Bro. Smith: It has been about three years since I first embraced the Third Angel's Message and have tried to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. During this length of time I cannot say that I have lived as faithful to the cause of God as I should, being placed in a neighborhood where there was no one but myself that tried to keep the Sabbath, being deprived of the privilege of meeting with the people of God, and having my mind somewhat taken up with the things of this world, I began to grow discouraged, and lost a great deal of enjoyment, which was my privilege to possess. I remained in this position till last fall, when Bro. Fuller came into an adjoining neighborhood and held a series of meetings, and the word preached seemed to have its desired effect. I began to examine myself to see if I was fully prepared to meet the Lord. I soon found that I needed a deeper work of grace in my heart, and without it I should never be saved. I saw that I was a poor sinner in the sight of God and must be lost unless he would have mercy upon me. I began to pray and call upon the name of the Lord. I felt willing to do anything for the sake of Jesus. I felt willing to give up all, and consecrate everything that I had upon the altar. When I was willing to do this, I found that God was pleased, and felt my sins forgiven. I have been striving with all my heart from that time till the present to keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. In that neighborhood, since last fall and winter, ten or twelve have come out on the Lord's side and have resolved with all their hearts to walk in his commandments. Many have been the refreshing seasons I have been permitted to enjoy with them. I feel greatly encouraged, and we are resolved to go on, believing that the Lord is soon coming to gather his children, and to deliver them from the power of Satan. I feel that the conflict is almost over. Soon the last battle will be fought; then we shall take the kingdom and enter upon an everlasting reward. Oh what a blessed prospect lies just before us. Brethren, be encouraged, let us put on the armor of God and fight like valiant soldiers in the army of the Lord, and the crown will soon be ours.
Reader, I suppose thee a religious person, one that has been converted by the power of grace; one that is desirous to glorify God in life and conversation; one that has an interest in Jesus, and wants to have it made more manifest to thine own self every day; one that considers this life as a passage to a better, and would be glad of a spiritual companion to go along with thee, for “two are better than one.” Give not the right hand of fellowship to any before thou hast tried him; for two cannot walk comfortably together, except they be agreed: bring him to the Law of God—the Eternal, Moral Law of God, contained in the Ten Commandments—and ask him, does he look upon that law of God as the rule of his life? If he denies it, avoid him. If he says he is not under the commanding power of it, turn away from him. But if he says that he sincerely takes it as God's revealed will to him, owning the authority thereof over his conscience and conversation, “Thus saith the Lord,” breathing after universal obedience, repenting and mourning where he falls short, and fleeing by faith to Christ for all peace and pardon, take such a one for a friend and companion.—C. H. V. Bogatzky, Halle, 1746.
The Soul's Rest.
HEAVEN is the very element, and Christ is the center of every gracious soul; heaven only is the breathing place, and Christ only is the resting place; there is the place of its respiration, and here is the seat of its repose: it cannot live out of that element, and it cannot rest out of this center. It is always struggling till it gets to heaven; always roving till it comes to Christ. Return unto thy rest. O my soul, said David; Lord, let me draw no breath, out of that which I fetch from heaven; and never let me rest till I rest in thee.—Sel.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. M. Foster writes from Allegan, Mich., March 27th, 1859: "The church here are striving to arise. We have had some conflicts with the enemy, and unruly members, but praise the Lord, he has sent deliverance in time to his chosen ones. Bro. Rhodes has been laboring with us. I feel that the strait testimony will separate the precious from the vile. I praise the Lord for the strait truths put forth by God's messengers in these last days. My desire is to live by every word of the Lord, that I may be accounted worthy to be redeemed with God's people when the Lord shall come attended with all the holy angels in the clouds of heaven."
Neighbor Turns to Sabbath Keeping
Bro. & Sr. Mills write from Conway, Mich.: "We have lately been made to rejoice in seeing one of our neighbors turn from the first day of the week to keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. It is our earnest desire to so live that our neighbors may see by our daily walk and conversation, that we have been with Jesus and learned of him the way.
"We think if some one of the messengers would come here and give a few lectures on present truth some would embrace it."
The Judgment of the Living Saints
Sister M. A. Burnett writes from Ashfield, Mass.: "Let us remember what is going on in the most holy place in the heavenly Sanctuary—the judgment of the living saints. O solemn thought! Is it not enough to bestir us to action. Soon every case will be decided, and he that is holy will be holy still, and he that is filthy will be filthy still. Shall we not now have untiring zeal in the cause, and be zealous and repent of our lukewarmness, and confess and forsake all our sins?"
Latter Rain and New Converts
Bro. Saml. H. Ives writes from Big Stream, N. Y.:
"As for myself, while striving to get ready for the appearing of the Lord Jesus, God has poured out some of the latter rain upon me. Thank his holy name! At first the message seemed to be confined to my own house; but, glory to God, its warning voice is now heard, and many listen with interest. I am permitted to meet with a few to reason out of the Scriptures. I have been informed that measures are being taken to obtain the M. E. Church for meetings. Pray for me that I may be sustained. I feel the necessity of heeding the counsel of the true Witness.
"O brethren, cry aloud and spare not. I feel that we have great and glorious encouragement in that we are permitted to bear the persecutions of the saints, for they that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. This is strong consolation. O, we may lift up our heads and begin to rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. I have the privilege of adding that two more have embraced the truth, and are trying to keep all the commandments."
The French Mission.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Bro. Smith: For three weeks past it has been my happy lot to labor with our dear brother Lawrence; and it may be proper for me to write you further about our mission.
The 9th inst. we gave a discourse to the French Methodists in Dickinson; and at the close of our meeting they unanimously invited us to give them another lecture the next Sunday. We gladly accepted their invitation, and according to their request, we met with them the 13th inst., and spoke with good freedom on the subject of truth. Our congregation was quite large and attentive, and manifested a good spirit. Here we came in contact with Eld. Le Clair, who exerted his influence against us, and with whom we had the following conversation:
Eld. L. I believe you are sincere; but you have not the truth, and the subjects you treat have a tendency to divide the church.
Ans. Is it only error that divides the professed people of God? Is it not a fact that truth divides or sifts the church, and draws a line between whole-hearted christians and those who only have a form of godliness? If so, we certainly should not be hasty in condemning those who differ from us; we should ever ask ourselves the question, Have they got the truth?
Eld. L. We are united, and the Lord blesses us. You believe the Lord's coming is right upon us; you should therefore preach to the wicked, and not to us.
Ans. We do not doubt but what the Lord has blessed you, and blesses you still; but should this prevent us from preaching you the truth? I appeal to your reason. I appeal to John Wesley, who was a man of God, and whom you consider as the founder of Methodism. What course did he take when the Lord gave him light on the doctrine of sanctification, which was so well calculated to awaken and stir up the lukewarm church with which he was associated? Was he silent? No. Did he preach this truth only to the wicked? No. He preached it to those who could be benefitted by it; he preached it to his brethren. Now don't condemn us for imitating Mr. Wesley. Be consistent when we present to our brethren the stirring truths of these last days.
We have no need to say that this interview was more agreeable to us than the one we had with Eld. L., among the French in Constable. We saw that Eld. L. was sincere, but laboring under wrong impressions in regard to those who are preparing for the coming of Christ; and we left Dickinson with the ardent desire that Eld. L. and all the honest whom he is called to teach, might understand that we are not false prophets, but lovers of truth.
Sabbath the 19th, we met with the little company of Sabbath-keepers in Constable, and were encouraged in seeing them disposed to persevere in the way of life. They begin to realize that it is through many afflictions that they must enter into the kingdom of heaven.
A certain Frenchman who embraced the truth in Constable about a fortnight ago, and who had been accustomed to use tobacco for years, on seeing the straitness of the way, resolved to give up using the filthy weed. We remarked that he needed courage to carry out his resolution. He replied, "A man can overcome this habit; and the Lord is willing to help those who are striving to deny themselves." And he added, "When I was a Catholic, I used to be in the habit of profaning God's holy name; but as soon as I saw the light, I decided to no more take the name of the Lord in vain; and before I was aware of it, I found myself freed from the temptation of swearing. Now the Lord can enable me to leave off using tobacco." He was consistent. He laid aside his pipe and tobacco, and the last time we saw him, he said that he was no more tempted to use the filthy weed, than he was to profane the name of the Lord. Thus we see that where there is a will there is a way; and those who truly desire to glorify God with their bodies and spirits which are his, can overcome all their evil inclinations, and the works and lusts of the flesh. We learned that most of the French Protestants of Constable were much agitated on the subject of the Sabbath, and were surprised to see that no scripture testimony could be produced in favor of Sunday-keeping.
The 20th we gave three lectures in English in the town house of Constable to quite a number of candid hearers, and sold a few English tracts. It had been noised abroad among the Americans that we were abusing and deceiving the poor Canadians; and we thought that God would be glorified if we should deliver a few discourses to our American friends. We gave in all six lectures on present truth in the town-house, and providentially met with honest individuals whom we had known in Vermont, and who gladly received us, requesting us to teach them the truth. We also held meetings in Bangor and Westville, where we found some who had ears to hear, and seemed to relish the truth.
The more we labor in this good cause, the more we are convinced that the message will soon go with a loud cry; and while we come in contact with such as are willing to receive the truth and live it out, we tremble for ourselves, and for those who are not disposed to arise with the message, but are as though they could be saved without working for the salvation of others. Brethren, let us bestir ourselves, and see that no man take our crown.
D. T. Bourdeau.
Mooers, N. Y., March, 1859
APPOINTMENTS.
By James White
Providence permitting Bro. and Sr. White will meet with the churches as follows:
Convis, April 9th and 10th.
Ceresco, " 16th and 17th.
Hillsdale. " 23d and 24th.
Monterey, May 7th and 8th.
Note. I design to preach at each place, on Sabbaths at 10½ A. M., and First-days at 2 P. M.
JAMES WHITE.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
A. J. Richmond: Nine cts.
The P. O. address of E. D. Cook is Kirkville, Onon. Co., N. Y.
Letters.
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand.
N. N. Lunt, S. A. McPherson, A. Worster, I. S. Chaffee, L. Pettis, A. J. Richmond, E. M. L. Corey, J. M. Porter, E. A. Kathan, J. Butler, Geo. Busk, Eld. S. Davison, J. Fisher, G. W. Edwards, J. H. W., J. L Locke, T. J. Butler. E. D. Cook, D Seely, G. Lowree, B. F. Curtis. R. Sawyer, J. L. Hakes, A. B Hanner, A. W. Appleby, T Ramsey, D. T. Bourdean, E. Day, M. S Avery, A. H. Lewis, N. P. Stearns, C. O, Taylor, S. N. Smith, A. Byington, J. Clarke.
Receipts.
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FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
A. A. Dodge 1,00 xiii,1 J. M. Foster 1,00,xii,18. M. C. Trembly 1,00.xv,1. J. Butler 1,00.xiii.24. I. S. Chaffee 1,00.xiv,5. J. B. Merritt 2,00 xiv,20 Wm. S. Higley 2,00,xiv,15. Jno. Wolf 1,00,xiv,7. Amanda Davis 1,00,xiv,1. J. L. Locke 1 00,xv,1. S. N. Smith 2,00,xv,1. Geo. H. Wells 1,00,xiv,9. H. Rowe 0,50.xv,1 A. H. Lewis (for N. Gilbert) 0,50.xi-,20. A. H Lewis 1,00,xiii.14. T. Ramsey 1,00,xiv,1. O. Oliver 2,00,xiv,13. Mrs. A. Thurber 3,00,xvi,1.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco 65 cents.
Supplement to the Advent and Sabbath Hymn Book, 100 Pages—Price 25 cents. In Muslin 35 cents.
Spiritual Gifts, or The Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, containing 224 pages, neatly bound in Morocco or Muslin—Price 50 cents
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 page. Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 15 cents
The Atonement. 196 pp. 15 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp., 15 cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 10 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 15 cents.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism—an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 10 cents.
The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents.
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 10 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented. Price 10 cents.
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their history of the Sabbath. Price 10 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c., and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, ancient and modern. Price 10 cents.
The Signs of the Times.—10 cents
The Seven Trumpets.—10 cents.
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 5 cents. The same in German, 10 cents
Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. Price 5 cts.
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath, Price, 5 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii, Col. ii, 14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c. Price 5 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 5 cents.
Review of Crosier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crosier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 5 cents.
The 2300 Days, and Sanctuary by "U. S." Price 5 cents.
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Fillio in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 5 cents.
Brown's Experience.—5 cents.
The Truth Found—A short argument for the Sabbath. Price 5 cents.
Who Changed the Sabbath?—$1,00 per 100.
Wesley on the Law.—50 cents per 100.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. The work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie B. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.—Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 15 cents.
Word for the Sabbath.—Price 5 cts.
The Chart.—A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John. 20 by 25 inches.—Price 25 cts.
The above named publications will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices.
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages of not less than $5 worth.
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Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.
A New Feature.
By Editor
We have some of the small charts pasted on cloth, mounted on rollers and varnished, in very good style—just the thing for family use and fire-side lecturing. We will send them by mail post-paid for $1,00.
Blank Books
BLANK Books—Prepared expressly for those churches who engage in the proposed plan of Systematic Benevolence. Price (post-paid) 15 cents.
Thorough Preparation for Eternity
We must make thorough work for the kingdom of God. We must have a preparation in which there is not a single lack. We must have on an armor with no piece missing. We must have a passport, that will carry us inside the holy walls of the city above, and give us a right to the tree of life. We are like Lot fleeing from Sodom. Shall we tarry in all the plain? At our peril we do it. What should we have thought of Noah, if he had settled down outside the ark, saying, in his heart at least, I will wait and see whether or not it begins to rain before I go into the ark; I will have all my plans and arrangements going on as usual, so that if the flood does not come, they will not be interrupted. But Noah could not take such a position. He must leave all and go into the ark, before ever there was a sign of rain. We are not called upon to exercise so great faith as Noah's; for we have abundant signs of the coming flood of Jehovah's wrath; abundant signs that the last sands of time are falling; and that the Life-giver will soon appear. Let us then remember this fact, during our weekly toil, as well as in the house of worship, through the week as well as on the Sabbath, when we rise up as when we sit down, when we go out as when we come in—that we are doing up work for eternity, and it must be prompt and thorough.