p. 144 | Review and Herald, Vol. 7, No. 18. (1/31/1856)

Earlier text: WHEN WILL THE NATIONS BE DASHED IN PIECES?

Extracts of Letters.

By Editor

BROTHER H. P. WAKEFIELD writes from Newport N. H., Jan. 15th, 1856:—"I would say for your encouragement, you have my hearty co-operation in the work of sending out the paper to the scattered flock. And my prayer is, that it may continue to come, richly laden with present truth, such as will feed the household. I am satisfied it is the medium through which God designs truth should be communicated to the people, and that he calls upon its friends to unite their efforts to sustain it. And while its enemies would rejoice to see it wane, and die I trust its course is onward. Yes, truth is mighty and will prevail. God hath set his hand to gather his people, and he will certainly do it. A few brief scenes of trial, and conflict more, and the reward will be given to the faithful. They will be permitted to enter through the gates into the Holy City."

BRO. R. J. PAYNE writes from Macomb Co., Mich.: "It is only about a year and a half since I commenced to keep the Lord's Sabbath and all his commandments. There are no others in this immediate neighborhood who keep the seventh day; but there are a few near Bro. Rathbun's, about four miles distant, who think it is more essential to keep a positive command of God, than to keep a tradition of men, and we hold meetings at Bro. R.'s each Sabbath.

"I am sorry to say that evil has crept in among us, and some have left us, and I am informed, are content again to keep tradition. I fear if the Saviour should come suddenly upon us now, he would find some of us unprepared. Pray for us, brother, that our faith fail not, and our lamp be not put out, that we may walk in the truth in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This has been the petition of your unworthy brother, hoping for life through the Saviour at the resurrection."

BRO. H. BOWEN writes from Onondaga Co., N. Y.: "We still hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God that will be revealed at the revelation of the Son of God. We need the Youth's Instructor to instruct our youth. Please send it."

SR. R. A. SHOUDY writes from Berrien Co., Mich. : "I do not know how to be deprived of the Review, as it is the only medium through which I hear from the remnant. I have not seen any of like precious faith in two years and a half."

BRO. L. M. FISK writes from Ellisburg N. Y.:—"I would not go without the Review for five times its cost. I feel that it is meat in due season."

BRO. H. A. WETHERBEE writes from Duplain Mich.:—"The Review is a welcome messenger to me. It gives me great consolation to hear from brethren and sisters scattered abroad. Myself and companion are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

COMMUNICATIONS.

By James Loudon

From Bro. Loudon.

BRO. SMITH:—I will say to you I am happy to receive the Review and Herald. Its lessons of instruction are pleasing to me, and I hope it will continue to enlighten, strengthen, and bring truth and wisdom to all, and may the blessing of the Lord be with you that his truth may be plainly set forth in the columns of the Review. In these perilous times, we need the light of the word of the Lord continually.

It is lamentable to see what a state of lukewarmness the churches are in—perfectly at ease. It seems as though they had lost all light or sight of the Scriptures; and the most they think about or care for apparently, is to see who will have the most fanciful meeting-house, rent the most costly pew, wear the most costly and fashionable apparel, get the first quality of singers, get up some extra vanity, and get the largest congregation. And while they are carrying out all this proud spirit, they seem to think this kind of gain is godliness; and if you wish to be unpopular among them, and make them shun you, just give them the word of the Lord in its purity; and if you convince them of their error, and get the light of truth into their minds, so that they cannot gainsay it, yet they dare not own it before the world; for they would soon be cast out of the synagogue; notwithstanding Jesus Christ has said, that whosoever is ashamed of him and his word before men, of him he would be ashamed before his Father and the holy angels.

How many are deluded in these days by those spirits of devils, purporting to be the spirits of the dead; and when the priest has told them in his sermon perhaps twenty times, that they have an immortal soul in them, an inherent life obtained of Adam, that can never die, they will go from the table of the Lord home to their house, and there call on the spirits; and Satan will then prove by his miracles the falsehood the preacher had told them in his sermon; and those who profess to be partakers of the Lord's table are the partakers of the table of devils also.

These same professors who make high professions of faith in the word of the Lord, will when they see that it crosses their track, and roots up their creeds, deny their faith in one text of Scripture after another, until they dwindle it down to a small point, and finally, throw away the whole—the final result of departing from the faith, and parleying with the devil, or giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

I have reason to thank and praise the Lord that I ever received light on this subject before Satan had drawn me into his snare; also of the subtilty of Satan in the man of Sin in removing the fourth commandment out of its place, causing the people to err. But thanks be unto the Lord who hath raised up servants to proclaim the truth to a dying world in these last days. May the Lord bless my soul with his truth, that with all his children I may inherit eternal life, which the Father has given to his Son to give to all them that come to God by him.

I am highly gratified with the subjects in the Review, and the light it brings. I think that brother Edson has got his lever on the right fulcrum, and is bringing out light on an essential truth. May he be highly assisted by the Spirit of the Lord.

From yours affectionately, a Bible believer, and brother waiting the coming of the Lord. JAMES LOUDON. Janesville, Wis., Jan. 23rd, 1856.

Entire and Immediate Submission

By Phreman Robinson

From Bro. Robinson.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—It is with thrilling interest that I reflect upon the present truth by which God has brought me and my family to see the necessity of our entire and immediate submission to his will and requirements. We are endeavoring to keep the Sabbath, although there are many to oppose, who set at naught the counsel of the Most High; yet with all the conflicting interests with which we are surrounded, God's truth stands out pre-eminently sublime, unshaken and unmoved, while the thick storms are gathering with blackness around the moral horizon, predictive of some future calamity which is just about to break upon an ungodly world. May God in mercy protect his dear children from the impending storm and fiery trials that are already beginning to deluge the earth.

We have many trials to pass through, but we have the blessed promise that we shall not be tempted above that we are able to bear. Then let us go on in the strength of the Lord; for victory will turn on Zion's side. Though despised by this world, soon we shall gain the victory, if faithful, and stand upon mount Zion. O glorious thought! shall I be there with that happy number who shall shout victory on the sea of glass!

Now brethren and sisters, gird on the whole armor and be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The church here has been in severe trial, but we feel thankful to God that we have been able to confess our faults to one another, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. The church we trust will become more healthy, and again begin to breathe the free atmosphere of heaven.

Your unworthy brother striving for the kingdom. PHREMAN ROBINSON. Chemung Co., N. Y.

The Path of Comfort

Margaret Brewster, in one of her useful books, speaking of Carlyle, as "one who once appeared almost a Christian," quotes the following saying of his:

"Let him who gropes painfully in darkness or uncertain light, and prays vehemently that the dawn may ripen into day, lay this other precept well to heart, which was to me of invaluable service; Do the duty which lies nearest thee, which thou knowest to be a duty, thy second duty will already have become clearer."

Giving Away the Sermon

ANECDOTE.—An African preacher in speaking from "What is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" mentioned among other things, that many lost their souls by being too charitable. Seeing the congregation astonished beyond measure at his saying, he emphatically repeated it; and then proceeded to explain his meaning. 'Many people,' said he, 'attend meeting, hear the sermon, and when it is over they proceed to divide it out among the congregation. This part was for that man—that part for that woman; such denunciations were for such persons,—these threats for you sinners; and so,' continued the shrewd African, 'they give away the whole sermon and keep none for themselves!'—Evan. Mag.

DISPUTING WITH SATAN.

An old and excellent writer gives the following valuable advice: "If you would not be foiled by temptation, do not enter into a dispute with Satan. When Eve began to argue the case with the serpent, the serpent was too hard for her; the devil, with his logic, disputed her out of paradise. Satan can mince sin, make it small, and varnish it over, and make it look like virtue. Satan is too subtle a sophister to hold an argument with him. Dispute not, but fight. If you enter into a parley with Satan, you give him half the victory." The reason is obvious; for we cannot parley with Satan without giving up principle; and whenever we allow ourselves to debate the question, whether we will do wrong, it is almost certain that we shall yield. Principle being abandoned, there is little else to guide, but evil passions, which strongly prompt to sin.

SELECTIONS.

Affliction.

"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment." Yes, suffering brother or sister, only "for a moment." It may seem long to the weak flesh; but it is only for a little while. Rest will be sweet after the season of toil. Did you never mark the delightful calm that succeeds the violence of the storm? So it will be with the storm of affliction and trial. If faithful, the blessed, eternal calm that shall succeed, will be doubly glorious. We have it as our happy privilege to be made "perfect through suffering." Let us be faithful to the end. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."

Communication from Bro. Holt.

By George Washington Holt

Bro. Smith :—I improve this opportunity in writing a few lines to inform the brethren that I remain a pilgrim in this world, seeking a better country, even that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. My interest for the unpopular truths which we have been advocating for a few years past is not abating, but on the increase. I confess that my courage has failed, and my faith grown weak, while witnessing formality, pride, unbelief, and so little of the Spirit of God, and the love of Jesus, manifested in the church. But thank the Lord, my courage has been increasing of late, and my faith begins to take hold with an unyielding grasp the never-failing promises of God.

My own sickness, and the sickness of my family, which commenced the first of September and continued about three months and a half, prevented me from doing what I anticipated by going into new fields to present those truths which are so dear to us before the minds of such as have ears to hear.

But I am thankful to God for the inestimable blessing of affliction. I am better qualified to sympathize with the poor and afflicted people of God than before.

Sabbath-day, Nov. 16th, an unusual degree of the Spirit of God rested upon me as I lay on a sick bed, and I was much blessed of the Lord. From that time my health began to amend more visibly, and now my health is quite good, and my physical strength nearly returned, for which I praise God. My family also are restored again to usual health.

As soon as our health would admit of it, we held meetings in the vicinity of Milan and Sandusky for the especial benefit of the Church in that place. Our meetings were much favored with the divine Spirit, and crowned with success beyond our expectation. Humble confessions with weeping and supplications were made on account of past errors committed, and a permanent union we believe was effected.

The Church in this place are waking up to a sense of duty, and begin to realize in some degree the obligations and close walk of a christian in these last days of peril. Our prayer is that the work begun may go on until an entire victory over pride, formality, fashion, and every thing which is not becoming to a follower of the meek Lamb of God, is won.

We long to see the church of God adorned with the beautiful and unspotted garments of righteousness, meekness and simplicity. O yes; with those gifts of the Spirit, and that power and humility which graced the primitive church. Is it our privilege to enjoy these blessings? Yes, indeed it is: when we possess the same degree of humility and simplicity God will be well pleased to bestow them on his church again, inasmuch as the set time to favor Zion is come, and God has set his hand the second time to gather the remnant of his people, which he will bring from the East, and gather from the West and will say to the North, Give up; and to the South, Keep not back.

We hail with joy the weekly visits of the Review as it comes to us laden with fresh clusters of Eshcol for the encouragement of the scattered remnant as they journey through this dark, howling wilderness to the promised land of which we have no evil report to bring. The fruit of that land is good and fair, and the tall sons of Anak appear to us as grasshoppers, and they will appear as grasshoppers in their own sight as we march onward in one solid column, with perfect order in our ranks. With Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, at the head, we are able to go up and possess the land.

We have been holding a series of meetings in Huron where we had a good congregation of attentive hearers. Some have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and others confessed the reasonableness of our position and the propriety of keeping the seventh day. We hope they will soon feel its important claims and turn away their feet from treading down that holy commandment. We shall continue if the Lord will to hold meetings in new places as the way opens

Your brother seeking for perfect victory.

G. W. HOLT.

Fremont, O., Jan. 23d, 1856.

Books for Sale at this Office.

By Editor

RATES OF POSTAGE.

"Books bound or unbound, not weighing over four pounds, for any distance under 3000 miles, when pre-paid, one cent an ounce. When not pre-paid, 1½ cents an ounce."

Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This is the title of our new Hymn Book prepared for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote not only public, but also social and family devotion. It is a selection of Hymns of poetic merit, expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Nearly every Hymn can be sung in some one of the pieces of Music, which will promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the Churches.—Price, 62½ cents.—In Morocco, 70 cents.—Weight 7 & 8 ounces.

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.—Wt. 9 oz. each.

Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.

The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, points out distinctly the commencement and termination of the 2300 days, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing, and explains the disappointment of the Advent people in regard to time, and the true position of those who are now waiting for their Lord.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.

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 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

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—Wt. 4 oz.—Paper covers, 18½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.

The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.—Price 8 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two bills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

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 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.—196 pp.—18 cents—Wt. 4 oz.

Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.—148 pp.—12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.

Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

History of the Sabbath.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S."—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

The Celestial Railroad.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

Supplement to Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.

Review, Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, bound in one book.—Price $3.00. Vols. 3 & 4 bound in one book, and 5 & 6 in one book, $1.50 each.—In paper covers 35 cents a Vol.

Youth's Instructor.—Vols. 1 & 2.—Price 25 cents a Vol in paper covers.

Meetings at Monterey, Mich.

By Merritt E. Cornell

Here the people listened to seven lectures with much apparent interest. The congregation was very large and attentive. Before the close, the house would be filled before half-past five in the evening. More than twenty persons were obliged to stand for nearly three hours. Before we left, ten decided to keep the Sabbath, and many others bought books and are investigating. Among the number that decided was a Methodist exhorter. At the close of the last meeting the Lord gave good liberty in exhortation, and the word had free course. Several wept, and some rejoiced in the clearness of the truth. A prayer-meeting was appointed at the Methodist brother's house for the next Sabbath. We heard it remarked by some that they had never before known such a general searching of the Scriptures in that place. The Spirit of the Lord seems to be moving upon the people anew. Even so, Amen!

M. E. CORNELL

Otsego, Jan. 24th, 1856

"Writing on the Wall."

"On the same evening I also saw a person's hand distinctly write the word TRUTH on the wall, while we were all sitting around the table with hands joined. The writing was evidently done with a preparation of phosphorous, but any one at all acquainted with the nature of that article, knows that it cannot be handled with impunity, unless it is kept in water or excluded from contact with air, otherwise it will take fire immediately.

"What is still more strange the word would disappear, and in a moment come out again as bright and perfect as when first written; and what is still more strange, twenty-four hours after it was written, it appeared again, and on rubbing it over with the hand, the brighter the light would shine. Some one may say it could be done with a match, by leaving particles of phosphorous on the wall, which would show in the dark. This was tried, but before a letter could be made the match would ignite, and in making marks with a match, it would leave an impression on the wall, which was not done in the other case, as no mark could be found while the light was in the room."

SPIRITUALISTS IN CONGRESS

H. Gray, Esq., one of the editors of the Cleveland Plaindealer, and postmaster of that city, who has just returned home from Washington, says that about one half of the members of the present Congress are believers in the fact of Spirit-manifestation and intercourse.

POEMS.

Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.—Price 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—In paper covers, 20 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.

Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—In paper covers, 15 cents.—Wt. 3 oz.

A Word for the Sabbath. This work is an exposure of the false theories in regard to the Sabbath.—Price 5 cents.

Liberal discount on these works where $5 worth is taken.

Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.

Business.

By Editor

H. Hilliard:—We are sorry to say that your first letter with remittance has not reached us.

Chas. Drew:—It does not vary the amount of quarterly postage on the REVIEW by our pre-paying it at this place. It will be as well therefore for you to pay the postage at your Post Office, besides saving us some inconvenience. We will return a part of your remittance for that purpose if you desire it.

Receipts.

By Editor

J Bushman, H B Rathbun, P Robinson, Jno C Day, R T Payne, N N Lunt, E Mugford, P Foss, E R Maxson, M. D., L M Fish, Jas Loudon, H C Crumb, Jno S Smith, Jas Heald, D Seely, A Hazeltine, H Hamilton, Geo Davis, J E Hool, E Lothrop, B B Brown, H Hilliard, Jno A Miles, each $1.

Wm Whitford $2, C Drew, Jno Brown, each $3. D Paine, S B Craig, (for S Craig,) each $0,50. S Sargent $0,75. J K Bellows $0,25.

TO PAY ARREARS ON VOL VI.—L M Fish $1. E Ames $0,25.

To move Office and pay for Printing Materials.

Amount to be raised, . . . . . . . . . $603,64 Previous donations, . . . . . . . . . 188,63

O Nichols, $25,00 | N. N. Lunt, $3,00 J. Barrows, 2,00 | O. Davis, 1,00 S. Chase, 2,00 | H. Everts, 1,00 R. T. Payne, 1,50 | H Bowen, 0,50 Remaining to be raised by the Church, $377,01

The Times of the Gentiles

By Editor

The manuscript for the continuation of Bro. Edson's article on "The Times of the Gentiles," &c., is not received at the date of closing up this paper, Jan. 30.

Wesley on the Danger of Riches

By Editor

We ask a candid perusal from all our brethren for the extract we this week give from Wesley on the danger of increasing riches. Are not the principles there laid down, just ones for the life of the christian, who should confess himself, at best, but a pilgrim and stranger on the earth? And should they not possess peculiar force for those those who believe that we are now living in the last expiring moments of time, and must soon give an account of our stewardship.

John Chamberlain at Maspeth

Bro. John Chamberlain has removed to Maspeth, Queen's Co., N. Y.; keeper of Mt. Olivet cemetery. He would be glad to have any of like precious faith call on him.

The Sanctuary Article

By Editor

An article on the Sanctuary from Bro. Sperry is received, though too late for this number. It appears that the minds of some are still unsettled in regard to the position which the remnant occupy while our High Priest is performing his closing ministration in the Most Holy of the heavenly Sanctuary. We trust the article before us will be satisfactory to the minds of all those who are in any way troubled on this point. It will appear next week.

The Golden Rule Moves to New York

By Editor

The Golden Rule, formerly published at Cleveland, Ohio, has removed to New York city. Published monthly at 50 cts. per annum.

Brn. Bingham and Arnold

By Editor

Brn. Bingham and Arnold. Bro. W. has not been able to respond to your letters in consequence of taking a severe cold.

Instructor Subscription Terms

By James White

Some think the Instructor not worth fifty cents a year for their children! Well, it has been worth about $60. a year to me for the good it has done the children of my brethren and sisters. Now were I as old as Noah when he left the Ark, and had not a living relative, I think no one could persuade me from giving as much as the small sum of fifty cents to encourage the Instructor to make its monthly visits to the homes of all our dear children.

But by the advice of several we have concluded to reduce the price on single copies to thirty-six cents. We will send a copy of the “Bible Class” to all who have sent, or may send fifty cents, if they wish, or let the surplus help pay arrears. The terms of the Instructor are,

Ten copies to one address,	$3.00
6 " " "	2.00
3 " " "	1.00
Less than three copies—for each copy,	36 cts.
To those unable to pay,	free
To those who wish to send to others,	25 cts

With 1000 paying subscribers the Instructor can be published for 25 cents a year, and visit 300 children free. Come friends, let us have 1000 subscribers. No. 2 will be issued in a few days. Postage stamps are as good as money. J. W.