Review and Herald, Vol. 21, No. 12.
Diptheria, its Causes, Treatment and CurePage 1
Earlier text: Diptheria, its Causes, Treatment and CureLessons for Bible Students.
By Editor
LESSONS for the use of Bible-Classes and Sabbath-Schools is a want that has long been felt by churches which have seen fit to make use of these necessary and efficient means of religious instruction. To supply this want, so far as it concerns Bible-Classes, and the higher classes of Sabbath-Schools, it is proposed to give through the Review a series of questions on the different points of present truth, taking the standard publications of the Review Office, as text books, and furnishing enough for one lesson in each paper. It is expected that the Instructor will furnish lessons sufficient for each Sabbath, for the lower classes, and thus the whole ground be covered. We commence in this number with the History of the Sabbath. This is a work which should have more attention than a mere random perusal. A careful study of it will thoroughly instruct any one on the important subject of the Sabbath, in all its branches. Answers to the following questions will be found in this work from pages 9 to 24. To prepare himself, for recitation, the student should so thoroughly study the matter embraced within the pages referred to, as to be able to promptly answer the questions proposed concerning the subjects there introduced. What is time, as distinguished from eternity? From the earliest date in Genesis to the resurrection of the unjust, at the end of the millennium, what period of time is measured off? What marks the commencement of the first week of time? What was accomplished by the Creator's work on the first day? What was done on the second day? What is the firmament and what is its use? What was the third day's work? What was accomplished on the fourth day? How was the seventh day distinguished from the rest? Gen. ii, 2, Reads, And on the seventh day, God ended his work. Did God perform any labor on the seventh day? What is the genuine reading of this passage? See page 13, note. As God rested upon the seventh day of the week, what did that day thus become? But the Creator fainteth not, neither is weary, Isa. xl, 28, why then did he rest on the seventh day? Having rested upon the seventh day, what was the second act of God concerning it? Why did he bless and sanctify that day? What third great act completed the sacred institution? What is the meaning of the word sanctify? When was the first of these three great acts performed? On what day were the second and third acts performed? To what then did the blessing and sanctification of the seventh day relate? How are the days of the week measured off? To whom were they given to use? In order to set apart one of these days to a holy use, what must be done? What is Gesenius' definition of the Hebrew verb kadash, rendered in our version to sanctify? Give some instances of its use. Where is found the most striking illustration of the use of this word? What, then, was it to sanctify the Sabbath in Eden? In the light of these facts is it correct to say that there was no command given for the observance of the Sabbath prior to the giving of the law on Sinai? What does the term Sabbath signify? To what time and event does the fourth commandment point back for the origin of its obligation? Where is the next mention of the Sabbath after the book of Genesis? Did Moses do anything to the seventh day in the wilderness to make it the rest-day of Jehovah? Had anything been done, up to this time, since the acts recorded in Gen. ii, 2, 3, to make the seventh day the Sabbath? What conclusion follows from these facts? What is the testimony of our Lord relative to the origin and design of the Sabbath? What renders the original of his language peculiarly emphatic? and why? God first made the Sabbath his, by solemn appropriation; why did he do this? What reasons can be given to show that Gen. ii, 2, 3, is a record of what took place at the close of the creation week, not something spoken by anticipation? Did God sanctify the Sabbath in the wilderness of Sin? How is the Sabbath there mentioned? Why does the Sabbath commandment commence with the word, Remember? What gives especial importance to this memorial? What is the observance of the Sabbath on our part? What would have saved the world from atheism and idolatry? Strange Things.
By R. F. Cottrell
How can men be blind to the signs of the times? When the prophetic chart is so full and clear in regard to the great way-marks to the kingdom, and the last of these waymarks appearing so clear in the history of our own times, how can the great mass of men, ministers and members of churches as well as open infidels, close their eyes to these things, so that the great day of the Lord shall overtake them as a thief! But so it is; and Jesus knew and foretold that it would be even as it was in the days of Noah—they "knew not till the flood came and took them all away." Notwithstanding the threatening of our Saviour against the evil servant, that he would "come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites;" yet we hear men say, "It makes no difference whether we know anything about the period of his coming, if we are only prepared for it." As if a person could neglect his word, not heeding the signs he has left on record, and consequently not watching according to his command—not obeying his injunction—*"when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." These are strange things, but true. But still stranger than this it is, that so many that see the signs of the times, in some respects, that are satisfied that the great day of the Lord is at hand, that we are even now entering the time of trouble such as never was, are yet blind to the fact, out of their prejudices against the law of God, that the warning voice of the third angel alone can prepare any one to stand in that awful day; that those that profess faith in prophetic fulfillment should ignore and virtually expunge this most important and thrilling message of the prophetic word, and expect that great day of wrath is immediately coming, and this message, given on purpose to warn men of that day, so that they may prepare for it, not be fulfilled; and though pointed to the fact that the message is actually being given in perfect harmony with the word, that it is developing a people that are keeping more commandments of God than they are, yet will not admit that God is doing this work, so perfectly in harmony with his word. Nothing could more forcibly remind one of Paul's caution to the Jews, "Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 'Behold ye despisers, and wonder and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.'" Jesus said to the Jews, "If ye believed Moses, ye would believe me, for he wrote of me." On the same principle of reasoning, those that believe the apostle John, will believe the third angel's message, for he wrote of it. THE Lord can prevent troubles, or remove troubles; but what is best of all, he can sanctify troubles, making them real blessings; and this is what he generally chooses to do. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Pet. iv, 7. From the above scripture, with many others, we learn that the people of God, should be a watchful and praying people; especially, those who live when the ‐end of all things is at hand.” Watchfulness and prayer must go hand in hand, with those who overcome and go through to the city of the New Jerusalem. Let us then “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” But there is reason to fear that there are too many prayers, that have no heart or life, in them. There is a form without the power, a shell, without the meat. Those who neglect to watch, especially while in the society of the ungodly, cannot approach the Lord in prayer, with that holy boldness and strong confidence, that the watchful can. Those who with the vain, indulge in their light and trifling conversation must expect to feel the effects of their own folly. Well would it be if the precious cause were wounded none, only the wound in their own breast. Others do not seem to realize what it is to come before the great Creator of the heavens and earth, in the attitude of prayer. There is not that vivid sense of our entire dependence upon him, that there should be. The following remarks on the nature of prayer, from Hannah More, seem very appropriate. ‒Prayer, is the application of want to Him who alone can relieve it—the confession of sin to him who alone can pardon it. It is the urgency of poverty, the prostration of humility, the fervency of penitence, the confidence of trust. It is not eloquence, but earnestness; not the definition of helplessness, but the feeling of it; not figures of speech, but compunction of soul. It is the ‘Lord, save us, we perish,’ of drowning Peter—the cry of faith to the ear of mercy.” ‒Prayer is desire: it is not a mere conception of the mind, not an effort of the intellect, not an act of the memory, but an elevation of the soul toward its Maker; a pressing sense of our ignorance and infirmity, a consciousness of the perfections of God, of his readiness to hear, of his power to help, of his willingness to save. It is not an emotion produced in the senses, nor an effect wrought by the imagination; but a determination of the will, an effusion of the heart.” ‒Prayer draws all the Christian graces into its focus. It draws Charity followed by her lovely train, her forbearance with faults, her forgiveness of injuries, her pity for errors, her compassion for want. It draws repentance with her holy sorrows, her pious resolutions, her self distrust. It attracts faith, with her elevated eye, hope with her grasped anchor. The mould into which genuine prayer casts the soul is not effaced by the suspension of the act, but retains some touches of the impression, till the act is repeated.” ‒Night is the time to pray;
Our Saviour oft withdrew
To desert mountains far away,
So will his followers do;
Steal from the throng to haunts untried,
And hold communion there with God.” Letter to a Preacher.
By J. W. Raymond
[THE following extracts are taken from a pamphlet written by Dr. Adam Clarke, in 1820. Though intended as advice to ministers, the extracts which I have made will doubtless be read with interest by every reader of the Review. The reader cannot fail to see the marked antithesis between the Doctor's advice in regard to the manner of treating the word of God, and the mystical, allegorical manner in which it is now treated. Let those who are in any way inclined to grow ludicrous over the practice of Seventh-day Adventists in abandoning the use of tea and coffee, note especially the last paragraph of these extracts. Read, contrast, and ponder.—J. W. RAYMOND.] Remember, God is the fountain of all good: whatever comes from him will lead to him. His blessing is on his own productions, and his curse on everything besides. Son of man, saith the Lord, receive the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Deeply consider that to be successful in bringing souls to God, you must bring the spirit of the gospel into the work of the ministry. In order to this, see to it that you94 retain a clear sense of God's mercy to your own soul, and while you feel this love in your heart, it will not only support you in all your trials and difficulties, but it will induce you cheerfully to spend and be spent for the salvation of those for whom Christ has died. You preach, not merely to explain God's word, but to save souls. Whenever you forget this, you go astray. Now as no man can see the worth of the salvation which God has provided for him till he be convinced of his want of it, therefore preach the law and its terrors to make way for the gospel of Christ crucified. But take heed lest while you announce the terrors of the Lord, in order to awaken sinners and prepare them for Christ, that you do not give way to your own spirit, especially if you meet with opposition. Remember that admirable advice, given by the greatest preacher God ever made, to a young man just setting out in the work: "The servant of God must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves." 2 Tim. ii, 24, 25. . . . . I have known ministers, and of no mean note either, who seldom have a soul comforted under their ministry, merely because of their harsh, austere manner of preaching the gospel. Others, far their inferiors in point of ministerial qualifications, get souls for their hire wherever they come, principally (under God), through their affectionate manner of recommending the gospel of the grace of God. Of the former it has been justly said, They make even the promises of God too hot to be held. . . . . Never take a text that you do not fully understand, and make it a point of conscience to give the literal meaning of it to the people. This is a matter of great and solemn importance. To give God's words a different meaning from what he intended them to convey, or to put a construction upon them which we have not the fullest proof he has intended, is awful indeed. Any person who is but little acquainted with spiritual things, may give a spiritual interpretation (according to his own opinion), to any text, but it is not every person that can give the literal sense. The spiritual meaning must ever be drawn from the literal, and, indeed, when the first is known, the latter, which is its use and application, will naturally spring from it; but, without controversy, the literal meaning is that which God would have us first to understand. By not attending to this, heresies, false doctrines, and errors of all kinds have been propagated, and multiplied in the world. Remember you are called not only to explain the things of God, but also the words of God. The meaning of the thing is found in the word, and if the word which comprises the original idea be not properly understood, the meaning of the thing can never be defined, and upon this ground the edification of the people is impossible. . . . . Never appear to contradict the Holy Spirit by what is called treating a subject negatively and positively. I shall waive all strictures on the barbarism of showing "negatively what a thing is not"—and will beg leave to state the following: A citizen of no mean city took his text from Luke xii, 32: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." In opposition to the letter of the text, the preacher labored to prove that the flock of Christ is not a little, but a very large, flock. And in order to this, brought in multitudes of pious heathens, vast multitudes who sought and found mercy in their last hour, together with myriads of infants, idiots, &c. Who does not see that in the above case, ignorance, or inattention to the literal meaning of the text, was the grand cause of this absurdity and contradiction? . . . . Seldom take a very short text, because a short one may not afford you sufficient matter to entertain and instruct your congregation. There are not many to be found who have the ability to use a few words of Scripture as Addison and Steele used the Greek and Latin mottoes of their spectators. And those who have the ability should not use it in this way, for this plain reason, that in preaching God should be heard more than man. But where imagination and invention are put to the rack to supply the place of the words of God, the hearers may admire the address of the preacher, but are not likely to be fed with the bread of life. In such cases man speaks most, God least. Such preaching must leave the people ignorant of the Scriptures. With many at present preaching is become more of a human art than a divine science. And when this is considered we need not wonder that the pulpit is so often employed without becoming a means of salvation to them that hear. . . . . Go from your knees to the chapel. Get a renewal of your commission, every time you go to preach, in a renewed sense of the favor of God. Carry your authority to declare the gospel of Christ, not in your hand, but in your heart. When in the pulpit, be always solemn. Say nothing to make your congregation laugh. Remember, you are speaking for eternity; and trifling is inconsistent with such awful subjects as the great God, the agony and death of Christ, the torments of hell, and the happiness of heaven. Never assume an air of importance in the pulpit; you stand in an awful place, and God hates the proud man. . . . . The pulpit appears to me analogous to the box in which witnesses are sworn in a court of justice, "to say the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." You are a witness for God, and are bound by more, if possible, than an oath, to speak the truth in righteousness, and to declare faithfully and solemnly, according to the best of your knowledge, the whole counsel of God. . . . . In your prayers, avoid long prefaces and circumlocution. You find none of these in the Bible. Some have got a method of complimenting the Most High on the dignity of his nature, and the glory of his heavens. This you should studiously avoid. He that cometh to God, must know that HE IS; and a proper consideration of his being, power, holiness, and mercy, cannot fail deeply to impress your mind, and lead you at once even to his seat. You should never come into the congregation but in the spirit of prayer. Let your mind be wound up in that spirit in your closet, and then in your prayers in the congregation you will appear what you should be, a man familiar with God. Examine the Scriptures, and you will find that all the holy men of God prayed in this way. They came directly to the throne and preferred their suit; ever considering themselves in the presence of God, the very commencement of their supplications seems no other than an external continuance of prayers in which their hearts had been long previously engaged. . . . . You may easily find many treatises written on the gift of preaching, the eloquence of the pulpit, the composition of the sermon, both in our own language, and in foreign tongues; and he who has a good judgment may profit by them. But I must confess, all I have ever read on the subject has never conveyed so much information to my mind on the original, and in my opinion the only proper mode of preaching, as Neh. viii, 8: "So they read in the book of the law of God, distinctly, and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading." A few moments spent considering this subject will not be lost. . . . . First. They read in the book of the law of God. The words of God are the proper matter of preaching, for they contain the wisdom of the Most High, and reveal to man the things which make for his peace. Second. They read distinctly: m'phorash, from parash, to expand—they analyzed, dilated, and expounded it at large. Third. They gave the sense—v'son sekel, put weight to it—i. e., showed its importance and utility; thus applying verbal criticism and general exposition to the most important purpose. Fourth. They caused them to understand the reading: vaiyabinu bammikra, and they understood, had a mental taste and perception of the things which were in the reading—i. e., in the letter and spirit of the text. . . . . While you are engaged in the pulpit in recommending the salvation of God, endeavor to feel the truth you preach, and diffuse a divine animation through every part. As the preacher appears to preach, the people hear and believe. You may set it down as an incontrovertible truth, that none of your hearers will be more affected with your discourse than yourself. A dull, dead preacher, makes a dull, dead congregation. . . . . Seventeen years ago I met with Mr. Wesley's letter on tea. I read it, and resolved from that hour to drink no more of the juice of that herb till I could answer his arguments and objections. I never saw that tract since, and from that day until now, I have not drank a cup of tea or coffee. For these things I mostly found a substitute in the morning, and when I could not, I cheerfully went without breakfast; and in their place I never took anything in the evening. By this line of conduct I have not only joined hands with God to preserve a feeble constitution; but I can demonstrate that I have actually saved two whole years of time which otherwise must have been irrecoverably lost; and perhaps my soul with it. Meetings at Fairview, Iowa.
By B. F. Snook
The meeting convened on the beginning of the Sabbath according to appointment. We went to the place appointed with some faith that God would hear our prayers and give us a good representation from the various churches and that we would have a happy meeting. We arrived and O how happy we were to meet so many good brethren that we did not expect to see there! Bro. Cornell preached with deep interest and profit, and was warmly greeted by his numerous acquaintances and brethren. We hope his exhortations and testimony will live in many good hearts that heard with great delight. The social meeting was especially good. Nearly sixty-eight persons gave in their testimonies in about one hour. There were many tearful eyes and melted hearts that gave testimony to the deep movings of the good Spirit of God. The Lord gave us a refreshing shower. All hearts were full. In short it seemed to me the best meeting of my life. O I yet feel to bless the Lord for rolling back the clouds and pouring in the glorious light of his countenance upon us. This happy season soon ended in our separation. We witnessed many farewell tears; but, bless the Lord, we parted in hope of meeting on Mount Zion,
“Where no farewell hymn is sung,
Where no farewell tear is shed.” The Lord is working for his cause in Iowa. We never had so good a conference. O may we awake, as we never have awakened to this cause. We must work. I for one have enlisted for the war in this good cause, and God being my helper I am going to be more faithful, diligent, and engaged than I have ever been. I have not been more than half engaged. Brethren forgive me my unfaithfulness and I will try to live more worthy of a place, among this people. The end is almost here and, oh my soul! how much there is for us to do! Arouse, arouse and gird thy armor on! O brethren let us not forget the good meeting and our solemn vows, but let us be out in the harvest field at work. I pray that every heart may be leavened with the good Spirit of God. Let the world go! But let us get ready for salvation, for soon it will be here.
“Salvation! O the joyful sound!
'Tis pleasure to our ears,
Then may we sound it out so loud
That all around may hear.” My prayer is that none may stand in the way of the work of the Lord; that all may realize their condition and responsibility and act freely for the glory of God and the advancement of his cause, that we may all share in the joys of eternal life soon to be revealed.
B. F. Snook. To yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luke xxi, 34. Christ, as he looked down to the last age, saw with prophetic clearness, the peculiar temptations to which his remnant people would be exposed. He saw that the race of Adam had deteriorated, and the last generation of men, weaker than any former generation, and rendered still more so by the voluptuousness and luxurious manners of the times, would, unless peculiarly guarded, become easily drawn aside. The pride and luxury of the present age, render living in a decent manner, expensive, and greatly increase worldly care. Food must be prepared with artistical skill, or the palate of the last day voluptuary, is offended. He loathes plain food. Care and expense must be incurred, in order to safely and comfortably support a family in these times; and he who ministers most to the luxury and voluptuousness of the times, is generally considered as fortunate in having the means so to do. But there is a consistent position to be found on this point. Such are the habits of mankind at the present day, that even here, much effort and perseverance are necessary, in order to come up to the mark, and in this struggle for a decent subsistence is the great danger of which Christ speaks—cares of this life. How many toil and economize, yet have many real wants unsupplied, and more fancied ones; cheated by last-day sharpers: losses by fire; by floods; by drouth and by unfaithful laborers, and agents; pulled down by headaches, colds, consumptions, rheumatism, and countless ills; old debts and mortgages, high prices, &c. O the cares of this life! What can be done, says one, with such a catalogue of distresses? Work the harder, says another, until your treasuries overflow. Take heed! needful labor is necessary, industry is a virtue, and enterprise in lawful pursuits is commendable; but see to the heart! Keep these cares, these enterprises, these earthly treasures, outside the heart! Never let them intrude to the inner temple but value them, as the mechanic does his scaffolding, as a temporary support while he does his work. Keep the heart a holy place, for the pleasant family of Christian graces. “Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
Jos. CLARKE. CHRISTIANS are required to lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and all evil speaking. A compliance with these requirements will cause humility to rule the life, and this child-like purity and tractability of motive will readily receive the wholesome instructions of the word of life; yes, will prize dearer than life itself the cutting admonitions of that word which is ‑quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.‑ He who thus appreciates the true testimony is watered thereby, and rapidly forwarded in the divine life, and is denominated by the apostle a lively, or sparkling, precious stone in that glorious edifice, of which Christ is the chief corner stone. But those who resist the word, resist the ordinances of God, and that to their own peril and shame; for the great Master-builder ultimately subdues and crushes them in hopeless ruin. Such, in truth, is the end of those who disobey the gospel, cleave to their fleshly lusts and unholy conversation. The remnant church in these last days should be the representatives of holy principles. To this end God has set his hand to the refining work, and his people will shortly be rid of every dishonoring element. Then indeed will they stand as the fit medium through which the power and glory of God’s closing proclamation to a rebel race shall be disseminated in a manner that shall lighten the earth, and gather in every honest soul, just before the unmitigated judgments of God are poured out. Says Peter, ‑I beseech you, dearly beloved, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.‑ By such abstinence our words, thoughts and purposes are purified, and by our well-doing the ignorance of foolish men is put to silence, and we become free in the Lord; for we move in his counsel. But there is another freedom, a spurious sort, which those who speak evil of dignities exercise, termed by Peter ‑a cloak of maliciousness.‑ Those who cherish this counterfeit usually take a stand similar to that taken by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram of old, and meet at last a similar fate. They are stubborn, rebellious spirits, with little ability, except to raise the war-cry against those who deal out the pointed testimony of God’s word against their idols. All the restraints of the gospel are soon broken by them, and they are thus left to exercise the freedom which their master bestows upon them, who goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Our Saviour was reviled, yet reviled not again. He bore our sins in his own body upon a tree, and endured scourging, that we might be healed. He left us an example that we should follow in his steps. Imagine the Redeemer of fallen man walking about with pipe or tobacco in his mouth! The task is too great. The imagination cannot draw such a picture—not for a moment. Scripture Writers.
By J. Hamilton
THE rhetorical and poetical beauties of Scripture are merely incidental. Its authors wrote, not for glory nor display, not to astonish nor amaze their brethren, but to instruct them, and make them better. They wrote for the world's advantage, not to aggrandize themselves. Demosthenes composed his most splendid oration in order to win the crown of eloquence; and95 the most elaborate effort of ancient oratory—the panegyric to which Isocrates devoted fifteen years—was just an essay written for a prize. How different the circumstances in which the speech on Mars' Hill was spoken, and the farewell sermon in the upper chamber at Troas. Herodotus and Thucydides composed their histories with a view to popular applause; and Pindar's fiery pulse beat faster in prospect of the great Olympic gathering and the praises of assembled Greece. How opposite the circumstances in which the seer of Horeb penned his faithful story, and Isaiah and Jeremiah poured fourth their fearless denunciations of popular sins. The most superb of modern historians confesses the flutter which he felt when the last line of his task was written, and he thought that perhaps his fame was established. A more important history concludes : "These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his name."—J. Hamilton.
No other way; then why not look
To Him alone, who gave
This invitation unto all ?
'Tis he alone can save. "There is none else." No other God,
No other way to go.
This promise points the only road ;
All others end in woe. O ! look to him and be ye saved,
'Tis mercy's warning cry ;
Have faith in me, ye trembling ones,
Stay not to faint and die. "Come one and all," he bids you come ;
There's surety in his word ;
He'll give to us a glorious home,
At the coming of our Lord. Here then is life ; without is death ;
How can ye choose to stay ?
O ! come and taste his wondrous love,
This is the living way.
SARAH J. WELLS.
Clarendon, Mich. Who is he? and What is He?
By Editor
Bro. White: A few weeks ago there was a man through here by the name of West, professing to hail from Ft. Scott, Kansas, passing himself off for an Adventist preacher. When asked for his credentials he gave a plausible reason for not having them. Who is he? and what is he? The following letter received within a few mails of the above, will answer: It has often been mentioned to me by the brethren here, that the brethren west of here should be warned of one George S. West as he had gone to Iowa. Having some hopes that he would reform I have refrained until now. But I was in Iowa a few days ago and learning by the brethren who became acquainted with him there, that he had not reformed, and that he was still a reproach to the cause wherever he went, and that he had gone still farther west, and that he will still seek (in all probability) new fields where he can impose upon the brethren, it will not do to neglect to warn the brethren against him. And to avoid a tedious detail of particulars I will state a few of the charges that we believe can be substantiated against him, and if he denies them any persons interested can address me and I will give them statements of facts. 1. Falsehood, 2. Dishonesty, 3. Violation of the fourth commandment, 4. Fraud, 5. Hypocrisy; and beside these, he does not know his place or keep it. Let not the brethren think that I have any personal feelings in the matter; for I have not. It is a painful duty which I would avoid if I could find a reasonable excuse. If any brother has cause to write, direct to Yankee Hollow, Jo Daviess Co. Ill. Encouragement for the Lonely Ones
By L. C. Tolhurst
Bro. White: Being one of the lonely ones, and feeling that the people of God are my people, it comforts me some to be able from time to time to speak to them through the Review. The letters from brethren and sisters do me much good, especially those from the lonely ones. Such ones have more influences which are brought to bear upon them for their overthrow, perhaps, than those who are surrounded with those of like faith. For one, I am often tried severely. Sometimes my own nature, which is opposed to the work of the Spirit, is my great trial. Although cast down, I'm not destroyed. My heavenly Father knows what I need better than I know myself. May I improve by the lessons which he is teaching me by his providence. The hope that I once had while connected with the Baptist church never would have buoyed up my spirits, and carried me through what I have passed the last six years. How much there is to encourage the people of God! Although placed in strait places, we know it is for our good; that it will not be long. If we are faithful, we have the glorious promise just ahead. My heart aches for the salvation of my family. Sometimes I am led to exclaim, Oh Lord, how long! Make bare thine arm gloriously for thyself. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for the lonely ones. They very much need your prayers. The enemy knoweth their different positions, and seeketh their destruction. I often think it would be a great comfort to welcome some believer to my dwelling. I think my family might be benefited by a visit from some of the preaching brethren, coming filled with the Spirit of God, attended by holy angels. They would leave their influence. Finally, let us all be strong in the Lord, sinking out of self, and rising with the remnant. Yours striving for eternal life. Bro. A. B. Williams writes from Clinton, Wis.: Since a year ago last November, my wife and myself have been trying to keep all God's commandments. I first heard the truth preached by Brn. Loughborough and Sanborn while with the tent here, in June, 1861. I was convinced that they had the truth, but it was too unpopular. I tried to excuse myself in various ways, but I saw that I was climbing up another way. I continued to investigate, and found I must deny the Bible or the traditions of men. I chose the latter. There is but one other Sabbath-keeper in this place. There are others that seem to be convinced, and are favorable to the cause, and are much interested, but seem to halt. We were members of the M. E. church. We are now branded as infidels and heretics; but we expect to suffer persecution if we obey God rather than man, knowing that the friendship of the world is at enmity with God, as the carnal mind is enmity against God, and is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. We feel lonely, but we feel assured that we have the prayers of God's people. May the Lord help us to follow on to know him whom to know aright is life everlasting. The Review is nearly all the preaching we have, and we prize it highly. The peace-and-safety cry is in our midst. May the Lord help us to be on our guard, that when the Bridegroom cometh we may be found with our lamps trimmed and burning. J. Eggleston writes from Lancaster, N. Y.: I have just been perusing the Review, No. 7, and find a piece entitled, "Do we discard the Bible by endorsing the Visions?" which so fully meets my views that I cannot refrain from saying a few words, of however little value they may be. I feel to bless God for the gifts. When did we ever need a pilot if not now? The whole world ridicules the idea of visions. The Bible is enough for all mankind, say they. But where, I ask, have the whole, or nearly the whole, of the world gone already? They are swallowed up in the whirlpool of pride and excitement. They forget to read and live by the Bible, which they pronounce so abundantly sufficient for them; and because we have something to awaken us to a sense of our impending danger, something to encourage us and lead us to better deeds, to constantly search the Scriptures, also to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and finally to keep all God's commandments, the dragon is wroth, and is using every device to bring against us a band of blind followers. Let us, one and all, cling closer and still closer to these precious Testimonies. I for one shall not fear to follow them while they continue to point to a path so narrow, strait, and rugged. Sister S. Washburn writes from Waterloo, Iowa: I wish to say a few words concerning our little society in this place. It is about a year and a half since we began to investigate the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine and to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, during which time we have held meetings every or nearly every Sabbath, but never came out and separated ourselves from the world by organization until a week ago when we were favored with a visit from Bro. Cornell who held meetings with us three days and baptized six, myself being one of the happy number. We had truly a refreshing season, and I can say, and I believe I express the sentiments of the church, that I feel to praise the Lord that I ever had an opportunity of hearing the "third angel's message" proclaimed, and that he inclined my heart to believe and embrace it. It is my determination by the assistance of divine grace to spend the remnant of my days keeping the "commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." I feel that I have but little strength of my own, but that Christ is sufficient for all who are willing to trust him, and come to him in an acceptable manner; and in him is my strength. I never felt so much like trusting all that I have and am with him, or such a submission to his will as during the past week. A sweet and holy calm has pervaded my mind. O that he may guide my steps aright; that I may "take the whole armor of God, above all the shield of faith, wherewith I may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, be able to do all his righteous will and be prepared with my little family to meet the Bridegroom when he shall return from the wedding. I am living alone with my children four in number. My husband is in the army where he has been a year and a half. When he went I felt that it was his duty as well as that of every other loyal man to fly to the relief of his distracted country; but I feel far different now, and my prayer is that the Lord will, if consistent with his will, open a way for him to return home, that with us he may be prepared to meet his Lord in peace, and to enter through the gates into the city.