p. 86 | Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 11. (2/13/1866)

On What Day of the Week Did Christ Arise from the Dead?

(Concluded.)

We proceed, then, to inquire, aside from the mere matter of getting the facts in the case, which we shall examine by and by, what occasion there is for differing from the view usually entertained on this subject. We are told that the view that Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week, is the main proof for Sunday-keeping; and hence it is important to show that he did not rise on that day to destroy that proof. This is the only reason urged for endeavoring to show that the resurrection occurred on any other than the first day of the week. But could anything be weaker? Such an argument is no more needed against Sunday-keeping, than we need a formal argument to show that the sun shines, or that the laws of the land forbid murder. Whoever spends his breath in that direction, spends it in vain, and all his efforts are but a beating of the air. And then, is it not easy to be seen, that by acknowledging the necessity of showing that the resurrection did not take place on the first day of the week, we concede infinitely more than we gain? By doing this we virtually acknowledge that if Christ did rise on the first day of the week, it is a valid argument in favor of Sunday as the Sabbath; and it is a tenfold harder task to prove to any Sunday-keeper that Christ did not rise on the first day of the week, than to show him out and out, by other arguments, that Sunday-keeping is a child of popery, and without foundation in the word of God. And so, making this issue, the Sunday-keeper, sustaining his position that Christ did rise on the first day of the week, or at least failing to be convinced that he did not, comes off triumphant from the field. It is like our leaving our breastworks, and going forth into the open field to attack the enemy in one of his strongholds. And in such encounters, ten times out of every ten, the Sunday-keeper will maintain his ground and gain the day. How much better, so far as the argument is concerned, to admit the premises of our opponents, and then show that there is not a shadow of Sunday-keeping in them, than it is to attempt an argument which we cannot sustain, and then put forth all our other efforts, under the stinging necessities of defeat.

But if this argument, so pompously put forth of late, against Sunday-keeping, is so all-potent as it is claimed to be, where are its fruits? It ought to have some effect. It should be able to show some converts. But who has been turned by it from the false practice of first-day observance? We have yet to learn of the first one.

We have intimated that the popular view on this subject could not easily be disproved. We shall now show that the word of God positively sustains it. In opening the Bible record upon this point, two great facts stand out before us at first sight: 1. The resurrection of Christ is not spoken of in connection with any day, as then present, but the first day of the week. 2. On whatever day his resurrection occurred, it was not till the first day that it became known to the disciples or any one else. These facts will be apparent from a glance at what the evangelists have written. The first writer, Matthew, makes this statement: "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." xxviii, 1. This gives the time of the first visit to the sepulchre, after the Lord was laid therein, and states it to be after the Sabbath was past; for that is the meaning of the expression, "In the end of the Sabbath." The original, ὀψὲ δὲ σαββάτων, is thus defined by Robinson: "At the end of the Sabbath, i. e., after the Sabbath, the Sabbath being now ended.

Some have had the presumption to declare that he here speaks as a theologian, not as a scholar; but he vindicates this definition by ample citations from classical authorities. And then to make the matter doubly sure, the evangelist states, "as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week." The verb, to dawn, means the breaking of the day after the darkness of the night. The only definition of the word (φαύσκω) given by Liddell and Scott is "to grow toward daylight;" the same, they say, as epiphausko (ἐπιφαύσκω) which they define, "to shine out," as of the sun or moon. Being thus used to denote the commencement of daylight, it is once used in the New Testament in a tropical sense to denote the commencement of the day. Luke xxiii, 54. It is thus decided by this testimony, that very early on the morning of the first day of the week, as it began to grow toward daylight, the women came to the sepulchre.

With this agrees the testimony of the other evangelists. Mark recording the same event, the first visit of the Marys to the sepulchre, says plainly (xvi, 1), "And when the Sabbath was past, . . . very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun." That the visit recorded by Matthew was the same as this, and not one which took place previously, before the close of the Sabbath, as some contend, is evident; for, first, Luke says the women rested the entire hours of the Sabbath; and, second, if they had visited the sepulchre near the close of the Sabbath, and there learned that the Saviour had risen, as they did learn it at the visit recorded by Matthew, they would not have gone to the sepulchre, the next morning, in order to embalm him, as Mark records. Luke and John, also, both testify that it was early on the morning of the first day of the week, when the women first visited the sepulchre.

This point, then, is definitely settled: That the first visit to the sepulchre was on the morning of the first day of the week, and it was then ascertained that the Lord had risen. How long before this had the resurrection taken place? May we infer that it was but a short time before? or was it so long before that it occurred on the previous day, the seventh day of the week? This is the question now to be decided, and we think the remainder of Matt. xxviii throws such light on it that we cannot mistake. A fact or two we will now notice.

1. When the angel of God descended and rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, and Christ came forth in triumph from the grave, fear fell upon the keepers who were set to watch the sepulchre, and they became as dead men. They understood perfectly well when the resurrection took place.

2. In immediate connection with this, seems to have been the arrival of the women at the sepulchre; for the angel was still there; and the evangelist, after recording the fear of the keepers, enters as his next sentence, that the angel addressed the women as they came up, and said, "Fear not ye." The wicked keepers are fallen as dead through fright; but fear not ye.

3. As soon as the keepers recovered from their fright, they would of course hasten to make known to the authorities the things that had happened.

4. The women, as the angel directed, departed quickly from the sepulchre, with fear and great joy, and went to make known to the disciples the resurrection of their Lord.

5. While they were going, which, as we have seen, was early upon the first day of the week, some of the keepers, or the watch, came into the city to make known to the chief priests the things that were done. Matt. xxviii, 11. So it was not till the morning of the first day that the watch came into the city to make known the event.

6. The chief priests, as the best way to get along with the matter, hired the soldiers to say that while they slept, his disciples came and stole him away.

With these facts in view, let us now imagine for a moment that the resurrection of Christ took place the day before the first day of the week, or near the close of the Sabbath, as is claimed, and see what work it will make with the record.

1. In this case the angel must have descended, the earthquake taken place, the Saviour have arisen, and the keepers have fallen through fear; all in broad daylight, before the setting of the sun.

2. The keepers must then have lain there all night; for they did not depart from the sepulchre till about the time the women came and left, Sunday morning; inasmuch as the record states that while the women were going to tell his disciples, the watch were going to tell the chief priests.

3. The watch would have remembered that Christ arose in the daytime of the previous day, and when the chief priests told them to say that his disciples stole him away while they slept, they would have answered, That story won't go; for people will not believe that men, especially those on guard, would be asleep in the daytime.

Thus we see that the effort to put the resurrection of Christ upon the seventh day, makes of Matthew's narrative a sort of nonsense of which any Bible believer should blush to be guilty.

Let the reader keep in view the point that these thoughts are designed to prove. It is that the resurrection took place on the first day of the week. This does not involve an explanation of Matt. xii, 40, nor of the day of the crucifixion. A person may prove, if he can, that Christ was crucified on the second or third day of the week, for aught we care, so far as our present argument is concerned. Place the death and burial of Christ where you will, the Bible plainly shows that his resurrection was upon the first day of the week.

We have said that the only reason assigned for differing from the common view on this subject was to destroy the main prop of Sunday-keeping. Perhaps we should correct this; for some, in the intensity of their hatred against Spiritual Gifts, fondly hope that they can hereby disprove its statement on this question, found in Vol. i, p. 95. But in either case, and for either purpose, their argument is an utter failure.

"And the Nations were Angry."

Under this heading we find a significant article in The Independent of Feb. 1, 1866, from which we make the following extract in reference to France and Spain : "Mercurial, volcanic, eruptive France, always angry, was never more so than now. The magic of a great name, the intrepid and aggressive intellect of Louis Napoleon, a centralization of power that makes the sword supreme, and the antipathy of the anti-Bonaparte parties, who hate each other more than they do the Emperor, have combined to make the power of the present ruler absolute. The English alliance prolonged the empire ten years. This was the darling scheme of Palmerston's life, his last contribution to a fading royalty. Yet France has overthrown a power even stronger than that of Napoleon, and we may look at any time for a demonstration in favor of liberty. The history of the suppression of the public journals during the last year shows that no means will be spared to prevent freedom of thought in France. If the empire was really peace; if France really worshiped an imperial nephew of the great Napoleon; why these constant attacks upon the freedom of the press? why this dread of a free expression of opinion? We are told that France is under arms to menace the integrity of Europe. 'Europe,' says the London Spectator, 'is at peace just as a soldier is at ease when marching under a hot sun in full accoutrements.' We venture the theory that France is not armed against Europe, but against herself; for only by the bayonets of Napoleonic soldiers can any ruler exist on the theory of Napoleonism. That is a theory of force—terror, tinsel, and fireworks. Keep France armed, and the empire is safe. Give France twenty crowns to play with, and a republic will be forgotten. Yet France is angry. Her men of genius speak noble thoughts; her people are watchful and patient.

"Spain is even now in the throes of an insurrection. The admirers of Her Catholic Majesty have been applauding the rigor and sagacity with which the Spanish ministers made war upon Chili, and Peru, and San Domingo. We were to have a return of the gorgeous days of Philip and Ferdinand, when the Spanish ships made England tremble, and the Spanish council was the law in every European court, and the Spanish flag was carried into empires of a rude but magnificent barbarism. In vain! The curse of Rome has settled

upon Spain; and her civilization, moth-eaten, ulcerated, torpid, sluggish, self-consuming, 'sleeps on,' says one of the most gifted of modern writers, 'untroubled, unheeding, impassive, receiving no impressions from the rest of the world, and making no impressions upon it; the sole representative now remaining of the feelings and knowledge of the Middle Ages.' The insurrection headed by General Prim threatens to become a revolution. Whether it falls or not, we have evidence that Spain is about to take her destinies in her own hand, and strike down one of the last of the Bourbon thrones. No country on this earth has had the advantages of Spain. God has blessed her beyond other nations, and under the influence of the Roman system she has abused them all. We have hopes for Spain. In this time of inquiry and enterprise, in this day of anger among nations, we believe she will throw off the superstitious crust of centuries, and come forth strong, and fresh, and regenerated, to take her place among the nations of the earth.

"America has done her work; let Europe begin. Do away with the false and the vile—the degradation of labor—the enervation of manhood—aristocracy and thrones—pensioned paupers who happen to have what they call royal blood in their lazy veins. A struggle may come, but the world will come forth better, the nations will recognize Christian freedom, and moral progress, and all men can truly feel that 'neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor hight, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.'"

With the prophecy from which the heading of this article is taken, every Adventist is familiar. It is found in Rev. xi, 18: "And the nations were angry." The article is written to show that we have now reached this time of anger among the nations. And what are the events which the prophecy brings to view right in connection? They are as follows: "And thy wrath is come." What is the wrath of God? Rev. xv, 1, tells us that it is the seven last plagues. And the prophet continues, "and the time of the dead that they should be judged." Here the Judgment of the last day supervenes. We read on, "and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, . . . and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." Here is the general destruction of God's enemies, the dashing of the nations in pieces, and the change of dispensation, from this mortal to the eternal state. Such is the series of successive events, introduced by the anger of the nations, which state of anger is now exhibited before us. Yet the Independent, with the most glaring disregard of the other events which in the prophecy are inseparably associated with the anger of the nations, turns right aside from the inspired record, and declares that the world will come forth from "this day of anger," and the coming struggle, in a "better," condition, recognizing "Christian freedom," "moral progress," &c., &c. Peace and safety! A good time coming! True we see before us the anger of the nations; but then there is no cause of alarm; for this is only the herald of "better" days, and not, as the mistaken old Bible prophet has it, a prelude to the final exhibitions of God's wrath, the general Judgment, and the destruction of the wicked, as God sets up his everlasting kingdom. Is not this virtually the language of the popular fables of the day on this question? Verily darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people; and pre-eminently are the "watchmen blind." Isa. lvi, 9-12. The Lord keep his people from being bewildered by the confusion and darkness of earth's closing scenes.

The Truth will Triumph.

By R. F. Cottrell

Not in the conversion of the world, or in the salvation of all men, but in the sanctification and salvation of the people who are truly the children of God. It will triumph in the vindication of God's truth and righteousness—in the deliverance of his people, and in the signal overthrow of his enemies. The law of God, now despised and trodden under foot, will be vindicated in the sight of all; and those who contend that it has been abolished or changed, will see their folly made manifest by the opening of the great day.

They, too, who put far in the future the evil day, and have scoffingly said, Where is the promise of his coming? will find to their utter astonishment and consternation, that the Saviour told the truth when he promised to come again, and gave signs by which his people would know when his coming was near—that his word is verified and they convicted of infidelity, and condemned as the unalterable consequence.

These are solemn and fearful truths—truths which we now may learn, and escape the wrath to come, or may despise, and drink of the cup of trembling and fierce indignation. And all these weighty, momentous considerations hang upon the brittle thread of life, and on the improvement or misimprovement of a very brief period of time. In a little while, all preparations for that tremendous day will be completed, and, ready or not ready, all must meet the consequences of their conduct here.

Well will it be for those who have let the truth triumph in their hearts and lives, and thus have made the Judge their friend. They will triumph with the truth, while the truth triumphs over their enemies. R. F. COTTRELL.

Time of the Fulfillment of Matt. xxiv.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

UnIVERSALISTS and many others claim that the whole of Matt. xxiv. was fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem, A. D. 70. In verses 29, 30, we read thus: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Here are six events mentioned: 1. The darkening of the sun. 2. The darkening of the moon. 3. Falling of the stars. 4. The shaking of the powers of heaven. 5. The coming of Christ. 6. The wailing of the wicked. Mark xiii, 24-27, gives the same events in the same order; and so does Luke xxi, 25-27. The prophet Joel mentions the same events in the same order: "The sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining; and the Lord shall utter his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?" Chap. ii, 10, 11. None can fail to see that these events are the same as those mentioned by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Rev. vi, 12-17, John enumerates the same events in the same order.

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

We can readily see, and doubtless none will deny, that John here foretells the same scene which Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Joel describe. It was future in them all. Now does this apply to the destruction of Jerusalem? We answer, No; for Jerusalem was destroyed A. D. 70, and John wrote the Revelation A. D. 96, or twenty-six years after the overthrow of Jerusalem. These signs being then yet in the future, of course could not apply to the destruction of Jerusalem. This is a fact worthy of attention.

D. M. Canright.

Report from Bro. Whitney.

By S. B. Whitney

Dec. 7, thanksgiving day, held a meeting with the church here, and about midnight started for Adams' Center to attend their Monthly Meeting the 9th and 10th. Enjoyed sweet and comforting freedom, as usual, with this dear people. Eld. Green, a colored man from Syracuse, who was soliciting means for a colored church in Auburn, and who is favorably noticed in the Syracuse prints, came into our meeting Sabbath, P. M., and being asked to preach he did so to quite good acceptance, considering that eleven years ago only, he was fleeing as a fugitive from the land of whips and chains. Books on present truth, and a few dollars in money, were furnished him as an evidence of the interest felt by our brethren in the welfare of the freedmen.

From here I went to Oswego, and in company with Bro. Goodwin visited a neighborhood in Granby, where I preached twice last winter and was invited to come again, and the way opening, commenced meetings the 13th. Exceedingly stormy weather and the holidays prevented the interest from becoming very general; but a few were deeply interested, and four or five decided to obey the truth. Four subscribed for the Review and one for the Instructor. Remained there till Jan. 5, giving twenty lectures and meeting twice with the church in Oswego during the time.

Attended the Monthly Meeting at Roosevelt Jan. 6 and 7. The severity of the weather prevented a number from coming out, but some freedom was given in speaking the word, and some good victories gained in our social meetings. Held a meeting there the Tuesday eve following also.

Filled my appointment in Bro. Robinson's neighborhood the 13th and 14th. The condition of the weather and roads prevented a general gathering here also, but the season was enjoyed by the few friends of the cause in that vicinity. Held two meetings in Bro. Ballou's neighborhood during the following week.

At Mannsville, the 20th and 21st, had the privilege of joining Bro. Taylor in their Monthly Meeting—he having postponed it a week to harmonize with my appointment. The meeting Sabbath day was profitable. Close and pointed testimony was borne by Bro. T., which was responded to quite generally by the brethren present; and the meeting for ordinances was quite refreshing. Sabbath afternoon it began to snow and blow, as it does sometimes in this northern climate, and the succeeding forty or more hours witnessed such a storm as but seldom visits us. Our public meeting first-day, was entirely broken up; but around the family altars where the brethren were principally stopping, truly refreshing seasons were enjoyed and sweet victories gained. One started to serve the Lord for the first

time, and some who have been bound for years by their own unfaithfulness and the inconsistencies of others began to work for themselves, and expressed their determination to go through with the people of God. A goodly number from Adams' Center, Bro. Goodwin from Oswego, and Bro. Cross from Vermont, were with us. We all felt that the meeting was quite as profitable as it would have been otherwise.

Enjoyed another brief season with the church at Adams' Center, meeting with them the evening of the 23d. Attended the Monthly Meeting at Norfolk the 27th and 28th. This meeting was characterized by more than usual promptness on the part of the brethren to do their own work, and a disposition to rise with the message.

On the whole I returned from this tour refreshed, and with a stronger determination to be more faithful in the work of the Lord.

Dear brethren and sisters, the Lord is on Israel's side and when we come up to his help against the mighty He will do great things for us. May we be enabled so to do. S. B. WHITNEY. Grass River, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1866.

Note from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

Bro. White: I wish to say that I am thankful to God for his goodness which has been manifested to me thus far during my affliction. I am steadily, through his blessing, recovering my strength. Last Sabbath I spoke in the Sabbath meeting here, 35 minutes without difficulty. I am still following up the treatment prescribed at Dansville, which is bringing out a scrofulous humor on my body, and until I recover from this, I presume it would be inexpedient for me to enter into active labor. I am in hopes, however, that but a few weeks shall pass till I shall be able again to take my place in the cause.

I am thankful to the brethren and sisters who have so cheerfully contributed of their means for my wants, and to the brethren and sisters in this place I feel indebted for their hospitalities and care for my wants, the few weeks I have tarried with them.

Although I have been silent for several months, I have not lost my love for this cause and people, or my desire for the advance of truth. I try to pray in faith that God will revive his people, strengthen his servants—especially those in affliction—and cause the word of truth to triumph gloriously. I have no doubt of the success of the truth, although it might look dark to view the effort of Satan to hinder the work. I desire my affliction would lead me nearer to the Lord, and that I shall come forth from it better prepared to fill some humble place among God's people

J. N. Loughborough.

Olcott, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1866.

The Overcomer.

By R. F. Cottrell

GrEAT promises are made to him that overcomes. The very idea of overcoming is suggestive that there are obstacles and enemies to be overcome. Let not those who meet no losses and crosses, no pressing and burdensome labors, no severe conflicts and trials, imagine that they are overcoming, while they are floating down the current, instead of rowing against it, and dreaming of being carried to Heaven on flowery beds of ease. No! There is a battle to be fought, the enemy must be met and overcome; and it will cost a struggle, an earnest and persevering struggle, to conquer. It is the conqueror in this warfare that will wear the victor's crown. And there are trials in the way. It is the sufferer with Jesus, that has the promise of reigning with him.

"There is suffering ere the glory, There's a cross before the crown."

But he that denies his suffering Saviour, and is not willing to follow in his footsteps, will be denied by him.

Let us willingly bear the toil, before we talk of entering into rest. Let us run with patience the race, before we dream of claiming the prize. Let us willingly meet our foes and overcome, before we think of inheriting all those things which are promised to the overcomer. Then we may overcome, not of ourselves alone, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony—the sure word of God's promises, which strengthens us for the endurance of every trial, and enables us by faith to look beyond the raging conflict to the certain and everlasting victory—the word which assures us that the faithful, valiant soldier shall conquer, and that the conqueror shall reign.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Meeting in Marion, Iowa.

By J. Dorcas

Desiring to hear some humble part in the good work of the Lord, permit me to say that I was present at the Marion meeting for nearly one week, through a special providence of God, and that, too, through the most important part of the discussion between Bro. Ingraham, and Brinkerhoff, and I am prepared to say that it was a solemn and interesting occasion. The opposition was conducted with skill and ability. But we have much reason to thank God and take courage, when we consider that notwithstanding the opposing party had been for weeks fortifying himself, and had got, as it were, into our very fort, he was repulsed with great loss. It is true that when the engagement became the most intense, all waited and watched with breathless interest. I bless God for the power of his truth to save the honest in heart.

It is also a fact to be lamented, that these men have done much evil. They declare the three angels' messages in the past, deny the application of the two-horned beast to the United States government, make it synonymous with the little horn of Dan. vii, and thus confuse and distract.

We have only to say that the cause of present truth has nothing to fear from the assaults of its enemies, even here in Iowa, while we are blessed with the labors of faithful men, as we have in Brn. Ingraham, Sanborn, and Andrews, who are worthy of all praise for their persevering industry, simplicity, and godly sincerity, in bringing order, and a right way out of confusion. The saints in that place are now again on their way, rejoicing in the truth.

I have also visited other parts of the work, as Fairview, Anamosa, and Lisbon, and am happy to say that I have no doubt of the fixed purpose of the brethren and sisters generally to hold on to the old landmarks. I believe they realize the necessity of a deeper work of grace, which may the Lord grant, is my prayer.

J. Dorcas. Jan. 30, '66.

“Death is Swallowed up in Victory.”

By N. Orcutt

How fraught with consolation to the child of God is the thought that the hour is near, when this language of the apostle, which has cheered the heart of many a wayworn pilgrim while they have looked forward to the consummation of their hope, will be fulfilled, no longer an object of faith, desire, and expectation, but a glorious reality.

Now we witness the ravages of death—parents, companions and children, fall beneath his power. We see them suddenly stricken down, or, under the influence of disease, wither, droop and die. Under such circumstances, but for a faith resting upon the immutable promises of God's word, we should sorrow as those "which have no hope." What cause of gratitude we have that we can in the hour of affliction say with Peter, “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” He has “the keys of hell and of death.” He has been partaker with the children of flesh and blood, “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death.” When all other foes have yielded to his power, even the last enemy shall be destroyed. Faith resting upon the word of God, now points forward to such a glorious consummation; to a land where “there shall be no more death,” “neither sorrow nor crying, neither . . . any more pain;” to a time when the shout of a world redeemed shall proclaim, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” That land is no longer far off; that time is now specially nigh. And while we know that the glorious restitution is inseparably connected with the coming of Jesus, Acts iii, 19–21, and hear him testify “Surely I come quickly,” who that is looking and longing for the return of the children from the land of the enemy, and to see the earth “cast out her dead and no more cover her slain,” but will respond, “Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

“Wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”

N. ORCUTT.

Troy, Vt., Jan., 1866.

Letters.

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

From Sister More.

Sister H. More, of Africa, writes to friends in Mass., from which we make the following extract:

I was necessarily delayed in writing to you last month, as I was ill, and with difficulty able to write my sister, and English correspondents. They regret my Sabbath views, and say that as the first day has been kept so many centuries, it is strange I should be doubting on that point. They say it was kept by the apostles, and quote Paul's sermon on the first day of the week as proof conclusive.

I wrote them how futile seemed their arguments and that instead of proof, it was doubtless a Saturday evening meeting, and that Paul set out on his journey Sunday morning. They desired to see the book which I spoke of on the Sabbath, and I forwarded it to them, hoping and praying it might prove a blessing to them, and requesting them when they had read it, to forward it to Rev. Geo. Muller of Bristol Orphan Houses. If the blessing of the Lord goes with it to open blind eyes, it will avail, otherwise not.

They do not allow me here to alter any of their old arrangements as to first-day keeping among the orphans; but do not forbid my doing so myself. They however deem it expedient to send a principal to fill the position I now occupy. So, D. V., I may visit America next Spring, unless there should in the providence of God, be a special opening for me. Will you unite with me in praying there may be such an opening, and my health also allow me to take it.

I feel the need of much grace to make me able to live up to keeping aright the commandments of God, and exercising the faith of Jesus. In my singularity in the keeping of the seventh day, it is a consolation

that whoso putteth his trust in the Lord is safe, while the fear of man only ensnares its votaries. Prov. xxix, 25. And while I am the patient follower of that which is good, nothing can harm me.

The faith of Jesus leads me to look beyond this vale to that happy home above where all is joy and love. There the wicked cease to trouble and the weary find rest. Till then, he it mine to toil on, to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Oh, how I long for his appearing and kingdom which I trust is near at the doors. Then we may reap our reward, and rest from our labor. Oh the happiness to be there where all will see eye to eye, where no dissensions exist,

“Where faith is sweetly lost in sight, And love in full supreme delight.”

Then we can look back on our pilgrimage and say, Hitherto the Lord hath led me and upheld me by his potent arm. It will doubtless be a pleasure to recount our toils, our many trials of earth, where nought can make us fear more.

May we be faithful, wise and true, Trusting God in all we do; Meekly looking for his aid, Patient, following what he said.

I know not what is before me, but will trust in the Lord, and do good, so I shall dwell in the land and be fed. Of Jesus it may truly be said,

“His way was much darker and rougher than mine; Did he thus suffer and shall I repine?”

Oh, how important to do our whole duty.

“I’ll not spare myself of aught I possess, But offer all up in a service so blest.”

I am suffering still from my late illness, and may perhaps find it necessary to have a change of climate ere long. Still I would much rather remain at the post of duty till called for by the Master.

I wish to be useful while I live, then whenever God has done serving himself with me, I shall joy to go. Oh, how good to be permitted to labor in the vineyard. My times are in the hand of God, and his will is my law. At least I desire it may be.

Report from Bro. Stratton.

By Chas. Stratton

BRO. WHITE: It may be interesting to the readers of the Review, to hear of our prosperity in this vicinity. About two years ago, Bro. Cornell brought us the light on the Sabbath. It was so plain a Bible truth that we embraced it, and have been gradually coming along since that time. Not one who has started out on this great truth, has backslidden from it. On the contrary, we have been encouraged by additions all the way along, till we now member twenty-three.

There is quite a company of Adventists here who are not keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. But I will say to their praise, that they have not opposed us. The Sabbath has made no division of feeling among us. Those who have not embraced it, know they ought to, and the question rests right there. We all meet together with the best of feeling, as formerly.

A short time since, Bro. Andrews spent a few days of faithful labor with us, and the result was the organization of a church. Our meetings are very interesting. I am satisfied that God is with the commandment-keepers. There is an increase of interest at Athens. There are twelve or fifteen in that place keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I attended my appointment there last Sabbath and first-day. Baptized two good humble followers of Christ. It was a precious season to God's dear children.

I held a meeting in Palmyra, where Bro. Goodrich resides, last week. The most of the brethren and sisters there are holding on their way, and giving good evidence that they love the truth. Bro. Goodrich is seeing the work of God in Canaan.

In the midst of bitter opposition the Lord is blessing us abundantly. I have no doubt but all the humble, honest ones will outride the storm, and stand with the remnant of God's people, when Christ comes to give us eternal redemption, and a home in the kingdom.

CHAS. STRATTON.

Cornville, Me., Jan. 25, 1866.

The Saviour is Coming.

THE Saviour is coming, oh see the glad signs Fulfilling, which prophets have given; The sun has been darkened, the moon hid her light, The bright stars have fallen from heaven.

The lightnings have long been harnessed for use, Nahum's chariots now may be seen, As in the broadways they jostle and rage, With torches that glisten and gleam.

The last days of peril even now have appeared; For many are boasters and proud; They are covetous, traitors, blasphemers and fierce, Loving pleasure far more than their God.

The nations are fast getting angry, and soon The very last sign will appear, Then lift up your heads ye sorrowing saints Your redemption is now drawing near.

The last warning message now sounds through the land, The sand in Time's dial runs low, These tokens encourage and gladden our hearts, And on, with rejoicing, we go, A few days of trial, a few days of care, A few more temptations to brave, And then with the angels in Heaven we'll dwell, Victorious o'er death and the grave.

Strength in Adversity

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small."

Continue reading: A Testimony on Present Truth