BRO. SMITH: Considering the solemn and interesting moments of time in this world’s history which we occupy, I feel that I want to address a few lines to the brethren and sisters through the Review, whom I love in deed and in truth.
It is now about nine years since I embraced the third angel’s message in connection with the two former ones. I still feel the same interest in the Advent movement I ever have, and hold the present truth as sacred, although our hopes and expectations have not yet been realized. I feel that we have no reason to be discouraged, when we can see one event after another taking place in fulfillment of God’s word, which are precedent to the great eventful day, or Christ’s second coming. God leads his people in a way they know not of, to try and prove them and see whether they will trust in him or not. His ways are not our ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts; “for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are his ways above our ways, and his thoughts above our thoughts.” The trial of our faith is more precious than gold.
When I first embraced the third angel’s message, I thought it could not excede three years before our Lord would come. Then I knew not how wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked I was, and how little prepared I was for the greatest event that ever can take place. I feel that there is a great conflict just before us. We shall need be well disciplined in order to withstand the enemy of all righteousness, having our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, &c. The third angel’s message has a wide field. It connects the two former ones which have been given according to prophecy. It also prepares the hundred and forty-four thousand for translation, who are to be redeemed from among men, and be without fault before the throne of God. May he give us grace to endure unto the end that we may be saved.
D. UPSON
Catlin, N. Y.
O B I T U A R Y
By A. S. Hutchins
DIED in Charleston, Vt., on the 25th ult. in the 21st year of her age, Harriett N. Clough, daughter of sister Hannah Clough. Though Harriet made no public profession of religion till a few weeks previous to her death, yet while in health and strength, she manifested a love and attachment for the cause of God and his people. She possessed an even, amiable and sweet disposition.
For some time after her health failed her, she feared she might lean upon a false hope. But she gave a clear and satisfactory evidence of the forgiveness of all her sins, and of her acceptance with God. Her end was calm, peaceful and happy. She faithfully exhorted those who visited her in her last days, to keep all the commandments of God, and prepare to meet her in heaven. Her anxiety for the salvation of her friends was deep and ardent. She fell asleep with a bright and buoyant hope of a part in the first resurrection. This is the third time that wasting consumption has visited the family of sister C. within a few years. Joseph, Wesley and Harriet now sleep side by side.
Her funeral was attended at the house of Bro. Enoch Colby, where she died. A discourse was preached from the words "If a man die shall he live again?" Job xiv, 14.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
The Commandments Are My Delight
Bro. E. Styles writes from South Bend, Ind.: "I thank the Lord that he sent his messengers this way so that I heard the third angel's message. There are six of us in this vicinity trying to keep all God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. Last Sabbath there were eighteen present at our prayer-meeting. We had a good meeting. I feel assured we can claim the promise. I can say the commandments are my delight."
The Cause of Truth Is Advancing
Bro. H. Olmstead writes from Elmore: “May God bless the truth to all who hear, and may it spread through the length and breadth of our land. God’s truth will stand while all things hasten to decay. The word has gone forth from his mouth, and he has said that it shall not return unto him void. It is evident, verily, in regard to the commandments, that many have ears to hear, but will not hear, and eyes have they, but see not, lest seeing with their eyes and hearing with their ears they be converted and God should heal them. May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers into the field. I will do what I can in my feeble way, for the cause of truth. I let all my friends who will read the Review, have the privilege. The cause of truth is advancing. Bless the Lord! His hand is set to the work; may all his people see the light and come out and keep his laws.”
Progress of Truth in Wakeman
By Editor
We are happy to learn that the effort made in behalf of the truth in Wakeman, Ohio, by Bro. Cornell some time since is not without effect. Bro. Coon writes us from that place, from whose letter, although intended perhaps to be private, we take the liberty to make an extract for the sake of those who may be interested in the matter. Bro. C. says:
“Enclosed you will find five dollars which Bro. Tomlinson sends: two dollars to apply on his paper, two dollars for books, and one dollar he wishes you to send to Bro. Cornell, as it was under his labors that he was brought into the light of present truth. Bro. T. has taken a bold stand for the truth, and is keeping the Sabbath; and it is causing quite a number to investigate the matter; and I think the time is soon coming when a spirit of investigation will be manifest here.”
Letter From Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say a few words through the Review to those who are in any way troubled upon the subject of “oath-taking.” A dear brother writes to me that he has been much troubled upon that subject, and fears that he is looking through the doubting spectacles. I will say to him, that there is no doubt but what his fears are well grounded, if things look dark. Those glasses are so fixed that everything viewed through them appears inverted, “turned upside down;” they “make light darkness, and darkness light.” I have tried those eye glasses, and know very well how things appear through them. After wearing them awhile, you begin to feel confused and lost, and a sort of “don’t-know” or “may-be-so” spirit comes over you, and before you are aware of it your foundation is destroyed, and you feel that you have nothing to build upon. When FAITH is gone you have nothing to add to, no incentive to virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, and of course, he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see far enough to reach the “exceeding great and precious promises.”
Those “doubting spectacles” are recommended very highly by the religious peddlers of the day, as the very best to aid our spiritual vision, but whoever wears them long will surely be blind. The majority wear them, and this is why they do not see the Sabbath, Lord’s coming, gifts, &c.
If the things of the spirit of God are foolishness to the churches of the day, then it is because they are carnal, and not able to discern the things of God. They are wearing the wrong spectacles, and they cannot see through to the end. Paul says we “see through a glass darkly” (or partially) but thank the Lord, the believer’s glasses enable him to look “through” and see the glories within the vail; and the more he looks, the more he is changed into the same image; and this “looking through” is sure to impart the spirit of “go through,” the very spirit we need. If we are established in the present truth we are on the “through” train by express to Mt. Rion. We see an account in the papers of a French girl being marked or labelled, St. Louis, to be sent by express. If the train did not “smash up,” she went through, no doubt. But no such “if” stands in the way of the present truth train; it is going through sure. And we, if we are properly marked with the seal of the living God, shall go through. If there be written upon us, God, New Jerusalem, via the Law and Gospel Rail Road, care of the Heavenly Express Company (the angels), we shall not fail to go THROUGH; for on this line everything is insured, and there cannot be a failure or delay, though heaven and earth pass away.
But to return to the subject of “oath-taking,” I will say that probably no one has had more to sacrifice in feelings on that subject than I have. And now, though I do not see it all clear, yet there is one thing I know, and that is, I never was blessed in cherishing the view I had of that subject, as I have been in those points upon which the body is united. The Lord’s hand is set to lead out his people, and he will shew them truth as fast as they will appreciate it, and live it out.
The light on the time to begin the Sabbath, and the Laodicean message, came in the right time, and the Spirit witnessed to them. But not so with the view we had of swearing. Our conviction rested upon the bare argument. We did not see clearly that the plan of God is to have the spirit lead into all truth. My prayer is that we may learn wisdom by what we suffer on this point; for if we run ahead of the angels, it is ours to “retrace our steps, and meekly follow no faster than the angels lead.” (See Testimony No. 5.)
There are truths which the Holy Spirit has brought to bear upon the minds, and feelings too, which we have been very slow to receive and live out. Again and again have we been most solemnly admonished on very important matters—those things that pertain to salvation. Let us who have had in some things “zeal without knowledge,” no longer suffer the enemy to draw our attention to his finger-boards, and then run us off the track to spend our zeal to the injury of the cause we love.
We could not see that the exhortation of the apostle James, “Above all things, my brethren, swear not,” could refer to anything but judicial oaths: it could not be that we were in danger of being led into vain and idle profanity of various kinds. We were “rich” and increased in spiritual goods so that we “had need of nothing” of this kind. I remember too that we once thought the humiliating reproof of the testimony to the Laodiceans could not apply to Sabbath-keepers. No, it could not be we were in that condition, and so the testimony was applied to the nominal Adventists. If it had not been for the spirit of “thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think,” we might have seen that the burden of the apostle James’ testimony, was concerning vain and idle conversation, and worldly “by-words,” and of the sayings that are not convenient. My conviction is that many of us have a greater work to do before the “well done” can be applied to us than we have been in the habit of thinking was before us.
Let those words, “Neither by any other oath,” be fully observed among us, and it will sweep off many words and phrases that are used by many every day. If some have had to overcome tobacco, others have to overcome a habit of speaking idle words, fit only to be uttered by mouths defiled with tobacco, or something equally abominable. If Phil. iv, 8, were observed, there would be less idle talk among the remnant. I am glad to be able to report some victories in this direction; but alas! how far I am from being like Jesus, our patron, who stands for us before the ark of the holy covenant. The flesh must be crucified, and its deeds must cease and die. O what a work it is to OVERCOME, and yet by the grace of God it can be performed. But what is done must be done quickly. Then may we give all diligence to make our election sure, and not delay till to-morrow what ought to be done to-day. May the Lord help us to work fast, and be found in the end with the faithful servants on Mt. Zion.
M. E. CORNELL.
The Harvest
By James White
Is plenteous. The calls are many and urgent. We feel the burden of your cases, but how can we comply? On my return from a short trip eastward, I received eight letters with calls for labors. Besides these, there are many pressing calls. And I presume every messenger is similarly situated.
The brethren and sisters will see the necessity of exercising patience, as it is impossible for us to comply with all their requests. Many must be disappointed; but in their disappointments we can sympathize with them much better than they can understand or realize our anxieties and feelings of responsibility to discern duty amid so many calls.
This state of things should not be suffered to perplex nor to bewilder us. Duty clearly presses upon the churches at such a time, and under such circumstances:—
First, to pray for the messengers, that the Lord will direct their steps and guide them in judgment; and,
Second, to pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers for the harvest. O that the churches would feel the necessity of this duty! Brethren, wake up! Unite your cries to God, and look away from us poor, feeble creatures to the Lord of the harvest. Plead with him. He can hear—he can answer. O Lord, roll the burden upon the churches.
I would add for the information of my friends, that my arrangements are already made to go to Ohio soon.
J. H. W.
Trust God’s Guidance
Whatever God has intended you for, you may safely trust him to bring you to; he may lead you round, but he will guide you right: see the history of Joseph.
Engage the Lord
If man cannot, God can; therefore engage the Lord on your side, and all will be well.
LITTLE SPOTS.
I have not wealth, or power, or skill,
To broadcast all around:
The world's wide field I may not till,
Nor sow its fallow-ground;
But LITTLE SPOTS are here and there,
Which I may weed of grief or care.
Letters.
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand.
H. C. Whitney, C. Inglefield, E. Styles, A. Monson, E. Rose, D. Upson, L. M. Castle, T. Bryant, Jr., C. B. Preston, E. Degarmo, H. C. West, A. Ross, J. Walker, D. W. Hull, W. M. Sexton, Wm. S. Ingraham, Geo. Busk, W. Hargrave, L. Seaward, H. W. Kellogg, C. O. Taylor, J. E. Titus, S. Lane, A. J. Dyer, F. Bond, Mrs. E. Stephenson, S. E. A. Bogues, H. S. Gurney, E. Harris, S. R. Lathrop, P. M., J. H. Cottrell, C. Cottrell, M. Labounty, R. Ashald, I. C. Vaughan, Wm. S. Higley, Mrs. A. F. Butler, J. Chase, A. A. Farnsworth, C. W. Nelson, G. W. Gregory, Wm. Potter, F. Walter, J. A. Simonds, M. E. Cornell, S. S. Lamson, F. Gould, M. N. Savage, D. T. Taylor.
APPOINTMENTS.
Providence permitting I will hold meetings in West Monroe, Oswego Co. N. Y. as the brethren may arrange Jan. 21st and 22nd, and remain in that vicinity one or two weeks. F. WHEELER.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church in Round Grove, Ills., the first Sabbath and first-day in February. WM. S. INGRAHAM.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
I. Sanborn: As your book account was settled with missionary funds, your present remittance is applied to missionary purposes. J. W.
W. M. Sexton: It was received. We receipt in this number. Excuse the delay.
T. Bryant & Wm. S. Ingraham: Your orders for bound INSTRUCTORS will be attended to as soon as we can get some bound.
Wm. Merry: We have no German Hymn Books.
H. S. Gurney: Will make it right in next number.
J. Chase: The receipt in No. 6 was yours. Read J. for D.
Mary A. Tilden: You order the paper sent to Geo. W. Gregg, Chaska; please give us the State.
M. E. Cornell: There was but $1,00 in your letter in which you say you sent two to apply on R. Garrett's paper; that was on the National Bank, Equality, Ills.
Cordelia Cottrell: You do not give us the name of your brother in Iowa, for whom you order the REVIEW, &c.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
W. D. Williams 1,00, xvi, 1. L. Seaward 2,00, xv, 14. E. H. Seaward 1,00, xiv, 14. L. Pinch 1,00, xvi, 7. Z. Carpenter 2,00, xvi, 25. P. Allen 2,00, xvi, 25. C. Allen 1,00, xv, 25. H. C. West 1,00, xvi, 7. E. Degarmo 1,50, xvii, 1. Wm. Bryant 1,00, xvi, 1. A. J. Dyer 1,00, xv, 10. J. E. Titus 1,00, xiv, 1. C. Walker 1,00, xvi, 1. Mrs. E. A. Averill 2,25, xiv, 20. L. M. Castle (for Mrs. C. Brooks) 0,25, xv, 1. E. Rose 2,00, xix, 1. Cyrus Smith 2,00, xv, 17. A. Monson 2,00, xvi, 10. W. Holden (for S. Holden) 2,00, xv, 1. Mrs. M. Lathrop 1,00, xv, 6. H. Rector 1,00, xv, 6. A. Rankin 1,00, xvi, 7. Thos. Lindsay 1,00, xvi, 7. J. Paul 1,00, xvi, 7. C. Blundell 1,00, xvi, 7. Wm. A. McIntosh 1,00, xvi, 7. Susan McIntosh 1,00, xvi, 7. Sally Turner 1,00, xvi, 7. K. Hoyt 1,00, xvi, 7. F. A. Shaw 1,00, xvi, 7. L. F. Chase 1,00, xvii, 1. R. Garrett 1,00, xv, 11. M. Labounty 0,75, xvi, 3. C. Cottrell (for A. A. Harris) 0,50, xvi, 7. A. C. Hudson (0,50 each for I. L. Oviatt, E. Warren, and Mrs. Buck) 1,50, each to xvi, 9. C. W. Nelson 1,90, xvi, 20. Wm. Potter 1,00, xvii, 1. J. Durham 3,75, xv, 7. E. P. Burditt 2,00, xvii, 1. D. Upson 1,00, xvi, 1. G. C. Reed 1,00, xvi, 7.
FOR MISSIONARY PURPOSES. R. Griggs, $1,00. R. M. Pierce and family (s. b.) $8,69. H. Barr, (s. b.) $4,00. E. Royce, (s. b.) $1,31. Wm: Potter, $1,00. I. Sanborn, $13,00.