AUGUST 22d, about midnight, we took the cars at Battle Creek for Crane's Grove, Ills., and reached that place the 23d, just before the Sabbath, and were kindly received and entertained by Bro. and Sr. Newton. Sabbath forenoon we met with the few friends of the cause in that place at the house of Bro. Jacob Berry. Here we were happy to meet Bro. Ingraham. He had come to the West to labor, and if the way opened to obtain a sojourner's resting place for sister Ingraham and the children, to remain till duty calls to some other field. Bro. Ingraham does not enter into other men's labors, as the manner of some is; but enters new fields, and raises up firm and warm friends of the cause. Then as the difficulties of a new field are overcome, and he more fully enjoys the fruit of arduous labor, he leaves for a new field. Thus he has torn away from dear friends in Pennsylvania, and has commenced his labors in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. We have never felt a deeper interest in any mission than in this. In order that Bro. Ingraham might enter at once upon the work to which God has called him, we furnish him with $300, which we have borrowed, to purchase a humble home, and take his notes. These notes we shall present to the friends of the cause, and give them an opportunity to make payments on them as they may esteem it a pleasure to do.
At Crane's Grove we spoke to the people in the school-house several times; but our meetings were interrupted by a few unruly spirits who call themselves Adventists. While speaking for the first time in the place, we were broken in upon by two men and one woman, all at once. These disorderly spirits seem to pattern after one Eld. Collings who holds meetings with them. We think his lack of candor, fairness, truthfulness and good manners has hardly a parallel among professed ministers at this day. At least we never before met his equal. We venture to say that no man can present views differing from his, where he is, without being disturbed and abused. He seems to be as uneasy as a fish out of water unless he can get up an unhappy debate, and jangle with those who differ from him. And what seems to place him beyond hope of reformation is that he glories in his shameful course.
We told Mr. Collings that we would not suffer him and his friends to break in upon us while speaking, and throw our meetings into confusion. It was evident also that the people of that vicinity, with few dishonorable exceptions, were opposed to the nervous raillery of these disorderly persons. And we hoped to enjoy the privilege of worshiping God without interruption during the General Tent-meeting. But Sabbath afternoon, after we had spoken about half an hour, J. M. Stephenson came into the Tent, and in a few minutes broke in upon us, requesting us to read certain verses. We declined, requesting the privilege of finishing the discourse without interruption, and referred to the conduct of others in the place which we did not hesitate to call unchristian and ungentlemanly. Mr. Stephenson then arose and read the verses, giving us the privilege of waiting until he had got through. Mr. Stephenson seeing that we were not willing to be broken in upon, chose his time at the close of nearly every meeting to hold a large portion of the congregation in the Tent as long as he chose, and talked to them as it suited himself, and the baser sort who responded to him in vulgar triumph.
First-day a business meeting was appointed in the Tent at the close of the afternoon service. And as Mr. Stephenson could not be deprived of his usual speech, he took his position but a few rods from the Tent, and called around him those who chose to hear him. He was distinctly heard by all in the Tent, which was no small interruption; but this we had to hear till the speaker closed his harangue.
At the close of the discourse in the evening, Bro. Waggoner corrected some false statements which he heard during the business meeting, to which Mr. Stephenson immediately replied. Then Bro. Waggoner made a still further correction. It was half past nine, and three in the stand wished to speak. But Mr. Stephenson rose up again, and being requested to give others a chance to speak, said, holding his Bible in his hand, I will have the last word. His actions were in harmony with his assertion. He even appealed to the sympathy of the people in his behalf, on the ground that his religious freedom was abridged by our refusing him a chance to break in upon us in the midst of a discourse!! Such egotists never see the necessity of religious freedom only on one side. It was painful to witness his course; but the brethren chose to patiently suffer it. Had he taken such a course at our Tent-meeting at Iowa City, Iowa, or at Monroe, Wis., the civil officers would have secured to us, without being solicited, the privilege of worshiping God unmolested. We never call on them for help, and never object to their doing their duty as officers of the peace.
During the discussion Mr. Stephenson was kept in his place by the presence of three moderators, and we could not help noticing how much more like a gentleman he appeared. But unfortunately for him, his frequent earnest and rapid stump-speeches during our meetings had made him very hoarse. But of the discussion we will not now speak.
One morning during the discussion, a friendly person asked us the following question: Have you heard that forty of your most substantial brethren at Battle Creek have given up the Sabbath? We replied that we had heard no such news. The person replied that Eld. Stephenson had a letter stating that this was the case. We soon saw that the no-Sabbath men were exulting over the news. Said some, It must be true, for Eld. Stephenson has the letter. At noon we saw a crowd around Mr. Stephenson, who held a letter in his hand, and on learning that it contained the latest news from Michigan, we asked him to read the letter to us. He declined, saying it was badly written; but granted us the use of it during the intermission, in which time a friend furnished us a copy. As such persons generally complain when Editors make beneficial alterations in their communications, we will give the letter as it is written. Here is the letter which caused so much joy in the ranks of the no-Sabbath men:
Mr. J. M. Stephenson dear ser pleas give me your views of the second chapter of revelations and especially of that woman Jeasable that Calls her self a prophecies and seduce the my servants turn to the second Chapter 20 verse and examine the remander of the Chapter and see if it does not Carry us down to the end she Commenced her prophecy amongst the methodest then with the Advents and now with remnant the reason I send you this is because we were told here in the Church that the ten Commandments no Sabbath was the seal or test miss and mr White have been here and miss white had a revelation here and she saw that we must believe her visions or be lost and in this vicinity about forty good substantial members made up thare mind to follow the teachings of the Bible rather than her visions they are made a test here and allover the state before her visions the bible falls and so does moral Character atleast it is so here the visions in them is salvation pleas write to me assoon as you Can after the discussion with white test him on the visions if passible Yours in the love of the truth
Joseph. J. Perkins
Otseg Alligan County michigan.
The above is a true copy.
SETH NEWTON.
ANNA M. NEWTON.
Crane's Grove, Ills., Aug., 1858.
We will make a few statements in regard to the above letter.
1. Mrs. White left the Methodist church about two years before the Lord appeared to her in holy vision.
2. Her vision at Otseg was an exposure of the sins of Mr. Perkins and others, and messages of comfort to honest, desponding ones present. Nearly all present were in tears as they listened to the relation of it. Eld. Cranmer, the leader of the faction, then stated with much feeling that he believed the work to be of God. The statement that all must believe the visions, or be lost, can be regarded in no other light than a willful falsehood, as fifty persons then present from Monterey, Allegan, Otsego, &c., will testify.
3. The statement from Bro. and Sr. Leighton below is all that need be said in regard to "forty good, substantial members," &c. Not one of them has left the Sabbath to our knowledge; but Eld. Cranmer, a man who is a notorious tobacco eater, and who has for years lived without family prayer, has succeeded in drawing after him a few disaffected persons, from many of whom the church had withdrawn fellowship.
TESTIMONY.
We, members of the church at Otsego, Mich., being on a visit to Battle Creek, have read the letter of Joseph J. Perkins, and testify that Mr. Perkins's statement that Sr. White had a revelation that we must believe the visions or be lost, is utterly false. Sr. White did have a vision in our midst last Winter, which no one then present opposed. Even Eld. Cranmer then testified that he believed it to be of God. He has since drawn off with him eight of the church only, all of the men being tobacco eaters.
Mr. Perkins is also reporting that Bro. White receives $2 a day for his services in the Office. Bro. Smith has this morning examined the Office books, and we find that instead of its being $2 a day, it has averaged $3.17 a week.
GEORGE LEIGHTON.
ROCKSILDA LEIGHTON.
Battle Creek, Sept. 6th, 1858.
4. These contemptible falsehoods in regard to the "Bible," "character," "salvation," &c., we will not spend words upon. Those who make these lies know what they are doing. And there are those throughout the dominion of the dragon who love these lies which are reported against the commandment-keepers. J. N. Seymour of this State is doubtless furnished with a new set to peddle where he goes. We would warn the lambs of Jesus to beware of him. Perhaps no scripture language is more applicable to this subject than Rev. xxii, 14, 15. Mark well the two classes, their present work, and their destiny:
"Blessed are they that DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates INTO THE CITY.
"For WITHOUT are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever LOVETH AND MAKETH A LIE."
J. W.
(To be Continued.)
TENT MEETINGS IN IOWA CITY.
By James White
WE pitched the tent in a central place within about three squares of the old State House, in an enclosed lot shaded by large trees. During the first part of our meetings the weather was wet. We had twice to remove our circle and dry the ground, to prevent mildew. The attendance was generally good, and the interest seemed to increase, especially toward the close. Our meetings were quiet, except the second night, when one man, evidently a Catholic of foreign birth, contradicted us with railing. But the police arrested him and he was fined. That ensured good order thereafter.
Some things connected with this meeting made it a very interesting one to me. Bro. Curtis, whose companion has stood alone on the truth for over six years, came out decided; also Bro. and Sr. H. E. Carver, all formerly of Cincinnati. One brother, who was a believer in 1844, but fell back after the passing of the time, and was only known as an infidel, seeing the harmony of the prophetic word as shown in the Third Angel's Message, embraced it fully and was baptized. Several other Advent believers also received the truth. How many of the numbers convinced, and who acknowledged their convictions, will keep the Sabbath, time alone can determine.
We commenced July 29th, and closed Aug. 16th. An urgent call to attend the meeting at Crane's Grove, Ills., made it necessary for us to leave when we did, but it seemed evident to all that another133week's labor there would have resulted in much good.
My health, which had been very poor, entirely failed at Iowa City, which made it impossible for me to return there. But Bro. Sperry consented to spend a few weeks with Bro. Hull in that State, to labor with or without the tent, as they should judge best for the cause.
The opening at, and around Iowa City is good, and it is to be hoped the little flock there will feel the necessity of holding high the standard of truth and holiness, that others, seeing their good works, may glorify our Father in heaven.
By the mercy of God my health has been somewhat improved, so that I have been able to return to my family; but to bear with them a burden of affliction. Our youngest daughter, Ella, closed her eyes in death, about nine hours after my arrival. While we talk to others of the blessed hope, it is in scenes like this that we learn its value. How sweet the thought that the day of redemption draws near!
J. H. W.
Extracts from Schmucker.
REV. XIII, 2. The throne of the dragon which he gave to the beast is the city of Rome and dominion in the West. Rome was the seat of Satan for many centuries, while Pagan idolatry swayed the scepter; and though it had ceased to be his residence since the time of Constantine the Great; yet he had not relinquished his pretensions, [Matt. xii, 44.] until he gave it to the beast, by the establishment of the Papal hierarchy; when it again became the chief source and seat of Papal idolatry in a renewed and Christian form. And it must be confessed that the popes have faithfully followed the example of their worthy predecessor, by the usurpation of temporal and spiritual power in the city of Rome, and by enthroning their system of idolatrous worship, for universal sway in the West. It is further said that the dragon gave him great authority. The Roman emperors pretended to have been descended from the gods, assumed a supernatural dignity, and had divine honors paid them by their subjects. But the dragon gave to the beast to arrogate to himself all authority, both in heaven, on earth, and in hell; even to assume a divine character of holiness, infallibility, and making articles of faith, and to rule over emperors, kings, princes, bishops, and over all kingdoms and churches, calling himself King of kings, Lord of lords, and Rector orbis. Indeed it cannot be explained from merely natural causes, how a spiritual prince could attain to such an exorbitant authority, as by one word to dethrone emperors, kings, and princes, and invest others with the ensigns of their high stations, without their armies or connections being able to defend them. But here this matter is fully developed; he is the vicar of Satan, and holds his power, throne and authority by the gift of the dragon; who by his instrumentality, aspired to the throne of the world.
Verse 11. He had two horns like a lamb. Horns of large or wild animals, in prophetic language often signify kingdoms; but this beast had two horns like a lamb, which belonged to his essential parts, and do not denote two separate, distinct powers, but such as may exist under one head. St. John only compares his horns to those of a lamb, and does not describe the rest of his body; however, he seems to indicate by this description of his horns, and his silence concerning the rest, that there was nothing wild or terrible in his appearance. This may denote a great show of Christian humility, meekness and piety in demeanor, to facilitate the execution of wicked intentions; for the Apostle immediately adds, he spake as a dragon. Though he had affected a lamb-like disposition, and had the outside of a devout Christian in his deportment, his mouth betrayed him; he spake the language of a dragon in support of rites and customs, of a species of idolatry originally borrowed from Paganism, and commanded cruel persecutions against the servants and saints of Christ. It is moreover worthy of observation, that these two beasts are represented as being two individuals in the last days.134Chap. xix, 20. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
I would not be immortal in this dark world of woe, Where the bitter tears of sorrow so often here must flow, Where life's brief, chequered pathway is filled with cankering care, And the heart too oft o'erburdened, sinks almost in despair.
I would not be immortal beneath the changing moon, The emblem of life's changes—I ask not such a hoon;— Where the sun obscured by tempest-cloud, withdraws his feeble light, Then sets and leaves the cheerless world in dismal, pitchy night.
I ask to be immortal where the flowers unfading bloom, Where no blasting, blight, or mildew, nor change can ever come; Where sun and moon shall ever shine, in fairer, purer skies, And no dark, lowering tempest-cloud shall ever more arise.
Yes, I would seek eternal life as the gift of God above, Relying on his promises and his unchanging love; Seek life through his dear, dying Son on Calvary's bloody tree, Salvation's opening fountain—still flowing pure and free.
I ask to be immortal, where the Tempter's cruel power Can never, nevermore be felt for one short fleeting hour; Where the weary, way-worn pilgrim shall find a peaceful home, And sickness, pain and sorrow, and death can never come.
Yes, I would be immortal, where the victor throng shall pass Before the great white throne, on the crystal sea of glass; Where the anthems blend in harmony among that happy throng, And their voices sound triumphantly with hallelujah's song.
I would see that glorious city, whose pearly gates unfold, And we of right may enter to walk its streets of gold; Would drink of life's pure river for each one flowing free, And pluck the fruit ambrosial, from life's unfading tree.
Who would not be immortal in such a land as this, Where the soul enjoys sweet transports, unbounded, perfect bliss, Where all the host of ransomed ones, salvation's notes prolong, And the praise of our Redeemer shall dwell on every tongue.
E. S. LANE.
East Genoa, N. Y., Aug. 26th, 1858.
‐GONE TO SEED.‐
By R. F. C.
A FRIEND who makes no profession of religion, on being inquired of concerning a brother of his, replied that he was a Universalist ‐gone to seed.‐ By this expression he wished to be understood that his brother had ‐progressed‐ from Universalism to Spiritualism. I was struck with the aptness of the expression; and as I reflected upon it, I thought it was evident that Spiritualism was the natural result to which, not only Universalism, but every other ism which teaches the natural immortality of the soul, tended.
Spiritualism is the grand result of the unfolding scheme of Satan, which was commenced when he first whispered in the ear of the mother of all living, ‐Ye shall not surely die.‐ And when fully embraced, the scheme of the great Adversary is completely successful, and the poor, deluded subject of his deception is ripe for destruction. The word of God is set at naught, and his language is, ‐Let God and Jesus go, and redeem ourselves, and progress in eternal happiness.‐ When a man has reached this point, he is ‐gone to seed;‐ he is a tare of the field fully matured. This is the result of that pride of heart, generated by the false idea that he is immortal and can not die. He fancies himself a god ‐knowing good and evil,‐ and consequently declares, ‐Man is his own judge—in his own scales weighed.‐
How solemn the thought that the harvest of the earth is almost ripe. Soon it will be said, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe. May the Lord speed on the Third Angel’s Message, and thus ripen the wheat for the heavenly garner. The great harvest can be but a very little in the future. The sins of Babylon have almost reached to heaven, the cup of her iniquity is almost full. Soon her plagues will come in a day, death and mourning and famine. Spare thy people, Lord! is my prayer. R. F. C.
BRO. SMITH: Since my last report from Hillsdale, I have been laboring on in the good cause of the Lord, and though I have not seen the immediate effects of my labors, in the conversion of souls, yet I trust that some seed has fallen into good ground, and that the fruit will be seen hereafter.
At Green Spring I met with the church on the Sabbath, and on First-day had a meeting in the grove near the spring. I also visited the brethren at Townsend, Sandusky Co. Here I found some friends with whom I was connected in the Seventh-day Baptist church in this place, some twenty-five years ago. I was glad to see these old friends again, and especially to find them striving to walk in the light of the Third Angel’s Message. Some of this family had swerved from the holy Sabbath commandment, and were in danger of being carried away with the flood of Spiritualism. I visited, and labored with them, and found they were not given up to hardness of heart, but were yet susceptible of good impressions, and seemed honestly desirous of knowing the truth.
I felt a spirit of earnest prayer for them, that they might be saved from the power of the enemy, and I cherish the hope that they may be saved from the jaws of the lion.
The next Sabbath and First-day I had meetings at Troy, Geauga Co., O., where the parents of Bro. R. N. Chaffee reside. The weather was unfavorable, as it rained all day on First-day. Still a considerable number attended, and some from quite a distance. This is a new place, the truth not having been preached in that vicinity. May the Lord help Bro. and Sr. Chaffee to back up the truth there, by a godly walk and conversation. I also visited Bro. Stewart at Cleveland, who is laboring to spread the truth by means of publications, which he distributes to railroad and steamboat passengers as they arrive and pass through that city. The Lord bless his labors.
Since my arrival at home, I have been into some new places, in one of which there were a number of Seventh-day Baptists, and, in some instances, I think that the ‐middle wall of partition,‐ which stands between them and the present truth, is giving way. I allude to the doctrine of natural immortality. The fearful strides of Spiritualism, the base and bulwark of which is this very theory, will open the eyes of the honest, and cause them to examine candidly the claims of the last message.
I attended the last monthly meeting with the brethren north and east of this place. It was held at Bro. Buckland’s, in Carlton, Orleans Co., which is an entirely new place, in respect to the proclamation of the present truth. The people came in on the Sabbath as if anxious to hear, and on First-day we removed to a commodious school-house, which was well filled. Bro. Wheeler met with us, and brethren were present from Wilson, Olcott, Orangeport, Barre, Clarkson, Parma, Rochester and Mill Grove. A daughter of Bro. and Sr. Buckland has decided to obey the truth, and was baptized in the lake toward the close of the Sabbath, and also the mother, who had not been immersed. Last Sabbath our friends and brethren from Bennington met with us at Mill Grove, and next Sabbath we go to meet with them.
I am still determined to press forward in this good work, and labor in his cause, who has done so much for me. I am thankful to God that I have been kept from sickness and accident while traveling, and thankful to his people, who have kindly administered to my wants and necessary expenses. I hope that their liberality will not be thrown away, but that it may prove to have been used to the glory of God.
Yours to see the end of the race. R. F. C.
Mill Grove, N. Y., Aug. 24th, 1858.
Tent Meetings in Lapeer, Mich., Closed.
From the time of last report, the interest continued to increase until the last. The excitement caused by the opposition of the clergy of the place seemed gradually to subside, and a deep and abiding spirit of investigation filled its place; like the noble Bereans, they searched the Scriptures daily; therefore many of them believed, and there soon followed a general inquiry after church order. Their ministers would fain have them believe that we as a people had no organization or order whatever; but we soon gave them to understand that we believed in the most thorough, and complete Bible organization; that in tearing down their old shanty of sectarian disorder, we proposed to rear up for them in its stead, a most beautiful mansion of true gospel order. Our Creed or Discipline was the Bible, and our church book where names were to be enrolled was the Lamb's Book of Life; the name was the Church of God at Lapeer, and the Lord would add to it such as should be saved. The Foundation was the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; that all the members of this church were regularly licensed exhorters—even to exhort one another and so much the more as they see the day approaching.
At our last social meeting there were thirty-six testimonies given, and with only two or three exceptions the language was that of Canaan: it was truly a refreshing time. As the time was limited we gave opportunity for those that had not spoken, and were fully decided on the Sabbath, to manifest it by rising, and twenty-five more stood up. After this we ascertained that fifteen or twenty others had decided. Six were baptized. Old settlers in Lapeer said there had never been so large a concourse at any baptismal scene in that place before. Eighty subscribers were obtained for Review during this meeting. Application was made for a place to hold meetings on the Sabbath, but a suitable one could not be had. A meeting was called and it was resolved to build a plain, commodious house immediately. Bro. George Wright was unanimously chosen to superintend the building. The house is to be 36 by 50 feet, with a view to general meetings in this part of the State. Subscription papers were circulated, and over three hundred dollars were pledged before we left. They hope to complete it by the first of November. In the vicinity of Lapeer there seems to be a good opening for labor the coming Fall and Winter. The people are not as proud and aristocratic as in older settlements, and consequently are more free to follow after truth. We are encouraged to press on into new places in search of the honest jewels.
M. E. CORNELL.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
FRANCIS STRONG
By Francis Strong
From Sister Strong.
BRo. SMITH: I rejoice to hear that the truth is progressing in different parts of the wide harvest-field, and that a great work is being done for the remnant, and the way is being prepared for the Third Angel's Message to go with a loud voice. I feel thankful for what the Lord is doing for the church in this place, that he has not left us in a lukewarm state to be spied out of his mouth, but is calling upon us to be zealous and repent, and buy the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment and eye-salve, that we may see glorious things out of his law. He is ready and willing to receive us if we will come to him with all our hearts, feeling our need and dependence upon him. While some are coming into the truth here, others are waiting and ready to receive it.
Truly the harvest is great and the laborers are few. We feel the importance of working while the day lasts. Will Bro. White, Bro. Hutchins, or some other messenger traveling East call on us and administer the ordinance of baptism. It is over a year since we have had any preaching here. If you feel it to be duty, come, and we will aid you with our prayers and our means, to help you forward in your labor of love in the cause of Christ, our Redeemer and Saviour.
Yours in the blessed hope.
FRANCIS STRONG
West Milton, N. Y., Aug. 22d, 1858.
The Third Angel’s Message
Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: ‐—
Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: – – – – – –
Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: — Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: — — —
Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: —
Bro. B. Sawyer writes from Wright, Mich., Aug. 21st, 1858: — "*Although not a subscriber for the Re-135view, yet I have it occasionally to peruse.* The truths advocated in it look precious to me. I am very thankful that I have been spared, a monument of God's mercy, to hear the Third Angel's Message. I believe it to be the last message of mercy this world will ever hear, and yet how few regard it! I was led to see that I was traveling the downward road, while attending Bro. Frisbie's meetings last Winter; and if honest I must acknowledge the truth. By the grace of God I have endeavored to do so; and my earnest prayer is that I may keep all his commandments. I am determined to see the end of the race."
A Solemn and Important Time
By H. S. Gurney
Bro. Smith : I here take the liberty to copy a few sentences from a journal kept in my family. It may encourage some one. H. S. Gurney.
“We are living in a very solemn and important time, when we ought to enjoy the favor of God continually ; but alas! says the angel to John, ‘Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.’ Will not this stir us to be zealous and repent of all our wrongs, be faithful to confess and forsake, that the Lord may have mercy upon us? The Lord hath said, Return unto me, and I will return unto you, and heal all your backslidings. What an encouragement! who has taken courage? . . . .
“Is it possible that we are living in the last generation upon the earth in its present state? Is it certain that we are living in the time and state referred to in Rev. iii? Have we passed through the signs that were to precede the coming of the Lord? Have we heard the proclamation of the first and second angels, and now living under the sound of the third and last message that will ever be given to men dwelling upon the earth? And is it certain that we are to be justified by believing and obeying this truth, or by rejecting and disobeying it, be made to drink of the unmingled wrath of an offended and angry God? Can it be that God has had a special care over a remnant of earth's inhabitants, has opened ways before them, and brought them through every strait place; and when exaltation has developed itself, has he in his providence separated the humble, honest ones from among the worldly, where they could worship God in spirit and in truth, and enjoy his smiles and approbation? And did this great overruling power foresee ages upon ages to come, and mark the coming into existence of a generation far in the distance, and did Jesus send and signify the revelation by his angel unto his servant John on the isle that is called Patmos? And has he been very careful to see that every jot and tittle of such prediction has been minutely fulfilled according as predicted? Have we any positive knowledge within our reach that these things are so? that God means just what the Bible declares, and that the words he speaks will surely come to pass? Methinks we have evidences very ominous; we have seen in our short life, signs very convincing that these things are so; that this is the last generation; that we are living in the Laodicean state; that we have passed the most of the signs predicted; that we with our ears have heard the first, second and third angel's messages, a rejection of which will condemn, and a reception of which will justify.
“We believe God has ever had a care over his church, and that he did foresee their trials, and gave a revelation to his Son Jesus, which he sent and signified to John, through his angel, concerning things that were to come to pass before the coming again of the Just One. Then, O my soul, if thou hast all that confidence in such an overruling power, and believest that God is as sure to perform to the wicked, as to reward the righteous, how canst thou content thyself to live in this poor dying condition, seeing the Lord has announced to thee, Unless thou be zealous and repent, I will spue thee out of my mouth?”
Standing Alone for the Truth
By G. P. Cushman
From Bro. Cushman.
Bro. Smith : I feel truly thankful to my heavenly Father for his goodness to me in ever having thoughts of mercy towards me, unworthy of the least of his mercies and blessings. I prize the Review, which is the only beacon light I have, pointing us, according to the word of God, to the last solemn warning of the Third Angel's Message. And do I realize it? I think not, as I did when I first embraced it. Still I have not wholly lost sight of the Message, and I feel to thank the Lord that I have a desire to arise and obtain the gold tried in the fire, white raiment, &c. I have to stand alone here to tread the thorny path of truth; yet I am not discouraged. I mean to stick to the right and stand for the truth as far as in me lies.
Yours hoping to overcome.
G. P. Cushman.
Tunbridge, Vt, Aug. 22d, 1858.
J. F. HAMMOND
By J. F. Hammond
From Bro. Hammond.
BRO. SMITH: With great thankfulness to God I still receive the Review. My soul is often cheered by it to still strive for the kingdom amid the many perils of the last days. I am ashamed to think I have done so little for its support. I have taken it steadily since the first paper was published by Bro. White in Connecticut. I loved it then, and thanks be to God, my love is still increasing for the precious truths it advocates, and for God's dear children. But I am among the poor of this world. How often I wish I had the privilege of doing as many have done. I am satisfied what is done must be done quickly. Soon the loud cry will be given by the Third Angel.
O for a realizing sense of the work of Jesus our High Priest, that is now being finished up in the heavenly Sanctuary for us. It seems to me if we had such a sense of it our all would be for God and his cause.
I am often pained at the languid state of the cause in many places here in the East. Can it be possible that we can realize the important moments in which we live, and have an envious feeling toward our brethren, or be reaching after this world's goods? O, for living faith! My soul cries out, Lord, save the remnant of thy people! O, for a coming up to the standard, that we may show our faith by our works.
I love to hear of the prosperity of the cause in the West. O, how I wish more cheering intelligence could appear in the Review from the East. O that there may be a waking up here. Some seemed to heed the last message to the church for a while, but have, like the sluggard, sunk down again, I fear into an everlasting slumber. Some have given up the ending of the days and cleansing of the Sanctuary; but O, may God help the faithful few to gird on the whole armor, and push the battle to the gate, and share in the inheritance that is promised to the people of God.
Yours striving for the kingdom.
J. F. HAMMOND
Worcester, Mass., Aug. 29th, 1858.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. M. H. Leonard writes from Burlington, Mich., Aug. 20th, 1858: "There are a few here in Burlington that are trying to get through to the kingdom. We hold our meetings regularly, and the Lord is with us by his blessed Spirit to comfort and bless us. We mean to hold out to the end and stand on mount Zion. The Devil, that old Adversary, is trying hard to tear down the church here, and destroy what God has planted; but the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. If we hold on we shall be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. May this encourage us to endure till the Third Angel's Message, the last to a dying world, is completed, when the Lord will call the sleeping millions, with our dead friends, from their dusty beds to join with us, and be caught up to meet him in the air. His promises are sure; they will stand forever; and he will spare us as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."
L E T T E R S .
By H. S. Gurney
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.
From Bro. Gurney.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS in the faith of the Lord's soon coming: We are not following "cun-ningly devised fables," but the "sure word of prophecy." God is not slack as some men count slackness. The Lord is coming to this generation, but who has an ear to hear? I am often led to admire the harmony and beauty of the word of prophecy, in relation to its fulfillment in the closing scenes of the Gentile dispensation, as well as the Jewish. Take what view we may of present history in the world among our fellow-men, and the echo rings upon our ear, The Lord is coming! Even the hearts of men utter the same voice. It is the day of God's preparation. He has spread out his signs in the heavens and among men, and sent his angels to proclaim through the midst of heaven; but how slowly do we follow up the work! how long will his long-suffering to us ward continue?
H. S. GURNEY.
Jackson, Mich., Aug., 1858.
Startling, yet True.
ThE Rev. H. Harbaugh in a work entitled "Heaven," published at Philadelphia, 1857, page 61, has the following common sense remarks:
"There seems something undesirable, if not repugnant to our hopes, in the idea that at death we are to be launched forth into a world with no other material substratum but ether, or something still more subtle or refined. It grates on the feelings of one familiar with Scripture representations of heaven, and sounds wild and unnatural to a deeply pious christian consciousness."
Again he says,
"It is said that even Irenæus declared the idea 'that the souls of the saints pass immediately at death to Christ into heaven,' to be heresy."
Again, Dr. Chalmers, a high orthodox divine, thus satirizes the popular idea of Paradise:
"The common imagination that we have of Paradise, on the other side of death, is that of a lofty, ærial region, where the inmates float in ether, or are mysteriously suspended upon nothing—where all warm and sensible accompaniments, which give such an expression of strength, and life, and coloring to our present habitation, are attenuated into a sort of spiritual element, that is meagre and imperceptible, and utterly uninviting to the eye of mortals here below—where every vestige of materialism is done away, and nothing left but unearthly scenes that have no power of allurement, and certain unearthly ecstasies with which it is felt impossible to sympathize."
James Challen, Pastor of a Campbellite church, Philadelphia, Editor of the "Ladies' Christian Annual," and publisher of Dr. Barclay's Jerusalem, speaking of heaven, says:
"The popular idea we have of heaven, is that of some ærial region on the other side of Jordan, in which the spiritual beings which inhabit that etherialized world are mysteriously wafted on unseen wings, or suspended upon invisible clouds, where every vestige of materialism has passed away, and all familiar scenes and objects, persons and things, shall come into remembrance no more again forever. This, we conceive, is a metaphysical dream. It may be the Heaven of the Poets, but not of the Prophets!—the air-built castles of the enthusiast, but not the warm and sensible abodes of the just made perfect."