DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: While meditating upon the light we have in these last days, my heart rejoices that my eyes have been made to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to receive, the truths of the third angel’s message, also at the beautiful harmony in the law of God and the testimony of Jesus; though oftentimes I find a spirit of unbelief creeping into my heart at the thought that so many of our learned men, so many that we esteem as wise and good, can reject the truths that look so precious to me, and cast them aside as of no importance. But Jesus has said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” And it is written, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called;” “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
One marked characteristic of these last days is, “men’s hearts have waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing.” Every avenue to their hearts is locked and barred. They have hedged themselves about with unbelief until nothing can disturb their security.
But for all this, there is to-day a little flock who still walk the narrow way, holding forth the light of truth which “is as a lamp to their feet, and a light to their path.” Let us hold fast to the faith once delivered to the saints, hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering, knowing that He is faithful that has promised. “Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have great need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Therefore, let us watch and be sober, knowing that the day of the Lord hasteth greatly.
Yours, striving for eternal life.
LYDIA JANE SHAW.
Strykersville, N. Y.
Reports from Wisconsin, New York, and Indiana
Sister Mary E. Stockwell writes from Brodville, Wis.: We have here a little company of five trying to live so as to please our heavenly Father by keeping his laws, which are just and true. In so doing we have been many times blessed, and, at all times, have a blessed peace of mind that the world, with all its enticements, can not give.
We numbered six, but last spring one dear sister was called away. She went praising the Lord. We have missed her much, yet we have a sweet hope that she will come again, clothed with the white robes of righteousness, and her poor mortal frame changed to an immortal one. Oh! the Christian's hope. How beautiful! I would not exchange it for a mine of riches.
A man can not really enjoy even this poor life unless he loves the Lord and lives up to the laws of his being. By so doing he can see and realize things as they are.
Sister M. S. Irish writes from Allegany Co., N. Y.: I feel to thank the Lord that his cause is onward in this vicinity. The Quarterly Meeting was held at Mile Settlement, the past Sabbath and first-day. Five from this vicinity united with the church. One was my son. We are in the midst of prejudice, but the Lord blesses his word even here.
Bro. Jas. L. Pauley writes from Monticello, Ind.: We have a lonesome time here, as there is not another family of like faith within forty miles of us; but I think that there is a chance to do good if some of our preachers would come here. The Court-House could be obtained for a course of lectures, and I think many would embrace the truth. We live two and a half miles from Monticello, at the village of Norway, and would like to have any of the preaching brethren call on us, or, in fact, any of the brethren that may chance to come this way, if they can make it convenient to do so. Brethren and sisters, pray for us, that our faith fail not, and that we may be able to stand in the day of the Lord with all the redeemed.
Bro. N. S. Warner writes from Benton Co., Iowa: I have never yet heard a S. D. Advent sermon, so that the little light I have came from reading your publications. I intend to walk in the light I now have until I receive more.
Bro. E. Styles writes from North Liberty, Ind.: What I have lately passed through has greatly strengthened me and caused my faith to grow brighter. Some two weeks since, I was at Battle Creek, and was happy to see the hand of God in the work. I was through the Western Health-Reform Institute, and can say, I believe the hand of the Lord is in the Health Reform. If we are ready for translation when Jesus comes, we must present our bodies to the Lord, living sacrifices. How can we unless we adopt a system of healthful living. This the Health Reformer teaches.
Obituary Notices.
By Wm. S. Ingraham; Sabrina Osborn
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Rev. xiv, 13.
DIED, in Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Minn., Nov. 26, 1866, Lydia Harlow, wife of Thomas Harlow, in the 59th year of her age.
Mrs. Harlow embraced the Advent doctrine among the first in Vermont. In 1850 she embraced the Sabbath and its kindred doctrines, and she has ever been a pattern of meekness and patience through all of her religious life, both in sickness and in health. She was loved by all who knew her. But alas! she has passed away. Just before she died she took me by the hand and said all was well, requesting me to preach her funeral sermon, which I did from Job xiv, 14. WM. S. INGRAHAM.
DIED, in Hannibal, Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1866, Bro. William W. Osborn, aged 74 years and 6 months. His sickness was sudden and severe, death resulting on the fourth day after attack.
Brother Osborn was a devoted Christian, a noble and generous father, an affectionate husband, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He lived and died in belief of present truth. The funeral services were performed by Alexander Ross. SABRINA OSBORN.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a twelve-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $2.50 per year, or $1.25 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor, free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Western Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh-day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Our Book List.
1. THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 312. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz. Paper, 50c., weight, 10 oz.
2. FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
7. SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
8. HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
9. APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. N. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.
10. THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidence of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
11. BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
12. SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
13. THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
14. THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
15. WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.
16. MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The Heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.
17. THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
18. MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
19. APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.
20. REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question, Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
21. THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
22. THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
23. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
24. THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
25. VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
26. REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
27. BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
28. THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, b. c. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
29. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
30. KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
31. THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
32. THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
33. THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
34. THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
35. MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
36. MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
37. THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was Instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
38. BIBLE STUDENTS’ ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
39. AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
40. REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
41. MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
42. EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
43. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
44. THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
45. THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French. 5c., 1 oz.
46. AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
48. THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.
49. SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
50. PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
51. THE LAW OF GOD, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
52. APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
53. THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
54. STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
55. TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.
Two-Cent Tracts.
56. THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
57. THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.
58. INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
59. WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
60. WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
61. PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
62. DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
63. MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts.
64. TRUTH.
65. POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
66. THE LAW of God, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
67. MILTON, on the State of the Dead.
68. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
69. MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
70. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time.
71. THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
72. THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
73. THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $4.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
74. SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind; and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
Brother White’s January Address
The P. O. Address of Bro. White for the month of January will be Berlin, Ottawa Co., Mich.
A Late Report from Brother White
A report from Bro. White is received, but too late for this number.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
An article entitled Cross Roads, we do not deem it advisable to use. Also The Two Marriages.
We have many other articles on hand which require more examination than we have yet had time to give them. Correspondents will please have patience.
H. D. Corey: We think it is. Compulsion, it seems to us would be of no benefit in such a case.
W H Westfall. You will find your money for Review receipted in No. 3, present volume.
H Bingham: All right.
N S Warner: Money received, and orders filled.
H Hull: Your money was received, and the order filled according to your directions. We hope that you will yet receive the books.
Note from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
At Wautoma I stayed about two weeks, and delivered twelve lectures. There was not interest enough to continue the meetings. Two churches exerted their influence to keep others away, and were successful. They would not go in themselves, and those who would they suffered not. The preachers told the people that they must regulate their lives by the word of God, and keep his commandments if they would obtain eternal life, but they would hear nothing about practicing their own theory.
I then went to Burr Oak where I have been laboring since. There is much interest in this place to hear, and the meetings are well attended. On the Sabbath the brethren come together from a distance, and we have had good Sabbath-meetings. We are still laboring in hope that some good may be done, and that souls may be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. May the Lord be with us, and bless his little flock, is my prayer. JOHN MATTESON.
Hancock, Waushara Co., Wis.
Meetings in Connecticut.
By P. C. RODMAN
To the brethren that may wish to know why I have not been to see them as often as in time past, I would say, I have not been idle. When I closed my meetings at Washington school-house, in Charleston, I went to Kensington, Ct. Attended the funeral of Bro. Harmon who has gone down to the grave to rest a little while, with perfect confidence that the trump of God would soon be heard by the sleeping saints, and he would share with them in their triumphs; when they will be enabled to say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Remained with them over Sabbath and first-day. One was buried in baptism; hope he will walk in newness of life, and at last stand on Mount Zion.
The following Sabbath evening I commenced meeting in a Seventh-day Baptist meeting-house, by request, where I have given twenty discourses to interested hearers. The interest increases. Some have decided to obey the Lord and keep his Sabbath. Others are convicted; hope they will obey soon. Trust some will.
P. C. RODMAN.
What the Spiritualists Say.
“One year more of moral darkness, a breaking up of the old order of things, to give place to the new, and then the sun-light of truth will penetrate every section of our land. Great events are before us.—Ed. Banner of Light.”