DEAR BRO. WHITE:—My last was on my arrival at Sullivan, Ind. We held a series of meetings in the Court House. The people seemed much interested to hear our present position with the last message of mercy; many of them inquired for tracts, and the Review, and manifested a strong desire to investigate. The brethren who heard the Advent doctrine last year, for the first time, have been comparing what they read in the books and paper, so that they now understand more clearly how they keep the Sabbath in the message.
We, also, held a series of meetings in Curriers' Prairie, where an increasing interest was manifest to hear. A Christian Conference was in session, to which we were invited to speak. We gave them the Sabbath of the Bible. Some did not appear pleased with it. One sister, however, who had come a long distance to attend the Conference, said, that what she had heard was just what she believed. We spent about two weeks in the above named places. Some decided to keep the Sabbath; others seemed deeply impressed with it. I trust the Lord has some jewels in Sullivan Co. that will be numbered with the 144,000, that will stand upon Mount Zion. I hope some of our brethren will visit them, and give them "the meat in due season."
At Oswego, N. Y., our meeting on First-day was held in a convenient Hall. The people listened as though they wished to understand, and get ready for the coming of the Lord. Here we met with Brn. Rhodes, Holt, and Edson, and others of our dear brethren and sisters who have been for many years bearing their testimonies in favor of the first, second and third angels' messages. Bro. Rhodes conveyed us to Volney, and Roseville, where we had good meetings with the brethren and their neighbors. From Caughdenoy, Bro. Holt conveyed us to Manlius, N. Y. The brethren here procured the Universalist Meeting-house in which to hold their Conference on the 3d and 4th inst. Brethren from West Brookfield, Lincklaen and vicinity were with us. Brn. Rhodes and Holt participated with us. The Lord gave edge to his truth, and a deep interest was manifest, particularly on First-day and evening, by many that probably were hearing our position for the first time. A brother from Brookfield in company with Bro. Abbey, requested us to pray for him. The Lord blessed him, and he confessed his faith in all the truth, and left the meeting rejoicing in the Lord.
From thence we passed over the Rail-Road to Chester Factories, Mass. Here a snow storm prevented many who would most likely have attended the meeting. The Sabbath truth has its enemies here, yet there are some that are desirous to know the whole truth, and be overcomers at last. God grant them deliverance from the despisers of his holy law. We also met with the brethren in Springfield on the 9th inst. They are getting more settled in this great work. We hope our ministering brethren will visit them as they pass that way.
Nov. 11th, we came to our family and brethren in Fairhaven, having been absent on our last tour West since last June. The brethren in Fairhaven and Dartmouth are still striving, with the little flock, to be overcomers. They have neither doubts nor fears with respect to the certainty of their position. They know full well that they are keeping the Sabbath in the message of the third angel. Rev. xiv, 12.
JOSEPH BATES
Fairhaven, Mass., Nov. 23d, 1853.
A Good Work at Plattsburg
By C. W. Sperry
From Bro. Sperry.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—After our Conference here, I went in company with Brn. Baker and Andrews to Champlain, where we had a good meeting. The word was presented in its clearness. Two were baptized. From thence to Plattsburg, where I tarried one week, holding meetings with Bro. Butler, who baptized five willing souls, two of whom lately experienced religion, and some more, I expect, will soon go forward.
A good work is going on at Plattsburg. The Spirit came down in power in the last meeting. A number were convicted and acknowledged the truthfulness of our position. They were persons who never knew anything about religion. A good interest is manifested on the present truth at the above named place. I like to see the truth taking deep root, then it will bear fruit. Oh that we could realize that now the axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, will be hewn down and cast into the fire. Notwithstanding we are called fools, yet I am thankful that the "foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." It was said by an individual in a certain place, after attending a prayer-meeting, that there was not one among them, who knew enough to "refine the word of God." I think there have been too many such already, who have refined away all the essence of the Bible, and thereby have not been refined by the Bible.
May the Lord help us to ever keep humble, so that the Bible may refine and purify us, that we may be fitted to stand before a holy God. C. W. SPERRY.
Panton, Vt., Nov. 23d, 1853.
Seeking Truth and Christian Fellowship
By Cynthia Coon
From Sr. Coon.
Mr. White, Dear Sir:—I wish to take the Advent Review. I have a great desire to know your views on the second coming of the Saviour. I have been studying the prophecies for three years past, and as far as I have learned I agree with you. I have read five of your papers, and one pamphlet. Since then, I have been anxious to take the paper. I have long desired to find a people that believed in the true doctrines of the Bible. While living in New York State, I belonged to the seventh-day Baptist church. My reason for not uniting with the church here was that I could not agree with their articles of faith.
I fear there is a lack of pure and undefiled religion in the church, with few exceptions. Their greatest desire seems to be popularity. I feel lonely, and as though I needed the aid, prayers and society of saints. I have not had the privilege of hearing an Advent preacher. I would like to have one come here and preach to us. I shall not have long to enjoy anything on earth: Consumption is preying upon me. Pray for your unworthy friend, that I may have the hope which is an anchor to the soul. CYNTHIA COON.
Milton, Rock Co., Wis., Nov. 17th, 1853.
Sorrowing in Hope
By Josiah Hebner
From Bro. Hebner.
Dear Bro. White :—I still feel like a pilgrim and stranger on the earth; but I seek a country, yes, a better country than this, where no death can approach, and tear from our affections any of the members of our family.
Since I was in Rochester, death has entered our dwelling, and taken from us our youngest son. He has had a lingering disease from a child. He was confined to his bed on the 4th of this month, and fell asleep on the 16th, being about three years and two months of age.
We feel to mourn our loss; but yet we sorrow not as others who have no hope; for the Apostle says: "for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them, also, that sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him."
I still remember my dear brethren and sisters in Rochester. My mind is often carried back to the time when I met with you in Conference and prayer-meetings, and how wonderfully the Lord blest us. I am still striving to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus.
I remain your brother waiting for the kingdom to come.
Oakwood, C. W., Nov. 20th, 1853. JOSIAH HEBNER.
Preparing for the Kingdom
By Frances Strong
From Sister Strong.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am thankful for the weekly visits of the Review. It is indeed a welcome messenger to us. I love to read the cheering epistles of our dear brethren and sisters, and of the onward progress of the cause.
We want daily and fresh supplies from the throne of grace, that we may live, and grow, and flourish in the vine and become living branches of our living Head; that we may reflect his lovely image perfectly, and be enabled, by his grace assisting us, to overcome every trial here, and come off victorious through our conquering King. Let us pass the time of our sojourning here in fear, and patiently wait the return of the Lord from the wedding.
Brethren and Sisters, let us have on the wedding garment, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, and strive for the kingdom of immortal glory. Let us lay aside every weight, casting all our care upon Jesus, who careth for us.
"The battle is almost o'er, The race is nearly run, When with our glorious conquering King, We'll sit down on his throne."
Yours in the Blessed hope of a glorious immortality, at the appearing of Jesus, FRANCES STRONG. Milton, N. Y., Nov. 25th, 1853.
Consecration and Holiness
By L. R. Chapel
From Bro. Chapel.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Lord has been at work for us of late in bringing us to see the necessity of an entire consecration to God, and to strive for more holiness of heart, and to see the straitness of the way as we never before have seen it. O how good the Lord is to correct us of our errors and faults, that we may be purified by confessing and forsaking them, and be fitted for the kingdom. We have had some trials, but the Lord has, in a great measure, worked a deliverance for us. We had one of the most heart-searching, melting meetings last Sabbath, I think, that I ever attended in Caughdenoy. It seemed very discouraging in the morning, but the Lord worked beyond any of our expectations, and I hope that the resolutions made there, to be for God, will never be forgotten by any of us. I fully believe the Lord is begetting in his children more of a cry for holiness of heart, and entire submission to the will of God.—I can say never did the word appear so plain, and the commandments so pure and holy as they do at the present time. I can say as did the Psalmist: O how love I thy law; it is my meditation day and night. I rejoice in the law of God, knowing that it is a perfect law of liberty, and is able to convert the soul, and I mean to be a doer of the word, as well as a hearer. I mean to strive to overcome by the word of my testimony, through the blood of the Lamb. I feel daily the necessity of having my mind continually on the Lord, and occupied with things about the kingdom, in order to overcome the influence of wicked spirits I have to meet with in this dark world.
Your brother in Christ, L. R. CHAPEL.
Caughdenoy, N. Y., Nov. 21st, 1853.
The Power of Sabbath Tracts
By Ransom Hicks
From Bro. Hicks.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Through the kindness of Bro. Bates, I have received the package you sent me containing 500 tracts, (Sabbath by Elihu.) Part of them are now preaching to sectarian religionists in this city and elsewhere. Nothing that I have as yet distributed among them, has proved more effectual in completely shutting them up, and calling their attention to the law of God, and especially the Sabbath precept, than this. Many are convinced of the truth, viz., that "the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God," but seem lacking in moral courage to act. They seem not to fully understand and appreciate the vitality of the third angel's message. May God grant that they may see and understand that procrastination is now, above all other times, exceedingly dangerous—that Christ is now in the Holy of Holies for the purpose of cleansing the Sanctuary, and that the signs of the times evidently indicate that he will soon come out to bless his people, and then all will be done, so far as concerns the salvation of man.—Yes, then will be fulfilled that which is written, viz., "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Rev. xxii, 11.
I spoke of the signs of the times, and it may be asked, what I see. I answer, I see many occurrences which denote the end near. Among the many, I shall now cite but one. I read the daily journals that are now teeming with important news from the East. My eyes are turned for the time being, to the geographical map. They there glance "along on the banks of the dark rolling Danube," that notable river that has witnessed so many scenes of blood and carnage. And what is seen there now? I see what I verily believe to be the beginning of the fulfillment of that which was spoken in Zeph. iii, 8.
If God is not about to "assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them his indignation, even ALL his fierce anger," then I know not what this "universal war" that the nations are talking about, means. But as it is, I am perfectly satisfied that the nations are now gathering to the last battle that will be witnessed on earth, and which will prove final to the career of the wicked nations on the earth, by a complete overthrow of them all. I do not understand, however, that the consummation of this "universal war" is to be brought about in simply one year, but in all probability will be the work of several years. I know there is a certain class who teach that the Lord will come in the clouds of heaven next year; (1854;) but I heed not their teaching.
I am trying to get in perfect readiness to hail him with joy when he does come. This I do by giving diligence to the "commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." This, these "next year" teachers do not do; so far as I know of them, or have ever heard of them, they are Sabbath-breakers. Therefore I know they are not sent of God. Neither do they bear any marks of relationship to the old-school Adventists. But they bear striking marks of not simply relationship, but as being of that identical class that "scattered the jewels of the casket, and then brought in dirt and shavings and covered them up." See Bro. Miller's dream. But since Christ entered the Holy of Holies at the end of the 2300 days, to cleanse the Sanctuary, and under the voice of the third Angel of Rev. xiv, this rubbish has been cleared away by the "man with the dirt brush."—And may God speed the time when all the true-hearted shall be brought to see and acknowledge the truth.
There is a little company of us here who are endeavoring to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are looking candidly, as I trust, at the subject. May God help them to understand. The package of the Review we receive regularly, and it is to us meat in due season, I will assure you. By it I am not only reminded of the present truth, but also the present truth that belonged to, and was preached in 1843. See the awful dilemma and confusion those are in, who teach that the 70 weeks and 2300 days are disconnected. Their views are discordant on almost every subject. Praised be God forever, for granting us to see the light of the third angel's message.
Providence, R. I., Nov. 20th, 1853.
Results of Lectures at Sylvan
By Merritt E. Cornell
From Bro. Cornell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I returned home last evening, having just concluded my Lectures at Sylvan, and found all well. Your letter of Nov. 18th, had just been received—I was glad to hear from you and know that I have your sympathy while endeavoring in my feeble way to present this solemn message of warning. At the commencement, I met with many discouragements. But the result was glorious. A general interest was awakened, and several decided to keep the Sabbath. One, a M. E. minister, who, about ten years ago, gave up his hope, in consequence of the falling of Babylon, confessed the whole truth, and will, I think, reform and obey it. He is an intelligent man—bore public testimony to the simplicity, union and purity of the Philadelphia church, 1843-4.
Another intelligent and very influential man, (merchant in the village,) made a public confession, and resolved to obey the truth, and gave a feeling exhortation to all those convinced, to obey the truth without delay. Three or four whole families, I understood, had resolved to keep the "Lord's day." During the lectures, a lawyer came in to hear, (he had been called from the village of Manchester to attend suit,) became interested, and requested me to give a course of lectures in his village; said the churches were all broken up, dead, fallen, &c. I had calls to go to several places—one where there were many engaged in 1844. Here are so many openings, I do not know which way to go, and am compelled to say, who is sufficient for this great work? "O Lord, send forth more laborers," shall now be my prayer.
I saw a man from Canada, who was in the first message. He became some interested, and wanted I should go to Canada. Says there are many in Canada, from London all the way to Montreal, who were in the first angel's message. He knows of several ministers who still hold on to the connection of the 70 weeks and 2300 days. I obtained a detailed account of places and names in Canada. Don't know whether it is duty to go. Perhaps some Brother from the East can go over, and sound the alarm in Canada!
M. E. CORNELL.
Plymouth, Mich., Nov. 23d, 1853.
J. N. Loughborough’s Post Office Address
By Editor
The Post Office address of Bro. J. N. Loughborough, through the month of December, will be Milan, Huron Co., Ohio.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
J. MURRY. You sent the name of Wm. Hall for the Review, but did not tell where to send it.
W. PHELPS. The letter and $4 of which you speak has not been received.
Appointments.
THERE will be a Conference at Aztalan, Jeff. Co. Wis., to commence Sixth-day, Jan. 6th, 1854 and hold over Sabbath and First-day. Bro. Stephenson, Hall, Waggoner and others are requested to attend. Come, brethren, one and all!
In behalf of the friends, W. PHELPS.
PROVIDENCE permitting, the meetings in Boston will be continued every Sabbath in room No. 3, Chapman Hall, Chapman Place.
In behalf of the brethren, O. NICHOLS.
Letters.
J. Byington, H. A. Churchill, E. N. Gates, H. C. Pierce, H. Morgan, J. S. Mathews, C. Coon, M. M. Truesdell, B. Clark, W. H. Graham.
Receipts.
By Editor
M. Lyon, G. Lyon, I. Lyon, T. I. Giddings, L. Wild, J. Jackson, D. H. Hilton, J. Hebner, J. Wilher, A. M. A. Cornell, D. Hewitt, C. B. Preston, each $1.
L. B. Chapel, J. Bishop, J. Claxton, E. C. Brissie each $2.
W. Grant, C. S. Hurlbut, O. Davis (for the Church at Fairhaven, Mass.,) each $5. C. Andrews, F. Strong each $10.—H. Lyon $4,75; J. Murry $2,60; J. M. Hall $1,50; A. Bailey $0,50.
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.
The Sabbath by "Elihu"—16 pages—price 1 cent—Volume I, II and III of the Review, bound in paper covers—price 40 cents for Vol. I and II, and 30 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 1 cent.
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.
AGENTS.
By Editor
MAINE.
N. N. Lunt, Portland.
S. W. Flanders, Canaan.
Cyprian Stevens, Paris.
S. Howland, Topsham.
W. T. Hanniford, Orrington.
Wm. Bryant, Wilton.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
J. Stowell, Washington.
S. Bunnel, Claremont.
MASSACHUSETTS.
O. Nichols, Dorchester.
O. Davis, N. Fairhaven.
L. Paine, Ware.
Wm. Saxby, Springfield.
VERMONT.
R. Loveland, Johnson.
H. Bingham, Morristown.
S. H. Peck, Wolcott.
Lewis Bean, Hardwick.
H. A. Churchill, Stowe.
E. P. Butler, Waterbury.
Josiah Hart, Northfield.
R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield.
W. Morse, East Bethel.
L. Titns, E. Charlston.
Alonzo Lee, Derby Line.
E. Evarts, Vergennes.
H. Gardner, Panton.
S. Willey, Wheelock.
CONNECTICUT.
E. L. H. Chamberlain, Md'town.
A. Belden, Kensington.
NEW YORK.
W. S. Ingraham, Bath.
A. Ross, Caughdenoy.
David Upson, Moreland.
R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove.
John Wager, Orangeport.
L. Carpenter, Owego.
A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek.
E. A. Poole, Lincklaen.
J. A. Loughhead, Elmira.
John Hamilton, Fredonia.
MICHIGAN.
Albert Avery, Locke.
J. P. Kellogg, Tyrone.
Ira Gardner, Vergennes.
David Hewett, Battle Creek.
C. S. Glover, Sylvan.
A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids.
A. A. Dodge, Jackson.
Wm. M. Smith.
PENNSYLVANIA.
M. L. Dean, Ulysses.
RHODE ISLAND.
Ransom Hicks, Providence.