p. 103 | Review and Herald, Vol. 4, No. 13. (10/4/1853)

The Spirit Rappers' Second Advent.

By Editor

A WRITER in the Spiritual Telegraph feels "impressed to say," that "Biela's comet," which is expected in 1856, after a lapse of three hundred years, is composed of "spiritual essences," and occupied by "spiritual inhabitants." He says of it:

"This approaching comet has already shed some spiritual rays upon our earth, which have prepared, and are still preparing, the inhabitants of earth for the reception of the concentrated rays of this superior celestial body. This will be the seventh time of its appearance since the Christian era began. It will be the second coming of Christ, for then the seed of universal brotherhood will be sown, or the kingdom of heaven will become established on earth. Until then the soil will be well prepared for its reception, when it will gradually grow and finally bear its fruits—humanity's redemption. Its last appearance in 1556 was crowned by the Reformation, and we are still living in the prophetic Congregation of Philadelphia. In fact, the seventh era will begin with the year 1872, when the influence of this comet will be

thoroughly felt, for in reality three hundred and twelve earthly years constitute an era."

We note these ebullitions of fancy, as evidence that fallen man will more readily believe anything, however absurd, than the word of the Lord.—Ad. Herald.

Trials and Hope in Jackson

By J. Whitmore

From Bro. Whitmore.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The church in Jackson, Mich., are in union with one another, striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have some very good meetings.

We have had many trials and afflictions of late to pass through. God has seen fit, in his providence, to take from us our beloved Bro. Bowles by death.—God, whose wisdom is past finding out, has seen fit to let him sleep awhile in the grave. I believe he will soon come forth clothed with immortality, and reign with Christ forever. He died Sept. 7th, after a short illness, of the typhus fever. I hope to meet him soon, with all the saints in the kingdom of God.

I thank God for the light shining from his Word under the third angel's message. I thank God for the Sabbath, yea, and all of the commandments. We need to watch and pray much, and trust in God lest we fall into the hands of the Enemy, who is trying to destroy the children of God.

Jesus tells us if ye will live godly in Christ Jesus ye shall suffer persecution, and a man's foes shall be they of his own household. I am the only one of our family who keeps the Sabbath. We who keep the commandments are looked upon, by some, as the offscouring of the earth, and they think that we ought to be banished to some uninhabited part of the world. Well, praise the Lord, we expect to be separated from them soon, where we shall never trouble them more.

In hope, J. WHITMORE. Jackson, Mich., Sept. 1853.

A Confession and Appeal for Forgiveness

By Washington Morse

From Bro. Morse.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say through the Review, that in examining the course, that I have pursued for nearly two years past and reflecting upon some things that occurred by the way; and from light recently from the Lord, and from the admonitions of faithful brethren, I see some things which I have not seen clearly till of late. I see moves made by me, that were wrong, and demand a confession from me; which is indeed humiliating; but the Lord being my helper shall be freely and frankly made.

First, as I felt it duty to go out to search the scattered jewels I have consented, yea, more, in some instances, encouraged sister F. M. Shimper, to accompany me. This, I now see, was wrong; although until nearly the close, I was unconscious of it. I need not go on and mention the many severe trials that have arisen out of this; some of the brethren and sisters in Vermont know what they are by experience, others in Vermont, and other States, know some of them by report. I now see that those brethren that were called to consider our trials did right to send their doings for publication; although I had so fallen under a wrong influence at that time, that I opposed it being sent. And now, dear brethren and sisters, all whom this may concern, I humbly ask you to forgive me. I see that the course which I have pursued has been a grief to you; and this is not all: in so doing, I have brought a wound upon the precious cause, I so much love. O brethren, I ask you again to forgive me, not only in this wrong, but wherein you have seen me deviate from the holy religion and Spirit of Jesus, and pray that God will bring me forth to the light as gold seven times purified and tried.

Your unworthy brother in Christ, WASHINGTON MORSE. Royalton, Vt., Sept. 17th, 1853.

EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

STOWE CONFERENCE. According to appointment, this meeting was held in the Union Meeting-house.—Three or four hundred brethren assembled from different parts of the state of Vermont, some from New York and New Hampshire. The brethren came together expecting to have a good meeting; but it was evident that they did not come trusting in God, as they should have done.

We were indeed happy to meet with old, tried friends of the cause; also, with many who had embraced the truth the past year. But when we met together, there was a great lack of the Spirit of God among us. A number of good reasons might be offered why the Lord did not come up in the fullness of the Spirit, with the brethren. And we must here be allowed to speak plainly for the benefit of others.

1. God has greatly blest and prospered the cause in Vermont, and has added many, and some strong men, to the number of Sabbath-keepers. And we have reason to fear that there has not been that trusting in God, as there has been when their number was less. We hope the brethren will remember Gideon's water-lappers, and never trust at all in numbers.

2. The Lord has heard their prayers, and has in a wonderful manner raised up the sick among them, so that they have seen no need to call an earthly physician. God can do but very little for poor mortals, from the fact that they are in danger of suffering the devil to exalt them while in prosperity. The furnace, the furnace, is indispensable to keep God's people humble. Lord, let us pass through the furnace. If our dear brethren in Vermont had let these displays of the Divine Power humble them greatly, and had come to the conference praying, weeping and sighing for more of the mind of Christ, and more humility, the Master would have come up with them, and his melting power would have been displayed.

3. There has been a lack of experienced laborers, to take oversight of the flock, and timely correct errors. Bro. Ingraham, who has the past year faithfully labored in Steuben Co. and vicinity, N. Y., has been missed in Vermont. Our dear Bro. Baker has been in the field but little, (but is now giving himself wholly to the work,) and some others, with less experience, have not been in a place to help the flock. It is no time to put on the minister, and lose a sense of the worth of souls. Better stay at home, than to go out in this time of darkness without the whole armor.

Dangers are all about the little flock. We must watch, watch. Pride of appearance and dress will creep in, unless utmost care is taken. Those things in that peculiar people that God is now purifying to himself and fitting for heaven, greatly grieve the Spirit of God.

Our meeting at Stowe was one of labor. There were four discourses given on First-day and evening, to large and attentive congregations. Those who spoke to the people did not enjoy their usual liberty, even before an unbelieving congregation, from the fact that the church stood in the way, not standing in the counsel of God. The fact that the church of Christ, at this day, who have made a profession so high, stand in the way of sinners, is really heart-rending. But we wish to give only a faithful statement of facts.

On Second-day, the brethren began to see and feel their condition, and to confess. The cloud began to gradually part and pass away. And it was the general feeling of those present that it had been a very profitable meeting. We think all went from the place feeling the importance of walking carefully and living humbly as they had never realized it.

Bro. W. Morse seemed to see and feel his past error, which with the errors of others have caused the church in Vermont much trial. We hope he will see his way clear to make a strait forward confession in the REVIEW. We have ever loved this dear brother, and do still, and beseech him to make strait paths for his feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.

Let no one receive the idea that the good cause is running down in Vermont. It is not so. We do not know of one giving up the truth. But on the contrary, additions still continue to be made to the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. Bro. Stone of Eden, an Advent Minister, has of late come out fully. He was present at the meeting at Stowe. And will, doubtless, be a blessing to the cause. The flock need the faithful labors and counsel of such men as Brn. Stone and Baker. We hope they will be able to keep in the field. The Lord has faithful stewards in Vermont who are ready to use their Lord's money in his cause.

But it requires faith to go forth now, and preach the unpopular doctrines of the present truth. Brethren, pray for your preachers, and pray in faith. As they go out into a cold world, with all hell stirred against them, they need your faithful prayers. Shall they have them? At the family altar and in the closet. O, remember the servants of Christ who are searching out and feeding the scattered flock.

And preaching brethren, go out leaning on the arm of your Master. Have faith! faith!! FAITH!!! a little more FAITH! Without it you can do nothing. Don't go out to give light to others, while you are enveloped in darkness yourselves. Enter into the solemn work of God, and never rest satisfied unless you feel the responsibility of your calling, and the worth of precious souls. Don't get in the way of the church. O may God help us as a church to be as a city set on a hill; to let our light so shine, that those around us may, by beholding our order and good works, be led to glorify God in observing all his commandments.

JAMES WHITE.

To Correspondents.

By Editor

C. B. Preston.—The reason you have not received the tracts, entitled, Solemn Review of the Sabbath, is, that they are not yet prepared. They will soon be ready for distribution, and then all orders will be promptly attended to.

Those who have sent in names for the Youth's Instructor requesting back Nos., are informed that we have none on hand except the bound volumes, which come at 25 cents.

H. Myers.—The charts can be had of Bro. A. A. Dodge, Jackson, or of Bro. J. B. Frisbie, Chelsea, Mich. We have none on hand now, without rollers. We shall have them soon, however.

A. Avery.—We did not mail you a chart; but will forward one as you directed.

Publications.

By Editor

THE Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days—76 pages—price 7 cents—postage 1 cent.

Review of O. R. L. Crozier on the Sabbath—48 pages—price 5 cents—postage 1 cent.

A Refutation of the Claims of Sunday keeping to Divine Authority; also, a lengthy extract from the History of the Sabbath—40 pages—price 4 cents—postage 1 cent.

Volume I, II and III of the REVIEW, bound in paper covers—price 40 cents for Vol. I and II, and 80 cents for Vol. III.

Youth's Instructor, Vol. I, in paper covers—price 25 cents.

Signs of the Times—124 pages—price 8 cents—postage 2 cents.

Our collection of Advent and Sabbath Hymns, with the Supplement bound with it—144 pages—price 30 cents—postage 5 cents.

Time and Prophecy—a Poem—120 pages, well bound—price 25 cents—postage 5 cents.

THE CHART—A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John and their Chronology—price $2. It can be had of Otis Nichols, Dorchester, Mass., or at this Office. It can be sent by Mail without rollers for the same price.

Letters.

By Editor

J. Bates, S. D. Hewett, I. Wyman, W. Morse, J. Hart, S. Howland, Z. Brooks, Wm. S. Ingraham, M. T. Bartlett.

Receipts.

Geo. Case, E. Holstead, M. J. Davis, E. Davis, R. Hancock, L. Priest, T. Angel, T. H. Knickerbocker, S. Osgood, M. Cole, S. Dexter each $1.

L. H. Dubois, J. C. Day, S. Smith, J. P. Kellogg, D. Beardsley each $2; W. H. Loughhead $3; M. Adderton, $1,67; W. Grant, $1,64; H. Eaton, J. Whitmore each 50 cents.

$82,79 behind on the REVIEW.

AGENTS.

Appointments.

By Editor

WE will meet with the brethren at Dartmouth, Mass., October 8th, and 9th. Springfield, Mass., the 15th and 16th.—Washington, N. H., the 22d and 23d. New Haven, Vt., the 28th and 29th.

THERE will be a meeting of the brethren in Washington, N. H., and vicinity, Oct. 21st, for the benefit of the church, that the church may get into a place to work for the Lord during the meeting. Lectures will be given the 22d and 23d. Brethren, come to the conference praying. Let none of the brethren come to be weights to the cause.

A general invitation is extended to all who wish to come and hear the reasons of our faith. Brethren in New Hampshire, get humble, and pray in faith to the living God to meet us in power at Washington. Have you little trials? Settle them at once, leave them at home, or stay at home yourselves. It is too late to have the work of God hindered by petty trials. We hope that brethren in other places will take heed to the above. It is too often the case that we have to labor hard all through a two-days meeting to get the brethren in a place to work.—ED.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will hold meetings as follows: Irondequoit, N. Y., First-day, Oct. 9th, at 2 o'clock, P. M. With the Brethren at Orangeport, Sabbath, Oct. 15th. Olcott, First-day, Oct. 16th, and continue two or three evenings.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Conferences in Sylvan and Locke

There will be a Conference held at Sylvan, Washtenaw Co., Oct. 7th, 8th, 9th. It is expected that Brn. Frisbie, Loughborough, Cornell and Cranson will be present. It is hoped that Bro. Bates will attend.

There will be a Conference in Locke, Ingham Co., Oct. 14th, 15th, 16th, where the brethren may appoint. We hope all those who feel interested will attend the above meetings as far as practicable.

Request for a Conference at New Haven

By E. E. Everts

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—By the request of the brethren, Gardner, Burwell, Bragg and others in New Haven, Vt., and vicinity, I address this note to you, desiring a conference of the brethren at my house on your return from the East. We wish your attendance, with that of other laboring brethren, and a general assembling of all the brethren and sisters.

E. E. EVERTS. New Haven, Vt.

JAMES WHITE

By James White

New Haven, Vt.

Brn. Baker and Andrews design attending this conference with us. Brethren, be ready to work for the Lord.