Who can comprehend the worth of this sacred volume? As we take up this justly called Book of books for the purpose of learning therefrom our duty, the prayer of our hearts should be for wisdom to understand it. It should be our delight and our aim to study and peruse its contents.
But let us inquire before we proceed further, What is the Bible? It is emphatically the revealed will of God to man. How our hearts should swell with love and gratitude to the all-wise Being, that when the human family stood in so much need of a light by which our wayward feet might be guided while traveling through the dark night of time a guide was given us. A guide, too, that if followed will lead us into the enjoyment of all the great blessings it promises. Imagine a ship on the great and broad ocean without a chart or compass by which to steer its course, and you have a fair illustration of a world without the Bible.
But what makes this book so interesting to the Bible student? It is because that in it we read the lives of holy prophets and apostles, and better still, the great crowning biography of Jesus Christ, and all those great and important truths that are necessary for our salvation.
And it is doubly sweet to the afflicted. For if they follow its teachings it will lead them where afflictions never come. Having at the same time the assurance that it is all true because it is the inspired word of God. And says the wise man, Every word of God is pure. O, who, who can deny the divine authenticity of this book! O, who can read the sufferings and death of the Son of God without its melting their hearts in humble contrition, even if they possessed the qualities of adamant?
Again, we ought to make this book our chief study and delight, because that in it is contained our whole duty, both to God and our fellow-men.
This subject might be greatly enlarged, but I forbear. Time would fail us. The feeble mind of man is too weak to comprehend the worth of this book. The psalmist David exclaims, Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Then, my dear young friends, let us be more diligent to study and peruse its sacred pages, heed its admonitions and warnings, and obey the sweet voice of the Saviour when he says, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
My dear friends, my earnest prayer is that we may meet on mount Zion, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
W. W. STEBBINS.
Nile, N. Y.
FAITH
By A. O. LANPHEAR
FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God; and when we come before him, we should come believing that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And when we come to him in prayer, we should come with humbleness of heart, and faith to believe that he will hear and answer our petitions.
Good old Abraham looked with an eye of faith to the inheritance which was promised him. He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It was by faith that Moses, after he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, for he chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He esteemed the reproach of Christ greater than the riches or treasures of Egypt. It was by faith that he led the children of Israel through the Red sea.
And you will find by perusing the Scriptures that all the holy prophets had faith, and also the disciples of Jesus; for the just shall live by faith. The Saviour says, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, if ye should say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you. The apostle James says, The prayer of faith shall save the sick. And in another place, The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
How important it is that we have strong faith in God; and we should have our trust in him who watches over us from day to day, when Satan’s darts around us are hurled on every side, and he tries to draw us away from the path of duty and rectitude, if it were possible. O, what a time we are living in; and do we realize it as we ought? Do we see the necessity of living nearer to Christ, and leaning upon his arm for strength to support us in hours of trouble and affliction? And have we that living faith and hope that will buoy us up above these gloomy shades, above this dark, delusive world? Do we realize the storm that is fast gathering upon us? Do we realize the perilous times in which we live? O, I am afraid we do not. I am afraid we are too lukewarm in the cause of Christ. Let us then awake and put on the armor of God, and fight manfully the good fight of faith, and finally gain the reward of the righteous, eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Let us get ready speedily for the coming of our Saviour, for his coming is not far distant. The wheels of time are fast rolling round, and fast hastening on that great and terrible day to the wicked, but a happy day to his dear saints. Let us begin now, and try to live up to all his requirements, and follow in the example which he has left us for a pattern. Let us pray to God daily for his assisting grace to help us to run the Christian race with patience, so that when Jesus comes we may be one of that happy number that shall receive the welcome, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
A. O. LANPHEAR.
Nile, N. Y.
OBITUARY
By Robert Sawyer
It becomes my painful duty to record the death of my much loved and honored parent, John W. Sawyer, who died at Port Byron, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1861, aged 70 years.
ROBERT SAWYER.
“LOVERS OF PLEASURE.”
“In the last days men shall be . . . lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” 2 Tim. iii, 1–4. Is not the following a fulfillment?
THE WAY THE WORLD GOES.
Everything goes by sprees, fits, and jerks, feastings and carousings. “On with the dance!” Is the church in debt, the parsonage? Does the pulpit need a cushion, the floor a carpet? Is the minister’s salary falling into the rears! Is the Sabbath-school library to be replenished, or an outfit for a missionary? What now? A spree, a feast, a frolic, a strawberry-festival, a pic-nic, a soirée or fancy-fair, a real smash-down business! Gospel is out of the question. Faith, that works by love and purifies the heart, is laid aside totally for the time being. Piety, the religion of Jesus, pure, undefiled, bleeds at every pore! Christ is dishonored, wounded in the house of his friends; Satan rejoices! So it goes, all right!—Golden Rule.
A Warning Against Self-Importance
Never lay too great a stress upon your own usefulness, or perhaps God may show you that he can do without you.
The Cause on the Rise
Bro. J. R. Goodenough writes from Washington, Sauk Co., Wis.: “I would say for the encouragement of the readers of the Review that the cause is on the rise in this part of the State. I met with the church on Narrows Prairie, in Bro. Blood’s neighborhood last Sabbath, and found that there were seven out of eight that have laid aside their idols of tea, coffee, tobacco, artificials, hoops, and jewelry. Organization is doing a good work here, and my prayer is that the time will soon come when the church will become a perfect man. Eph. iv, 13.
“I have given a few discourses in a school-house here, and although prejudice was strong at first, it soon gave way, and three expressed their determination to keep all of God’s holy law. Others, I think, will soon take their stand with the remnant.”
LETTERS
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Sparks.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I wish to say that I am still striving to overcome the world and all its vices, by keeping all of God's commandments, and having the testimony of Jesus. It has been about two and a half years since myself and companion began to keep the Lord's Sabbath, and we feel thankful to God that we ever heard the third angel's message, and that our hearts were opened to receive its blessed and sanctifying truths. The church in this place are striving for higher grounds, but find some difficulty in becoming thoroughly united. Forty-eight have entered into an organization, covenanting together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, while quite a number are standing without, and some of them are doing all they can against us. I think that organization is a good thing, as it enables us to discern between those who serve God and those who serve him not.
Pray for us, that we may all take more interest in the truths of the third angel's message, and at last have a home in the everlasting kingdom of our Saviour.
J. H. SPARKS.
Knoxville, Iowa.
Meetings in Indiana.
By John Byington
Dear Bro. White: I have spent the last two weeks in and near Salem, Steuben Co., Ind. We had meetings every evening but one while there, also on the two Sabbaths and first-days. The church in that place are very much encouraged. Many of them are young in the truth, and are beginning to learn that trials must come. May they come forth as gold purified. Those who embraced the truth last fall appear steadfast and faithful, with but one or two exceptions. We visited some fifteen families, and in most of them there are some obeying the truth. Some who had been well nigh starving to death with the no-law system were made happy by learning that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. We had meetings in four school-houses, and in either or all of them I think a course of lectures would call a full house and do good. I think about every family have laid aside the use of tea and coffee, and I do not know of but one brother there who uses tobacco. I think he will be an overcomer soon. There is much to be done yet to perfect an organization in Salem, but as we met Bro. Waggoner on his way to Indiana on our return, we were somewhat relieved, hoping he would find time more fully to set things in order. Our meeting in Colon on our return was one of deep interest to me. I think the difficulty there is entirely removed, and the church now will move forward. Our weak lungs feel better on our return than when we left. John Byington. Battle Creek, Jan. 31, 1862.
NEUTRALITY
By R. F. Cottrell
In the commencement of the present struggle between the North and the South, Kentucky undertook to maintain a neutral position. But the word with Unionists was, “He that is not for us is against us.—If Kentucky does not support the government, she favors the rebellion.” The rebels also claimed her as their own, entering her territory with armed forces, till she was compelled to decide for or against the rebellion.
I have recently found some, where I have been laboring, who seem to admit that we have the truth in respect to the mark of the beast, but think they will not have the mark upon themselves, because they do not regard the observance of Sunday as a religious institution in any sense. It would seem that they propose to themselves neutrality, in the great and final moral conflict between truth and error. But they may find it as difficult to maintain the neutral position as did Kentucky. Truth cannot claim them as hers, but error will; because their works are in harmony with the popular error. Kentucky bore the mark of rebellion in her hand, till she received the seal of the Union in her forehead. So these will never free themselves from the mark of their allegiance to the beast, till they decidedly embrace that institution of Jehovah to which the mark of the beast is opposed. May they soon abandon their idea of neutrality, and take a decided stand for the truth. R. F. COTTRELL.
SPIRITUALISM
An exchange says, “At a meeting in Lyceum Hall, Boston, on Sunday, the 8th, Miss Lizzie Doten, a celebrated trance lecturer, made the following regular prayer to the Devil:”
“O Lucifer, thou son of the morning, who fell from thy high estate, and whom mortals are prone to call the embodiment of evil, we lift up our voices unto thee. We know thou canst not harm us unless by the will of the Almighty, of whom thou art a part and portion, and in whose economy thou playest thy part; and we cannot presume to sit in judgment over Deity. From the depths of thine infamy stream forth divine truths. Why should we turn from thee? Does not the same inspiration rule us all? Is one in God’s sight better than another? We know thou art yet to come up in his expanded creation, purified by the influence of God’s love—for his love is not perfected while one of his children writhes in misery. So, O Lucifer, do we come up and stand before the throne of the Ancient of Days, hand in hand with thee. As thou hast been the star of the morning thou wilt again become an angel of light. O Satan, we will subdue thee with our love, and thou wilt yet kneel humbly with us at the throne of God.”—Cincinnati Gazette.
Business Department.
Business Notes.
William Mott: The money you enquire about has not been received by us, but we credit the amount on your Review in this number.
The P. O. address of Elder John Bostwick is Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Minn.
Canada Money Accepted
By Editor
As all fears at present in regard to Canada money have subsided, we would say to those who can more conveniently send it than other bank notes, that we shall be glad to receive it for Review, Instructor, books, and shares and donations for the Association.
Appeal for Donations and Pledged Shares
The Treasurer has recently been unexpectedly called upon for quite an amount of deposits, and to meet other demands, so that it would be at least convenient to receive a few hundreds just now on pledged shares, or by donations. There are doubtless those who can meet present wants conveniently, or with a little effort.
Terms of the Review and Instructor
Let all notice that the terms of the Review and Instructor are in advance. If those who have not paid for the present volume of these papers, or past volumes, will send the amount due they will confer a favor. Make an effort, friends, and save yourselves the pain of being behind duty.
Review for Worthy Poor and Delinquents
THE Secretary cut off about 300 names of delinquents a few weeks since. Those among them that really want the Review should have it. Let those who see this notice look after such and see that they have it. Brethren should pay for the Review at half price for the worthy poor among them.
Testimony for the Church No. 7
Testimony for the Church. No. 7, will be ready in about a week. Subjects: Slavery and the War—North and South—Manassas Defeat—Organization—Power of Example, &c. Price 10 cts.
History of the Sabbath
SEND for the History of the Sabbath if you want to post yourself on the entire Sabbath question. Price 60 cts. In paper covers 30c.
RECEIPTS
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
M. O. Shorts 1,00,xx,1. Ira Smith 1,00,xx,21. L. Barr 1,00,xx,1. William Smith 1,00,xx,1. P. W. Noyes for Geo. R. Noyes 0,82,xxviii,9. A. R. Knight 1,00,xix,21. D. R. Palmer 2,00,xxii,1. I. D. Van Horn 0,33,xx,10. C. Harris 1,00,xxi,1. M. Johnson for Mrs. C. Lewis 1,00,xxi,1. William Mott $3,00 (lost by the way) xviii,1. S. H. Peck 1,00,xxi,1. S. Blodget 2,00,xix,6. H. Huntington 1,00,xxi,1. Cynthia Fox 0,75,xxiii,1. Mrs. E. D. Scott 1,00,xx,12. Ira Chalker 2,00,xx,1. G. Leighton for John P. Barclay and Israel Leighton, each 0,50,xx,1. H. M. Haddens 2,00,xix,7. C. C. Bodley for H. L. Doty 1,00,xxi,1. C. C. Bodley 2,00,xx,8. A. J. Chaffee 0,50,xx,10. Otis Van Pelt 0,50,xx,10. Mrs. J. Vanburen 1,00,xix,14. R. S. Patterson 2,00,xix,18. J. A. Wilbur 2,00,xx,20. J. Goss 4,50,xxii,5. N. Hodges 2,00,xx,1. F. C. Castle 1,00,xix,13. H. Crosbie 1,00,xxii,14. H. Crosbie for E. Dalgrien 0,50,xx,1. I. Andrews 3,00,xxi,15. B. F. Roberts 1,00,xx,18. M. H. Bates 2,00,xx,10. L. Lowrey 2,50,xx,14. Mrs. T. T. Morse 0,50,xx,1.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
Lewis Hadden $10,00. N. Hodges $10,00. John Goss $10,00. S. C. Conery $10,00.
Donations to Publishing Association.
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Cash Received on Account.
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Books Sent By Mail.
John Kaster 20c., S. O. Davis 22c., P. W. Noyes $1,18, R. J. Lawrence $3,00, Dan R. Palmer $2,00, Mrs. U. Curtis 50c., Mrs. E. D. Scott 30c., C. Truman 25c., J. M. Aldrich 30c., M. H. Bates 10c.
Books Sent as Freight.
John W. Stewart, Cleveland, Ohio, $24,17.
PUBLICATIONS
The New Hymn Book, containing 464 pages and 122 pieces of music. 80 cts.
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound—Part I, Bible History—Part II, Secular History, . . . 60 “
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question . . . 15 “
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6—12, particularly the Third Angel’s Message, and the Two-horned Beast. . . 15 “
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, . . 15 “
Which is Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . 15 “
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency. This book should be in the hands of every family, as a warning against Spiritualism. . . 15 “
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . . . 15 “
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul. . . 15 “
Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. . . 10 “
The Saints’ Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth. . . 10 “
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . . 10 “
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity. . . 10 “
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . . 10 “
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . . 10 “
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . . 10 “
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath. . . 10 “
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix. . . 10 “
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design, . . 10 “
Assistant. The Bible Student’s Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references, . . 5 “
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . 5 “
Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment—Apostasy and perils of the last days, . . 5 “
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, “The Sabbath not a Type,” . . 5 “
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . . 5 “
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . 5 “
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . 5 “
Brown’s Experience in relation to entire consecration and the Second Advent. . . 5 “
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c. . . 5 “
Sabbath Poems. A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed, . . 5 “
Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . . 5 “
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . 50 “
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experiences, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . 50 “
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. An Argument by H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . 75 “
Debt and Grace as related to the Doctrine of Future Punishment, by C. F. Hudson, . . 100 “
Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer. A History of the doctrine, . . 100 “
PENNY TRACTS. The Changed the Sabbath—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Judson’s Letter on Dress—Law of God, by Dobney (2 cts.)—Law of God, by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word.
These small Tracts can be sent, post-paid, in packages of not less than twenty-five.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
German.Das Wesen des Sabbath’s und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote. A Tract of 80 pp., a translation of Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Price 10 cents.
Holland.De Natuur en Verbinding van den Sabbath volgens het Vierde Gebodt. Translated from the same as the German. Price 10 cents.
French.Le Sabbat de la Bible. A Tract on the Sabbath of 32 pp. Price 5 cents.
La Grande Statue de Daniel II, et les Quatre Betes Symboliques, et quelques remarques sur la Seconde Venue de Christ, et sur le Cinquieme Royaume Universel. A Tract of 32 pp. on the Prophecies. Price 5 cents.
☞ These publications will be sent by mail, post-paid, at their respective prices. When ordered by the quantity, not less than $5 worth, one-third will be deducted from these prices on Pamphlets and Tracts, and one-fourth on bound Books. In this case postage added, if sent by mail. Orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash, unless special arrangements are made. Address Elder JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.