DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Being a stranger to you in the flesh, but entertaining the same Blessed Hope, I venture to write a few lines. Myself and companion have been firm believers in the speedy coming of the Lord since 1843, and have been striving to obey God in all things, as fast as we have seen light, and the way opened before us.
When our beloved Bro. Fitch travelled through Vermont, we heard and saw from the chart that our Master was at the door. We were not slow to believe. Our names were cast out as evil, being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The cry was soon made, come out of her my people.
We did not confer with flesh and blood; but obeyed God, which we found better than sacrifice. We then lived in daily expectation of seeing him we loved, little dreaming of the time of trouble that was before us.
In the Summer of 1844 we moved to Wisconsin, where we heard nothing of the tenth-day movement until it had past. We wrote for the Voice of Truth, and that gave us meat for a season. That soon came out, the Harbinger, though not of the coming of the Lord, but of the Age to come, which we could not harmonize with the sure word. But we are thankful for light on life and immortality through its pages. But in consequence of being poor our names were dropped. About this time the Watchman was sent us by some friend. We feel thankful for the same. It has given light upon some subjects; but we think it is in an error on some points.
We feel to mourn when we see the once happy flock scattered and torn, and can but say, how are the mighty fallen. We were, with the rest of our brethren, tossed about by adverse winds, not knowing our whereabouts, grasping at different articles, on definite time, still looking for the termination of the 2300 days, until it pleased God, to send among us Brn. Case and Bowles, last Spring, with what I believe to be the third angel's message. Now shall we give up our past experience, the many happy seasons we enjoyed while under the judgment hour cry, and the new glories that enveloped us when we left mystical Babylon, and call it all delusion, and yet to be fulfilled in the Age to come. God forbid.
We can now say that we have got out of the fog. We find God's law is not abolished. He made the Sabbath for man, and we are not left in the dark on the subject. We can now say, that the Sabbath is a delight. May God help us to do his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city.
Your Brother in hope of eternal life at the appearing of Jesus Christ. WM. B. PUTNAM.
Warsaw, Wis., Feb. 26th, 1853.
Standing for the Word of God
By William H. Rapp
From Bro. Rapp.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I thank God that I have this opportunity of enclosing in this, five dollars for you. I felt bad when I heard of your wants, and had nothing to help you. But I cannot always do as I would like to, from the fact that I am poor in this world's184goods. I have no home here, but I seek one to come. I live in a little shanty in the woods, where the snow and rain come in, whenever it comes. I have a family of five to maintain, and I have no cow to help supply our wants. Yet I speak not this as murmuring, but that others may have courage. For God has chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs to the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him. "And this is the love of God that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John v, 3.
I am all alone here, in the cause of truth, and surrounded with the spirit rappings. They are doing great wonders. I have to contend with them on every side, and in so doing, am losing the friendship of all. But I will stand for the word of God, if I lose every friend.
When I hear through the Review, of the little flocks around, that can meet together, and sing, and pray, and converse with each other, it makes me feel very lonesome here all alone, as I have not seen any of the brethren since early last Fall. Brn. Case, Waggoner and Phelps were then to our house. How true were the following lines on parting with them.
Your presence, sweet, our union's dear,
What joys we feel together here!
But when I see that we must part,
You draw like cords around my heart."
Yours in love,
WM. H. RAPP.
Markesan, Wis., Feb. 25th, 1853.
M. E. CORNELL
By M. E. Cornell
From Bro. Cornell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have just finished the second course of lectures in the Town of Locke, Mich. Several more have joined the number of commandment-keepers there. They number now about twenty. Many others are almost persuaded. The opposition was great, and efforts were made to close the house against us. But they were not successful. Many threats were made, by those who oppose the present truth. Suffice it to say, that there was a clear manifestation of the Dragon Spirit that now begins to work in the children of disobedience which served to open the eyes of the honest seekers after truth, and a general interest and inquiry was wakened up throughout the community.
At the close of the lectures we had a blessed season in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. Truly, the institutions of the gospel, when obeyed from the heart, serve to unite God's children, and causes them to love each other with pure hearts fervently. Amen.
M. E. CORNELL
Oswego, March 11th, 1853.
Returning Money to a Poor Brother
By Editor
Markesan, Wis., Feb. 25th, 1853.
DEAR BROTHER:—We return to you a part of the money you sent us. This we think is our duty, considering your circumstances. We should have sent the paper to you just as freely, had you sent nothing, only a statement of your circumstances. You have shown your willingness to sacrifice for the truth's sake, and God will bless you for it. But you will please receive the $3 we return.
Though poor in this world's goods, yet if you are an heir of God, you are rich. And if faithful, you will soon have a share in Abraham's great farm. "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Abraham, also, "looked for a City which hath foundations." Those who are of faith, will be blest with faithful Abraham, and have a share in Abraham's great house, the New Jerusalem.—Ed.
Prosperity of Zion
By M. S. Finch
From Sister Finch.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I want to tell you a little of the prosperity of Zion in this place. The band of believers here number about thirty. We have prayer and conference meetings three times a week, and they are increasing in interest, and I am constrained to say the Lord does indeed meet with us, and many times in mighty power. The people of God are rising here, and gaining strength, (as I never have seen them before,) and I believe never to fall again. They seem to feel the importance of having their daily walk, their life and conversation such as will please the Lord, and of having their words well chosen, and seasoned with grace. We read, "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." 1 Pet. i, 15. And the Psalmist says, "To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God."
"So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine."
Yours in love,
M. S. FINCH.
The Readers of the Review
By Editor
ARE daily increasing. When we commenced the present volume, we sent out only 800 copies; now we send out 1600. And we have reasons to believe that a greater proportion of our readers now are Sabbath-keepers, than one year since. But there are some to whom we send the REVIEW that we have never heard from in any way. We know not but what they are believers in the present truth. But without doubt, some are not, and take little or no interest in the REVIEW. And, perhaps, some wish it discontinued.
As names are daily sent in for the REVIEW we must print more copies, or erase the names of some to whom we have sent it some time, without as much as hearing from them. We conclude to do the latter. Before commencing another volume, we shall copy the names into new books, and wish to do all the erasing of names before that time.
And here we wish to state to Agents, and to all, that the object in sending out the REVIEW, and thus spreading out the truth before individuals, is, that they may see and embrace the truth. But if they do not, after having a chance to learn our views, and if there is no prospect of the object for which we labor being gained, then we see no reason why the REVIEW should be continued to them, unless they wish to pay its cost, which is $1 a year. To cast our pearls before those who turn and rend us, is forbidden by our Lord.
We would here say, that lack of means to aid in publishing the REVIEW should hinder no one from taking it. Let the worthy poor have it. But in many cases one copy will answer for two families. Those who send, or have sent names, will do well to bear this in mind.
We have begun to erase names from our books, and shall erase more. And on the margin of the last paper we send to such we shall hereafter write their names in Red Ink. And if any of our readers who still wish the REVIEW continued, shall find their names in Red Ink on the margin of their paper, they will please write to us immediately, and it shall be continued, whether they can help sustain it or not.
Let those who have sent names for the REVIEW, ascertain, if possible, whether it is accomplishing any good. If not, they should inform us.
We have sent the REVIEW to some for more than a year without as much as hearing from them. They should write. But if they do not, they should not blame us for erasing their names, after reading these statements.
Bro. Andrews' Work on the Sanctuary.
By Editor
We printed about 3000 copies of this work, 1000 we have bound in a Pamphlet, and 2000 copies we designed to form the first 72 pages of a large book which we have had in contemplation.
As this work has been called for beyond our expectations, so that the 1000 are nearly disposed of, we have concluded to bind the other 2000 copies, and give up the large book at present. At some future time, when the matter shall be prepared, such a book can be published in a short time.
Those who wish Bro. Andrews' work on the Sanctuary, can now be supplied. We can recommend it to our brethren as the best work that has been published on present truth. Let it be widely, but judiciously circulated.
The Youth's Instructor.
By Editor
The seventh number of this little paper is published, and up to this time we have received full enough to pay expenses. This is more than we expected. But the number of subscribers is not yet more than two thirds the number of copies we regularly print. We hope those interested in this little paper, will do what they can for its circulation.
And here we wish to say to the brethren, that it would be some relief to us, and better in many respects, if all the papers sent to one place, could be directed to one individual. In this case two copies could be sent on one sheet, without our cutting it, which would save one half the postage. Those who make such an arrangement, will please do it soon.
A Sabbath-Keeper Seeks Truth
By A. J. Richmond
From Bro. Richmond.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:— Will you please send me your paper, and I will send you the money as soon as I can. The Harbinger uses rather hard language in regard to the "Sabbath-keepers," concerning whom I wish to learn the truth. I can see no other path of duty but to keep the commands of the Father, and also the Son, unless it can be shown that they are any of them abolished, which has not yet been done to my satisfaction.
Yours in the faith once delivered to the Saints.
A. J. RICHMOND.
South, Haven Mich., March 15th, 1853.
Discontinuing the Review
By Editor
THOSE who wish the REVIEW discontinued, will please return No. 22, with their name and address written on the inside of the wrapper. Some neglect to give their name and address on returned papers. In this case we do not know whose paper to stop.
Appointments.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the Brethren as follows: Catlin, the second Sabbath and First-day in April; Elmira, the third Sabbath and First-day. W. S. INGRAHAM.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the Brethren at Fredonia, Sabbath and First-day, April 16th and 17th.
I design to go West from Fredonia, as far as Bureau Co., Ill., and will hold meetings on my way West, in Ohio and Michigan. Will the Brethren, who wish me to hold meetings with them, write me at Rochester N. Y. in time to have appointments published in the next Review. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Publications.
By Editor
THE BIBLE SABBATH, or a careful selection from the Publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including the History of the Sabbath—64 pages.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred days, 68 pages.
We also have on hand our Hymn Book, well bound, price 30 cents. Postage 2 cents.
Perpetuity of the Law of God—32 pages.
The Seventh-day Sabbath—48 pages.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins—24 pages.
The Chart—"A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John and their Chronology," published by Otis Nichols, Dorchester, Mass.—Price—on rollers, $2. We will send it by Mail, without rollers, for the same price.
Letters.
A. S. Hutchins, C. Bates, Wm. B. Putnam, J. Miracle, M. McCandless, O. Nichols, G. Brown, C. L. Gould, A. A. Dodge, M. E. Cornell, B. Marks, E. Eastman, D. Upson 2, J. Bates, L. J. Richmond, E. J. Paine, M. S. Finch, S. Shoudy, O. Hewlett 2, E. Goodwin, D. T. Taylor, H. Lyon, A. J. Richmond, U. Smith, P. Gibson, H. C. Crumb, R. Preston, W. S. Ingraham, E. Everts, F. H. Howland, M. L. Bauder, M. G. Kellogg.
Receipts.
W. H. McCoy, C. K. Averill, J. Whipple, C. O. Taylor, S. Van Horn, J. F. Byington, F. Wheeler, T. T. Wheeler, J. W. Stewart, J. Kearn, J. A. B. Calkins, J. Wilcox, A. H. Robinson, a Friend, L. Wild, E. Wild, R. Earle, F. J. Owen, N. Davis, A. Davis, C. B. Preston, each $1.
N. T. Preston, H. Childs, S. T. Cransen, each $2. W. H. Rapp $1,60. F. H. Corwin 75 cents. A. B. Pearsall 60 cents. J. Wilder, C. Bourn, W. Beebe, T. Torry, B. L. Smith, C. Webb, each 50 cents. M. Mott, Sr. Green each 25 cents. J. Wilbur 20 cents.
For Tracts.
J. Whipple, W. Farnsworth each $1. J. Wilcox 90 cents. A. N. Curtis 75 cents. W. Gould 70 cents. C. O. Taylor 60 cents. C. E. Harris 30 cents.
Tract Funds and Publications
By Editor
☞ THE amount received to publish Tracts is, $268,32. The amount paid out noticed in No. 19, . . . . $195,00. For 2000 copies of the work on the Sanctuary, . . . . $95,00. Whole amount paid out, . . . . $290,00. Amount paid out above what has been received, . . . . $21,68.
We are getting out a large edition of a work on the supposed change, and history of the Sabbath, which will probably cost $80. Those who wish, may now aid us in this work with their means.
To those who wish to pay the cost, and no more, of the Tracts they order, we will say, that we can send 15 of the Sanctuary, or 20 of the Review of Crozier, and pay postage, for $1, and other Tracts at the same rate.
☞ WE have on hand a quantity of the Pamphlet, entitled, "A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White." The author has recently added a few notes of explanation, which make the little work of more interest. As it was not fully paid for by donations, we conclude to sell it at ten cents a copy.
☞ Enough of No. 16 have been received to supply our need. Thanks to those who have sent this number. But we are in want of No. 22. A few copies returned would be very acceptable.
Business.
By Editor
J. W. STEWART—We have sent the REVIEW regularly to John Stewart, No. 46 Soncea St., Cleveland, Ohio. If this is wrong, please inform us.
F. WHEELER—A box of books was sent by Express the 21st.
H. LYON—Does S. Van'Horn wish the REVIEW? You did not state.
W. S. INGRAHAM—We sent you books, &c. to Elmira, were they received?
P. GIBSON—The money was receipted in No. 17, which we send.
R. WILDER—We send you two copies of the INSTRUCTOR, one for Sr. B. In No. 4, J. Wilder is credited 25 cents. Why the INSTRUCTOR was not sent we cannot now tell.
M. C. ANDREWS—We have sent the REVIEW to Rebecca Earle, Newark, N. J., regularly the two years past. We shall continue to send it, adding the No. of the street which you send.