Rev. xi, 15. [First clause.] “And the seventh angel sounded.” Most writers hold that the seventh angel is a literal angel; some say it is Gabriel, others, that it is Christ. To this view we offer the following objections:—
1. These same writers hold that six of the seven angels are symbols; how, then, can they make the last of the series literal? By what authority do they change the last of a series of symbols into a literal angel? The seven angels are all of the same character—symbolic.
2. The sounding of the seventh angel cannot be Gabriel, or Christ calling forth the dead, and changing the living just; (which is represented as the work of a moment. 1 Cor. xv, 51, 52;) for its sounding occupies days. “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel,” &c. Rev. x, 7. These days are doubtless prophetic, i. e., a day for a year. The fifth angel sounded 150 days; [years;] the sixth sounded 391 years and 15 days. The sounding of the seventh angel also covers years. Under the sounding of the former, a series of events occurred; under the sounding of the seventh angel a series of events are also pointed out, several of which occur prior to the Second Advent.
Verse 15. [Last clause.] “And there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” These voices heard in heaven symbolize the testimony of the church on earth, the same as the three angels of chap. xiv. If this view be objected to, and if the objector thinks the voices are to be heard alone in heaven, we would inquire, How many “kingdoms” there are in the third heavens? And when do they become Christ’s? It will be seen very readily that the testimony of the voices is to be given where the kingdoms (plural) are. This testimony, then, is to be given by the Church of God, prior to Christ’s second coming. In a certain sense the kingdoms of this world become Christ’s before his second coming.
Ps. ii, 7-9. “I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Here we see that the nations first become Christ’s, and, second, he dashes them in pieces like a potter’s vessel at his advent.
Dan. vii, 13, 14. “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” The coming mentioned in the text is not to earth; but to the Ancient of days. Christ then receives of the Father the dominion, and glory, and a kingdom. This all takes place prior to his descent to earth. He receives the throne of David, which is in the capital of the fifth kingdom, the New Jerusalem, before he comes to earth. This is the marriage of the Lamb. When Christ comes, he “returns from the wedding.” Luke xii, 36. Then just prior to the Second Advent, Christ receives the throne and Capital of his kingdom. He also receives the kingdoms of this world; and the church in her mortal state proclaims the kingdoms of this world our Lord’s and his Christ’s.
Verse 18. [First clause.] “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come.” We notice, first, the angry nations. During the year 1855, seventy-two battles have been fought, and more than 350,000 men have been slain. From this we may form some idea of the condition of this world when it can be emphatically said, the nations are angry.
“And thy wrath is come.” This we regard as the unmingled wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. Rev. xiv, 10; xv, 1; xvi. The cup of God’s wrath will be poured out without mixture of mercy. Christ’s work as Priest will be for ever closed. “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” Those who would obtain mercy of God, and a pardon for all their sins, must attend to the work before God’s wrath shall be poured out. First, the nations will be angry; and in that time of confusion, will the loud cry of the Third Angel be closed up. Then will follow the wrath of God in the seven last plagues, but not till the voice of warning is hushed, and every lip employed in giving the last warning is stilled.
Verse 18. [Last clause.] “And the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”
We regard the “dead,” mentioned in the text as one class, and the saints as another. The saints are judged before they are raised, and so are the wicked dead. But they will be judged by Christ and the saints during the thousand years of Rev. xx, and raised at the close of that period and destroyed.
Then, what is the “time of the dead that they should be judged?” Ans. The 1000 years. This is the next great event following the seven last plagues. The great day of judgment will be introduced by the coming of Christ. The next great event is expressed as follows:—
“And that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name small and great.” Although these have had immortality, and have reigned with Christ in the Holy City 1000 years, yet they have not had their full reward, and will not till the New Heavens and Earth appear at the close of the 1000 years.
Rev. v, 9, 10, shows the condition of the saints during the 1000 years, and the place to which they are looking for their full reward. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.” During the 1000 years the saints reign in judgment, and at the close of that period their reign on the earth commences.
“And shouldest destroy them which destroy (corrupt, margin) the earth.” When will this take place? Ans. At the second death, at the close of God’s great week, at the time the saints are rewarded by the reception of the entire earth restored to its Eden glory.
Thus closes the events of the seventh angel, covering all the dreadful scenes of the third woe, reaching to the time when all woe will cease at the second death, and when all things will be made new. J. W.
THE MYSTERY OF GOD.
By James White
"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants, the prophets." Rev. x, 7. In the following brief examination of this subject, we desire to answer the following inquiries:2051. What is the Mystery of God?
What is the finishing of this Mystery?
When will it be finished?
First. What is the Mystery of God? Answer. The gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. But the Scriptures are very explicit on this point, and we will let them testify.
Col. i, 25-29; ii, 1-3. "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Eph. iii, 1-9. "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ."
Chap. vi, 19. "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel."
Rom. xvi, 25-27. "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the Prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."
The word appears in its plural form, in 1 Cor. iv, 1. "Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." Read the parable of the sower, which so forcibly illustrates the gospel and its effect upon the hearts of the children of men. Mark iv, 11, 12. "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."
Second. What is the finishing of this mystery? The seventh angel has been regarded as the "last trump," which will raise the dead, [1 Cor. xv, 52] hence the finishing of the mystery of God under its sounding has been regarded as the termination of the gospel at a point of time.
But we have shown that the sounding of the seventh angel covers a period of time. It is days (years) sounding; hence we regard the finishing of the mystery of God as occupying a period of time under the sounding of the seventh angel. We therefore hold that the finishing of the mystery of God is the closing work of the gospel of Jesus Christ, embracing the last message of mercy to the world.
It will be admitted that the gospel holds a very close relation to the ministry of Christ in the Heavenly Sanctuary. As the tenth day atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary of the first covenant was the finishing up of the work of that year, so the ministration of Christ for the cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary after the termination of the 2300 days of Dan. viii, is the finishing up of Christ's entire work as Priest. And while his work as Priest is being finished in heaven, the mystery of God, which is the gospel to the world, is being finished on earth in the third message, which is the last that offers salvation.
Third. When will the mystery of God be finished? Rev. x, 7, seems to be a sufficient answer to this question, "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, WHEN HE SHALL BEGIN TO SOUND, the mystery of God should be finished." Then the finishing of the mystery of God occupies a period of time, and that period is at the beginning of the sounding of the seventh angel.
We have seen that the seventh angel, or third woe, reaches to the second death at the close of the 1000 years of Rev. xx, covering all woe. We have also seen that it begins to sound before immortality is given to the saints, as several events under its sounding takes place while the saints are in their mortal state. Rev. xi. We think it commenced sounding at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844; and from that point of time to the close of the Third Message, the mystery of God is being finished. Then it will be said, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
Let the candid compare with this sentiment the heresy that the gospel in its greatest glory is to go forth after the coming of the Lord, during the 1000 years of Rev xx. J. W.
THE CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.
By Editor
In taking a retrospect at the close of another volume, we see many things to inspire in us gratitude and thanksgiving. There has been an increase of brethren from its commencement, and more especially of late a rising of spirituality in all parts of the field, and a corresponding zeal in discharging the duties incumbent upon the people of God, in view of the fact that the last Message of Mercy is now going forth.
If our position be the right one, if we are standing in the light of revealed truth, well may it excite in us zeal and energy in making it known to our fellow-men. If the great crowning truth of revelation is about to be fulfilled, and the end of all things is at hand, to what a momentous period has the world arrived. It is a matter in which the whole world is concerned! It is an event in which every living soul has an interest! And the bare possibility that it might be true, it would seem, would be sufficient to arouse all to a thorough investigation of the subject. But if there is not only a possibility, but a great PROBABILITY, and even ABUNDANT PROOF that these things are so, how should we expect to see all awake and eager to learn by what they were supported.
That we are not right in our views of the future and the coming of the Son of man yet remains to be proved; and there would be more chance for skepticism were it not that all the great events of the present day, as fulfillments of prophecy, unite in hearing testimony to the fact that this present world draweth to a close. Now it certainly cannot do any one any hurt to inquire if these things are so. Let them remember that they are events in which they have a personal interest, and if they are about to burst upon us it is important that we know it, and be prepared to meet them.
That there are great truths especially applicable to the present time, and that there are fearful scenes just before us, we fully believe. To keep these truths steadily before the minds of the people, and to urge upon them a preparation for coming events, has been the object of the REVIEW; and no man can say that this object is no good, until it shall be shown that we are wrong in our applications of scriptures, and have no grounds for our expectations.
Our aim is to draw light from the sure word of prophecy and acquaint ourselves with the essential truths of God’s revealed will. We have no theory at stake: we desire truth only. We do not labor to build up a sect or party: we labor for the good of souls; to prepare ourselves and others to stand the test of that great day. It ill becomes any one, in these last moments of time, and in view of eternity soon to open before us, to have for a moment any other object. What matter creeds and party distinctions, since they shall soon be swept into eternal oblivion, and only those who love and obey the truth as it is in Jesus, will remain unscathed.
The REVIEW claims no infallibility for any connected with it; but it does claim it for every “Thus saith the Lord,” and in his name demands obedience.
From looking at the past we also learn that the Lord will have a tried and tested people. And we see that the Third Angel’s Message proves no exception to the Saviour’s parable of the net—it gathers good and bad. But the bad will be sifted, shaken, and driven out by trials and discouragements. They will not endure long to bear the cross against a steady current of opposition, and the “patient waiting” will wear them out completely. The good alone will “hold fast” and receive their crown.
We would here express our thanks to our many kind friends for their words of comfort and encouragement by which we have been cheered and strengthened. We are all yet fellow-laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. But the “even” is evidently fast approaching when we shall be called to receive our reward.
New Subscribers and Discontinuations
By Editor
During the month of March, thus far, we have had one hundred and one new subscribers. In opposition to this we have stopped, both by order and at our own discretion, forty-five; leaving us a net gain of fifty-six. These stoppages include all who have signified their wish to discontinue at the close of this Volume. If we have incidentally passed over any, and their papers still continue, they will please inform us. One sister ordered the paper stopped, not because she did not like it, but because she liked it too well to have it burned up; as an opposing husband committed it to the flames, or otherwise destroyed it as soon as received
Payments for the Review
By James White
We suggest, that when the brethren enclose a bank note to pay for the REVIEW, they enclose another to meet what is due on Vol. VII, and to move Office &c. Dues look bad. J. W.
WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?
THERE is no denying that all forms of religion are losing their power and effect upon the mass of the people. This is a significant sign of the age in which we live. And there are many causes working to accomplish this end. Of Charles Dickens, whose writings are very extensively read, and possess a powerful influence with the people, the "Aberdeen Free Press" says:—
"In the van of those who are laboring to sever the working classes from what little hold religion yet retains on them, we are sorry to find Mr. Dickens marching—and in a style of harlequin bravada, anything but creditable to one claiming his good feeling, and possessing his amount of common sense."
From the "Evangelist" we learn the following relative to the state of religion in a portion, at least, of New York State. From the similarity of these reports in all denominations, we may safely give it a general application.
NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION IN THE BOUNDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ROCHESTER.
While a survey of the territory occupied by this Presbytery is suited to create some painful feelings on account of the low religious interest, and the absence of revivals of religion, there are some things suited to encourage our hearts.
Our Zion is in a state of mourning. The Holy Spirit has not visited us as in former years, and we have great cause for deep humiliation in view of the sins, the worldliness, and spiritual indifference of most of our Churches. God has dealt with us in a peculiar manner. By diminishing the fruits of the earth, the ability of the Churches to contribute for benevolent objects has been somewhat curtailed, and we regret to say that some have seized upon that fact as an excuse for penuriousness. God has also permitted the elements to contend with our religious interests by overshadowing many of our Sabbaths with clouds and storms, and thus furnish excuses more plausible than usual, for persons not deeply interested in religion to absent themselves from the house of God, and to detain so many of poor health, who love the ways of Zion.
These circumstances may have had something to do with the absence of revivals of religion. Whatever may have been the cause or causes, the fact is notorious, and calls loudly for humiliation and prayer."
Business.
By Editor
J. Y. Wilcox:—You are credited to Vol. VIII.
W. Wilcox:—We continue your paper.
The P. O. Address of G. W. Holt, is Milan, Erie Co., Ohio.
The P. O. Address, of J. Hart, is Round Grove, Whiteside Co., Ill.
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
By James White
We have consulted with several brethren on the subject of a General Conference, and there seems to be an agreement that there should be a General Conference held at Battle Creek, to commence about May 23d. We make this statement that the probable time of the meeting may be known in season. A definite appointment can be given hereafter. J. W.
What Day of the Week was Observed by the Apostles and Primitive Christians?
The practice of the apostles and early Christians is justly admitted to have an influence in determining how we should understand and discharge our religious duties. For this reason, the strongest efforts are made to show that they regarded the first day of the week as the Sabbath. But the Scriptures afford no evidence of this. On the contrary, there is the fullest proof that they religiously observed the seventh day—the only day which is called Sabbath in the New Testament. In confirmation of this statement, we notice the distinction that is constantly made in the writings of the apostles between the Sabbath and the first day of the week. The seventh day is uniformly called the Sabbath, and the first day is mentioned only as such. Had the writers of the New Testament adopted any other day for the Sabbath than the one commonly called by that name, their manner of speaking of these days is both mysterious and deceptive, as it is directly calculated to mislead us respecting a religious duty. No person who regards the first day for the Christian Sabbath, will apply this name to the seventh day; neither will one observing the seventh day, style the first day of the week the Sabbath. The reason is obvious. Such a course would be contrary to his understanding of truth, and it would lead others to misunderstand his sentiments. For this reason the apostles would not do it.
In addition to this custom of calling the seventh day the Sabbath, we find it was the custom of those early Christians to assemble for divine worship on the Sabbath day. The manner in which the Sabbath and the first day following our Lord's crucifixion were observed, sufficiently proves what the sentiments and practice of the disciples were at that time. It is said of them, that "they rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment," and on the first day they "traveled and went into the country." In the 13th chapter of Acts, we are told that Paul and his company went to a place of worship in Antioch on the Sabbath day; and we have a sketch of the sermon preached by Paul on that occasion. By the request of his Gentile hearers, he preached the next Sabbath, when nearly the whole city came to hear him. In Philippi, Paul and his company, on the Sabbath, resorted to the river-side where prayer was wont to be made. At this time Lydia was converted and baptized. In the 18th chapter of Acts, it is said of Paul, who was associated with certain disciples in Corinth, that "he reasoned in the synagogues every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and Greeks;" and this practice he continued in their city a year and a half. At Ephesus, Paul went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews, which is also admitted to have been on the Sabbath day. In Thessalonica, there was a synagogue of the Jews, and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. Acts xvii, 2. These quotations are sufficient to show that the apostles and primitive Christians observed the ancient Sabbath. In Acts xxviii, 17, Paul, in reply to the slanderous reports of his enemies, declares that he had committed nothing against the customs of the fathers. Now, was it the custom of the fathers to keep the seventh day for the Sabbath? And was it contrary to their custom to keep the first day? If so, then Paul kept the seventh day of the week, and not the first, for the Sabbath. In this thing there was a perfect agreement among all the Christians of the apostolic churches. The Jews, who were ever ready to accuse them, and render them despicable in the eyes of their nation, never upbraided them with a violation of the weekly Sabbath, which with them was a crime worthy of death. These facts are sufficient to prove that the apostles and their associate Christians religiously observed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.—Sab. Vindicator.
J. W
By James White
B. M. A.—A full answer to your questions would require more time and room than we can spare at present. Before we leave the subject to which your questions relate, we shall endeavor to thoroughly investigate all parts of it; and in meeting objections, your questions will be answered. If, however, as the investigation progresses, you are not satisfied on all points, you will please specify such points, and we will particularly notice them.
J. W
Practicing the Law of Love
By Editor
Sister S. Peckham, writes from Oswego Co., N. Y.:—
“O that we may all be able to fulfill the perfect law of ‘love to God and man’; then every word and act will be in accordance with that principle. Then may it be truly said, ‘The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.’ Says Paul. ‘I protest by your rejoicing I die daily; this death must be to sin, to the carnal mind, that he might be made alive unto God.’ As it is written again. ‘The body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness; and to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.’
“I feel that I must make a practical use of every scripture, or it will profit me little. I mean by the grace of God so to do. I have marked chapters xii and xiii of Romans, as worthy of a close application until I learn how to practice from the heart every precept therein contained. If by our words we are to be justified or condemned, which are always indicative of the spirit we are of, how important that we obtain the right Spirit that our words may correspond thereto; and prove our own selves by the word of God, and thus work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”
A Call for a Preacher
By William Russell
From Bro. Russell.
I have been a believer in the doctrines set forth in the Review and Herald above a year, having had access to the reading of the Review above a year and a half. The first preaching that I heard as set forth in your publications was by Eld. Joseph Bates, in Hancock Co., Ohio. The Review was sent to me by him to examine its doctrines, which I did with care, and found that it taught a Bible doctrine in most every particular, as far as I am capable of judging. In the Spring of 1855 I came to this place, and did not renew my subscription for the paper; consequently I have not had any since June, as I have not been permanently located since then.
There are ten Sabbath-keepers here, and many more that are almost persuaded to be. We much need a preacher of the last message to preach to the people in this valley. They would accomplish much good, and would bring many souls out of Babylon.
WM. RUSSELL.
Adams Co., Wis., March, 1856
P. S. Our place is known a considerable ways by the name of the Lemonweer Valley, near a small village by the name of Mauston, which has two or three hundred inhabitants who all need the truth.
W. R.
SELECTIONS.
By Editor
We clip the following from one of our exchanges, which calls it "a move in the right direction"
"The New York Central Railroad has discontinued its Sunday passenger trains, and the Erie road has signified a willingness to do the same. The Albany Northern has adopted the same rule; and, last of all, the Hudson River. The great line of steamboats have found it to their interest to discontinue their207Sunday departures; and the roads have come to the same conclusion.—At the present time there is not a Sunday train leaving Albany in any direction."
God is Love.
By J. F. B.
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on her offspring? Yea, they may forget, yet will not I forget thee.” Isa. xlix, 15.
The Bible is full of good and precious promises; and those who have made God their hope have never found an hour so filled with sorrow and darkness that a gleam has not shone from the Father of lights to inspire hope, and give strength to the fainting soul. How illustrative of God’s tender mercy is the passage above quoted : though a mother may forget her offspring, the child she loves, yet will not God forget his chosen few on earth.
Could the servant of the Lord feel how great the love of God towards him is, truly he would never faint and repine. But here we see and know only in part, and it doth not yet appear what is laid up for the people of God; but they have a volume filled with hope-inspiring promises to comfort them while they tarry ’mid sorrow and sin; and the joys and beauties of the land to which they journey are in this volume portrayed in language too beautiful for any but an inspired penman to utter. Truly God is love, and so loves his people that he will safely lead them through every hour of sorrow and temptation till they reach that home which the Creator of all things will fitly prepare for those who are worthy to receive it.
J. F. B.
Buck’s Bridge, St. Law. Co., N. Y.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By George W. Holt
From Bro. Holt.
Bro. Smith :—I am happy to hear of the prosperity of Zion through the columns of the Review. My heart is made to burn within me, while I read the rich articles on different subjects of Bible truth, and the spirited epistles from brethren and sisters in different parts of the field.
The light of the Third Angel truly appears like the path of the just that is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. We hope that the stewards of the Lord will see to it that the Office is free from embarrassment so that the Review may continue its weekly visits to the scattered and lonely pilgrims who are hungry and thirsty for the bread and water of life and salvation.
Interest to hear on the subjects of truth which we believe, is increasing in this part of the field. Congregations have listened with manifest interest to learn our position. Many have procured books and are investigating. We crave the prayers of the Church for success in this vicinity.
In hope of eternal life.
G. W. HOLT.
H. W. LAWRENCE
By H. W. Lawrence
From Bro. Lawrence.
I have just spent sixteen days from home, mostly in new places, and find a number interested to hear and read on those portions of truth not usually presented. Five have ordered the Review. The tears of several were expressive of the effect of truth. Perhaps one dozen families out of five neighborhoods opened their doors for the servants of the Lord, urging us or others to call and more fully present the “present truth.” All the publications that I had were called for.
My heart is encouraged to endure the toils of the way, and lay all upon the Lord’s altar without reserve. The long months of trial and domestic affliction that I have been passing through, are doing a good work for me. I am comforted with the prospect of sharing with the “remnant” as the cause continues to rise, and finally share in the “new song” of triumph that awaits those who “keep the word of his patience” unto the end.
I feel assured that the Lord is leading us in just the way that will both purify and prove us, and at the same time sift out those who do not learn that submission necessary to lead us “into the unity of the faith,” by obedience to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that the “word of his (God’s) grace” may govern all that profess to believe in the work of the Third Angel’s Message, that we may gain an eternal inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
H. W. LAWRENCE
Bangor, N. Y.
Church Organization and Publishing
Bro. O. Davis writes from North Fairhaven, Mass., Mar. 9th, 1856:—"I feel glad that steps are being taken to place the publishing of books and tracts in the hands of a committee of the church; not however intending by this expression, to cast any reflection on the course of those who have through much labor and trial brought the work thus far; but to express my satisfaction that the church has arrived to that state of organization when the work can be carried on through a more general effort. I have ever thought that a church system should be as perfect as any other, and must believe that it will be so if the instructions of its great Head are strictly followed. How careful was God to bring his church under Moses to a state of order and discipline! And then again when the time came for that system of government to end, how careful to introduce another! Surely God is not the author of confusion and disorder: even as the Apostle says, If all were the eye, where were the seeing, &c.
"I have often thought that I would like to be a member of that church that should be organized under the rules and instructions of God’s word, and led by the Holy Spirit, which Jesus said should lead into all truth. I have been much comforted and strengthened of late in reading the 15th chapter of John. Truly, will not God keep us if we abide in the vine? And O may we so walk as to be indeed living branches of the true vine. And to those of you who hold responsible situations in the church, may God give wisdom and grace for the discharge of your duties to the glory of his name."
The Church in Delhi
By A. Hart
Bro. A. Hart writes from Delhi, Mich., March 9th, 1856:—
“The Church in Delhi are striving to get the victory over every besetment. We have good social meetings, and all are united, and feel the importance of holiness of heart. Our prayer is unitedly that the Lord will prepare his people for the conflict that is just before them. We believe that the day is near at hand when our faith will be tried. We expect that through the blood of the Lamb we shall overcome.”
Present Truth in Oneida County
Bro. J. A. Wilcox writes from Oneida Co., N. Y., March, 1856:—“The way seems to be opening for the spread of the present truth in this vicinity. Several are reading tracts upon the Sabbath question and upon other great truths connected with the last solemn message of mercy to the world. The Advent doctrine never has been proclaimed but very little in this vicinity. Several that have read Bro. White’s work on the Signs of the Times testify that it points out the time we are living in, viz., the last days, very plainly. I trust that in God’s own good time some of his servants may come this way and preach the glorious truths concerning the Kingdom of God which those that endure faithful to the end will soon be permitted to enter.”
Sabbath Keepers in Minnesota
By Editor
Bro. Enos Grems writes from Dodge Co., M. T., March 1856:—
“I take up my pen with pleasure, to let you know that there are a few here, even here, in the wilds of Minnesota, that are striving to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I esteem it a great privilege to enjoy the reading of the Review. I hardly know how we could get along without it. There are five in this place who are keeping the seventh day. Others are anxious to read the paper and pamphlets. We have not books enough to supply them. Quite a number are inquiring about the new doctrine. O may the Lord guard the remnant.”
The Truth in Grand Rapids
Bro. Geo. T. Smith writes from Grand Rapids, Mich., March 19th, 1856:— "The prospect is good in this place now for people to receive the truth. I believe it is our duty to stand in the clear light and we shall be prepared to do others good and give them the light of the precious truths of the Third Angel’s Message. God can do a mighty work with a few, if they are only right. Numbers are not required to do the work of God; but a right people, a people that do know their God can accomplish great things by the help of the Lord."
Light Increasing and Gifts Restored
Sister B. Strout writes from Bradford, Me.:—"I am thankful that I am numbered among the few that are striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I am glad to hear that the cause is still progressing. I rejoice that light is increasing, and will increase till the perfect day.
"I rejoice that the gifts are being restored to the church, for I believe that the Lord will have just such a church that will be furnished unto every good word and work. I read with interest Bro. Andrews’ article on the time to commence the Sabbath, and acquiesce in it."
Why I Keep the Sabbath
By Editor
Sister Maria Edson writes from Franklin Co., Mass.:—
“It is a little more than one year since I began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I have been a believer in the near coming of the Lord since 1850. Eight years since I professed to love the Lord, and united with the Methodist church. I often used to wonder why professed Christians did not keep the Seventh-day Sabbath; but I was taught that Christ and his apostles changed the Sabbath. Since I began to search the Bible for myself, I have become convinced that the Sabbath has not been changed, but remains the same as when written by the finger of God. I feel thankful that I was ever led to see that I was trampling upon one of his holy commandments.”
Approval of the Review’s Plan
Bro. J. Y. Wilcox writes from Middletown, Ct., March 13th, 1856:—“The plan adopted, and the objects as set forth in the Review, and also expressed on the face of the Circular, being the decision of those Brn., deeply interested in, and closely connected with, the precious cause of present truth, fully meets my approval, and in my humble opinion deserves the hearty co-operation of all the lovers of truth.”
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. B. Frishie writes from Bowne, Kent Co., Mich., March 17th, 1856:— I am now lecturing to crowds in the town of Bowne, fourteen miles north of Hastings, where they have never heard a lecture before. What the result will be, the Lord only knows. I have given eight lectures in two large school-houses, which have been filled to overflowing. All listened with attention to the discourses on the present truth. They have bought almost the last remnant of books that I had on hand. Many say that they never saw the people so stirred up before in Bowne, and never saw the houses so filled before. There is some opposition, and that is quite strong. But I am in hopes it will give way before the clear truth.
“There is a neighborhood four miles north from Grand Rapids, where they are all awake to hear.”