By John Norton Loughborough, Moses Hull, M. E. Cornell
ORGANIZATION.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The subject of organization having been referred to us by the late general conference, with the request that we hold a Bible class thereon, and address you through the Review, we have accordingly had the subject under investigation, and submit the following thoughts for your consideration:
Of the necessity of church organization, at this late period in the discussion of this subject, it is unnecessary for us to speak. That division of the subject which has been especially referred to us, embraces the following points: 1. Manner of organizing a church; 2. Officers, and their duties; 3. The reception of members; and 4. Letters of commendation.
Where bodies of believers are brought out on the truth in new places, we would not recommend the immediate formation of a church. In such cases let a leader be appointed [this can perhaps best be done by the evangelist when he raises up the church], and let social meetings be continued till such time as the individuals become thoroughly acquainted with each other, and ascertain with whom they can have fellowship, and who are qualified for the important duties of officers of the church. As to the particular manner of organizing a church, when the proper time comes, we shall be allowed to avail ourselves of the experience of several ministers who have already adopted the following plan, and testify that it works well:
Let the minister request all those who propose to enter into church order, to stand upon their feet, till it is ascertained whether perfect fellowship exists among them. If it does not, let those between whom the difficulty lies, immediately retire and confer together in order to an understanding. If this cannot be arrived at, we know of no other way, but that the accused should remain outside, until the church is prepared to take action in his or her case. It having been ascertained who are prepared to enter into church fellowship, let their names be attached to the following church covenant:
We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together, as a church, taking the name Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus Christ.
The members being thus enrolled, they are prepared for the election of
CHURCH OFFICERS.
The following classes of rulers and officers of the christian church, are brought to view in the New Testament: Apostles, Evangelists, Elders, Bishops, Pastors and Deacons. These we would divide into two great classes: Those who hold their office by virtue of an especial call from God, and those selected by the church; the former embracing apostles and evangelists; and the latter, elders, bishops, pastors and deacons.
I. Apostles. Apostle is from the word ἀπόστολος, and signifies, one sent forth, a messenger. It is used to designate in a pre-eminent sense the twelve apostles sent out by Christ; but it cannot be confined to them nor to that age.
1. It cannot be confined to the twelve. Christ was called an apostle. Heb. iii, 1. Paul and Barnabas were called apostles. Acts xiv, 4, 14. Titus and other brethren were called messengers (Greek, apostles). 2 Cor. viii, 22, 23. [The word of in verse 23 is from the original ἐπί, and signifies, about, concerning]. Epaphroditus was called a messenger [Greek, apostle]. Phil. ii, 25. Here we have at least four apostles besides the twelve, all living in the same age with them;
which shows that the idea of perpetuating just twelve apostles in the church, as the Mormons and Irvingites hold, is unscriptural and absurd.
2. They cannot be confined to the times covered by the New Testament record. First. The definition of the word apostle, being, one sent out, it follows that any one especially sent out of God in any age to proclaim his truth, is, in that sense, an apostle. We think it more especially applicable to those who are called of God to lead out in any new truth or reform; such, for instance, as Luther, Melanchthon, Wesley and William Miller. Second. The Scriptures also show that apostles are to be perpetuated in the church. Eph. iv, 11-13. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come into the unity of the faith.” This testimony shows that the office of apostles runs co-extensive with that of pastors and teachers, and other spiritual gifts, and is to last till the church, the body of Christ, all come into the unity of the faith.
II. Evangelists. This term is from the Greek, εὐαγγελιστής, and is thus defined by Robinson: “Properly, a messenger of good tidings. In the New Testament, an evangelist, a preacher of the gospel, not fixed in any place, but traveling as a missionary to preach the gospel, and establish churches. See Acts xxi, 8; Eph. iv, 11; 2 Tim. iv, 5.”
We come now to the second class, those appointed by the church, namely, elders, bishops, pastors and deacons.
1. Elders. This office is also expressed by the words, bishop, pastor, and overseer. To show that these are interchangeable terms for the same thing we refer, first, to Titus i, 5, 7: “For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city as I had appointed thee: for a bishop must be blameless,” &c. The word elder in verse 5, is from πρεσβύτερος, and signifies, primarily, according to Robinson, an elder person, a senior; as an officer of the church it signifies the elders of Christian churches, presbyters, to whom was committed the direction and government of individual churches; properly the same as ἐπίσκοπος, which see.” The word rendered bishop in verse 7 is from this word ἐπίσκοπος, and is defined by the same author as follows: “In the New Testament spoken of officers of the primitive churches, an overseer, superintendent. This was originally simply the common Greek name of office equivalent to πρεσβύτερος, which latter was a Jewish term.” That elders and bishops are identical, is also shown from Acts xx, 17, 28. The word elders in verse 17 is from πρεσβύτερος, and the word overseers in 28 is from ἐπίσκοπος (bishop). The term pastor is from ποιμήν, and signifies literally a herdsman, a shepherd; specially a pastor, a teacher, a spiritual guide of a particular church. The definition of this term shows that it signifies the same office as πρεσβύτερος (elder), and ἐπίσκοπος (bishop), a local office confined to a particular church.
2. Deacons. This term is from the Greek διάκονος, and is defined to signify primarily “a waiter, an attendant, a servant; usually derived from διά and κόνις, one dusty from running. An officer in the primitive church, one who had charge of the alms and money of the church, an overseer of the sick and poor, an almoner. Phil. i, 1; 1 Tim. iii, 8, 12; Acts vi, 1-6. Also of a female ἡ διάκονος who had charge of the female sick and poor. Rom. xvi, 1.”
From what has been said, it will be seen that the officers of the church which are appointed solely by the church itself are reduced to two, namely, elders and deacons. From what then has arisen so much confusion upon this subject? It must be from the fact that the different names of elder, bishop, and pastor, are applied to the same office, and also from overlooking the principle that a person holding any one of the higher offices is qualified to officiate in any of the lower; and when performing the duties of such office is called by the title applying thereto. Thus Peter, though an apostle, calls himself an elder [1 Pet. v, 1]; and Paul, carrying the liberalities of the brethren up to Jerusalem [Acts xi, 30], might with equal propriety be called a deacon. In 2 Cor. viii, 4, he is spoken of as performing the office of a deacon. The brethren157prayed him to take upon himself the fellowship of the ministering [Greek, diakonias, deaconship] to the saints; which he did. Verses 19, 20. Evangelists, also, are called elders. Paul says to Timothy, “Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine.” Here were some laboring in word and doctrine who are called elders; but such labor shows them to be evangelists, it being especially their work; hence evangelists are sometimes called elders; but only, of course, when acting in that capacity.
If this principle be correct, we may lay down the following general rule: That no person by virtue of a lower office can fill a higher one; but any one filling a higher office, can by virtue of that office, act in any of the lower. Thus, a deacon cannot by virtue of his deaconship, act as an elder, nor an elder as an evangelist, nor an evangelist as an apostle; but an apostle can act as an evangelist, elder or deacon; an evangelist, as an elder or deacon; and an elder as a deacon. We do not here speak of apostles and evangelists as officers of individual churches; for this is not the position they occupy: their calling making it necessary for them to move in a wider sphere; namely, to have, if apostles, the oversight of the churches, and if evangelists to labor to raise up churches in new fields. These, in our judgment, are the only officers qualified to organize churches.
We give it as the result of our examination of this subject that in the organization of a church, officers are to be supplied according to the necessities of the case. We understand the duties of a deacon to be confined exclusively to the temporal matters of the church; such, for instance, as taking charge of the finances, making preparation for the celebration of the ordinances, &c.; while it is the duty of the elder to take the lead and oversight of the church in spiritual things. This elder need not necessarily be a preacher, but may conduct the meetings of the church, and administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper in the absence of any higher officer. If an apostle or evangelist should be present, all these duties would be left with him.
Where a church is so small that the duties of both an elder and a deacon can be conveniently performed by the same individual, we see no necessity of having more than one officer. Let this one be an elder, who as we have already shown is qualified by virtue of his office to act also as a deacon. But if the church is so large that its temporal and spiritual wants cannot be attended to by one person, let one or more deacons be chosen to look after its temporal affairs, while the elder or elders confine themselves to its spiritual interests.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
When the names of the members are enrolled as specified in the former part of this article, let the minister read to them the scriptures setting forth the qualifications requisite to the offices of elder and deacon (these are described in 1 Tim. iii, 1–10; Titus i, 6–9); and then let the members select by informal ballot such person or persons as they may wish to take these positions in their midst. Then let the minister ordain them as in Acts vi, 6; Titus i, 5. We need hardly suggest the necessity of every church keeping a record of all its proceedings. To this end a clerk will be necessary, who may be elected in the same manner. The elder of a church should act as a chairman in all its business meetings.
RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Let all candidates for admission into the church after the organization, be received by a unanimous vote of the church, unless the opposition to their admission comes from those who are at the time subjects of labor, or under the censure of the church.
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION.
That the churches in different places may not be imposed upon by false brethren coming into their midst, to whom they are strangers, it seems necessary that brethren moving from place to place, should carry letters of commendation from the church with which they were last connected. As a form of such letter of commendation we suggest the following:
This is to certify that is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church of , in good standing, and one whom we can recommend to the brethren where his (or her) lot may be cast.
All which is prayerfully submitted in behalf of the ministers of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
MOSES HULL,
M. E. CORNELL.
THE CONFERENCE ADDRESS.
By Editor
OUR readers will be gratified to see in this week's REVIEW the Conference Address upon the important subject of organization. It has been generally admitted that we as a people stood in great need of a more perfect organization; but just how to organize a church, and what officers should be chosen, has been a matter of perplexity. We take pleasure in recommending the Address as being quite satisfactory to our own mind, at least it shows the best harmony of the New Testament on the subject, of anything we have seen. Brn. Loughborough, Hull, and Cornell, assisted by Bro. Smith, with the benefits of all the helps within reach, have faithfully discharged their duty in this matter. They would, however, be highly gratified if preachers in other States would immediately give the subject a critical examination, and if they have suggestions to make, to freely make them without delay, as such suggestions might aid them in preparing the Address to be put in a tract form before the type is taken down.
It will be seen that all of our churches must have a local elder. This will give our small churches, in distant parts of the great harvest field an officer who can administer the ordinances of the church, in the absence of a higher officer. This will greatly relieve those who have desired the ordinances, and have been taught that they must wait until visited by a messenger. In the larger churches, when they are needed, one or more deacons should be chosen.
On the subject of organization, our people have been ahead of the preachers, and have in some places entered into a sort of organization without the assistance of preachers. When the ministers come along up beside the people on this subject, and take hold of the work right, then it may be the privilege of the brethren to leave the work of organizing to our ministers, whose duty it is to ordain the officers of the churches.
THE NATIONAL FAST.
By J. M. Aldrich
We are truly living in a grand and solemn time. Our world is preparing for a wonderful finale. The nations are already in distress. Rare events are fast accumulating. The thoughtful mind has no lack of subject for serious contemplation. The Bible student finds relief to doubtful research, through the rapid developments of the age. Prophecy is fast ceasing to be prophecy, and is becoming rather the history of the times in which we live.
Among the important events of the day is our country’s “national fast.” And truly such a fast as has been proclaimed by the highest authority of our great nation, and which has been celebrated so generally throughout our land, may in fact be considered a noteworthy event. A secular paper says of it thus:
“A solemn, sudden pause of a mighty but distracted nation. An apparent calm amid the pelting of an awful storm. From St. Louis to Boston, from Washington to the Northern Lakes, in every city and hamlet, around thousands of church altars, and by a million firesides, the awful pause is felt. It may be said with considerable truth, that yesterday a nation was at prayer. Yesterday a nation was upon his knees before the King of kings.”
Indeed, if such were the case, what an imposing spectacle! “A nation at prayer!” “A nation upon its knees before the King of kings!” Surely if there be no response to such a prayer, it must be because sin lieth at the door. But how is it with our nation? Has she put away her sins? Has she put away the great sin whereof she has been so long guilty? Has she considered the real cause of her present peril, and removed the same forever? or does the blood of four million slaves still cry to God for vengeance? True, she has proclaimed and celebrated her fasts (one at the commencement of the present year), but in doing so has she truly humbled herself before the “King of kings,” and “cried mightily unto God,” and “turned from her evil way,” as did the people of Nineveh when God’s wrath was impending over them? Alas! who will venture to say that she has done thus? Will she not then have occasion to say in the language of the prophet [Isa. lviii], “Wherefore have we fasted and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul and thou takest no knowledge?” And what shall be the response? “Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labors. (Margin, things wherewith ye grieve others.) Behold, ye fast for strife. . . . Will thou call this an acceptable day to the Lord?” But what a homeward thrust is the description of the true fast, that which, and only which, the Lord hath promised to recognize: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him? and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”
Has our nation proclaimed such a fast as this? Nay, verily. Does she wait for proper occasion? Then no longer need she wait. Let her at once consider her “bands of wickedness,” her “heavy burdens,” her “oppressed,” and her “yokes.” Let her consider her “hungry,” and her “poor that are cast out.” Let her do thus and then proclaim such a fast as the Lord hath chosen, and he will answer. His response will be, “Here I am.”
There is indeed a remarkable application of the prophecy contained in this chapter to our own country and to the present time. Our nation is emphatically such a nation as the prophet describes. It “takes delight in approaching to God,” it “asks of him the ordinances of justice,” it “delights to know his ways AS a nation that did righteousness,” &c. What significance in the little word “as.”
But who can fail to see in our national fasts, and in our boasted pretensions to righteousness under the existing state of our nation, the exact counterpart of those counterfeit fasts brought to view in this prophecy? But this is only another sign of the times in which we live. That this prophecy meets its fulfillment at the present time is evident, not only from its exact application, but also from the fact that it is connected with the coming of Christ; and the fact that the coming of Christ is near is also strengthened, or receives additional proof, from the fulfillment of the prophecy. In the next chapter, which is a continuation of the same subject, the prophet says [verses 19, 20], “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.” Have we not in fact now arrived at that period when the enemy is coming in like a “flood?” Look at Spiritualism! What greater enemy hath God’s truth than modern Spiritualism? Indeed, how like a flood it is spreading over the land. But while this is true, it is no less certain that the Spirit of the Lord is lifting up a standard against it. What is there so potent against Spiritualism as what we denominate “present truth?” Nothing; no, nothing. Then, may the standard be lifted high. But how glorious is the thought that the Redeemer is surely about to come to Zion! My heart says, Amen. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
J. M. ALDRICH.
GIVING.
By R. F. Cottrell
“Nor as the world giveth, give I unto you.” Jno. xiv, 27. Christ differed from the world in his manner of giving. His followers should act like him, and not like the world.
1. The world love to give to be seen of men, and the honor they gain by so doing is their reward. “Verily they have their reward.” The more sounding of trumpets and ostentatious display is connected with their donations, the better they like it, since these are well calculated to increase their reward. In contrast with this, the christian is taught, “He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity.” Rom. xii, 8.
2. The world prefer giving to the rich. They will be much more liberal in their donations to the wealthy, than to the destitute. They will give much more toward purchasing a set of silver plate for that wealthy, popular, salaried minister, than they would to feed and clothe the suffering poor. When Job was reduced to poverty and wretchedness, his former friends cut his acquaintance and would not know him; but when the Lord turned his captivity, and gave him twice as much as he had before, “then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house; and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an ear-ring of gold.” Their sympathies were stirred for him, and they could pile in their trash upon him and get up a great donation-visit for his benefit, now that he did not need anything, but was able to get up a splendid supper, and have things in good style.
But the christian is taught to “give to him that needeth.” To give to the poor. “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they bid thee again, and recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blessed: for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
3. The world are better pleased to give to foreign missions and distant objects of charity; because the further off the object, the more noise is made, and the wider the news is spread and published to the world; and thus their reward, the applause and admiration of men, is increased. Although we cannot find that passage158in the Bible that says, “Charity begins at home,” yet it is abundantly evident that the Lord is as well pleased with him who relieves those wants that come under his own observation, who when he “seeth his brother have need,” does not shut up his bowels of compassion from him, as with him who reserves his charities for those that he may hear of at a distance.
4. The world are governed by fancy and favoritism in their giving. In the support of their ministers (for they have their ministers to support), if a man's personal appearance be elegant and attractive, if his voice be sweet and musical, if he has an abundance of wit and humor with which to spice his discourses, in short, if in their estimation “he is just the man,” their purse-strings will be loosened and their hearts enlarged. Hence, there are two classes of ministers in each popular denomination. One class is wanted everywhere, the other nowhere. One class is worshiped, the other endured. One is abundantly supplied with all that heart could wish, while if the other obtain a scanty livelihood, they do well.
The world act simply upon their own preferences. But the wisdom from above is “without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Among the solemn charges resting upon christians is this: “Doing nothing by partiality.” 1 Tim. v, 21. “If ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin.” Hence the marked distinction between christians and the world.
5. The world give grudgingly. Although under certain circumstances they will give, that they may be esteemed liberal, and to avoid the reputation of a niggard, yet they give grudgingly, especially to real objects of charity. But the christian gives, “not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. ix, 7.
How vastly different is the christian from the world. Christians should be like Christ, in respect to giving, as well as other things. Then they will not act like the world. “Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
R. F. COTTRELL.
Taking Steps
By J. C.
TAKING STEPS.—Some are continually referring to some past experience, as example or precedent, to measure or fathom the present work. This is a sad mistake as we are now sailing with swiftness in new and more dangerous seas; and it is as necessary to take steps as it is to be cautious what steps we take. The skillful engineer keeps up with the advancement of science, and studies the nature, position and advantages of the ground upon which he is to operate; while the stiff, ignorant, conceited pretender, has his discharge from the service. J. C.
DR. FRANCIS WAYLAND ON COMMENTARIES.
THAT the world has made prodigious progress in all the arts and sciences, during the last three or four centuries, we know; and we know, too, that libraries on libraries have been written to elucidate the Scriptures. But what advantage do we derive from all this in our inquiries respecting the teachings of the Bible? Here the book is, just as the primitive disciples had it, and not an invention nor discovery has added to it a single letter. And then, as to the volumes of commentaries and expositions, why, they have served really to perplex the truth. The first believers found every precept plain and determined, while with us, the accumulation of learned rubbish has made it difficult to discover the simplest matters. Each year the press groans and the pulpit resounds with fresh controversies and disquisitions, all darkening God's counsel, casting doubt on the plainest things, causing that word whose "entrance giveth understanding" to be received through discoloring and distorting mediums, and enveloping in hopeless obscurity that gospel which to the meek-minded Christian is so full of light—such an unerring guide to his feet, and prompt casuist as to every duty. I recollect here the words of a Persian traveler writing from France to his friend at home: "Father," said I to the librarian, "what are these huge volumes which fill the whole side of the library?" "These," said he, "are the interpreters of the Scriptures." "There is a prodigious number of them," replied I; "the Scriptures must have been very dark formerly, and must be very clear at present. Do there remain still any doubts? Are there now any points contested?" "Are there?" answered he with surprise, "are there? there are almost as many as there are lines." "You astonish me," said I. "What then have all these authors been doing?" "These authors," returned he, "never searched the Scriptures for what ought to be believed, but for what they did believe themselves."—Fuller and Wayland on Slavery, pp. 185, 186.
THE HOUSE OF GOD.
*“The true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit
and in truth.” John iv, 23.*
PRAYER has no place peculiarly its own—
No lofty temple, with its shining throne,
But everywhere the knee may bow,
The soul may breathe in accents low,
Its humble wants.
Churches unknown within the city’s mart,
Hidden within the verdure of the heart
Of each true worshiper, uprise,
With steeples pointing to the skies—
Emblems of faith.
There, meeting in the still, secluded place,
With holy prayer and upward-lifted face,
The yearnings of our spirits bend,
And all our thoughts together blend
In one desire.
The spirit’s dome is gilded o’er with prayer;
And downward leaning from the arching there,
Are cherubim and seraphim,
Waiting to catch the rising hymn
Of praise divine.
There, without fear, in penitence we bow,
And our confessions make in accents low,
Owning our weakness and our sin,
With only tears fast dropping in
God’s treasury.
But these are precious in our Father’s sight,
As was the dropping of the widow’s mite.
And treading the still, inner aisles,
He lighteth up the soul with smiles,
And makes it his—forevermore his own—
The home, the "house of God," his humble throne,
The soul-church, where our longings meet,
And where our aspirations sweet
Make Sabbath there.
THE SAILOR'S TREASURE.
A SHIP bound to New Orleans was overtaken by a tempest, and after combating for some time with the storm, went ashore on the rocky coast of England. The wind soon abated, and they were soon enabled, by fixing a spar from the ship to the rocks, to reach the shore; the men were weak from their excessive labor, and it was as much as they could do to crawl along the spar to the shore. One of them, who had a bundle tied around his waist, was asked, on reaching the shore, what it was. "O," said he, "I have been wrecked a number of times, but thanks to God, I have always managed to save this—I am afraid they are wet." The bundle contained a Bible and hymn book.
LETTERS.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Hamilton.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I do feel to praise God for the light of present truth. It is not quite a year since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. The third angel's message found me a leader in the Methodist church. I had never heard a lecture on the present truth, but through the mercy of God, and the kindness of a friend, some of your publications were put into my hands, which arrested my attention, and caused me to search the word to see if those things were so. Glory be to his name! the blessed book was opened to my understanding, and it seemed a new book.
I found that God's law was perfect and unchangeable, and that I was amenable to that law. My heavenly Father graciously enabled me to turn my feet into his testimonies, and I now feel to praise his holy name for the sanctifying influence of the third angel's message.
I had for years been in bondage to the filthy weed, and had tried several times to break off, but always failed, until I embraced the present truth, when I quit using tobacco, and have not desired it since.
I believe this people is the remnant that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and I want to go up with them to possess the goodly land.
There are a few honest souls here who are striving to overcome. We meet with the Mackford church once in two weeks. At other times we have meetings among ourselves. It does my heart good to read the communications in the Review. It is a great privilege we have of communicating with each other. May we realize the great responsibility that rests upon us as members of the body of Christ, to be up and doing. We live in a solemn time. The nations are getting angry and God's wrath is coming. We shall soon see the Son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory. Let us then lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh.
Yours in hope of eternal life,
THOS. HAMILTON.
West Green Lake, Wis.
JOEL L. LOCKE
By Joel L. Locke
From Bro. Locke.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I sit down to write a few lines for the encouragement of the brethren. We, a little few here in Salem, have been striving to serve the Lord for over eight years, and some of the time it has seemed doubtful whether we should ever have any more of our neighbors to go with us. We had not had any preaching here for over two years, until our dear Bro. and sister Byington came to visit us, and we were truly blest and edified and strengthened. They were here over two Sabbaths, and three made a start for mount Zion. Since they left here, the good begun work has been going on. We have had meetings twice a week and the interest is increasing. This morning the brethren and sisters came together at half past ten o'clock, and continued till half past four. The interest was good all the time. Parents confessed to their children, and children to their parents. We felt truly that the hearts of the fathers were being turned to the children and the hearts of the children turned to the fathers. We praise the Lord for condescending to bless us with his Spirit. Four arose for the first time to tell their determination to serve the Lord. Since Bro. and sister Byington were here twelve have signified their determination to serve the Lord. We do feel encouraged to still keep striving through the midst of opposition to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, that we may stand entire at last.
Your brother striving to overcome.
JOEL L. LOCKE
Salem, Ind.
JACOB BRINKERHOFF
By Jacob Brinkerhoff
From Bro. Brinkerhoff.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I feel very much encouraged as I read the sweet testimonies from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad; and I would say to them that I am still trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It is about eighteen months since I commenced to serve the Lord, and I have no desire to go back to the weak and beggarly elements of the world, though since that time I have made many crooked paths. It is a good thing to wait on the Lord. I feel to rejoice to-day for the hope I have within me, which I trust rests upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. I would not give the hope I have for the whole world. That must pass away, but the word of the Lord endureth forever.
I feel the necessity of entire consecration to the service of my Lord and Master, that I may be found with clean hands and a pure heart when my Saviour comes to take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to have my peace, calling and election made sure, that I may be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce anger. I want to be found among the waiting ones who are looking for the Saviour, that he may come unto me without sin unto salvation. I have many temptations and trials, and Satan has at times made me doubt my acceptance with God; but I now feel, by the assisting grace of God, determined to go through with the remnant159to the kingdom.
I love the cause of truth, and all my brethren and sisters who have enlisted under the banner of King Jesus. Though I have seen but few of them, yet thank God, we can look with the eye of faith to the resurrection morn, and the second advent, when we shall see each other face to face. O glorious hope! that we sinful creatures have the promise of eternal life, when the pains and evils that afflict us here will be known no more.
I thank God that I was permitted to hear the third angel's message, and was brought to know the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. Our lonely hearts have lately been cheered by a visit from Bro. Waggoner. May God bless him and all the other messengers, that much good may be done through their labors in the name of Christ. I feel that we are living in solemn times, and that the Saviour's coming is near at hand. May the Lord hold the winds of heaven till the servants of God are sealed. Pray for me, brethren, that I may hold out faithful and meet you in the kingdom.
JACOB BRINKERHOFF
Afton, Iowa.
OBITUARY.
Fell asleep, in Newton, Mich., Oct. 1, 1861, Moses T. Gleason. His disease was congestive chills, so rapid in its progress that he died the fifth day from the first attack.
Bro. Gleason embraced the present truth some five years since, under the labors of Bro. Frisbie. He was then a member of the Congregational church. He had ever manifested an unshaken confidence in the soon coming of Christ, and the third angel's message to prepare the church for that event. He was always at the weekly prayer-meeting which is an example worthy of imitation by all. Bro. M. Hull gave an interesting discourse on the subject of the resurrection to a large and attentive congregation in the school-house in the district. Many were in tears.
JOHN BYINGTON.
DIED, in Wright, Michigan, of dysentery, Sept. 7, 1861, Sarah A., only daughter of Bro. and sister Russell, aged 1 year, 4 months, and 16 days. These parents were suddenly bereft of their dear offspring, yet have not occasion to sorrow as do others who have no hope.
R. J. FOSTER.
HICKMAN MILLER
By Hickman Miller
From Bro. Miller.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: My heart is made to rejoice when I read in the Review from week to week the cheering epistles from the brethren and sisters. Though most of them are written by those I never have seen, yet my heart beats in unison with them. I believe we are all moved by the same truth, and that is the third angel's message. My desire is that we may become united upon present truth, and take to ourselves the name Seventh-day Adventists, that there may be union among us; for where there is union there is strength.
I am aware that there are some that object to a name for fear of becoming babylon. I have a greater fear of becoming babylon without a name. Now my brethren and sisters, if we are what we profess to be, we are more worthy of a name than any other people now living. God's people have always been called by a name, and in different ages called by different names; and at the present time I do not believe that there could be a name more appropriate to present truth than the name Seventh-day Adventists.
My prayer is that the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus may be the continual rule of our lives, and the governing principle of all our conduct. May the great Head of the church help us all to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.