The Tent-meeting appointed at Mill Grove was one of interest. But few of our brethren and sisters from abroad assembled, in consequence of the short notice. Quite a number, not in the truth, attended our Sabbath meetings, and on First-day, some two or three hundred listened with candor to the reasons of our faith as set forth from the word of God. Our congregations would have been much larger had the weather been pleasant. The Spirit of the Lord pervaded our midst through the meeting. Since the253meeting, two have already embraced the observance of God's commandments.
The Tent-meeting held in Oswego, June 16th and 17th, was one, we trust, of interest and profit. Quite a number of brethren and sisters from other places in the vicinity assembled with us. On First-day about 1000 people assembled to hear the truth. They gave their undivided attention and listened with candor. In the forenoon Bro. White spoke with clearness on the Sabbath question. After the congregation was dismissed, an individual who was once among us, and was disfellowshipped for his unscriptural course, broke out with railing and abusive language against the speaker. Although some things were said which, had they been said in a different spirit, might have prejudiced the congregation against us, and caused them to fear to listen to our testimony, yet here it seemed to have a contrary effect, for our congregation in the afternoon was much larger than before. The congregation gave heed to the word, as the writer spoke upon the subjects of the two-horned beast, and three angels' messages.
On our way from Rochester to Oswego meeting, we met two of those railers who have gone out from us, and of late have been striving to darken the minds of God's people in Central New York. Said one of them to me, "You are floored. You have no idea of what you have got to meet in Oswego. We," said he, "have been all through there." We presume he referred to what we have already mentioned, and contemplated the triumph of one of his own stamp. He then began to speak in regard to the Sanctuary question. Said that Christ would not enter the most holy place to cleanse it until the last sinner was converted that ever would be. We understand that this view is becoming quite prominent among that class of opposers. But they hold that the 2300 days terminated in 1844, and exhibit geometrical diagrams to prove the same. Here is a point which must be no small mystery to themselves. Says Daniel, "And he said unto me, Unto 2300 days, and THEN shall the Sanctuary be cleansed." We inquire, as we are near eleven years this side of the termination of the 2300 days, When shall the Sanctuary be cleansed? Why, sometime in the future. But the testimony of the angel was, "then," (at the termination of the days) and not eleven or twenty years after. This view looks much like another held by the same class. That the two-horned beast, with his image and mark, is in the past, and yet they state when the third message is given (which warns against that beast's work) it will be given by a holy class, as much as to say it is not yet given.
We look upon the class above referred to as railers, and we marvel that any who love the religion of Jesus Christ should permit themselves to sympathize with their hasty, bitter and unrighteous course. Paul plainly tells us in 1 Cor. v, 11 our duty in regard to such. "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." It appears from the above text that the church in the days of Paul were troubled with characters called railers, and we may expect to meet with no better treatment. Dear brethren and sisters, the Lord is opening the way before us, and prospects are encouraging for the spread of the truth. The Lord has laid on those whom he has permitted to see the truth, the duty of getting the light before others. The Tent operation with the blessing of the Lord, will accomplish much good. We shall look to our brethren and sisters to aid us forward in this work. We already have arrangements for meetings most of the season. We feel thankful for the aid already received in the Tent enterprise. The expenses for Tent and wagon, and necessary articles for pitching the Tent have amounted to $269,25; counting the sums that have been paid and the different pledges, there is still $67,15 to be raised on the Tent and wagon. It will also be necessary in order that those who travel with the Tent may be free, that each meeting should bear its own expense, which will be from $15,00 to $25,00.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Oswego, June 19th, 1855.
Self-Examination.
ANY truthful examination into our actions must be good; but we ought not to be satisfied with it until it becomes both searching and progressive. Its aim should be not only to investigate instances, but to discover principles. Thus—suppose that conscience upbraids us for any particular habit; we then regard each instance of it with intense self-reproach, and long for an opportunity of proving the amendment which seems certain to rise from our pangs of regret. The trial comes, and sometimes our former remorse is remembered and saves us; but sometimes it is forgotten, and our conduct is as bad as it was before our conscience was awakened. Now in such a case, we should begin at the beginning, and strive to discover where it is that we are wrong in the heart. This is not to be done by weighing each particular instance, and observing after what interval it occurred, and whether with a little more or a little less temptation than usual. Instead of dwelling on a mere circumstance of this kind, we should try and get at the substance of the thing, so as to be certain what fundamental precept of God is violated by the habit in question. That precept we should make our study; and then there is more hope of a permanent amendment.—Helps.
Precious Promises.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
IT is sweet to the Christian to contemplate those "exceeding great and precious promises" which are left on record for the faithful. These promises are calculated to cheer and encourage the way-worn pilgrim on his way to Mount Zion. They set before us something real and substantial, something which we can lay hold of by faith. They are unlike the fabled dreams of the present day, which promise to men a kind of unreal, intangible, future existence with shadows and darkness resting upon it.
The great promise upon which is based all the blessings of a future life, is that of a resurrection from the dead to a glorious immortality. This is the very foundation of the Christian's hope. Should this promise fail, all others, which look beyond the bounds of this mortal life, must also fail. If the dead rise not, then they which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1 Cor. xv, 18.
When this mortal shall have put on immortality, the next promise to be fulfilled is, that the saints shall be caught up to meet their coming Lord in the air, and henceforth be forever with him. O, what a glorious promise to the lover of Jesus, not only to see him who gave his own life a ransom for us, but to be forever with him.
But this is not all. In his Father's house are many mansions. Said he, I go to prepare a place for you; and after I shall have gone and prepared a place for you, I will return and take you with me, that where I am, there ye also may be. Jno. xiv, 3. (Geo. Campbell's translation.) A place will be prepared for his disciples, and, after it is in readiness, he will appear the second time and take them to himself. Where has he gone? To the Father. Jesus said to the Jews, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me; and where I am, thither ye cannot come. Jno. vii, 33, 34. Afterwards he said to his disciples, Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. Jno. xiii, 33. Peter still inquired, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Verse 36. These texts prove that Peter (not a disembodied spirit) will go to the Father where Jesus now is gone. After this great promise to Peter, he goes on to speak of the mansions in his Father's house, which has been noticed already.
But the promises do not end here. Abraham is the heir of the world, [Rom. iv, 13,] which will be fitted up, by the removal of the curse, for the everlasting abode of all his righteous seed. If ye be Christ's, then are ye, Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. iii, 29. Blessed are the meek, said Jesus, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt. v, 5. Said David, The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. Ps. xxxvii, 29. See also verses 9, 11 and 22.
Such is a brief view of the promises of God relating to the future life. The saints are to have a share in all the blessings and beauties of the regenerated earth, and all the glories and delights of the City of God, the New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from God. They are indeed exceeding great and precious promises. An eternal weight of glory is in reserve for all those who shall overcome. A few more trials and sufferings, a few more storms on these tempestuous seas, and we shall gain the port of endless peace. We will thank God and take courage. R. F. COTTRELL.
God’s People in Trial
God's people are like stars, that shine brightest in the darkest night; they are like gold, that is brightest for the furnace; like incense, that becomes fragrant from burning; like the camomile plant, which grows faster when trampled on.
TERMS OF THE REVIEW.
By Editor
IN our last we stated the future terms of the REVIEW as follows:—
For one volume of 26 numbers, $1; to the poor (whether paid for by themselves, or by the church) for 50 cents a volume and any person ordering the REVIEW sent to distant friends, (who are not subscribers,) can have it sent to such for 50 cents a volume; to be paid in all cases in advance. The REVIEW will be sent free to preachers who devote their time to the cause of truth. Also free to widows, orphans, aged or infirm, who are the Lord's poor, and who do not reside in the vicinity of some church who provide their poor with the REVIEW.
We also stated that
We are anxious that all who wish to read the REVIEW should have it. Those who have not ready means, can send us their promise to pay soon, and their paper will be continued. Or if they are unable to pay at all, and there is no one to obtain the REVIEW for them at half price, let them write to this Office, and it shall be sent free. We shall remind delinquents of their carelessness by dropping their names, after first notifying them of our intention by writing their names on the last paper we shall send to them, (till they renew their subscription,) in RED INK. If we should, through mistake, drop the names of any who have paid, they will please notify us, and such mistakes shall be promptly corrected.
We are sorry to say, that in accordance with the above, we were obliged to write the names of over 700 of our readers on the margin of the last number, in RED INK. We hope and expect that many of them will become permanent subscribers. Will the friends of the REVIEW use their influence to accomplish this object. Those who have sent us the names and address of their friends will do well to look after them, that they may become subscribers according to present terms.
CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.
By Editor
This No. closes the present volume. We hope that all who intend to take the REVIEW will renew their subscription as soon as possible, that we may know how large an edition to print.
Collecting Arrears and Renewing Subscriptions
By Editor
WE shall furnish the following named brethren with a list of our subscribers in the vicinity of their labors, as they stand upon our books, for them to collect arrears, and renew subscriptions, and forward the pay to the Office in drafts on some Bank in New York, less the exchange, for which they shall be suitably rewarded. Bro. J. Bates of Massachusetts, J. Hart of Vermont, J. N. Loughborough of New York State, M. E. Cornell of Michigan, G. W. Holt of Ohio, D. P. Hall of Wisconsin. Agents and other preaching brethren will please assist us in this matter as formerly.
The Review Publication Schedule
By Editor
The REVIEW will probably be issued semi-monthly for the next three months, after that, weekly.
Definite Time.
By R. F. C.
THERE are two classes of symbols used in the book of Revelation which are clearly distinct from, and stand in direct opposition to, each other. The one class are wild beasts of earth, the other, angels of heaven. The beasts, all will agree, symbolize wicked powers of earth; and under these symbols the sayings and doings of the opposers of God, his people and his truth, are clearly marked out in prophecy. These beasts are represented as speaking blasphemies. They all speak like the old serpent called the Devil and Satan—the father of lies—consequently they speak lies, and not the truth. But the other class of symbols, the angels, we understand to symbolize the special sayings and doings of the people of God; therefore we regard all their proclamations as the truth. To this, some object. Say they, The angels symbolize proclamations to be made to the inhabitants of earth, by a portion of the church, but the messages are not the truth. A Timeist with whom I lately conversed, in speaking of the angel of Chap. x, who lifted up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, that there should be time no longer, said, "That angel swore to a lie as sure as you live."
If this part of the angel's testimony be false, who can believe that he told the truth when he added, "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished?" The truth of this declaration I never heard called in question. And if the prophecying again, spoken of in the conclusion of the chapter, is to be another message on definite time, who can say that the second prophecying will not be false also? None can place implicit confidence in a witness who has been convicted of perjury. But it would seem that our time friends are determined to make the angel swear again to the same thing; that is, that time should be no longer; and they would have us believe, without a doubt, that now he tells the truth!
But if we have good evidence that the little book in the angel's hand was open, I shall believe his testimony, whoever may dispute it. For this we do not depend upon the witness accused by our friend of false-swearing; but John says, He had in his hand a little book open. So there is no room to say that the angel guessed that the little book was open, but guessed wrong, and therefore swore falsely. The book on which the time message was founded was open when the angel testified that the prophetic periods were ended, and that the seventh angel was about to sound. Then his testimony is true, and when he prophesies again he will prophesy something else besides definite time.
But there has been a class who, from year to year, have been trying to make that angel swear again, and to swear in such a way as to impeach his former testimony. But he will not do it. When he delivered his testimony the inhabitants of earth trembled at his presence. Nothing like it has since occurred, though men have done their best to call him back, again and again, to mend his testimony by contradicting what he had already said. The time message is in the past; it has been fulfilled once for all. The truth is, another message is to be given after the true time message, and therefore probationary time does not close with this. Another message, a prophecying again, must follow the termination of those periods at the close of which it is said that time shall be no longer. This message is that of the third angel of Chap. xiv. Since the termination of the 2300 days in 1844 the third angel's voice has been heard, and it is waxing louder and louder, and will terminate only with probationary time. And now we are bid to watch, because we do not know the time of our Lord's coming. We hope to be found so doing; having our loins girt about with truth (all the commandments, Ps. cxix, 151) and our lights burning. (The faith of Jesus in lively exercise.) If we are found in this position, we shall have right to the tree of life. R. F. C.
Communication from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I send you a brief sketch of some facts connected with the advancement of the cause of truth in this vicinity, which may strengthen and encourage the saints scattered abroad, if you deem it worthy of a place in the columns of the Review.
A few weeks since, I listened to two sermons preached by a Universalist minister in Stowe village, upon the subject of the Sabbath, in which he attempted to sustain the First-day theory. This of course subjected him to a severe and difficult task; and, as must necessarily be expected, his arguments were contradictory and unscriptural.
At the close of the meeting, during an interview with the speaker, I asked him several questions, two of which I give below with his reply.
Q. What is your Bible testimony for the First-day Sabbath?
A. The Spirit teaches it.
Q. Why does not the Spirit teach me the first day is the Sabbath?
A. I do not know: but I do not believe you can be a Christian without you keep it.
Two weeks later we reviewed these discourses in the same place, the minister being present. At the close of our remarks he arose and in his great zeal to force us from our position, he seemed to have forgotten his strong premises two weeks before, and proceeded to inform the congregation that the Sabbath fastened upon the next day following six days of labor; whether the labor be commenced at the commencement of the week or in the middle. Here we raised the question, If we commence laboring upon the first day of the week, (Sunday,) is not the seventh day the day which we should observe as the Sabbath? To this he answered in the affirmative. Thus the candid were left to judge whether this teacher really believed that one must keep the first day in order to constitute him a Christian. How futile and unavailing are all the efforts of man when brought to bear against the plain declaration of the sacred Scriptures.
"Like some fair monument, with towering form,
The Sabbath stands, unmoved amid the storm."
May 19th and 20th, in company with Bro. Sperry, held meetings at Irasburg and Barton Landing. In this vicinity the cause of truth has been gradually progressing for some months past. Up to this time, for some more than one year and a half, the Meeting House at Barton Landing has been opened repeatedly for those who preach the perpetuity of the Bible Sabbath; but the Sabbath truth has been gaining ground too fast to meet the approbation of its opponents. Consequently an opposing spirit manifests itself more than heretofore. On First-day at 5 o'clock, P. M., the house was closed against us, (or rather occupied by the minister,) notwithstanding it had previously been promised us.
Some weeks since a brother by the name of Dean, residing in this place, embraced the Sabbath truth with his family, under the preaching of the third angel's message. Upon the first day of the week, he went about his usual work, (labor in a saw-mill,) for which he was brought before a court the next day, charged with the crime of having broken the Lord's day, and fined one dollar and cost of court, amounting to about eight dollars, which should he refuse to pay, he will be subject to imprisonment.
From this circumstance we discover the fact that those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, may expect soon a greater manifestation of the "wrath of the dragon." But the Lord will graciously smile upon those who do his commandments. Therefore "we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man254shall do unto me." "Fear not, little flock : for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
The 26th and 27th we held meetings in Berkshire, where we had a free time in presenting the truth; especially upon First-day, as a goodly number were present to hear. We trust some good was accomplished. We were happy to meet a brother here, who has heretofore preached the New Time. He manifests the spirit of "good will to men," and expresses a desire to know the whole truth. The subject of the Sabbath is clear to his mind, and he has been observing it for some weeks.
The 29th we held one meeting in Farnham, C. E. Two followed the example of our Lord and Saviour in the ordinance of baptism.
The 30th we held another meeting in Berkshire, at 5 o'clock, P. M. One sister had resolved to keep the next Sabbath, since our last meeting here.
The 31st at 5 o'clock, P. M., we had a refreshing time in presenting the truth in the school-house at North Hyde Park; and in listening to the soul-cheering testimonies of the brethren and sisters.
Sabbath, June 2d, we met with the brethren and sisters in Stowe. At this meeting Bro. S. buried six young friends with Christ by baptism. May the Lord give to each of them sustaining grace to stand firmly in all the truth, till our trials and conflicts are ended.
Yours in love. A. S. HUTCHINS.
New Haven, Vt., June, 1855.
Timeists Embracing the Sabbath
By Editor
We are glad to hear that several who embraced the recent definite time have embraced the Sabbath. A portion of the Timeists, at least, have doubtless honestly followed the best light they have had, and now should be treated tenderly. May the Lord bring many of them to the whole truth. Our works on the Sanctuary, and the Angels of Rev. xiv, 6–12, are excellent to put into the hands of such. Now is the time to help them, if they will be helped.—Ed.
Extracts of Letters.
Bro. C. B. Dingley writes from E. Pittsfield, Me: "I believe that the Lord will help his little flock; and it is his good pleasure to give them the kingdom. The opposers of the seventh-day Sabbath are on every hand, but I believe with all my heart we have got the truth. This world looks dark and dreary, but I thank the Lord it is not the saints eternal home. The graves will soon give up their dead, and the saints put on immortality. Let us have our lamps trimmed and burning, that we may enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb.255"Although it has been but a short time since I started to keep all the commandments of the Lord, I can say, Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. It is my ardent desire that some of God's faithful ones might come this way. My house is open at any time for the saints to meet for his worship; yet I can praise the Lord for what privileges I do enjoy, and I rejoice that I am not left with the scoffing multitude, of whom it will be said, Forasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then dear brethren and sisters, let us endure hardness as good soldiers."
Bro. I. D. Cramer writes from West Milton, N. Y., Apr., 1855:—"I feel thankful that the Lord has raised up faithful laborers in his vineyard, to whom he has given ability to set forth the true light before a gainsaying world. How glad we would be to see the cause moving forward with more rapidity. It appears as though the loud cry will soon cause the inhabitants of our land to tremble. May the Lord speed the message, and bring the welcome day of Jacob's deliverance."
The Review Issued Weekly
By H. S. Post
faithful! We want the Review issued weekly; we do not know how to do without it. It is all the instruction we receive except from the Bible. Error and vanity are issued weekly, and truth ought to be in advance of error.
Yours in expectation of the kingdom.
H. S. Post.
North Stonington, June 11th, 1855.
LEWIS MARTIN
By Lewis Martin
From Bro. Martin.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I would say to you that I still feel like a pilgrim. I am sick of this world. Truly we are living in a solemn time; it is also a trying time. I still believe that the Lord has been in the Advent movement, and I believe that we have the truth; although I confess I do not feel the force of it as I could wish to. The Review is still a welcome messenger to us, as we are almost alone here. I hope the good Lord will so overrule that we shall soon have the paper weekly. If I am not altogether deceived, if I had property as some have, some of it would go to help support the paper and for publications; but I will try and not repine at my lot. My health is poor, but I have a hope of gaining heaven at last. I remember you and your companion, and my prayer to God is that he will sustain you by his grace, and prepare you for all that awaits you in this unfriendly world. May God bless you and keep you.
LEWIS MARTIN
Bennington, N. H., June 12th, 1855.
Church Organization at Catlin Center
By David Upson; E. S. Lane
From the Church in Catlin Center.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and we feel it our duty to make known our wants, and briefly state our circumstances. We were somewhat disappointed in not having any of the preaching brethren present at our Conference, yet the Lord was with us to bless. The brethren and sisters assembled with us from Bath, Hornby, Havana and Elmira. The church has been somewhat in trial, but we feel that it has been for our good, and, praise the Lord, we are now free. We feel that we are now in a position to work for the Lord, and to have the Lord work for us; and it was the united voice of every one present, that the church should be fully organized, that gospel order should be established, and that hereafter we walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord's house blameless. We feel that it is our duty to choose Deacons, to be afterwards set apart by the Elders, that the ordinances be not neglected in the absence of a minister; but in order to do so it will be necessary that some of the traveling brethren visit us, and we hope the Lord will move upon the hearts of some of them to come this way and set things in order, if it is right and proper to do so. But we have thought best to ask advice, and make our requests known through the Review, and if any of the traveling brethren feel willing to meet with us, let them make their appointment in the Review, when they will meet with us, and they shall be sustained as far as it is in our power.
By order and in behalf of the Church. DAVID UPSON, E. S. LANE.
Catlin Center, June 15th. 1855.
SAMUEL TREAT
By Samuel Treat
From Bro. Treat.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—Being situated here in this dark region where the people are most all priest ridden and consequently gospel hardened, I feel like a lonely pilgrim. I find none around me that love the present truth so well as they do the good things of this present evil world. I feel that we are living in a solemn time, and it becomes me to humble myself under the mighty hand of God. I see an awful day approaching, and who shall be able to stand? none but those that have pure hearts and clean hands; all else will have to drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. O awful doom! Who of us shall escape its dread reality?
Here we see the importance of having our lamps trimmed and burning. "Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
I am always glad to get the Review. It cheers my heart to learn how the cause of God is prospering. I love to read the soul-stirring epistles of the dear brethren and sisters. I should be glad to have it weekly if I could, but I have no fault to find so long as it comes once in two weeks.
Yours in expectation of soon seeing the King in his beauty.
SAMUEL TREAT
Searsport, Me., June 3d, 1855.
Progress of the Cause in Wisconsin
By William Phelps
From Bro. Phelps.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I take this opportunity to write a few lines to let you know how the cause of truth is prospering in this vicinity. I left home two weeks ago last Fifth-day, and spent the Sabbath with the Brn. in Koskonong, where two precious souls put on Christ by baptism. From there I went to Madison and held a meeting and baptized two more. I then visited the Brn. in Westport, and continued meetings for about a week; and the Lord was present to save. Three there put on Christ by baptism. From there I visited the friends in Lewonweir valley and spent two days with them; and from thence to Webster's Prairie, in Sauk Co., and spent Sabbath and First-day with the friends in that vicinity. They seemed much strengthened and built up in the holy faith. I am now at Bro. Stanley's in Baraboo. Am to leave here to-morrow morning for other fields of labor. The cause of truth seems to be rising gradually, and the prospect is better than it has been for some time in the past.
I remain as ever your unworthy brother looking for the kingdom.
W. PHELPS.
Baraboo, Wis., June 10th, 1855.
JOHN WILCOX
By John Wilcox
From Bro. Wilcox.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am still trying to keep the commandments of God, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. We had a good meeting last Sabbath; and the Sabbath-keepers as a band were greatly encouraged to persevere. I feel to thank the Lord that we are permitted to bear the glorious truths of the third angel's message. We are truly favored when we consider the lamentable state of those who reject the solemn truths that are now shining from the sacred pages. I mean to try by the grace of God to be prepared for the great events that are just before us, that I may be permitted to gaze upon my blessed Redeemer when he shall come as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Yours in hope of the kingdom.
JOHN WILCOX
Fort Atkinson, Wis., May 30th, 1855.
Proclaiming the Third Angel’s Message
By Zebina Marsh
From Bro. Marsh.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I do not know how we should get along without the Review, for the truths which it advocates are, it seems to me, of the utmost importance in these troublesome times; but these times of trouble are nothing in comparison to that which is just before us, when there will be no mediator between God and man. O God, prepare us for that time of trouble.
We have been in this place since the 1st of April. There are only myself and daughter here that are in the third angel's message, or who are professing to keep God's holy commandments; but there is in this place a small band of nominal Adventists who are professing to keep the first day. They think that the 2300 days of Dan. viii have not yet run out; but they have for a season past been interested in time, and have been looking with great interest and expecting to see the Lord on the 19th of last May. Their time is now past and they are, as one of them told me, very disconsolate; but I tried in my poor, weak manner to show him the third angel's message, and he seemed inclined to investigate it.
Would to God that some of the preaching brethren would come this way and proclaim the third angel's message; for it seems to me that the time now requires that it should be proclaimed in this place. I think that some will hear it, as I understand that they do not know the reasons of our hope. Will some brother send an appointment, either to me or through the Review, and I will find a place for them to preach. We say, brethren, "come over and help us," so that some souls may have their names written on the breast-plate of judgment before our Mediator leaves the most holy place, and no more mercy can be offered. I wish that if it is in the order of God that there could be a tent-meeting in this region this summer, that the reasons of our hope might be more fully known.
I would say to the scattered flock, do not be discouraged; for it does appear to me that the third angel's message is soon to go with a loud voice. May the Lord send forth more laborers into his harvest, and strengthen those whom he hath sent forth. Soon our great High Priest will come out to the people. May our sins go before us to the judgment, and be laid on the head of our great arch enemy, the scape-goat, or Devil, and we be prepared to stand before the Son of man.
I would to God that I had so much of this world's goods that I could send something to relieve the Office from the present embarrassments; but it is not now in my power to do so. Brother White, you and all the preaching brethren have our prayers that you may be enabled to give the trumpet a certain sound, so that the people may hear. Dear brethren, we must try to hold up the hands of the heralds of this last truth.
Your unworthy brother striving to keep the commandments of God. ZEBINA MARSH.
Northfield, Vt., June 10th, 1855.
Opposition to the Advancing Truth
By Jesse Dorcas
From Bro. Dorcas.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am very much profited in reading the Review, and had I the means I would send it to every honest soul within my knowledge. I am perfectly satisfied that this is the work of God; but prudence is necessary even in this, that nothing be lost. May the Lord direct in all things that his cause may be carefully and effectually carried forward.
I have an earnest desire to see the work prosper in this State. Pray earnestly for us. Opposition is rising like thick fog all around us, and truth's bitterest foes are those who stand in the highest ranks in the churches.
I am sorry that the Review cannot be a weekly visitor, but am thankful that it comes at all.
Yours truly, JESSE DORCAS.
Freemont, Ohio, June 18th, 1855.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By Post
From Bro. Post.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I can truly say whereas I was once blind I now see. Portions of Scripture that were formerly obscure and unintelligible are now plain and comprehensive. I appreciate the expression often used by the saints; viz., "The Bible is a new book." It is so to me, full of light, peace and comfort, verily a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I rejoice greatly in the truth, and that I am enabled to walk therein. I read the Review with the deepest interest. The letters from the brethren and sisters encourage me to journey on. I see new witnesses added. O may they be living, abiding witnesses. My fellowship is with those that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. Whoever shall do the will of God the same is my brother and sister and mother. And by this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments. I am denied the privilege of meeting with the saints of God, but I realize that the just shall live by his faith. I have help from God; he strengthens me daily through keeping the commandments. My peace is like a river. The Sabbath is my delight, holy of the Lord, honorable. The law of the Lord is my meditation all the day. I am looking for a kingdom that is not of this world. I now rejoice in hope, but soon hope will be lost in full fruition. O! the glory of that kingdom that Christ has promised to the
Trinity Church, New York
The New York correspondent of the Woonsocket (R. I.) Patriot, gives the following description of this magnificent building:—
"Conspicuously at the head of Wall street, stands Trinity Church; its dark brown tower looming gloriously up in the blue vault of heaven. It is really a stupendous structure, and is unsurpassed in magnificence by any chime of bells; they are the sweetest melodists that ever started the dull ear of a great city. Whenever I hear their merry music, I know they carry a thrill of joy to thousands of poor, jaded hearts, besides my own. They are as an angel's whisper, vibrating amid the careless tramp and thunder of a city carnival. But Trinity Church with all its architectural beauty—its tall Gothic spire—its graceful turrets—its stained windows—its monstrous organ—its gorgeously decorated altar and gilded architrave—is nevertheless but a splendid monument of religious mockery and monopoly! How, Sir, in this nineteenth century—in a land whose fabric of government is a Republic—whose national characteristic is simplicity, and whose religion should be Christian equality, seemeth this temple of Oriental splendor? Are those destitute thousands—the canaille—permitted to worship at this altar? Have those dilapidated hovels of want, and those flesh-shambles of debauchery in its contiguous neighborhood, any conduits leading from its evangelical reservoir? And are the dark alleys of the city and still darker by-ways in men's hearts, illuminated by yon cross of Episcopal gorgeousness? Resurrectionize those sixty thousand skeletons in Trinity Church-yard—shake the dust from their feet—direct their bewildered optics to that vast pile, and they will tell you it is the sanctuary of mammon, where the monopolists of the earth congregate—where a pew rents for a thousand dollars—where the price of salvation is affluence, and where poor sinners 'can't come in.'"
Indestructibility of the Bible.
Four thousand years this volume has withstood, not only the iron tooth of time, but all the physical and intellectual strength of man. Pretended friends have endeavored to corrupt and betray it: Kings and Princes have perseveringly sought to banish it from the world; the civil and military powers of the greatest empires of the world have been leagued for its destruction, the fires of persecution have been lighted to consume it and its friends together, and at many seasons, death, in its most horrid form, has been the almost certain consequence of affording it an asylum from the fury of its enemies. Though it has been ridiculed more bitterly, misrepresented more grossly, opposed more rancorously, and burnt more frequently than any other book; and perhaps, than all other books united, it is so far from sinking under the efforts of its enemies, that the probability of its surviving until the final consummation of all things is greater than ever.
The rain has descended, the floods have come, the storm has arisen, and beat upon a rock. Like the burning bush, it has been in the flames yet it is still unconsumed; a sufficient proof, were there no other, that He who spake from the bush is the author of the Bible.
SELECTIONS.
The Spirit of the Lord's Prayer.
The spirit of the Lord's prayer is beautiful. That form of petition breathes a filial spirit—"Father."
A catholic spirit—"Our Father."
A reverential spirit—"Hallowed be thy name."
A missionary spirit—"Thy kingdom come."
An obedient spirit—"Thy will be done on earth."
A dependent spirit—"Give us this day our daily bread."
A forgiving spirit—"And forgive our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us."
A cautious spirit—"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
A confidential and adoring spirit—"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."