p. 143 | Review and Herald, Vol. 10, No. 18. (9/3/1857)

Holding Fast to the Truth

By Burt Hall

From Bro. Hall.

BRO. SMITH: I have long felt a desire to communicate a few words to the dear saints scattered abroad, to let them know that I am still trying to hold on to the truth by keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is but little more than two years since I first heard the Third Angel's Message, and commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Praise the Lord for that first time. Although I was young, and met with opposition on every hand, yet by strength from the God of Israel, and my sword in hand, which is the Word, I have been enabled to fight my way through, and now rejoice in hope of a glorious immortality at the appearing of Jesus.

Dear brethren and sisters, what a glorious prospect there is before us. In a little from this we shall see Jesus coming with ten thousand bright angels to raise the sleeping saints, and change these vile bodies of ours, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, and be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and so be forever with the Lord. We shall soon receive the never-failing crowns of glory from the hand of our blessed Saviour, and with harps of gold, sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Soon the faithful will pass through the pearly gates of the City whose streets are paved with gold, and there have right to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, and drink of the water of the river of life, which flows from the midst of the Paradise of God. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." All this for keeping the commandments of God. Praise the Lord, it is enough. I will try to keep his commandments, for they are holy, just and good.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God is, that we all may be enabled to buy the gold tried in the fire that we may be rich, the white raiment, which is the righteousness of saints, that we may be clothed, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see.

In hope. Shelby, Mich., Aug. 16th, 1857. BURT HALL.

A Growing Church in Brownsville

By Charlotte Cryderman

From Sister Cryderman.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our little church all feel to rejoice that we ever heard the Third Angel's Message, and for the religion that makes us feel such love to God and our brethren and sisters. We all praise God for the glorious work that he has done in this place. There was a great interest during Bro. Frisbie's course of lectures, and there is still a great interest here. When Bro. Frisbie left, there were forty-four that were keeping the Sabbath, and there have three more embraced it since, which makes forty-seven believers in the present truth.

For my own part I know that this is the work of the Lord; for God owns and blesses his dear children in receiving the message. I feel that in my soul which the world can neither give nor take away. Our weekly prayer-meeting last Tuesday evening was such as I never before attended. It seemed that the whole room was filled with the presence of God. Never did I feel so much of the love of God shed abroad in my heart as at this meeting. All praised God aloud. Brethren pray for us, that the faith we now have fail not.

Yours striving for the kingdom. CHARLOTTE CRYDERMAN. North Brownsville, Mich., Aug. 10th, 1857.

Preparing for the Seal

Sister S. Geroull writes from North Brownsville, Mich., Aug. 12th, 1857: "I have been keeping the Sabbath of the Lord about two months, and can truly say that from the time I commenced I have enjoyed much of the love of God in my heart. I feel as if I had but a short time to get ready to meet the Saviour in peace. We still continue our prayer-meetings, and in so doing gain new vigor to act in obedience to God's commands. I feel as if I needed a great deal of strength in these days of trouble. God is separating his people from the world that they may get ready for the seal."

Faithfulness Amid Affliction

Sister H. Bryant writes from North Brownsville, Mich., Aug. 12th, 1857: "I enjoy my mind well, and feel thankful that I ever heard the blessed truths of the Third Angel's Message. It seems that God is with us to own and bless whenever we meet to worship him. Thank God for what he has done for me and my family. O pray for me that I may ever be found faithful."

"Afflictions may press me, they cannot destroy, One glimpse of his love turns them all into joy; And bitterest tears, if he smile but on them, Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem. "Let doubt, then, and danger, my progress oppose, They only make heaven more sweet at its close; Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er may befall, An hour with my God will make up for them all."

The Life of Faith.

The life of faith is the noblest, richest, most contented, easiest, truest life of all. It is the noblest life; for it takes the soul out of the house of Adam and carries it into the household of God: it makes the soul forget its father's house, and unites it to the King of Glory. And then it is the pleasantest, the choicest excellency, and highest felicity; it is often wrapt up in the third heaven, to take its repast in inexpressible glory; it walks in the paths of pleasantness, and under all the heats of troubles and afflictions, it shades itself under the arbor of paradise. And then it is the richest life; if our desires be according to our wants, it is impossible we should want above what we desire.

Grace only shall Enter Heaven.

GRACES are the very courtiers of heaven, those who wait upon Christ in his privy chamber. Honor, riches, credit, and the like may do below; you may keep out your betters here, but in the palace of the King of Glory, you must stand by for ever. It is only faith, love, humility and the like, that shall have admittance into his presence. All are not qualified for such a presence. You may stand and wait at the gates, but I can tell you, there is a special command gone forth, that none but grace and holiness shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: therefore you may receive your answer if you please.

Wakefield's Translation.

"THAT ye may be blameless and uncorrupt, spotless children of God, amidst a crooked and twisted race." Phil. ii, 15.

"Let your reasonableness be known unto all men." Phil. iv, 5.

"Be ambitious of peace, and to mind your own business." 1 Thess. iv, 11.

Verse 18. "Encourage each other with these doctrines."

Trusting God Through Every Trial

You cannot trust man too little, nor God too much.

Every trial says, Go to Jesus; go now.

Every danger makes way for a new salvation; and every salvation is a new proof of God's faithfulness, kindness and care.

Forgiving Those Who Wrong Us

By J. Clarke

"And Forgive us our Debts as we Forgive our Debtors." Matt. vi, 12.

"I CAN forgive, but cannot easily forget," says one, who hopes in the Saviour, "it is so hard to forget an injury, especially when intended, and so aggravated as this. To be so treated by my friend, one in whom I confided, and just the person I had chosen as more true than most of the selfish crowd. Alas! alas! how can I forget. I think of it and brood over it, and how can I help it?" Such feelings are often expressed, and oftener felt. Such is the language of the carnal (fleshly) mind, of which the believer must be purged. "I cannot forget," or in other words, "I do not forgive." O, how dangerous is such a state of heart. Dare any one ask Jehovah to forgive thus? Would we have God to brood in silence over our ungrateful disobedience? Would heaven be a Paradise, if God beheld his saints with all our offences still in view casting a fearful shadow backward to a world of woe? Could the New Jerusalem be a happy place, even with its pearly gates, its rapturous music, its golden pavement, transparent with light from the throne of God? No, truly, a place of sorrow would it be if all our sins are to be remembered. Not thus does God forgive. His pardon is full and free, no reproach, nor upbraiding, but reconciliation and love. The pardoned rebel is placed upon the same ground as though he had never sinned. A new robe, white and clean, is put upon him, even the righteousness of Christ. He is admitted to see the beauties of the scheme of redemption in the word of God, while the works of creation and providence are unfolded in the clear light of the renewed mind.

Shall I forgive my enemy, who under the cloak of candor hides the deadly weapon of slander?

As Christ prayed for his enemies who nailed him to the wood, and as Stephen prayed for his cruel murderers, "Father, forgive them," so let us daily nourish patience, forbearance, compassion and love; and as trials encompass us around, strength and grace will be granted. Then we triumphant over self, banishing malice and pride, love being the ruling principle of the heart, will love our enemies, and from the heart will pray, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." J. CLARKE. Portage, Wood Co., Ohio.

Meetings at Monterey.

By James White

SABBATH and First-day, Aug. 22d and 23d, we were with the church in Monterey. Brn came in from a few towns around, and filled their new house of worship full. We spoke twice both days, in much weakness, however, in consequence of being much exhausted with labor and care before leaving home. But the Lord manifested himself powerfully both days. At the close of the last meeting most of the congregation wept freely. We then went to the water where nine were baptized.

Our hearts are strongly united with God's dear people in that vicinity. While we have tried to minister to them in spiritual things, they have freely ministered to us in carnal things. May the Lord help us and them so to strive together in the gospel, that a reward may finally be gained in the kingdom of God. J. W.

Choice Gems.

By Editor

The following beautiful thoughts have been selected and sent in to us by various correspondents, for which they have our thanks.

The worst load is a heavy heart. The worst enemy is sin; and the worst evil is the anger of God. The best book is the Bible; the best home is heaven, and the very best news that ever came into the world is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners.

The burdens and trials of life should be borne with patience, firmness, composure, humility, with faith and prayer. We should labor with zeal, but without emulation, with constancy and perseverance, but without obstinacy.

Valuable thoughts are like flocks of birds, that fly away unless you make sure of them. So spread your net for them, or they will escape you.

Our manner of presenting the truth should be as in teaching the youth, winning, agreeable, loving, condescending, free from ostentation or vanity, free from banter or defiance, but still ardent and zealous. Teach and instruct, understandingly, wisely, with clearness.

When certain persons abuse us, let us ask ourselves what description of character it is that they admire. We shall often find this a very consolatory question.

He that has energy enough in his constitution to root out a vice, should go a little farther, and try to plant in a virtue in its place; otherwise he will have his labor to renew. A strong soil that has produced weeds, may be made to produce wheat with far less difficulty than it would cost to make it produce nothing.—C. C. Colton

Holy.

By J. Clarke

WEBSTER's definition of this word is, "Perfectly pure, and complete in moral character, as God." No one will dispute the correctness of this definition. Now read 1 Cor. xvi, 20. "Greet ye one another with a holy kiss." Here comes two Brn. perhaps, one a chewer, and the other a smoker of tobacco, both otherwise fair, it may be. They keep the Sabbath, but alas, the greeting. Ugh! I ask, can such comply with Paul's exhortation? What have we come to! an age of tobacco! tobacco! TOBACCO! in the mouth, in the nose, on the lips, on the beard, its taint in the breath, and the blood, in the air, borne on the winds; the store, the shop, the kitchen, the parlor, redolent with its fumes, and to cap the climax, the breath of the saints. Can it be? No, surely. Again I ask, must it be? can it be? J. CLARKE. Portage, Wood Co., Ohio

J. W

By James White

Remedy for Moths.

"LAY not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."

NEARER.

One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er: I'm nearer my home to-day Than ever I've been before; Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions be; Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the jasper sea; Nearer that bound of life Where we lay our burdens down; Nearer leaving my cross, Nearer wearing my crown.—Sel.

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.

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 pages. 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 12½ cents.

Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. It has been prepared with much care, and considerable expense, and can be had at this Office for $4,00 per 100, or if sent by mail, post paid, 6 cents a copy.

A Brief Exposition of Daniel ii, vii, viii, ix, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary.—This is the title of a Work just published, it being our old Work on the Four Universal Monarchies of Daniel, &c, somewhat improved. Price, post-paid, 10 cts.

The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States.—Price 10 cts.

The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A.—Price 12½ cents.

A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath.—Price, 6 cents.

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.

Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.—148 pp.—12½ 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 18 cents.

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.

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, 18 cents.

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

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

History of the Sabbath.—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 3 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 12½ 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.

The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the public cations of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cts.

Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.

Christian Experience and Views,—Price 6 cents.

Last Work of the True Church,—Price 7 cents.

Supplement to Experience and Views,—Price 6 cents.

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. 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, 12½ cents.

A Word for the Sabbath.—Price 5 cts.

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Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.

Write More for the Review

By Editor

Bro. J. N. Loughborough makes a request in which we heartily concur. Will the brethren note it and act upon it. It is as follows: "I wish the brethren would take hold and write more for the Review. I think it would make the paper more interesting."

Circumstantial Evidence. Who Changed the Sabbath?

By Editor

The manuscript for the continuation of Bro. Waggoner's Review of Sabbath Lectures, was received just too late for this number. An article from Bro. Loughborough, entitled, "Circumstantial Evidence. Who Changed the Sabbath?" will appear soon,

On Pride Among Believers

By Editor

From a private letter from Bro. R. F. Cottrell we take the liberty to make the following extract:

“How disgusting the pride we meet with everywhere. And those that profess the truth are not free. Where are the imitators of Jesus? What would be too dear to sacrifice, could I but find them! But here I am, and I long for home. All things will be right there. I will hope in God that his saints will soon be delivered from this body of sin and death. But what am I doing? When I can live no longer without it, I will write for the paper again on pride.”

The Babylonish and Wedding Garments

Be careful, brethren, that you do not get on the Babylonish garment, instead of the wedding one. The former need not be mistaken for the latter, and be assured it will not answer as a substitute.

Receipts.

By Editor

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Business Items.

By Editor

Hannah Curtis:—We continue your paper.

M. Borden:—You are credited on book for Vol. V, of the INSTRUCTOR.