DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is but two months since I embraced the true Sabbath. I kept the first day until Brn. Stephenson and Stewart lectured here in Palmyra. I attended, became much interested, perused my Bible which has become a new book to me, and I became fully convinced that I had been in a great error. Many objections arose in my mind, what my friends would say and think, &c.; but thanks be to God that I have been enabled thus far to resist the many temptations placed in my way.
There are four here keeping the Sabbath, and others are convinced that it is the only true way, but like Felix, are waiting for a more convenient season. May the Lord help them to take up the cross. I have much opposition. Brethren and sisters pray for me that I may withstand the fiery darts of Satan, that I may be one of that happy number that will sit at our Father's table, at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Members of the Baptist church whom I loved dearly, are trying their best endeavors to keep me from the right way. My parents say they will not visit me while believing as I do; but "when my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." Many tell me to confess that I have done wrong; that I am hurting the cause of Zion; that I am led away by false doctrines; but they will attend parties of pleasure, conform to the world, have spiritual lectures and concerts in their churches, but their names are enrolled in the church-book, and it is enough. May the Lord have mercy on them. Babylon indeed is fallen, and is become sadly degenerate. We may not meet in this life, but I hope to meet you in the kingdom.
Yours in Christ, SARAH A. CHAPIN.
Palmyra, Wis., Mar. 23d, 1855.
Another Neighbor Keeps the Sabbath
By T. Finch
From Bro. Finch.
Dear Bro. White:—The Lord is still mindful of us in this place, and does now and then give us the evidence that he is willing to work for us, and for those who are honest in heart. Since I last wrote you, one more of our neighbors has resolved from reading the Review and other publications on present truth, to keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God. I feel that it becomes us as a people to be fully awake in the cause of the Lord, now in this time of peril and darkness of this world, and let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16.
T. Finch.
Roosevelt, N. Y., Apr. 1st, 1855.
Immortality.
I HAVE seen the sun set in the west, and the shades of night shut in the wide horizon; there was no color, nor shape, nor beauty, nor music; gloom and darkness brooded around.
I looked, the sun broke forth again from the east, and gilded the mountain tops; the lark rose to meet him from her low nest, and the shades of darkness fled away.
I have seen the insect, being come to its full size, languish and refuse to eat: it spun itself into a tomb, and was shrouded in the silken cone; it lay without feet, or shape, or power to move.
I looked again, it had burst its tomb; it was full of life, and sailed on colored wings through the soft air; it rejoiced in its new being.216Thus shall it be with thee, O man! and so shall thy life be renewed.
A little while shall thou lie in the ground, as the seed lieth in the bosom of the earth: but thou shalt be raised again; and, if thou art good, thou shalt be happy evermore.
Beauty shall spring up out of ashes, and life out of the dust.
But who is he that cometh to burst open the prison doors of the tomb; to bid the dead awake, and to gather his redeemed from the four winds of heaven?
He descendeth on a fiery cloud; the sound of a trumpet goeth before him; thousands of angels are on his right hand.
It is Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of men.
He cometh in the glory of his Father; he hath received power from on high.
Mourn not, therefore, heir of immortality; for the spoiler, the cruel spoiler that laid waste the works of God, is subdued: Jesus hath conquered death: heir of immortality! mourn no longer.—Selected.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Levi P.; Maria Miller
From Bro. & Sr. Miller.
Bro. White:—For the last fifteen years we have been members of the Christian Church. When Brn. Loughborough and Cornell lectured here last July, we became convinced that we were not keeping the Lord's Sabbath, but were breaking his holy Sabbath every week; which caused us to begin to search the Scriptures to find something to uphold First-day keeping; but the more we searched, the more we were convinced of the present truth and the folly of First-day keeping.
A few months ago we called for a letter of dismissal from the church, which was refused by some; and after some effort to do away with the commandments of God, the church took a vote, and it was a tie. Some wished us to remain and keep the Sabbath, if we wished; but we choose to meet with those that keep all of God's holy commandments; for we read, Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have a right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. May this be our happy lot, is the desire of your unworthy brother and sister in the Lord.
Levi P., & Maria Miller.
Macomb Co., Mich., Mar. 25th, 1855.
THOMAS G. BARTLETT
By Thomas G. Bartlett
From Bro. Bartlett.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am still striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I am well aware that the follower of the meek and lowly Jesus has a great warfare to pass through while he remains here in this wicked world. His warfare is against the powers of darkness, and the things of the world, mainly the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. O how necessary it is that we should overcome the world, and have our affections weaned from it before our blessed Saviour comes. My daily prayer to God is that I may be saved from sin, and cleansed from all unrighteousness, and be preserved blameless unto his coming.
THOMAS G. BARTLETT
A New Home for Sabbath Keepers
By Zebina Marsh
From Bro. Marsh.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I wish to say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am still striving to keep the commandments of God, and I love them, and I trust that I have the faith of Jesus, and I wish to say to any who may wish to call on me or write to me, that I am about to remove to Northfield farms in this State, where we should be happy to see the brethren of like precious faith. I do not know of any Sabbath-keepers in that place, and we wish the prayers of God's children, that we may be enabled to hold out faithful and be sheltered in the time of trouble, and enter in through the gates into the holy city.
Your unworthy brother. ZEBINA MARSH.
South Hadley, Mass , March 30th, 1855.
Church Awakening in East Unity
By Robert Cochran
From Bro. Cochran.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I praise the Lord that the third angel's message has reached my ears, and I humbly trust found a place in my heart. It makes the past look clear, and it brightens our way in the future. Soon the beauties of paradise restored will open to our view. I am willing to confess myself a pilgrim and a stranger here, if I may but gain that better country. I am glad of the Review, that I may hear from the saints scattered abroad. Although we are strangers in the flesh, I feel that we belong to the same family, and are journeying to the same home, where sorrow never comes, and parting will be unknown.
I would say for the encouragement of others that the Church in this place are awakening and becoming more interested in the work of the Lord; and there is quite an interest in the minds of the people to hear. We have had a few meetings in different parts of the town and there were good congregations and an ear to hear.
Your brother, striving for the kingdom.
ROBERT COCHRAN.
East Unity, N. H.
Communication from Bro. Curry.
By Manning Curry
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The little band here at Delhi are in good spirits, and are assembled each Sabbath, though much scattered. I have just returned from holding a series of meetings at Locke and in that vicinity.
The brethren at Locke are trying to live according to the perfect rule; also they are trying to extend the word of life to all around. Notwithstanding they are mostly the poor of this world, they are ready and anxious to contribute to forward the truth. There is a fine little flock just raised up in the town of Perry, of some ten or twelve. They were formerly, advent brethren, some of the time brethren were among them. They received the truth with joyful hearts, and were ready to obey the same.
There is a general desire arising all around, to hear on the present truth. When first I saw the present truth, I was about concluding that Advent doctrine associated with the Sabbath and its kindred doctrines, would be a message so unwelcome that the calls for hearing would be few and far between; but I am happily disappointed. I have so many calls that I cannot heed half of them. Thank God his truth is mighty and commends itself to every man's conscience. It is not infrequently the case that many at their first appearance in the congregation, act as though they expected to hear some soul-destroying, and God-dishonoring doctrine. But O how sadly disappointed they are when they learn that instead of our preaching such doctrine, we show by God's own word that they have been taught doctrines of men and Devils.
I would say to the brethren that I design by the grace of God to devote as much of my time in the field as possible, considering the wants of my little family. It is my pleasure to carry this last message of mercy to a doomed world.
Truly our application of Babylon is evidently correct; not only in the multitude of fables as taught by the sects of our age, but in their perfect hatred of the holy Sabbath, and in the various conflicting arguments that they use to get rid of it.
There is a something in this truth that will either kill or cure. Men who reject the Sabbath as a general thing, do soon bear evidence that God has rejected them, this depends however, upon the amount of light they have seen. On the other hand, those who embrace this great truth, are immediately saved from a cold formal no-prayer system.
I have been by the grace of God the favored instrument of bringing some poor souls to Christ, in my former labors of love; but there is a cross in preaching, and a blessing attending this third angel's message that I never experienced in all my former labors.
I consider that we have the great sealing and crowning truth, and there are awful responsibilities attending it. We, my dear brethren, are entrusted with the last call of mercy to a fallen world, and shall we hide our light from our kindred spirits, by neglecting our duty, or shall we live out our holy faith and thereby save ourselves and others from the storm that is now gathering around us? May the Lord help us to do our duty in this day of peril, and save our souls alive in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Your brother in expectation of redemption soon.
MANNING CURRY.
Delhi, Ingham Co., Mich.
J. WHITMORE
By J. Whitmore
From Bro. Whitmore.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I can say as many of our brethren and sisters do, The Review is a welcome messenger. It strengthens and encourages me to hold on to the promises of God; they are yea and amen to the faithful. I believe we shall soon realize our hopes. I am trying to be prepared to stand on mount Zion with the Lamb and have his Father's name written in my forehead, and sing the new song that no other man can sing. O let us be patient a few days longer, having our hearts established in the truth; for the day is near when Christ will leave the heavenly Sanctuary and be seated on the white cloud. Then all that are wicked will be so still, and the holy will be holy still.
I would be glad if the paper could be published weekly. I believe there are means enough in the hands of brethren to sustain it. The enemy is at work with his might, to distract and divide the children of God; but I believe we have the truth, and it will stand all opposition. I am trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
J. WHITMORE
Jackson, Mich., Mar. 26th, 1855.
Convicted of the Seventh-Day Sabbath
By William L. Camp
From Bro. Camp:
BRO. WHITE:—I have been long convicted that the seventh day is the Sabbath. One thing that has opened my eyes more than any other except the Bible, is the childish arguments against it. Myself and wife, and a sister who now resides with us, have all made up our minds no more to offend even "in one point." Neither of us have ever heard a sermon on the subject, but the Bible teaches it as plain as it teaches any thing. It is many years since I commenced to preach the gospel. I began however in the errors of Methodism, but trust I shall finish in the whole truth of God.
WM. L. CAMP.
Cavendish, Vt, Mar. 24th, 1855.
VERMONT.
By Editor
The Church in Vermont have raised $150.50, for the REVIEW, which has been sent us by Bro. J. Hart, at different times. In No. 23, $90 was incorrectly applied to relieve the Office. We now apply it to the REVIEW. This leaves $182.11, received to relieve the Office.
It is proper here to state that Brn. in Vermont sent $50 to the Office just before the terms of the REVIEW were stated at $1 a year. Then immediately they promptly paid the $1 each, and have since raised $150.50 for the REVIEW, besides liberally aiding in other matters.
Our friends in Michigan, and in some other places have acted a similar part, while others have entirely neglected us.
Business.
Joseph Clarke;—In reference to the immortality question, we send you a pamphlet, Man not Immortal. In regard to your other inquiries, we are not now prepared to answer definitely. There are the Seventh-day Baptists besides those Sabbath-keepers who are looking for the soon coming of Christ. The Sabbath Recorder, issued by the Seventh-day Baptists is published weekly at No. 9, Spruce St., New York City.
E. L. Barr:—We have none of Storr’s Six Sermons in pamphlet form. We send you what we have in sheets and fill out your order with Man not Immortal.
J. Stowell:—The paper was returned, but at what precise date we cannot say. The $1 was receipted to M. Smith, in No. 5 of present Vol. We now send back Nos. from Jan. 23d.
D. Upson:—We can give no encouragement of meeting you in Conference. State your time and we will give an appointment.
H. O. Nichols:—The papers to L. P. Barnes and N. Ward have been sent regularly; nevertheless we send again a few back Nos.
Sr. A. Yorty:—You will find your $3 credited in No. 24.
BOOKS SENT.—Apr. 11th. A. S. Stevens, E. S. Lane, Wm. Dawson, H. S. Giddings, (by express,) M. Edson, (by express.) Apr. 12th. N. N. Lunt. Apr. 13th. R. Cochran, (by express,) J. Stowell, (in bundle to R. Cochran,) B. Place. Apr. 15th. A. S. King, D. Richmond, H. Smiley, R. Griggs, Jas. E. Hood, J. W. Marsh, S. B. Knight, H. Edson, Wm. Bryant. Apr. 16. H. Lyon, (Freight,) C. W. Sperry, A. S. Hutchins, J. Barrows, (by express.)
We are now able to fill all orders for the Hymn Book, and Bro. Andrews’ work on the messages.
Those who send for Books will please send the pay with the order, and say how many of each kind is wanted, and how to be sent.
SPIRITUALISM.
By Editor
The following experience of a spiritualist from the Spiritual Telegraph will serve to show how complete and powerful this deception is becoming.
Spirit-Music and Voices.
BRETHREN OF THE TELEGRAPH:
After a long silence, I feel moved to offer you a few more all-potent facts. My experience during my silence has been full of them, but I had concluded that you had received testimony enough from one witness, and therefore refrained from sending you an account of a multitude of demonstrations which otherwise might have been interesting. I have, however, recently seen, heard, and felt so many performances which I positively know were produced by departed human Spirits, that I feel like sending them into a sceptical world, and thus, if possible, adding to the immense amount of testimony which has been offered in favor of immortality as a demonstrable truth—a doctrine, as I humbly conceive, which never was realized except by spiritual intuition or external demonstration. But I did not mean to theorize, but briefly state a part of my recent experience.
I have not only seen heavy tables raised entirely from the floor without contact, but I have seen with my natural vision Spirit-forms, heard Spirit-voices, seen and felt substantial Spirit-hands, in company with scores of others, under circumstances in which, I most solemnly declare before God, angels, and men, I know I could not be mistaken any more than I am in regard to the fact of my existence. These things have been witnessed while a musical instrument was sending forth indescribably sweet music in three parts, and questions of various members of the circle were answered at the same time by sounds of the instrument, all of which was performed without visible hands.
After the medium (D. D. Home) had retired with my son, on the evening of the 17th instant, I was called to hear the music. Knowing there was no instrument in the room, I doubted; but as I ascended the stairs, I distinctly heard the most exquisite, rich, and melodious sounds which have ever fallen upon my ears; as I entered the room, the music seemed to retire, till I could only hear, as it were, its distant echo; but as soon as we all became tranquil again, the glorious harmonious commingling of sweet, rich, heavenly music seemed gradually to approach, until the walls of the room seemed to be annihilated, and we realized that “Heaven was opened to man,” and the caverns of eternal space were filled with the everlasting anthems of the blest.
To our surprise, we distinctly heard, mingled with some of the more prominent strains of this wealth of melody, the words, “Holy, holy, holy!” etc. Next we heard the name of my Spirit-daughter, as it were, incorporated in this glorious chant of heaven. Then we were all addressed by name, with such expressions of holy affection as are not in the power of words to describe; and we knew for the first time what the poet meant when he said—
“Harps of the blessed, your voices I hear.”
Oh, it was then that I felt just like sliding out of my mental shell, and joining that glorious celestial throng, to bathe my earth-scarred soul in that sea of beatific sight and song! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will,” is the spontaneous ejaculation of the ravished soul of your unworthy friend, RUFUS ELMER.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., March 26, 1855.
Dwelling on Injuries
“A man strikes me with a sword, and inflicts a wound. Suppose, instead of binding up the wound, I am showing it to everybody; and after it has been bound up, I am taking off the bandage continually, and examining the depth of the wound, and making it to fester, till my limb becomes greatly inflamed, and my general health affected; is there a person in the world who would not call me a fool? Now such a fool is he, who, by dwelling upon little injuries or insults, or provocations, causes them to agitate and inflame his mind. How much better were it to put a bandage over the wound, and never look at it again!”—Jarnison.
FOREIGN NEWS.
EUROPE.—We learn by the Baltic, which arrived here on Friday, April 6, that the Vienna Conference had not only commenced its deliberations, but that the first of the Four Points had been unanimously agreed upon by all its members. This fact is confirmed by the circular of Count Nesselrode to the Russian Diplomatic Agents. Indeed, from that document one would infer that Russia was the most harmless and pacific power in the world, and that the only intention cherished by the present Czar, as well as by his father, was to be agreeable and amiable to all his neighbors. So far, then, there is nothing to hinder the speedy restoration of peace. If the Allies demanded nothing more than a joint protectorate over the Christians of Turkey, and over the Principalities, with the free navigation of the Danube, the Conference might have made peace in two days. But when they come to the destruction of Sevastopol, and the limitation of the Russian power in the Black Sea, their proposals will meet a very different reception. Russia will never submit to that demand; and unless it is abandoned the war will have to continue. The question then is whether the Allies will yield that point, or whether a compromise can be arrived at.
There cannot be any doubt that the attack of the French against the counter-approaches of the Russians in front of the Malakoff tower, on the 24th of February, was unsuccessful, in spite of Canrobert's boasting “order of the day.” On the 28th, The Times' correspondent says that “the Russians actually begin to construct another advance from their new entrenchment at Malakoff. This is besieging with a vengeance! The French seem to have given up all notion of taking this work from the Russians, who, emboldened by this success, are apparently preparing to throw up another work on the right of the new trenches, as if they had made up their minds to besiege the French at Inkermann, and attack their right flank.” Dispatches of the 6th of March again confirm the statement that the Russians are advancing with their counter-approaches toward Inkermann, and are constructing new batteries. They have received new re-enforcements; and while a Council of War of the Allies, held on the 4th, resolved to re-commence active operations, the Russian Generals had already made up their minds to do the same. The fate of the campaign of 1855 may be decided in a few days. A naval reconnaissance to Kertsh and Anapa has surprised a Russian transport on its way to the Peninsula, and destroyed several guns; the Allies, however, learned that their enemies regularly got their re-enforcements by way of Tamon as well as of Perekop.
Appointments.
By Editor
Providence permitting, there will be a Conference at Jackson, Mich., to commence April 20th, at 2 P. M., and hold several days. Brn. Stephenson and Hall now design being present. We expect to attend.
Also at Battle Creek, April 27th, at 2 P. M., and hold several days.
It is desirable that there should be a delegation from all the churches in the State at these meetings. At this season of the year, a large assembly cannot be easily entertained. Many must come with the expectation of taking care of themselves, as far as possible.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.—This is the title of our new hymn Book. It will be found a choice selection, both for the purposes of public worship, and private devotion. The music inserted will be found well adapted to the wants of those who may use this work. 252 pp. 62½ cts.—postage 7 cts.
The Three Angels of Revelation xiv, 6-12: particularly the Third Angel’s Message, and the Two-horned Beast.—148 pp.—12½ cts.
SABBATH TRACTS, Vol, I, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4—184 pp. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question. Price 15 cts, postage 2 cts.
The Law of God: Testimony of Both Testaments—132 pp.—12½ cts.—postage 1 ct.
Man not Immortal, the only shield against the seductions of modern Spiritualism—148 pp. 12½ cts.
The Atonement—196 pp.—15 cts., postage 2 cts.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God—84 pp.—8 cts.
The Sanctuary, and 2300 days by J. N. Andrews—10 cts.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law “—5 “
Review of O. R. L. Crozier—Sabbath “—5 “
Signs of the Times—Spirit Manifestations—124 pp.—10 cts.
Why don’t you keep the Sabbath-day? Extracts from Catholic works—36 pp.—5 cts.
Remarks on our Lawgiver, 2 Cor., Chap. iii. Colossians ii, 14-17, The two Tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, Thoughts on the Sabbath—36 pp., 5 cts.
Time and Prophecy—a Poem—25 cents—postage 5 cents
“ “ paper covers, 18 cts. “ 1 ct.
A Word for the Sabbath—a Poem—5 cents.
History of the Sabbath—40 pp.—5 cents.
The 2300 days and the Sanctuary—36 pp.—5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views—6 cents.
Supplement to Experience and Views—6 cents.
Youth’s Instructor, Vol. I & II, in paper covers—25 cents.
Liberal discount on these works where $5 worth are taken, Address Elder James White, Rochester, N. Y.
THE REVIEW WEEKLY.
By Editor
IN the REVIEW for March 20th, we proposed a plan by which the REVIEW could be sustained weekly. This plan was submitted to the friends of the REVIEW for them to amend or adopt. It is as follows:
1. Let the terms of the REVIEW be $1 in advance for a volume of twenty-six numbers.
2. To the poor for 50 cts. a volume in advance.
3. To preachers, widows, the aged and infirm, who are the Lord's worthy poor, free; but to be paid at 50 cts. a volume by donations from the liberal.
But very few have expressed their opinion as to this plan. In consequence of the short notice, and bad traveling, but few were present at our late Conference at Mill Grove, and no decision was made in regard to the REVIEW.
No doubt we shall have a weekly paper. Our friends in Michigan or Vermont, who have means, will probably establish the press on a proper basis, and take the care and responsibility off from us, under which we have been sinking in health, (and being destitute of means,) we have been crippled. We now leave the Office to find relief from care and to mingle with friends abroad. At present we shall be deprived the privilege of public speaking, and our health will admit of but very little manual or mental labor. From present prospects our books on hand will be called for the present Summer, which will free us from debts, during which time our connection with the Office at Rochester may be necessary. Our whole interest is in the cause of present truth, and we shall be happy to serve the cause to the best of our ability, in any position Providence may place us. But we have too long tried to bear up under the cares and responsibilities of the financial and editorial interests of the Office.
The present volume will probably continue till the first of August, one year from its commencement, when arrangements will be made to issue the REVIEW weekly. Till that time we shall have to rely on those who have neglected to pay for the REVIEW, and the donations of the liberal, for its support.
Letters.
By Editor
J. H. Waggoner, E. L. H. Chamberlain.
Receipts.
A. Hale, T. G. Bartlett, C. M. Wade, D. Kellogg, N. N. Lunt, P. Cranson, J. Clarke, J. R. Grimes, E. Payne, J. Lewis, L. Hall, L. C. Young, Sr. Coburn, L. Allen, R. E. Sanford each $1.
A. Lee, E. Richmond, J. Catlin, ($1 for H. J. Brown,) H. A. Wetherby, E. Hardy, each $2. S. Burdick, a Friend, each $3. J. Pierce $1.50. B. Place $1.25. J. Morfit $1.10. V. Brigham $0.75. J. Philbrick $0.50. Church in Vt. by J. Hart $15.50. The $90, incorrectly applied to Office Relief in No 23, is now credited for the paper, which makes $24.06 in advance on REVIEW.
FOR EXTRA.—L. J. Richmond, H. Child, each $1. H. Lyon $2. E. Richmond, D. C. Eimer, each $0.50.
FOR TENT IN NEW YORK.—Geo. Smith $1. Jno. Place, B. Place, each $3. R. Smalley $5.
FOR J. N. A.—V. Brigham, E. Hool, each $1. E. Colby $5.