Earlier text: MEETINGS IN OHIOTENT-MEETINGS.
By James White
FROM the experience of a few years we may now form a very correct opinion of the tent enterprise. In winter, people are more at leisure to attend public lectures, read and meditate, and the history of the cause shows that this is the season to go into the “highways and hedges,” to invite, yea, compel men to come in to the Lord’s great supper. Those who have run from city to city at this season with their little hand bills, and unpopular Bible truth, have hardly been noticed. Those who have preached from church to church have done but little better. About six months of the coldest weather of the year is the time to enter new fields, and at present, country places are far preferable. Here you will find intelligence, candor and stability which is not always found with the masses in our Western villages and cities. But what can be done in the warm season of the year without a tent, when farmers, mechanics and almost every body are driven with labor and business? Preachers can visit the brethren, and preach Sundays in the school-houses to about one hundred persons. Some good may be accomplished in this way. The history of the past shows it, while it shows at the same time that the same amount of preaching has accomplished ten fold more with a tent. A tent wakes up an interest in the people throughout the community, draws them out in a crowd to hear, and wakes up opposition and investigation. Many decide to keep the truth, and the influence is left on the community for a long time, and the fruits of such a meeting are afterwards seen, in others, one after another joining the ranks. Especially in the West tents are needed, and we do hope there will be two tents, well manned in the West, one in Wisconsin, the other in Iowa. A united effort from all the friends of the cause west will well sustain the enterprise. Bro. Sanborn writes from Monroe, Wis.: “Bro. Ingraham must have help, or he will have to go to work to support his family. But I think there will be some way provided for him that he may be free. “Sabbath-keepers in the West have generally to learn yet how to sacrifice to the Lord to help forward his cause. People who have not been in the first two messages are hard to understand their duty as they should. But I am satisfied that with proper care and labor there will be a large company raised up here around Monroe, who will make a covenant with God by sacrifice, and stand stifly for the truth. The cause is onward, which gives me great courage to persevere, and labor on in this cause.” It was a tent-meeting that aroused the people of Monroe and vicinity, and gave the truth influence on the public mind. Our dear Bro. Ingraham must be sustained in the field. The brethren in the fields of his labor the past year are abundantly able to support five such missionaries, and we have confidence in them to believe that they wish to do their duty in support of the gospel. Their duty should be faithfully set before them. Ministers should do their duty here. The work must not stop. Our ministers should be free from worldly embarrassment. We shall send relief to Bro. Ingraham, and shall look to those interested in missionary labors for the extension of the cause of Bible truth, to replace the means. Send your donations to the REVIEW office, and they shall be receipted in the REVIEW. The friends in Illinois and Wisconsin must excuse us for the interest we take in their Missionary. We are sure they will not long let others help them, while they are abundantly able to help themselves. A faithful and patient exposition of the whole matter of missionary labor, and the duty to sustain the laborers, and a proper system of action, will lead the church to see and feel their duty. J. W. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By James White
We are glad to see our brethren waking up to this matter. See letters in this number from Brn. Day, Davis and Chapel. A few raise objections, but they are of such a trifling nature that we have not noticed them. Two objections to the suggested plan we will however notice. First. "It is wrong to state the sums of our weekly benevolence for the future, as we cannot tell how we shall be prospered." Answer: The Apostle does not say, as the Lord shall prosper you each week; but "as the Lord hath prospered." He would not have them descend to all the particulars of each week's prosperity; but each give according to their present ability, as the Lord had in past life prospered them with property, health, or ability to acquire means. The farmer and the mechanic must take this general view of the subject. Those who are so very poor that their weekly benevolence must necessarily vary, may be excused from entering the arrangement. They are more properly subjects to receive than to give. We see no reason why all who are able to give anything may not give their names, and the sums they wish to give, (having the permission of Providence always understood,) "as the Lord hath prospered them." Should sickness, or losses, reduce their property, they would be released from their former pledges, to make others according to circumstances. Second objection. "The plan suggested through the REVIEW is to raise money to pay our preachers for their labors, while Paul's plan was to raise donations for the poor." Stop awhile, brother! Let us hear what the Apostle says on this point. Rom. xv, 25-27. "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them, verily; and their DEBTORS they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things." Ah, verily! Paul's plan of systematic benevolence was to raise means to pay a debt which the Gentile churches owed to their poor teachers at Jerusalem. And this is what we have been pleading for, that the churches and brethren who have been partakers of the good word of God as they have listened to the present truth, should raise means to remunerate (in part, at least) those poor saints who have left their homes and have gone out from Maine to Iowa to preach the Third Angel's Message. Our soul is sick of fault-finders, whose business seems to be to find fault, but never to suggest a remedy. Now we say to all, If the plan is not scriptural in all respects, just suggest a remedy for the defective part, or parts, or get up a new one. It is time to do something. Some seem very much inclined to go to sleep. Probably they will, to be aroused too149 late. But it is time that the living members of the church of Christ arise, to an individual, and act upon the scriptural plan of benevolence, to save our ministers from leaving their work to labor with their hands for a livelihood. The church in Battle Creek find it a pleasing duty to act upon the plan of Systematic Benevolence suggested in the REVIEW; and where all take a part the share of each is so very small they do not feel it. Bro. Bates shows us the figures of the doings of only eight of the little church at Jackson, yet their yearly charity amounts to $73,00. If all the friends of present truth would come up to the work, and do in proportion to numbers and property with the Battle Creek church, the annual amount would be at least $15000. We will here make an estimate one third below, as follows: Maine, $200; New Hampshire, $300; Massachusetts, $400; Connecticut, $200; Vermont, $1300; New York, $2000; Michigan, $2000; Ohio, $1200; Indiana, $300; Illinois, $700; Wisconsin, $700; Iowa, $600; elsewhere, $100. Total, $10000. This sum will support thirty humble, plain, economical missionaries, and leave them free from all pecuniary embarrassments. It now remains for the church to say whether it shall be done. Will our preachers and brethren speak out, and act on this noble enterprise? J. W. MEETINGS IN VERMONT.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: Since my last, in company with Bro. Sperry, I have held meetings as follows: Sabbath and First-day, Feb. 5th and 6th, at the house of Bro. Enoch Colby, in Charleston. Here we met with a goodly number of brethren and sisters from different counties in Vt., and three Brn. from Canada, also Brn. Bean and Evans. Our conference at this place was one of deep interest, and we hope may prove of lasting benefit to the church. We have no doubt however, that far more good would have been accomplished had the meeting continued longer. Our prayer is that the good resolutions formed at the meeting may both be borne in mind and reduced to practice. From here we went to East Richford, where we spent the next Sabbath and First-day, endeavoring to strengthen and comfort the few commandment-keepers present, which we are confident was the result of our labors. On the 19th and 20th, we were refreshed and cheered with the dear brethren and sisters at Bakersfield. Here we were happy to meet with Brn. Taylor, Czechowski, and A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau, and to find them pressing forward for the kingdom, and persuading others to do likewise. We seldom enjoy a more precious season with the remnant than we did at this place. Brn. Taylor and Bourdeau aided in speaking the Word. Bro. Czechowski also spoke once to the French brethren, in their tongue. His discourse was spirited and stirring, and instructive to those who understood him. At its close, Bro. D. T. Bourdeau gave a brief interpretation of it, which rendered it interesting to us all. From Bakersfield we crossed the mountains to Johnson, where we had a short but pleasing visit with Bro. Loveland's family; but as we received information here that sister Phillips lay at the point of death a few days before this, we felt anxious to reach Roxbury before her death, or in time to attend her funeral if possible. But her eyes were already closed in death; we could hear her voice no more. However, we reached the place just in time to attend the funeral, on Friday. We remained here over Sabbath and First-day, and held meetings in the meeting-house. Good attention was paid to the word spoken, and an increasing interest manifested by the hearers to the close of the meetings. From here we returned to Stowe and Morristown, and then visited the brethren in Eden. And last Sabbath and First-day, in company with Bro. Barr, we met with the brethren and sisters and friends at Bro. Bean's, in Morristown. This conference we believe will prove highly beneficial to the church. Also we believe there was awakened in the minds of some present a spirit of inquiry and research for the truth. One believer in the near coming of the Saviour gave us encouragement that he should keep the next Sabbath. In conclusion I would say for the encouragement of the lovers of the present truth, that the way seems opening in the East for a more extensive spread of the last message of mercy. Calls from different directions are sent us to come and present the evidences of our position. Meeting-houses and school-houses are being opened for us, and hearts to receive the truth, where dark, cruel prejudice has hitherto closed up ears and hearts and places of worship against the truth and against God's messengers. O may the Lord help us to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." "And he that winneth souls is wise." O that we might all heed the counsel to the remnant church, and let the Saviour come in and sup with us. "Without me," says he, "ye can do nothing." "Is Christ a vine? His heavenly root
Supplies the boughs with life and fruit,
O let a lasting union join
My soul to him, the living vine."
A. S. HUTCHINS. Wolcott, Vt., March 10th, 1859. TO THE LONE PILGRIMS.
By James White
The Jubilee is coming. The year of release to the oppressed is at hand. The conflict with the powers of darkness will soon be ended; and then, if faithful, the victor's crown of glory will be yours. What though the way grows rougher, and the conflict severer, did we not expect it? Did we not count the cost? Are we not looking for trouble and affliction and persecution? The way to be prepared for the fiery trial which is to try us, is to bear with patience and cheerfulness our present trials. They will do us good if properly endured and improved. Though we are in the midst of perils—though iniquity abounds and the love of many grows cold, yet, the blessed promise is, He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. There is something to endure, but the Lord loves us and is willing to save us. "O thou afflicted" inhabitant of Zion, "tossed with tempest and not comforted!" thou son or daughter of Jerusalem above! the Lord loves you, and you may triumph over the powers of darkness. Thou lone pilgrim, bound down with oppression, and feeling as if there were none to sympathize with, and pray for you; look up, and press forward; for neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heighth, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Those iron bands of oppression shall be broken. The time is not far distant when, if faithful, "thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear; and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." See Isa. liv, 11-14. No one can deprive the weakest saint of salvation. Thank the Lord! salvation is free. It is within our reach. The poorest and most oppressed may be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that God has promised to them that love him. God hears thy sighs, and sees thy tears. We have a God that seeth in secret, and he will reward us openly. He knows all our grief. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust. We have also an High Priest that can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Angels are interested in our behalf, and the saints of God are praying for us. What cause then to fear? Friends and companions may turn against us, fathers and mothers may forsake us, but then the Lord will take us up. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Let patience have its perfect work. These fires are intended to take away our dross; and though the furnace wax hot, let us lie passive in the crucible, till the refiner and purifier of silver can see his own image in us. Let no lone pilgrim despond, or faint because of the oppressor. The Jubilee is coming—the time of the promise is drawing near. The strong man armed will soon let his prisoners loose homewards; for a stronger than he is coming, and will spoil his goods. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him; for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. The sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever. Take courage, fellow pilgrim. Put on the whole armor of God. The conflict, though sharp, cannot be long. The victory can be won, in the strength of our Redeemer. And then the prize—the victor's crown, the harps of God! Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Though now deprived of the society of the saints, never despair. With calm resignation wait for the Lord. Lean upon his mighty arm which is able to support you; and soon you will meet with the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven. "Lone pilgrim, cease that mournful sigh,
Look up! redemption draweth nigh."
J. W. MEETINGS IN MICH.
By Joseph Bates
By request of Bro. A. J. Richmond, we accompanied him to Leslie, where we commenced a series of evening meetings in a commodious school-house in the district. On account of the very bad wheeling and disaffection of some of the members of the Christian church who worshiped in said house, with respect to the law of God and the Sabbath question, our meetings were moved for several evenings into another neighborhood, which somewhat divided and hindered a good begun work. Our meetings commenced the 9th inst., and continued up to the 20th. Three came out decided, and united with us in keeping the Sabbath, and at our last meeting another decided to obey the Lord. Besides these, several that were heads of families became much interested and were almost persuaded to share with those who had decided to walk in the old paths. Jer. vi, 16. A little company of ten, with as many children, have now united to celebrate the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and keep all of his commandments. The Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us on the last Sabbath, and we were much blessed. Thanks be to his holy name. In five places within a circle of twenty-five miles, where I have visited and labored since Dec. 25th, forty-four have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and walk in obedience to his requirements. Some four of these have been shaken by listening to the theory of a no-Sabbath teacher, but we trust they see that such teaching has no foundation in the holy Bible. Battle Creek, Mich., March 24th, 1859. JOSEPH BATES. Good Seed Springing Up.
By John S. Brown
DEAR BRETHREN: I have been brought through the infinite mercy of God to know the truth. I went from this place to the western part of the State of N. Y., in order to attend school. I boarded with a family who have the light of present truth; and partly through their influence, but principally by means of several tracts and the Review which I read, I was led to embrace the three Angel's messages. I have placed those tracts in the hands of my brother. He has read them and has also become convinced that we are right. We are the only Sabbath-keepers here, and we want the Review to sustain us and to help us to convince others. Yours in the faith,
JOHN S. BROWN.
Willow Creek, Wis. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.” Bro. Smith: Feeling, as I trust, to some extent the perils of the way of the remnant in these last days, love constrains me to offer my testimony to the goodness of God, as it is revealed from time to time. But I would also make a few remarks touching some portions of God's word which have been particularly helpful and encouraging to me in holding fast my profession of faith. I feel to praise the Lord for his goodness to me, and to strive more earnestly to do his will, and live near to the blessed Saviour. I have no desire to turn back, but more and more to fulfill my covenant to live a new life in Him who hath redeemed me unto God and to an inheritance in his everlasting kingdom. Dear brethren and sisters, take courage and hold fast the profession of your faith without wavering; but let us remember that he that has called us is able also to save to the uttermost. God has indeed been good to us in giving us the light of present truth, and saving us from the delusions which are fast enveloping the world in darkness. The ages of eternity will only fully unfold to us the great blessings and privileges we now enjoy. Let us then, dear brethren and sisters, try to be faithful. Although our way may be through great trials and temptations, yet our heavenly Father has promised that his grace should be sufficient for us. I have passed through some peculiar trials of late, and as some portions of the word of the Lord gave me that help which I needed, I have thought it might be profitable for me to speak of them. I was much in contact with different professors, and my mind became clouded on the subject of faith. I lost that confidence in present truth that I believed it was my privilege to enjoy. I felt my low state, and although much tried could not see my way out of it. While in this state my attention was arrested by the testimony of Paul, 1 Cor. xv, 2. “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you.” And as I read it the darkness was dispelled, and the truth of God's word again shone brightly and boldly out. I felt like the eunuch, to go on my way rejoicing. Here seemed to be the grand secret of overcoming faith, “to keep in memory.” I feel to praise the Lord anew for his goodness. “My grace shall be sufficient for you” has often sustained me in times of trial. Do we enough realize that God has said his grace should be sufficient? I am glad that action has been taken to carry out the order of the Apostle in laying by in store on the first of the week. It is a duty that engaged my attention soon after embracing the Sabbath of the Lord (about eight years since) and which for the most of the time I have tried to comply with. Some two years since I wrote an article on the subject intending to send it to the Review for publication, but fearing I should not do the subject justice, I hesitated to do so. To my mind it is a clear duty, and I would add, well sustained by the address from the church in Battle Creek. Yet there is one point in connection with the subject which bears with much force upon my mind, which I should have been glad if the Committee had made the application of. It is that of “first fruits” or first of our increase being required at the hands of God. In the acceptance of the first offerings of which we have any account, we notice that that one was accepted which was made from first fruits. And to be brief, I think I may say that so far as the record of the Old Testament goes, God has only accepted those offerings that have been of this character. Now were those things which were written aforetime, written for our instruction? So Jesus and the apostles testify. And Jesus has also made the same idea a leading principle in the gospel dispensation. He says “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The requirements of God (which constitute his righteousness) are then as in former dispensations, our first duty. But God always has had a plan for the practical development of what he enjoins upon his people as a principle or duty; and thus we find it in the gospel dispensation. “Let each one of you lay by him in store,” &c. The first fruits or first increase, being that portion from which an offering is to be made to God, how could the obligation be more fully complied with, than that as we commence our six day's labor, a portion of the first day should be laid by as the Lord hath prospered us. How clearly this also proves the first day of the week to be a working day. Else how could the offering be in harmony with God's requirement of first fruits, and of Jesus' teaching to seek first the righteousness of the kingdom of heaven. Your brother in Christ.
Obadiah Davis. North Berwick, Me., March, 1859. Holding Fast the Third Angel’s Message
Bro. Smith: I am still trying to hold on to the Third Angel's Message, for I believe that all the commandments of God are binding as well as the faith of Jesus, and also that we are living in the last time. Then how solemn the thought that we are on the last fragments of time, or that part which connects the two worlds, the present and the future, and we know not how soon the last sand will run out. I also feel that I have a great work yet to do, for we are to be presented faultless before the throne of His glory. How it ought to stir all the powers within us to be up and doing. When the Prophet was commanded to go tell the king to set his house in order, for that he should die and not live, how he turned his face to the wall and wept! O my brethren, do we from day to day go weeping, bearing precious seed? or do we go lean from day to day, and bear no fruit? I feel that I want the gold tried in the fire that I may be rich, also the white raiment and eye-salve; but I often feel too that I have a law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and that too often it brings me into captivity to the law of sin and death. But I try to keep my body under and bring it into subjection to the law of Christ. It is now almost five years since I was led to see and believe the last, sealing truths of the Bible. Since that time I have often reviewed the Advent faith and compared it with the standard of eternal truth, and there is no place that I can see that it can be altered for the better. The subject of the Sanctuary, how beautiful and harmonious! and that our great High Priest is there ministering, not only for others, but for poor unworthy us! O how it ought to call out the gratitude and praise of our poor hearts. Praise the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy name. As I stated that I had often reviewed, so have I compared the Advent faith with other theories, the Age-to-come in particular. I have read J. Marsh's system of doctrine, and there are many things in it that look plausible, yet as a whole I believe it to be rank infidelity, and I can compare it to nothing but a ship on a trackless, bottomless, shoreless ocean, without compass or chart, being driven with fierce winds, with no particular place of destination. But while we look to the heavenly Sanctuary, our way is all plain. There is the center of our worship, and as long as we keep that in view we can tell our whereabouts. Our reckoning is easily kept, for it is God that communes with us from the top of the ark, the mercy-seat, while Jesus pleads before it. Now brethren, the law is holy and the commandment holy, just and good, and I believe I can say that I delight in the law of the Lord after the inward man. I still wish to be numbered with you, as I am still determined to press my way onward and upward till we all stand on mount Zion. I still receive the Review, and should almost be lost without it. It is all the preaching I have, as I have not seen an Advent brother for almost four years. I should be glad if some of the preaching brethren, when at Iowa City, could get up as far as here. I rejoice to hear through the Review that the cause is rising, and that the truth still cuts its way. Dear brethren, if we are faithful a little while longer we shall not be scattered over the wild and desolate waste, but be gathered home to our Father's house. We shall no longer have to mourn our barrenness and unfaithfulness, but shall shout the high praises of our dear Immanuel in the kingdom of his Father and our Father, his God and our God. Yours still hoping for the kingdom.
ALVAREZ PIERCE
Eldora, Iowa, March 8th, 1859. Preparing to Meet the Saviour
My Dear Brethren and Sisters: I have of late been thinking much upon the present truth; and the question arises in my mind, do we live it out? does our daily walk and conversation show that we have put on Christ? are we striving to overcome all our evil besetments? do we in all things have an eye single to the glory of God? are we laying up our treasures in heaven? are we making any progress in divine life from day to day? are we following our Saviour through evil as well as good report, or do we in some things deny our Lord? are we making preparations to meet him when he comes to make up his jewels? do we crucify self daily, or are we making provisions for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof? do we show to the world around us that this is not our home or continuing city; but that we are seeking for that city that is out of sight, whose builder and maker is God? O my brethren and sisters, I am determined through the grace of God, to meet you on mount Zion where we can sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Let us be engaged in this good and glorious cause, knowing that if we faint not, in due time we shall reap our reward. There is nothing in this world that should cause us to step aside out of the path of duty. We should keep our faces Zionward, our minds should be above the things of this life. We should continually be striving to press forward. Let us contend earnestly for the151 prize; let us realize the worth of eternal life; and when we fully see what it has cost to purchase this salvation for us, methinks any sacrifice will seem small compared with the one that has been made for us. If we look at the sufferings of Jesus for us, we shall not think of complaining or murmuring on account of our light afflictions here which are but for a moment. When we consider how he was treated when upon earth, and that it was for our sakes, and when we were sinners, can we not love him seeing how he first loved us? The Lord does not require anything that is impossible of us. Those of us that are poor, if we cast in our mites into the treasury of the Lord, it will tell us did the poor widow's; and those of us that are able let us give liberally, knowing that he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly. If we but gain eternal life, we shall not think on these light trials that we have to pass through here. I am well satisfied that it will take all to buy the field. The Lord requires the whole heart. If we keep back part of the price it will not be acceptable. O may we make right use of our Lord's goods that he has intrusted to us, that we may return his portion with usury. I want to cut loose from the world, that I may have no clogs to hold me here. Brethren and sisters, I feel interested for the salvation of precious souls that are perishing for the want of truth to guide them in the path to heaven. Can we not rest satisfied while others are dying a spiritual death? Oh no, we must awake out of this dormant state and be up and doing while it is day; for these are precious moments to us. Yours striving to overcome.
Peter S. Ferciot. Lovett's Grove, Ohio, March 12th, 1859. I WILL TO THE SAVIOUR GO.
By Martha LaBounty
Destitue and poor and needy,
I will to the Saviour go;
He's aware of all my trials,
He doth all my sorrows know. I've no merit to bring to him,
I've no righteousness at all;
He has called me by his Spirit,
At his feet I fain would fall. There I would confess my errors,
There acknowledge all my sin;
He will blot out my transgression,
And he'll make me clean within. Then shall I with heart delighted,
Lift to Jesus prayer and praise;
And though sinners here despise me,
I will walk in wisdom's ways. MARTHA LABOUNTY.
Champlain, N. Y. Mellberg’s Testimony and Gratitude
By Gustaf Mellberg
Bro. Smith: The Review and Herald, during the past year, has come to me like an old acquainted friend, longed and looked for—always containing some new and valuable information, as well in theory of our blessed faith as in practice and true piety. I feel to praise the Lord for the spirit manifested in this paper, as well among the editing as corresponding brethren. God has been favoring his people in this vicinity during the past winter with his Spirit in a great measure. He has blessed us in our public and private meetings. We feel gratitude to our heavenly Father, who sent Brn. Waggoner, Andrews and Hart this way a year ago. We were all in a state of lethargy; the vitality of our religion was dead. We had lived in decided opposition to the Review and its supporters, and cherished a hard spirit; but for one I have prayed and pray still that the Lord will forgive, and hope the dear brethren will also forgive and overlook. Bro. Phelps has labored here in this place faithfully, and I hope and trust God will bless him abundantly. Lord let thy face shine upon all my dear brethren abroad and here at home, and may we all endure unto the end! This is the prayer of one who is waiting and looking for the Lord. Fort Atkinson, Wis., March 16th, 1859. SARAH M. SWAN
By Sarah M. Swan
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: My heart has often been cheered when desponding and sad, by reading your testimonies in the Review. When I hear of your determinations to press forward, and that the Lord is blessing you from day to day, and adding to your numbers, I feel encouraged to endure unto the end, that I may at last meet you in the everlasting kingdom. I feel truly like a pilgrim and stranger here, and often long for the time when the pilgrims shall all be gathered home to reap their reward. And what is the reward which we are to reap? "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for those that love him." But blessed be God, he hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, and when the Spirit shows us things to come we long to be there. We feel to say with the poet, "We are weary and sick of this world's vain strife,
And long for a holy, peaceful clime;
To glow with the vigor of endless life,
And be compassed no more by the bounds of time." O what inducements are held out before us to encourage us to persevere! What are all the riches and pleasures of this world compared with the glories of the world to come? And can we, poor, frail mortals, all defiled by sin, ever share those glories, and become pure as the angels in heaven? O yes, we may, for Jesus shed his precious blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to prepare us for those mansions which he has gone to prepare for us. O, who would not be willing to suffer with the Saviour here if we may but reign with him in glory? Who would count any sacrifice too dear for his sake who has done so much for us? For one, I can say, Let me have my portion with the despised Nazarene; let me share his reproach and his sufferings if I may but share his glory. "The humble path my Saviour walked,
I scorn it not to tread;
Though the scoffs and scorn my Saviour bore
Should fall upon my head." P. S. Could not some of the messengers come this way? We believe that good might be done here.
S. M. S. Systematic Benevolence Adopted in Monterey
Bro. J. S. Day writes from Monterey, Mich., March 13th, 1859: "I can say that we are trying by the help of the Lord to press our way onward to Mt. Zion. I trust that the labor which has been bestowed upon the church here has not been in vain. I realize more of late the straitness of the way, and that the race demands a preparation. At our last monthly meeting, March 6th, we took into consideration the plan of Systematic Benevolence, which was adopted by a majority of the church. We hope for more union in this work. I feel that a plan of this kind is just what we need in this place." Persevering Through Spiritual Darkness
By A. Taber
Bro. Smith: I have been a reader of the Review for nearly six years. It has always been a welcome visitor. Soon after I commenced reading it I began to fall in with the reasoning there held forth, until I am now a firm believer in the soon coming of our Saviour. I feel that I ought by this time to have made great proficiency in the cause, and gained much towards that perfection necessary for the true people of God in these last days; but alas, how is it? I feel a great lack on my part in coming up to the privileges of a true child of God. I come so far short of feeling that peace, joy and comfort, and being so sensibly encircled by that pure light from heaven which many feel, that I am almost inclined to consider myself a castaway. I know that I believe the promises of God as far as I understand them, and that he will fulfill his promises in every instance. I understand that these promises are all on conditions, and my desire and determination is to comply with the conditions; yet when I come to the throne of grace, instead of coming boldly as recommended by Paul, a lack of faith or confidence makes me timorous, and I am often led to ask, Why is it so? But notwithstanding the darkness that enshrouds me at present, I am determined to persevere, and try to make a full sacrifice and be wholly sanctified to God. Still hoping to win the crown. Systematic Benevolence
By L. R. Chapel
BRO. SMITH: I take this opportunity to write a few lines, as it is the request of the brethren that I should write for one of those blank books mentioned by Bro. White in Review No. 12, for the use of those who act upon the plan of Systematic Benevolence. A majority of the church in this place voted in favor of the plan adopted by the church in Battle Creek. It was opposed by some as not being scriptural, but the most of the church present at our monthly meeting agreed that it was a good plan. I have been convinced for some time that some system should be adopted that would have a tendency to make more of an equality and also to have a fund on hand for the furtherance of the gospel and advancement of the Third Angel's Message. I am satisfied, were all our hearts in the work of God as they should be, there would be no lack of means in the treasury of the Lord. Some thought there was no scripture for putting their names down, and casting their gifts into a treasury, but to lay by themselves in store; but I think the example of the children of Israel in bringing their offerings to repair the temple of the Lord, or the first house, would be a very good example for us down here in the closing up work of the second house of the children of Israel. I long for the time when the church will stand in the clear light, as represented by the woman standing in the sun. I think the church in this place as a general thing feel a desire to arise and come up to the help of the Lord, and the Lord has shown of late a manifest willingness to work for us. I want the truth to have a deep place in my heart and a sanctifying influence on my life. I want to be ready for the latter rain, time of trouble, and the coming of the Lord. Your brother in hope of eternal life,
L. R. CHAPEL.
Palermo, N. Y. Mach 1st. Bro. J. Whitmore writes from Jackson, Mich.:
“We wish some of our ministering brethren would come here and break bread to the church. We have not had the ordinances of the Lord's house administered to us in a long time, only once I believe in three or four years. I have thought it would be well for brethren in the ministry to see that each church has this privilege monthly, or at least as often as once in three months. If any one should conclude to come, please give notice two or more weeks previous, in the Review.” Holy Patience Upholds the Sufferer
As the fresh, silent dew revives the languishing pasture, so holy patience upholds the sufferer. But as little has he this patience of himself, as the field its dew.