Bro. White: I have been thinking over matters, and thought it might not be out of order for me to drop a few lines to the friends of present truth, who have been shaken in their minds by what has been passing before them here in Iowa, for the last few weeks. And to begin, Would we not be able to decide against a messenger and know that he had departed from "the faith," if he should declare the Sabbath abolished, and no longer obligatory? We readily answer, Yes. So also with the 2300 days of Dan. viii, 14. Knowing that these terminated without a doubt, in 1844, we are enabled to determine the close of the first angel's message of Rev. xiv, 6; the cleansing of the sanctuary of Dan. viii, 14, and the judgment-hour work of Rev. xiv, 6, being identical.
The second angel's message, of Rev. xiv, 8, having no "loud voice," stands, as it were, between the two great loud-voiced messages, and belongs to both periods, as it simply states a fact. Babylon, or the fallen churches, being in existence, the great city, we cannot fail to have a correct application. And it being no less a fact to-day that the churches exist, in a fallen state spiritually, this fact must be proclaimed with a strong voice, as seen in Rev. xviii, 2. For example, a late Chicago paper, in noticing a change about to be made in opera affairs, says "It would have been delightful for the habitues of our Opera House if this mutilation had not taken place; as, with the twenty-two pieces retained, those who attended the Saturday evening performance, might have been saved the trouble of going home, and proceeded to the Sunday morning service in their respective churches directly from the theater."
We might notice other glaring facts right in our midst to show that the position taken in relation to these things, by Adventists, is true—alarmingly true.
The rise and progress of the work, purporting to be a fulfillment of the third angel's message, viewed from the right stand-point, and in its true character, is in itself a demonstration of the truthfulness of the application of the prophecy to this time. This side of 1844, after the solution of the bitter-disappointment problem, men have arisen all over the land proclaiming another message, not a time-message, for "time shall be no longer," but a warning message, a message that has brought out its thousands, placing them plainly and squarely on the platform of this closing message. "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Can we deny all this? Our opponents here in the West, deny most of these great leading facts. They also denounce the doctrine, as held by this people, of the existence of "the spirit of prophecy," among this people, as being false. Can you indorse all this? Our conviction is, that a work so extensive as that of sister White's could not easily be the forgery of a couple of individuals, no others knowing anything about it. That its influence is calculated to promote morality and virtue, none who are acquainted with it will deny. That to oppose and reject them, where they should be heeded and obeyed, brings confusion and darkness, many of us know. May the Lord help us to discern his hand in these last days, is my prayer. J. Dorcas.
Encouragement in Trial
By E. Macomber
From Bro. Macomber.
BRO. WHITE: I want to add my testimony on the side of truth and with God's chosen people. I feel to praise the Lord for his loving kindness and tender mercies toward us.
I feel strengthened in the inner man to know that the prayers of God's children are being heard and answered, while I hear of the success of the messengers east and west. I am satisfied when God commissions his angels to go forth to lead his people on, with his banner of love over them, and his almighty power made manifest with them, as it now is beginning to be, that victory will turn on Zion's side. I look a little in the distance and behold the church of God looking forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.
I desire to be found among that goodly number when the Lord shall come to escort his marshaled host to Mount Zion. I feel we have need of grace while we travel over this enchanted ground.
My heart was moved while reading your article on Forgiveness in No. 5, Vol. xxvii of the Review. It touched a chord that reverberated with unfeigned love to you, that I cannot express. I find that it is while the gold is in the crucible in the fire, it is being refined. And as it was with the three worthies, while in the fiery furnace that Nebuchadnezzar made, so it is now. Although a dreadful trial, the form of the fourth was there.
And while meditating upon your words I thought of myself. Have I not spoken harshly while being exercised with a zeal that was not according to knowledge? I fear I have. I pray you all my friends, forgive me for anything I may have done or said. My purpose is to do the will of my heavenly Master that I may have a part with him in his everlasting kingdom.
Long and unwearied have been my prayers for you and all the household of faith. And my mind has become settled that the great Head of the church will do all things well. I believe we are living in the sealing time spoken of in Rev. vii, 1-4.
May God speed on the glorious work is my humble prayer. And may we all meet where parting shall be no more, and where no one shall say, I am sick, and tears shall all be wiped away.
Yours in patient waiting.
E. MACOMBER.
New Shoreham, R. I., Jan. 6, 1866.
Ready for Christ’s Coming
From Sister Hiddleson.
Bro. White: The testimonies of my brethren and sisters cheer and encourage me to go on the way to mount Zion. It is about nine years since I, with my family and some other relatives, commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I have been greatly blessed in so doing. I thank the Lord for present truth, and for the light of his word which shines on my pathway, and for the willing heart he has given me to keep all his commandments. I believe that what we do to obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of God must be done quickly; also what we do to awaken and save our friends; for according to the word of God the end of all things is at hand. The unmingled wrath of God will soon be poured out upon the wicked inhabitants of the earth, and who will be able to stand? Brother, sister, will you be able to stand in that day? I want to be ready for that time. I want to be clothed with the white raiment. I want the eye-salve that I may see myself as I am, and what there is for me to do now, that I with all the faithful children of God may be accounted worthy to escape his judgments, and meet him in peace.
I am looking forward to that glorious day when Jesus will be seen coming on the great white cloud, surrounded with myriads of angels, to give life to all the sleeping saints, and to take his weary children home. It is then that songs of triumph and shouts of victory will come from the hearts and lips of those who love his appearing. It is then that friends will meet who have been separated by death. Oh, happy day! Oh, glorious thought! of meeting those of our friends that sleep in Jesus. They will then awake to life and immortality, to unite in singing the praises of our heavenly King. It is then God's faithful children will be released from the cares of this life, and be permitted to see Jesus for whom they have been waiting, and help swell the praises of him forevermore who has done so much for them. I do want to be one of that happy company. Do you want to be one of that number? If so, be faithful in the discharge of every duty you owe to God. Do not let the vain things of earth lead you away from God. Do not cease striving for victory over your besetments, and a crown of life will be yours.
N. HIDDLESON.
Clyde, Ill.
Recovery and Thanks for Aid
By Hiram Edson
From Bro. Edson.
BRO. WHITE: I wish to acknowledge through the Review the receipt of money donated by the brethren to sustain me at the Dansville Health-reform institution. The amount received was $243,04, which I shall, I trust, sooner or later, make good to our common cause. The brethren have my heart-felt thanks for their liberality. It has not been a lack of gratitude for the beneficence and Christian sympathy on the part of my brethren that this acknowledgment has been so long delayed, but that I might report improvement in health. I have been long impairing my health, and nature would require time to restore. The past summer I was brought near the dark valley and shadow of death, beyond the reach of human skill or power. In answer to fervent effectual prayer the Lord has raised me up, and I am, so to speak, on the up-hill grade, my health amending, for which I give thanks to Him to whom all thanks are due.
I am thankful for the light on health reform received while at Dansville, and from the publications, How to Live, &c.
Yours in love,
Hiram Edson.
Palermo, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1866.
A Call for Laborers in Iowa
By P. C. Truman
From Bro. Truman.
BRO. WHITE: For ten years past I have not heard the voice of a preacher of like faith. For four years I have seen but one who agreed with me touching the commandments of God and the faith of his Son. And as far as we know, my companion and myself are the only ones who keep the Sabbath in Western Iowa. During all these years I have lived in hope of our Lord's return. But the cares of this world have too large a share of my thoughts and affections, and I find myself one to whom our Saviour's description of the Laodicean church applies only too well.
Through reading the Review and other publications, my companion has gladly embraced the present truth, and we are now trying to live in its light. But we are alone, and the great white harvest fields spread all around us; and we pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest. Cannot some of the preachers come this way? We are not rich in this world's goods, but to any that could come, we would gladly minister of our substance. This is an entirely new field, and we believe a preacher would find no lack of hearers or houses to preach in. There are many towns and villages in Iowa and Nebraska, on the Missouri river, where the great message has never reached, and we wait anxiously for some one to come and proclaim it to them.
P. C. TRUMAN.
Modale, Iowa.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister C. A. Stockwell writes from Yates: I believe that the coming of the Saviour is near, even at the doors, and I fear and tremble at the thought, lest I shall be found unprepared and be cast aside with those on whom the sentence shall be pronounced, "Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, I never knew you." Notwithstanding all my faults and unworthiness, I still feel a warm attachment for believers in the truth, and a strong desire to be gathered into the fold of Christ with all the righteous when Jesus comes. I cannot bear the thought of being separated, at that day from all I have loved and held dear on earth.
A Solitary Believer in Warsaw
Sister G. W. Pierce writes from Warsaw, Ind.: I am here all alone, therefore have not the blessed privilege of meeting those of like precious faith. Still I am striving to press my way through to the end, and hope to be a true overcomer. I esteem the paper very highly, and love its uncompromising spirit with the powers of darkness. We hope it will ever remain the same faithful monitor.
Obedience and Freedom
If you obey against your will, you are a slave; if of your will, you are an assistant.
Obituary Notices.
By Jas. L. Prescott
DIED, in Portland, Me., Dec. 3, 1865, of diptheria, after a very severe illness of ten days, Herbert Parker, son of Bro. Reuben (recently deceased) and Sr. Delphina A. Parker, aged 5 years and 2 months. Thus within the short space of less than one month has Bro. Parker and his two oldest sons fallen victims by this terrible disease, and Sr. Parker is left with an infant son, a sad and sorrowing mourner; but she mourns not as those that have no hope. Funeral sermon by the writer, from Psa. xvii, 15, “I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.”
Jas. L. PRESCOTT.
Appointments.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches in Eastern Mich., as follows:
Memphis, Feb. 17, 18.
Milford, " 24, 25.
At Bro. Carpenter's, " 27, 28.
Locke, March, 3, 4.
Brn. at Woodhull will meet with the church in Locke.
Owasso March 13, 14.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren and sisters as follows:
Enosburg, Vt., Feb. 17, 18.
Wolcott, " 24.
Irasburgh, March 3.
North Sutton, C. E., " 10.
Berkshire, " 17.
Eld. Albert Stone is invited to meet with us at Enosburgh. It is expected that Bro. A. S. Hutchins will attend the meeting in Sutton, C. E.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
The Review and Herald.
By Editor
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., THIRD-DAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1866.
This Week's Review.
So many articles present themselves in this number, in reference to which a word would be appropriate, that we scarcely know where to commence.
— It frequently happens that couched in one short paragraph, we find a gem of thought that contains within itself a whole mine of truth. Such a one was the little item headed, Read your Bible slowly, in No. 8 present volume; and several such will be found glowing like diamonds and rubies in our columns this week. Among these we may mention particularly the items, "I Don't Believe it,"—The Wrong Signal,—and "Rev." S. Fiske's good hit at those who come tardily to the house of God. Read them all; and especially engrave it upon your memory that half your victory in the Christian warfare lies in your "not believing" the enemy when he would try to make you believe that you are defeated.
— The newly-coined word, "Telegrammatic," sounds well in an editor's ears, because it contains an idea which he likes. We commend a careful study of it to contributors. We do not say that no article must be lengthy. We often meet with some which we wish were longer. What we would say is, Do not have more words than thoughts.
— The articles "Common Colds," and "Cholera Coming," will be found timely. We are approaching the seasons when the first of these enemies of health is almost certain to hold uncommon sway, and in many cases no doubt lead to fatal results; and in the opening of the coming summer the latter scourge will probably commence its deadly march through the land. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. In reference, however, to treating a common cold, we are not so prone as the writer, to class the "old grannies" with the drug doctors. We think the former stand infinitely ahead; and if we were to fall into the hands of either, we should say, give us the "old grannies," with nothing worse than their catnip, pennyroyal and boneset. We are not saying by this, however, that there is not "a more excellent way."
— "And the Nations were Angry." A remarkable position taken by the New York Independent. It does us good to have the opposers of the truth bear testimony, however unconsciously, in its favor. If the condition of the world is so marked that those unenlightened by a study of the prophetic word, cannot shut their eyes to it, we may rest assured that our interpretations cannot be far from correct. The wrath of God, like waters for their prey, maketh haste; and the glad hour that brings reward to the servants of God, is nigh at hand.
— If the reader wishes further proof that popular orthodoxy is Spiritualism in fact, we refer him to the utterances of the Methodist minister, set forth in piece headed "Who are the Angels?"
— While the editor of the Independent can see that the nations are angry, the editor of a Chicago paper can see that the professed church of Christ has fallen to a dead level with the world, so that even the church service is but a continuance of the empty performances of the opera. See the testimony in Bro. Dorcas' letter. The church may think that it is converting the world; but the world knows that it is converting the church.
— Believers in present truth will find much matter for reflection in the contribution of Bro. Cottrell, "The Truth will Triumph." Information full of interest in relation to the progress of the cause is given in the reports from Brn. Stratton and Whitney, while a more than ordinary amount of spirited testimonies in the Letter Department completes the record of this week's issue.
"So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine."
Acknowledgment.
By J. M. A.
We are permitted to acknowledge this week, the receipt of some liberal donations to the Publishing Association.
Sister Mary E. Beach of Norfolk, Ct., sends a draft of $50.00. Bro. E. Goodwin of Oswego, N. Y., sends a draft of $470.87;—it being the legacy of Bro. Richard Gorsline. Others send smaller amounts. This is indeed commendable, and worthy of imitation.
Bro. Gorsline, we trust, will receive his reward at the resurrection of the just; and may the other donors receive "an hundred fold now in this time, and in the world to come eternal life."
There are doubtless many thousand dollars yet in the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists, that ought to be appropriated immediately to the cause of present truth. And who knows of any better, safer or more appropriate place for depositing the Lord's money, than with the S. D. A. Pub. Association? This Association is now a fixed fact,—fixed, not only by legal enactment, but fixed in the purpose and providence of God, as the prime agency for the advancement of his cause. Hence here is a way duly prepared and marked out,—and in this week's Review, a noble example is given—for such of our brethren as may have the laudable desire to impart of their substance toward the advancement of the cause of present truth, either by immediate donations, or by bequest. J. M. A.
Unfinished Business.
By Editor
WE have considerable matter laid by, under the head of "unfinished business," for the reason that the persons sending the same failed to give necessary information in regard to the business sent. For example, see "business notes" in recent numbers of the Review.
Have any of our brethren sent business to the Office and failed to receive a proper acknowledgment of the same, they will do us, and themselves, a favor by plainly stating their business over again, with such information as our business notes have from time to time suggested. J. M. A.
Marion Meeting-House Proceeds
By D. T. Shireman
Notice.—Notice is hereby given to all that have paid toward the meeting-house that was sold by the Seventh-day Adventists at Marion, Linn Co., Iowa, Dec. 26th, 1865, that they present the amount paid by them to the Treasurer, on or before Tuesday, March 27, 1866, that they may receive proper dividends of the proceeds of sales and rents of said house.
D. T. Shireman,
Treas. of said church.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
R. F. C. The paper you speak of, came during our recent absence from the office, and is not now at hand. If you have the article please notice.
Articles Declined. "The Sabbath." The train of thought is not sufficiently carried out in the former part, and in the closing portion, are sentiments which we cannot endorse.—"The Body of Moses," We cannot give a single barley-corn of space to the idea that the dispute about the body of Moses, Jude 9, is now going forward, and that the ten commandments constitute that body.—"The Second Commandment." We think the writer of this entirely mistakes the import of that commandment.
Articles Accepted. How to make Home Happy.—How Goes the Battle.—Note from Bro. Sanborn.—The World to Come.—Signs.—I Will not let Thee Go.—Faith vs. Sight.—Is It I?—Besetting Sins.—The Beggar's Petition.—Work.—Another Year.—Preach Plain.—The Dance at Moscow.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
LETTERS WRITTEN. Thos L Bane, P C Truman, J B Lamson, John L Edgar, S E Edwards, J B Fimple, S Drake, C K Judson, P. M., G L Holiday, Eld M E Cornell, Eld A S Hutchins, S T Belden, O D Grosvenor, J McMillan, Henry Gibbs, Fowler & Wells, A White, C Green, P Keyes, J G Lamson, L Johnson & Co., Mrs I G Soule, Miller, Wood, & Co. SEC.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
C Rowell 29-11, J B Davidson 28-11, L L Loomis 28-1, B B Dunn 28-1, A Pierce 27-1, M Bennett 28-9, F M Thompson 28-11, H E Thompson 28-10, R G Lockwood 28-1, L Bull 29-9, J K Bowlsby 28-11, O W Terpeny for D Lisenring sen. 28-11, R Ralph 27-9, F Broderick 28-1, D Losee, 29-11, J Cole 28-1, R L Simpson 28-7, L Green 28-9, J D Brown 26-17, Darius Myers 28-1, each $1,00.
Mrs A P Tripp 29-11, J P Lewis 29-1, L Finch 28-1, Jas Heath 29-14, H Thurbur 29-5, Asa Green 28-14, L Vincent 29-1, C A Warden 28-17, E Wycoff 29-11, S N Littlefield 29-13, E Macomber 28-23, J W Dodge 28-17, G I Butler 29-9, Wm P Andrews 29-1, S Drake for C L Foster 29-11, C Daniels 29-1, M Woodward 30-1, J McMillan 29-6, O W Terpeny 28-1, P Keyes 29-1, Eld Wm Cottrell 29-1, E Munger 29-11, Geo Palmer 29-11, L W Shaw 29-11, C H Webb 28-13, R W Bullock 29-7, Mrs C Stephens 29-1, Mrs J Heligas 29-7, C C Collins 28-1, J M Foster 29-1, A P Francisco 29-11, John Wilson 29-11, Wm Rogers 29-11, each $2,00.
M A Smith 28-1, Amy Ridgway for Mrs C Parsons 28-10, J Appleby, sen. 28-10, L Appleby, sen. 28-10, each 50c.
Wm P Andrews for E Andrews in full 25c, E Pomeroy $1,50 29-1.
Subscriptions at the Rate of $3,00 per year.
N Orcutt $3,00 29-9, Geo Veeder $3,00 30-1.
Books Sent By Mail.
Thomas L Bane 25c, H F Alexander 25c, Mrs R B Hart $1,00, W J Mills 10c, Mrs Capt. W Jenkins $1, H H Cunningham 55c, Wm Livingston 50c, Joel Locke $1,45, J F Locke $1,00, L Locke $1,05, P C Truman $15,00, E Wick $2,75, S Drake $1,84, J McMillan $1,25, A Pierce 15c, N Cameron 25c, Mrs A Wakeling 25c, S Emens 55c, T P Burdick 25c, D-Eversoll 18c, Fanny Grout 12c, Enos Grems 17c, N Grems 17c, P Keyes 50c, J G Lamson $1,00, Mrs N Gibbs 12c, M E Haskell 12c, Carrie Daurell $4,00, J Steen $1,50 S Ramsden 17c, A Hodgin $1,50, L Winslow 40c, J G Wood 10c, S A Snyder $1,37, Wm Rogers $8,00.
Books sent by Express.
N Orcutt, Troy, Orleans Co., Vt., (Cir Lib) $8,00, H Lindsay, Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., (Cir Lib) $8,00, Eld R F Cottrell, Medina, N. Y., $22,00. Eld I D Van Horn, Tuscola, Mich., (including Cir Lib donated for the cause by D R Palmer) $35,75.
Donations to Publishing Association.
Richard Gorsline, (Legacy) $470,87, S Drake $1,16, Polly Keyes $1,50, Mary E Beach $50,00, S A Snyder $5,63.
Gen. Conf. Missionary Fund.
L Finch $2,75, Ch at New Shoreham, R. I., (S B) $22,27.