THE circumstances which attended the commencement of meetings in this place were somewhat discouraging. But as the meeting has progressed, the congregations have steadily increased in numbers, and the interest to hear on the present truth does not in the least abate. The idle shepherds have aroused enough to cry, Wolf! Wolf!! and earnestly exhort their sheep to keep away from the tent; but their unwonted zeal has only served to awaken the curiosity of the people who are anxious to learn what can have so much disturbed their ministers: consequently they rush out en masse to hear for themselves, and as they listen to plain, common sense expositions of the Scriptures, they are convinced of the truth. A spirit of inquiry has been awakened, and the people are generally searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. They can no longer rest satisfied with the mere assertions of their ministers.
Many have listened to the teachers of the place as they have attempted to put down the truth and those who taught it, with calumny and bitter sarcasm, and they are not only dissatisfied with their foolish arguments, but actually disgusted with their want of candor and christian courtesy. We confidently expect a goodly number will unite to exalt the standard of truth in this place.
We have been reminded since coming here, of the opposition to, and ultimate triumph of the truth in Gilboa, Ohio. It has been very similar here, and we look for like results. We are much encouraged as we witness the power of present truth, and see how error vanishes before the clear shining light of God's word. The truth is plain and easily defended, and it is well it is so; for all the talent and learning of men is brought to bear against it.
Some have expressed their surprise that the Lord's servants could be so calm and patient under such irritating circumstances; being abused and slandered by professed fellow-servants; but we reply in the words of the Psalmist, 'Great peace have they that117love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.'
Surely those who are conscious of being on the side of truth can afford to be calm and patient, while pure truth itself bears away the victory.
As we have witnessed the anxiety of the people to hear the truth, as they have come in, in this busy season of the year, from four to six miles, and often through the storm, to return in the darkness and rain, we have been reminded of the time spoken of by the prophet, "Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water; but of hearing the words of the Lord."
Many seem to feast upon the truth as it is spoken with energy and love by the servants of God, and we believe it will prove a savor of life unto life to many here. Thirty-nine have already subscribed for the Review (most of them for three months to investigate) and several have come out decidedly on the Sabbath. At the last meeting twenty manifested their determination to keep the Sabbath, by rising up, and we have just heard that in the country, a class-leader, with his entire class, has come out on the Sabbath. We have daily prayer-meetings in the tent, where we get blessed, and the Lord's servants are strengthened and encouraged.
We do not feel satisfied with the theory only, but long for the power of the truth and victory. Baptism is to be administered next First-day. The Lord is good, and may he speed on the last message, is our prayer. We desire to be remembered by all who have faith.
M. E. CORNELL.
Lapeer, Mich., Aug. 11th, 1858.
TELEGRAPHIC RELIGION.
By Editor
"At the Fulton street Prayer-meeting on Saturday, a gentleman introduced the subject of the Ocean Telegraph as one of the great instruments of extending the knowledge of Christ among all nations, and proposed that, in imitation of the Andover meeting, all should rise and sing the long metre doxology,
'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.'
"It was done, when Dr. Marsh led in fervent prayer and thanksgiving. The subject gave great life to the meeting, and, at the close, a gentleman proposed that, as soon as it should be in working order, a message should be sent from this meeting to praying brethren abroad, not merely to one city, but to distant nations, saying, Let us go and pray speedily together before the Lord."—Tribune.
Query: How much life would have been given to that meeting if some one had arisen and announced that the second advent of the Saviour was nigh at hand? How long before such testimony would have been silenced in anger or contempt? The professed christians of modern times have a very great love for their Lord, provided he will keep a great way off. But their love is not of that kind which would long to behold him in glory, and welcome his approach. In view of these facts, should the announcement be made that the Saviour had actually made his appearance in the clouds of heaven, how suddenly would the most vigorous union prayer-meeting change its character to a meeting of weeping and gnashing of teeth! Yet the piety of these assemblies is put into a wonderful state of activity by the success of the Atlantic telegraph. What must we think of a piety which is put into vigorous exercise by an event like this, while at the same time it grows sullen or feverish at the idea of the glorious advent of the coming Messiah—the being whom, above all else, it professes to love? Such hypocrisy is too glaring to be covered up, and too transparent to deceive.
Another remark of Henry Ward Beecher's we must chronicle in connection with this event, as we may soon have occasion to realize its fulfillment. He says, "What is spoken at 12 in London will be known to us at 8, according to our time; and the enterprises of all the commercial centers and political capitals of the world will be known to us in less than one hour's time; and when revolutions shall move the old kingdoms, when these throes begin to be felt, in one hour we shall feel the same apprehensions and torments."
LIARS' DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
BLESSED are ye, says the Saviour, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. According to present prospects we shall soon be in a position to claim that promise in its fullest extent. The voice of slander, public as well as private, is beginning to be more frequently heard. The following account of the meetings Bro. Waggoner lately held in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, as given by a writer in "The Cedar Valley Times," will illustrate:
'THE ISMITES.—For some time past there has been some kind of a religious sect holding meetings in this place. They have a large circus tent in which they preach and pray with great furor. They hold that the world is going to turn a corner and go to ruin in a fearfully short time—that all the so-called "orthodox" churches are going to hell—that the United States is "the last beast"—that the soul sometimes dies—that their own is the only true religion, &c. A great many more go to hear their dogmas than would be supposed, while several have joined them. Some say they are Millerites, some that they are Mormons in disguise, and others that they are Spiritualists. They seem to be propped up on all these doctrines, and it requires a critical distinction to determine their character. Some of them have asserted that a man might have three wives, with a privilege of a change at any time—that smacks of Mormonism; they argue the destruction of the world in the present generation—that is Millerism; they say, "marriages are made in heaven," and that, in view of the short period of our stay here, it is not best to be married, but just make a temporary "selection"—which looks to me like Spiritualism, Freeloverism, or any thing of that character. For want of a better name, I call them Ismites. Some of the "wise men" of this vicinity have been annoying these sophists with hard questions, insomuch that they have struck their tent, and are about to seek new quarters.'
Some of our readers will recollect that the 'Midnight Cry' in 1843, found it necessary to have a 'Liars' Department,' in order to show up and refute the foul slanders then perpetrated against believers in the soon coming of the Saviour. Such a department may again be necessary. The above paragraph would answer for a very good commencement.
"IF IT BE OF GOD YE CANNOT OVER-THROW IT."
By M. E. Cornell
(Concluded.)
AFTER our meetings had been in progress several days, it was announced that Prof. S. A. Taft of the Oxford College was coming to Lapeer. At this, some of the Baptist friends who were somewhat troubled about the subjects of the Sabbath, man's mortality, &c., were much rejoiced, hoping that he would sustain the popular view of these subjects. But alas for them! what must have been their chagrin to learn that Prof. Taft held to the perpetuity of the seventh-day Sabbath, and man's entire mortality. Eld. Taft delivered two very interesting discourses in the Court House, which, as one of the Baptist members afterwards admitted, was a complete confirmation of what we had presented in the tent. We attended and took notes, from which we extract the following. Text, Gal. iv, 4, 5.
1. There never was a time when the powers of darkness pressed stronger than to-day. That awful doctrine that "man is his own Saviour," is rapidly spreading over the earth; from the north to the south pole, from the rising to the setting sun, it is the same.
2. God appointed the time for the destruction of Babylon, Jerusalem, and finally for the end of all things. He has fixed the bounds.
3. When I speak of God, I mean the God of the Bible, and not the effigy of the God of humanity, that has no Son Jesus Christ.
4. Millions to-day are denying Jesus Christ. Am acquainted with a Methodist minister and a Baptist minister who once rejoiced in the atonement through Christ, that now deny the efficacy of his blood entirely.
5. Did not Christ pre-exist? Did man pre-exist? The Bible denies the lie; Beecher to the contrary notwithstanding.
6. Denies that Jesus Christ possessed two distinct natures, human and divine. Jesus on the cross is everything to the sinner.
7. What is it to be redeemed from under the law? Explains, to buy them out from under the law. We are to-day subjects of moral law. All, even angels, are subject of this law. This law links universal humanity to God. But men are at war with this law. Sin is here. This law cannot justify because it is broken. If angels could envy, they would envy the redeemed.
The above sentiments were advanced with a zeal and independence that were truly commendable, considering the position occupied by the speaker.
Prof. Taft's advice concerning the war that was being waged against us by the clergy of the place was: "They had better let these men alone, for they have too much Scripture on their side to be overthrown."
Eld. Woodruff (Presbyterian) undertakes against us. In addition to the usual arguments, such as, thief on the cross, rich man and Lazarus, &c., there was a great amount of low slang, so that even his own members were disgusted with it.
To destroy Job's testimony he endeavored to show that Job impeached himself—was excited, &c. In reply we quoted what God said to Satan. Job i, 8. "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil." Also what God said to Eliphaz, the Temanite, Job xlii, 7. "My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends, for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath."
Again Eld. W. says, Abraham stated a falsehood when he said of his wife, "She is my sister." If I should say such a thing, you would not hear me preach.
In reply we referred the people to Abraham's explanation. See Gen. xx, 12. "And yet indeed she is my sister, she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife." We also referred to what God said of Abraham in verse 7. "He is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live," &c. Also in verse 17. "So Abraham prayed unto God, and God healed Abimelech," &c. Also chap. xxvi, 5. "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws," all of which could not be true, if Abraham was such a liar that the like at the present time would not be worthy of a hearing.
Eld. Borden (Methodist) enters the ranks against us. Text, Jer. xxiii, 21. "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran, I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied." Remarks. It is characteristic of a false prophet to go without being sent. Paul, Luther, Wesley, &c., were sent. A false prophet goes out upon his own hook, and generally aims at the true prophets. This is true of Mormonism, Spiritualism, and an ism now among us without a name.
In reply we called attention to the context. Verse 17. "They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said ye shall have peace," &c., and remarked that it did not apply to us, for our message was an alarm—a solemn warning—exactly opposite the peace and safety cry. Again. If Martin Luther was called and sent, he declared that the doctrine that the soul is immortal was from the Roman dung-hill of decretals. We then inquired if Luther was not a dissenter from the established church the same as we are, and if so, how can it be shown that he had any more authority than those who are now dissenters?
Subsequently Eld. Woodruff took up the Sabbath question:
1. The first day of the week is the only Sabbath; any other day is against Christ. If I were convinced that the seventh day was now the Sabbath I would keep it according to present reckoning.
2. It is infidel Judaism to teach the seventh day.
3. It is impossible to find the first day; consequently the seventh cannot be known.
4. Many in this place are being deceived; they may be honest, but the deceiver knows better.
All these efforts against the truth have only served to advance it; for the mass of the people are convinced that our positions cannot be overthrown, hence they must be of God. Truth is mighty and will prevail.
M. E. CONNELL.
Lapeer, Mich., Aug. 13th, 1858.
Extracts from Schmucker.
Rev. xiii. This beast of the sea can be no other power on earth than the Papal Hierarchy. It must be evident that this beast cannot be the symbol of a merely temporal power, such as the secular Roman empire; but a mixed power; clothed with temporal and spiritual authority. For it has a name of blasphemy, is worshiped itself, and even his image is worshiped, and the second beast acquires the name of false prophet on that very account, because he deludes the people to worship the first beast and his image. Moreover this book surely contains a prophetic account of Antichrist somewhere, and where will you meet with him in all this prophecy, except in this beast?
The more ancient Asiatic writers on religious subjects, represent nations, tribes, kingdoms, empires, and even ecclesiastical communities, by the hieroglyphics of certain beasts. In the selection of these beasts, they are guided by a knowledge of their qualities and dispositions, by which they express the most remarkable achievements, and distinguishing characteristics of those nations, tribes, or governments whom they represent. When this character cannot be fully expressed by the qualities and known dispositions of one beast, the writer forms a compound hieroglyphic, and describes it as performing extraordinary actions, in order to complete all the prominent features of his object. This manner of writing has been adopted by most of the inspired writers of the Old Testament, particularly by Daniel, who drew the contour of the principal parts of different beasts, in order to represent the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, and the Roman empire; and the Lord has here adhered to his ancient mode of revelation, in depicting the Romish hierarchy.
As we are now entering upon the investigation of a most important point, I would caution the reader, never to assist in classing the righteous with the wicked. Charity demands that we should make a distinction between the Romish church and Papacy. That community is still considered a Christian church, but the Papal hierarchy is an infernal offspring; and the names of those who breathe that spirit are not written in the book of life. There are yet many children of God in that church, who have not entered into the spirit of the Papacy, nor devoted themselves to its views, whom the Lord will call from thence in due season. Rev. xviii. 4.
[The controversy always has been, and still is, with the rulers of the darkness of this world with spiritual wickedness in high places. On the poor, ignorant, deluded followers of a false religion we should "have compassion, making a difference."]—R. F. C
During the first century of the Christian era, the bishop of Rome was no more than a common minister of the gospel; all ordained pastors of the church at the head of a congregation, being called bishops at that time. He was even considered inferior in point of reputation, to the bishop of Jerusalem; she being the mother and pattern of all other Christian churches, planted by the Saviour's own hand, and nursed by the apostles. Even at the close of the third century, he had only the charge of one congregation, to which he was elected by the suffrages of the common people; though he seems to have then enjoyed a pre-eminence of order in synods and provincial councils, on account of age, or respectability of the church of Rome. Shortly afterwards the bishops of Rome, Antioch and Alexandria assumed the title of patriarchs, to which the bishop of Constantinople was added A. D. 381. This so incensed the arrogant prelates at Rome, who now met with formidable rivals in the bishops of Constantinople, that these patriarchs opposed each other in their growing authority, by every means in their power, until they caused a total separation of the Latin and Greek churches. These ambitious contentions kindled that Antichristian spirit in the minds of the Roman pontiffs, which caused them to aspire to universal supremacy in the whole Christian church.
(To be Continued.)
The Evidence of True Holiness
You have the word of Christ to trust, when you have not his comfortable presence to enjoy.
The evidence of true holiness is, hatred to, mourning over, and forsaking sin.
Report from the Lincklaen Church
By Benj. Hostler
From Bro. Hostler.
Bro. Smith: Again through the tender mercies of God I am permitted to address a few lines through the Review to the saints scattered through this extensive country. I feel to thank the Lord that he gave us our being in these last days, and that we ever heard the last message of mercy and inclined our hearts to receive the present truth, to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.
Dear brethren and sisters, be encouraged to persevere unto the end. It is true, obedience to God has, and is still, subjecting us to many trials and privations; but in a little while if we are faithful we shall come off more than conquerers, and have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.
Of the little church in Lincklaen, which has waded through many trials, some are still trying to live and be prepared for the coming of the Lord. They hold their meetings each Sabbath afternoon in the meeting house of the Seventh-day Baptists, where Bro. Poole preaches to the latter in the morning, and meets with the Advent brethren in the afternoon. Also a few of the Baptist brethren and sisters come in with us. May the Lord meet with them and lead them to see and embrace present truth.
One sister, from the preaching of Bro. F. Wheeler last Winter saw and embraced present truth, and meets constantly with us, sister Jellina Cartwright. Bro. Jas. E. N. Backus, of Utica, N. Y., Agt. of the Chenango Bible Society, was distributing Bibles through this section last Summer, when we conversed with him on the Sabbath and the soon coming of the Lord. He has since embraced the Sabbath, and the Bible Society have discharged him for embracing that truth which he was sowing broadcast to the people, and have taken away his agency. He now wants to know more fully the way of truth.
Dear brethren, I feel to bless the Lord. Let us take encouragement and proclaim the truth whether men will hear or whether they will forbear, and let us be careful to live out these truths daily.
Yours striving for the inheritance of the saints.
Lincklaen, N. Y., Aug. 3d, 1858. Benj. Hostler.
What Saith the Scripture?
By J. B. Merritt
It saith that all flesh is grass, and the glory of man as the flower of grass. It saith that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It saith that the end of all things is at hand. It saith that all souls are mine, and the soul that sinneth it shall die. It says that except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. And while Jesus says, Come unto me all ye ends of the earth and be saved, can it be possible that any rational person can sport upon the brink of everlasting death, and reject the counsels of God against themselves? Yet it is so. Atheists mock his long delay. Skeptics and infidels say, Where is the promise of his coming? And even the professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth nor in righteousness, while they offer the lame and blind in sacrifice, and polluted bread upon his altar, and are gone away from his ordinances and have not kept them.
O, ye that fear the Lord and tremble at his word! is it not time that the Spirit of the Lord lift up a standard when the enemy appears to be coming in like a flood? Has not the time come when violence has arisen into a rod of wickedness, and pride budded? Has not the time come when some have departed from the faith, and are giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils? If so, is it not time that we should trim our lamps, and see that our armor is on and rightly adjusted, that we may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, which we may expect ere long to be hurled at us? For the time has come that good desires and good wishes are not enough; but they must be accompanied with good actions. It is not enough that we have the doctrine in our heads, but obedience must be rendered from the heart. It is not enough to believe that God is, and that he will reward, but he must be diligently sought. Therefore let all those that look for the soon coming of the Son of man on the white cloud, be careful to depart from all iniquity; for God is not mocked, but will bring every work into judgment, whether it be good or evil.
"How careful then ought we to live,
With what religious fear,
Who such a strict account must give
For our behaviour here."
J. B. Merritt.
Gilboa, Ohio, Aug. 13th, 1858.
THE WEARY PILGRIM.
By Wm. Putnam
O when will those dark clouds be o'er,
That so obstruct our sight?
And we descry that heavenly shore,
All radiant with light?
Yes, when will that bright morn appear,
That scatters night away?
When we shall soar to realms above—
To everlasting day?
There to behold my Saviour's face,
And in his presence dwell?
There to recount his acts of grace,
And songs of rapture swell?
Then why my soul indulge in grief,
And like an exile mourn?
Wait rather for that sweet relief,
The Saviour's call, "Come home."
Hush every murmuring thought or fear,
A little longer wait.
Soon we shall meet our kindred dear
Within the pearly gate.
WM. PUTNAM.
Buckland, Mass
LETTERS,
By C. G. Daniels
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another"
From Bro. Daniels.
BRO. SMITH: Inasmuch as there are a few individuals in this vicinity who have received the third angel's message, and are trying to prepare for the speedy coming of Christ, I feel it my duty to let the brethren know through the Review where we are. We live seven miles south of Defiance, Ohio. I was at Gilboa last Fall when Bro. Cornell was there with the tent, with my wife and oldest son, where we received the present truth; and we have been trying to practice it in our lives ever since. We were members of the Freewill Baptist church when we commenced keeping the Sabbath; but they soon turned us out of their synagogue. I praise the Lord that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's sake.
Brethren and sisters, I think we are getting out of the mist and fog of Babylon into the clear sunshine of God's truth. Bro. Rhodes came this way in May, and delivered a few lectures in this neighborhood, which has caused quite an inquiry for the truth. He gave one or two short lectures at Bro. St. John's. There was no appointment circulated, and of course but few hearers; but since he left, ten have received the truth, and are keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment
I went to Bro. St. John's last Sixth-day and stayed over Sabbath. The Sabbath-keepers assembled at Bro. Stiles, where we all united in prayer and thanksgiving. We truly had a refreshing season, and I think we all felt that the Lord was in our midst. Some eight or nine gave testimony for the truth, and said they were determined to keep all the commandments. We want Bro. Rhodes, or some other brother who is authorized to administer baptism to come this way, as there are some here waiting to go forward in that ordinance. Cannot the church do something towards sending a minister this way?
I think the Ohio tent would do well to come to Defiance. Brethren traveling from Gilboa through Defiance would do well to call on those brethren eight miles east of Defiance. Inquire for James St. John, or David Stiles.
Yours striving for the kingdom.
C. G. DANIELS.
Shannon Ridge, Ohio., July 28th, 1858.
(THE SISTER REFERRED TO BY BRO. HOSTLER.)
By Jellina Cartwright
From Sister Cartwright.
(THE SISTER REFERRED TO BY BRO. HOSTLER.)
Bro. Smith: The warnings of Bro. F. Wheeler took deep root in my heart. I felt under his preaching that it was high time for me to search the word of God and see if these things were so. I felt that I wanted to know the whole truth. I searched the word, and bless the Lord, the light has come. I feel that present truth is Bible truth—the truth for the last days. It appears beautiful to me. May the Lord help me to be a living witness of it.
In hope of eternal life.
JELLINA CARTWRIGHT.
Lincklaen, N. Y.
The Gilboa Believers
By J. B. Merritt
From Bro. Merritt.
BRO. SMITH: I love to read the Review and hear from the dear saints scattered abroad¹; I also believe it advocates the truth. The little band at Gilhoa are still trying to advance in the cause of the dear Redeemer. Although some have turned back again, we meet regularly on the Lord's Sabbath, and try to encourage one another, and we trust that the Spirit of the Lord is with us, as our meetings are generally interesting and encouraging.
As for myself, when I review the past and contrast it with the present, I have to exclaim, Truly the Lord has been merciful unto me, in not cutting me off as a cumberer of the ground. After professing to believe and read the Bible for over twenty years, I am not a little astonished that I never saw the truth as it now shines on the sacred page. I now see plainly that if I do not arise and escape for my life, the storm of wrath will overtake me. But I feel to bless the Lord that there is a name given by which we can be saved, and I praise the name of our God that I feel a disposition to do all of the commandments, that I may stand acquitted in the day when the Son of man shall come on the white cloud, with all the holy angels with him, to gather his elect from the four quarters of the globe.
J. B. MERRITT.
Gilboa, Ohio, Aug., 1858.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. D. W. Johnson writes from Kirby, Wyandot Co., O.: "The Review is the only preaching I expect to have here for some time. The nearest Sabbath-keeper is twenty-six miles from me; but I can praise the Lord; for I find him faithful to all his promises. I believe that the Lord's coming is near, even at the door, in view of the deception practiced by the devil, and by the signs of the times. The dragon is wroth in Ohio with those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I never thought that professors of religion could spurn the Commandments of God as they do here. I had some talk with a Methodist preacher that I had been acquainted with for years, and one that I highly esteemed; but when he could not find any scripture for keeping Sunday, he became angry and said that we were false prophets, and were on the road to hell. We expect to stand at last, however, on mount Zion."
Bro. J. P. Fletcher writes from Winnebago City, Min.: "Bro. Smith, For the first time I address a few lines to you. One year ago last Spring I had the privilege of hearing Bro. J. Steward lecture on the prophecies of Daniel, and was thereby led to a more thorough study of the Bible, by which I found that I had embraced the traditions of men instead of the truth of the Bible. I then embraced the Advent belief, and I am still trying to keep the commandments of God.
"I moved from Juneau Co., Wis., last Spring. I have not found any in this vicinity of like precious faith. The Third Angel's Message has not been proclaimed here, and my prayer is that the Lord would send some Advent speaker this way."
Bro. H. Grover of Green Creek, Ohio, wishes to enter his protest against the use of tobacco. Having become thoroughly cured of the habit, himself, he offers the following recipe for all those who may be still under its influence:
Take about equal proportions of Ambition, Resolution and Determination; mix them thoroughly; and partake freely of this mixture three times a day, to regulate the mind. Then take of Love to God, and Faith, in equal quantities, as much as the soul can contain. Keep it full continually. The more you have of this, the less effect the appetite for tobacco will have. If these directions are followed, a thorough cure in three months is warranted.
Bro. Wm. T. Davis, a Welshman, writes from Malta, Ills., narrating his experience in the reception of the present truth. On his way from Iowa to Minnesota, it appears, he fell in with Bro. McLaughlin of Dodgeville, Wis., with Bro. Stanley, at Baraboo, and heard Bro. Steward preach at Mauston. He returned to Harvard, McHenry Co., Ills. There Bro. Phelps came to preach, and by him he was baptized June, 29th, 1858.
Sister L. Locke writes from Ayersville, Ohio, Aug. 1858: "When I moved to this part of the State I brought Wm. Miller's Lectures, and some other Advent books, and lent them to those who would read; and some saw the truth, but we did not meet with much opposition until Bro. Rhodes came here last Spring and left some books on the Sabbath, and some of us saw the light, and began to keep the true Sabbath. Then the church was in trouble; (for we all belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church;) and they wished us to withdraw; but we told them that we had nothing in particular against the church; and I told them that I would keep both days. But they brought a charge against me, not for violating their Sabbath, but for keeping the true Sabbath, and lending the books that taught it; and they turned me out. There were about twelve altogether that withdrew, or were dropped; so that there are about twelve of us here now, that are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. We can truly say the Sabbath is a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. We should like very much to have some preaching brethren come this way. There are some that wish to be baptized. We live about six miles from Defiance, Ohio."
NOTE.—The church to which our sister refers seems to be rather in advance of others in the spirit of intolerance. People would usually be allowed to keep the Sabbath, unmolested, provided they would also bow down to the Sunday institution, with all due reverence. But to take the position that a person shall keep Sunday, and shall not keep any other day in addition to it, is taking a step in bigotry beyond anything we have ever yet seen.—Ed.
Sister C. Gazin writes from Indian River, N. Y., Aug. 11th, 1858: "I feel, and have felt for some time past, more of a determination to put my whole trust in God, and strive by his grace to rise above the transitory things of earth, and meet the remnant upon mount Zion. I want to say to the messengers of Christ, Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; for there may yet be some poor souls starving as I was for the bread of life, with no one to administer it to me until those dear brethren came here.
"You doubtless have many trials and discouragements to pass through, caused by those you are striving to save from everlasting death; but do not falter, for Jesus is your friend, and he says, Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Bro. Edson and his companion stayed with us last night, and through their words of encouragement I feel very much strengthened. May the Lord bless them, with all who are trying to serve their heavenly Master. Pray for my companion that he may see that he must have the Faith of Jesus in order to keep the Commandments of God acceptably, and for me that I may have grace and wisdom to live blameless before all, that may be saved in his kingdom with the redeemed."
Bro. J. L. Hakes writes from East Granville, Vt., Aug. 14th, 1858: "Although buffeted by Satan, and at times almost overcome by him, I am yet determined to persevere to the end. Says Jesus, He that endures to the end shall be saved. I am thankful for the light that has shown upon my pathway since I embraced the present truth. I am very lonely at times. I feel that this world is not my home, that I am a pilgrim and a stranger here; but I am looking for an inheritance which is incorruptible and fadeth not away.
"It cheers my heart to hear the testimonies which are given through The Review. It seems as though I could not do without it, separated as I am from the people of God."
Keeping All the Commandments
By P. Robinson
From Sister Robinson.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I am striving to keep all the commandments of God that I may enter that glorious city where all the care-worn, weary saints will find rest. My heart leaps for joy as I contemplate the reward of the finally faithful. O shall we not be willing to suffer the scorn of a wicked world? Shall we not be willing to be anything or nothing for Christ's sake, knowing if the world hate us, it hated him before it hated us?
I think the brethren and sisters in this part of the State are trying to arise and gird on the armor, and prepare to meet the King when he comes. I feel to praise the Lord for the light of the Third Angel's Message, which I have been trying to heed since last October. I can truly say with David, How love I thy law?
O let us lay all on the altar, self and all, and die a greater death to the world than we ever have done. If Christ should come and find us loving the world, would he say, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?
Let us endeavor to keep all the commandments, fearless of what mortals can say or do. We shall ere long enter into that rest that remains for the people of God.
Your sister striving for the kingdom.
P. ROBINSON.
Ashappon, Dodge Co., Wis.
Selected for REVIEW.
By Wilberforce
If the principles of love, and gratitude, and joy, and hope, and trust, are not utterly extinct within us, they cannot but be called forth by the various corresponding objects which the contemplation of our blessed Redeemer would gradually bring forth to our view. Well might the language of the Apostle be addressed to Christians, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Pet. i. 8.
Our blessed Saviour, if we may be permitted so to say, is not removed far from us; and the various relations in which we stand towards him seem purposefully made known to us, in order to furnish so many different bonds of connection with him, and consequent occasions of continual intercourse. He exhibits not himself to us "dark with excessive brightness," but is let down as it were to the possibilities of human converse. We may not think that he is incapable of entering into our little concerns, and sympathizing with them; for we are graciously assured that he is not one "who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, having been in all points tempted like as we are." Heb. iv. 15. The figures under which he is represented are such as convey ideas of the utmost tenderness. "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isa. xl. 11. "They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." Isa. xlix. 10. "I will not leave you orphans," was one of his last consolatory declarations. John xiv. 18.
The children of Christ are here separated from the personal view of him; but not from his paternal affection and paternal care. Meanwhile let them quicken their regards by the animating anticipation of that blessed day, when he who is gone to prepare a place for them, will come again to receive them unto himself. Then shall they be admitted to his more immediate presence. "Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known." 1 Cor. xiii. 12. The Christian's hope is founded, not on the speculations or the strength of man, but on the declaration of him who cannot lie—on the power of Omnipotence.
We learn from the Scriptures that it is one main part of the operations of the Holy Spirit to implant the heavenly principles in the human mind and to cherish their growth. We are encouraged to believe that, in answer to our prayers, this aid from above will give efficacy to our earnest endeavors, if used in humble dependence on divine grace.
The Foolishness of Preaching
Dr. Noyes of Hartford, Ct., once said, when commenting on that verse of St. Paul, "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe," Paul does not say by foolish preaching, for if it had been by that, the world would have been saved long ago.
Vital Religion
VITAL RELIGION.—It is a great deal easier to repeat "a whole liturgy of prayers" than to govern one's temper, overcome a bad habit, and resist the constantly recurring temptations to self-indulgence. It is a great deal easier to feel good than to be good. It is easier to get up an incoherent fervor of mind than calmly and steadily to pursue the even way of our ordinary duties. To go to church and be excited by solemn music, and to lose one's self in vague emotions—how much more agreeable is this than to stay at home, and amidst the hurry and disorder of daily returning trials, to maintain a quiet and cheerful mind?