p. 183 | Review and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 23. (4/23/1861)

E. W. PHELPS

By E. W. PHELPS.

From Sister Phelps.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: Having just read your remarks in No. 22 of Review, I thought, let others do as they will, I will write a few lines and let the dear brethren know where I stand. It is my greatest desire to be just what the Lord would have me to be, and I am fully determined, God's grace assisting me, to go with the remnant to mount Zion. As to the fanaticism that has existed here, I can say that I was very far from being a firm believer in it. I saw some things that I could not account for, and hardly knew what to think; but I thank the Lord that he sent his servants here in time to give it a check, and to save honest souls. As to sister W.'s visions, I always have been a firm believer that they were of the Lord, and I still believe the same. And here I would say that I know of not one of this church that reject them. Many were looking and longing for Bro. and sister White to come at the time appointed, believing that things would all be made right (as far as possible). But as we were doomed to be sadly disappointed, I think it best for all to write. Come, brethren and sisters, speak for yourselves, and let all know where you are.

And now, dear brother, wherein I have done or said anything wrong, I ask your forgiveness, and I pray God to forgive me. I want a humble place with God's people. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. May the Lord sustain you and wife in all your trials, and open the way for you to come west soon.

Your unworthy sister.

E. W. PHELPS

Mauston, Wis.

M. E. S

By M. E. S.

From Sister Steward.

BRO. SMITH: I have hesitated some time about writing, partly because I wished to see Bro. and sister White that I might more clearly understand some things seen in Testimony No. 6 concerning me. (We all much regret their not coming.) I am thankful for that testimony. It has shown me myself more clearly, and because I do not clearly understand all, I do by no means reject it. I am trying to profit by it, and I believe God is making it profitable to me. How good God is to stoop to correcting my faults. I do desire to know them all and have light and strength sufficient to correct all. I long to love God supremely—to love as I think I did for a short time last spring. Then it would be easy serving him. Oh spiritual pride! how soon it crept into my heart! almost unawares. I believe at times last summer I got glimpses of it in myself. Oh that I had been zealous in humbling myself before the Lord then. Alas! alas! where has it led me! I know that I am naturally selfish, jealous, proud and fond of praise. I can see too that I have loved to have an influence over others that would lead them to think just as I did. (I was not conscious of this till a short time since. Sister White's vision has done much in opening my eyes on this point.) Oh how my heart aches and sinks with shame while I write, but I feel it my duty and a privilege to bear witness to the truth of that testimony for me. I feel too that my heart has opposed the visions; but I feel now more and more strengthened in the idea of their divine origin, and I find myself rejoicing to think that there is a gift in the church for their good, direct from God. It seems to me Sr. W.'s visions must be of God. I have been earnestly pleading for light on this point. Praise the Lord for what he has given me. But oh, the dark, dark past! I did have a zeal for others, but how sad to think all my efforts have been worse than lost, and I am but a stumbling block in the church of God, a grief to my brethren and sisters. Dear saints, forgive me this deep wrong. I long to be united with all God's dear people. I want a humble place with those who are keeping the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. I feel unworthy of the humblest place among God's children; but oh, I cannot be left to go with a wicked world to perdition. Let me go with you as a little child.

Dear brethren and sisters will you help me to become right? Gladly would I receive light from any one regarding myself or the works and will of God. Pray for me. Is this asking too much? I do earnestly long to be humble and completely emptied of self. My heart is still full, but I will stop. From your unworthy, repenting sister.

M. E. S

P. S. Since writing the above, No. 22 is received. I did think Bro. W. talked rather hard, but I am glad he has dealt thus plainly. I would know the worst of my case, without any softening, that my repentance may be deep and thorough. I am sorry I have added to the burdens of Bro. and sister White. Will they forgive me? May God help me to walk humbly and carefully in future.

M. E. S.

OBITUARY.

By G. W. Edwards

FELL asleep, March 29, 1861, Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of G. W. and E. Edwards, aged three years, six months, and twenty days. Her disease was typhoid fever. This affliction has served to win our affections from the transient and fading things of earth to those more permanent and abiding realities beyond this mortal life. We mourn our loss, but the words of the Lord to Rachel afford us comfort. Jer. xxxi, 15-17. We hope to prepare for that event that will re-unite the righteous, both parents and children.

G. W. EDWARDS.

Napoleon, Ohio.

Business Department.

By Editor

Business Notes.

H. C. S. Carus: You will see that your present remittance carries you to No. 8, next volume.

Mrs. C. Pixley: We design to have some Instructors bound soon, and then we can send you the volumes which contain Bro. Bates' articles.

R. H. Brown: The Review has been regularly sent to your new address. If you do not get it, it must be the fault of the P. O. department.

J. C.: All received.

C. W. Sperry: We received but two letters from P. Carlin last fall: one dated Oct. 3d, containing one dollar for books, and the other dated Nov. 3d, and containing one dollar for Review, which was receipted in the last No. of last Vol.

H. S. Giddings: Your paper is still sent to Stockton.

Receipts.

FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.

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.

C. G. Hayes 2,00,xix,16. L. Bolton 1,00,xviii,1. C. Nichols 1,00,xviii,1. E. Richmond 1,00,xviii,20. L. A. Wilson 2,00,xix,23. Rumina Dorman 1,00,xix,23. I. Dampier 2,00,xviii,1. M. Kunselman 1,00,xix,6. A. Seymour 1,00,xviii,23. Wm. K. Loughborough 2,00,xix,1. H. C. S. Carus 1,00,xviii,8. W. Downing 1,00,xviii,1. Isaac Long 1,00,xviii,1. J. Roberts 0,50,xviii,1. J. M. Whitham 0,50,xvii,14. J. E. Wilkins 0,50,xviii,2. W. Pricket 1,00,xviii,1. O. M. Gray 2,00,xix,1. H. C. Chatten 1,00,xviii,20. R. Garret 1,00,xviii,11. R. D. Tyson 2,00,xviii,7. I. N. Kramer 1,00,xix,1. D. Andra 2,00,xix,18. W. J. Wilson 2,00,xvi,17. N. B. Batterson 1,00,xviii,1. C. R. Ross 1,00,xix,1. V. M. Gray 1,00,xviii,18. J. T. Mitchel 1,00,xix,14. M. B. Smith 1,00,xviii,14. Geo. Walling 1,00,xix,23. O. P. Lamb 1,00,xviii,20. B. Foos 2,00,xix,23. W. V. Field 1,00,xviii,13. Mrs. A. Russell 0,50,xix,1. A. M. Morrow 0,50,xix,1. Lyman Curtis 1,00,xv,10. A. L. Burwell 3,00,xx,1. Saml. Heabler 1,00,xviii,10. M. Hutchins 1,65,xviii,5. E. Seely 1,00,xx,1. Mrs. A. Marr 0,50,xix,1. E. Stafford 2,00,xvi,7. A. S. Barber 0,50,xix,1. T. S. Bailey 0,50,xviii,20. A. Barton 2,00,xviii,1. G. R. Barber 1,15,xviii,1. M. E. Cramer 2,00,xvii,14. John Pierce, jr. 2,00,xvii,14. P. Gould 1,00,xix,22. R. Moran 1,00,xviii,1.

For Review to Poor.—A. L. Burwell $1,50. Wm. Peabody $0,65.

For Missionary Purposes.—F. Greenman $0,60. R. Sawyer (s. B.) $2,71.

For Good Samaritan.—Wm. Pratt $0,10.

For Southern Iowa Tent.—Tent Committee (by Bro. Hull) $11,50.

A New Dodge.

By Editor

It is surprising to see the number of positions taken, and the amount of ingenuity expended in building up new theories, merely to avoid some unwelcome truth, for there are many positions taken, and much strength put forth in their defense for no other object. It may not be apparent, at first, how it happens that there are found those who are ready to advocate the abolition of the ten commandments at the cross of Christ; but when we press them for the reasons of their position, we find that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment stands directly in their way, and the idea of the abolition of the law is a mere shift to get rid of that. We venture the assertion (and do not consider it any great venture either) that there could not a solitary individual be found to advocate the abolition of the law, or who would object to the whole code of the ten commandments existing right along in all their force in this dispensation, were it not for the Sabbath commandment which demands as plainly as language can do it, that the seventh day of each week be devoted to the especial service of God. To avoid this, they have invented, and still contend for, the idea that the whole code went by the board at the crucifixion of Christ. And then they go to work and patch up a new system, and incorporate into it just as many commandments as will suit their purpose, omitting, of course, the fourth.

A new shift of the same nature has just come to light. Bro. Bostwick calls for a criticism on Matt. xxviii, 1 (which we give in this number), saying that the opponents of the truth in his section are trying to make a great point out of that verse, by claiming that the day commences at sunrise instead of at sunset. What is their object in this? It is merely to overthrow the argument we raise on Acts xx, 7, whereby we prove that Paul traveled on Sunday and therefore regarded it, not as a Sabbath, but as a secular day. For if the day begins at sunrise, a meeting held in the evening of the first day, as in that instance, would be on what is now called Sunday night, and Paul's traveling on the next day, would be on Monday, and not on Sunday; whereas if the day begins at sunset, as the Bible declares, the meeting at Troas was on what is now called Saturday night, and Paul started off upon his journey on Sunday morning, thus dealing a most leveling blow against the Sunday institution. It is no wonder that they should wish to devise some plan by which to invalidate the testimony of that text; but the shift they make to accomplish their purpose, reminds us of the tricks of politicians and demagogues, who resort to any means to carry their points, at however great a sacrifice of honesty and justice.

The Lord a Present Help.

By S. Elmer

I WOULD say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad that I am still striving to make my way from this world of sorrow to that better land. Unusually severe have been the trials I have been called to pass through for the last two years. At such times when bowing at the altar of prayer, such has been the anguish of my heart that I have begged the Lord to send me strength, and I have had reason to believe my prayers have been answered. At times I have been wonderfully sustained. To the Lord be all the glory. Surely he is a present help in time of trouble. But O, what could I have done had not the light of present truth shone on my pathway. It is indeed a glorious light, and here I can adopt the language of the poet,

"Had not thy promise held me up, Had not thy word sustained; I must have perished in my grief, No other help remained."

It is indeed a consoling thought in all our afflictions that the Saviour is so soon coming to take the weary home. Not much longer will the care-worn pilgrim wander in this low vale of sorrow. Not much longer will he be called to mourn over blasted hopes or meet with disdain or cold neglect from those of whom he had hoped better things.

We see that Bro. and sister White have suffered much in this way. So it was with the apostle Paul. Among other trials he mentions that of being in peril among false brethren. How sad has been my heart in times past to hear one whom I had once esteemed as a brother try to put down those gifts which I solemnly believed were from heaven. As I have listened hour after hour to his unwelcome conversation as he was trying to convince me of the absurdity of our position, I have in the anguish of my heart hastened to my only refuge—prayer; and something seemed to whisper to my stricken heart, The Lord will take care of his cause. But as it has been in many instances so may the sad effects of error be traced in this brother's case. Once he appeared so established as to the Sabbath that we could not believe he would ever give it up; but he went on from one step to another till he finally gave up the present truth; but it seems he has not prospered either in temporal or spiritual things. Those who will not be prevailed on to believe as to the gifts would do well to heed the counsel of Gamaliel as recorded in Acts v, 38, 39. Who would wish to wage such an unequal warfare, and thus be found fighting against God. Far better would it be to strive together for the unity of the Spirit, and earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. S. ELMER. Ashfield, Mass.

THE REVIEW AND HERALD.

By Editor

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. THIRD-DAY, APRIL 23, 1861,

Bro. M. Hull and family arrived at this city Wednesday the 17th inst. In compliance with the invitation published in REVIEW No. 21, he designs to make his head quarters here, for the future. His P. O. address will therefore be, Battle Creek, Mich.

CALL FROM OHIO.

By J. Dudley, Sec.

THE Finance Committee of Ohio wish to give notice through the Review that they cordially extend an invitation to Bro. Waggoner to labor with the tent in this State the coming tent season. If necessary we will send him means to come. J. DUDLEY, Sec.

Gilboa, April 15, 1861.

Hope Against Accusation

BELIEVE not each accusive tongue, As some weak people do, But ever hope that story wrong, Which ought not to be true.

APPOINTMENTS.

By James White; Uriah Smith

MICHIGAN CONFERENCES.

At a meeting of the brethren of the Battle Creek church, April 7th, 1861, it was decided that several Conferences should be held in this State this spring in order to better accommodate the brethren in different portions of the State, and at the same time avoid a greater collection at any one place than can be comfortably entertained. Also that said Conferences be held in season to make suitable arrangements for the Tent Season, their time and places as follows:

Wright, April 19-22.

Battle Creek, " 26-29.

Hillsdale, May 3-6.

Each conference to commence at 2 P. M. of sixth-day.

It is expected that preachers in the State, as far as possible, consistent with other duties, will attend these Conferences. Bro. E. W. Shortridge of Iowa is expected at the Conferences at Wright and Battle Creek. If brethren in any other localities desire a Conference they will please send in their request.

It will be expected that sisters who are feeble, and children, will not be brought a day's ride to these meetings, and that these assemblies will not be disturbed by ungoverned children.

The brethren of the Battle Creek Church also voted to extend an invitation, in behalf of the churches and brethren in Michigan, to Eld. M. Hull, of Iowa, to move his family to, and make it his head-quarters at Battle Creek, on conditions to be specified by letter.

In behalf of the church,

JAMES WHITE. URIAH SMITH.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

By Editor

J. Bostwick: The expression, "In the end of the Sabbath," of Matt. xxviii, 1, cannot mean during the closing hours of the Sabbath, as I understand you that your opponents claim, but at the end of the Sabbath, or after the Sabbath had closed. It is singular that any such claim should be set up on this passage, when the accounts which the other evangelists give of the same transaction are taken into consideration. Mark says plainly, "When the Sabbath was past." Chap. xvi, 1. Luke says that the disciples rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment, and did not till the first day of the week come to the sepulcher. Chap. xxiv, 1. John says, "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene, early while it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher," &c. John here expressly tells us that while it was yet dark it was the first day of the week, which proves that the day did not begin at sunrise, but had begun sometime before. Let those who would advocate the commencement of the day at sunrise look well to the slough of difficulty and inconsistency into which they plunge themselves.

But to return to Matt. xxviii, 1. The original of the expression "in the end of the Sabbath," is, Ὀψὲ δὲ σαββάτων. It will be noticed that the adverb ὀψὲ is here used with a genitive; and Robinson [Gr. Lex. of N. T.] defines this adverb in such a construction, thus: "With a genitive, at the end of, at the close of, after." He then quotes the passage in question [Matt. xxviii, 1], and translates it thus: "After the Sabbath, the Sabbath being now ended." It matters not in this instance whether we apply the word σαββάτων to the Sabbath day merely, or to the whole week, which it sometimes signifies, since the week closes with the Sabbath. And now while neither this text nor any other in the Bible affords any evidence that the day commences at sunrise, there stand on the other hand those positive declarations of the Bible that the day does begin at sunset; there stand also the concurrent testimonies of all Biblical commentators and scholars that the Jews so reckoned time in the days of our Saviour and the apostles. With all this, the question is settled beyond controversy.