Earlier text: THE OLD EARTHEXPLANATION.
By John Harvey Waggoner
It will be remembered by the readers of the REVIEW that a correspondence passed between Bro. Solomon Myers, of Plum River, Ills., and myself, in reference to some statements made by him in the Messenger relative to the "cause in the West." Having at that time no acquaintance with Bro. Myers, and no means of judging of the circumstances or motives that gave rise to his communications, I regarded him solely as the correspondent of a slanderous sheet, uttering statements which he could not sustain, and treated him accordingly. I am now satisfied that I judged him too harshly, inasmuch as the exceptionable matter and expressions in his letters, were taken from, what he believed to be, reliable authority. We rejoice to find that Bro. Myers is firm in the present truth, and that the misunderstanding which has so long existed will no longer prevent our cordial co-operation in the blessed Cause. We sincerely pity the honest-hearted ones who were so unfortunate as to be found in such "bad company" as the "Messenger" party, and hope they may all, like Brn. Phelps and Myers, come out decidedly, and free themselves from the influence of such a connection. That the position and feelings of Bro. M. may be understood, I take the liberty to publish the following extract from a letter received from him since my return home. “We are as willing as others have been, to acknowledge that we have been in bad company. It is a matter of deep regret to us that while we only supposed we were trying to correct wrongs and errors, by being thrown in connection with others, we have stood in the way of the spread of the truth, for which we are now willing to make all the amends we reasonably can. “We trust you will also suffer us to say a few words to Bro. and sister White. Dear Bro. and sister, it is a cause of grief to us that we have added to your pangs and wounds, when we realize how many you have suffered to get the truth before an indifferent public, who are evidently not aware of the danger they are in; and we have no doubt your faithful, persevering labors will be rewarded at the coming of the Lord. Our short acquaintance with you and brother Waggoner has resulted in a strong attachment; such an attachment as we can form for none but those who we believe are earnestly striving to obtain an incorruptible inheritance. There is no doubt you know how to forgive. “Suffer us to say to those brothers who have become disaffected and with whom we have been connected in a manner, we are now satisfied that there is great necessity that we all become united, that is, all Sabbath-keeping, Advent believers. Christ has but one body and if we are members we should be united with the body. Besides, our enemies, however much they may differ about other matters, unite to destroy those things which we esteem the most sacred truths, and they seem not to care what weapons they use. Any thing that comes to hand. And if, in their desperate efforts to teach that the fourth commandment is no longer of any practical force, they hit and wound each other, it is all taken in good part, however149 much they may resent a difference of opinion on other subjects. Dear brethren suffer, then, an explanation in a few words: the effort to divide the flock has resulted in evil, and brought sadness and grief upon us. Let us then try to look over all small matters and become united in one body and labor for the salvation of men, by the spread of the truth. For nothing but the truth believed and obeyed can save. Our common enemy is strong and persevering; let us face him with an unbroken front; and we may expect great victory if we trust in Israel's God. For while we keep the ark in view, and obey the holy precepts that it contains, we need not fear an arm of flesh, though it be the arm of a giant. “Your brother in tribulation and patience.
SOLOMON MYERS. A CORRESPONDENT asks of us an exposition of the last clause of Rev. xxii, 18. It reads as follows: ‐If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” The question is, What would be ‐adding to these things”? To form a correct conclusion on this subject, we must consider the circumstances under which the book of Revelation was written. Let us go back to the year 96, and follow the beloved disciple in his lonely exile to the isle of Patmos. We are to consider moreover that at this time the New Testament was not compiled. The only Scripture then existing as a regular compilation, was the Old Testament, and, probably, even of this, he had no copy in his state of banishment. There he was on that lonely island, cut off from all his associates in faith; and there he had his revelation. There is no reference to, nor any mention of, any of the sacred books which now constitute the Bible; yet the revelation closes with a most solemn warning against any one who should presume to add unto these things. What things? The Bible as we have it compiled? There is no allusion made to it. What would John understand by the phrase, ‐these things,” at the close of his revelation? We ask the question; for whatever he would naturally understand by the expression, would unquestionably be what it was intended to convey. We ask therefore if he would not understand by these things, the very things concerning which a revelation had been given him; the things which he was to write in a book, and send to the seven churches in Asia? It would seem impossible for any one to answer this question otherwise than in the affirmative. Then the prohibition in Rev. xxii, 18, covers that book and nothing more. This is further evident from the language of verse 19: ‐If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy;” showing that it is ‐this prophecy,” or the book of Revelation, which is the subject of the Lord’s direction. What then would be adding to it? We answer, that if any man, or any set of men, should add anything to that book, to favor any special designs of their own, or for any other purpose, and should endeavor to palm it off as a part of the Revelation of the apostle John, that would be adding to it. And if any person, or body of persons, as for instance the mother of harlots, [chap. xvii, 5.] feeling convicted or condemned by any portion of that book, should endeavor to suppress it, and give out the remainder as the complete revelation of John, this would be taking from it. It would of course be wrong to add to any of the books of inspiration. The system of pious frauds, so rife near the commencement of the gospel age, finds no sanction either in the conscience or the text-book of the Christian. Yet we conceive that the 18th and 19th verses of Revelation xxii, have reference to that book only. Having thus given, in brief, our view of the passage in question, we may add, as a concluding consideration, that the language contains no testimony against any subsequent revelation, provided God should see fit in any manner to give one; and such revelation would be no more an addition to the book of Revelation, in the sense of the text, than is the book of Revelation to the prophecy of Daniel. Only by claiming to be a part of the Revelation of the Apostle, could it come within the bounds of the prohibition, and render itself obnoxious to the threatening. EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
Bro. SMITH: Our short visit with our old friends at Jackson, the evening of the 16th, was most agreeable. At 4 o'clock, the 17th, we were on the way to the Lovett's Grove, general Tent-meeting. Here we were happy to meet Bro. and Sr. Loughborough, and Bro. and Sr. Butler, and many other dear brethren and sisters. The meeting was a good one. The Cause in Ohio is young, and some have much to learn; but there seemed to be a strong desire to know present truth and present duty. Our social meetings were spirited and quite free. It is difficult in such meetings to get all to feel the necessity of speaking short, and to the point, so as to give all a chance to say a few words, and thus love their neighbor as themselves. When all learned to act on this just plan, our meetings were free and profitable. There was good liberty in preaching the Word. The closing meeting, First-day afternoon, was affecting. The expenses of Tent operations were promptly met. All felt that the laborer was worthy of his hire. And not a few brothers and sisters lingered about the spot, made sacred by the Lord's presence, till after the Tent was taken down, and the sun was nearly set, when we all bowed down upon the green grass and offered prayers and praise to God. J. W. THE CAUSE IN LAPEER, MICH.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. Smith: I find a still increasing interest in present truth in Lapeer and vicinity. I have visited several neighborhoods since my return here, and find many anxious inquirers after truth. The requests for more lectures are very urgent in all these places, besides eight or ten other places which we have not yet visited. Bro. Lawrence was with me at Lapeer last Sabbath, and baptized eleven willing souls. On First-day he spoke with good freedom in a new place, and the truth took effect. For want of better arguments, both preachers and people are circulating all sorts of falsehoods with the obvious intention to create prejudice and destroy our influence. At one time it was currently reported that we were arrested by an officer, while at Oxford, for searching a young man's pockets and stealing $10. The facts were that two Methodist ministers were arrested on the camp ground for searching a young man's pockets, supposing that he had liquor. The principal design of circulating this, appeared to be to destroy the confidence of the friends who had subscribed for the meeting-house; for they at the same time prophesied that a post of it would never be raised, and that the "tent men" would never be seen again in Lapeer. In view of this, our return was timely. All confidence is restored; the house was to be raised yesterday; and every prospect is favorable to its entire completion by the 1st of November. A general investigation is again going forward; and the church is having several new accessions. "All kinds of twisting and turning" are done in the vicinity of Lapeer, to avoid the "gaps" made in the moral law. Eld. Thomkinson (Protestant Methodist) says, "The moral law of Sinai is abrogated." Eld. Borden, in an article in the Lapeer Republican, concludes as follows: "Now, in the light of these facts, are we not to suppose, either first, That the Jews observed the wrong day, and that God indicated to us this fact, by finishing the work of redemption on the day after, which is the Christian Sabbath; or second, That the day is not in itself holy, and, therefore, any day may be observed without violating the laws of God if we sincerely devote one seventh of the time, weekly?" Eld. Woodruff (Presbyterian) says: "The first day of the week is the only Sabbath, and any other day is against Christ." While Eld. W. has the Sabbath changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, Eld. B. makes it "ignorance and presumption" to pretend to point out either day definitely. And Eld. T. takes a short cut and abolishes the whole law. While the Presbyterian says any other day than the first is against Christ, the Methodist man says any day may be observed without violating the laws of God. At the beginning of a discourse the sentiment is "the first day and no other," and before the close "it is impossible to find the seventh day, because no man can find the first day." Surely this is confusion confused. We cannot deny that they are Babylon; for their language is confounded. Since the above sentiments were advanced, I have received the following through the mail: "Eld. M. E. Cornell, Dear Sir: Although a stranger I wish to say that I listened with deep interest to your lectures in Lapeer. I am not a professor, yet I have been glad to hear what I believe is truth. For fear that you would not learn how low our clergy have stooped, I have enclosed their articles to you. I think they deserve a reply, not for the sake of the argument used, but to show them up in their true light. I hope you will succeed in obtaining help in your work in this section as you request in Review & Herald.
"Yours respectfully, &c." There is a famine for hearing the word of the Lord. With a short notice the houses are filled to overflowing with anxious hearers. Who is sufficient for these things. Truly the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. May the Lord direct the steps of some of his servants this way. M. E. CORNELL.
Oxford, Mich., Sept. 24th. "GREAT SWELLING WORDS."
By M. Hull
Bro. SMITH : In looking over the Expositor of Sept. 15th, I find the following concerning our late Tent-meeting and Discussion in Crane's Grove, Ills. : "The debate in the tent closed on Thursday, and on the evening of the same day, our general meeting and conference commenced in a commodious schoolhouse, in the neighborhood. The house was crowded, including a good representation of ministers and laymen of the Sabbatarian faith. At the close of Bro. H. V. Reed's discourse, we took the liberty to review the debate, and told the people that Eld. Waggoner had not presented one particle of positive evidence to sustain his theory, and called upon him or any one else to do it then, if they had any such evidence to produce, assuring them if they would do it, we would become at once a convert to their views. Elder Stephenson made a similar declaration, but no attempt was made to produce such evidence." I was one of the "ministers of the Sabbatarian faith" of which the elder speaks, and recollect well his "review" of "the debate." It consisted in a half-hour's harangue on "literal principles of interpretation," and a cry of victory over the discussion, only half of which he heard. But Solomon speaks of certain ones who are capable of judging a matter before hearing it. Prov. xviii, 13. I recollect well his call for evidence in proof of "Sabbatarianism." Said he, "I now call upon the Sabbatarian brethren to produce one positive text from Genesis to Revelation, where I am called upon to keep the Jewish Sabbath." Here of course we trembled in view of the task before us, ere we could make a Sabbath-keeper of Eld. Marsh. Therefore we did not undertake to find the text which says, "Eld. Marsh, remember the Jewish Sabbath to keep it holy." But we told him that if he would find the phrase "Jewish Sabbath," applied to the seventh-day Sabbath once in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we would find a command for Eld. M. to keep it. Eld. Stephenson seeing M.'s failure, said, "If you will find one command for a Gentile Christian to keep the seventh-day Sabbath, I will keep it." Here you may well imagine, we were stung again, as the phrase "Gentile Christian" does not occur in the Bible. I read, "Ye Gentile sinners ne'er forget," &c., in the old hymn book; but I cannot find "Gentile Christian" even there. M. HULL. P. S. You may, if you please, publish the following in the "Liars' Department." It is from the pen of Eld. Marsh, in the Expositor of Sept. 15th. "The Sabbatarians had rallied their strength, with their tent, and visionist, Mrs. E. White, to more effectually establish their cause. They had been holding a series of meetings in their tent for several days previous to the commencement of the debate. We could not learn, however, of any converts being made to their peculiar dogmas, though their oracle, Mrs. White, had three of her mesmeric visions during their stay in the place, ostensibly to give sanctity to what they could not otherwise induce the people to receive as truth from their hands." M. H. Letter From Bro. Carver.
By H. E. Carver
Bro. Smith: It is with feelings of gratitude to our Father in heaven that I take my pen to give, in few words, the history of my conversion to the "present truth." My mind has never been perfectly at ease since I first heard the evidence (in part) several years ago; but I framed a no-Sabbath theory, for myself with which I tried to be satisfied; and thus several years passed, gradually losing that spiritual mindedness that I enjoyed under the messages of the first and second angels; and since Bro. J. N. A. so effectually demolished my arguments in the Review, several years ago, I have rather shunned the further investigation of the Sabbath question, and entrenched myself in my no-Sabbath theory. Thus I stood having no definite views relative to God's present dealings with the church or world; only I still firmly believed that we were living near the end of earthly governments, as revealed in God's word. When I heard that two Sabbath-keeping brethren were about to visit Iowa City, I was preparing to move on to my farm, and I hurried my preparations so as to be away when the Tent came; but the providence of God interfered, and I was detained and had time to think; and it was impressed upon my mind that the time had come that I must decide whether these things were so, and if they were, that I must decide either to believe and keep the ten commandments as well as the faith of Jesus, or I must reject them to my own condemnation; and I resolved, without consulting with flesh and blood, that by the grace of God I would investigate the subject, and having learned, if possible, the will of God, that I would obey it, let the consequences be what they might. In this frame of mind I listened to the evidences produced from the Bible by Brn. Waggoner and Hull. The consequence is, that I do verily regard the royal law of God contained in the ten commandments, as of full force in the gospel dispensation, and that the seventh day is as much the Sabbath of the Lord now as it was at the time God rested from his creative work and sanctified the seventh day and set it apart for man. I also see a harmony in the subjects of the Third Message, and the two horned beast, as presented by Bro. Waggoner, and in the writings on the same, that I have read since, such as I never expected to see again in the prophecies. In studying the matter over from day to day there appears such a harmony between the law of God, and the gospel of salvation, that it seems to me it only requires to have it presented to the mind, for all to see and admire it. I am reminded by my own experience that I must not expect too much, nor be too impatient. My heavenly Father has had long patience with me, and at last almost forced me into the truth, for which I give him glory. I feel that not to me but to God be all the praise for my reception of the truth. And now brethren I feel more than I ever did the weight of responsibility that rests upon me to magnify the grace of God in saving me from the transgression of his law, that my life may correspond with the glorious stand the Lord has called on me to take, and that in thought, word, and action, I may not bring a reproach on the holy cause of God. Of myself I am insufficient for these things. By the grace of God I am what I am; and by his grace I hope to prove faithful to the end that at last I may, with all my brethren and sisters in Christ, have right to the tree of life and enter the holy city of our King, and have a seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Yours in Christ.
Iowa City, Sept., 1858.
H. E. CARVER. The Effects of God's Word
If God's word is applied to you by the Holy Spirit, it will humble your heart, set you at war with sin, and lead you to love and follow after holiness : if the word comes with power, and produces any other effects, it is the power of Satan. Selfishness and Uncharitableness
Selfishness leads directly to uncharitableness. Facts vs. Unbelief.
By N. G. Sanders
UNBELIEF may doubt whether the United States is symbolized in the Scriptures as the two-horned beast, or a beast with two horns; [Rev. xiii, 11;] whether they will do the work assigned that power; and whether they will actually endorse the decrees and persecutions of the first beast. It may doubt whether this is the time and place for the message of the Third Angel; [Rev. xiv, 9; x, 11;] whether here are the people of whom it is said, [Rev. xiv, 12.] Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; whether this is to be the scene of action when the dragon shall make war with the remnant of the seed of the woman [Rev. xii, 17] which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. But it is certain that here has risen a great nation that is acting a fearful part in earth's history. It is a fact that it has laws that directly conflict with the command of God on the subject of the Sabbath; it has, too, a powerful church influence, which is wielded to the support of that law and custom. The commandment of God says the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God; but church and state decree that the first day is, and practice accordingly. It is true that here there is a proclamation being given in the language of the Third Angel, and that a people have arisen in connection with this proclamation claiming it to be necessary to keep the commandments of God as well as the faith of Jesus. It is also true that the people of this nation are actually, one by one, choosing between the commands of God, and the say-so or teachings of the prevailing churches of the land on the same subject, setting all prophecy and all reference to the time and place in which we live, aside. These things are here and now matters of fact. We read of the woman that fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared of God, that they should feed her a thousand two hundred and three score days. We read of forty and two months that the beast was to continue and wear out the saints; and history testifies to 1260 years of terrible tribulation to the church. Think of it: worn out for 1260 years. Man would have forgotten his promises and purposes: not so with him whose they were. Who can wonder that the slain are represented as crying, How long O Lord holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Comparatively few, they were esteemed as heretics and fanatics; church and state were against them; fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters were separated in the faith, and in the popular eye, were the offscouring of the world. No doubt their friends often longed to have them lay aside their foolish notions, go to church, say mass or at least keep still, and thus be honored by the world, and secure the privileges of the passing time and be like other folks. But they could not. An impassible barrier was between them. It was the word of God. And did they ever wonder in despondency whether God had forgotten to be gracious? Did their longing eyes look to the God of heaven for redress? Did they ever cry, Lord why is it thus with us? art thou displeased with us? has the letter of thy word misled us, or are we foolishly particular? hast thou brought us into the wilderness that we might be destroyed? And did they then, with holy confidence, yet in anguish, cry, How long O Lord? Relatives and persecutors looked upon them as unwise. Friends, prosperity, ease and popularity they might have, but for their foolish notions. Their persecutors did not know that this dreadful time of trial was foretold, nor that their own day of triumph was measured in the word of God by days, nor that he that led into captivity must go into captivity. No, no! those few unpopular heretics were not the object of God's special care; the whole world, almost, could not be going wrong. What were they? Frail, human, and erring! But God had regard for his word; for it they lived or died, as seemed best; and for his glory he will ere long avenge their sufferings and blood, when their brethren that shall be killed as they were shall be fulfilled. Do you, my brother or sister, in anguish, institute similar petitions and inquiries? Do you wonder as you realize the responsibility of your position towards the churches and Christians of your day, and the divisions in your own families, whether it matters or not whether you walk so strictly by God's word? whether in the mass of professors, God would not overlook or wink at your departing a little, just a little, from his word? Do you ask, Is it because I naturally go on extremes, a natural fanatic, so rigid by nature? And must nature weep over the separation, in faith, from those you love? And do you then with certain hope and confidence feel that it is for the word of God, and that, lead to what it may, you will follow. Do you instinctively feel that the river of difference is widening to an impossible ocean? and oh! do you then look back into Egypt, or like Lot in Sodom, tarry and almost resolve to remain and suffer the fate of the city? And then does the angel of mercy hasten you? Do you then reflect that sooner or later their foundation must crumble, their refuge be swept away, and you with them if you stay on forbidden ground? And as nature weeps to differ, do you often look to the quiet rest of the grave and feel that truly, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth?" Alas! that such is our prospect on earth; but the servant is not above his master, nor the disciple above his Lord. But we look for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. We anticipate a new heaven and earth, according to his promise. And oh! to have every tear wiped from the eyes by Him whom, though Lord of all, it became to be made perfect through suffering; and to have him place the crown of life on those heads that have so often bowed in anguish, were too much for our imperfect lives; but so will Jesus delight to honor those who for the word of God forsake the commands of men. May we wait patiently, and yet say, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Even so. Amen. N. G. SANDERS. Relation of Experience.
By C. E. Harris
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: I commenced to write to you some time ago, but fearing lest a secret desire to honor self was mixed with my desire to honor God, I laid it aside, believing he would permit me to write with an eye single to his glory. His great goodness to us as a people, and the great blessings which lie just before us, and are ours even now, I believe, as fast as we will take them at his hand, are what now constrains me to write. I will relate to you a little of my experience. More than one year ago I was taken sick; had been much out of health for some months previous to this, but at that time was brought so low that I must have either divine or human aid, or die. Having seen some confusion among Sabbath-keepers in relation to praying for the sick, and being impressed with our low state before God as a people, I was induced to send for a physician, and did not feel that God disapproved. Long and sore was the trial I passed through, yet the Lord gave me sufficient of his grace to enable me to bear it without murmuring against him. I ever believed there was a bright side to the dark cloud, and that all things, that not excepted, would work together for good to me; for I believed I loved God. Five months passed and I was much nearer the grave than at their commencement. Satisfied that human aid could not reach me, I turned from it, willing to die unless God saw fit to raise me up. I had ever felt that God would not be so much glorified by my dying as by my living. This was what had induced me, after having within my own heart committed the matter to the Lord for several months, and being finally prostrated with disease, to resort to earthly means, hoping God's blessing would attend; and now that these had failed, I felt like still looking to the Lord in my extremity, and I did not look in vain. My extremity was his opportunity to bless. At the time of the conference in Sutton last Dec., my case was brought before the Lord according to the direction of the Apostle. The Lord heard, rebuked disease, and brought me speedily up from that bed of sickness. To his name be all the glory. In my journey to Mt. Zion I have aimed to be a steady traveler, but have come thus far laden with fears, oppressed by unbelief and many weaknesses. Like a caged bird, I longed for freedom that I might serve God acceptably, and return to God the praise and glory that I felt was due to him for his exceeding great goodness to the children of men, and to me one of the least of his creatures. Though often pressed heavily with discouragement, I never ceased to look upward to God. At one time, more than two years ago I came near to despair, but still cried to God, and when my feet had well nigh slipped, his mercy held me up. Thus I have traveled for seven years in the past. Lonely rooms and silent groves have been constant witnesses of my supplications to God, and often of rich, sweet, strengthening, encouraging blessings received from him. He has given me such near approaches to him, and permitted me to drink so freely of his love, as to keep earthly pleasures continually spoiled for me. And yet, strange as it may seem, I was almost a stranger to perfect freedom among the people of God. Have often studied to know the cause, but now I feel that it matters not by what shackles I have been bound if so be that my Father's hand can break them off. When the message to the Laodiceans came, I felt in a moment that it belonged to us and earnestly desired to heed it fully. While lying upon that bed of sickness, when I had ample time to look over the past, present and future, of which God has given us some knowledge, and to lift up my heart to the151 Lord, I believed that the Lord was working for me, and that I should have in the end, everlasting life. I believed that by that chastening which sometimes seemed severe, my heavenly Father designed to bring me nearer to himself and to bring me much forward toward the answer of my long-continued and earnest prayer, even that he would fit me to do all his will, and to glorify him with my body and spirit which were his. I desired it, or to go to the grave. The thought of getting well and of loving God no better than I had done in the past, was painful; and I shrank from it. The cause of God, the glorious prospect before the faithful, and the remembrance of dear friends, made life look desirable; but from the heart I chose death rather than to get well and not find the answer of my prayers. I believed that if the Lord raised me up it would be a token that I should find it. He raised me up and I received it as a token that it was his good pleasure that I prepare for and receive the latter rain with his people, share their labors and sufferings, and finally their glorious reward. Since then I have found myself possessed of a courage and strength unknown before, but still have not been satisfied. My soul thirsted to be where my eye would be single to the glory of God, and that all my powers might be fully consecrated to him and, in whatever way seemed best to him, engaged in his service. As a cup may be filled with water, so I believed that I might be filled with the grace of God and every part and faculty of my being made suitable for his service, and, by his appointment, employed to work for him. For this I prayed, longed and waited. There was no satisfaction or rest for me until this was done. Now I will tell you how I have labored along through the summer. In February I came home not expecting to stay, but not knowing why I could not do the will of God as well here as elsewhere, have continued to remain here. I told the brethren when leaving Sutton, that my work while away would be to obey the counsel to the Laodiceans and endeavor to open the door of my heart and let Jesus come in. This has been my work. I have labored with results as follows: For a season I had uninterrupted peace, but soon had fresh evidence that Jesus did not reign supremely in my heart; for I found my mind was ruffled and my peace disturbed with the little perplexities and trials of life. Many times impatient feelings came up; and sometimes they caused impatient words. I also found that when I had much liberty in writing to my friends, I was obliged to be in constant fear lest self exaltation should arise. These things pained me, and led me more earnestly to the Lord. He helped me to be humble and to advance in the work of overcoming, in many ways, disappointing my plans, giving me trials of my faith by sickness, &c. I had to labor hard, and often seemed brought into extremity, but still believed my God was helping me and I should have the victory. Sometimes the light of his countenance was withdrawn and I lived by naked faith alone while clouds of darkness encompassed me about. But still I felt like one waiting outside the court of heaven while a great blessing was within for me which I should receive in due time. Whatever were my circumstances or feelings at different times, my position was one of crying to God and of fervent expectation. I could not put my hand to the plough and look back. The victory must be gained. At times the darkness passed away and I enjoyed a good degree of freedom. This would continue a few days or weeks and I would find that before I was aware of it a spirit of elation would come in; that I was feeling a little more easy about myself, and that my cry to God for perfect victory was less vehement. I was also tempted with impatience. This brought condemnation and sorrow, and led me to redouble my cries to the Lord for more grace and strength from him. About one month since, I began to receive sweet tokens of the favor of God. The thought came to me, Shall I again by carelessness or exaltation grieve away the blessed Spirit? The thought was extremely painful. I charged my soul to grant itself no needless self-indulgence, but to look up to God continually and to wait alone upon him. I had rather be away in prayer than partake of my daily food. The burden of my supplication was that I might be enabled by grace to receive the blessing of God and not grow proud or careless. The Lord smiled upon and blessed me. I had the most perfect assurance that my prayers were heard. My peace was as a river. I saw and knew that the way was open for me to receive the rich mercies of the Lord. Great blessings were needed for my father's family; and now if God would permit me to prevail with him in prayer, I might ask for them. I felt that I must have power to prevail with God; believed it was my privilege. The light of the holy Spirit pointed out the path for my feet, and in the strength of the Lord I walk in it, daily witnessing his power to save and giving him praise for the same. Lunenburg, Sept. 7th, 1858. LIVE FOR GOD.
By Mrs. R. Smith
The offering has been made,
The ransom has been paid;
On one full strong to save
Has help for us been laid.
Behold, O God, our shield,
On thine Anointed look,
And blot, for his dear sake,
Our sins from out thy book. Sins now of deepest dye,
Can all be washed away;
God just, and justify
Those who his laws obey.
"Glory to God on high,
Good will to men on earth:"—
Such was the rapturous cry,
That told a Saviour's birth. The Saviour's life and death,
"Has ruined Satan's throne;"
His mighty arm, alone,
Can crush his empire down.
Though god now of this world,
His triumph soon is o'er.
We hail the dawning day
When he shall reign no more. Salvation's wondrous plan,
Has made all heaven rejoice;
'Tis wisdom now in man
To make this boon his choice.
By this can he o'ercome,
And when each sin's forgiven
Be found at last an heir
Of glory and of heaven. Ere long at home in heaven,
His place of final rest—
There's no oppressor there;
And none will be oppressed.
All harmony and love,
All joy and glory there—
Say, would you not in these
Eternal blessings, share? Live then for joys like these;
Hear Jesus' voice to-day,
Who comes to me, I will
In no wise cast away.
Just as you are, then, come;
Secure his pardoning love,
And have, at last, the bliss,
And joy of heaven above. L E T T E R S .
By Asa Kimball
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Bro. Smith: I take this opportunity to write a few lines, to let you know that my faith is still firmly established in all the truths advocated by the Review & Herald. Since I last wrote you we have had a number unite with us in keeping the commandments of God, which makes our Sabbath meetings very interesting. Our Sunday-evening meetings, which are held in different places wherever the way is open are also very interesting, from the fact that many who a few months ago were scoffers, are now constant hearers of the Word. There has been a call for more meetings in this region, far beyond my ability to supply in my present circumstances. If the Lord will, I intend to break away from the cares of earth, and be ready to work for God in the wide and ripening harvest-field. I cannot sleep in view of the fact that thousands of our fellow-men are going down the broad road to destruction, with no one to lift up a warning voice against it. My soul is stirred up within me when I hear from every quarter, the cry of peace and safety; not only from the millenium preachers, but from every political paper. The cry goes as on wings of the wind, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will to men!" but we are taught in the word of God a different lesson. The Apostle says, "But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you; for yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. v, 3. The Apostle pictures the time in which we live in such a striking manner that we need not be mistaken with regard to his prophetic delineations, and of the wonderful fulfillment of his word. He says, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do. Now we exhort and beseech you, brethren, warn them that are unruly or disorderly. Be patient toward all men, and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren pray for us." Hampton, Sept. 15th 1858. Bro. Chas. Andrews writes from New York City, Sept. 1858, "We have read the piece on the first page of Review No. 16, and it makes us feel very solemn. How near we may come to, and appear like Christians, and yet be lost at last! I pray God to make me a Christian, just such a one as he will delight to own and bless. I trust that God has begun a work in my heart, and I hope he will finish it. I feel sorry, when I think of my unfaithfulness to so good a Father. I want to be made perfect in patience. When I look at self and see what I am, and think what I must be, I am afraid lest I should come short at last. We find it hard living in this wicked City. We seldom see a messenger. Had a good visit from Bro. Barr about a month ago. Sr. Chamberlain's daughter was healed for which we give God all the glory." My Soul, Wait Thou Only Upon God
IN the agitations of the present life, beset and perplexed as we are with troubles, how natural it is to seek earnestly some place of rest. And hence it is that we so often reveal our cares and perplexities to our fellow men and seek comfort and support from that source. But the sanctified soul, having experienced the uncertainties of all human aids, turns instinctively to the great God. And hiding itself in the presence and protection of the divine existence, it reposes there, as in a strong tower which no enemies can conquer, and as an everlasting rock which no floods can wash away. It knows the instructive import of the sublime exclamation of the Psalmist, (Ps. lxii. 5.) "My soul, wait thou ONLY upon God; for my expectation is from him."