p. 189 | Review and Herald, Vol. 9, No. 24. (4/16/1857)

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

of the Battle Creek Conference.

THE Conference called its Business Meeting on First-day morning, the 12th inst. Eld. Joseph Bates was chosen to the chair, who opened the meeting with prayer. Delegates from N. Y., Ohio, and Ills., and a good representation from the churches in Mich., were present.

The points to come before the Conference for consideration were not numerous. The subject of furnishing the REVIEW Office with a power press, in order to meet the demands for publications was first taken into consideration. The matter was set before the Conference, very much as has already appeared in the REVIEW, whereupon it was unanimously

Resolved, That such a Press be obtained for the REVIEW Office.

Opportunity being then offered for those present who might be so disposed to present their pledges for this object, the following brethren came forward, pledging one hundred dollars each toward procuring the press: Jas. Stiles, St. Johns, Mich., E. Aldrich, (by delegate) Addison, Mich., Geo. Leighton, Otsego, Mich., Geo. T. Lay, Monterey, Mich., E. Wilbur, Hillsdale, Mich., S. Rumery, Monterey, Mich., Church in Jackson, Ohio (by delegates.)

It was then further

Resolved, That all business pertaining to the purchasing the press, &c., be confided to the hands of the Publishing Committee.

Tent Operations came next before the Conference for consideration. Many remarks were made by various brethren concerning the numerous fields now opening before us in all directions which promise to faithful labor a rich harvest of honest souls to the truth. The prayers of the church are requested for the various Tent Enterprises, and for an increase of laborers in the vineyard. Bro. White spoke at length upon the important station a messenger occupies, and how much care and caution should be used in entering new fields, so as not by injudicious moves to close the ears of the people, and imbitter their feelings against us; not to add to the amount of prejudice in many places existing against any thing that wears the aspect of adventism, but to endeavor to remove it, that the people may listen, unbiassed, to the truth; not above all things to use the plain arguments by which the truth is supported, as clubs to browbeat and triumph over an opponent, but to possess a spirit of christianity and meekness, and speak accordingly; to win, instead of endeavoring to drive people to the truth. "He that winneth souls is wise."

Resolved, That all business connected with Tent Operations in Mich., for which there are now pledged $242.25, to be entirely left with the Mich. Tent Committee, which is composed of the following brethren: C. Smith, J. P. Kellogg, and J. R. Lewis, of Battle Creek, D. R. Palmer of Jackson, and C. S. Glover of Saline.

The third subject presented to the Conference for action was the Sabbath Tract for the Germans: concerning which it was

Resolved, That the committee chosen at the conference of 1856 to prepare it, move forward with its publication, and that it be issued under the patronage of the general Book Fund.

The subject of a meeting house in Battle Creek, sufficiently large to accommodate such conferences as it will probably be necessary to convene from time to time at this place, was next considered. The necessity for this was very sensibly felt by most of those present. It was therefore

Resolved, That a house that will conveniently seat about three or four hundred people, is much needed in this place and should be erected as soon as possible.

Resolved, That the doings of the Conference be published in the ADVENT REVIEW.

The utmost harmony prevailed through the entire meeting, no movement which was thought best for the good of the cause and the advancement of the truth, meeting with a dissenting voice. The business was promptly dispatched so that all was finished evening after Firstday, when with the singing of the 225th hymn and prayer by Bro. Bates, the meeting adjourned sine die.

JOSEPH BATES, Chairman. URIAH SMITH, Secretary.

TRADITION DISLIKES EMIGRATION.

By R. F. C.

"By education many are misled; They so believe, because they so were bred; The priest continues what the nurse began, And thus the child imposes on the man." Elias Smith.

"The infant heard the nurse devoutly say, The first day of the week was Sabbath-day, For reasons in the Primer plainly told, And thus the man believes when he is old. When he becomes a man he's made a priest, Acquires the arts and language of the East; With knowledge vast acquired from every clime, He speaks in strains that one would think sublime. He tells us of a new-made Sabbath-day, And that the former one is done away; The people think it surely must be so, It will not do to say the priest don't know. Thus round the world the Primer story flies, While quite unseen the Scripture doctrine lies." Wm Stillman.

The above text is applicable to other subjects besides the Sabbath. The nurse told the infant also, that he had an immortal, never-dying soul, that must exist, in happiness or misery, as long as God exists. It made a deep impression on the child's mind; and when he became a man and a preacher, being a Protestant, he felt himself bound to prove this anti-scriptural dogma from the Bible. But failing to find one text that affirmed the doctrine, and finding many that positively asserted the negative, such as, "The soul that sinneth it shall die," he was obliged to content himself in raising fancied objections to the scriptural doctrine of immortality alone through Christ.

I few days since I saw a copy of the Sabbath Recorder, from which I discovered that my friend, Eld. V. Hull, has written at some length on the immortality question. I think it was his "No. 17" that I read. In that article he appeals to the original Greek, and the testimony of the learned, to prove that in some passages in the common version the Greek word rendered immortality would be more properly rendered incorruptibility. Admitting this to be true, (I profess to know nothing in regard to it,) what is gained to his theory? Incorruption is exemption from decay. Immortal means, Having no principle of alteration or corruption; exempt from death. Both terms signify exemption from decay, while immortality denotes exemption from death also. Now if both life and incorruptibility are brought to light through the gospel, those who avail themselves of the privileges of the gospel will be made immortal.

Both immortality and incorruption are, by Paul, used in reference to man as an organized being, or to the body. 1 Cor. xv, 50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Verse 52. "The dead shall be raised incorruptible." That which was dead and is raised then becomes incorruptible. Verse 53. For this corruptible body must put on incorruption, and this mortal body must put on immortality. Campbell. But my friend evidently uses the term, incorruption, in reference not to the physical, but to the moral man—the soul. But I presume he would not admit that the "immortal soul" of man is subject to decay till the resurrection, and then becomes incorruptible—not subject to decay. But this is not my friend's meaning. He uses the terms, corruption and incorruption, in the sense of moral depravity and moral purity. He claims that Rom. ii, 7 should read, To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honor, and incorruption, eternal life. On this he remarks, "Perfection in holiness is the object for which the people of God seek; not for eternal existence; of that they are sure without seeking it." Now we have his meaning. To such immortal souls as seek for "moral purity," or "perfection in holiness," God will render eternal life. But when will they obtain this incorruption or moral purity for which they seek? At the resurrection. Then this corruptible must put on incorruption. That is, according to my friend's construction, the morally polluted and depraved man will, at the resurrection, put on a good moral character! I should think he ought to put it on before that time, unless Universalism be true.

Again, Christ did not see corruption. This harmonizes very well with my friend's definition. He was perfect in holiness—he knew no moral depravity. But this prophecy had a specific reference to the resurrection of Christ, and is affirmed of his flesh. David "spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." Acts ii, 31. This is plain enough; though he died, he rose again the third day; his soul came out of the grave, and his flesh did not decay. But what became of David, a man who spent his life-time seeking incorruption? He saw corruption. When? After he had served out his probation. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption; but he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Acts xiii, 36, 37. Then, according to the view in question, after David was dead and buried, he saw his moral depravity. Rather late, I should think, in the discovery.

But enough has been said to show the utter fallacy, and the positive absurdity of the position my friend has taken. The saints of all ages have sought incorruption; but their mortal career has ended in corruption. But, at the resurrection of the just, they will put on incorruption. Then, having life and incorruption, they will be immortal. They will have obtained an endless existence—the very thing they sought for.

My friend is a Seventh-day Baptist; and I dare say he has been often enough disgusted with the course of those who, failing to find anything in the word of God to sustain the First-day Sabbath, have racked their invention to find objections against the seventh day—the Sabbath of the Lord. Whether he is aware of it or not, he occupies a similar position. There is no text of Scripture which affirms the natural immortality of any part of man; but the opposite is just as clearly taught as words can express ideas. Failing to find the one text which affirms the immortality of the soul, men undertake, by unnecessary inferences and perversions of the plain sense of certain scriptures, to set aside the positive assertions of the infallible Word, and prove that the wages of sin is not death—that the soul that sinneth it shall not die.

"Ye shall not surely die," was the first teaching of the father of lies to the human race. Then, when they had apostatized from the only true and living God, their new master set them to worshiping the sun. Hence the origin of Sunday. The two doctrines can boast the same parentage. Their pedigree can be traced back, through Papacy and Paganism, to their true source. But how hard it is for men to leave tradition, and to come to the word of God and receive its instructions. How prone are men to follow the beaten track of tradition, however at variance with the word of God. Generation after generation have followed in the same wake. While the Papacy was in its glory, men worshiped the beast, and, at the same time, they worshiped the dragon that gave power to the beast. That is, the Catholic church, though professing Christianity, still kept their Pagan traditions. And while men worship the two-horned beast and the image which he shall make, they will be keeping the same traditions, and, consequently, they will at the same time be worshiping the ten-horned beast and the dragon.

But I would that my friend could see that he occupies a position which he condemns in others. He is zealous and laborious, as his protracted effort evinces. Would to God he were engaged in a better cause than trying to stop the leaks in that old ship which will sink to oblivion in the lake of fire. R. F. C.

DEVILS IN THE PULPIT.

By James White

IN the Spiritual Telegraph of Feb. 7th, 1857, I saw the following notice: "Dr. C. P. Sanford, Speaking Medium and Normal Lecturer on Spiritualism, will respond to calls for public lectures. Address Pendeville, Columbia Co., Wis."

The manner in which Dr. Sanford became a spiritual lecturer is thus given in an editorial correspondence to the Telegraph by S. B. Brittan, dated Adrian, Mich., Nov. 2d, 1856. I give the statement in full that the authorities may be known:

"In the course of my brief but agreeable interview with the friends who met me at Leroy, Mr. George W. Covell, of Alexandria, Genesee Co., N. Y., related the following interesting fact which very much resembles one communicated in my last letter: Rev. Carlos P. Sanford of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while preaching against Spiritualism somewhere on the Western Reserve, had his organs unexpectedly controlled by spirits, who used him to refute his own arguments, and to defend the faith he had labored to destroy. This occurred about two years since. Mr. Covell assures me that the Rev. Mr. Sanford now resides in Wisconsin, and that he is a public teacher of the spiritual faith and philosophy."

An incident similar to the above was related to me last Winter, as having occurred in this State; but in this instance it was said that the medium present took the place of the preacher and continued the discourse according to the will of the demons by which he was influenced. Such an occurrence I have never seen, though I have seen repeated efforts made by mediums to control speakers or silence the testimony of the word.

The number of ministers who have become spiritual lecturers and mediums is very large; and while the churches profess to regard the whole matter as a humbug, it is working its way gradually into those bodies, and becoming more powerful and popular.

This last feature, its popularity, will soon give it influence in the world-loving churches, by which will be fulfilled Rev. xviii, 2. J. H. W.

Cause in Michigan.

By James White

The present condition of the cause in this State is most cheering. Sabbath-keepers in the state have probably increased in numbers more than one half since the Office was moved to Battle Creek. And those who come in, seem to take hold of the work understandingly, and with the spirit of sacrifice, are forward to bear their part of the work. Such grow stronger, while those who cling to the world, and make no sacrifice, soon sink back into the world again.

The fields are white in Michigan, and in fact throughout the wide West. Where the truth is but partially presented, there seems no failure in bringing some to walk in it. Will not some of those eastern laborers who are accomplishing but very little where they are, come and work where much can be done? J. W.

LABORS IN ILLINOIS.

By John Norton Loughborough

DEAR BRO. SMITH: The cause of the Lord is still moving steadily forward in Illinois. Since writing my last I have held meetings at Hazel Green and Round Grove, and nearly every Sabbath at the Hiddleson school-house. In Hazel Green I gave four discourses. Quite an interest was manifested in the truths presented, and a desire has been expressed by many since, to hear more.

Our meetings at the Hiddleson school-house have continued to increase in interest. In almost every meeting one or more new converts have borne their testimony for the truth and asked the prayers of the church.

March 3d, we met at the Hiddleson school-house. A discourse was delivered on the subject of baptism. After the discourse we repaired to the water, where nine were buried with Christ in baptism, and we trust rose to walk in newness of life. Several of them had never before made any profession of faith in Christ.

March 13th, we met just before the Sabbath. Four more were baptized. In the evening we repaired to the house of Bro. Wick, and enjoyed a precious season in attending to the ordinances instituted by our Saviour on the night of his betrayal.

Quite an interest has been awakened among the young. Several from the age of seven to sixteen have stated their determinations to go to the kingdom. One girl about twelve or thirteen, who was once declared by the rapping spirits to be a medium, made a start to obey the Lord, although her parents have been opposed to the truth. We feel, by what we see in Illinois, and what we hear from other parts of the field, that truly the promised work of Elijah the prophet has come. A Sabbath School and Bible Class have already been established for the coming season. Our earnest desire and prayer is that the good work begun in Ills., may go on until the last message of mercy shall have sounded its last note of warning, and redemption come.

I am now on my way to Iowa. I expect to spend a few days with the church at Wawkon, and then if the providence of God permit, I shall visit the churches in Wisconsin. I expect Bro. Hart to join me at Lake Mills April 18th. We feel that this journey should claim an interest in the prayers of the church, especially those who feel for Wisconsin. We want to go richly laden with the blessing of God.

I much desired to be at the Conference, April 10th but feel to deny myself, that if possible I may do some good to others while there is an opportunity. We shall probably remain in Wisconsin some four weeks.

I feel encouraged to still strive to press on towards the kingdom. In the strength of the Lord we can go through; for if we "hear his voice," "be zealous and repent," and open the door, he will come in and sup with us. I want to overcome and gain the prize at last. May it be so.

Your brother, looking for redemption soon. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. On board Steamer, Mississippi River, March 31st, 1857.

The Review and Christian Self-Denial

By F. O. Hodge

From Bro. Hodge.

BRO. WHITE: I am a stranger to you personally, but not to the work in which you are engaged, being comforted and cheered by the same blessed hope through Jesus Christ, even eternal life. I am anxious to hear often from the remnant scattered abroad, and know of no other means so good as the Review; but then comes the thought, you are not able to pay for it. True, but then it is free to the poor. But are there no superfluities in dress, meats, or drinks, which might be dispensed with, and the trifling sum of one dollar be saved? No! Rum, tea, tobacco, jewelry, or ornaments of any kind, are all incompatible with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am far away from the most of the faithful, and have no communication with any of them without walking from five to fifteen miles, as I have no team, and am unable to hire. I sometimes go out to meet them, but that is possible but seldom. So I stay at home on the Sabbath, read the Book, and long for communion with the dear saints. O how my heart goes out to them! I look about me and see sin and iniquity abounding, the professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus engaged in scenes of dissipation, seeking the honors of this present evil world, and joining hands with the children of this world, disobeying the commandments of God, trampling on his holy law, profaning his Sabbath, rendering evil for evil, the children of pride and ostentatious display, heavily burdened with jewels of gold, without bowels of mercy, oppressing the poor, exacting money, and taking increase, smiting their fellow-servants and saying, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and my heart is pained within me. O for light! Gospel light, in this age and day of darkness, that shall open the eyes of the blind that they may see. O for more living, saving faith in the church of the living God. O for more bright and shining lights in the persons of the followers of Jesus, more meekness, more repentance, more zeal, more inward holiness, more pure gold.

For one, I come too far short, but am striving through the grace of God to overcome. I pray for victory, I fight for victory, and through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, hope for the final victory.

Your brother. F. O. HODGE.

Abbott’s Corners, C. E., March 15th, 1857.

A Sabbath-Keeping Band Arising

By Helen Chamberlain

From Sister Chamberlain.

BRO. SMITH: I wish to say to the saints scattered abroad, that the little band of Sabbath-keepers in this place are striving to arise and stand upon higher and holier ground. Brn. Barr and Phillips have been here with the stirring message to the Laodiceans, and we have seen ourselves in the wretched condition that the faithful and true Witness has described. We are striving to open the door of our hearts that Jesus may come in and sup with us and we with him.

It is indeed high time we awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. And while our great High Priest is cleansing the Sanctuary, I for one want my sins all to go to judgment beforehand, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. I believe those times will soon come, and the work will be cut short in righteousness.

This message is just what we as a church needed. Some of the children have come forward and expressed a desire to be saved, and a determination to go with the saints to mount Zion. And O may God bless the messengers, that are at work in the vineyard of the Lord. May they have our prayers and efforts to sustain them while laboring for the salvation of souls. And may this good work go forward until parents and children, and all the honest souls are gathered in. O may we be faithful, that we may be found among that happy company who will be presented without fault before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.

"Soldiers of Christ arise, And put your armor on; Fight, for the battle will be ours; We fight to win a crown. The battle's almost o'er, The race is almost run: Then with our glorious conquering King, We'll sit down on his throne."

Yours striving to overcome. HELEN CHAMBERLAIN. Abington, Ct., March 25th, 1857.

SARAH M. SWAN

By Sarah M. Swan

From Sister Swan.

BRO. SMITH: My heart has been often cheered, and many an otherwise lonely hour has been beguiled by reading the excellent communications in the Review from the dear brethren and sisters, and I have felt constrained to write a few lines, as I know that the people of God love to hear especially from the scattered and lonely ones.

It has been over two years since I have been permitted to see any one who is trying to keep the commandments of God. I am surrounded only by those whose god is the world, and who care for none of these things. O that I could feel that in all my interviews with those around me, I had been as faithful as I ought, so that I could say with Paul, "I am free from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God." But it is not so. When I look back, I see that my course is

marked with unfaithfulness; that what feeble efforts I have made to enlighten others with regard to Bible truth, have not been made with a due sense of the importance of the present time.

I do feel that I want to heed the counsel of the dear Saviour, to be zealous and repent, shake myself from the slumber which has so long been creeping over me, renounce the world, die to sin, and be made alive to God. Dear brethren and sisters, will you not remember in your prayers one who feels that she is the most unworthy of you all.

I have felt for some time an anxiety that the truth might be preached in this place. I think that the message has never been proclaimed in the eastern part of Ohio, and may not the Lord have jewels even in this vicinity, who may yet be gathered in. Could not Bro. Bates, or some other brother who is passing on the Lake Shore Rail Road, call here and spend a few days? We live twenty-five miles from Ashtabula Depot. There is a chance to come from Ashtabula to Orwell, four miles from us, or to Colebrook, three and a half miles from us, in the stage every day in the week, Sundays excepted. May the Lord direct, and send by whom he will, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.

SARAH M. SWAN

Orwell, March 21st, 1857.

RETURN UNTO ME, AND I WILL RETURN UNTO YOU, SAITH THE LORD

By E. O. Lamson

Return unto thy Father's arms, Now waiting to receive; Thy sins he's ready to forgive, To pardon and reprieve.

Return again to thy first love, And thy first works do o'er; Be zealous and repent; for Christ Is knocking at the door.

Return, though from the Lord thou far And long hast wandering been, He's just as willing to receive, And cleanse thee from all sin.

Return unto thy Saviour now, And leave him never more: Return, and at thy Father's throne Forgiveness full implore. E. O. LAMSON. Clarkson Center, N. Y.

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S.

By John Martin

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Martin.

BRO. SMITH: It is with thankfulness to God that I am permitted to put in my testimony in favor of present truth. The testimony to the Laodiceans is just what we needed to show us our true condition as a people. And it is cheering to hear the message is so generally received by the brethren; and while others are trying to get the eye-salve to anoint their eyes to see clearly to get the gold and white raiment. I shall try also to obtain these graces; for I want to be one that shall see the King in his beauty, and be among that number that shall shout victory over the beast and his image, his mark and the number of his name, and stand on mount Zion with the Lamb.

Solemn scenes are just before us, but a glorious reward is promised to the finally faithful. I can truly say, My interest has been with the Review for this five or six years; and the words it contains of late makes it more interesting than ever. I hope the Lord will bless you abundantly, and the Corresponding Editors, and workmen in the Office. I know your anxieties and toils must be great; but the reward is equally as great, even in this world an hundred fold, and in the world to come life everlasting.

JOHN MARTIN.

Bath, N. Y.

Confession and Entire Submission

By H. W. Lawrence

From Bro. Lawrence.

Bro. Smith: Permit me to say a few words to the saints. For more than two years I have made but little public effort, and now at this late hour begin to see how I have dishonored God and grieved the church by my unguarded conversation and lack of a preparation to fulfill any place in the church, especially that of a teacher, being blinded by unbelief, and destitute of entire submission to the will of God. I am now sorry that I have ever felt to complain of chastisement from the Lord, and reproof received from faithful brethren, who knew more about the "mind of the Spirit," and my own destitute condition than I did myself. I regret my many moves in my own strength, also the way I have justified and taken glory to myself when I have witnessed some tokens for good. I have failed to bear rightly the responsibility resting upon me in the little church here at home; and as some have moved to the West, I wish to ask their forgiveness, as well as the forgiveness and prayers of all in every place where I have failed to manifest the "fruits of the Spirit. I hope no more to abuse the "long suffering of God" that now waits a little for blind, erring, lukewarm Laodiceans to repent and let the Spirit of Jesus have entire possession once more.

Dear brethren, I will try in the strength of Jesus to lay down my life once for all, that I may gain eternal life. H. W. Lawrence.

West Bangor, N. Y.

Awakening from a Lukewarm State

By P. Conklin

From Sister Conklin.

Bro. Smith: I wish to say that the truth is still dear to me, and that I read the Review with interest, and I trust with profit, especially those articles on our present condition, as a people. I feel thankful that the Lord has not left us in darkness, but is showing us how wretched we are. I know that I have been in a lukewarm state for some time past, but do hope that I shall be enabled to repent and heed the warning of the true Witness, and put on the whole armor of God, having my eyes anointed that I may see clearly all the precious truths connected with the Third Angel's Message.

I do feel that we are living in a very solemn time. O let us awake and be diligent to make our calling and election sure. I do feel that I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

O how my soul longs to meet once more with those of like precious faith. I have not heard a discourse on present truth since the tent-meeting in Tyrone two years ago last June. O how thankful I feel for the Review, for it brings meat in due season.

Truly yours, hoping to rise with the message. P. CONKLIN.

Rose, Mich.

The Judgment Hour and Coming Kingdom

By Frances Strong

From Sister Strong.

BRO. SMITH: I would address a few lines to the church through the Review. I am still trying to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. That we are now in the judgment hour I fully believe, when the sins of God's people will go to judgment beforehand, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, when he shall send Jesus with all his holy angels to gather home his elect. Come and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn and he will heal us, he hath smitten and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us; in the third day he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, his going forth is prepared as the morning, and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Hosea vi, 1-3.

I do feel truly thankful for all the way in which the Lord has led us, and for what he has done and is still doing. He has led us in a way which we knew not of, and brought us through trials seen and unseen.

"But what are all our sufferings here, If Lord thou count us meet, With all the enraptured host to appear, And worship at thy feet."

With my eyes fixed on Jesus and the coming kingdom, I feel that I have nothing to fear.

"I do rejoice that life was given In these last days for me, That deathless I may rise to heaven, And my Redeemer see."

In hope, waiting for the redemption of the promised possession. FRANCES STRONG. West Milton, N. Y., April, 1857.

Heeding the Laodicean Counsel

By Emily J. Paine

From Sister Paine.

BRO. SMITH: I esteem it a privilege to contribute my mite to support a paper that has been instrumental in spreading so much light, and truth, and has cheered and comforted my heart so many times. The Lord has been very good to us. Notwithstanding we have had trials keen and cutting, yet our trust has been in God, and we have found him an ever present help in times of need. Praised be his holy name! He knows what is for our good far better than we do ourselves.

How plain it is to be seen that we have been in a lukewarm condition; and O, how thankful I am that we can heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, buy gold tried in the fire, that we may be rich; and white raiment, that we may be clothed, that the shame of our nakedness do not appear; and anoint our eyes with eye-salve, that we may see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. May God help us to hear his rebukes and chastenings as we ought, and to be zealous and repent, and open the door of our hearts, and let the lovely Saviour in.

I am striving to overcome, for I want to sit down with Christ in his throne. How thankful we would be, here in Barre, to have some of the dear brethren come and speak to us the words of life. We hope some one will see it duty to come soon. I feel like making haste to get ready, having on all the armor, that I may be prepared to stand in the evil day. I believe it is close upon us, much closer than many of us are aware of. May the Lord help us to watch, that that day do not overtake us as a thief, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in hope of redemption at the appearing of Jesus.

Emily J. Paine.

Barre, N. Y., April, 1857.

Encouragement in the Laodicean Message

By Lucy Harris

From Sister Harris.

Bro. Smith: I have the inestimable privilege of belonging to that despised company who are gathered under the sounding of the Third Angel's Message to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is over five years since myself and daughter, with no one to go with us, commenced keeping God's holy Sabbath, and the blessing of God rested down on us, and we felt that in keeping his commandments there was indeed a great reward. I have passed through much trouble, and feel that God's promise to Paul has been verified to me, and his grace has been sufficient for me. Many times have I been led to exclaim,

"Why was I made to hear his voice And enter while there's room; While thousands make a wretched choice, And rather starve than come."

The first article that I read comparing our state and standing to the Laodiceans, seemed to me rather severe; but my heavenly Father has indeed made me to feel that I am wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

I have not for a moment felt like going back into the world, or seeking enjoyment from it; for I have felt that it had none for me, and I have kept looking to the Lord, but many times have been led to cry out, O my leanness, my leanness! But thanks to our heavenly Father, I do feel that I mean to try to be zealous and repent, and gird on the heavenly armor anew; to buy gold, and white raiment, and eye-salve. The Lord help me.

Brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged. Signs of our Lord's returning are thickening around us, and we can truly say, "Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."

Lucy Harris.

Lancaster, N. H.

Extracts from Letters.

By Editor

BRO. S. Armstrong writes from Deansville, N. Y., April, 1857: "I want to give in my testimony in favor of present truth, though it may be in weakness. I am alone here in regard to truth. 'My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.' Ps. cxx, 6, 7. I praise the Lord that he has ever shown me the light of present truth. I feel great need of striving to overcome and put on the whole armor. I praise him for his good law that marks the way of the righteous. I am striving to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus."

OBITUARY.

By Harriet Stillman

My husband, David Stillman, died April 4th, full in the faith. He said all was well with him. He died happy in the Lord. The cause of his death was an accident caused by a gun-shot that passed through his arm, then inflammation took place, struck to his vitals, and caused death in five days.

HARRIET STILLMAN.

Lock's Station, St. Joseph Co., Mich.

Fellowship with God Produces Hatred to Sin

Fellowship with God produces, strengthens, and increases hatred to sin.

Praise for the Work in Parish

By E. Degarmo

From Sister Degarmo.

BRO. SMITH: I feel to praise the Lord for the work that seems to be beginning in Parish, N. Y. When I commenced to keep the Sabbath in 1851, I was alone in striving to keep what we consider the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, in these parts; but, praise the Lord! I have not felt to hide the light I have found in the word of God, while I have the Review which comes with the Spirit of Jesus like a reflector to give the word of the inspired writers a clearer light.

When the testimony to the Laodiceans came out in the Review, I turned to my Bible and began to compare my life, my daily walk, my words, and even my thoughts, in humble prayer, with the rule laid down by my heavenly Father by the holy prophets, in the precepts of his Son, and by the word and examples of the inspired apostles, and the testimony of the faithful and true Witness to the beloved disciple while on the isle of Patmos, and I found I fell far short of being what I ought to be, professing as I do to be keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus under the Third Angel's Message, and I believing it to be the last message of mercy to a fallen world.

I find that I am poor. Will my gold stand the trying test? It will take all to buy the pearl which is of great price. My garments are nothing but filthy rags, to what they should be to reflect the image of my Lord and Master before a wicked, gainsaying generation. The scales are not all fallen from my eyes that I can see all things clearly. I mean by divine aid to arise in good earnest out of this lukewarm state, and buy gold, and white raiment, that I may be rich and clothed, and anoint my eyes with eye-salve that I may see clearly, that I may gain the victory over the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

As to the dainties and fineries of this life, I have laid them all aside that I may have a mite to help send the truth to a perishing world. Simplicity and meekness, humility and patience, with that wisdom that comes from on high, and faith, brotherly love and charity, best become one professing to be a child of God.

There are now six of us in Parish who are striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, within a circumference of four miles. We meet on the Sabbath.

Since Brn. Wheeler, Rhodes and Edson were here last Winter, others have been searching the Bible to find something to prove us wrong, but are giving in that we are on the right foundation, while others mock, scoff and persecute.

I feel to say from the heart, Father, forgive me even as I forgive these my persecutors; forgive them for they know not what they do.

Since the visit of the Brn. above referred to, three have embraced the truth as presented in the Third Angel's Message, and others are inquiring for light. Praise the Lord for his long-suffering and mercy to this fallen world. E. DEGARMO. Parish, N. Y.

Lessons in Spiritual Growth

The glories of the world always lose their charms when Jesus is spiritually enjoyed.

The knowledge of divine things flows through prayer, reading, meditation, and observation.

There is more in one of God's sentences than you have discovered yet.

The mines of gospel truth invite to labor; labor should be coupled with prayer; and these together will be sure to increase our spiritual possessions.

Rules for Reading the Scriptures.

1. NEVER open the Book of God, without remembering that you must be tried by it at the judgment seat of Christ.

2. Read, with prayer for direction to the right meaning, with earnest attention to the words, and connection of the passage; with diligent comparison of every passage with the whole Bible; and with patient thought concerning the result.

3. When you read the Scriptures, let not your attachment to the systems or the sentiments of men obscure their meaning, or induce you to pervert them.

4. When you discover any truth in the Bible, receive it with candor, maintain it with meekness, and avow it with courage.

5. When you discover any duty in the Bible, meet the discovery with a cheerful obedience.

6. In your daily perusal of the Sacred Volume, receive its doctrines with a lively faith, and practice its duties with a bold boldness.

7. When you read the Bible, pray for divine grace, by which its doctrines and duties may become the fountain, and the streams of genuine christian discipleship.

8. This Book contains the law of the Most High God; it founds its claims to divine origin on the harmony of its facts with the records of universal history; on the moral character of its inspired penmen; on the sublime yet simple majesty of its style; on the excellence of its doctrines; on the purity of its morals; and on the evidence of indisputable miracles.

9. To the Christian this volume supplies a surer guide than the Israelites enjoyed in the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night; it unfolds the consoling doctrine and the directing precept, the warning threat and the cheering promise; it exposes our guilt, proclaims our danger, and reveals our duty; it condemns to justify, and justifies to condemn no more.

10. To the dead the blessed Bible speaks life, and to the living it unfolds immortality; it makes the weak strong, and to the strong it increaseth strength; it invites inquiry, and amply rewards the honest inquirer; it holds up a guiding star through the pilgrimage of life, and extends the horizon of our mortal existence into the boundless ocean of a happy eternity.—Selected.

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