BRO. SMITH: I have had the privilege of reading the Review for nearly a year, and I hope to be able to pay for it. I feel that I can say with truth it is a welcome messenger to all of our household. We look for it with impatience until it arrives, then lay it aside regretting there are no more pages. Our household consists of myself and wife, my sister and her husband and their three children. These comprise all the Sabbath-keepers that we know of within thirty miles of us. Although I have professed to keep the Sabbath about fourteen years, I feel that I have never rightly understood its claims until of late. I regret that in days past I had not a more thorough understanding of its claims, feeling that perhaps I might have been instrumental in bringing many to a more thorough knowledge of the truth. When the fallow ground of the heart is broken up, then truth, rightly spoken, takes deep root.
I confess that in days past I have been somewhat prejudiced against Sabbath-keeping Adventists, while at the same time Adventism has been the theme my soul loved to dwell upon. Although I have never been much of an opposer of present truth, yet I feel that prejudice has caused me to harbor wrong feelings toward one of the Advent brethren, viz., H. W. Lawrence of N. Y. state. If I could see him I could extend the hand of fellowship to him and ask him to forgive the wrong I have done him. May the Lord bless and sustain him in every trial.
It has been about eight years since I have tried to preach the gospel. I started with the Christian denomination, but my views became much changed. About four years ago I withdrew from the connection and came West. Since that time I have tried to preach, as often as a door would open, the coming of the Saviour near at hand. I have not united with any denomination in the West, feeling it was better to stand alone than to be yoked to those of different faith. Sometimes I have felt that the Lord was with me and abundantly blessed my labors, but at other times have been lonely and sad.
I have preached but little the past year on account of denominational prejudices. Yes, I am lonely; my soul longs for a union with the people of God. I pine for active service in his cause. When I read in the Review the many calls for help I long to buckle on the armor and fly to the fields of labor with my Father's children. Pen would fail to express my feelings of joy if such a privilege was mine. But a voice whispers, You do not thoroughly understand all that a messenger should understand; you have never heard a course of lectures by a messenger; you are almost wholly unacquainted with the Advent people; and how can you expect to excel in the great battle-field of life? I know it is highly necessary that we know that God calls us before we enter upon so great a work as the last message of mercy to men. I desire the prayers of all the faithful that I may know duty and be able to do it.
W. M. ALLEN
Galva, Ills., Aug. 14th, 1859.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. W. Wolfe writes from Republic, Ohio; "I have great reason to praise the Lord for his goodness in permitting me to hear the third angel's message, and I do bless his name that myself and wife were led to embrace the present truth, and are among the few that are trying to repair the breach that has been made in God's holy law. Though we are called the poor of this world, and are despised by the people of the world, I feel to say as Paul did, "these light afflictions." Our great and glorious High Priest, now in the sanctuary above, came down to earth, bore our infirmities without sin, suffered trials, persecution and death for our sakes, and should not we be willing to suffer and be persecuted for his?
"There were many in this place convinced of the truth when Bro. Loughborough was here with the tent, and during the first lectures Bro. Cornell delivered here, fifteen or sixteen resolved to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I bless God to-day that I was one of that number.
"We have two meetings a week, and they were good till the enemy got in and caused division among us, not wishing us to speak on the law or the prophecies in our prayer-meetings, but simply tell our experience. I feel that the time has come to do away with these cold, formal meetings and to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. My heart is united with those who are looking and waiting for the coming of our Lord with power and great glory. I feel very thankful for the Review. It gives us great joy to hear from the dear brethren and sisters from other places, from whom we could not hear in any other way. I love to hear that there are some here and there striving for the crown that is promised to those that overcome and endure unto the end."
Bro. J. J. Bostwick writes from Stockton, Ills. : "Our little band have organized, and adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, hoping that the Lord will bless all our efforts to honor him, though some who were with us seem to stand aloof. May the Lord have mercy on us and help us all to act consistently. We meet on the Sabbath to worship, and enjoy a good degree of the Spirit of God. Pray for us, that we may let our light so shine before men that they may be led to glorify our Father which is in heaven.
I take great delight in reading the Review, and could wish its dimensions doubled. I love the doctrine it advocates, and it is indeed cheering to read the testimonies from the scattered ones of the precious faith. I feel the importance of humbling myself before God, under a sense of my unworthiness and my dependence, and of speedily arming myself for the last great conflict; for I believe with the whole heart that probation will soon close, when they that are filthy must remain filthy, and he that is holy be holy still."
Pressing Onward in Present Truth
By L. M. Gates
From Sister Gates.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I do truly feel encouraged to press my way onward and stand with you on mount Zion. Heaven is worth striving for, and I fully believe that we are well able to go up in the name and strength of the "Captain of our salvation" and posess that goodly land. I have for many years been a member of an orthodox church, but it is only about ten months since I was led to embrace the truths of the third angel's message. I am entirely alone, being far removed from any of like precious faith; still I do cherish humble hope that Jesus will not overlook me when he comes, but that I shall be one of that blessed company that shall have part in the first resurrection. I have never heard a sermon on the present truth till a few weeks ago while on a visit to a relative in Mauston. I heard brother Phelps preach to the church in that vicinity three times. I felt that his words were indeed meat in due season to my hungry, thirsty soul. But I am not satisfied with my present attainments, I ardently desire a deeper work of grace wrought in my heart. I want to make a more entire consecration of myself, and all my interests to the service of God. I want to love the Lord Jesus, and heaven, and holiness, with a deeper love, and to hate sin with a more perfect hatred.
Oh that I might get just right before the Lord. Oh that I might more fully appreciate the blessings of the holy Sabbath. Do we, those of us who are heads of families, and are of necessity obliged to labor almost incessantly during the six days, so that there is little time left us for reading and private meditation, do we, I ask, prize this blessed institution as we ought? How often does there come to many of us a time when the world seems to darken around us, when the eyes are heavy with the weight of unshed tears, and the brow aches beneath its burden of sad thoughts, when the din of ceaseless duties has dulled the mental ear, and the ever recurring round of business dimmed the intellectual vision; and what would become of the over-wrought body and weary mind were there not one day in seven set apart as a respite from the care and turmoil of the present life? Oh blessed boon to mortals given! Welcome, thrice welcome the holy hour that ushers in the hallowed Sabbath eve, with its soothing, sanctifying influence on the care-worn heart; when we may lay earth's cares all aside, and bow in humble adoration before Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and hold sweet communion with our great High Priest from off the mercy seat. It is truly a consolation to know that the lonely ones have the prayers of the church.
Yours, seeking for eternal life.
L. M. Gates.
Trenton, Wis.
Standing Firm Through Trials
By A. J. Corey
From Bro. Corey.
Bro. Smith: My heart beats in union with the blessed truth; and all I have to regret is that I have not lived it out more faithfully. It has been some over two years since I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath, and I am thankful to God that he ever gave me a mind to obey him rather than man. I can say of a truth that I am not at all discouraged, but the way seems brighter and more glorious. Although we have trials, they are to purify and fit us to stand in the time of trouble.
Brethren and sisters, I desire not to go on like the people of the world, carelessly and without concern; I would be kept in the crucible till all my dross is consumed. Those that suffer with Christ shall also reign with him. Those that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, because this world is at enmity with God. I see more than ever the need of having the law written in the heart, for it is perfect, converting the soul, and those that do his commandments shall have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. I can say that this world has no charms for me.
The church here in Caledonia have some trials, but I believe it will work for good. The Lord knows what is best for his children, and we must stand the test while the shaking is going on. Pray for us.
A. J. Corey.
Gaines, Mich., July 31st, 1859.
Books Published at this Office.
By Uriah Smith
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 pp., 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco 65 cents.
Supplement to the Advent and Sabbath Hymn Book, 100 pp. Price 25 cents.—In Muslin 35 cents.
Spiritual Gifts, or The Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, containing 224 pp. neatly bound in Morocco or Muslin. Price 50 cents.
Bible Tracts, Two Vols. 400 pp. each. Price 50 cts. each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pp. Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. 148 pp. Price 5 cents
The Atonement.—196 pp., Price 15 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism.—148 pp. Price 15 cents.
Man's present condition, and future reward or punishment.—196 pp. Price 15 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and Faith of Jesus.—Price 15 cents.
A Book for Everybody, on the Kingdom of God. Price 15 cents.
The Prophecy of Daniel—the Four Kingdoms—the Sanctuary and 2300 days. Price 15 cents.
The Saint's Inheritance. Price 10 cents.
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency—an able exposure of the heresy.—Price 10 cents.
The Law of God. Testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented. Price 10 cents.
Miscellany. Seven Tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c., Price 10 cents.
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of Eminent authors, ancient and modern. Price 10 cents.
The Signs of the Times. Price 10 cents.
The Seven Trumpets. Price 10 cents.
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days Price 5 cents.
Bible Student's Assistant. A collection of proof-texts on important subjects. 36 pp Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law. Price 5 cents.
Last Work of the True Church. Price 5 cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath heresy. Price 5 cents.
Review of Fillio on the Sabbath Question. Price 5 cents.
Brown's Experience. Price 5 cents
The Truth Found—A short argument for the Sabbath. Price 5 cents.
SIXTEEN PAGE TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath? Unity of the Church—Both Sides—Spiritual Gifts. Price $1 per 100.
EIGHT PAGE TRACTS. Wesley on the Law—Appeal to Men of Reason, on Immortality. Price 50 cents per 100.
These small Tracts can be sent at the above prices, post-paid, in packages of not less than eight ounces.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy, Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 15 cents.
Word for the Sabbath. Price 5 cents
The Chart.—A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 25 cts. On rollers, post-paid, $1,00.
Tracts in other Languages.
GERMAN. Das Wesen des Sabbaths und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote.
A Tract of 80 pp., a Translation of Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Price 10 cents.
HOLLAND. De Natuur en Verbinding van den Sabbath volgens het vierde Gebod Translated from the same as the German. Price 10 cents.
FRENCH. Le Sabbat de la Bible. A Tract on the Sabbath of 32 pp. Price 5 cents.
La Grande Statue de Daniel II. et les Quatre Betes Symboliques et quelques remarques sur la Seconde Venue de Christ, et sur le Cinquieme Royaume Universel. A Tract of 32 pp. on the Prophecies. Price 5 cents.
Books from other Publishers.
Debt and Grace as related to the Doctrine of a Future Life, by C. F. Hudson. Published by J. P. Jewett & Co., Boston. 480 pp. 12 mo. Price $1,25.
Works published by H. L. Hastings, for sale at this Office.
The Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer, by D. T. Taylor. Price $1,00.
The Great Controversy between God and Man, by H. L. Hastings. 167 pp., bound in cloth, price 60 cents.
The Fate of Infidelity, 175 pp., cloth gilt. Price 25 cents
Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney. Price 15
Pauline Theology. An argument on Future Punishment in Paul's fourteen epistles. Price 15 cents.
Tracts of 24 pages. Church not in Darkness; The Three Worlds; The Last Days; Plain Truths; New Heavens and Earth; Ancient Landmarks. Price 5 cents.
These Publications will be sent by Mail, post-paid, at their respective prices. One-third discount by the quantity of not less than $5 worth In this case, postage added when sent by Mail. All orders to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash, unless special arrangements be made. Give your Name, Post Office, County and State, distinctly. Address URIHAA SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich
A Dangerous Paragraph.
By Editor
We find the following paragraph in some of our exchanges, which should as far as possible be corrected; as there is no telling the evil it might do by leading people to resort to dangerous means in the case of accident to the exclusion of those of real utility and benefit. The following is the paragraph:
“How to NEUTRALIZE POISON. A correspondent of the New York Evening Post says:
‘A poison of any conceivable description and degree of potency, which has been intentionally or accidentally swallowed, may be rendered almost instantly harmless by simply swallowing two gills of sweet oil. An individual with a very strong constitution, should take nearly twice the quantity. This oil will most positively neutralize every form of vegetable, animal, or mineral poison with which physicians are acquainted.’”
This statement the Scientific American on the authority of The Druggist, corrects as follows:
“A new and excellent journal, The Druggist, published in Cincinnati, Ohio, states that a paragraph has been extensively circulated in the daily papers to the effect that olive oil is an antidote for all poison. This is so very far from being true, that it increases the effect of one very common poison—phosphorus—and has no power as an antidote to most of the others. There is no universal antidote, and in cases of poisoning, when the proper remedy is not known, the safest plan, in the absence of a competent physician, is to produce a vomiting if it has not already come on, by some simple emetic, such as mustard and water, and then give mucilaginous drinks—such as milk, flour and water, &c.
“Such paragraphs as the one alluded to are calculated to do much harm by leading persons to depend on a remedy which will do no good, to the exclusion of others really efficacious.”
CHANGE OF APPOINTMENTS.
By James White
BRO. SMITH: I have decided not to be at the Chazy French Conference; but take another route, and be at New York City Wednesday, Aug. 31st, and will meet the friends at Bro. Charles Andrews' at 3 o'clock P. M., and at Kensington, Ct., Sabbath and First-day, Sept. 3d and 4th, and in the vicinity of Boston, where brethren may appoint, Sabbath and First-day, Sept. 10th and 11th. JAMES WHITE.
THE MILKY WAY.
Infidels tell us that Astronomy has brought to light facts which stamp the Mosaic record of creation as utterly puerile and false. Stars have been discovered, they tell us, so immensely distant, that hundreds of thousands of years would be required for the transmission of their light to this earth; hence the earth must be hundreds of thousands years older than the Bible makes it. Were this the fact in regard to the stars, it would prove nothing for the skeptic, since such stars might have existed for ages before our earth was called into existence; but it appears from the following statement that the theory itself is not true, as light from points so remote could never reach us, since, expanding and decomposing in its progress, it would be utterly dispersed in space. The "Marvels of Science," thus speaks of the Milky way:
"The Milky Way forms the grandest feature of the firmament. It completely encircles the whole fabric of the skies, and sends its light down upon us, according to the best observations, from no less than 18,000,000 of suns. These are planted at various distances, too remote to be more than feebly understood; but their light, the medium of measurement, requires for its transit to our earth periods ranging from ten to a thousand years. Such is the sum of the great truths revealed to us by the two Herschels, who, with a zeal which no obstacle could daunt, have explored every part of the prodigious circle. Sir William Herschel, after accomplishing his famous section, believed that he had gaged the Milky Way to its lowest depth, affirming that he could follow a cluster of stars with his telescope, constructed expressly for the investigation, as far back as would require 330,000 years for the transmission of its light. But, presumptuous as it may seem, we must be permitted to doubt this assertion, as the same telescope, in the same master-hand was not sufficiently powerful to resolve even the nebulæ in Orion. Nor must we forget that light, our only clue to those unsearchable regions, expands and decomposes in its progress, and coming from a point so remote, the radiant waves would be dispersed in space. Thus the reflection is forced upon us, that new clusters and systems, whose beaming light will never reach our earth, still throng beyond; and that, though it is permitted to man to behold the immensity, he shall never see the bounds of the creation."
The time given in the above for the transmission of light to this earth from the most distant visible point in the Milky Way is one thousand years. The idea it would seem to convey is, that light requiring a longer period than that for its transit, would be dispersed in space, and so never reach us. If this be so, allowing the utmost latitude to the opponents of revelation, no objection can be drawn from the stars to the Scripture record.
A P P O I N T M E N T S.
General Conference and Tent Meeting at Roosevelt, Oswego Co., N. Y., August 27–29. It is hoped that the brethren will come up to this general gathering prepared to engage in the worship of God. It will be a general gathering for the State. Five hundred can be accommodated in the warm season at Roosevelt, if most come prepared to nearly take care of themselves. Hope we shall have a blessed good melting, Battle Creek Conference at Roosevelt. Brethren, come to the Conference examining yourselves, and praying that the Spirit of God may rest upon preachers and people.
James White.
Those coming to the Roosevelt Tent meeting by public conveyance should leave the cars at Syracuse and take the omnibus for Central Square where they may expect to be met by some teams if not enough to take them all to Roosevelt. They will reach Central Square at 6 P. M.
E. L. Barr.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the "Review and Herald" to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
J. M. Daigneau 1,15, xvi, 1. L. Haddon 3,00, xiv, 22. Geo. Leighton 3,25, xv, 1. Geo. Leighton (for J. N. York,) 1,50, xiv, 1. L. Morrison 1,00, xv, 1. Jno. Newman 1,00, xvi, 1. D. Daniels 2,00, xv, 1. S. Whitney 1,00, xv, 13. Mrs. F. Dusing 1,00, xiv, 21. M. M. Osgood 0,70, xv, 3. D. Chase 1,00, xv, 14. G. P. Wilson, 1,00, xv, 14. S. Burdick 1,00, xiv, 1. M. Richardson 1,00, xv, 14. A. J. Richmond (for Wm. Barden) 0,50, xiv, 14. S. C. Perry 1,00, xv, 1. N. Dixon 2,00, xv, 20. Geo. Wright 0,50, xiv, 21. L. H. Bond 2,00, xiv, 1. J. S. Wicks 1,00, xv, 11. J. Perry 1,88, xiv, 8. S. Sawyer 1,00, xv, 7. W. H. Brown 2,00, xiv, 10. S. Crandall 2,00, xiv, 14. J. Bascom 2,00, xv, 14. P. Lightner 1,00, xv, 1. P. Erb 1,00, xv, 14. S. Myers (for R. Wagner) 0,50, xv, 14. N. McCumber 1,00, xiv, 1. M. Wilcox 1,00, xv, 14. L. Hacket 3,00, xv, 1. E. Dow 2,00, xiii, 1. L. Felton 1,00, xiv, 1. S. H. Peck (for J. Bell) 1,00, xvi, 14. E. Paine 1,00, xvi, 1.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR.—Jno. Newton $0,64.
FOR MICH. TENT.—R. Leighton $2. Church in Jackson (s. B.) $5. L. Kellogg, (s. B.) $0,90. A brother $0,10.
FOR MISSIONARY PURPOSES.—Jno. Newton (s. B.) $3. Bro. Whitmore $0,90. Sr. Mills $0,50. Five friends in Lapeer $1,24. J. A. Wilcox $2. S. H. Peck $2. C. C. Drown $2.
Letters.
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand.
J. Newton, G. P. Wilson, Jno. Byington, W. M. Graves, L. H. Bond, J. M. Baker, D. Chase, H. S. Gurney, I. Sanborn, W. H. Ball, L. Kellogg, A. J. Richmond, Wm. P. Shockey, T. C. Corey, W. L. Saxby, J. A. Wilcox, S. C. Perry, E. H. Olmstead, J. H. Waggoner, S. Burdick, Wm. C. Corey, L. M. Morton, Geo. Wright, W. M. Allen, O. A. Seely, J. W. 2, W. W. Miller, J. N. Loughborough, J. Bostwick, W. B. Castle, S. Havirland, S. H. Peck, S. Elmer, L. J. Richmond, P. F. Ferciot, J. Clarke, P. Lightner, J. D. Wright, S. Myers, A. S. Hastings, M. Wilcox, L. M. Jones, J. Kemp.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
W. L. Saxby: Bro. White will see you on his eastern tour, in regard to press.
Brn. Ingraham, Phelps, Steward, and Newton: We sent you last week a few extra copies of Review No. 13, for distribution. We can send a few more if in your judgment they are needed.