Earlier text: ARE MIRACLES PRECLUDED BY THE LAWS OF NATURE?Bro. D. W. Canright writes from Kinderhook, Mich.: "It is remarkable how professors and infidels all agree in opposing present truth. Not long since one of the brethren was preaching on the signs of the times, the falling of the stars, &c. After preaching he gave liberty for any to speak that wished to. An infidel Dr. got up and explained how it happened that the stars fell at that time. He said it took place according to nature, and consequently there was nothing in it. A Baptist minister who was present, responded, Amen. He said that was right; and that if the falling of the stars in 1833 was a fulfillment of Matt. xxiv, then it had been fulfilled a great many times since its prediction by the falling of meteors." REMARKS.—The attempt is made to dispose of the darkening of the sun in 1780 in a similar manner. That can constitute no sign of the end, it is said, because many such events have taken place, in different ages of the world. But the fact that that darkening was connected with particular events, takes it completely out of the hands of our opponents. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days" (the 1260 years of Papal persecution), or as another Evangelist has it, "In those days, after that tribulation," the sun shall be darkened, &c. The tribulation was shortened by the rise of the Reformation, the time arrived for the accomplishment of that prediction and it was fulfilled. Now it matters not if the sun has been darkened a thousand times in past ages of the world, that darkening which was to constitute a sign of the end was to take place at that time, and there it did take place; and being expressly foretold as a sign of the end, no sophistry can explain it away. So with the falling of the stars. The phenomenon of Nov., 1833 was the most remarkable of any of that kind on record. It was foretold in connection with the darkening of the sun and moon. And so we find it following right on in that great series of events by which nature herself seems, as it were, to have been appointed to herald forth to mankind the approaching restitution of all things. Infidels and professors may strike hands to explain these things away; scoffers may scoff at our hope; but the glorious day is coming, redemption is nigh. Let sinners tremble; let the saints rejoice.—ED. BRO. H. C. WHITNEY'S QUESTION.
By James White
"Bro White: Will you compare 2 Cor, iii, 7, with Deut, xxvii, 8; Josh. viii, 32, and tell me what you think of it?. "QUESTION. Were the ten commandments ever engraven in stone? If so, where shall I find it?"85 REPLY. The passages do not refer to the same event. 2 Cor, iii, 8, mentions circumstances with which Moses was personally connected. "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance, &c. But Deut. xxvii, 8; Josh. viii, 31, 32, refer to events which occurred after the death of Moses. "As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, (see Deut. xxvii, 8), an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron, and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings. And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel." As an answer to the "question" we quote Ex, xxxii, 16. "And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God graven upon the tables." But the altar in mount Ebal was built of whole stones and covered with plaster upon which the law of Moses was written. A CALL FOR HELP.
By James White
In the Millennial Harbinger for Dec. 12, 1860, published at Seneca Falls, N. Y., we see the following: "Will Bro. Stephenson answer the following question through the Harbinger? Was it the ten commandments that slew Paul? My reason for asking this question is this, James White asserted that it was. I think that the 29th verse of the 20th chap. of the Acts is applicable to him. J. JEFFREY. "Freeport, Stephenson Co., Ills." It is supposed from the above that Mr. Jeffrey refers to Paul's conversion and not to his martyrdom, yet he does not state which. At our recent call at Crane's Grove, Ills., we spoke to the people one evening on the subject of Bible conversion. We referred to the statements of Paul in Rom. vi and vii, where the law of God is shown to act an important part in the conversion of the sinner. We stated, 1. That the epistle to the Romans was written A. D. 60, at least twenty-five years after the "hand-writing of ordinances" was nailed to the cross; therefore, 2. Paul, in such language as is found in Rom. vii, 9, "For I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came sin revived and I died," must mean, by the word law, the precepts of the moral law; for, 3. It would be folly in the extreme for him to speak thus of a law that had been dead at least twenty-five years. These plain facts, with many others stated in that discourse, seem to have caused trouble in the no-Sabbath camp at Crane's Grove, and Mr. J. M. Stephenson is called upon for help. But how is Acts xx, 29 "applicable?" "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in, not sparing the flock." We went to Crane's Grove single-handed and alone, therefore that part of the passage which speaks of grievous wolves, plural, is not applicable to us. If the passage be at all applicable it must be in this way. We preached one Pauline discourse at Crane's Grove, and after we left, grievous wolves (Clark, Collins, Jeffrey, & Co.,) entered in to do their work, but as the sheep's clothing has fallen off these men, they appear in their true character, and none of the flock are deceived by them. In the Millennial Harbinger for Jan. 2, 1861, we have "Response to Bro. Jeffrey's Question." On reading the response our first impressions were that Mr. Stephenson in his round about course had thrown as much darkness as he had light, even upon the mind of his brother Jeffrey, that some would regard it as very deep, while others would discover that it was very muddy. People sometimes make just such a mistake. Because they cannot see to the bottom of a muddy pool of water, conclude it must be very deep. Perhaps Mr. Jeffrey had better send to the Harbinger another "Request," and ask Mr. Stephenson what is meant in his response by "the bond-man whose children are the Jews," and "the Revision party." J. W. To the Different Churches and Scattered
By E. S. Walker
Members of Seventh-day Adventists
WHERAS the season is rapidly advancing when our Tent should be manned and sent into the field, and in order to do so it is necessary that means should be raised to defray expenses, and for the support of those brethren who go with the Tent, and as there has been no action taken by our Conferences in reference to the matter, we deem it duty to adopt some plan of raising the necessary means as soon as possible; therefore, Resolved, That Five Hundred Dollars be raised for this purpose, and in order to raise said amount we adopt the following plan: Inasmuch as a number of our young brethren have no taxable property, who would esteem it a privilege to bear a part in the support of the cause, we therefore recommend that every able-bodied male member pay one dollar each, without reference to property, and that the balance of the $500 be raised upon the principle of gospel equality, or in other words, by a direct tax upon the amount of all the taxable property, both personal and real, belonging to the members of the church, as ascertained from the Tax Books of 1860. And for the purpose of carrying out the above plan we call upon the different churches in Southern Iowa to appoint some one of their number to make out a list of their members, with the several amounts of their taxable property set opposite their respective names, and forward said lists to the Secretary of our Committee, at Knoxville, Iowa, who will, as soon as the lists have been received, make out and send back to each church said lists with the proportionate share of each member annexed to their names. The scattered brethren and sisters throughout Southern Iowa, where there are no organized churches, will please forward, as above directed, their names with the amount of their taxable property, and their proportionate share of the foregoing amount will be returned to them. Before adopting the foregoing plan we consulted with as many of the brethren as we could, and those to whom we submitted it were well pleased with the plan, and were willing to adopt it. We should have consulted with more of the brethren if we could have had opportunity, and would have liked to have all the brethren of Southern Iowa in Conference, but that was not practicable, and the time was fast approaching when means would be needed to send out the truth to others, and upon consultation among ourselves, and with some of the brethren, we came to the conclusion that under existing circumstances it would devolve upon the Tent Committee to take action in the premises. We accordingly submit the foregoing as the best method of raising the necessary means that we could devise, trusting that it will meet with the approbation of the brethren generally, and that they will cordially unite with us in carrying it out. But should any of the churches or brethren differ with us in opinion in regard to the plan we have adopted, we hope they will adopt such other system or plan for themselves as may seem most advisable, and notify us of the fact through our Secretary immediately, together with the amount they propose to raise as their part of the expenses of running the Tent the ensuing season. In either case, brethren, let us hear from you at as early a day as possible. By order of the Southern Iowa Tent Committee.
E. S. WALKER, Secretary. Remarks on Systematic Benevolence
By James White
REMARKS ON THE ABOVE.—We regret the publication of the above, yet do not take the responsibility to withhold it a sufficient time to consult with the Tent Committee. We briefly state our objections as follows: 1. A plan of Systematic Benevolence has been introduced, and approved by General Conference, which is in harmony with the word of God, backed up by the Holy Spirit, which works admirably where adopted, accomplishing all that can be desired of any plan to raise means for the support of the cause. Now as union is desirable, especially in these perilous times, among those who labor to give the last message, we regret to see new plans introduced before those already before the brethren are shown to be defective. It is our opinion that the suggestion of several plans will give the impression that there is but little importance in carrying out any plan, and in the confusion and lack of general interest, no plan will be carried out as it should be, and the desired object will not be gained. Ohio was first in the secession from the approved plan of Systematic Benevolence, at the Gilboa Conference, Oct. 28, 1860, and with surprise we see the first steps taken for Southern Iowa to follow. 2. We object to the above because it embraces but one object, viz., the support of the Tent, which is not more than one third of the expense in Southern Iowa to Winter as well as Summer the cause. The sum to sustain the cause in Southern Iowa for 1861 should be set as high as $1500. 3. We are sorry to see it in print that any able-bodied86 man should give less than $5 to sustain so noble an enterprise as the preaching of the last message in a portable meeting-house, from town to town, from city to city. The $1 tax suggested above is, however, a slight improvement upon the Ohio plan, reported in REVIEW, Vol. xvi, No. 26. That plan makes no call upon the able-bodied young man who has no taxable property. 4. We object to the above because, governed by the taxable property on the Tax Books, there seems to be a lack of equality. "In God's arrangement, age, health, ability to acquire, and widowhood, are to be taken into the account. That young man worth $500 should pay ten times the amount that that aged brother, or feeble widow pays, who have the same amount." 5. The liberalities of the church should be a free-will offering. By this we do not mean that the brethren should be left uninstructed as to duty, to do a trifle or nothing, just as it happens. No. But if a system has been presented which is scriptural, consistent, and necessary, which will accomplish the object, and which has the sanction of high Heaven, and also our General Conference, then let every minister among us use his pen, his voice, and his untiring efforts to establish it east, west, north and south. Nothing so disheartens those who would work for God and the cause of truth with all their might, as to see a lack of interest with fellow-laborers, or a willingness to hang back and draw off. Let a discourse on Systematic Benevolence be preached in every church. Patiently, kindly, faithfully hold it before that rich brother till he sees that God calls on him for a tithe of all his increase. Soon he will see, and along will come his free-will offering. And how much better than to draw a half or quarter of a tithe from him with the help of Cæsar's Tax Books. He knows best how much he is worth, and if he chooses to lie unto God as Ananias and Sapphira did, he will have to answer for that. The Monterey, Mich., church heard one discourse on Systematic Benevolence, and are perfectly united. Every brother and sister does something. The Battle Creek church is also perfectly united on the subject, and puts down for 1861, $291,20. "It is a pleasure for all to do what they propose to do during 1861. And as the result of strictly carrying out Heaven's plan, there is now in our treasury $150, waiting for some worthy object which will really advance the cause of truth. We will close our remarks on this subject till the friends have a chance to read Testimony for the Church, No. 6, which will be out in a few days. Price, post-paid, 10 cts., or for nothing. J. W. To delay obedience to the truth is to continue in sin. Delay weakens the resolution—sin blunts the sensibilities of the person, and gradually sears the conscience. If men could see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, they would flee from it as from a poisonous serpent. They would not dally with, and caress it, and be so reluctant to leave it. The best time to obey the truth is when we are first convinced of it. But the enemy tells us not to be too hasty; that we shall appear more dignified, if we take time to consider. He knows that his chances of success are increased by every delay and every known sin. He tells us the time will come when the obstacles will be removed out of the way and it will be more easy to obey. At the same time he uses all his powers to increase the difficulties and obstruct the way. I have known people to wait for the Devil to open the way for them to obey the Lord; but they waited in vain. O, that men could see this subject in its true light! O, that they could see that, by the commandment, sin, that before seemed dead, becomes exceeding sinful. The person that does not delay but takes a decided stand at once in obedience to the truth, has a decided advantage over one who delays. He is stronger on the start, and increases in strength more rapidly. While he that delays is so weakened that if he should finally obey, it is with feebleness, and a long time is required to attain to that strength with which he would have commenced, had he obeyed when first the truth was made plain to his mind. Such things have come under my observation. Where persons have delayed for months or years it would require as much or more time to attain the strength with which they might have started. You that are delaying, know you what you are doing? Do you realize the awful nature of sin, and danger of delay? Do you realize that in every known sin you crucify the Lord afresh? Do you realize how fast you are losing strength to obey—that Satan is riving his chains upon you—that the more convenient season is farther and farther in the distance? Do you know that God holds you accountable for your influence—that souls that you might be instrumental in saving, are stumbling over you into perdition? Are you waiting for a change in your circumstances that will enable you to obey? You wait in vain. Where is your trust in God? Do you fear that forsaking your sin and turning to obedience will ruin you? Have you no more confidence than that? O, blind unbelief! The person who thinks it better to delay than to obey does not believe God. But he that obeys God, and he only, hath set to his seal that God is true. Beware, beware of unbelief—the parent sin! Up! get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy it! In contrast with the course of him that delays, mark the words of the sweet psalmist of Israel: "I entreated thy favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments." When the word of God is sweet as honey, the vanities of time are bitter as aloes. UNITY OF ACTION.
By R. F. C.
Unity of faith and unity of spirit will lead us to unity of action. Nothing is a better test of our faith and spirit than our actions. The language of the Christian is, "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." The church should act in harmony in the great work of the last message, and be prepared for every good work. Not wait till some pressing need calls for our action, and then, very unfortunately, be destitute of the means to supply the pressing demand. We do not act thus in our temporal affairs. We do not wait till pinched with hunger, before we make arrangements for a supply of provisions. And, if we seek first the kingdom of God, we shall take measures that the wants of his cause shall not fail to be supplied, sooner than we would fail of our supply of daily food. All should be united in a plan of operation. If no plan had been laid down in Scripture, we should devise one according to our best wisdom, and then all act in harmony upon it. But, very fortunately, an apostle, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has marked out a plan of Systematic Benevolence; and though, under varied circumstances, it may not be practicable to lay aside our liberality week by week, yet we can carry out the design of the plan, in its essential features, by laying aside the portion of a number of weeks at once. It is some time since this plan has been proposed for our consideration and action. And I have reason to fear that it has not been acted upon as it should have been. Some have had their objections to the plan, and others, who have not objected, have neglected it. It is time that we were up and doing. The great work of the third message is just before us; and all, young and old, want a share in the work. As to objections, I do not know of any that may be urged now, that might not, with equal propriety, have been urged by the churches of Galatia and Corinth, at the time when Paul said, "Let every one of you lay by him in store as God has prospered him." There is no compulsion about this. If we do not choose to serve the Lord and his cause, we can neglect it. But, as it was then, so it is now, "God loveth the cheerful giver." I would recommend to all who have not, to adopt the plan; and to those who have adopted it, to carry it vigorously forward. The increasing wants of the cause will demand it. Let no one, young or old, who does not lack for comfortable food and clothing, excuse himself. A very little of that care and labor that provides these things, can aid in the cause of God. Some content themselves with thinking how much they would do if they were rich. As though, in that case, they could make the Lord rich. Such deceive themselves. The poor widow could lay up as great a treasure in heaven as she could had she possessed millions. Let each of us strive so to do that the Lord can say of us as of one of old: "She hath done what she could." And if we are faithful in our sphere of action, we shall soon hear him say, "Well done." MEETINGS IN ST. CHARLES, MICH.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro Smith: My course of lectures in St. Charles, closed last evening. The interest increased to the last. I have never seen better attention to the word in any place. The length of time from the commencement to the close has been three weeks and four days, during which we had twenty four lectures and three social meetings. Twelve have subscribed for the Review and seven for the Youth's Instructor. Nearly all my books are taken and several are waiting for Hymn Books. Several have taken books to send to friends in different States and the Canadas. Twenty-five (that we know of), have decided to keep the Sabbath, and many others are investigating. There has been but little interest in religious matters in this place, the number to hear preaching only averaging about fifteen or twenty. But the charge is so great that a business man remarked that "St. Charles folks were all going crazy." Another said, "Nearly all in St. Charles have turned to keeping Saturday." Last sabbath the house was nearly full, and the testimonies and confessions were good. My lungs are in need of rest, so I do not commence another course till the middle of this week. I will begin at Chesaning (nine miles from here) and have the meetings fairly started by the time a supply of books can arrive. I have appointed to be here again next sabbath, to strengthen the things that remain. The sound of this meeting has gone some distance. There are calls to go in every direction. Out of six or seven openings I cannot possibly fill more than three or four before tent season; and then I ought to have a good brother to help sing, pray and exhort. If any of the messengers are spending their time in the churches, that have been in the work long enough to stand alone, or, are toiling away in old settled and aristocratic places where they can only get from three to ten out upon the truth, and then they require a messenger half the time to encourage them up, I hope they will come up and help in these places where they are hungry for the truth. In one place a Baptist preacher had a protracted meeting and one hundred and seventy converts, and now he has gone and they are left without a shepherd, and many of them have gone back. No doubt here is a chance for a rich harvest of souls. In such a place the servant of God will not labor in vain. Lord direct, is my prayer. St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Jan. 21st 1861. P. S. Any one coming to this place by Rail-Road would come to Owasso on the Detroit and Milwaukee R. R. Bro. Griggs lives three miles west of Owasso. URGENT CALL FOR HELP.
By E. Styles
Bro. SMITH: In this letter are five dollars sent from the North Liberty church for a messenger to come here and lecture, for the people are starving for the truth. It is requested that Bro. Hull come, if possible, and go to Crumb's Point, as there is a great desire there for him to come back. Those backsidden ones want him to come again, and many others are inquiring for truth. When Bro. Hull presented the truth at Crumb's Point there was a deep feeling for the truth; but when opposition made its appearance he had to leave, and Satan sowed his tares. Bro. Hull should come and clear the rubbish away, and the honest will obey the truth. We pledge ourselves to defray the expenses, and do all necessary. The cry is, Why don't you get a messenger? If Bro. Hull cannot come, send Bro. Loughborough, or some one. Your brother striving for eternal life. North Liberty, Ind., Jan. 1861. THE thermometer is an instrument which is well understood at the present day, and perhaps there is a thermometer by which one may understand the state of his own heart. Our conduct toward our daily and intimate companions, and our hourly meditations and desires, are indications; but these cannot be fully appreciated and impartially weighed, without some sure test; and this test is the witness of the Spirit. Those who are led by the Spirit of God will have the witness of the Spirit, which is true and faithful, and will witness against wrong by sharp conviction, as well as in favor of right by its sweet consoling influence. This witness must be punctually heeded and obeyed, or it will be grieved away, and fatal stupor follow. "And I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." The call to the supper is now going forth, and soon the table will be filled, every seat will be engaged. Those who would be sure of a place must have a prelibation, a foretaste now. Jesus offers to come into the heart of the zealous Laodicean, and with him partake of royal dainties. This offer to come in and sup is a very liberal and loving offer. It is an offer made to the remnant church (and will be verified to the faithful), an offer not thus expressed to any of the six previously mentioned churches, and coincides with the call in Luke xiv, 23, 24. Precious promises are recorded, and each appropriate to the time and condition of each of the seven churches; but most wonderful of all, is this invitation to a kindly social meal with the blessed Redeemer. What is this repast which is to be realized in this present state? What is this foretaste which the zealous-hearted Laodicean is to experience? Will not the Saviour confer his precious gifts upon those with whom he partakes? the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus! O come, heavenly guest, we will strive to open our hearts to thee. Our position is indeed an exalted one. Never was there an age in which the church enjoyed so much light on revelation as at present, and consequently never was there so much called for from the church. To whom much is given, of him much will be required, and certainly much has been given to this church. Such an exalted position has never been granted to the church. Before us stand the visions of Daniel and John, the image of Nebuchadnezzar, the four kingdoms, before our eyes the abominations of mystery Babylon, and her harlot daughters, are made apparent. Prophecy is fulfilled and explained, prophetic time is measured, and the two-horned beast is now rearing himself in brazen effrontery, as if to mock the mandates of Jehovah. Before us stand in bold relief the daughters with Babylon branded upon their foreheads, with one eye leering contemptuously at Sinai's burning summit, and the other fiercely eyeing the prophetic chart, and murmuring in low but terrible imprecations, their anger at those who carefully walk in the King's highway. Here we stand. At every effort of our enemies the light grows brighter, and our feet are more firmly planted in this firm but narrow path; but it is a high position to fall from, and few who fall ever rise again. It is a dangerous position for any but those who are faithful, dangerous for the unwatchful, dangerous for those who refuse the light, and walk in the sparks of their own kindling, dangerous for all but those who heed all the testimony, who get all the light. It is hard to walk in this highway without eyes, and those who refuse the eye-salve will trip and stumble, and fall. The wise will understand. Let us rise with the message. J. C. REPORT FROM BRO. HULL.
By Moses Hull
SINCE my last report I have preached three times in Russellville. We also had a social meeting, in which nearly all participated. Some who never made a profession of christianity declared their determination to keep the commandments of God, and asked for the prayers of the church. Eld. Hornaday, an Age-to-come, no-law minister, having come to the conclusion that Eld. Shockey had not quite succeeded in abolishing the law of God, and thus leaving the people to "perish without law," came to try his hand against it. I heard his discourse; and although it was a self-refuting discourse, I occupied a few moments in reply. I have not time or space to relate his jumble of contradictions. Suffice it to say that at one time Sunday was a holy day, i. e., a little holy, not quite enough for a Sabbath, but a little too holy for a working day, just about holy enough to meet and break bread on. At another time he esteemed every day alike, and would argue with the Lord on that question if necessary. In the day of Judgment if the Lord accused him of Sabbath-breaking he intended to present that text and convince the Lord that he was wrong. Before Eld. H. made this remark, I was aware that some would undertake an argument with the Lord, but I did not think they would come out so successful as H. anticipated. It appears that the Lord cuts them short in their argument with, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." I could not harmonize Mr. H.'s positions with each other, so I asked him to show their harmony, but found him inadequate to the task. Eld. H.'s effort only strengthened our brethren in our position, and convinced them that the dragon is wroth with the woman, and determined to continue his warfare against the commandment-keepers to the end. My brethren in Indiana are very anxious that I should move there. I am also convinced that a great work can be done in Western Indiana, and Eastern Illinois. And since such a great effort is being made to put me down in that State, I am almost persuaded that it is my duty to go there. I shall make an effort to get some one else to go to Ind., but if I fail will try to go myself. The brethren in Ind. should have help. May the Lord direct. M. HULL. P. S. On my way home I stopped in Vermillion Co., Ills., to spend a few days with my father. During my stay there of five days I gave seven discourses. The interest was very good, and the house was sometimes over-crowded with attentive hearers. M. H. ANOTHER CALL.
By C. C. Bodley
We want some of the preaching brethren to come this way if possible, as there are two individuals here who wish to be baptized, and others who want to hear the truth. If any should come we will pay expenses and as much more as we can. Salem, Steu. Co., Ind., Jan., 1861. Christ’s Love, the Church’s Fire
Christ's love is the church's fire; thither bring thy heart when it is cold, frozen, and dead; moditate on his love, and pray until you can say, "He loved me, and gave himself for me." Bro. H. Strong, Jr., writes from Huntsburgh, Ohio : "I feel to thank my heavenly Father that he ever, in his infinite mercy prepared my heart to receive the truth of the third angel's message. How cheering it is to hear from the dear brethren and sisters through the Review from week to week. We are but few in number here, but are still striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have the pleasure of meeting our brethren and sisters in Orwell frequently. These meetings are a great pleasure and blessing to us. It seems good to meet with those of like faith. I think there is a fair prospect for good to be done here if the truth could be preached. It is our prayer that some brother may see it duty to come here and proclaim God's holy word to us. If any brother will come we will pay his expenses, and do better if we can." EXTRACTS FROM THE METHODIST DISCIPLINE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
[BRO. SMITH: The following are extracts which I have made from the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal church, old edition, hoping it may serve to open the eyes of some to see how far the church has fallen from what it once was, and from its own teachings. Part 1st, Sec. 2, Art. 5, 6. The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation, so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. . . . Although the law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity to be revived in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral. Chap. 2, Sec. 4. . . . Doing what we know is not for the glory of God; as, the putting on of gold and costly apparel, the taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus, the singing those songs, or reading those books which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God, softness and needless, self-indulgence, laying up treasure upon earth. . . . Sec. 5. . . . By running with patience the race that is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world, and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them for the Lord's sake. Sec. 6. They must attend to . . . family and private prayer, searching the Scriptures, and fasting, or abstinence. Chap. 4, p. 65, ver. 10. He (the minister) shall take care that a fast be held in every society in his vicinity on the Friday preceding every quarterly meeting. Chap. 9, Sec. 1. Question. Should we insist on the rules concerning dress? Ans. By all means. This is no time to encourage superfluity in dress. Therefore let all of our people be exhorted to conform to the spirit of the apostolic precept, not to adorn ourselves with gold, and pearls, and costly array. 1 Tim. ii, 9. Part 3, Chap. 2, Sec. 1. Ques. Is anything advisable in regard to building churches? Ans. Let all our churches be built plain and decent, and with free seats, wherever practicable, but not more expensive than is absolutely unavoidable, otherwise the necessity of raising money will make rich men necessary to us. But if so we must be dependent on them, yea, and governed by them. And then farewell to Methodist Discipline, if not doctrine too. Query. Has not that time come, and has not that church practically thrown away the doctrines of its Discipline? PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE.
By A. L. Guilford
MAKE haste, O God, and help us now,
Before thy throne we suppliants bow;
O, hear our feeble cries we pray,
Nor do thou turn in wrath away.
In troubles deep, temptations sore,
'Mid toil and danger now we find,
A wild and surging sea before,
And foes are pressing hard behind. Satan his host is leading forth,
From east, from west, from north and south,
To overwhelm the saints of God;—
He fain would lay them 'neath the sod,
And now ascending to the throne,
Is going forth the earnest cry,—
Oh! look upon the tears we've sown,
Oh! save us Lord, or else we die. Have pity on thy people, Lord,
According to thy gracious word;
Trouble the camp of Satan's host,
So all in vain will be their boast.
O, God of Israel, be to us
Our strength, our light, our faithful guide;
So moving forth, and only thus
We can the stormy sea outride. Give not thy chosen to reproach,
Have mercy on thy remnant church;
O'ercoming grace O, wilt thou yield;
From Satan's power O, wilt thou shield.
And when his host is raging near
And pressing on the unhallowed strife;
O'er us a covering wilt thou rear,
And crown us with eternal life.
A. L. GUILFORD.
Monroe, Wis. LETTERS.
By B. J. Carpenter
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” BRO. SMITH: I seat myself for the first time to write a few lines to the Review. It will be two years next July since I commenced to keep the Sabbath. During this time I have made but slow progress. About two months ago I longed for the evidence that the Lord loved me, and felt that I would be willing to make any sacrifice, and bring all and lay it upon the altar. My prayer was, Lord make duty plain. Strengthen me and I will take up every cross and follow thee. I want a home in heaven. I mean to be found among the faithful, and gathered with the remnant. We meet with trials on the way, but none too many to keep us near to God. I am living in Marengo, Iowa. I moved from Iowa City the first of January. I do not know of any Sabbath-keepers about here. If there are any I should be very glad to have them call on me. I live two blocks east of the Iowa House. A Call for Help from Saline
By Laura S. Canfield
Bro. Smith: We still feel to call for help. The truth has never been preached here. Will not some of the brethren come this way. We live nine miles east of Saline. There are but two of us here trying to keep the Sabbath. I never heard any preaching but two or three evenings and one day; that was Bro. Frisbie, south of Monroe, Mich. It was only the commencement of lectures, and we had to go away. Now we desire some one to come here. We ask the prayers of the church. Your sister striving to overcome, Testimony from Sister Shell
By Mary Shell
BRO. SMITH: I feel to thank the Lord for his goodness to me in showing me the truth as it is in Jesus. It is ten months since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I feel to bless his name that though we are a scattered and persecuted people, still we can rejoice in the prospect of soon, very soon, meeting our Lord at his coming. When I read the warm-hearted testimonies in the Review, I feel that I want to live nearer to my blessed Master. My prayer is that some of the messengers may come this way. I think that there are some here who would receive the truth. My talent is small, but my Lord has told me to occupy till he comes. I have long felt deeply impressed to give in my testimony in behalf of the truth. I often feel doubts and fears arising, but still, thank God, if faithful the conquest will soon be over. I know that God will have a tried people; and I for one feel willing to give up all that I may win Christ. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me that I may prove faithful. I never heard present truth till last winter, when my brother, Josiah Hebner, came here from Canada. I bless God for that visit. It came like a portion of meat in due season. Yours waiting for the coming kingdom.
MARY SHELL. How T. K. Henry Accepted the Sabbath
Bro. T. K. Henry writes from Leslie, Mich. : “I feel like doing what I am able to do in this cause. I believe in trying every expedient that will have a tendency to cause others to engage in it. I do not feel disposed to give those up who oppose the truth at first. I am rather inclined to judge others by myself; and it is quite likely I never should have embraced the present truth if it had not been for the unabating zeal of Bro. I. D. Vanhorn and others. At first I clung to the first day of the week. I held to this as long as I could under the heavy blows of reason and scripture to which I was subjected. By these weapons I was soon compelled to loose my hold, but unfortunately for me, I lodged on the platform of no-Sabbath. To this I clung with great tenacity. But I was finally compelled to relinquish this also, by the same weapons as before. This time I caught hold of the Lord's Sabbath, and third angel's message, and here I find a position which the truth does not tear down, and evil cannot shake. The text that did more than any other one to convince me of the perpetuity of the Sabbath, is found in Isa. lxvi, 23. Here it speaks of a Sabbath in the new earth; and I thought if there was to be a Sabbath kept there, it was necessary to keep one here, and I was forced to believe that the new earth Sabbath would be the one that God instituted. For we find no change of day, or cause; but it merely says the Sabbath; which must mean God's, and not man's. I conclude by saying I will try to keep the Sabbath instituted for this earth, and the one that is destined to be the Sabbath of the next. I commenced about the middle of last harvest, having investigated the subject more than a year previous to that time.”