Arrangements.
Tent Meetings.
By John Norton Loughborough; Merritt E. Cornell
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold a Tent-meeting in Saline, Washtenaw Co., commencing Sabbath, Sept. 2d, at 10 1/2 o'clock, A. M., and continue over two Sabbaths.
Also at Shelby, McComb Co., as Bro. Rathbone shall arrange, commencing Sabbath, Sept. 16th, at 10 1/2 o'clock A. M., and continue over First-day.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
M. E. CORNELL.
Appointment.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will labor in Northern New York a few weeks, commencing the first of September.
W. S. INGRAHAM.
PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a Grove Meeting at Norfolk, St Law. Co., commencing Sept. 1st at 2 o'clock P. M. and holding over Sabbath and First-day.