Review and Herald, Vol. 14, No. 7.
THE INDIGNATION. DAN. VIII, 19Page 1
Earlier text: THE INDIGNATION. DAN. VIII, 19"THE SABBATH A BLESSING TO MANKIND."
By Editor
We trust that none of our readers whose hearts have become "subject to the law of God," and who esteem the "Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable," will become weary of hearing on this glorious theme. The following eloquent extract from a tract by Dr. Gardiner Spring, entitled as above, contains sentiments worthy to be treasured in every mind. 'When I consider the original institution of the Sabbath, of which we have so explicit an account at the close of the Mosaic narrative of the creation ; when I find the observance of this day enjoined in one of the precepts of the moral law ; when I find, throughout the Psalms and the Prophets, this solemn injunction, implicitly repeated ; when I hear our blessed Lord, expressly speaking of the existence of this day after the abolition of the Jewish economy ; when I hear the apostle John, long after our Lord's resurrection and ascension into heaven, speaking with peculiar emphasis, of a particular day as the Lord's Day ; when I find the apostles by their example setting apart one day in seven for religious purposes ; when I can trace the existence and observance of Sabbatical Institutions from the creation down to the present hour ; and when to these considerations I add the natural fitness and propriety of such a day, and consider how indispensable it is to the existence of religion among men; I am compelled to believe that the Sabbath is of Divine origin and perpetual obligation.' The following extract shows the nature of the work which our co-Sabbath opponents are endeavoring to accomplish. They ought to hang their heads in shame at the impious efforts in which they are engaged. But some one may say that these are only Dr. Spring's assertions. We care not from whom they come ; they are sentiments which we are sure will commend themselves to every good conscience throughout the land. 'There is another thought not unworthy of our notice ; the Sabbath lies at the foundation of all sound morality. Morality is a matter of principle. 'Out of the heart are the issues of life.' Let the principles of moral obligation once become universally relaxed, and the practice of morality will become loose and unhinged in the same proportion. A man cannot preserve his own morals—a parent cannot preserve the morals of his children, after he has taken away the sanctions, and erased the impressions of religious obligation. Take away these sanctions, and you will soon see how much his own and the morals of his family owe to the sacredness of good principles. It is impossible that a wholesome morality should be maintained in any community without an active impression of religious obligation. If you can persuade a community to reject the grand principles of moral obligation ; if you can lead them to doubt the genuineness and authenticity of the Scriptures—to question the reality and obligation of natural religion—to hesitate whether there be any such thing as virtue or vice, or whether the soul will have any future existence, and if it has, whether there be an eternal state of rewards and punishments—or whether there exists any such being as God—if you can bring a community to this direful point of skepticism or infidelity ; you are sure to have broken down the barriers of moral virtue, and to have hoisted the floodgates of immorality and crime. There is one institution which opposes itself to this progress of human degeneracy, and throws an impenetrable shield around the interests of moral virtue in our troubled world. It is the Sabbath. In the awful struggle between vice and virtue, notwithstanding the powerful auxiliaries which the cause of iniquity finds in the bosoms of men, in the force of self-indulgence, and the influence of popular example, wherever the Sabbath has been suffered to live and exert her benignant authority, the trembling interests of moral virtue have always been revered and supported. The great business of this day is to explain, demonstrate, and enforce the leading principles of a sound morality. Wherever the Sabbath is observed, you behold a nation assembling one day in seven, to become acquainted with the best moral principles, and hear the best moral precepts. And where this is the case, in defiance of the love of sin, the authority of moral virtue must be acknowledged, and the influence of the Sabbath must be felt. We may not at once perceive the effects which the recurrence of this day has upon human society. Like most moral causes, it operates slowly but surely, but wherever it comes, it gradually weakens the power and breaks the yoke of profligacy and sin. And here let it be remarked, in perfect accordance with these suggestions will be found the history of individuals and associations of men. No villain regards the Sabbath. No vicious family regards the Sabbath. No worthless and immoral community regards the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a barrier which must be broken down, before men can become giants in iniquity. Lord Chief Justice Hale of England remarks, "that of all the persons who were convicted of capital crimes, while he was upon the bench, he found a few only, who would not confess, on inquiry, that they began their career of wickedness by a neglect of the duties of the Sabbath, and vicious conduct on that day." I should like to see an authentic and correct history of all the prisons in the land; and unless I am much deceived, such a statement would not present an instance of an individual who has not broken over the restraints of the Sabbath before he was abandoned to crime, and who could not mark the profanations of that day as forming an advanced stage in his downward career. You may enact laws for the prevention of crime; you may frame them with judgment, and execute them with promptness and impartiality; but the secret and silent influence of the Sabbath is a greater preventive of crimes, and does of itself "constitute a stronger shield to the vital interests of a community, than any code of penal statutes that ever was enacted." Sound morality has no foundation like the Sabbath. The Sabbath is the key-stone of the Temple of Virtue, which, however it may be defaced, will survive many a rude shock, and retain much of its pristine magnificence, as long as its foundation remains firm.' Bro. Smith: It is some time since I have written anything for the Review; not because I have any less interest in the cause of truth, but other necessary cares and duties have occupied my time and taxed my energies, so that it has been next to impossible for me to write. It would have been pleasant to me could I have been present at the late gathering at Battle Creek, but the good effected by my attendance would not warrant the expenses of so long a journey. I am glad indeed to hear so good a report from the meeting and feel to endorse the resolutions, and to co-operate with the brethren in striving to spread abroad the knowledge of the truth. I feel confidence in this work, as being the work of God; consequently I wish to make no reserve, but to have all on board. God has made no provision for a retreat, and I wish to make none. He has given us a helmet, breastplate and shield, so that the whole front is protected; but has never made a single piece of armor for the back. Our only safety is in presenting a united front to the enemy. I would say to the brethren in New York that it was with regret that I relinquished my intention of meeting with them in conference at Roosevelt. Yet perhaps it was the will of God that I should not attend. A day's sickness, that week, brought on by over-doing in traveling on foot, seemed to make it imprudent, in the little time I had left, to make the exertion necessary to get, in season, to the meeting. I am a servant of the church, however, to aid in carrying out the measures for the spread of truth, which their wisdom may deem necessary and expedient. In regard to my labors in the highways and hedges, I have just entered a new field, in Greece, Monroe Co., which seems to promise a harvest of souls. There are a goodly number there that have, in a great measure, thrown off the shackles of sectarianism, seeing the corruptions of the so-called churches, and stand in a place where they are at liberty to embrace Bible truth. I have given them one discourse on the unity of the true church, to be effected by means of the special messages ordained in the word of prophecy, which was well received. I go to them again next First-day, the Lord willing. The Lord is at work for the children of his people in Western N. Y. One has lately put on the Lord Jesus by being baptized into his death, and I hope that others who are hesitating will have courage to turn their backs upon the world, and seek the Lord with all their hearts. I hope they will see things in their true light, ere the spirit of the world and the pride of life, shall bind them up with the wicked, and so they be left to seek the Lord when he cannot be found of them. I am persuaded better things of them, though I thus speak. Some hearts are made tender by the Spirit of God; some partially subdued by providential dispensations towards them. I hope they will receive the exhortation: "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Yours to "go forward" with the Israel of God. "BE YE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY."
By E. Goodrich
There are many good reasons why men should be holy; yet there are none like this, for this is the foundation and sum of the entire.53 And this reason is founded on the great fundamental law of all worship; namely, that as is the God worshiped, such necessarily is homage paid. And as is the homage paid, such also is the character of the worshipers. And the object and direct tendency of all worship is that the worshipers may assimilate the character of the God worshiped. And since that God is holy it is evident that that which is unholy and defiled is necessarily an abomination in the sight of God. And he can only approbate that which is congenial to him; and that only is congenial that is like his nature. And as God cannot approbate that which is unholy, because uncongenial to his nature, how can we if unholy in heart and in life expect to enter into his presence and enjoy his smiles forever? Verily we cannot. And this is just what the Apostle declares when he says that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." The Saviour also, speaking upon the same things says: "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." The Saviour and the Apostle each express a great moral truth founded in the very nature of things. Neither do those reasons apply to the attributes of holiness alone, but to every attribute of the divine mind. God's government over man is a moral necessity founded on the nature and attributes of God, and embodies his creatures' highest good. And all the progression that we can have in the scale of being is on this principle; namely, that the God we worship is every way exalted, and hence the more Godlike we are, the more exalted we shall be. And these are the reasons also why we should humble ourselves; because as we have lived in open rebellion against his character and government, and as God cannot approbate that which is in opposition to himself, and cannot encourage or exalt that which he cannot approbate, unless we humble ourselves by taking our proper position as creatures before him, and ground the weapons of rebellion by breaking off our sins by righteousness and our iniquities by turning unto God, he cannot extend mercy or exalt us. And with this view let us read the language of the Saviour, Matt. xxiii. 12, and see how plain it is, "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." "Be ye holy for I am holy." This solemn fact should strike terror to every unholy person, and serve as a warning to be wise in seeking that preparation of heart that alone can recommend us in the presence of such a God. Marshall, Mich., June 22nd 1859. A RESPONSE.
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. SMITH: The Review, Nos. 3 & 4, are received. The report of the Conference at Battle Creek is indeed refreshing and interesting to me, as it must be to all interested in the advancement of the present gathering message. I greatly rejoice that there is a saving truth being proclaimed, which is gathering the church together, and will bring them into the unity of the faith, and prepare them for the glorious coming of the Son of man. Through the influence of this sacred truth that large assembly of brethren and sisters were convened to attend the recent conference. O what gratitude to God should fill our hearts for causing the light of truth to shine upon our pathway. WATCHFULNESS and PRAYER should characterize us as a people. O let us not be stupid and inactive in a cause so glorious as the one in which we are engaged. The Conference Address and the sermon on paying our vows unto God, I read with deep interest. Who has not broken resolutions and vows made unto the Lord? O how many I have made and broken! How many you, dear reader, have made and broken! What a catalogue would open before us, if all that we have made had been written and the book were open before us to-day. Solemn thought! Shall we ever pay them? Thank God, probation lasts, mercy lingers! May we all find grace to redeem our promises to the Lord, pay our vows and reduce all our good resolutions to practice. The counsel to the Laodiceans comes home with power to my heart to-day. "Be zealous, therefore, and repent." These words strike me with force as I write. Shall we heed this counsel? If so, it will be well with us. But if, like Lot's wife, we look back, or stand still, we incur the displeasure of God. Our only means of escape is to press forward. "So run," says the Apostle, "that ye may obtain." "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Your brother hoping for the crown. Wolcott, Vt., June 21st, 1859. Paul’s Desire for Christ’s Return
By G. W. A.
Waukon, Iowa, June 20th 1859. P. S. The foregoing text in Phil. i, 29, has been examined on the supposition that King James' translation of this verse is correct, and I do not know but what it is. But a scholar in the languages, who had read the Bible through some seven times in order to examine the question of Life and Death, says the following is a fair translation of verse 23: "I am perplexed which of the two to choose, life or death; but I have an earnest desire respecting the returning and being with Christ, which is greatly to be preferred," [to either life or death.] And the next verse, "But that this returning of Christ should be deferred, and your probation lengthened, is more needful for you." If this reading is consonant with the Greek it would remove all obscurity from the text, and permit but one idea to be drawn from it viz., that Paul had one desire for the coming of the Lord, expecting then to be with Christ. G. W. A. PAUL'S STRAIT.
By George W. Amadon
I HAVE lately been examining Paul's declarations respecting his "desire to depart," his "strait betwixt two," &c. and the following thoughts are the result of the investigation. Some of the ideas are suggested by reading Mr. Ellis' Bible vs Tradition, to whom all honor be given for his persevering and useful labors in this direction. In Phil. i, 21—23 the Apostle Paul declares that he was perplexed between two things, whether to choose life or death. They were both equally indifferent to him. He had no choice in either. But there was one thing, a third thing, that he had "a desire" for, and this other thing very plainly was not either of the other two. The other two things were life and death. But that which he "desired" was "far better" than either, that is, death or life, consequently any one can see it must be something entirely different from life or death, or else it would not be something else—it could not then be a third thing. Now what was it? Ans. "To depart and be with Christ." This, the Apostle regarded as entirely different from dying. Mark, Paul was in a strait betwixt two things,—life or death, he hardly knew which was best to choose, but immediately says he has a desire "to depart and be with Christ,"—therefore it is as plain as noon-day sun that "death," and departing and being with Christ, are two very different things. One thing, death, he regards the same as life—that is, he had no choice in either; but "to depart and be with Christ," for this he has an "earnest desire." Why? Because, as he says, it "is far better." Far better than what? Far better than either life or death, especially death, therefore it is necessarily something completely different from death. Every one can see this point; and again we are brought to the conclusion that death and "departing and being with Christ," are diametrically opposed, and as unlike each other as day and night. Having now clearly proved, as we think, that these two things are entirely different, we will briefly examine the phrase, "to depart and be with Christ," and see what it means; "for if it does not mean death," says one, "what does it mean?" In noticing this point, we shall be obliged to Paul for light on this question, and our quotations shall be from his writings; for as he preached a whole gospel and "kept back nothing that was profitable," he has spoken liberally on this point. First, 2 Cor. v, 4. "We that are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burdened: (mark what for,) not for that we would be unclothed (or not, note this point,) but clothed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life." Here seems to be the whole argument in a nut-shell, and clearly shows what Paul meant by wishing "to depart and be with Christ." It was to be "present with the Lord," in an incorrupt, undying body. But lest some should misapprehend the last clause of this text we will quote another verse which is so plain that "the wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein;" "This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (Then, mortality will be swallowed up of life.) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. xv, 53. We now begin to see what Paul meant when he said he had "a desire" to "depart and be with Christ," it was nothing less than longing for the full fruition of the Christian's hope, which takes place when we are "delivered from this bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Well, no wonder the Apostle had a "desire" for this. Any one who is the most scanty partaker of the Holy Spirit will have a like desire; and the great reason why the mass of "popular saints" have no relish for this wholesome truth is, that they are inflated with the idea of a "never-dying soul," and consequently clambering up to heaven some other way like thieves and robbers. But one more quotation explaining what is meant by having an earnest desire to depart and be with Christ. Second, Rom. viii, 18. &c. "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us." (When? When we die? By no means, read on.) For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves. (Now mark the cause of all this groaning,) waiting for the adoption, to wit the redemption of the body! We here learn plainly and most unmistakably what Paul means by "departing and being with Christ," it was nothing less than the expectant desire of being "caught up to meet the Lord in the air," when the church militant becomes the church triumphant; "and so be forever with the Lord." And we now also see that "death," and "to depart and be with Christ," are just as different as up from down, as black from white, having no likeness whatever. Paul did not "groan" to die. Oh no. He did not most "earnestly desire" to pass through the scenes of dissolution. Far from it. But he did desire, most earnestly too, to be clothed upon "with his house from heaven," or get an incorrupt body, which event, (precious thought) by us all will shortly be realized. Wawkon, Iowa, June 20th 1859. NOTE. On passages of difficult and unsettled application, those who write will be considered alone responsible for the correctness of the sentiments they utter. We think the above exposition preferable to that which would make Paul desire a private translation like Enoch and Elijah. The translation mentioned in the post-script is given with a freedom which we fail to see sustained by the Greek. The verb analuo, rendered "to depart," is defined, to dissolve, to break up, to separate. The only other instance of its occurrence in the New Testament is rendered thus: [Luke xii, 36.] "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord when he will return (analusei) from the wedding. But again, the noun analusis derived from the verb, is rendered "departure" in the only instance of its occurrence in the N. T. viz., 2 Tim. iv, 6, where there can be no doubt as to the meaning it is intended to convey.—Ed. ANOTHER PREACHER WANTED.
By James Sawyer
Bro. White: The church in Wright feel desirous that a preacher should settle in their midst; and at a meeting held last evening it was declared to send in a claim for one forthwith. I have therefore written by order of the church. We wait patiently the dealings of the Lord. EXCERPTS.—There is something very grand and sublime in the scripture doctrine of the resurrection. Confine your view to a single individual case. That body, so pale and motionless, breathless, we deposit in the earth. Soon all apparent coherence of parts is lost. The flesh shrivels—the bones are disjointed—the whole and wondrously adjusted fabric is loosened, till at last it is undistinguishable from the clods of the valley. This is mortality. Dust returns to dust. But as the clarion note of the resurrection bursts on the astonished world, the mouldering clay vibrates with life, the bones are marshalled into order, sinews and tendons, flesh and form appear, the eye begins to sparkle, and the whole frame springs up in the vivacity of being.—Sel. Interest in the Iowa Tent Meetings
Bro. Cornell reports a good interest with the Iowa tent at Richmond, Iowa, so much so that rainy nights and bad going do not prevent a good audience. He says: "Last night it rained hard till near meeting time, and the streets were all water and mud, and no sidewalks—the water had swept through under the tent, and it was very damp and chilly, yet there was a good audience and a good meeting. One man came five miles through the prairie mud, he said to hear the third angel's message. Two preachers have disturbed our meeting so much by contradicting, whispering and laughing, that their own members are are out with them." Interest at the Ohio Tent
Bro. Waggoner writes from the Ohio tent, now at Delta, Fulton Co., as follows: “The interest is up here about as high as would seem possible. Evening before last I lectured on Spiritualism; at the close, J. P. Bowman was introduced to the audience, which was larger than the tent could hold. He was late editor of the “Truth Seeker.” He made an effort which was not generally considered very successful. It has helped us very much. Remember us in your prayers.” “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.” Bro. Smith: I have felt of late the great importance of waking up to the interests of the cause in which we are engaged, and of living strictly in obedience to all the requirements of God. I am but a child as it were in the faith and have much to learn and much to do in order to overcome. I meet with some trials, yet they are nothing; they vanish like the morning dew when I see what others have to bear for Christ's sake, and in view of the reward of those who overcome. I feel very thankful that brother Sanborn was ever directed this way, and for the influence that was brought to bear upon me, to bring me where I could hear the message. O may the Lord bless the messengers and keep their feet from sliding while they have to contend with a world lying in wickedness. I commenced trying to keep the commandments some time in Jan. last, after some months' investigation. Since that time I have tried to live a Bible Christian. God has blessed me often, and enabled me to overcome many trials and besetting sins. I often think of the words, "In the world ye shall have tribulation but in me ye shall have peace." Brn. Sanborn and Ingraham met with us May 21st and 22nd. Eight were baptized and I think the church was much strengthened and encouraged to go on in the way to life. We feel interested in the welfare of perishing men. Although it was the lot of many to be involved in debt when they embraced the message, we have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence laid down in the Review that we may help run the tent, and support the families of the messengers. The brethren and sisters have given their names for a sum varying from 3 to 20 cents per week. May the Lord speed on his work and enable us all to see and do our duty, both to him and to our fellow men. I feel that God and his cause have claims upon me. While I enjoy the privilege of meeting with a goodly number of brethren and sisters every Sabbath, others are deprived of this privilege; and while the light of truth has sprung up here, there are thousands that are drooping in darkness, violating the holy law of God, and are numbered with those who worship the beast, whose end is to be destroyed. Rev. xiv, 9, 10. While we see in the word of God the awful denunciations of wrath soon to be poured out on a wicked world, it ought to stir us up to labor in earnest for the good of our neighbors, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives and children. We should leave no means untried, no stone unturned that we may rescue as many as possible before probation's hour shall close. Let us economize all we can, leave off our tea, coffee and tobacco, and try and pay our debts, both to God and man. O that the awakening angel might visit every heart. I feel that we have none too much time to prepare to meet him who is our life, that we may appear with him in glory. Living in the Last Days
By P. F. Ferciot
Bro. Smith: I feel much interested in the cause of present truth. I feel thankful that I have been called from darkness to light, and from the traditions of men to the truth. Yes, I feel willing to give all I possess in this world for the pearl of great price. If we walk not in the light when we have it, great will be our condemnation. I do believe we are having the last message, and are living in the last days. O let us contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. We can see that moral darkness is spreading over the land very fast. We see people striving to do away God's law; they do not want it written in their hearts, but say as the Jews did to our Saviour, Away with it. It is no wonder that God should forsake a people that have nothing but a mere form. They have a name to live but are dead. They call Jesus Lord, but they do not the things he commands them to do. What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, seeing that we look for the glorious appearing of Jesus. I desire to have the truth on every point, and if I have a right idea, there are very few that live it out. We read when Zaccheus of old received the truth, was willing to share his goods with the poor. He says, "The half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I will restore him four fold." Are we willing to do the same? or shall we shut up our bowels of compassion from the poor? If a brother or sister be destitute of the things of this life, shall we say unto them, Be ye clothed, be ye fed, and give them nothing? how dwelleth the love of God in such? Are we letting our light shine before men, like Zaccheus? or are we laying up treasures here upon earth, that their rust may eat our flesh as it were fire? The time in which we live forbids our laying up for our children. We should set them better examples. O let us not give the lie to our profession, but be always abounding in the work of the Lord. Let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. Let us beware of the snares which the Devil is laying to trap us. Let us beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesses. If we covet anything let us covet the best gifts; so says the apostle Paul; and lay up for ourselves durable riches, a treasure in the heavens, that our hearts may be there. My brethren and sisters, I thank the Lord that we have nothing to fear, but can hope for all things if we are faithful. O what a glorious thought that we are to have eternal life. It is promised to the overcomers; those who shall endure to the end. O may the Lord help us to do his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city. I want to stand upon mount Zion. Brethren aid me by your prayers, and pray for the church at Lovett's Grove that the standard may be raised, the truth prevail, and volunteers enlist in this glorious cause. The Blessing of the Bible Sabbath
By Lois Mighell
Bro. SMITH: Although a stranger to you in the flesh, I trust we are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Blessed union! Christ is all and in all. I want no other portion in earth or heaven. "His presence makes my Paradise." Unto me who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given. Through the tender mercies of a kind, indulgent God, and the speaking blood which pleads for us55in the courts of heaven, I am spared to see forty years expire since the Lord was pleased to bless me with the spirit of adoption, whereby I was enabled to cry Abba, Father, my Lord and my God. It is of late that my companion and myself have set out to keep the Bible Sabbath. I feel that this employment is delightful. It has been a blessing to my soul. May these truths be more and more manifest to all the members of Christ's church, until they come to the unity of the faith. The first of my being thoroughly convinced that I was not keeping the true Sabbath was last winter. I had felt disposed to reject it, but the words came to me, "Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life." I was amazed at the speedy answer to my prayer for light. As the Sabbath came my convictions increased. I felt a great responsibility to obey, and when the powers of darkness prevailed Bro. Baker like a Peter to Cornelius came to our house and set before me some of the scripture truths which treated upon the third angel's message, by means of which I have been set free, and I trust I never shall be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. We as a little flock meet at Bro. Baker's every Sabbath. This from an unworthy sister, who requests the prayers of the saints for overcoming grace. Chatham, Pa., June, 1859. PILGIM, is thy mind-sky clouded,
Does the sunlight dimly shine?
Is the earth in darkness shrouded,
While false prophets peace divine?
Cheer up, pilgrim! let thy vision
Look around thee—light is near.
Soon will come the great transition,
God in glory will appear. Pilgrim, has thy hope receded,
Think'st thou God is sought in vain?
Friends proved false when sorest needed,
Foes rejoicing at thy pain?
Cheer up, pilgrim, there's a blessing
For the waiting—never fear;
Foes forgiving, sins confessing,
Trust in God and persevere. Pilgrim, all things round are calling
With united voice, "Be strong."
Tho' the chains of earth are galling,
They will lose their strength ere long.
God from his high throne in heaven
Watches every hindered step,
He will see each net clean riven,
Which your foes in anger set. Pilgrim, there's a quiet slumber
Waiting for thee in the grave;
And there is a blessed number
Christ is coming soon to save:
Wait, then, till life's quiet even
Closes round thee calm and clear,
Or till called from earth to heaven,
All will there "be of good cheer."
F. V. B.
Camden, Me. SULLIVAN BAKER
By Sullivan Baker
BRO. SMITH: The Review and Herald is a welcome visitor to us. It is now about four years since I embraced the present truth. I can say that I am willing to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. I think it is time for us to arise and live up to the truths of this solemn and last message of mercy to man. I believe there are a few in this place who are trying to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. We have meetings every Sabbath, and have had some added to our number, of late, although we have continual and bitter opposition to meet. Our Saviour said "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." "O God, how long shall the adversary reproach; shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" No; we read of a time when all things are to be made new, and that all wicked doers shall be cut off. May the Lord help us to hold fast the truth, love and obey it, and trust in his mercy for ever. I would say that there are some among us who wish to go forward in baptism, but we have no one to administer the ordinances of God's house; yet we feel that we must obey as far as in us lies, and we trust that God will send a messenger among us. We believe that God will do a short work on the earth, and that the last sands of probationary time are running out. The servants of the Most High will shortly be sealed. I believe that the third message will speedily arise and go with power, so that the people will be without excuse. I have noticed how soon the light proves a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death when set before them. I think there are yet a few honest hearts in and about this place. May the Lord help them. Alone in the Faith
By M. M. Elmondorph
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It has been about nineteen months since I embraced the present truth. I feel thankful for the light, but how sad it seems to be from Sabbath to Sabbath without any one to cheer me on my pilgrimage. Oh how will our hearts rejoice,
When we shall hear our Saviour's voice
And see him face to face! It is cheering to know that I am remembered by the brethren and sisters in their prayers. O that I may be faithful in living out these glorious truths. There is no one in this neighborhood but myself that keeps the Sabbath, yet I am not discouraged. I mean to press my way onward to the kingdom of heaven. My opposers are not very strong nor numerous. Many say the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, yet seem afraid to keep it lest they should become unpopular with the world. Christ says, He that is ashamed of me, of him will I be ashamed. I have been much encouraged since I heard brother and sister White, in Wright. I think it was a season long to be remembered. My heart beat in unison with the testimony of sister White, as in her exhortation she tried to point us forward to the near coming of the Saviour, and the beauties of the earth made new. Since then I think I can see a beauty and loveliness in the character of Jesus that I never saw before. I long to be his without reserve. I will be his, come life or death. Yet I do feel that there is a great work for me to do before I can be a partaker of his holiness. As I read God's holy word, I can see the work is almost accomplished. I think that I never felt my own weakness and unworthiness as I do at present. I mean to do what I can on my part, and leave the event with God. I rejoice that I have an ear to hear and a heart to obey. The Lord is good, and his mercy endureth for ever. It is seldom that I have the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith, and the Review is a welcome messenger to me. Though I sometimes feel to rejoice at the prospect before me, at other times there seem to be clouds of darkness over my mind. But I will try to trust in God, knowing that he will deliver me if I put my trust in him. M. M. ELMONDOORPH.
Allendale, Mich. A Sabbath Keeper in Sweden, Pennsylvania
Bro. J. Densmore writes from Sweden, Pa.: "I am determined through the help of the Lord to keep his commandments, although myself and companion are alone in this town as far as Sabbath-keeping is concerned. I have to go twelve miles to meeting, but I am thankful for this privilege of meeting with the dear brethren and sisters. I read in the blessed Bible of a time when those that love the Lord shall all be gathered together, and I hope that I may be one of the happy number. We have trials and conflicts to pass through; but the Lord has said that he would have a tried people, and after a few more we shall have rest. We are almost home. Then God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. "I was glad when the Review made its way to me." A Glorious Conference Meeting
By Martin V. Cole
Brethren and Sisters: Although I do not have the privilege of meeting on the Sabbath as some of you do, yet I verily believe that I can and do enjoy the privilege of meeting God in secret. And I also have met with the church in Wright at conference meetings. The first was in Feb. last, where we enjoyed a very good meeting, and the last (for there has only been two that I know of) commenced April 30th, where we had a glorious meeting. It was the first time that I ever had the privilege of taking part in that spirit-humbling and pride-annihilating ordinance, even the washing of feet. There it seemed that every evil desire and bad wish was cleansed from each heart, and nothing but pure love abounded. It seemed that every one could conscientiously say, I love my neighbor as myself, and I will do good unto every one, especially unto the household of faith. It seems to me that I am like a plant removed from its native soil, since I returned from that meeting, for as the plant droops beneath the scorching rays of the sun, so my spirit faints to see people so much interested in heaping together treasures for this world, and at the same time blaspheming the name of God. But as the exotic will revive when it gets firmly rooted in the earth, so I hope to overcome the world as I grow in grace. I trust that there will yet be a messenger here to preach the word, and to give encouragement to four or five Sabbath-keepers that live in the town of Olive, seven or eight miles from this place. They have been trying to serve the Lord more than a year, and have had their faith tried in almost every way, and had no help in the time except through the Review. MARTIN V. COLE.
Allendale, Mich.