BRO. SMITH : I can truly say that the Lord is good. I have of late felt much of his Holy Spirit with me. I feel that he owns me as his child, and if I continue faithful in obedience to all his requirements I expect he will give me an abundant entrance through the pearly gates into the city of God. I am looking forward with joyful anticipation to the time when Jesus will come and take us to himself, that where he is there we may be also. I feel that the hope I have within me is like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast.
I do rejoice that we are so near home. The prospect looks bright. We are nearing the haven of rest. Soon we shall be free from the power of the enemy, where he can no more tempt or annoy us. I can truly say with the poet,
"I long to be there! and the thought that 'tis near
Makes me almost impatient for Christ to appear,
And fit up that dwelling of glories so rare,
The earth robed in beauty, I long to be there."
It is about six years since I commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God, and I find as the Psalmist says, "great peace have they that love thy law." I can say I love God, and I delight to do the will of my Father which is in heaven. I feel that this world is not my home. I am traveling to a better country. I am "looking for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God," and by his grace I mean to be an overcomer, and with the blood-washed company "stand on the sea of glass, having the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark." I rejoice that the light of truth ever shone upon my pathway, and that I have been enabled to receive it in the love of it. To God be all the praise.
HARRIET N. PAINE.
New Boston, Mass., March 6th, 1858.
Preaching Near Mauston
Bro. J. R. Goodenough writes, March 15th, 1858:
"I have been spending the last two weeks in preaching, about twenty-five miles from Mauston. Last Sabbath there was a good attendance. Eight of them said it was the first Sabbath that they ever kept in their lives. Others are investigating the Bible, and say they will abide by its decision, and many of them are deeply interested."
A New Field in Naperville
Sister E. A. Pratt writes from Naperville, Ills., March 15th, 1858: "I wish to drop a few lines to you, although I am not able to sit up in bed. I have been very ill with a disease of the brain; but I am so rejoiced that my neighbors are investigating the truth, that it gives me new courage and strength. Yes, I hope I shall not always stand alone here. There are souls here starving for the truth. They have only learned a little from the books that we have distributed among them. Almost every day some one inquires why some of our ministers do not come and preach here. I sometimes think when I hear of so many of our ministers attending conferences that some one of them might come here, for this is a new field; but I do not know others' duty."
Sabbath Meetings and School
Sister R. A. Foster writes from Trowbridge, Mich., March, 1858: "It is but little over two years since I first heard the sound of the Third Angel's Message. Praise be to God that I ever started in this good and glorious cause. What promises there are to those that keep the commandments. I want to ever be found serving God, and a witness for Jesus, him who came into this world and died that we might live. Brethren and sisters, let us lay hold on eternal life. O it looks so precious to me! Those that want the world may have it; I want eternal life in the kingdom of God.
"We have meetings here on the Sabbath, and a Sabbath-school. Four have embraced the truth as the result of our meetings. The Lord meets with us and we have freedom. O what a blessing it is that we can meet on the Sabbath and tell what the Lord has done for us in the past week."
Prayer for the Work in Elsie
By Editor
Bro. H. A. Wetherbee writes from Elsie, Clinton Co., Mich., March 14th, 1858: “Myself and companion desire the prayers of God’s people that we be prepared to meet the Lord at his coming. We desire to see the work of God prospering, and it is my prayer that the people in this place may hear the message soon, as there are some here that are favorable to the views we hold, and desire to hear. Their school-house is open for the message. May the Lord speed the work.”
Persevering Toward the Crown of Life
Sister S. M. Inman writes, March, 1858: "It has been about three years and a half since I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath, with all the rest of the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus; but being surrounded by temptation on every side, as we all are, I sometimes feel afraid that I shall fail of getting ready to meet Jesus when he comes. But I can truly say that God being my helper, I will persevere and fight a little longer that I may come off conqueror and receive a crown of life. I live at a considerable distance from any Sabbath-keepers, and desire the prayers of all God's people that I may live faithful and meet them in the kingdom."
Seeking Eternal Life Above Earthly Riches
By Editor
Sister M. S. Stone writes from Round Grove, Ills., March, 1858: "I feel as though I had rather be deprived of every thing this world can afford than to be deprived of eternal life. I can thank God that I do not love the riches of this world; for the Lord says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom. O! that I might have strength from the heavenly Sanctuary to overcome all my evil propensities, and obtain an everlasting inheritance on the new earth."
HUMILITY.
At a house near Preston Castle, in England, the non-conformist ministers used to meet for mutual conference. At one of these meetings that difficult text, [Rom. viii, 19-22] was spoken from. When it came to John Bunyan's turn to speak, he only said, "The Scriptures are wiser than I;" intimating that the meaning was beyond his comprehension. Thus Luther used to say, "The meaning of this Scripture I could never find out." What a reproof to those conceited persons, who, without a tenth part of the scriptural knowledge these eminent men possessed, have assurance enough to decide, in the most dogmatical manner, on any part of the word of God.
A Bright and Glorious Morning
The present gloomy night may terminate in a bright and glorious morning.
Scripture Misapplied.
By James White
A BROTHER writes to this Office as follows:
"I am glad of the opportunity that the brethren and sisters have of communicating with those of like faith through the Review. It is a privilege given us in the word of God. Paul says, 'Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.' Gal. vi, 6 'But to do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.'" Heb. xiii, 16.
Such misapplications of scripture as the above, lead to wrong practice, a neglect of duty, is the reason why we feel it our duty to notice them. That it is the privilege of the brethren to communicate their thoughts to each other by letter or epistle, we doubt not: but to suppose that Paul refers to letter-writing in the above text, is most absurd. Gal. vi, 6 introduces two parties, first, those that are taught, second, those that teach the Word. Ministers and editors teach the Word. And it is the duty of those who are thus taught in the Word, to communicate unto those that teach, in all good things. How shall they do this? by writing letters to their ministers and editors? Letters are indeed good things, especially when they bring good news; but even then they come short of being "all good things." A minister's wife, children, or his horse would starve on such sacrifices.
Again, what good would it do the man called of God to teach the Word, to receive a package of empty letters on his return to his family? Not a dollar in one of them! But perhaps an urgent request in each to answer them, without delay. Not a postage-stamp in one of them! So the minister uses his paper, ink and pens, spends his time answering letters, pays the postage, and his family lacks the comforts of life. Is God well pleased with this sacrifice on the part of his servants? We tell you nay. Away with such applications of scripture as the above, which misapplies the sacred duty of those who are taught in the Word. What! the Holy Spirit call letter-writing a sacrifice in Heb. xiii, 16? What! a brother writes a letter to his editor, or his minister, and the Holy Spirit call it a sacrifice? Astonishing application of God's word! But let him enclose in his letter a five dollar bill; let him send a quarter of beef, a sack of flour, a bag of meal, a cheese, a quantity of butter, in short, a little of "all good things," and then he has made a sacrifice with which God is well pleased.
J. W.
Report of Publishing Committee.
By Cyrenius Smith, J. P. Kellogg, D. R. Palmer
It has become our duty to report to the friends of the REVIEW the financial condition of the Office. Since May 7th, 1857, the expenses of the REVIEW have exceeded receipts about $625,00. This sum is needed to meet demands against the Office. And besides this sum, $1000,00 at least is now needed to go forward with the publication of the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and books which should be published immediately.
As our Book Fund of $1400,00 is in books, it can render assistance only as cash comes in from the sales of books. A work of 200 pages on the Signs of the Times, was commenced last fall, but was not finished for want of means. It is much needed. Bro. Waggoner has revised his "Truth Found" for publication, and there are other works, amounting in all to about 600 pages, which should be published, and will be as soon as possible if the friends of the REVIEW will do as follows:
1. All those who receive bills of what they owe, pay their indebtedness without delay.
2. All the friends of the REVIEW comply with its terms as near as possible—pay in advance—be ready for next volume—only eight weeks and it will commence.
3. All who can spare the money now, send pay for one or two years in advance, instead of six months.
Will traveling preachers, and some brother in each church, collect means in payment of the REVIEW, and forward it to the Office.
CYRENIUS SMITH, } Publishing
J. P. KELLOGG, } Committee.
D. R. PALMER. }
To Correspondents.
By Editor
H. A. Wetherbee: In answer to your inquiry, "Is it right to affirm?" we reply that as yet there is a difference of opinion on the subject among the brethren. We would not venture to lay down a rule here by which to regulate another's conscience on this question; and we wish to be understood as expressing only our individual opinion; when we say that we should have no scruples in affirming or taking a judicial oath. We cannot see that Matt. v, 33-37, and Jas. v, 12, refer to oaths as now required in our courts of justice. A judicial oath we understand to be simply calling God to witness to the truth of what we affirm; and we believe that Paul involved himself in every essential feature of such an oath, in the following instances: Rom. i, 9; ix, 1; 2 Cor. i, 23; xi, 31; Gal. i, 20; Phil. i, 8.
Prayer Requested for an Afflicted Brother
By Editor
Bro. L. McIntire of Villanova, Chant. Co. N. Y., writes to this Office stating that he has been in a state of great bodily affliction for the past three years, but that he has confidence in the prayer of faith to save the sick, and requests the church to pray for him on Apr. 5th. As he is an entire stranger to us we would request the brethren in that vicinity to visit him and labor with and for him at their discretion.
Financial Report of the Issue
By James White
We have sent out bills to delinquents to the amount of one thousand and thirty-three dollars. The receipts of this number fall short of the expenses of this number, thirty-five dollars. J. W.
APPOINTMENTS.
By James White, J. N. Loughborough, J. B. Frisbie
General Conference:
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a General Conference at Battle Creek, to commence May 21st, at 2 o'clock P. M. This meeting is designed for a general gathering of those who have an interest in the cause, and who wish to come to worship God, and learn their duty at this solemn crisis. We shall be happy to see brethren from other States at this Conference.
In behalf of the Church at Battle Creek.
JAMES WHITE,
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, } Conference
J. B. FRISBIE, } Committee.
Conferences in New York.
By John Norton Loughborough
BRO. White and myself had designed holding some four or five conferences in the State of New York this Spring. But we would here state that our lack of means prevents our complying at present with the wishes of the brethren in this matter. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Eastern Tent Conference.
By Stephen Pierce; E. L. Barr
THERE will be a business meeting of the brethren in New England, in the town of Roxbury, Vt., on the 3d and 4th days of the week, the 20th and 21st days of April next.
The object of this meeting is not to call in a large promiscuous assembly of brethren and sisters, to worship in the usual manner of conferences; but to consider the tent enterprise in New England the ensuing Summer, and make arrangements for the same.
The invitation is therefore extended to the business, enterprising brethren, who take an interest in this cause, and have means to help it forward, and also to all such brethren as the respective churches of New England may appoint as delegates.
STEPHEN PIERCE.
E. L. BARR.
P. S. Brethren from the south by cars, by taking the earliest morning trains from Mass. and N. H., will reach Roxbury about six o'clock P. M., same day. Brethren from the north should also be particular and take the morning train, as it is the only train through Roxbury the same day. By this they reach Roxbury at 10 A. M. in season to commence the conference.
S. P.
E. L. B.
Roxbury, March 22d, 1858.
Business Items.
By Editor
J. H. Beeman. Where is your paper sent now?
The P. O. address of H. P. Gould is Proctorville, Vt.
Receipts.
By Editor
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the 'Review and Herald' to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
C. Osborne 1.00,xii,1. R. Godemark 1.00,xiii,1. J. F. Eastman 1.00,xii,1. A. Lee 2.00,xiii,1. C. Potter 2.00,xiv,1. I. D. Cramer (2 copies) 2.00,xii,14. M. S. Kellogg (for Mrs. L. Swartz) 0.50,xii,18. P. Scarborough 1.00,xi,1. A. Worster 1.00,xii,18. L. Hobert 1.00,xii,20. C. Stevens 1.00,xii,1. G. P. More 0.25,xii,6. E. A. Lovell 1.00,xii,1. R. J. Lawrence 1.00,xii,1. C. Copeland 1.00,xii,20. S. A. Snyder 0.20,xii,1. Wm. Potter 0.25,xii,7. J. Westfall 0.25,xi,1. E. Stone 1.00,xii,20. L. Curtis 0.50,xiii,10. M. E. Cramer 1.00,xii,13. Wm. James 1.00,xii,12. J. F. Bippus 1.50,xiii,7.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco, 65 cents.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes, These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6–12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents
Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. It has been prepared with much care, and considerable expense, and can be had at this Office for 4,00 per 100, or if sent by mail, post paid, 6 cents a copy.
A Brief Exposition of Daniel ii, vii, viii, ix, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary. Price, post paid, 10 cts.
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Illio, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 6 cents.
The Nature, and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 6 cents. The same in German, 10 cents
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism—an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 8 cents.
The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents.
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 12½ cents
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath. Price, 6 cents.
The Atonement. 196 pp. 18 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp. 12½ cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adopted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S." Price 5 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 6 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iiiCol. ii, 14–17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two bills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c. Price 5 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented Price 12½ cents.
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c, and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
POEMS.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 12½ cents.
Word for the Sabbath.—Price 5 cts.
The above named books will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices.
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages of not less than $5 worth.
All orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash except they be from Agents or traveling preachers.