BRO. SMITH: I feel that we are living in a solemn time, while the scenes of this world's drama are about closing up, and the last work is being done for the remnant. Soon the work of ministration in the Sanctuary will be finished, and then he that is holy will be holy still, and he that is filthy will be filthy still; and while the Lord is at work for his people in a wonderful manner, let us be up and doing, and get that preparation which we must have in order to stand the trying scene which is just before us. I feel that we need more of the tried gold, the white raiment and eye-salve. I feel that I must have a deeper work of grace in my heart, and die to sin and self daily; for now, while Jesus is in his holy temple, he will accept of our sacrifices, offerings and prayers, while in a little way from this, the cries of many will come up in vain. Then there will be no Mediator in the Sanctuary, no great High Priest to plead for us. O that we might now see these things as they are, and that we might see ourselves as we are, and not be willing to think our cases better than they are. O that we might bring the solemn scenes of eternity before us now, and wake up before it is everlastingly too late. Pray for us. We need the prayers of the brethren and sisters for the church here.
FRANCES STRONG
West Milton, N. Y., Dec. 28th, 1857.
Conversion to Sabbathkeeping
By F. F. Warren
From F. F. Warren.
BRO. SMITH : It is a little over a year since my companion and myself commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God. When Brn. Loughborough, Ingraham and Cottrell came to this place one year ago last July, we were living in open violation of the fourth commandment, and I fear of most of the other nine; for we were much more zealous in striving to obtain the gold that perisheth, than the true riches; but praised be the Lord who sent his servants this way to search for perishing souls, we attended the tent-meeting, more from curiosity than from any expectation of being benefitted by the preaching; but when we found that they sustained their views from the Bible, we listened attentively.
When the subject of the Sabbath was brought up, we thought they had better have left that untouched; but before the close of the first discourse we were compelled to admit that their views were not without foundation in the word of God. At the close of the meeting we went home and began to search our Bibles to see whether these things were so, and soon became convinced that there was no other way to be saved only by keeping all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. We found that our Bible is indeed a blessed book, and by the grace of God we mean to follow its divine teachings. The churches in this place are very bitter against those who keep the Sabbath. There are but three families who are trying to keep all the commandments. We have meetings every Sabbath, and are trying to let our light shine. We feel that we need much help from the Lord to enable us to be like our blessed Pattern. Pray for us that we may overcome.
Yours seeking for immortality.
F. F. WARREN.
Westfield, Pa., Dec. 29th, 1857.
Reforming the Laodicean Heart
By A. A. Marks
From Bro. Marks.
BRO. SMITH: Although as I look at the straitness of the way, and see the message rising, I fear for myself lest I should not rise with it, yet I rejoice to see the work of God move on. Though opposed on every hand, yet a people that will give up all for heaven, will go through, keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Among that people I want my lot cast, and with them I wish to share in the reward that will be given to the saints. But I must give up all for the truth, and obtain the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment and the eye-salve, if I would have salvation when Jesus comes. I have acknowledged the testimony to the Laodiceans to apply to us, but I have not been as zealous in reforming as I should have been. I want the door of my heart open and Jesus to come in and sup with me and I with him.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us not bar the Saviour out of our hearts. We shall do it if we have any idols there, or if we cleave to the things of this world instead of helping to carry forward the work of God. The closing work of salvation, and the time of trouble are just before us, and if we would have God for our friend then, we must be found trying to advance his cause now. The work will go forward, whether we participate in it or not. God has no need of us; but there is a time coming when we shall need him. Yes, we shall need a friend that will stick closer than a brother. I feel like crying to God to spare his people, and save us from being spued of his mouth. I want that consecration that will abide the storm that is coming, and that faith that overcomes the world.
"Wake up brother! wake up sister!
Seek, O seek this holy state,
None but holy ones can enter
Through the pure, celestial gate."
A. A. MARKS.
Jackson, Mich., Dec. 17th, 1857.
Determined to Keep the Commandments
By Mary June
From Sister June.
Bro. Smith: I feel to praise God for what he has done for me, in permitting me to hear the Third Angel's Message. I want to live soberly and watch unto prayer, knowing that the end of all things is at hand. I want to be ever reconciled to the holy will of God and keep constantly in my mind the words uttered by holy lips in Gethsemane, “not my will but thine be done.” It is about six months since I embraced the present truth; and it is as dear to me as it was at first. The holy Sabbath is truly my delight; and although every earthly friend forsakes me, I feel determined to keep the commandments while I live.
Your unworthy sister, striving to overcome.
Mary June.
Burlington, Mich., Dec. 31st, 1857.
A Sister's Consecration
Sister M. Johnson writes from Finley, Ohio, Dec. 20th, 1857: “I believe the Lord has a few precious jewels here, and I long to see the sealing message speed on its way, until all God's honest children are brought out and sealed for immortal glory. I am determined to throw in my all for the advancement of this glorious cause; and although my means are very limited, yet I will give willingly, time, talents, or my life, so that my skirts may only be clear of the blood of souls.”
Hints to Ministers.
EXPECT much, and much will be given. Souls are perishing every day; and our own entrance into eternity cannot be far distant. Let us, like Mary, do what we can, and no doubt God will bless it, and reward us openly.
Seek to be lamb-like; without this all your efforts to do good to others will be as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Get much of the hidden life in your own soul; soon it will make life spread around.
Never forget that the end of a sermon is the salvation of the people.
"Cleave to the Lord;" not to man, but to the Lord. Do not fear the face of man. Remember how small their anger will appear in eternity.
O, fight hard against sin and the devil. The devil never sleeps; be ye also active for good.
But an inch of time remains, and the eternal ages roll on forever; but an inch on which we stand and preach the way of salvation to the perishing world.
It is not great talents God blesses, so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.—Sel.
How Would Jesus Have Acted?
Consult the precepts of Scripture, and look at the example of the Saviour. The question, “How would Jesus have acted?” would throw light on many difficult cases.
The Spiritual Age Resumes Publication
By Editor
The Spiritual Age, after some months' suspension on account of the pressure of the times, again makes its appearance among our weekly exchanges. Published at Boston, New York and Chicago.
Manuscript Not Received
By Editor
Bro. J. H. W.'s manuscript for the continuation of "The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism," not received for this week's issue.
Brethren Desire a Visit
By James White
☞ THE brethren at Burr Oak, Colon and Burlington greatly desire a visit from Bro. Waggoner. J. W.
Prayer Meetings in the Review Office
By James White
Those laboring in the REVIEW Office assemble in the Editor's room at one o'clock each day to pray for the blessing of God upon themselves and the work in which they are engaged. These are precious seasons. All feel the importance of a more complete consecration to God. And as we draw nigh to the Lord, he draws nigh unto us. Praise his holy name. Brethren and sisters, pray for us. J. W.
School at Battle Creek.
By James White
BRO. J. F. Byington designs commencing a School in Battle Creek the First day of February, 1858, for the benefit of the children of Sabbath-keepers in the place, and also those abroad. Much anxiety has been expressed by several brethren and sisters in other towns in regard to sending their children to a good School in Battle Creek. This, and the wants of our own children, has induced us to invite Bro. Byington to open a School here.
Bro. B. has worked in the Office several years. His success in teaching has been good. Teaching is the business of his choice, and we expect he will teach an excellent School.
Youth and children sent here to school will have to comply with the rules of the Teacher, and the wishes of the Committee, out of School, as well as in School, who will find them boarding places with brethren on reasonable terms. Those wishing to send scholars, will please write immediately to
ELD. JAMES WHITE.
Faithfulness Through Trial
By Roswell F. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
DEAR BRETHREN: It is still my earnest desire to be faithful to God and go through with the remnant of his people to the promised, heavenly inheritance. I expect trials all the way, I expect our faith will be tested, but when we are purified, made white and tried, we shall receive the crown of life. We have often resolved, come life or come death, we would be faithful—that we would forsake all for Jesus—that we would have all that God has given us upon the altar—that we would present our bodies a living sacrifice to God, and be ready to lay down our lives even in the cause of our blessed Redeemer.
It seems to me that we are fast approaching the trial of our faith. That soon it will appear whether we love in word alone, or in deed and in truth. I feel, for myself, that the time is come that I must prove my zeal in the cause of truth, and feel and know that I am all consecrated to God. And I do want to be faithful and prove my allegiance to the King of kings. It is easy to talk of valor at a distance from the battle, but when we draw near to the enemy our courage is tested. May God arm us for the conflict! May we be prepared for the suffering part of religion.
"There's the suffering ere the glory—There's the cross before the crown."
Now is the time for us to be zealous in the cause of the Lord. Now is the time to watch and pray, and fight the fight of faith, and win the conqueror's crown. Soon our Deliverer will come and give eternal life to all the finally faithful. Then, O the joys of the redeemed! the perfect bliss of the overcomers! I will thank the Lord for his goodness in redeeming men. I feel to praise him that he will bestow the matchless gift of eternal life on the overcomers, though I should not overcome. But I hope that by your prayers and the intercession of Jesus, our High Priest, to share with you in the bliss of the world to come. I want to meet there those with whom I have held sweet communion here. I want to see all the pilgrims at home—prophets, apostles and martyrs. And O, I want to see Jesus, the man of sorrows, crowned with glory ineffable, and there adore him for his matchless love. Praise God for the blessed hope of home!
R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., Dec. 23d, 1857.
Conference in Hillsdale.
By A. S. Hutchins; J. H. Waggoner
THIS Conference was held agreeably to appointment in the Review. We found the church in this place, somewhat pressed down with discouragements; and seemingly in some measure to have forgotten that now is the time to be zealous and repent, and to buy the gold tried in the fire, and white raiment; and to seek meekness that they may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. Rev. iii; Zeph. ii.
Again it was quite evident that many had come to this meeting expecting to be blessed and strengthened, not considering that the requirement of the Lord is, first to return unto him. "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts."
Under this state of things, we felt deeply humbled before the Lord, and sought his free Spirit by prayer and fasting. From this time forward the interest of the meetings continued to rise to their close.
About seventy-five Sabbath-keepers were together, and as the clear and forcible truths relating to our present position were presented to them, we all felt strongly impressed, yea, certain, that if those who profess to be keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, stand when the fast-hastening plagues fall upon the ungodly, they must greatly increase their zeal in this cause.
On Second-day, P. M., a meeting was held for the special benefit of the church. At this time the necessity of having a school for the children of Sabbath-keepers was considered. Many very appropriate remarks were made respecting the duty of parents to their children in these last days. All seemed to realize that the influence of district schools is demoralizing in the extreme, upon the minds of the young, and a unanimous expression was made for a school, the influence of which should be sacred and saving. A Committee of three Brethren was chosen to transact all needful business preparatory for such a school.
In the evening our meeting with the church was sweet, solemn and sacred. By following the example of our great Pattern, [John xiii] the hearts of the little flock were prepared to enter into self examination closely, before eating and drinking of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of the Saviour. This led to many heart-felt confessions, which secured the rich blessings of heaven upon us. Praise the Lord!
In the last two meetings mentioned, the servants of God felt very deeply for the young members of the church, and were united in exhorting them to save themselves from this untoward generation. Many dangers and snares await the young, and threaten their destruction, which can only be escaped by a close walk with God. Among these is the practice of cultivating affection for each other, changing relations in life, and extending their cares, without carefully consulting the will of God, and keeping constantly his glory in view.
Says the Saviour, "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. xxiv, 37. From the two following verses, we learn that the Antediluvians madly and blindly rushed on in their selfishness, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them ALL away. Thus will it be with this wicked generation. They heed not the sweet voice of mercy which sounds for their safety, and destruction will overtake them as a snare. But may those now keeping the Commandments of God be saved from that awful doom.
The evening following, a business meeting was held, in which Brn. I. C. Vaughan, and D. Stamback, were chosen and ordained deacons of the church in Hillsdale.
The next morning a young sister, that had resolved in these meetings to become a follower of Jesus, was buried with Christ by baptism.
We left the church in H. greatly strengthened in their purpose to serve the Lord. We hope we may meet them all again when the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.
Bro. Loughborough was with us in this conference, and aided much in speaking the Word. Bro. White was unable to attend these meetings, by reason of other business, but we were happy to meet Sr. W., and hear her stirring and very comforting exhortations.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Addison, Mich., Jan. 4th, 1858.
Spiritual Discernment in Divine Things
"Spiritual discernment in divine things fills us with humility, gratitude, and love."
Mormons, Spiritualists.
By Jesse Dorcas
“BEHOLD, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold he is in the desert, go not forth; behold he is in the secret chambers, believe it not.” Matt. xxiv, 25, 26.
For Mormons will say, Come to Desserett; and Spiritualists will say, Come into our private circles; but the saints of God must stand disconnected from all these, and speedily prepare for their turn, which will come next. God always has his people ready to act their part nobly: the Devil never. For as surely as these two great counterfeits of the Lord's great, last work of preparing and gathering his saints, are now attracting the notice of this corrupt and hypocritical nation; so our turn will come next, and we will be called to yield obedience to at least one common sentiment in the religious faith and practice of this great Commonwealth, “enforced at least by one law.”
“Exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.”
Jesse Dorcas.
Fremont, O., Dec. 29th, 1857.
Conference in Bristol, Vt.
By E. L. Barr
BRO. SMITH: Our conference at Bristol has been one of interest, and we have reasons to believe will prove a lasting blessing to the church in this vicinity, and also to the saints that attended from a distance. We found the Spirit and peace of God abiding in the place where we assembled. The Lord wrought for the release of some that were bound by the oppressive power of disease, and brought them out to meeting, and graciously sustained them in the faithful discharge of their duty.
The church in this place is moving forward. Some are in a good place to work for God, and others are striving to get there. All seem to realize in a good degree the solemn time in which we live, and feel the importance of being right, and that immediately. Much freedom was granted of the Lord to present the truth which was listened to candidly by the kind friends and neighbors that met with us on Sabbath and First-day.
The truth is getting a strong hold of some honest minds in this place, while its enemies are striving to hedge up their way. May God save them from error's dark, destructive way, and lead them understandingly into all truth.
We continued our meeting over Second-day, on the morning of which the solemn ordinance of baptism was attended to, graced with the sweet, heavenly Spirit of our compassionate Redeemer, after which we again assembled for worship, when the testimony of the faithful and true Witness began to take effect, attended by the searching Spirit of God. The fervent prayers, the groans and tears, the hearty, faithful confession of faults, made the place solemn and awful. The importance of a thorough consecration of all to God, and a perfect preparation to meet the fearful scenes before us, seemed to be the moving principle in this meeting, which continued till late in the afternoon. The evening meeting was one of interest, and well attended.
Our morning devotions on Third-day, previous to the departure of the saints for their homes, were truly blessed, comforting and heavenly. Thank God and take courage, dear brethren; and in view of his infinite love and care for his poor, afflicted people, be faithful, be humble, and live holy lives. And in view of our fearful position, be careful, be diligent, and be wise. E. L. BARR.
Bristol, Vt., Dec. 30th, 1857.
Business Items.
By Editor
F. Wheeler:—We now change name and credit on book to Vol. xii, 1.
M. A. Eaton:—The paper sent to Mrs. L. M. Scott was stopped at x, 6.
Receipts.
By Editor
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.
By Editor
G. Lowree 2,00,xii,1. J. P. Kellogg 1,00,xiii,1. A. E. Gridley 3,00,xv,18. H. P. Gould 1,00,xii,1. H. P. Gould (0,50 each for D. Paul, H. Smith, and L. Fish) 1,50, each to xii,1. S. Eastman 1,00,xii,1. F. Ramsey 1,00,xii,10. M. A. Eaton (for Mrs. L. M. Scott) 0,42,x,6. M. E. Lockwood (0,50 each for E. C. Bush and Lyman Curtis) 1,00, each to xii,10. L. R. Chapel (for A. Calkins) 0,50,xii,10. C. P. Buckland 2,00,xiii,7. J. Mills 1,00,xii,1. L. Bolton 1,00,xiii,1. E. Lobdell 0,50,xii,10. H. D. Bruce 1,00,xiii,6. J. M. Santee 1,00,xii,1. A. G. Carter 1,00,xii,3. C. Pangburn 1,00,xii,1. R. H. Brown 2,00,xii,1. D. P. Williams 1,00,x,14. M. Hull 1,00,xii,10. S. Harriman 2,00,xii,1.