BRO. SMITH: It is encouraging to read in the Review the testimonies from so many who are striving to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, "Be zealous therefore and repent." And I am deeply anxious to unite with them in this work of reform.
I feel that we have reached a very important crisis. Much depends upon what we now do. With the threatening of God before us, to spue us out of his mouth unless we repent, how can we be careless! Yet notwithstanding this, I greatly fear for myself at times, lest for lack of zeal, and true heart-felt repentance, I may be left to fall with those who fall.
When I embraced the Third Angel's Message, I felt like giving up all to God. I believed nothing short of this would be accepted. And since then it has been my desire to serve the Lord with faithfulness. But I now see, in my efforts to glorify him, I have greatly failed. I have wanted much for energy in the cause of God. But I am thankful that still Jesus waits to have mercy, and to abundantly pardon his erring children. He says, As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. O may we not count the chastenings of the Lord grievous; nor faint when we are rebuked of him. But rather count them as tokens of his love to us, and improve them as special blessings from his hand.
Can it be, dear brethren and sisters, that one of us will be left finally to bar the Saviour from our hearts? But we are doing it now, so long as we neglect to heed this message, and rest satisfied with a theory of the truth, without feeling the Spirit's power. May the Lord help us to see our wretched condition, and buy gold, white raiment and eye-salve, that we may be prepared to stand in the conflict before us.
The promised inheritance to those that overcome, never looked more desirable to me than now. And though the way be thorny, and self-crucifying, it is just as it should be. I feel that with God's people I can toil, and suffer if need be, if I may be permitted to share with them in the consummation of their hope.
E. M. HUTCHINS
Panton, Vt., Jan. 25th, 1857.
Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
Bro. I. D. Cramer writes from West Milton, N. Y., Jan. 19th, 1857: "Myself and companion have professed to be guided by the voice of the Third Angel's Message nearly seven years, and I can truly say, We have ever found the Review a faithful messenger. I desire to grow in grace daily, with its increasing interest. I am satisfied that true light is shining out from the word of the Lord, to give edge to the Message. I feel that the message to the Laodiceans is what I need to give heed unto, that I may have the gold, the raiment, and the eye-salve, that I may see all the light."
Sisters N. G. Sanders and S. J. Grant write from Rush Lake, Wis. : "We are glad to see so many are heeding the message to the Laodiceans, whether they are Laodiceans or not; but from the similarity between the Laodicean and the Advent church at the present, we are inclined to think the application a safe one, and hope by God's help to obtain eye-salve gold, and white raiment, that being clothed by the righteousness of God, we may be prepared to meet our coming Saviour and King. We wish humbly to be where and what God would have us to be, and wish to see, understand and live, in accordance with all his will."
Bro. C. W. Stanley writes from Giddings, Wis., Jan. 27th, 1857: "Bro. Smith, Myself and companion are trying to be zealous and repent. We want to buy gold tried in the fire, and white raiment, and eye-salve that we may see; for the Saviour says, Behold I stand at the door and knock. We are striving to open the door and let him in. O may the Lord help us to overcome and sit with him in his throne. We feel to thank the Lord that he has kept us humble, and given us a desire to seek the truth and to acknowledge the messages. We praise the Lord that we did not denounce the Review and Review party under D. P. Hall's teaching; for the paper has ever come to us bearing precious truth. We are glad to see the church taking higher ground."
Sister C. B. Spaulding writes from Metamora, Ills., Jan. 25th, 1857: "I am encouraged in reading the cheering epistles that the Review contains; and I have read with interest those pieces on keeping the heart. I hope it will be profitable to me, and I do pray that I may be enabled to give the more earnest120heed to the things that I have heard, lest at any time I should let them slip. I feel that it is high time that we awake from our stupidity. May the Lord help us one and all, to be zealous and repent, and buy white raiment that we may be clothed, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see. That the Lord may have mercy upon us according to the multitude of his tender mercies, and not according to our iniquities, and blot out all our transgressions, that we may be permitted to stand on mount Zion with the hundred and forty-four thousand that shall be redeemed from among men, is the prayer of your unworthy sister."
HENRY W. BROWN
By Henry W. Brown
From Bro. Brown.
Bro. Smith: With a grateful heart would I acknowledge the mercies of God in sparing my unprofitable life until this time, and in granting me a day of probation, a time to repent of all past sins and besetments. How merciful the Lord has been to me, to ever show such a wicked, miserable creature his truth, and then after professing it for nearly two years, to show me that I was in nearly all my works, denying him. In causing me to hear the admonition to repent, is mercy beyond comprehension. O that God would impress upon our minds the importance of improving the time! His love and mercy still extend to us.
It rejoices my heart to hear what the Lord is doing for his people in other places, and to hear that the Holy Spirit is with Bro. White in his travels among the scattered flock. My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that we may be zealous in seeking for eternal life, by repenting in very deed of all our wrongs, and lay hold with an unyielding grasp upon the hope set before us, and raise a standard of truth; that is, by raising our examples to our professions. We profess that our Lord is soon coming to gather his elect, which shall be without fault before him; but are we seeking a preparation with that zeal that so important a work demands? O may the eye-salve be applied to our eyes.
HENRY W. BROWN
Richfield, Springs, N. Y.
A Testimony of Sabbath Conversion
By P. A. Hawley
From Sister Hawley.
BRO. SMITH: I feel it a duty as well as a privilege to write a few lines for the Review. It is about two years since my mother first commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Brn. Frisbie, Cornell and Waggoner came to our house in Parma, Mich., by invitation of Bro. Dodge, who had called at our house on business; and it was at mother's request that he brought two of his brethren at our house.
By them she was convinced that she was violating the fourth commandment, and felt it her duty to keep the laws of God, rather than those of men. I felt that I had rather the Advent ministers would keep away. I thought that they were not popular enough for the world's people; and for this I did not like to have my mother change from Sunday to Sabbath.
About one year ago my husband and I with my father's little family, came to Round Grove, Ills. Here out of regard for our parents' feelings, we consented to keep Saturday, as we deemed it.
During this Summer I was convinced that my parents were right on the Sabbath: so I kept it as any other unconverted person would, because other people did. But, thank the Lord, I am now trying to keep it in spirit; and with the help of my God I will be his humble follower. I long to see my dear Saviour, and reign with him in the new earth.
My prayer is that I with my little family may meet with the little flock of the redeemed on mount Zion. P. A. HAWLEY.
Round Grove, Ills., Feb. 1st, 1857.
Meetings in Ohio.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: The work is still moving on here in Ohio. Last Sabbath and First-day we held meetings in the town of Jackson, Sandusky Co., where several had commenced keeping the Sabbath. Our meetings were in the Baptist meeting-house. Some of their members seemed deeply interested, and have commenced an investigation of the Sabbath question. Solemn conviction rested upon several, as was indicated by the falling tear. Several good testimonies were given; two of them were public resolutions henceforth to keep the commandments.
While on our way to the meeting-house on First-day, a little boy came running out to the road with the cry, "Mother don't want you to start the meeting till she comes; for she wants to hear every word." Several there manifested an interest in the Bible for the first time. Our interview with Bro. Hodgson's family was truly pleasant. We shall long remember the melting season we had the morning of our departure. May the Lord direct those dear parents, especially in their duty to their children, that they may all be saved at last.
Most of the time I have spent in company with Bro. Holt. He feels much encouraged. By the blessing of God, which comes alone through the prayer of faith, his health is fast improving, and he is being led out somewhat by the Spirit of the Lord. Our union thus far has been sweet, and we can truly say, The Lord has been with us, for which we give him glory.
That the Lord may be with us as we go through the churches in Mich. to comfort, strengthen and build them up, is my fervent prayer.
M. E. CORNELL.
Milan, Ohio, Feb. 4th, 1857.
Who will Try it ?
By James White
TRY what? Answer. Try the plan of taking packages of ten, seventeen, twenty-four, or forty, of the YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR for their young friends around them. Send your orders immediately, and if you are not prepared to send the pay with your order, send it as soon as convenient.
Those who wish packages of the INSTRUCTOR for those who are not subscribers, can have them at the following rates: 10 copies, $2,00; 17 copies, $3,00; 24 copies, $4,00; 40 copies $6,00. J. W.
A Variety.
By James White
THE INSTRUCTOR is designed for youth and children, hence it contains a variety. The easy lessons and much other matter are for small children. Parents should read the entire little paper to their small children and explain to them. Excellent evening employment this! We were never in favor of printing "baby-talk" for children. As they increase in years and intellect, they should be led along up above cradle talk; therefore their reading should be such as to elevate the young mind.
A large portion of the reading matter in the INSTRUCTOR will be just adapted to the wants of the youth, from fifteen to twenty years of age, and what they should read. It should be in every family of Sabbath-keepers, and be circulated into as many families where they do not keep the Sabbath as possible. J. W.
APPOINTMENTS.
By James White
Conference in Hillsdale.
THERE will be a Conference in Hillsdale, (in Waldron's Hall,) commencing on Sixth-day, Feb. 13, at 10 o'clock A. M., continuing over Sabbath and first day.
Brethren and sisters, let us have a "solemn assembly," and come to this meeting to unite our cries unto our Father in heaven to spare his people, and pour out his blessing upon us, that we may be enabled to arise and overcome, and receive the Saviour. Rev. iii, 18-21.
I feel it duty to say that in past meetings of this kind too much attention has been paid to eating and drinking; we have nourished our hearts when we should have afflicted our souls, and prayed with fasting. It is hoped that the spiritual wants of the church will receive our whole attention.
Bro. Cornell, and Bro. Holt of Ohio, will attend this meeting. For the church. J. H. W.
Conference at Oswego, N.Y.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a Conference at Oswego, N. Y., commencing Feb. 27th, at 2 o'clock P. M., to continue until the Holy Spirit may seem to dictate a close. We hope to meet Brn. Ingraham and Cottrell at this Conference. The Tent operation for the coming season will probably be taken into consideration at this Conference. We hope the churches in Central N. Y. will be fully represented at this meeting.
The brethren generally will need to come prepared to take care of themselves, as there are but few now in Oswego prepared to accommodate those who may come.
S. W. RHODES.
F. WHEELER.
H. EDSON.
Conferences in Michigan
By M. E. Cornell; G. W. Holt
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold Conferences in Eastern and Northern Mich. as follows:
At Saline, Washtenaw Co., commencing Monday evening, Feb. 16th, and hold over two days.
At Shelby, Macomb Co., commencing Friday, Feb. 20th, at 1 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
At Tyrone, Livingston Co., commencing Monday evening, Feb. 23d, and hold over two days.
At Locke, Ingham Co., commencing Friday, Feb. 27th, at 10 o'clock A. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
At Meridian, as Bro. Corey may appoint, commencing Monday evening, March 2d, and continue till Thursday evening following.
At Delhi, Ingham Co., commencing Friday, March 6th, at 1 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
From this point we may visit Ionia, Portland, Vergennes and Grand Rapids as the way may open.
Will the Brethren in these places write us at Williamstown, Ingham Co., Mich., that we may know how to make our arrangements.
The above Conferences are for the special benefit of the Church. We suggest that no rich food be prepared for these meetings; but that by fasting, prayer and confession of faults, we may return unto the Lord, and obtain lasting spiritual good, and be prepared for the great work before us.
M. E. CORNELL.
G. W. HOLT.
Receipts.
By Editor
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the "Review and 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.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
J. C. Parker 2,00,xi,22. Giles S. Ray 1,00,x,11. Jno. L. Hayner 1,00,x,14. L. Priest 2,00,x,1. Jas. Heald 1,00,x,1. A.G. Wilbur 1,00,x,14. Geo. Leighton 1,00,x,20. M. Dennis 100,x,1. Danl. R. Wood 1,00,xi,1. F.J Card 100,x,14. Jos. E. Hool 2,00,x,1. Jno. Francisco 1,00,x,1. C. Aldrich 1,00,x,1.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR.—J. L. Palfray $0,50. C. M. $0,85. Jno. P. Rathbun $1.
FOR OFFICE RELIEF.—S. W. Rhodes $1.
FOR BOOK FUND.—E. Scribner $1. A.W.Curtis $1,50. P. Davis, R. Smalley, each $2. B. D. Townsend, J. Laughhead, each $5. J. L. Baker $4.
Prosperity of Brother Bates
By James White
We are happy to hear of the prosperity of Bro. Bates in the Lord's vineyard. The Brn. will hear from him by next week's REVIEW. J. W.
Books Sent
By Editor
Books SENT.—A. Osborne, Ind. Sarah Bell, N. Y., D. T. Evans, Vt., L. Kellogg, Mich., R. Hicks, R. I., R. Luce, jr., Wis., Chas. T. Euran, Ills., A. M. Curtis, Iowa, Mary L. Priest, Mass., H. W. K. Eastman, Mass., A. G. Bliss, Wis., Frances Strong, N. Y., L. Gould, N. H., C. W. Barber, R. I.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
The price set to each publication includes both the price of the book, and the postage, when sent by Mail.
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Hymn Book is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.---In Morocco, 65 cents.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.---Price, 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.---184 pages Price 15 cents.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing. Price 12½ cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.---148 pages.---Price 12½ cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.---Price 6 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.---Bound 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.---Price 8 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt v, 18, Consistency, &c.---Price 5 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God--its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity--is presented.---Price 12½ cents.
The Truth Found. A Short Argument for the Sabbath, by J. H. W. This is the best condensed work on the Sabbath extant. Price 6 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c, and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cts.
The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.---196 pp.---18 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.---148 pp.---12½ cents.
Last Work of the True Church.---Price 7 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.---Price 5 cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. By this work is shown the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destiny of the wicked. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.---Price 5 cents.
Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.---Price 12½ cents.
A condensed edition of 32 pp., 5 cents.
History of the Sabbath.---Price 5 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S."---Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad.---Price 5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views.---Price 6 cents.
Supplement to Experience and Views.---Price 6 cents.
Young Men and Women,
By James White
HELP us in our enterprise to benefit the youth and children. But you inquire, How can we do this? Answer. In several ways:
1. Take the YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR yourselves, and read it. This will help us, and will help you too. We design to make the INSTRUCTOR a paper that may be read with much profit by young men and young women.
2. Send the INSTRUCTOR one year to your young friends. Be the means of causing rays of pure light to shine into many young hearts. Nos. 1 & 2 alone are worth 25 cents to send to that dear boy, or that gentle girl, of your acquaintance, whom you love. Don't be covetous, but try to do some, yea much, good in the world.
3. Write. Yes, write one short article for the INSTRUCTOR each month. Many thanks to those who have favored this little sheet the past year. We shall expect them to continue. But let others write also.
In this way you can help the publisher, help others, and help yourselves. May God bless the young men and women among us, and enable them to work while the day lasts.
J. W.