Bro. Smith: There are about a dozen here that have come out on the Sabbath, and are trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and are desiring to be instructed in the truths of the gospel. We feel thankful to God that Bro. Loughborough came among us to deliver the Third Angel's Message to us. There are many here that are favorably impressed, and anxious to learn more of the truth. We think if there could be a faithful preacher sent here, that there would be much good done, and several more would become Sabbath-keepers that are now almost persuaded to be christians. We are in hopes that Bro. Cornell will give us a call, for we are poor and needy, hungering and thirsting after righteousness. We hope to be found among the remnant at the coming of Jesus.
Yours in faith,
A. BREWSTER.
East Townsend, Huron Co., Ohio
J. F. EASTMAN
By James Smith
From Bro. Eastman.
Bro. Smith: We are still trying to walk in obedience to all of God's commandments; and though we meet with trials on the way, by the grace of God we will make Mt. Zion our home. The people of God are the people of my choice. With them I want to suffer, and with them I want to reign. But I must have a deeper work of grace in my heart, for there is a fullness in Jesus. Yes, as I draw near to the throne of grace, I can see a fountain filled with blood, and I want to sink beneath the purple tide, and rise renewed in all the life of humble love. I know that we are living under the sound of the last message of mercy to a dying world; and I want to so live that I may escape all the things that are coming on the earth. Our meetings are very interesting. The brethren who believe in the present truth seem to be rising, and want more holiness of heart. May the Lord give us wisdom to do his will.
J. F. EASTMAN
Adario, Wis., Nov. 3d, 1858.
Hope in Jesus Amid Bereavement
From Bro. & Sr. Ecklar.
Bro. Smith : Though unable to pay for the Review just now, we are very anxious to have it continued, as it is a welcome visitor to us, and one which we do not know how to do without. We have been trying to live in obedience to God—keeping his Commandments and the Faith of Jesus, since the tent was here one year ago last June.
We have recently been made to realize that this is a world of care and trial. Death has taken from us our only son, Kelsey L., who died on the 14th, of this month, (November,) aged four years and seven months. But we feel thankful that in Jesus there is hope even in death, and this last enemy will be destroyed when the Saviour comes, so that we sorrow not as those that have no hope. When we consider that the dead will be raised incorruptible, and the faithful living changed to immortality in that day, it makes the coming of our Lord seem most precious, and we long for his appearing. Our desire is to do his will that we may be able to look up and rejoice in that day.
A. R. & M. E. Ecklar.
Burlington, Mich., Nov. 21st, 1858.
C. STEBBINS
By C. Stebbins
From Bro. Stebbins.
BRO. SMITH : I thank the Lord for the present truth, which I have of late been enabled to see, through the preaching of the Word, though I have been a believer in the soon coming of the Saviour for a number of years. I am thankful that Bro. Ingraham ever came this way, and that I ever heard the Third Angel's Message. A number in this place have embraced the truth and are striving with me to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. We have been cheered and strengthened by a visit from Brn. Ingraham and Cottrell of late.
O brethren and sisters, I feel that it is high time that we have on the whole armor, that we may fight the battles of the Lord. We should see to it that we be not lukewarm, but have our lamps trimmed and burning, for the Master's return. We are determined to hold fast to the truth until our King comes. Praise the Lord for his precious promises to those that endure to the end. Eternal life is theirs. The prospect that lies just before us is glorious. My prayer is, Lord speed on the message and let it go with power.
We have the privilege of meeting with the brethren and sisters at Ulysses, some twelve miles from here, in Pennsylvania, and they with us, to cheer each other on the way to the promised land.
Yours waiting the speedy coming of our Lord.
C. STEBBINS
Wileysville, N. Y., Nov. 14th, 1858.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. E. C. Stiles writes from Portland, Me., Nov. 21st, 1858: "Bro. Loughborough, and Bro. and sister White was here last week, and lectured on the Sabbath, the law, etc., to the comfort and edification of many in this place, and left here for Boston, Mass., last 6th day. Bro. and sister White stopped with us one night, and I trust that the acquaintance which myself and wife formed with them and Bro. Loughborough will be perpetuated in the kingdom of Jesus on the earth. I believe they are God's dear children, though I cannot see some points as they hold them; but I am persuaded that if truth is theirs it will be mine also, sooner or later. I mean to be one of those, who, when they heard the Word, understood it and kept it, and not keep it before I understand it. Myself and wife embraced the Sabbath truth last August, and now Brn. White and Loughborough have given us strong arguments to digest on the Two-horned Beast, Third Angel's Message and Sanctuary. "Light is sown for the righteous," and the path of the just will shine more and more. I have found this true thus far, and mean to walk in the light while I have it."
The Courage to Stand Alone
There is a cowardice in the age which is not christian. We shrink from the consequences of truth. We look round and cling dependently. We ask what men will think,—what others will say,—whether they will not stare in astonishment. Perhaps they will; but he who is calculating that will accomplish nothing in life. The Father—the Father which is with us, and in us—what does he think? God's work cannot be done without a spirit of independence. A man has got some way in the christian life when he has learned to say, "I dare to be alone."
Suppose Enemies Act from Mistake
It will often be well for you to suppose that your enemies are acting from mistake.
The happiest days of my life were those which immediately preceded the passing of the time in 1844, and with a few I could sing,
> "One there is above all others,
> Well deserves the name of friend."
In those days there were many hearts which were filled with a peace which passeth all understanding, and a joy which was unutterable. We not only remember the blessing upon us, who were waiting for the coming of the Lord, but well remember the sad disappointment to which we were subjected; and the inquiry went round. What does it mean? Praise the Lord! we now know, brethren and sisters, what it means. We know that although our Lord delayed his coming, (and it may be well for some of us Laodiceans that it was so,) that "Yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." We know it means also, that those who live in these last days may be blessed above all others, if we will receive and follow the light which has been shed upon our pathway. God has bestowed upon us who have received the present truth, a knowledge of his word, far surpassing that which is in the possession of any other people. Of course then, our responsibilities are great, truly great.
How many of us in these days of the saints' patience, like Enoch of old are "walking with God?" How many of us in the midst of the opposition and trials which we have to experience, and in view of the time of "Jacob's trouble," which is near at hand, can say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him?" The apostle James says, "Behold we count them happy, which endure; ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." Let us always bear in mind that the Lord does not afflict willingly, and that if we are without chastisement, we are accounted as bastards, and not as sons." While waiting for our Lord, then, let us like Paul glory in tribulation, and praise the Lord that we are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake.
The end which the Lord had in view in afflicting Job, was, that he might be glorified, and that his servant might be better fitted for his service here, and have a part in the first resurrection, and a residence in the heavenly city; and if we would go up with him, to possess the kingdom, we must be patient in tribulation, and be ready, if it is the will of our heavenly Father, to suffer the loss of our worldly goods, and with the people of God be willing to be afflicted, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short season.
A word to the doubtful and wavering. Remember Peter. As soon as he began to doubt his ability to get to his Lord on the water he began to sink; and when you begin to doubt, you will begin to sink. You have believed the present truth; if through the whisperings of the adversary, or the teachings of false instructors, or because you find the way to life rough and thorny, you are disposed to turn back, take care, my brother! you had better never have known the way of righteousness, than after you have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto you. "Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation."
Wm. S. Foote.
Pendleton, O.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
GEO. WRIGHT: A sufficient answer to the story that several hundreds have left the Third Angel's Message in Wisconsin, on account of views advocated by Bro. Waggoner, will be found in a few facts. The largest number of papers we ever sent into that State was 249. This was some over three years ago. Since then we have had occasion to trim up that list several times. Since that time, also, a separation has taken place between the true and the false. The gangrene (if we may use a medical term) of No-law and Age-to-Come, has sloughed off; we now know who our friends are, and where to find them; the majority of our former brethren have remained true to the Cause they love; and we now send as many papers into Wisconsin as ever, with the exception of 39. This speaks well for the condition of the Cause in that section. We understand the prospect never was better than now for healthy action in that State.
Suppose brother Waggoner had preached that believers should "sell what they had and lay it at his feet," (which, who is credulous enough to believe!) if any would give up the truth for such a cause as that, it would show, would it not, that the truth had but a very slight hold upon their hearts and affections? One thing we are quite sure of, and that is that they didn't lay much at his feet: we think it would have spoken better for some of them if they had. He may have referred them to the command of the Saviour, "Sell that ye have and give alms." Our preachers still preach this, and we still believe it to be duty—understanding the passage, of course, as modified by other scriptures. Allowing scripture to explain scripture, the declaration evidently means, that a man should hold subject to the calls of humanity and religion whatever he has above the necessities of his own household; [1 Tim. v, 8;] that one, of his abundance should supply the wants of another; [2 Cor. viii, 14;] or that every one should lay by him as the Lord hath prospered him. 1 Cor. xvi, 2. There will probably be found plenty of Ananiases and Sapphiras who will even shrink from, or try to evade, this just principle, and misrepresent those who believe in it.
Our brethren who have lately come to the faith, and are consequently unacquainted with all the devices of its enemies, must not be startled nor staggered at the wild reports that may be afloat. We are prepared to caution them beforehand not to give the least credence, or pay the least attention, to any such reports till they know for themselves upon what foundation they rest.
E. O. Fish, L. M. A., and Friend of Present truth, we designed to notice your queries in this number, but have not space.
Note from Bro. Hull.
By M. Hull
[The following is rather a hard picture. If it is from the fruits of anything that we are to judge of its character, we are constrained to say that the Age-to-come doctrine is a very bad tree.—Ed.]
Bro. SMITH: I find myself in a hard place when I am among no-law, Age-to-comeites. I have spent several days among them since my return to Ind. I find with the best of them religion is but a secondary matter. I have the first family altar yet to find among them; and indeed many of them oppose public prayer entirely. Tobacco, joking, jesting, and opposition to the law of God, seem to be the main productions of the soil of "future probationism." Yet I thank God that they are not all so far gone that the Third Angel's Message cannot get hold of them. Some of them see a beauty in it, acknowledge it, and try to obey it. My father, mother-in-law, and some of my brothers and sisters see a beauty in the truth, and have resolved to obey it. M. Hull. Russiaville, Ind., Nov. 8th, 1858.
What is the "Eyesalve?"
By M. E. Cornell
It is composed of seven different ingredients, according to the Apostle. See 2 Pet. v, 1-9. After naming the seven parts, he says, "He that lacketh these things is BLIND," &c. Of course then, he that has them is not blind, and hence it is the genuine "eye-salve."
To make the eye-salve, then, Take a sufficient quantity of Faith, then add, 1. Virtue; 2. Knowledge; 3. Temperance; 4. Patience; 5. Godliness; 6. Brotherly Kindness; 7. Charity. In attempting to put these ingredients together, great care is to be exercised lest the whole effort prove a failure. Do not try to add the 7th to the 1st, but remember that Charity follows Brotherly Kindness. Charity is the cap-stone of the building, while Faith is only the foundation. There are always several parts, in a well built edifice, between the foundation and roof. We hear some cry, "Charity," while destitute of Temperance, Patience, and Brotherly Kindness; but the Apostle James says, "First pure, then peaceable."
There is evidently a great lack among us of each of the seven parts of this inspired specific for spiritual blindness. But let this remedy be faithfully applied, and doubtless the scales will fall, and sight will be restored to the great joy of all who apply it.
M. E. CORNELL.
Petitions Against Sabbath Mail
The Mails on the Sabbath.—Our Western exchanges state that a petition to the Postmaster-General has been got up at Knoxville, Tenn., requesting him to discontinue the Sabbath mail through East Tennessee. Similar petitions are on foot between Richmond and New Orleans.—Independent.
Observance of the Sabbath
Observance of the Sabbath.—The new code adopted in Mississippi has the following provision in relation to the violation of the Sabbath: "If any person shall be found hunting with a gun on the Sabbath, he shall, on conviction thereof, be fined not less than five nor more than twenty dollars."—Independent.
Opposition to the Sabbath
By Editor
Bro. Bates writes us that A. N. Seymour, hearing of the work of the Lord in Lapeer, has written to the Post Master of that place (so he was told) that if the people there would pay his expenses out, he would come and put down the Sabbath question; thus trying to beg his way into a community in order to oppose the Sabbath. We have heard him publicly apply Col. ii, 16 to the weekly Sabbath: "Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy-day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath-days." Yet no one is more ready than he, to judge, condemn and denounce a person for keeping the Sabbath. If that scripture applies as he uses it, why all this malice and enmity against the law of God? Why all this compassing sea and land to make a man its enemy?
We presume the people of Lapeer are fully capable of taking care of themselves and managing their own questions, and that they will therefore be able to dispense with his, in his own eyes, invaluable services.
It may be proper for us here to state that we once happened, unexpectedly, to be present at one of his public harangues, and from what we there saw and heard, we lost many of our fears that the man would be able to deceive any honest ones who have the love of Christ in their hearts and desire to manifest his Spirit in their lives, and who have any knowledge of the circumstances out of which he would endeavor to manufacture reports prejudicial to Sabbath-keepers. His course on the Sabbath question is a great negation. He endeavors to tear down, but not to build up. One would judge from his proceedings that the only sin in the world, was endeavoring to obey God in observing his holy day; and that whoever would desist from this, would be a saint indeed, a hopeful heir of salvation. We pity the man, and commiserate the deception under which he labors.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
C. C. Collins: B. Collins' paper has been sent on your acc't. We do not now call to mind his address. The INSTRUCTOR still goes to E. Carpenter, Ellensburgh. What is the address of Augusta S. Pratt.
T. Draper: The P. O. address of the individuals you inquire is Green Vale, Ills.
M. S. Kellogg: We hand the balance of your remittance to the individual you name.
I. C. Vaughan: H. Keefer has paid to No. 8, present volume. and J. M. Brown to No. 14, ditto.
D. E. Edmunds; The Brief Exposition of Daniel is exhausted.
Wm. Peabody: Received.
C. E. Harris: We think it of no consequence.
We would remind our three month subscribers in Lapeer, Mich., that the time of their subscription is now expired, and we wish to hear from them to know if they wish the paper continued.
Letters.
P. Scarborough, C. Landon, F. Walter, J. Archer, E. Jones, C. C. Collins, T. Draper, A. Taber, L. Morris, M. S. Kellogg, M. Hull, J. Taber, I. C. Vaughan, J. Fishell, jr., J. Lindsey, A. R. Ecklar, H. M. Ayres, E. O. Fish, E. W. Waters, B. Graham, E. C. Stiles, Geo. Wright, A. Brewster, J. D. Hough, R. F. Cottrell, N. Fuller, E. R. Whitcome, Mrs. J. Spaulding, J. Cady, S. C. Hancock, J. Clarke, S. J. Seaman, F. F. Lamoreaux, Thos. Harlow, E. W. Phelps, L. W. Foster, D. E. Edmunds, E. Prior, J. Bishop, M. Wells, R. Sawyer, D. W. Johnston, A. A. Hulett.
Receipts.
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FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
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