It seems to be a great query with some whether we shall know our friends after the resurrection, or not. I think that when we view the subject in a candid light, reason teaches us that we shall. We believe that the future state is a state of happiness to the believer. Not only a state of happiness, but a state of perfect happiness. Now if this be so, nothing can possibly be withheld by God that would add to that happiness. Now what could give greater pleasure, next to the thought that we were free from sorrow and sin, and could be permitted to gaze on the loveliness of our Redeemer, than that we could enjoy the society of friends long unseen in the silent grave.71Let every mother who has seen her child pass down the dark vale of death, ask herself if her bliss would not be greatly enhanced, could she but once more clasp her child to her bosom, and feel that there was no more dread of death, no more watching through dark days and dreary nights, in agonized suspense by their beds of pain, to see hopes blasted by the hand of death; and moreover to feel no more anxiety for their future conduct or welfare. No, all uncertainties have passed away, and with a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude, she can cast herself before the dazzling throne, and shout forth her praises to God and his dear Son that it is so. And so with reference to other friends, a parent, a companion, a brother or sister, or even those to whom we hold no nearer relation than as children of God. What bliss to take them by the hand and shout our sufferings o'er! Surely it is a prize worth striving for.
But some will ask you, if we know our friends, how can we enjoy the glories of the blest, while they are suffering endless misery? Well, if I believed that my friends were subjects to eternal misery, I could not. But that terrible belief has passed away before the light of present truth; and I now believe that God is love, and that love as well as justice will be exhibited by the total destruction of those who will not come to him that they might have life; and we shall realize his justice so forcibly as to be constrained to say with Eli of old, "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."
But let us view the subject in another light. The affections we have for our friends seems of an entirely different nature from our love of any other earthly object. No time or distance can entirely efface them from our minds. The love of brutes for their young ceases with their care; but not so with ours. It grows and strengthens with years. It seems almost divine in its nature. We may lose our earthly wealth, fame, or homes, and the heart will grow reconciled or forgetful; but let us part with a friend by absence or death, and though years may pass away, there will be times when memory will recall them as fresh as though we saw them yesterday; and though we strive very hard to school our hearts to be reconciled, regrets will oftentimes arise. If our affections are not to survive death, why are these things so. If they are not, then we should treat our friends as we do all other earthly objects, try to wean ourselves from them as much as possible. But I believe that God has willed it otherwise, and I thank him for it. I cannot think that he would bestow our friends and children upon us until affection for them becomes almost a part of our being, and then remove them, and leave our hearts aching and quivering with pain; and then will, that the few short days that we enjoyed their society here should be all we ever know of them. No, the love we had for them was pure, and with the pure it will live. God's word teaches that we shall know as we are known; and also that we shall come from the east and from the west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in our Father's kingdom. Then it appears we shall know that it is Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But how shall we know them? I believe it will be by revelation, the same as Peter and John knew Moses and Elias on the mount. We have no record that Peter had been told who they were, and yet we hear him calling them by name. Strange thought! Shall we see those who lived in the first ages of the world, and hear from them of events that transpired at the creation; hear Noah describe the flood; and hear good old Daniel tell his sensations while seated among lions? And yet the thought is not so strange as it is to think that through the merits of God's dear Son we can be permitted to participate in the joys of that blood-washed throng, and bask in the glories of the finally faithful.
Then let us look beyond these troublesome times, and with an eye of faith view the celestial city prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Let us feel that though we are called to endure the perils of the last days to gain a crown of immortal glory, it will be purchased at a cheap rate.
C. M. Willis.
Confession and Repentance
By P. M. DAVIS
From Bro. Davis.
BRO. WHITE; For some time past I have felt like saying a few words through the Review in the way of confessing wrongs. Myself and companion embraced present truth under the preaching of Bro. Sanborn in Avon, Wisconsin. Soon after embracing the truth we moved to Benton County, Iowa. There we got into a very wicked community, lost the most of our spiritual enjoyment, and concluding we could not live out the truth there alone, we sold and moved to Lisbon, Linn Co., in order to have the benefit of the church.
And a great benefit have they been to us. Here we thought we enjoyed ourselves well for about a year, but never having felt the weight of those great truths, or the great responsibility resting upon us as advocates of that truth, we became careless, thinking that we were “rich and increased in goods and had need of nothing.” Whereas we were “poor and miserable and blind and naked.” We were finally through the providence of God overtaken in our wrong course, and by our good brethren were set aside for the time being until confidence could be restored in us. We now wish to say to all who know us and are standing with this people that we would here confess that we have committed a great wrong in the sight of heaven, brought a great reproach upon the cause of truth by lowering it in the eyes of the world; and much grieved our good brethren and sisters in the church, for which we do heartily repent, asking forgiveness of all the dear brethren and sisters wherever our influence has extended. But especially do we here wish publicly to say that we are satisfied that our brethren have dealt right by us, and that we are heartily sorry that we have caused them the trouble we have. We hope and pray that they and the God of the cause they advocate may forgive us all our past wrongs. We still attend and love their meetings and our prayer is that we may thoroughly repent of our sins, may yet become fit for the society of those we love, and a blessing to the cause we have so much injured. We feel thankful that God through the instrumentality of his people has shown us our true condition. All our sins and troubles that are now upon us have originated from too much associating ourselves with the world. And we would say to those [if any there are] who are doing the same, in the words of the angel to sister White, “Cut loose, cut loose,” and “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Although very much cast down at present, yet we do not mean to give up the truth. Satan has tried in every way to discourage us. But our Father says “If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed and keep all my statutes and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed they shall not be mentioned unto him, in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.” Also “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
Oh, may we yet hope for the mercies of God, and for the saving truths of the third angel’s message! We still love the truth and all its advocates. And we are pained to think that we have been so far led away by worldly influence. And from this time on we feel determined to possess as well as profess the truth. May God help us to repent of all our wrongs, and yet live to be a blessing to the cause and people we have so much injured, and finally through his mercies have a right to the tree of life in the earth made new is our prayer. Brethren pray for us.
P. M. DAVIS.
Richmond, Iowa.
Letters.
By P. M. Lamson
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Sister Lamson.
Bro. WHITE : Unworthy and unprofitable as I have been, the Lord has thoughts of mercy toward me. He gives me a sense of my ingratitude to him in the past; and also to his chosen servants who labored faithfully when we were in error and darkness, and exposed to wrath and death, to bring us to the light and knowledge of present truth. No doubt many times, the dear servants of God have been grieved by our indifference, lack of interest and appreciation of their labors of love. I am sorry for discouragement, sadness, or burden, that I may have caused any one. I would humbly confess my faults, that I may find mercy, and engage with my whole heart in the service of God—abandoning my will, and meekly accepting the will of my heavenly Father, be converted, and become as a little child, that I may enter the kingdom of heaven. I am glad that the Lord has not cast me away from his presence, nor taken his Holy Spirit from me; but offers me the joys of his salvation, and a dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, and an abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, that we may fear no evil, nor any plague come nigh us, surrounded as we are by the perils and troubles of the last days.
Yours in hope of life when Jesus comes.
P. M. LAMSON.
Hamlin, N. Y.
G. W. RICE
By G. W. Rice
From Bro. Rice.
Bro. WHITE: With some emotion I attempt for the first time to make known my gratitude to the Lord for a knowledge of the truth. It has been but a very short time since I started in this cause.
When I look back upon my past life, and think of the months and years that I have spent in sin and ignorance, I cannot find language to express the gratitude of my heart to the Lord for his kindness to me, while I have lived so unthankful. I am led to inquire, Why has he not cut me down as a cumberer of the ground? Why has he spared me so long? I love the present truth, and want it deep in my heart. O that the Lord would raise up more laborers to proclaim the truth to a sinful world.
May the Lord bless Bro. Cornell. He has sown, and Bro. Snook has watered, and the Lord is now giving the increase. The cause is growing here daily. Some are walking out in the truth; others are investigating, while some are like those of old, saying, "Come and help us," come and let us hear. I want more of the Spirit to help me to overcome that which is contrary to holiness. I want to keep all the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, and an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom.
G. W. RICE
West Union, Iowa.
Faithfulness Despite Opposition and Illness
By C. E. Chesebro
From Sister Chesebro.
BRO. WHITE: It is two years since my husband and I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I can say for one that I never enjoyed myself half as well when I was a member of the Baptist church, as I have since I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. I often feel my unworthiness, and think, Can it be possible that I shall ever be permitted to stand on Mount Zion with the redeemed host, and sing the song of deliverance? I have not been able to attend meeting for a long time on account of poor health; but have enjoyed many precious seasons of prayer at home, and reading my Bible and other religious books that cheer my heart. We have many opposers to present truth, being the only family here that keep the Sabbath; but my prayer to God is that they may yet have their eyes opened to see the light and heed it. I desire the prayers of my brethren and sisters that I may ever be found faithful, and be an overcomer at last.
C. E. CHESEBRO.
Darien, Wis.
Sister Crawford’s Conversion to Present Truth
By Elizabeth Crawford
From Sister Crawford.
BRO. WHITE: It was my privilege to attend a series of lectures given in Lockport last winter by Bro. Cottrell. I there heard the truth explained, embraced the Sabbath, and am now trying to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, that I may "have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city." Thirty years ago, I believe that God for Christ's sake forgave my sins. He has since been my guide in sorrows and affliction. Many times I have been enabled to say with Job, "Though he slay me yet will I trust in him." Like Noah's weary dove, I had been for months seeking rest and light when I heard this heavenly message which filled my soul with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I want to overcome and stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion.
Yours in Christ,
ELIZABETH CRAWFORD.
Olcott, N. Y.
Self-Adoration Abhorred
GOD abhors them most who adore themselves most.
Appointments.
Providence permitting, Eld. John Byington and wife will meet with the brethren as follows—
Caledonia, August 8.
Orleans or Fairplains, " 15.
St. Charles, " 22.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church at McConnell's Grove, Wis., the second Sabbath and first day in Aug. J. R. Goodenough.
Eastern Mission.
By Editor
We have felt a deep interest in the mission of Elders Loughborough and Hull to the eastern States, and are glad to learn that they have a good interest at Newport, N. H. and freedom in the Lord.
Bro. Loughborough writes July 20th.
"The interest in our meetings has steadily increased from the first. First-day (Sunday) our congregation numbered five hundred, and all seemed to be interested. The Lord has helped us to preach and a solemn awe seems to be on the minds of the people, and a general conviction that these things are so. We are in the midst of the Sabbath question which brings the interest up still higher. It has rained about every day since the tent was pitched, but still the people come out. Our tent leaks so bad that we told them if it rained in the evening they need not come out. One evening after that, fifty came out through a hard rain, so I spoke to them on the Christian's hope.
"Last Sabbath we had a meeting, our first Sabbath meeting. There were over one hundred strangers in. We have given in all thirteen lectures."
We now regret that the Southern Iowa tent was taken east. A new one should have been purchased. Bro. Loughborough writes on the 13th.
"We have sixty holes to mend in the tent, mostly mouse-eaten. The tent is woefully covered with Iowa mud. But we will fix it up as nice as we can. The transportation was $16.54. The ring, tackle, big guys, and tent cut did not come. It cost $10. to replace them."
The experience of ten years has taught us that these cotton, portable churches should be looked after with great care. We hope to hear cheering news from the eastern mission.
The Meeting at Parkville, Mich.
By John Byington
I LEARNED, too late to change the appointment in last week's Review, that the brethren at Parkville, Colon, Brady, &c., were to have their monthly meeting at Brady, at the time of my appointment for Parkville, Aug. 1, 1863. On the authority of a line from Bro. Deyarmond of Brady, I would now say to those brethren that the monthly meeting will be postponed to the first Sabbath in September, and the meeting held in Parkville, Aug. 1, as appointed.
JOHN BYINGTON.
Meeting for Southern N. Y. and Northern Penn.
We think it advisable before leaving this section, to hold a general meeting for the special benefit of the friends of the cause. We therefore appoint such meeting to be holden at Ulysses Pa. Aug. 8 and 9. We request a general attendance. Those who come must come prepared mainly to take care of themselves.
Those who live at such distance as to be unable to make provision for themselves are requested to come without fail, and provisions will be made for them.
N. FULLER.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Alfred Center, July 13, 1863.
Business Department.
Business Notes.
Jno. Barrows: Your Review has been mailed regularly.
The P. O. address of Elders J. N. Loughborough and Moses Hull, until further notice, will be Newport, N. H., care of H. P. Wakefield.
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 receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
Clarissa Aldrich 2,00,xviii,1. J. Canneff 0,50,xxiii,1. R. T. Payne 1,00,xxiv,1. B. Graham 2,00,xxiv,1. N. Davis 2,25,xxiii,7. J.V. Auten 2,00,xxiii,1. P.E. Ferrin 2,00,xxv,1. H. A. Flint 1,00,xxiv,1. L. S. Brown 1,00,xxiv,2. S. Byse 1,00,xxiv,2. E. Hawley 1,00,xxiv,2. Marvin Wilber 1,00,xxiv,2. Edwin Spencer 1,00,xxiv,2. W. Shepard 1,00,xxiv,2. R. Bartley 1,00,xxiv,2. H. N.. Sage 1,00,xxiv,2. L. Semos 1,00,xxiv,2. Elder R. Burtenshaw 1,00,xxiv,2. J. Boyd 1,00,xxiv,2. J. Wilson 1,00,xxiv,2. I. C. Thompkins 1,00,xxiv,2. J. Wattles 1,00,xxiv,2. J. N. Warn 1,00,xxiv,2. R. Crandall 1,00,xxiv,2. Geo. W. Chillson 1,00,xxiv,2. Benj. Felker 1,00,xxiv,2. R. A. Denton 1,00,xxiv,2. I. H. Williams 1,00,xxiv,2. Robt. King 1,00,xxiv,2. A. Wilder 1,00,xxiv,2. Wm. Nye 1,00,xxiv,2. D. W. Rice 1,00,xxiv,1. C. M. Chamberlain 1,00,xxiv,1. B.J.Carpenter 2,00,xxiii,20. Rebecca Adams 2,00,xxiv,9. T. Hulet 1,00,xxi,1. S. Sharp for Mrs. P. Hilt 1,00,xxiv,9. E. Witter 2,00,xxiv,1. I. Witter 1,00,xxiii,1. R. Voorhees 1,00,xxiii,1. W. C. Millard 1,00,xxv,1. J. C. Wheeler 1,00,xxv,1. J. Witter 3,00,xxv,1. J. Stillman 2,00,xxv,14. N. Slyter 1,00,xxiii,1. M. J. Thomas 1,00,xxiii,9. Betsey Rockwell 2,00,xxiii,1. D. Jeffers 1,00,xxiv,2. M. Salisbury 1,00,xxiv,2. L. Bristol for J. Bristol 0,50,xxiii,9. L. Bezanson 0,65,xxii,9. John Barrows 1,00,xxiv,1. J. W. Blake 1,00,xxiii,2. Mrs. J. Young 0,50,xxiii,14. S.C.Carey 1,00,xxiii,10.
Donations to Publishing Association.
Seth Newton $5,50. Jacob Berry $5,00.
Books Sent by Rail Road.
J. B. Lamson $61,83.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
Mrs. Caroline Manly $20.00.
Books Sent By Mail.
Mary Alexander 25c. M. B. Odell 30c. T. S. Harris $6,70. H. H. Bramhall jr., $1,53. R. T. Payne 25c. N. Davis 75c. M. B. Odell $2,00. D. W. Randall 75c. Mrs. C. Manly $2,00. Lucy S. Hackett 25c. S. Sharp $2,80. J. W. Raymond 30c. A. D. Rust 50c. F. Wheeler 10c. J. H. Burlingame 25c.
For New Charts.
Phebe M. Lamson $2,00. Ch. at Orleans, Mich., $5,00. Martha Rice $1,00.
For Bro. Snook.
Seth Newton $4,00. Jacob Berry $5,00. Edward Morrow $5,00.
Cash Received on Account.
J. N. Loughborough $25,00. P. Strong jr. $4,50. F. Wheeler $2,80.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
D. W. Milk 40c. Friends in Leslie, Mich., $5.00.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on Bound Books, four cents for the first four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and an additional four cents for the next four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and so on. On pamphlets and tracts, two cents for each four ounces, or fractional part thereof. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers) . . . 40 10
The Bible from Heaven . . . 25 5
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6, 12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast . . . 15 4
Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four . . . 15 4
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man . . . 15 4
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency . . . 15 4
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come . . . 15 4
Miraculous Powers . . . 15 4
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul . . . 15 4
Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered . . . 10 3
Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days . . . 10 3
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth . . . 10 3
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door . . . 10 3
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity . . . 10 3
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti . . . 10 3
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week . . . 10 3
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern . . . 10 8
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath . . . 10 3
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design . . . 10 3
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix . . . 10 2
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths . . . 5 2
Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter . . . 5 2
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references . . . 5 1
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type." . . . 5 1
The Two Laws and Two Covenants . . . 5 1
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists . . . 5 1
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath . . . 5 1
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question . . . 5 1
ONE CENT TRACTS. The Seven Seals—The Two Laws—Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—Personality of God—Wesley on the Law—Judson on Dress—Appeal on Immortality.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Institution of the Sabbath—Sabbath by Hull—Infidelity and Spiritualism—War and Sealing—Who Changed the Sabbath—Preach the Word—Death and Burial—Much in Little.
THREE CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Milton on the State of the Dead—Scripture References.
Bound Books.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage,
The Hymn Book, 464 pages, and 122 pieces of music, 80 "
" " " with Sabbath Lute, . . $1,00
" " " Calf Binding, . . 1,00
" " " " with Lute, . . 1,20
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound
Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History, . . 80 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . 75 "
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, 75cts
Wills and Religious Societies
By Editor
THE work on Wills, and also on Religious Societies to hold church property, is now corrected, all right. It will be sent without charge to all who order it, enclosing a 3 cent stamp for postage.
Sabbath-School Lesson Questions
By Editor
THE series of questions designed for the use of Bible-classes and Sabbath-schools, which have appeared in the Review from week to week, are now put up in neat pamphlet form ready for orders. Price 10 cents. Postage on one, two or three copies 2 cents; on four, five or six copies 4 cents, and so on. See note at the head of publication column.
Support for Delinquent Subscribers
By Editor
A FEW weeks since we cut off about 300 delinquent subscribers, after giving them a fair warning. A few of these have written, and we have entered their names on the list. All who want the paper should have it, and pay for it, or pay half price for it if they are able; if not, the brethren should pay for it for them, at half price. If the Association gives half, these times of high prices for stock &c., it does the liberal thing. Brethren, look up your poor, and if they do not receive the Review, send for it for them, and pay half price.