Earlier text: The Visions---Objections AnsweredMoses and Elias on the Mount.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
"AND, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him." Matt. xvii, 3. Here, it is claimed, is strong proof of the conscious state of the soul after the death of the body. It is certain that his, (Moses') body died hundred of years before; but now he appears upon the mount alive: therefore his soul could not have died with his body. This is their conclusion; but where is the proof that it is correct? Nowhere! Could we not draw quite a different conclusion with as much reason, and one that can be sustained by proof? I think we can. Thus: 1. Moses, not his body simply, but the man Moses, died on mount Nebo, B. C. 1451. The Lord said, "Moses my servant IS DEAD." Joshua i, 2. 2. Fourteen hundred and eighty years afterward, the same man Moses, not simply the soul, or spirit of Moses, but Moses himself, was seen alive on the mount with Jesus. "And, behold, there talked with him two men which were Moses and Elias." Luke ix, 30. Conclusion: Therefore Moses must have been brought to life again, or raised from the dead. This certainly is a logical conclusion. So thought that great man, Dr. Adam Clarke, as his notes on this passage show: "Elijah came from Heaven in the same body which he had upon earth, for he was translated and did not see death. 2 Kings ii, 11. And the body of Moses was probably raised again as a pledge of the resurrection." But was Moses raised from the dead? We think that there is some strong evidence that he was. 1. The manner of his death and burial seems to indicate it. "So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this day." Deut. xxxiv, 5, 6. He died and God buried him and no man has been able to find his grave to this day. 2. Jude incidentally remarks thus: "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the Devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Verse 9. Here is the record of a contention between Michael (Christ) and Satan about the body of Moses. What does this mean? Evidently it relates to the resurrection of Moses. It can be explained in no other way without making the words mean what they do not say. Satan had the power of death. Heb. ii, 14. All who went into the grave he held there. Moses died and went into "the land of the enemy," Jer. xxxi, 16, the grave, the prison house of Satan. Isa. xiv, 17. Michael came to resurrect him. Satan disputed his authority to do it, and tried to hold Moses in the grave. Michael said, "The Lord rebuke thee," and raised Moses from the grave. 3. In this light we can explain Rom. v, 14. "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams' transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come." Says Paul, "death reigned from Adam to Moses." Why does he stop there? What happened there to break the reign of death? Adam died, went into the grave and death held him there.69 Seth, Noah, Abraham, and so on, generation after generation, died and fell into the grave. Death held them there. From Adam to Moses not a person who died was ever raised from the dead. Thus grim death reigned triumphant and the hope of man seemed to be lost in the grave. Moses dies. Death closes his icy arms around him and claims him as another victim. But the Lord of life comes down and breaks the power of death, opens the grave, and brings up Moses. Here a before unheard of blow was dealt to death. His long triumphant reign was broken. One stronger than death had appeared, and by the resurrection of Moses had shown his power to bring his people from the grave. Thus we see how death reigned from Adam to Moses. 4. Moses was a type of Christ. Acts iii, 22. "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me: him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you." Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. If then Moses was a type of Christ, he also must die, be buried, and rise again the third day without seeing corruption. It is objected that Christ was to be the first one to rise from the dead. It is thought that this could not be true if Moses was raised before Christ. But Moses being a type of Christ, he could be raised from the dead as typical of Christ's resurrection. So in his case the objection would not apply. 5. But what was the meaning, or use, of the transfiguration? Our opponents never stop to explain this. With their view of it, it has no particular signification. It only happened to occur and they cannot tell why. But if we examine it carefully we shall find that it had a very important object and a beautiful application. In Luke ix, 27–31, we read: "But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God." In the next verse follows the fulfillment of the promise. "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter, and John, and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistening. And behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias." Matthew states it the same, first the promise: "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. [Now the fulfillment of the promise.] And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him." Matt. xvi, 28; xvii, 1–3. Mark, chapter ix, states this transaction in the same order that the others have. First, Jesus says that there were some standing there who should not die till they saw the kingdom of God come. Verse 1. The next thing that he did was to show them the transfiguration. Hence it is manifest that this was a fulfillment of the promise that they should see the kingdom of God. And this is just what it was in fact, a representation, or miniature, of the kingdom of God. In the real kingdom of God there will be, 1. Christ the king in his glory; 2. The saints who are alive and are translated without seeing death when Christ comes. 1 Thess. iv, 16, 17. 3. The saints who have died and are raised in the first resurrection. 1 Thess. iv, 15–17. Now in the transfiguration on the mount, each of these classes was represented. 1. Christ the king was there in his glory; 2. Elijah was there as the representative of those who will be translated without seeing death; for he was translated to Heaven without dying; 3. But who represented the resurrected saints? Answer: Moses who died, was buried, and was raised from the dead. Thus the apostles indeed saw a beautiful miniature of the kingdom of God. Thus we see that this passage when carefully examined falls far short of proving the immortality of the soul, and the conscious state of the dead. Indeed it is proof of the contrary, as it shows that God's way of taking men to Heaven is either by translating them alive, or by raising them from the dead. "Odious Names no New Argument."
By R. F. Cottrell
Our caption we find penciled in the margin of a book belonging to a beloved brother in Christ, by the side of these words: "The Christians were often the victims of popular fury. The common people looked upon them as enemies of their gods, and that was equivalent to Atheism, 'The Atheists,' was the appellation of the Christians in everybody's mouth, and of Atheists the vilest and most incredible things would be believed." Neander's Church History. p. 53. Calling an opponent hard names is not a very logical argument, yet it was quite effective in the early days of the Christian Church, and it is no less so now. The Pagans, the worshipers of false gods and the rejecters of the only true God, called the Christians, the only believers in the only true and living God, Atheists, simply because they did not believe in their false gods; and this was sufficient to arouse the popular fury against them. The same argument is often used against the truth in these days of degeneracy and apostasy from the faith. We are called Jews, not because we reject Christ, but because we keep the moral law of God, the ten commandments as written by the finger of God. We are called Sadducees, not because we deny the resurrection; for we insist upon this doctrine and make it much more prominent than they who call us Sadducees do; neither because we deny the existence of spirits, as taught in the Bible; but because we do not believe just as they do about human spirits—their fabulous knowledge and activity, separated from the body by death. But these arguments have their effect, namely, to foster prejudice against the truth. It is a cheap argument to call us Materialists; and that is equivalent, in the popular mind, to infidelity. They call us Infidels, not because we disbelieve the Bible, but because we do not accept of their creed—because we do not believe, as they do, that the Bible teaches one thing when it means another. It is much cheaper to use the argument of hard names against us, than it is to meet our position, Bible in hand. Hence they choose the cheapest and most effective argument they have. No argument with the Pagans was so forcible against the Christians as to call them "the Atheists;" and no argument in these days of apostasy, is so forcible against the remnant of God's people—the people described in prophecy as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus—as to call them Jews, Sadducees, Materialists and Infidels, or some such opprobrious epithet. How can we blame them for using the very best argument they have? But this their best argument is very injudiciously used, when it is presented to those who have candidly listened to our teaching, and have thus investigated and ascertained our position. It only has the tendency to drive such nearer the truth, as in a case which has lately come to my knowledge. It is injudicious to tell those who know better, from their own personal knowledge, that our teaching is Infidelity. Report from Bro. Andrews.
By R. F. Andrews
BRO. WHITE: I have not been silent so long, because my interest in the truth is abated. My confidence in the entire system of present truth, never was stronger than at present. My soul says, Praise the Lord for such glorious light. I believe with all my heart, that the good Shepherd is still leading his flock. My prayer is that we may be kept meek, and submissive, and always hearken to his voice. Our Conference at Johnstown Centre, Rock Co., Wis., was excellent. We were favored with the faithful labors of our beloved Bro. Loughborough, and were encouraged by his cheerful countenance, and his faithful testimony once more. The Lord will raise up his servants. Praise his blessed name. Wednesday, July 4th, held a meeting at 4 o'clock P. M., with the church at Clyde, Ill. Spoke to them on the subject of God's leading his people, and the importance of our being in union and sympathy with the work of God, and of coming up to that work with all our hearts. At the close of the meeting, the brethren present re-arranged their s. b., adding over $70.00 to our s. b. Fund for the present Conference year. There were also five more shares taken in the Health Institution. Most of the brethren have the cause of God near their hearts, and are willing, and anxious to do what God requires. Some lack spirituality and devotion to the cause. We hope and pray for a revival of the work of God in all our hearts. July 5th, left home for Rockton, Ill. Arrived there the 6th, labored with the brethren till July 12th, preaching, and visiting from house to house. The brethren here were in a somewhat cold and stupid condition, but we were glad to see a waking up among them before we left. We had freedom in presenting the truth. One new convert took a stand on the commandments of God while we were there. We trust the dear brethren and sisters at Rockton will be more watchful and sober, try to understand the devices of Satan, and pray earnestly for grace and strength to shun them all. It is no time to falter and faint now,—Jesus is soon coming. Courage and perseverance, brethren. Eternal life will soon be given. Let us each see to it that we get us ready for the Lord's coming. Paul says, "Examine yourselves." Oh that the Lord may help us to do it faithfully. July 12th, left for McConnell's Grove, Ill. This church has passed through severe trials, but I believe the Lord has a people here yet. There were some of the brethren from Monroe present, Sabbath and Sunday. The Lord encouraged us all, and we felt that it was good to try to do his will. On Sunday P. M., we had a business meeting. The brethren re-arranged their s. b., raising it from $55.33 to $87.36. This shows that their love for the truth is unabated. We were glad to see some who had almost given up the truth, determine in the strength of the Lord to go through to the Kingdom with his people. Dear brethren at McConnell's Grove, (and every where else) hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end; for those who keep the commandments of God will finally "have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city." O Lord write thy Law in all our hearts; help us to see it in its length and breadth, depth and hight, that we may be enabled to love thee with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as we do ourselves. July 18, left for Mackford, Wis. Owing to the short notice the brethren had of the meeting, there were not a great many out. The brethren here are quite scattered, but all remain firm in the truth (with the exception of one), as far as we know. We had help from the Lord to present his truth to these dear brethren, and the word spoken seemed to take effect. That the Lord may preserve his people here blameless till Jesus comes, is our prayer. Bro. Baker takes us this afternoon with his team to Ripon on our way to Fish Lake, to try to strengthen the things that remain there. We have the best of health, for which we thank the Lord. And we feel encouraged to labor on in this blessed cause. Brethren, pray for us. Mackford, Wis., July 24, 1866. Report from Bro. Whitney.
By S. B. Whitney
My last report was made during the season of fasting and prayer. That was a profitable season to the church here, as we were led to close self-examination and humble repentance before the Lord. Spent one of the four days with the church at Norfolk, where the Spirit of the Lord was also at work. May 19 and 20, attended Quarterly Meeting at Perry's Mills. Here also the Lord helped his people to see and repent of their lukewarmness, and the wrongs consequent upon such a state. Preached three times, and enjoyed a good social meeting. The 26th and 27th was the time for Quarterly Meeting here. A general representation of the church at Norfolk, and Bro. Lawrence from Bangor, were present. Bro. and sister Taylor were with us, and they came in the fullness of the gospel of peace; and as Bro. T. portrayed before us the condition of the Laodicean church, our eyes were more fully opened, and the hearty confession of wrongs, and the strong resolutions to overcome, that were made, gave some evidence of the work of repentance that was going on in our hearts. The faithful labors of Bro. T. were especially blessed to me in enabling me to see my lukewarmness and unfaithfulness to the Lord and to his people; and I wish to say to the brethren and sisters where I have labored, that with deep sorrow and regret I confess my unfaithfulness and inconsistencies, and humbly ask their forgiveness for all the losses they have sustained, and the trials they have endured, on account of them. I have failed to heed the counsel of the Lord to "encourage in myself more energy and perseverance," and consequently my efforts have been feeble and half-hearted, and my usefulness almost destroyed. My state of mind in view of my condition is well described in the fifty-first psalm. But I trust the Lord has forgiven me my great wrong, and helped me to commence the work of reform; and in his love and tender mercy grants me the light of his countenance, and the communion of his Spirit. The work of overcoming appears of great magnitude, but still it can and must be done. Sabbath, June 9, was with the church at Norfolk, and enjoyed a really refreshing season. Some who labor under trying and discouraging circumstances were comforted and encouraged. One who had almost given up effort, and even hope, expressed a desire and determination to once more try to overcome and go through with the people of God, and one who was formerly a strong opposer of the present truth was present under a great burden of sin, and called earnestly for the prayers of the church, that she might be forgiven and blessed. All had their prospects brightened, and felt that there was light ahead. The 23d and 24th, attended Quarterly Meeting at Bangor. This was quite a general gathering for Northern N. Y., and the Lord met with us; and although "Satan came also," in the form of some fanatical spirits outside of the truth, the Lord's people were enabled to discern the spirit and not to be bound by it. I enjoyed the sweet blessing of the Lord while confessing my wrongs, and talking of the dealings of the Lord with me, and exhorting my brethren and sisters to greater faithfulness in the work of zealous repentance. Hearty confessions were made; strong resolutions were formed; the tempted and desponding were lifted up, and all went away feeling that the Lord was at work for his people. May the Lord help us to put away all our idols, prepare our hearts for the Saviour, and open the door that he may come in. Amen. Grass River, N. Y., July 4, 1866. Improving the News of the Day
If we were upon the watch for improvement, the common news of the day would furnish it; the falling of the tower in Siloam and the slaughter of the Galileans were the news of the day which our Lord improved. Search Others for Virtues
"Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices." "God heals, the doctor takes the fee." The sixth annual session of the Minnesota State Conference of S. D. Adventists, was held at Pleasant Grove, July 6th, 1866. Elders J. N. Loughborough and Ingraham were present. Meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Ingraham. By vote of the Conference, Brn. Loughborough and Ingraham were invited to take part in our deliberations. Delegates being called, five churches reported by eight delegates. Reports of churches show total membership, one hundred and sixty-eight. Total S. B. fund, about $600. Bro. Stephen Pierce and F. W. Morse reported labor, which reports were accepted. Credentials were granted to Eld. Stephen Pierce. A license was granted to W. M. Allen. The case of F. W. Morse, and others applying for license was placed in the hands of the Executive Committee. Voted, To appoint a committee of three on Nominations. Brn. Loughborough, Lashier, and Allen were appointed. Voted, To appoint a committee of three on Resolutions. Brn. Loughborough, Ingraham, and Lashier were appointed. Voted, To appoint a committee of six on settlement. Brn. Loughborough, Ingraham, Grant, Odell, Gibson and Kelsey, were appointed. The committee on Nominations, reported for President, Eld. Stephen Pierce; for Secretary, E. W. Darling; Treasurer, W. I. Gibson. Conference Committee, Stephen Pierce, H. Grant and H. F. Lashier. These nominations were all ratified by unanimous vote of the Conference. The committee on Resolutions reported for action of the Conference, the proposed amendments to the constitution recommended by the General Conference, the resolution allowing unorganized churches a representation in Conference, the course recommended in expelling members, the dress resolutions, and the health reform. They also approved of the plan of establishing a Health Reform Institute at Battle Creek, and endorsed the action concerning members moving away from a church being required to pay S. B. where they have been in church fellowship till they unite elsewhere. Also Resolved, That we arrange our S. B. pledges at the time of electing our delegates to the State Conference, so that our S. B. year, and Conference year shall correspond. Resolved, That we pay to the Conference fund eighty per cent. of all moneys received into the S. B. funds of our several churches. Resolved, That the payments of churches to this Conference commence with July 1st, and that they reckon their quarters from that point. Resolved, That our scattered brethren in Minnesota be invited to arrange their S. B. figures on the plan our churches adopt, and make a report of the sums they propose to pay, to E. W. Darling, Faribault, Rice Co., Minn., immediately, and pay quarterly eighty per cent. of the same to our State Treasurer, W. I. Gibson, Rochester, Minn., to assist in carrying forward the truth. Resolved, That we donate the sum of $50, to aid in erecting a meeting house in Battle Creek, Mich. Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of $25 of our Conference fund to the S. D. A. Publishing Association. Resolved, That this Conference donate to the General Conference Missionary fund the sum of $25. Resolved, That we invite one or more of the General Conference Committee to meet with us in future sessions of this Conference, to participate with us in our business proceedings. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to district the State, and arrange Quarterly Meetings. Resolved, That the Conference Committee be empowered to publish a suitable number of minutes in pamphlet form for the use of this Conference, said minutes to contain the Constitution, with such amendments and resolutions as have been made since the organization of the Conference, together with the proceedings of the present session. Resolved, That this Conference purchase a suitable number of blanks for the use of our churches and ministers. Whereas, Minnesota has suffered from a lack of proper management in the past, therefore Resolved, That we request the General Conference, for the present, to consider this State as missionary ground; and while they may make efforts to build up and extend the cause here, we will endeavor to move in harmony with them, and second their efforts by our influence and means; and all difficult matters in business or trial, we will refer to the General Conference Committee for a decision. Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to the Pleasant Grove church, and especially to Bro. Harris and family, for their kind hospitality in caring for our wants during this Conference. Resolved, That a condensed report of this Conference be sent to the Review for publication. The report of the committee was accepted, all the resolutions adopted, and Conference adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN PIERCE, Pres.
E. W. DARLING, Sec. Faith.
By John N. Wilkinson
"WITHOUT faith, it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." It is important when we make a petition, to ask in faith, in order to receive. We know that the Lord is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God, but notwithstanding all this, we might make a petition, and not receive it. We want a confiding faith in God, and when we can bring such a faith as this into exercise, we know that "if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us." But when we come and ask in a careless, indifferent manner, we do not receive, and why? "Because we ask amiss." We frequently hear it remarked that we need more faith; but how can it be obtained? Why, we say, by drawing nigh unto God. Then let us set about the work in earnest. A faint desire never will obtain the blessing. Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." Some may think that this only means a thoughtful desire to obtain righteousness. But we think in some instances it extends further than a mere desire. When Jesus commissioned his disciples to go out and preach, he told them to heal the sick, cast out devils, etc. But we find one instance where they did not succeed. They had been successful before, even so much so that they rejoiced on account of it. But what is the trouble now? Did they doubt but what the Lord was able to manifest his power on this occasion the same as he had done before? Hear the Saviour: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." We want that faith which worketh by love, or which comes from a heart filled with the love of God. This is confiding faith; "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." "Oh for a closer walk with God." Let us labor after holiness, and untiringly, and perseveringly press our suit before the court of Heaven, and "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints," and if we cannot obtain the desired blessing, let us still continue even in prayer and fasting, yea, hunger and thirst after it, till we receive, that our joy may be full. We should manifest as much earnestness in what we want and desire, as was exhibited in the case of the woman of Canaan. She really felt her need, and earnestly besought the Lord to have mercy upon her, and while she felt her need, she also felt her unworthiness. She did not ask for the richest fare, but only for the crumbs which fell from the table. Jesus said to her, "O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt." When we really feel our need, and our unworthiness, then it is that the Lord delights to bless us, and grant our petitions. But in order to have that confiding faith in God, we must have more love for him, more love for the truth, and more love for one another. We must also bring ourselves entirely into subjection to the will of God; "be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God;" be zealous and repent, and get every thing away from the door of our hearts, so that the Lord may come in and sup with us and we with him. May the Lord grant us the tokens of his returning favor, and save us from unbelief and prepare us for his heavenly kingdom. The Ohio Tent.
By H. Abbott
BRO. WHITE: I desire to say a few words through the Review, concerning the tent meeting in Ohio. Since the announcement of the tent movement in this State, I have been extremely anxious to know of its operations, and of its success. Agreeably to the ardent desire that I entertained for the promulgation of present truth in Ohio, especially, I determined on visiting the tent while in Bellville. Accordingly I left home on the 6th of July, in company with Bro. Smith of Norwalk, and we arrived at Bellville in the evening, after a journey of about sixty miles. There we made our first acquaintance with those dear Brn. Van Horn and Lawrence; and I can say, it was truly an agreeable one to me. I remained at this meeting ten days, and in this time listened to fourteen discourses with great profit. The meetings are well attended, and the people manifest a good degree of interest in listening to the words of truth; they turn out in numbers varying from one to four hundred. Good order is maintained, which speaks in favor of the citizens of Bellville. The tent is pitched in a pleasant location in the heart of the village of B. My joy was made the more complete, on meeting, and forming an acquaintance with so many of like precious faith. Bro. and sister Crouse from Licking Co., Bro. Fleming from Gilboa, Bro. Nichols from Knox Co., Bro. Grant and Bro. and sister Iden; these have all attended the meetings, which has added much to their interest. Although our numbers were few, yet our presence at this meeting has had a salutary influence upon the minds of the people, in favor of the truth. Brethren in Christ, let us seek opportunities to cast our influence in that direction which will ever tell in favor of this precious present truth. We trust that our visit to the tent, did not only have a good influence upon the minds of the people of that place, but that it also tended to the encouragement of Brn. Van Horn and Lawrence. I would further say, for the encouragement of all our dear brethren scattered abroad, that I believe the Lord has commenced a good and glorious work in Ohio, the truth is being presented to the people, in a plain and uncompromising manner; and I am happy to say that I believe that the truths which are being presented, are finding a lodgement in the hearts of many in and about Bellville. My prayer is, that it may spring up and bear fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred-fold. There are others, whose eyes and ears71 are closed against the truth. "Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they but they hear not." This brings to our minds a solemn thought. They who reject, and close their ears to the voice of the third message, a little way from this, will be beyond the reach of mercy. The table of their festivity will be made a snare, and a stumbling-block, and a recompense unto them. And as there is considerable agitation in the minds of the people concerning the great and important truths that have been presented to them, we may reasonably suppose that there will be a fair proportion, who will take a decided stand in favor of the truth, if we may at all judge from external appearances. Many have expressed themselves as being fully decided in favor of the present truth. The Lord, by his Holy Spirit is at work in Bellville, setting home to the minds and consciences of men, the word of testimony as proclaimed by his servants; and my desire is, that many may be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption. Brethren and sisters, let us who are blessed with pleasant homes, and the society of companions and friends, not be forgetful of those dear servants of God, that have denied themselves the comforts of home and friends, and have gone out upon the tented field, to fight the battles of the Lord. And as Aaron and Hur stayed up the hands of Moses, until the going down of the sun, let us also stay up the hands of God's servants uutil the victory is proclaimed on the side of Him whose right it is to reign. Let us give them to feel that they have our sympathies and kind regards, that their trials are our trials, and their burdens our burdens. Be assured, dear ambassadors of Christ, that while you are standing up stiffly for the truth, and are proclaiming the same to a gainsaying world, you not only have our sympathies and prayers, but the Holy Spirit will keep and sustain you under every trial. May the Lord make you useful instruments in winning many souls to himself, that it may add as many sparkling gems to the crown of your rejoicing, in the day of Christ Jesus our Lord. Oh give me faith! why should we not believe,
Is not God rich, all bounteous to give?
Is he not greater than our highest hopes?
Hath he not said, "Ask, and ye shall receive?" Oh give me faith! how gloomy is that vale
Where blooms not lowly, some sweet wildwood flower!
So dark, and chill, and dreary is that heart
That knows not faith's all animating power. Oh give me faith! borne on her tireless wing,
The spirit soars to climes unknown before,
Clasps the great "mystery of godliness,"
Bows 'neath the cross, to worship and adore. Oh give me faith! unfaltering and firm,
Though my soul trembles in this solemn shade,
Though my heart faints as life's glad light grows dim,
Yet faith still whispers, "Trust, be not afraid." Oh give me faith! till Christ shall take me home,
Faith in my God, submission to his will,
Till in his likeness satisfied I stand
Arrayed in light on the celestial hill. A. S. COWDREY
By A. S. Cowdrey
BRO. WHITE: As the hours of the holy Sabbath were fast passing away, and as I was about laying aside my books and papers, the thought struck me that I would like to communicate once more with my dear brethren and sisters, through the Review,—that dear messenger of love and truth. Isolated as I am from the society of the saints, how sweet, how refreshing are its weekly visits! I have hailed it with more joy than I can express, during almost three years that I have been striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. It has been all the preaching I have had, with one exception, which Bro. Loughborough will remember; it was a little meeting at Bro. Clarke's in Blarford, one cold, blustering day in February. It was to me a refreshing time. I have ever since remembered him in love, and in his, and Bro. White's affliction, have felt a deep sympathy; and trust my feeble prayers in their behalf, have been heard in Heaven. I long to see and hear some of the messengers of truth; and I often feel to pray that God would inspire the heart of some one to come to Colebrook, to speak the word of life and salvation to a perishing people. May God bless his ministering servants, and all the flock of Christ, is my earnest prayer. Yours, striving for eternal life. P. S. I would not forget to tender my thanks to the ministers, for those sermons. Although the paper is usually filled with good instructive matter, yet a sermon now and then, to us lonely ones is a great treat. WM. E. CAVINESS
By Wm. E. Caviness
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is a pleasure to me to read the testimonies given through the columns of the Review, in favor of present truth. I can say my heart has been greatly cheered with the glorious truths of the third angel's message. These truths seem to shine brighter and brighter. I thank my heavenly Father that I was ever so fortunate as to get hold of them. I have no doubts as to the Lord being in the work, nor as to the Lord leading out this people, called Seventh-day Adventists. The desire of my heart is that I may go through with this people to the kingdom of God where we can sing the song of Moses and the Lamb forever and ever. Preparing for the Latter Rain
By Lydia Bolton
BRO. WHITE: I love the blessed truths and good instructions and faithful counsel and comfort which come to us from week to week. It is cheering to our hearts. We are living in a solemn time, and in a very wicked and perverse generation, when iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold, and as the prophet has said pride has budded and truth has fallen in the streets. I feel very unworthy; but I mean to strive with all my heart to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and seek meekness and righteousness, and it may be I shall be hid in the day of God's fierce anger, when he arises to shake terribly the earth. I want to be wholly engaged in the great work of preparation that is going on that will bring out the people of God, prepared for the latter rain, and the coming of Jesus, and the setting up of his everlasting kingdom, which will be given to the saints of the Most High, and established under the whole heaven. The season of fasting was blessed to us while we tried to get nearer to God by humiliation, fasting and prayer, and confessing our sins. We felt the blessing and approbation of God resting upon us. We feel to praise God for his great goodness toward us, and that he has heard the prayers of his people in behalf of his afflicted servants. The hand of the Lord is set to the work. And they will be made whole, and come through the trials, ere long, purified, ready for the Master's use. Yours, in hope of eternal life. LYDIA BOLTON. Health Reform and Faithfulness
By Lois J. Richmond
Dear Brethren and Sisters: It has been about fifteen years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and I can still say that I love God, his truth, and his people, and I choose still to share with them in their sufferings and trials here, and I hope at last to share with them in those joys that await the faithful. We are truly living in a solemn and interesting time, when God is weighing the thoughts and interests of his people; and I feel often to ask myself the question, On which side shall I be found, gathering with Christ, or scattering abroad? I feel thankful for the truth that God is permitting to shine upon the pathway of his people in the last days of peril, and especially for the light that we have on the Health Reform, for I feel that there is great need of a reform among us. How can we render acceptable service to God, while our bodies are weighed down with disease caused by transgressing the laws of our being? It is impossible. I have been trying to live out this reform, and have been blessed in so doing. My heart has been made sad in the past, while I have witnessed the sufferings and afflictions of God's dear people, and I have often felt to weep, and cry in secret places, "Spare thy people Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach;" and I feel to rejoice to day for what God in mercy has been doing for his afflicted servants, that he has heard the cries of his people and has broken in a measure the power of the enemy. To his name be all the praise. In view of his great mercy, we should humble ourselves before him, and try to live in the place where we can help stay up their hands, and encourage their hearts and thus help them bear their burdens. It is an individual work, we all have a part to act, and be it ever so humble I desire to be ever found in my place. The Lord knows all our needs, but he has said in his word that he would be sought unto by the house of Israel to do these things for us. He has made it our duty to ask, and we have the assurance that he will not turn a deaf ear to our cry. Oh how compassionate! how full of love and mercy, to his poor, erring people! how our hearts should swell out with gratitude and love to him, who has done so much for us! How it should inspire our hearts with courage and zeal in his cause. Though the way may be straight and narrow, though it be a rough and thorny way, if we but keep our eyes upward upon Jesus we can go through; it is possible; we can overcome. With Jesus for our friend and guide we need not fear. I mean to be an overcomer and at last meet you in that better land. He That Can Have Patience
"He that can have patience, can have what he will."