BRO. SMITH.—On my way from Battle Creek to Chicago, Ill. Dec. 31st, after running about 70 miles, all of a sudden we were rushing from our seats in confusion and dismay by the cars being thrown from the track. My first business after recovering my balance was to assist in extinguishing the fire which had been thrown from the stove by the justling of the cars. This done, we ascertained that no one was seriously injured, and also, that the cause of our disaster was owing to one of the rails breaking away from the track under us. On further inquiry we learned that the engine with her tender by some unaccountable means broke loose from her load of cars and baggage without losing her position on the track, and passed on some distance ahead of us, leaving the baggage and forward cars plunged into the bank “justled one against another in the broad way.” In this cheerless position in the woods we continued from about 7 P. M. until after mid-night when we were exchanged for another load of passengers bound east, and by the good hand of the Lord arrived safely in Chicago, Ill. in time for breakfast. If the locomotive had not broken from the passenger train at the instant it did, the consequence would undoubtedly have been sad indeed. I feel that I am under renewed obligations to the Lord for his preserving mercies.
On the 3d Inst. I reached this place, and have held several meetings in different districts, and spent two Sabbaths in meeting with Bro. Phelps and the church in this vicinity. I am now on my way to Lake Mills to hold meetings in that vicinity.
JOSEPH BATES.Hebron, Jefferson, Co., Wis.
Extracts of Letters.
Bro. Geo. P. Cushman writes from Vt.:—"Micah iii, 8, with the two following verses was the foundation of a few remarks by an Advent Herald minister. 'Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy : when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.' As he presented a subject entirely new from what I expected, I wanted to copy down a few ideas that he advanced. The whole tenor of his discourse went to show that this enemy was the Papacy persecuting the Church. I admit it was the Papacy at a certain period. But to the point. He quoted Rev. xiv, 6, 7, 'Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment has come.' This judgment, was the judgment of Papacy. The Second Angel followed. This was in the days of Luther. Well, he made out these three Messages to have been fulfilled centuries ago, in connection with the vials and seven last plagues.
"We had a New-Time minister who made quite a stir. They seem to carry quite an influence. A number have fallen in with his views. Anything seemingly but the Third Angel's Message. They will embrace anything almost sooner than that.
"I like the Review. It makes our pathway clear. I hope it will continue to be a beacon light to the remnant. I am not privileged with meeting with those of like precious faith, but I often think of them. I should rejoice to have some one come this way with the present truth, but I will try to hold on by the grace of God till deliverance comes."
Bro. E. Pratt writes from Hartland N. Y.:—"I feel as though the little remnant should be awake, watching unto prayer, having their loins girded about with truth; for we are living in perilous times."
Bro. W. L. Saxby writes from Springfield, Mass., Jan. 13th, 1856:—"The little church in this place are in full fellowship with the Review. They are all agreed on sunset time."
Extracts.
By E. G. White
BRO. SMITH:—I have recently received precious letters from dear brethren and sisters, from which I give the following extracts for the Review:
Bro. Dexter Daniels writes from New Boston, Mass., that he has of late been to Norfolk, Conn. “One sister was all that kept the Sabbath in that vicinity when I first went there, but now there are five others decided to keep the true Sabbath under the Third Angel’s Message. They seem to be happy in the truth. I wish that there was some good messenger here that would do justice to the message; but I will do what I can in the name of Jesus.
“The whole community seem to be in commotion about the Sabbath. I will try to live more to the glory of God in future. I want the Spirit. I know without it I am nothing. I am too easily overcome. I pray for strength to overcome all my besetments. I know it is those that overcome the world and the flesh, that are to inherit all things. No others are to enter the holy City.”
Bro. Elmer writes from Ashfield:—“I do praise the Lord that in this time of great deception of the enemy, we have a test-book, the Bible, with which to try the spirits. I believe that the cause of God is about to rise, and I mean by the grace of God to rise with it, and show by my daily walk and conversation that I believe what I profess, that Jesus is soon coming.”
Sister P. M. Bates, of Fairhaven, writes:—“I find I am quite too low in interest and feeling, and have drunk too deeply of that apathy and indifference which I fear has been so prevalent among the remnant. O that we may all heed the warning from the holy Sanctuary and repent in dust and ashes; be found “seeking meekness and righteousness,” knowing there is a possibility that we may be hid in the day of his anger.
“How good the Lord is to admonish and correct us. Why not let us (with the multitude around us) go on groping our way in darkness? The reason is obvious: We have the truth. He is leading a people, he will guide and guard. Though unworthy, I do hope to be found among that people. I feel very much confirmed in the belief that God is working for us. Praise his holy name. While we are scattered abroad, let us pray for each other and wrestle with God.”
Sister Frances Howland of Topsham, Me., writes: “I do not feel like giving up the truth, or going back to the world. I know that we are the Lord’s people, and the only ones that have the truth, and I desire so to live here that I may enjoy their presence in the new earth. I fear many times lest I fall out by the way, and miss heaven at last; yet I will strive anew to serve the Lord and have a closer walk with God.”
Bro. J. F. Byington writes from Lisbon Centre: “I have thought perhaps you might think that of late my love for the truth had grown cold, and that the world was finding a large place in my heart; and after having started in the narrow way I had not love
enough for the salvation of my soul to finish the christian course. I have a great many fears for myself; but my daily prayer is that I may be kept in the path of truth and be found in the way of my duty.
“When I think of the past blessings I have enjoyed, in being brought into the truth, I sometimes think I feel thankful for the past; yet again I feel to reproach myself that my time has not been better improved. But the past is past. What now concerns me is the present and future. I want to strive for a home in the kingdom. It is the prayer of my soul daily that the Lord will direct my goings, and that I may be a faithful servant.
“I have watched the movements of things which have concerned the truth, and have had a feeling heart for those who have taken an active part to labor in this work. And when I have known that that trial, severe indeed, had to be borne by those of worn out bodies, I have felt to say, Let me share a part too. I know I am but a mere speck, but if I am only faithful to my heavenly Father, I may be instrumental of a little good. While I have seen the cause rather decline, I have thought of the prayers you have offered, of the groans and sighs you have uttered, and of the hope that has encouraged you on, and have known that indeed you must have much to bear in this trying time. I hope and pray that you may have strength for every time of need.
“I am this Winter teaching school. It is a question with me daily; am I in the way of my duty? If I am, it is enough. If not, my prayer is that I may know it, and find the right path. If I were seeking the world, and a good name in it, I should enjoy myself this Winter where I am. But every week there is a sign to show to what class I belong. I can say I am thankful for the Sabbath, and that I have no desire to go with the multitude in the broad way. The blessed hope too is good to me.”
Sister Drew of South Pultney, N. Y., writes:—“Last Sabbath we had a very good, free time. The Lord blest us. We were much encouraged to press our way through the trials and opposition we are called to pass through. My trust is in the Lord. Bro. Loughborough has been here and given us some light on the commencement of the Sabbath. I believe that it is true. I think the Lord has somewhat revived his people in this place. I hope we shall yet see better days. We are passing through fiery trials. I earnestly desire to do the will of God in all things, and keep his commandments, that I may be found without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, at the appearing of Christ. We will hold on to the arm of God a little longer, and we shall meet in the kingdom of God.”
Sister Locke writes from Salem:—“There is an increasing desire among the Brn. here, to obtain full salvation from sin. We have had a good meeting on the Sabbath that is now passed, praised be the Lord. Truly, Jesus was in our midst by his Spirit. Dear Sister, pray for the little few in Salem, that we may become perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. We are striving for the kingdom.”
Sister Frances Bragg writes from Lake Mills, Wis.: “We were settled in our little room here just as the Sabbath commenced. We had a very peaceful time through the entire day. Felt the sweet blessing of God resting upon us. We felt some freedom the evening we left you, and my strength of body and peace of mind increased all the way. On our way from Battle Creek we felt some little increase of confidence in God. Felt the need of a deeper work wrought in the soul, and some thirsting after righteousness. I want that love which casteth out all fear, save that of offending my heavenly Father and his children. The Lord has been very good to us. He has a tender care for us, the weakest of his people. Our stay with you and family was blest to us. I felt encouraged to trust my heavenly Father, who has done so much for, and still has a tender regard for, us. I will believe he will lead us all the way through. I need more strength of body to act my part in life. Why not ask him for it? I do sometimes believe he will impart strength of body and clearness of mind, that I may serve him acceptably. But very many times my spirit sinks. I desire your prayers in my behalf that I may enter more fully into the work of the Lord, and throw myself upon his mercy.”
Bro. J. T. Orton, of Rochester, N. Y., writes:—“It was refreshing to hear that the Lord has set you free. While the Lord is working for you there, he is working for us here. We have been trying to get into the work of God, where we could ask for the things we wanted and believe we should receive them.
“I think I can say the Lord is truly working for us in Rochester. We have had sweet seasons. Our136numbers are few, yet the Lord heard our prayers and sent down his Holy Spirit. I hope you will remember us at the throne of grace, that our faith fail not. I am satisfied that if ever I go through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, I must live more of a guarded, watchful, holy life. I hope to have grace and strength from on high to help me overcome. We were glad to hear you had so good a time at the Conference, and that you were agreed as to the commencement of the Sabbath. It looks clear to me.”
Sister Ashley, of Dartmouth, Mass., writes:—“I have not forgotten the many precious seasons we have had when the Lord heard and answered your prayers for me, and we were blest and comforted together. Those precious seasons come up fresh to my mind of late. I am now keeping house in the same quiet dwelling where I used to, years ago, where the Lord magnified his goodness and mercy in taking care of me and my children; and I trust the same providential care has been, and still is, over us. But the Lord’s arm is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear.
“God hears and answers prayer. He knoweth the wants of all his creatures, and I will trust him, for his goodness is great. I will trust him for his goodness and mercy to his people. He has not forsaken and left them in darkness, but is still giving them light and truth. I thank the Lord for the light on the time for commencing the Sabbath. To my mind it harmonizes perfectly with the Bible. Receiving this light and truth brings a rich blessing to my soul, for which I praise the name of the Lord.
“I love the Review. To me it is a precious sheet, filled with precious food. I am glad we can have it every week. I am glad too that it is better established, and that you are relieved from the too heavy burdens that you have had to bear. May the Lord indeed bless you abundantly, and sustain you under every trial, is my desire.”
Sister Collins of Dartmouth, Mass., writes:—“I love my fellow-soldiers of the cross of Christ traveling to a better world than this, “where the wicked will cease from troubling, and the weary be at rest.” I expect if faithful we soon shall be there. The signs of the times tell us that Christ is coming. He says, Now learn a parable of the fig-tree. We are to know it as plain as we are to know that Summer is nigh. O I thank the Lord for the truth. It shines more and more, and it will. Praise the Lord, there is no mistake about it. I have thought much of late where it says, This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.
“I think we are to know that we are very nigh the end of all things. I thank and praise my heavenly Father for the time to commence the Sabbath. I praise the Lord that his power is manifested in his church among his saints. I stand unmoved by what is going on around me. The way of the Lord is a straight forward course. I am glad the Lord has had such a special care for me, so unworthy. He has saved me out of many snares that Satan has laid.
“I have been able by the grace of God to receive the light of truth as it comes. None in this place have given up the Sabbath. But some I hope will not and feel the need of more consecration. I hope and pray that God will work and bring them up on high and holy ground. This world has no charms for me. I am a stranger, weary sometimes of my Master’s so long delay; but I expect that the wheels of time will soon roll round, when our Saviour will appear. I hope to meet you on mount Zion with all the redeemed.”
Cheering communications from the scattered flock, breathing the spirit of Jesus, help to make the Review interesting to the remnant. God is reviving his fainting people, and it will cheer the hearts of the waiting ones everywhere to read in the Review the testimonies of many witnesses, who may freely speak of their conflicts, their victories, their joys and hopes of future glory. We hope the liberty we have taken with letters from dear friends will not afflict any.
E. G. WHITE.
HORACE W. LAWRENCE
By Horace W. Lawrence
From Bro. Lawrence.
BRO. SMITH:—I would like to say to the brethren through the Review, that I humbly trust my heart is in unison with the remnant at large. My views and feelings have been so correctly and definitely expressed of late by those who have written for the Review that I only need to express my confidence in the way God is leading his people, and my determination to endure with my brethren the “fiery trial” unto the end, and so share with the overcomers, all things embraced in the promise.
It is my prayer that all of us professing the “present truth,” may keep the sayings of Jesus more fully, and thus be prepared to bear a clear testimony while proclaiming the last message of mercy.
HORACE W. LAWRENCE
Bangor, N. Y., Jan. 10th, 1856.
The Review, a Messenger of Mercy
By Asa Kimball
From Bro. Kimball.
BRO. SMITH:—I esteem the Review and Herald as a messenger of mercy from the Most Holy. It is meat in due season and the only source of light to the remnant, except the Bible, that comes through the printing-press. I love the spirit of the paper, and hope it will be sustained. Notwithstanding the great opposition we meet with from a cold, formal church, and the wicked world, I was one among the number who believed in the coming of the Lord in 1843, and heard the Midnight Cry in 1844; also obeyed the Second Angel’s Message of "Come out of her my people." I then left the old church, never to return to it again. While wandering in distress, and almost ready to sink in despair as Peter was—O that Arm! Glory to God—the Third Angel’s Message and Sabbath came up at the right time. My wife and two daughters and self have taken hold of this work in earnest. Thanks be to God for the instrument. Bro. Chamberlain, who now sleeps in Jesus, was instrumental, also Brn. Bates and Barr, who came and pitched their Tent on our land. Great good was done in the name of the Lord.
Bro. Barr is now with us, giving meat in due season, and strength to the things that are ready to perish. His coming is a matter of rejoicing to us. I believe the signs of the times indicate that soon the angel will give the loud cry to the one on the white cloud, Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. It becomes us as children of God, and members of the little flock, to be taught of the Lord how to manage our temporal affairs as well as spiritual. The injunction of our Saviour must be obeyed. "Hear him." "Sell that ye have." Luke xii, 33. When? Especially now, when we are waiting to go to the marriage supper.
We are also to become a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I intend to hold myself in readiness to obey. Since coming on to the Third Angel’s Message and Sabbath, I found myself in the habitual use of that weed that is so much used by the ungodly. I have now laid it aside by the help of the Lord, as I hope and trust for ever, and thus far the work is well done. The Lord did not bring us out to become defiled. I would recommend to my good brethren who indulge in the use of Tobacco to give it up at once, by the help of the Lord you will overcome. He does not say, he that overcometh shall have right to the Tobacco plant. No, no. Something better—right to the tree of life. I am glad this subject has been laid before us by the Review. It is a subject of great importance, for I believe we cannot be made the jewels of the Lord and indulge in such like habits. We see the splendid synagogues of Babylon furnished with costly carpeting and varnished spit-boxes to accommodate those members who take their Gospel and Tobacco all down at the same time. We cannot serve God and Mammon. I must close, by saying, I heartily approve of the doings of the Battle Creek conference and by the help of the Lord I will assist the dear brethren in their plans to send out the last Message of Mercy to a fallen world.
Yours in hope. ASA KIMBALL.
Hampton, Ct.
"Come Over and Help us!"
By James White
THE calls for light upon the great subjects of "present truth," are many and urgent. The way is open in very many places in this State, as well as others, for those who "preach the Word," to get large, attentive, and even anxious congregations to hear. Many become convinced we have the truth, and a few believe and obey. And while the Macedonian cry is heard from all quarters, "Come over and help us," those who love the cause of truth, and hope for its advancement and triumph, can but mourn that so few preachers are in the field with the armor on.
Some are going the old rounds where they have spent much time for several years, and where but little can be done besides preaching to the churches that have not lived out half they have already heard, while others are called to labor with Churches on account of distracting influences being among them, and still others are at home, bound with cares, or want of means. How long will these things be so? When will these churches that have had time to learn the truth, and their duty, and to obtain strength to continue in union, love and good works, learn to stand alone in Christ, and cease to call God's servants from their work in the wide harvest-field to labor in sadness for them, and help them out of trials, into which some stand ready to fall. O, when will all of God's servants be ready to say, "Here am I, send me," and as they go forth weeping, with an humble zeal, and trust in God, be urged onward to their work by the Church with their means, their sympathy, and prayers? We hope the time is not far distant when the Church will arise and shine in strength and beauty, and be indeed a light to the world.
Bro. M. E. Cornell has just returned from a few days labor, where fifteen subscribed for the Review, and where many publications were called for, and calls came to him from several places around, "Come over and help us." Much labor is now needed in that vicinity. Cannot Bro. E. Everts visit us, and labor a few weeks with Bro. C.?
Bro. and Sr. Richmond, of Green Bush, Clin. Co., have visited us, and fed on the Word. Bro. R. stated that he had not heard a gospel sermon worthy of the name, for fifteen years, till he came among us. He says, "The people want to hear"—"Come over and help us." He left a most urgent request for Bro. Waggoner to visit his place, and call on his way on Ora B. Stiles, St. John's Depot.
Bro. and Sr. Perkins write from Mt. Clemens, Mich.:—
"We thank you for the Review which you have sent us, and rejoice in the truth it so fearlessly advocates. We love it for its separating, practical truths which are so much needed at the present time by the remnant. Of that little number we earnestly desire to be found. But we find ourselves almost alone in this part of the vineyard. Will Bro. Bates make his way to this part this Winter, and preach to us the Word of life; for we only get it through the soul-refreshing pages of the Review. May the Lord direct you in your arduous duties, and may we all be kept unto eternal life."
Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham writes from Roulett, Penn.:—
"I am laboring in new fields the most of my time, and get but little for my labor. God is still moving on the hearts of some to seek the truth. Last evening I reviewed a no-Sabbath sermon, delivered yesterday by Eld. Evens, a Baptist preacher, a man that has been successful in spreading the no-law heresy, but yesterday met with a disappointment. I trust all his arguments were met with the spirit of meekness. It took me three hours to meet every point. The result was, two came out on the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and others were ready to confess the truth. God is able to make the heart like David, and upset the wisdom of men, and bring down the Goliaths to the ground. Praise his name."
The truth never seemed so clear and mighty as now. The people who have not heard and stumbled at the cross, never seemed so anxious to hear as now. But the Church, though reviving, is still worldly, loving this present world, faint and drowsy. God help her to arise and shine. O when will Apostolic faith, works, humility and zeal be revived in the Church? We think the Churches should not require labor of the few preachers in the field, but make one united effort to send them out into new fields where the calls are heard, "Come over and help us." I. W.
Re-Baptism.
By John Byington
I SEE it stated as a fact in history, that the Jews not only circumcised those who were converted to their religion, from among the heathen, but also baptized them. I had thought the origin of baptism in the Church of God was with John the Baptist. Dr Clarke in his closing remarks on the gospel by Mark, has the following words from another author:
"But yet the first use of baptism was not exhibited at that time, meaning John's time; for baptism very many centuries back had been both known and received in most frequent use among the Jews; and for the very same end as it now obtains among Christians; namely, that by it proselytes might be admitted into the Church; and hence it was called baptism for proselytism,"
The same author quotes a Jewish author who says, "Whensoever any heathen will betake himself and be joined to the covenant of Israel, and place himself under the wings of the Divine Majesty, and take the yoke of the law upon him, voluntary circumcision, baptism and oblation are required." The same author refers to the requirement of God of the Jews at Mt. Sinai, to sanctify themselves and wash their clothes as the origin of baptism. Now if these are facts, it is certain there was re-baptism under the same dispensation or covenant; for John and his subjects kept the ceremonial law.
JOHN BYINGTON.
Buck's Bridge, N. Y., Jan. 14th, 1856.
Prayer.
By John Byington
BRO. SMITH:—Permit me through the Review to ask one or two questions on the subject of prayer. Our Saviour says, "When thou prayest enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Now does this precept of our Saviour require us to leave other employment, and the company of others and go into some secret place and spend a portion of our time in prayer? If so, should we not have set times every day for that object; and if so, if neglected, we cannot be keeping the Faith of Jesus. Do all our brethren and sisters do it? Watching unto prayer is the life of the Christian. JOHN BYINGTON.
Danger of Enthusiasm
"You are in danger of enthusiasm every hour, if you depart never so little from Scripture."
Humility in Speech and Conduct
“Let all you speak and do, show that you are little, and base, and mean, and vile, in your own eyes.”
Afflictions With Grace
“One of the greatest evidences of God's love to those that love him, is to send afflictions with grace to bear them.”
Bearing With Men
"The bearing with men, and suffering evils in meekness and silence is a grand part of the Christian's life."
Humility and Patience
"Humility and patience are the surest proofs of the increase of love."
The Truth on the Kingdom of God
By Editor
Some half dozen of our subscribers have ordered their papers discontinued, assigning as a reason that "the Review refuses to publish the truth relative to the time and place of the kingdom of God." This is entirely a mistake. The sole reason why the REVIEW has been silent on this question is on account of the compromise entered into at El Dorado, Wis., in June, 1854, between Brn. Stephenson and Hall, and Bro. White, as has already been stated in the paper. But since this compromise has been pronounced "null and void" by the "party of the first part," it can certainly influence us no longer; and we intend therefore to bring out the "truth" on this question fully and fearlessly in the REVIEW. We therefore still continue the papers to those brethren above mentioned. And we will here add that we shall not discontinue any papers for the above named reason, till this subject is fully brought out, unless there is a positive refusal to read.
We now invite especial attention to the articles lately published on the Second Advent, and the article entitled "When will the Nations be dashed in pieces?" commenced in this No.
The Truth Found
By Editor
The remainder of Bro. Waggoner's article on the Sabbath, entitled, "The Truth Found," &c., is this week deferred to make room for other matter.
APPOINTMENTS.
By C. W. Sperry, A. S. Hutchins
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will meet with the brethren as follows—
Berkshire, Vt., Jan 26th and 27th. Eaton, C. E., where the brethren may appoint, February 2d and 3d. Sutton, Vt., 9th and 10th.
C. W. SPERRY,
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Communications on the Gifts
By James White
Brn. Bingham and Arnold:—Your Communications relative to the Gifts will be noticed next week. J. W.
Business.
By Editor
R. F. Cottrell:—The book is received, and safely deposited in our private drawer. We will use it as occasion requires.
A. Ross:—You ordered the REVIEW sent to B. A. Phillips, Gilbertville, to which place it has been sent. We now change the address as you direct.
C. A. Osgood:—Your last remittance pays to Vol. ix.
S. W. Rhodes:—Your letter contained but one dollar.
D. Eaton:—You had paid to Vol. ix, No. 18. We send the books, and apply the remainder to meet the expenses of establishing the press in this place.
L. B. Green:—We have never received the letter you speak of, containing $1 for books.
Receipts.
By Editor
P Smith, M Curtis, J E Tilton, I Root, H Bingham, L C Young, S. D Hall, E Degarmo, C A Osgood, A friend, H A Hannaford, Wm Harris, J G Whipple, S Cronkright, J Bendon, J N Andrews, C Franke, A R Andrews, R Harrison, F Pierce, S Howard, S Rumery Amanda Stone, Wm Pierce, O Mo Omber, Dr H S Lay, J Russ, O B Jones, H Kenyon, D C Konyon, J H White, each $1.
D Goodenough, L Sheldon, each $2 Mrs D Bronson, D R Palmer, each $3.
TO SEND REVIEW TO THE POOR.—A B Pearsall, S W Rhodes, each $1.
To move Office and pay for Printing Materials.
By Editor
Amount to be raised, . . . . . . $603.64
Previous donations, . . . . . . 138.25
H Bingham, $10.00 | D Eaton, $3.50
D Richmond, 5.00 | H P Wakefield, 2.00
D R Palmer, 10.00 | O Pennoyer, 2.00
P Folsom, 10.75 | L Griswold, 0.50
W L Saxby, 1.00 | J G Whipple, 0.50
C O Taylor, 1.00 | (From Buck's Bridge, N. Y.)
F Pierce, 1.00 | A Sister, 1.00
J L Baker, 1.00 | Another Sister, 0.63
| An Aged Saint, 0.50
Remaining to be raised by the Church, . . . $415.01