I HAVE felt for some time, that I would try to point out to my brethren and sisters, who are parents, "the admonitions of the Lord," concerning their duty to their children.
I was led to look over that which had already been written on this subject, and I came to the conclusion it would suffice: yet, on account of the interest I feel, and the fears I entertain, by beholding the insensibility that has apparently stolen upon some, which has so pained my heart, I still am constrained to entreat my brethren and sisters, to look diligently into the word of the Lord, and see their duty to those whom God has intrusted to their care, to rear for heaven. Truly, what great and precious promises the Lord has made to his people respecting their children.
When God spake all these words,—the ten commandments, to ancient Israel, he had special care for "thy son," and "thy daughter," that they should "rest as well as thou;" and he, also, gave a commandment, specially for the children to obey. The people said, "we will hear it, and do it." "The Lord heard their voice," and he said, "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!"—Deut. v, 29.
Moses being instructed by the Lord, continued to exhort the people to "take heed" and keep their souls "diligently, lest they should forget, 'Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children." "Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee." "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deut. iv, 9, 10, 40; vi, 7-9; xi, 19, 20, 27. And a blessing, if they and their children would "obey the commandments of the Lord their God." And even if they should forget, and the curse come upon them, it was said, if they would return and obey the voice of the Lord their God, they and their children,—children which have not known anything, may hear, and learn,—"to observe to do, all the words of this law," "with all their heart, and with all their soul," then the Lord their God would have compassion. Deut. xxx, 2, 3; xxxi, 13; xxxii, 46; Psa. lxxviii, 5-11.
The little ones of ancient Israel, entered the promised land: and their enemies, and their little ones, were "utterly destroyed," and left none to remain! Deut. i, 39; ii, 34.
When "the days of David drew nigh that he should die," "he charged Solomon" to keep the commandments of the Lord, that he might continue his word, "saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel." And when "the house of the Lord was finished," "the Lord appeared to Solomon, and said unto him, "If you shall at all turn from following me, you or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you,"—"Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them." 1 Kings ii, 1-4; ix, 1, 6, 7; 2 Chron. vi, 16; Psa. cxxxii, 12. See also, 1 Sam. iii, 13; iv.
It would appear that the Jews understood this, for at the time when Jesus stood accused before Pilate they said, "let his blood be upon us and our children!" And when the daughters of Jerusalem followed Jesus, weeping, "he said, weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children!"22Notwithstanding the special care the Lord had for the children, and his oft repeated admonitions, and those of his prophets; yet we find that this very people permitted a tradition to get among them, and the fifth commandment that was specially designed for the children, was transgressed, and Jesus rebuked them by saying, "Ye hypocrites! Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." "Full well ye reject the commandment of God that ye may keep your own tradition;" even the commandments of men! Matt. xv, 3-9; Mark vii, 7-13.
On the day of Pentecost, when the apostles testified concerning the gospel, the children again were remembered: "For," says Peter, "the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts ii, 39. And the conditions of this promise is obedience.—"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right;" "obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." "Honor thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,) that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth."—New earth, in the kingdom: exceeding great and precious promises! "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged;" "but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Eph. vi, 1-4; Col. iii, 20, 21.
And in the last days perilous times shall come; and children shall be "disobedient to parents;" even when "the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient." 2 Tim. iii, 2; Isa. iii, 5.
The mariner's greatest danger, when "in perils on the sea," is when the rocks and shoals are slightly covered over with water; and when nearing the haven, at which time a diligent watchfulness is needful. O how unconscious we may be of the dangers of these "perilous times," unless we watch and pray, and look diligently into the word of God: for they approach us in such disguised forms, that we may become almost ensnared ere we are aware! Satan will try to deceive us, [Matt. xxiv, 24; Rev. xii, 12,] and make us insensible to our dangers, and even he will try to deceive the parents, and make them insensible to the dangers that surround their children. The Lord wants to save the children, but Satan would try to destroy these young and tender "branches," [Psa. cxxviii, 3,] and by so doing, he will hinder the growth of the older "branches," by bringing upon them perplexity and trouble. John xv, 4-7. Satan will try to deceive the parents, in time of disobedience, and they will be left to believe that they love their children, when at the same time they hate them. "He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Prov. xiii, 24. Satan will try to deceive them as to their duty, (for it "grieveth the Enemy" for them to do their duty,) until it is too late; then it will bring shame, heaviness, and sorrow to thine heart. And the children will have none of God's grace to assist them to resist the Devil, and to overcome their evil tempers and dispositions, [Eccl. xxx, 12,] therefore they will be the lawful prey of the Enemy and die. Prov. xxiii, 13. Satan, to accomplish his purpose, will use the instrumentality of "a full access to wicked companions," and he will try to make the parents insensible to their evil influences. O "beware of thine own children:" Let them not go in a way wherein they may fall! "lest thou gnasth thy teeth in the end!" O do be entreated to look at the "admonitions of the Lord," and from this raise a true standard that you may "love" your children, and not "hate" them by withholding chastisement in time of disobedience, even while there is hope. Prov. xix, 18. Watch carefully, and do your duty that you "may have joy of them in the end," and "have part of the inheritance among the brethren."
How important it is that the children of the "remnant," should comply with the conditions of this precious promise; by obeying their parents in the Lord in all things and willingly, not grievously: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous:" For it is said by the prophet, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." 1 John v, 3; Isa. i, 19.
I have often witnessed the murmur, and the unwillingness, and apparently "grievous" feelings, when the child has been requested by the parent to do an act of obedience. O how my heart has been pained; and how I have feared for that parent, and that child, when they have seemingly been insensible to their responsibilities.
I can say with Bro. Goodwin, "I feel an interest in the welfare of the children and am glad that they have a paper for themselves; but still for the children to be really benefited," certainly "the work must begin at home." Parents must realize the awful responsibility of "this important duty of governing their children, and subdue their wills and unholy tempers, and bring them where God can work for them." [See 'Review and Herald' Vol. III, No. 7.]
When the children of God murmur and disobey, he, in love, administers chastisement. "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us; and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. See Prov. x, 17; xv, 10. "Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee." Heb. xii, 5-11; Prov. iii, 11, 12; Deut. viii, 5. "As chastened and not killed;" "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." 1 Tim. v, 24. "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law." "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." 1 Cor. xi, 32; Job xxxiv, 31; v, 17; Isa. xxiv, 12; Rev. iii, 19; Isa. xxvi, 16. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." And, He is more willing to "give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him," than earthly parents are "to give good gifts unto their children." And even of Jesus our Saviour, our merciful and faithful High Priest, it is said, "the chastisement of our peace was upon him!" Ps. ciii, 13; Luke xi, 13; Isa. liii, 5.
Paul exhorted and charged every one, as a father doth his children, that they should walk worthy of God, in love, and be followers of him as dear children. "Be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children." "Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God." From the above Scriptures, we may all be instructed. Matt. v, 9; Mark ix, 50.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." "He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die.—Thou shalt beat him with a rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest: yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." Prov. xxii, 6; xiii, 24; xix, 18; xxiii, 13, 14; xxix, 15, 17; xxii, 15; xx, 11. "Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth. He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end. He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. For the Lord hath given the father honor over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons. Whoso honoreth his father maketh an atonement for his sins. He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.—Indulge thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.—Laugh not with him lest thou have sorrow with him, lest thou gnasth thy teeth in the end. Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies. Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart. Chastise thy son, and hold him to labor, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee." Eccl. vii, 23; xxx, 1-13; iii, 2, 3. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. Prov. xvii, 2. See 1 Tim. iii, 4, 5.
WESTERN TOUR.
By James White
THE Conference at Jackson was held according to appointment, June 3d, 4th and 5th. There were several brethren at this meeting from a distance. Bro. P. Gibson, and his companion, of London, C. W., were present.
Bro. Gibson stated, that he had long been looking for some of the preaching brethren to visit that place, and labor in that vicinity; but as none came, he had come out to see the brethren. He enjoyed the meeting, and expressed his wishes for help in Canada, and that he would do what he could to help sustain the cause.
Bro. Isaac Brown, of Waverly, this State, was, also, present. He had come about 100 miles to meet with the brethren. It was the first meeting of the kind that he had ever attended; never had heard a lecture. By reading the REVIEW, he and his family had become settled on the Sabbath. He stated, that when he began to take the REVIEW, he designed having it bound, at the close of the volume, and preserved; but his neighbors had read the papers so much that they were about worn out.
He stated, that the churches around him were in a low, scattered state, and that many were dissatisfied with their condition; but knew not how to better it. By changing from one church to another, nothing could be gained; for all were in about the same sad condition. Said he, "we want help. We want the living preacher to come and feed these perishing souls with truth." Others called for help, in a similar manner. It did really seem like the poor sheep out in search of a shepherd.
There was quite a gathering of the faithful, from the region round about. There was a good interest to hear the reasons of our faith, and the Word had free course; though the meetings were not as free and powerful as some others. Bro. J. N. Loughborough preached twice, with clearness, much to the edification of the brethren.
At this meeting a mission to Wisconsin and Illinois was considered. Brn. J. N. Loughborough and M. E. Cornell, decided to go in company, with private conveyance. Necessary means to help them to their field of labor were raised at once. We also furnished them with a full supply of Tracts, which they will sell to those who can pay, and give to the worthy poor. A deep interest was felt in this mission, and we hope that all the readers of the REVIEW, who have faith in God, will pray that he will prosper these brethren mightily, and give them many souls in the West. It is of little use for brethren to fly from place to place, and spend but a few hours or days at each. Here has been a great fault. These brethren design spending months in the West. God bless them.
June 6th we had a meeting at Battle Creek. It was a profitable, melting, meeting. Being much worn, could not speak with usual clearness and energy.—Several, not with us in the faith, felt the force of truth.
At Bedford, there was great interest to hear. The people offered to suspend their school, and give us the use of the school-house, and come out to hear. We had two meetings on the second day of the week, and two on the third, and the house was filled at each meeting. At one meeting while one was exhorting, and describing the glories of the soon expected kingdom, it was stated that all present wept, the poor sceptic not excepted. We were deprived of speaking to the people on account of poor health. Bro. Loughborough preached three times, and Bro. Cornell once. The brethren here are strong in faith, and awake. W.
The Saviour's love and care for the Children, and the Promises for them.
"And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:—and put his hands on them and pray:—and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. And he took them in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. And he said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me."
"And when the chief priests and scribes saw the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David! they were sore displeased"(!) — "And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" — "Hid from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes!" Matt. xxi, 15, 16.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." "Thy children shall make haste:" — "for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children. And in the New Earth the beasts shall be so harmless that a little child shall lead them." Isa. xl, 11; xlix, 15-25; liv, 13; xi, 6.
"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Deut. v. Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people," — "and I will glorify them, and they shall not be small." "And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." "Yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the Lord." "I will gather them; for I have redeemed them:" "and they shall live with their children, and turn again." Mal. iv, 4-6; Isa. xi, 11; Jer. xxx, 19-22; Zech. x, 7-9; Eze. xxxvii, 24-28. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that23we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Rom. xv, 4.
The Lord has brought us down to the time of the third angel's message, ("the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,") — even "the second time to recover the remnant of his people," — "both sons and daughters." Eze. xiv, 22. In this last message of mercy, is restored the fourth commandment; — to "prove them, whether they will walk in his law or no." And he would have "thy children walking in truth," — even "present truth." 2 John, 4; 2 Tim. iii, 15. And now, as in aforetime, the Lord would have the parents "take heed," and "keep the commandments," and teach them diligently unto their children, for the fourth commandment includes "thy son" and "thy daughter."
As I write, a friend comes to my mind, who once kept the Sabbath and has given it up. She speaks of having great concern of mind about her children, at the time of her keeping the Sabbath. But now she can say she has not that burden! "Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." Hosea iv, 6; See Job xxiii, 11, 12.
O what a comfort it will be to the parents to have their children enjoy the hope and blessing that is promised to the commandment-keepers. Rev. xxii, 14. If you would have the children be among those who "get the victory," "having the harps of God;" and join with them in singing "the song of the Lamb," O teach them even now to join with you in singing and praising God. It will please "their angels" and the Saviour; yet the Enemy may be sore displeased! Matt. xxi, 15, 16. Teach them to love, "be pitiful, be courteous," and kind to each other. — I know a little one, only four years old, who in the time of family prayer, often lisps out: "O Lord help us to do thy will and keep thy commandments. Help us to keep the Sabbath holy unto thee. O Lord help us to mind Pa and Ma. Help us to resist the devil that he may flee from us, draw nigh to God that he may draw nigh to us, — we ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen." And I do believe the Lord hears the little one when it prays.
Dear brethren and sisters, much depends upon you. It is in your power, by the help of the Lord, to win these little souls, whom God hath left in your care, — "and he that winneth souls is wise." See James i, 5; v, 20; Prov. xi, 30. O, what patience you will need in these "perilous times." Remember that "here is the patience of the saints." Don't forget the admonitions of the Lord, that you with your children may have part of the inheritance among the brethren, and live long on the New Earth. See Gen. xviii, 19.
Truly, (as Bro. Bates has said,) "With what energy and zeal should the parents who keep the commandments, grasp these precious promises for their dear children; and beseech God for help and strength from the Holy Sanctuary, to bring their children to him, before the great and terrible day of the Lord shall come. At which time their wicked children will be cut down before their eyes, if they have neglected to lead them to God."
And even at a time when "they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness:" When "destruction wasteth at noon-day:" When "the man clothed with linen" shall go "forth" and "slay utterly old and young," — little children, "but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my Sanctuary." See Eze. ix; xiv, 13-21. Ps. xci.
Already, the anguish of soul felt by the mother of the child that apparently is irrecoverable, having no "ears to hear," cannot be described; and who can endure the future scenes, "to witness the plagues poured out upon their children, and realize it is because they have neglected their duty to them." Delay not to hearken to the admonitions of the Lord, even "while there is hope." Follow the example of Bro. Howland, with "little Henry." See Review and Herald, Vol. II, No. 5.
O bring the children, the little child, even the infants to Jesus by "strong and living faith," — even like one of old, when he "cried out, saying, I beseech thee, look upon my son; for he is mine only child."
Laboring in Iowa
By Samuel Everett
From Bro. Everett.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Since we came to this State, which was last October, we have not found any in this neighborhood who keep the Sabbath, and but few who look for the Second Advent near. We have been kindly treated, generally, and we have found some who have listened to the present truth, whom we hope will investigate it. But we have not been able to do but little yet. We trust the Lord has some jewels in this State, and we hope to labor some here if the Lord will. I am encouraged by the promise to the Philadelphia church: "Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." Rev. iii, 8.
There is a great emigration to this State, and we trust that God will have some laborers here in the present truth, and we pray him to send them in due season. If any of the brethren should come this way, we invite them to call on us. We hope to have a little congregation of Sabbath-keepers to meet with us yet. But those who come must expect to suffer the privations of a New Country, which are very light, probably, compared with the time of trouble approaching.
In this present crisis, let us watch and pray, patiently keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and trust the promise: "I will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell on the earth."
I am your brother in tribulation, and in hope of the kingdom,
SAMUEL EVERETT.
Iowa City, Iowa, May, 1853.
E. S. SHEFFIELD
By E. S. Sheffield
From Bro. Sheffield.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I write to let you know that I wish the Review continued, which to me is a welcome messenger, bringing with it additional light in each number. To me it seems quite plain that no one receives the whole truth at once; at least I did not, and I am satisfied that I have not now got all the truth. I can plainly see that the path of the just is as a shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. Truths that a short time since seemed involved in mystery, now appear simple, and easy to be understood. And it does appear strange to me that any one who professes to believe the Bible, should say that it cannot be understood. The difficulty seems to be all on this point, that the Bible does not mean what it says, which is almost universally taught, and people readily believe it. We are told in the Word of God, that the way is so plain that a way-faring man, though a fool, need not err therein. Now if we believe it to be as plain as stated by him who cannot lie, how can we say that it does not mean what it says, but something else. Then some may say it means one thing, and some another, thus making the Bible teach everything. But I believe just as it says, that to fear God and keep his commandments is the whole duty of man; and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and that the wise shall understand.
Some tell us that they do not want so much argument, but they want heart-felt religion. So do I; but I want to be able, as Peter says, to give a reason of the hope that is within me. I very much fear that if I hope for anything without a reason, my hope would prove vain. I want, also, a heart-felt religion, that will obey God from principle, whether the world oppose or not. I am determined to try and keep24God's commandments, and the testimony of Jesus, that I may have right to the tree of life.
E. S. SHEFFIELD
Fort Atkinson, Wis., May 25th, 1853.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Elon Everts
From Bro. Everts.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—With some feelings of anxiety for the scattered, torn and poor flock, I address these few lines to you. O, how I am reminded of that scripture, that describes the flock of slaughter in this day, "Whose possessors slay them; and their own shepherds pity them not." Zech. xi, 5. Many, around, for a time, are affected seriously with the third angel's message, and the seventh day as the true Sabbath; but their own shepherds trample these precious truths under their feet, and cast the dust of tradition in their eyes; thus blinded, they lead them captive at their will, onward to the "slaughter."
On the third inst. sixth day, a dear brother came twenty miles to my house, inquiring after light on the third angel's message. He said, that he came up on the two former messages, and midnight cry, to 1844. He, like others, although deeply disappointed, believed that the Lord had led us to that period; and although he could not account for the disappointment, yet still, expected that light would come. He moved from Canada East soon after 1844, to the broken hills of the Mountains of Vermont, where he has taken none of the counsel-darkening advent papers—alone with his little family;—making the Bible his counsel and light—his past experience, his monitor; and God alone, his trust,—waiting for justification of his past hopes, and the salvation of God's true Israel—when, by chance, four or five numbers of the Review, (which were obtained by his neighbor while in Massachusetts on a visit) were put into his hand. With eagerness he read, saw and embraced the light, and he and his companion set out keeping the Sabbath. He saw my name in the paper, which led him to my house, where we had a blessed time in feasting on the word of God and prayer.
O, how clear the present truth makes his past experience. How freely flowed the tears of joy, while his full soul poured forth his deep grateful praise to God for light. I furnished him with our pamphlets and papers &c. He had heard no lectures, nor intimations of any of the present truth, except those papers, when he came to our house. Some others are taking an interest in our meetings of late. ELON EVERTS.
New Haven, Vt., June 11th, 1853.
Meeting and Baptisms at Bangor
By John Byington
From Bro. Byington.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—Bro. Pennoyer and myself attended meeting last Sabbath and First-day in Bangor where Bro. Lawrence resides, who has labored hard to keep the seed of truth alive in that place, and not without effect.
The church there, though small, have the truth at heart. They are building upon the rock of present truth and holiness, and I believe, will succeed. Six were baptized, all of them but one having recently been converted, under a conviction of the present truth, and were children of believing parents. Truth is mighty and will prevail. Our meeting was a good one. The ordinances were administered, and all felt that God, by his Spirit, was with us. There were some present, who for the first time, confessed the Sabbath truth, and who, I think, will soon keep it.
JOHN BYINGTON.
Buck's Bridge, N. Y., June 6th, 1853.
The Cause of Truth in Central New York
By George W. Holt
From Bro. Holt.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have visited the brethren in several counties of central New York, of late, and find them holding fast the truth of God, and generally striving to overcome this world, to gain an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. The interest holds good, and in most places, an increase of interest, in the cause of present truth, is manifested. The Lord is blessing his Word to the honest in heart, wherever it is expounded; and the papers and pamphlets are doing much to remove prejudice, enlighten the sincere seeker after truth, and to comfort and strengthen the precious flock of God. The cause of truth is on the rise, and is constantly making inroads into the enemy's ranks, and taking out some precious souls to make them heirs of eternal life. Yet there seems to be a lack of spirituality in many that profess to be in all the present truth.—Brethren is it not so? Is it not our privilege to enjoy the Spirit of the truth, and be filled with it? We read in the scriptures, "Be ye filled with the Spirit." "Worship God in Spirit and in truth." Would it not be well to pray in earnest for it, until we obtain it? Our Heavenly Father is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than parents are to give good gifts to their children.
O, Lord save thy people from drowsiness in this perilous day, and give them the Spirit of the third angel's message, and a sense of the present time is the prayer of your unworthy brother,
G. W. HOLT.
Manlius, N. Y., June 6th, 1853.
NANCY CLAFLIN
By Nancy Claflin
From Sister Claflin.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I, for the first time, write a few lines, proffering my thanks for the Review. It has truly been a Herald of good news, and comfort to me ever since I received it. Not one of its pages has been left unread. I take much delight in reading the letters from dear brethren and sisters, most of whom, I never saw, but if faithful, I expect to see them in the kingdom.
We are passing through darkness, and trials at present, but we mean to hold on to the arm of faith, and not give up; for we know that we have the truth, and that will stand in the trying day. We are determined to go forward, let what will come, the grace of God assisting us, knowing that whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth; while our hearts are full of hope, that these clouds will soon pass over, and then the true light will shine upon us, in all the brilliancy again, and we shall be filled with life, light and liberty, and our hearts glow with true love to God and man.
How thankful I am that the Lord ever gave me a heart to believe the truth, which I never saw until I heard the third angel's message. It is a wonder the Lord gave me another opportunity of hearing the truth, after rejecting it in 1843.—He has been good to me, for which I mean to praise him.—When I started in this good cause, which is about a year since, I left all my friends, and put my whole trust in the Lord, and he has now given me my companion, a son and sister to go with me in the present truth.
Yours in hope of the soon coming of the Saviour,
NANCY CLAFLIN
Norfolk, N. Y., June 4th, 1853.
Signs of the Times.
By George Washington Holt
It is evident from the light gathered from prophetic Scriptures, and the signs of the times, that we are living in the last perilous days; and that the day of retribution is near. The Voice of Prophecy speaks in thunder tones to demonstrate the fact. The sun, moon and stars have declared it. The present condition of the world, political, moral, and ecclesiastical, proclaims it. And the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, bespeak the great day of the Lord very near.
The angel of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, has flown through the midst of heaven, and borne on the breeze, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, the good news of the everlasting kingdom near, with the solemn warning "the hour of his judgment is come." This was followed by the second angel, "saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen," and the midnight cry, proclaiming, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh," leaving a track behind us too plain to be denied by those who had a part in the work.
This we profess to believe. And more, that the third angel, with the solemn warning against worshiping the beast or image, and receiving his mark is now following on the track, with his banner unfurled to the breeze, and on it is seen in large characters, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Dear brethren, do we fully consider that we are hearing the last notes of warning that will ever fall upon mortal ear?—Do we realize that the great and sublime truths that we are hearing, will prove to us a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death? Do we let these truths sink down into our hearts and sanctify our affections?
Finally have we all the spirit of the present truth? A mere nominal profession of the truth is not sufficient to save us. I am satisfied that there is a lack on this point. The mind is not all absorbed in this great subject that should claim all our affections. The cares of this world occupy too much space in our hearts, and crowd out truth, and leave the mind stupid in regard to the great events before us. The coming of the Lord is put too far off by too many that profess the present truth. I fear some will be overtaken unawares unless they awake soon, and get ready by putting on the whole armor of God, and get rid of the spirit of the world, and partake largely of the spirit of the third angel's message. Come, brethren, wake up a little while, and take a look at the thickening signs that speak your redemption nigh. The night is far spent; the day begins to dawn; the sun is nearly up; be encouraged to pursue your journey to the Celestial City, while the light of truth is shining on the way with such brilliant lustre. The pilgrims are about to leave this dreary wilderness, where they have so long journeyed, for a far better and a more healthful clime. Sell your poor farms in this barren waste, and buy one that is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, in the New Earth, where thorns and briars will never grow,—where no blight nor scorching ray will ever come. No worn-out lungs, no weary limbs, no aching hearts in all that land. A land, indeed, to be desired above all lands! To that clime I am bound to go, and hope to meet you all to part no more. G. W. Holt. Manlius, N. Y. June 16th, 1853.
SAMUEL WARNER
By Samuel Warner
From Bro. Warner.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I would inform you that I have most earnestly and heartily embraced the truth, as held forth by the Review, from the very plain manner in which the views and arguments of our Bro. J. Bates opens to us the scriptures, and clears away the cob-webs of early imbibed impressions, and vain “traditions of men.” I feel to bless God that he has so far enabled me to come out from the world, and from mystic Babylon, as to endeavor to keep sacred, and holy, his appointed Sabbath-day, for man, and do most humbly pray that he would strengthen me in all needed gifts of faith and duty.
Yours with a humble trust in Jesus, in full faith of his soon coming in very person to his kingdom.
SAMUEL WARNER
Providence, R. I., June 17th, 1853.
The Sabbath and the Sealing Time
By Margaret Cramer
From Sister Cramer.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I feel grateful to God for the light that shines upon my pathway, and that my blessed Saviour has counted me worthy to suffer a little reproach for his name's sake. O, how sweet is the promise that if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.
Last First-day Bro. Lawrence met with us, and gave us a portion of meat in due season. Since that meeting I have been led to search my Bible more prayerfully, and I find there is a great deal contained in the faith of Jesus. I want to be sanctified by obeying the whole truth, so that I may be able to stand in the time of trouble, when there will be no Mediator. I believe that we are now in the sealing time, and soon the last servant of God will be sealed, and then shall the plagues be poured upon those that obey not God. I want to be found keeping all the commandments of God, so that I may have right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the City.
O, how plain it looks that the Sabbath is a sign between God and his people, that it is the Lord that doth sanctify them. I rejoice that God has opened my eyes to behold wondrous things out of his law.
Yours, waiting for the Kingdom, MARGARET CRAMER. Clinton, N. Y. June, 1853.