Earlier text: OUR FAITH AND HOPE;The Closing Messages
By Roswell F. Cottrell
The Closing Messages.—No. 30.
In closing our series we recapitulate some of the evidences of our position. The fulfillment of the prophecies of the four great kingdoms of Dan. 2 and 7 shows that we are in the last days, and that the everlasting kingdom is at hand; for its establishment and the destruction of these earthly kingdoms are all that remain unfulfilled of those great lines of prophecy. The signs in heaven of the second coming of Christ, as foretold by our Lord himself as merciful warnings of its approach, have all been fulfilled in the given order, so that, believing his word, we may have the strongest assurance that his coming is near, even at the door; therefore we are living in the time when we should expect these closing messages of the gospel should be given. The 2300 days have expired. At their termination the cleansing of the sanctuary begins. Dan. 8:14. The cleansing of the sanctuary is the work of the high priest, namely, the blotting out of the sins of the people. Lev. 16. Our sanctuary and High Priest are in Heaven. Heb. 8 and 9. The days having expired, the time has come for Christ our High Priest to finish the work of his priesthood by blotting out the sins of all his people; but the blotting out of their sins is their acquittal in the Judgment—all those whose sins are blotted out are thus judged worthy of a part in the first resurrection and the world to come—therefore the time has certainly come for the proclamation to be made: “Fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his judgment is come.” Rev. 14:7. Precisely this proclamation was made as we approached the ending of the days in 1844. And following this, the cry was suddenly and unexpectedly raised: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” Then came the disappointment which led, by renewed investigation, to the light on the subject of the sanctuary to be cleansed at the end of the days: “The temple of God was opened in Heaven.” Rev. 11:19. Our High Priest had entered upon his atoning work within the “second veil;” and the “commandments of God,” spoken of by the third angel’s message, were seen to be contained in the “ark of his testament,” before which Jesus ministers. Since 1844 the light of these holy, heavenly, unabolished, unchanged, and unchangeable commandments, has developed the meaning of the third angel’s message to those who were looking for Christ, loving his appearing, and studying the sure word of prophecy, showing that the worship and mark of the beast are opposed to these commandments, and that any change whatever in them is only the work of that blasphemous power that would, according to prophecy, “think to change times and laws.” And here also the prophecy of the two-horned beast—the last persecuting power—is seen to apply to the United States—the first and only plausible application of the prophecy that was ever made; for the very good reason that the description given perfectly applies to this government and cannot possibly apply to any other which ever existed upon the earth. And here in this country we see at the present time a grand movement already inaugurated to change our national constitution—that instrument which says, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof—so as to make it acknowledge certain religious tenets, and especially to enforce obedience to that law which the Papacy has put in the place and stead of the fourth commandment of God. All these considerations combined prove that the time has come for the warning of the third angel to be given. The Lord has set forth the Sabbath—the memorial of his finished work—as a sign of his power and right. Ex. 31:13, 17; Exo. 20:12, 20. The Roman church sets forth its “substituted Sunday” as the sign of its power and right to set aside what God has commanded, and make laws to bind men’s consciences. (See what we have quoted from their own works.) And now our Protestant churches are clamoring for “a better observance” of this institution of the Papacy, and are moving to have it engrafted upon the constitutional law of our government. And they will succeed. The prophecy plainly shows it. Power obtained will be used—the predicted persecution will follow—the final conflict of the true people of God will ensue; but they will be delivered and caught away to Mount Zion to sing the victor’s song, while their enemies will sink beneath the unmingled wrath of God. It is time that the warning message should be proclaimed; and in the providence of God it is being done. His providence is always ready to fulfill his word in its proper season. Already I see a company gathering who have heard and heeded this call from Heaven, have embraced the down-trodden fourth commandment of Jehovah’s law, and are striving to purify themselves from all sin and thus get a preparation for translation at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A return to the Sabbath of the Lord is the grand test for those who would enlist into this army; but nominally keeping the commandments of God will not insure the victory. Many have enlisted; and many more will, who will fail to share in the triumph. It will require a character perfected by the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, to pass the test of the Judgment, stand in the hour of severe trial and persecution, and prepare one to be translated without death to Mount Zion above. But the whole-hearted will find grace and strength to endure, and will be conquerors through Him who hath loved them.141 All have a personal interest in this matter. The last message of probation is doing its solemn, fearful work. It calls on each to make a choice between the commandments of God and those by which the Man of Sin has made void the divine law. Which will you choose? A choice must be made ere long. There is no chance for neutrality. “If any man worship the beast and his image, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” But the image will demand that you shall do these very things on pain of death. Now, before that terrible hour of temptation is upon you, is the time to secure the favor of God, and prove yourself loyal to him. The warning mercifully precedes the trial, that you may escape the danger. By faith it must be heeded; for when the trial is actually come, it will be too late to choose the right and escape. Probation will then have closed. The final choice will have been made. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. Oh! heed the solemn call at once. Choose now, while it is called to-day, to be on the Lord’s side, and willingly and cheerfully keep his commandments, as we find them in his written word. Fly, oh! fly to Christ for pardon and refuge, ere it shall be too late. Now tender mercy calls in melting strains. Jesus who died for sinners still pleads his blood before the mercy-seat. The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. But soon the day of salvation will be past. The Spirit will cease to invite. The servants of God will no longer entreat. Jesus will cease to plead. Then the filthy must remain filthy still; and He who now, clad in priestly attire, invites the sinner to pardon and life, will “put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,” and, “according to their deeds,” “repay fury to his adversaries.” Isa. 59:16–20. “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:11, 12. The great day of his wrath will have come. Too late now to seek for pardon. Slighted mercy calls no more. Bleeding love has been rejected. The atoning blood has been set at nought. Now the sinner seeks in vain for a hiding place. Rocks and mountains cannot shelter him; he cannot escape. In that day of desolation, when the slain of the Lord unburied shall strew the earth, the shepherds and principal of the flock, who have by false teaching led the people astray, will experience the fierceness of the indignation of the Lord. “Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in ashes, ye principal of the flock.” “The shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.” See Jer. 25:30–38. Now they enjoy their fat salaries and princely livings, while they preach smooth things to itching ears. Now the people pay them well for telling them that they are safe while in the path of disobedience; that all is peace and safety, and all may safely rely on their guidance. But then both priests and people will be undeceived; and, oh! what fruitless wailings will rend the air! Oh! be entreated to heed the call from Heaven. Take sides with the Lord, venture wholly on his word. It is safe to trust in him. Watch and pray, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and stand before the Son of Man. May God save his little ones from the coming storm. May you and I, dear reader, be found with the redeemed on Mount Zion. R. F. Cottrell. The people of God had wandered far from him. He had sent them prophets, and wise and eloquent men, who had warned and instructed them; yet they persevered in their evil ways. At last, having done all that could be devised or invented to bring them back to him, he found there was no remedy; then his Spirit was withdrawn, and Israel fell into the hands of his enemies (2 Kings 17: 3–23), never to be delivered. With this fearful example present, few will be warned to flee the wrath of God. Like Ephraim, men of the present day are joined to their idols; not always of wood, or stone, or silver, or gold; but this world's good, of one kind or another, claims the attention and the affections from its seeming importance. The present moment, the current value of the treasures of earth, of par value at present, these call the mind's attention. Unbelief blinds the mind to those things which faith points out as of most importance in the future. Prosperity props up the worldling, who walks in a show of religion; and plenty stupefies him, until he walks, like a drunken man, the brink of ruin; and with the speech of self-security upon his lips, he falls to rise no more. May God help us to heed the testimony given us, and now to arise from our low state to a new life. Christian Sabbath.
By M. E. Cornell
[I FOUND a sermon with the above title, published in 1759, by one Mather Byles, pastor of 1st Church of Christ, of New London, to which is a reply by one Joseph Bolles, in behalf of others who suffered persecution with himself for breaking the so called “Christian Sabbath.” Though a no-Sabbath man, he sharply criticized the Sunday arguments and completely vanquished his opponent. I will give an extract from the reply.
M. E. CORNELL.] We have been imprisoned, twenty-three at a time, eight of about seven months, and some of the best of our cattle, and horses, and other goods taken away, and three of us cruelly whipped, near twenty stripes apiece, for doing the business of our ordinary calling, on the first day of the week, which he calls Sabbath, all within nine months. And in these persecutions we have continually desired our persecutors to show any scripture warrant for their practice; we have also sent forth advertisements promising Ten Dollars reward, to any person that could show us one word in the Bible, that forbids labor on this pretended Sabbath; which we suppose he calls a challenge; and because he can’t find a word, in the Bible, that forbids labor on his pretended Sabbath, he has preached a sermon, instead thereof, and though he calls it the Christian Sabbath, it is not called so in the Scriptures; by which it is evident, it was not the Christian Sabbath in the apostles’ time; for if it had been the Christian Sabbath in their days, they would have called it so. Also his text is part of the commandment to labor six days, and rest the seventh; so that his own text, that he builds his Sabbath upon, requires labor, on his pretended Sabbath; for it says, Six days shalt thou labor, and we know that this pretended Sabbath is the first of the six days, so that this first-day Sabbath, being built on this commandment must be vain deceit. Col. 2: 8: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men.” In page 18 he says, “And lastly to assign a reason why there is no command for this Sabbath, in the New Testament;” and in the next page he says, “THE APOSTLES LEFT IT TO AFTER DISCOVERIES;” but neither God nor man can require us to keep a Sabbath without a law. For where there is no law there is no transgression. Rom. 4: 15. And sin is not imputed when there is no law. Rom. 5: 13. And the confession of faith of this Colony, requires a command for all the worship we perform to God; and there is no discovery of this pretended Sabbath in the Bible, for he says, “The apostles left it to after discoveries,” and the first command we have discovered for it, was more than three hundred years after Christ, by Constantine the Emperor, recorded in Fox’s Acts and Monuments, vol. i, p. 134, in these words: “The Sunday he commanded to be kept holy of all men, and free from all judiciary causes, from markets, marts, fairs, and other manual labors, only husbandry excepted.” Here we may observe, no husbandry labor is forbidden, in this “after discovery.” Also King Inas, who reigned in England in the year of our Lord 712, commanded that infants should be baptized within thirty days, and that no man should labor on Sunday. Fox’s Acts, vol. i, p. 1016. Observe, in this “after discovery,” all labor is forbidden; as popish darkness increased, this Sabbath strengthened, and infant baptism was also discovered. Also King Edgar, who began his reign in England142 in A. D. 959, “He ordained that Sunday should be kept holy from Saturday noon, till Monday morning, and he ordained and decreed for holy days, and fasting days.” Fox’s Acts, vol. i, p. 1017. Observe, this “after discovery” being in midnight popish darkness, this Sabbath was kept more strict, and they also discovered half a day more, and holy days and fasting days to be observed. Also King Canutus, who began to reign in England, in the year 1016, “He commanded celebration of the Sabbath, from Saturday noon, till Monday morning.”—Ib. This King discovered it by the name “Sabbath;” but the other three, discovered it only by the name “Sunday.” Also in our Colony there is an ample “after discovery,” of it, by the name of Sabbath, or Lord’s day; which exceeds the other four after discoveries, with a famous law, to torture the bodies of them that break this pretended Sabbath, by whipping, not exceeding twenty stripes, if they refuse to pay a fine; and doubtless there have been more after discoveries, by express command, for this pretended Sabbath, which he says the apostles left to after discoveries; he ought to take his text out of the forementioned “after discoveries,” where there are express commands to build his Sabbath upon; but as he builds it on God’s commandment, which commands labor on his pretended Sabbath, it has no foundation to stand upon, and therefore stands upon nothing. No after discovery, neither his pretended Sabbath, infant baptism, nor the mass, nor purgatory, ought to be built on any text in the Bible. But, whoever preaches up any of these after discoveries, they ought to take a text out of the law book, where they are instituted and commanded, and not out of the Bible, where they are “not discovered.” * But who would have thought such a thing that a pretended minister of Christ would undertake to vindicate a Sabbath that there is not one word of Bible for; and to affirm that the practice of the world, which the Scripture says, the devil hath deceived, is a sufficient evidence; including papists, Turks and Indians, even the most barbarous and uncivilized nations, which worship dumb idols, * some of which are openly familiar with the devil. He calls their worship divine, their assemblies solemn, their festivals sacred. By which it appears that his divine worship and theirs, is all in one spirit. Ps. 106: 35 “Were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.” Again he says, “Take away the Sabbath, and what will be the consequence?” He speaks like the idolaters of old, Judges 18: 24, “Ye have taken away my gods, which I made; and the priests, and what have I more?” Here we may see the idolaters speak all with one voice; their heart is after their idols, and their priests, more than after God. Next he says, “Errors in doctrine, and corruption in practice, would break in upon us like a flood, immorality would triumph without control.” Ans. It is such a time now; for there are errors in doctrine, manifest errors indeed in this and other sermons; and that corruption in practice, is already broken in upon us like a flood, is evident by the people giving such vast sums of money to their priests, for preaching such wretched stuff, as we see in some of their sermons: and immorality triumphs almost without control, among the people who are encouraged to it by the example of their priests; which live immoral lives; in covetousness, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness; Sodom like. Eze. 16: 49. Immorality triumphs in a high degree, even in gathering money for the priests, of many poor people, to whom there is more need to give; and casting some into prison, to force them against their conscience to pay money, to maintain such priests in idleness, which they know God hath not sent to teach them, and the hirelings take the money, and preach but little against this immorality; but whether a receiver is not as bad a thief, let the reader judge. In pages 5, 6: “A party of deluded visionaries, blinded by prejudice and obstinate in their errors, &c.” Ans. He may take this to himself also: for he is so blinded by prejudice, that he preaches, that men ought not to labor on the Sabbath which he says the apostles left to after discoveries, notwithstanding Christ commanded his disciples, to labor thereon, and he is so obstinate in his errors, that he brings the practice of the barbarous nations, and the practice of the world, which the Scripture says the devil has deceived, to help to prove his invented Sabbath, and it being still too short, he tried to alter the translation of the Bible, in page 18, to make it prove his pretended Sabbath, and when he saw it was all too short, he undertook to assign a reason why there is no express command for this pretended Sabbath, in the New Testament, and with much ado, at last, he confesses that the apostles left it to after discoveries! so then it was left to be discovered in popish darkness. Admonitory.
By R. F. Cottrell
We have reached an important point in the history of the third message. At our late General Conference we were deeply impressed that a crisis was upon us. The time had come when a higher stand must be taken on the part of those “that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ;” that we must now arise and come fully up to the work, take a firm position upon the whole truth, wrestle and prevail in prayer, and engage with earnestness in the work of the Lord, or be shaken off and have our places supplied with those who will appreciate the goodness of God and the benefits of the light which we have so long enjoyed. We need not fall if we will heed the warnings and admonitions which have been given. But God has borne with our lukewarmness and half-heartedness long enough, so that, should he cast us off, we shall be without excuse. We have been favored with light in advance of others, that we might give it them. We cannot be used to bear the truth to others, till it has had its sanctifying effect upon us. God has called us to be light-bearers. We must get our own souls illuminated, and then we can let the light shine to others. The number is increasing of those who are ready to receive the truth. Are we ready to bear it to them? Are we united in faith and spirit and purity, and ready to receive those whom the loud voice is about to call forth? Let us gird ourselves for the work. Let the work of the Lord be the first business of our lives. Those who fight the fight of faith shall overcome. Those who run with patience the race shall win the prize. An exceeding responsibility is laid upon us. Shall we feel it and act? Shall we work with a zeal commensurate with our privileges, or shall we be dismissed from the service and be given over to the love of the present world? Spare thy people, Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach. Report of Labor.
By S. B. Whitney
Though I have not reported during the present conference year, I have not been idle. Soon after Conference I visited the friends in Ringville, but, as I found no opening for more meetings, stopped but a few days. On my return home I called at Norfolk to spend the Sabbath, and providentially or accidentally became engaged in meetings in the village, where I spent several weeks with little or no apparent results as to increase of numbers. Felt somewhat perplexed over the matter, but followed the best light I had. The first week in January, I went to Essex Co., where I commenced meetings in the town of Keene the 9th. Went there by invitation of Bro Russell, who with his wife and mother had been keeping the Sabbath about a year. Labored till April 2, with encouraging results, holding meetings in two places, and leaving about twenty new converts keeping the Sabbath. Among them is a man who was formerly a Wesleyan preacher of good experience, but who had so far back-slidden as to become very worldly and profane. But he has begun to pray, and seems determined to return to the Lord. There seems to be quite an interest awakened in that vicinity, and I design to return soon and hold meetings in an adjoining town. Am considerably worn, but of good courage. S. B. WHITNEY. Character Revealed in Acts, Looks, and Words
Acts, looks, words, ways, form the alphabet for spelling character. Divine Guidance.
By John Nevins Andrews
THIS is precisely what we need at every step. We cannot safely journey through this world of sin and darkness without the guiding hand of the great Being who has created us. We are exposed to dangers on every hand. No finite mind can teach us how to shun them all. God can do it; and he has promised to do it if we truly seek him. He can show us all our errors, and how to correct them. He will teach us how to walk before him in such a manner as to shun the snares of the devil, and to advance toward Heaven at every step. The meek he will guide in judgment. He will thus guide us if we seek meekness at his hands.
J. N. A. HENRY H. WILCOX
By Henry H. Wilcox
I HAVE labored in holding meetings, the present conference year, seven weeks. Have labored in connection with Eld. C. O. Taylor, Bro. T. doing most of the preaching. Six weeks of the time we spent at Happy Valley, Oswego Co., N. Y., an entirely new field. The result is that twenty are keeping the Sabbath and are rejoicing in the other truths of the third message. Others are deeply convicted. May God grant them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth. They have organized meetings on the Sabbath, also a Bible Class which when last heard from was moving very prosperously. May God impart unto them wisdom, to so labor, that they may edify the saints, and receive additions of such as shall be saved. Four miles south of Happy Valley was a company of five that have stood alone ten years or more. Through the year 1869, Bro. F. Wheeler or myself met with them once each month. During the present conference year, Bro. Taylor has joined us in a more especial effort for them, and six more have embraced the truth. They feel greatly encouraged to go forward. They have their weekly prayer-meeting, also meetings on the Sabbath. May the blessing of the Lord rest on this company.143 Also four miles west of this place in the town of Parish where the tent was pitched some years since, is a company of ten, that are keeping the Sabbath. Seven of the number have embraced the truth since our last Conference. They have their meetings on the Sabbath. May they serve the Lord with all humility; for the weak will he guide in judgment. Truly God is good. Our Monthly Meeting for April is just closed. Attendance quite good in view of the bad roads. Had a representation from Mannsville also three from Happy Valley. Though they came thirty-five miles to meet with us, they concluded they were well repaid. Their prayers and testimonies were cheering to us. We had a very good meeting, yet there is a lack of consecration, a lack of settling into the work of God, but some begin to agonize, and plead for full salvation for themselves and for others, which gives some reason to hope that we may report progress in the future. NO TIME TO PRAY!
By Presbyterian
No time to pray!
Oh! who so fraught with earthly care,
As not to give to humble prayer
Some part of day? No time to pray!
What heart so clean, so pure within,
That needeth not some check from sin—
Needs not to pray? No time to pray!
’Mid each day’s danger, what retreat
More needful than the mercy seat?
Who must not pray? No time to pray!
Must care or business’ urgent call
So press us as to take it all,
Each passing day? No time to pray!
Then sure your record falleth short;
Excuse will fail you as resort
On reckoning day. What thought more drear
Than that our God his face should hide,
And say through all life’s swelling tide,
No time to hear! Cease not to pray;
On Jesus as your All rely;
Would you live happy, happy die?
Take time to pray.
—Presbyterian. Praying his Way Out.
By JANE R. TREMBLEY
A SMALL boy, by wandering too far into the woods for the cows, lost his way. He tried to describe to me what his feelings were when he saw that he was lost. He expected never to see his friends again. Feelings of terror crept over him. He might remain there and starve to death. He might be torn in pieces by wild animals. There were many dangers to which he was exposed. I asked him what he did when he saw his situation. He said he knelt down and prayed a long time, and when he arose he did not feel that he was lost, but was quite sure he would find his way out. “And sure enough,” said he, “I had gone but a little way after I prayed when I came to the road. I was close by the road and didn’t know it.” I have thought many times it may be thus with Christians. They sometimes wander from the narrow pathway, and are lost in this wilderness of woe. On seeing their situation, they give way to feelings of despair. Satan has induced them to wander, and now he would hold them fast. Backslider, have you wandered far from the Lord? Have you left the path of righteousness, and fallen into the enemy’s snare? Yield to God. Submit to him. Pray to him. Pray earnestly that you may have help to find your way out. He will hear you, and help you; for he has said so in his word. The narrow pathway may not be far in the distance after all; at least, it may not take long to return to it with angel hands to guide you. It is not the will of our Heavenly Father that any should remain outside of the fold. By earnest prayer we may find our way back, though we have wandered far. Do you feel as though your transgressions have cut you off, and left you without foothold, or without any stay or prop in the word of God? Remember He is mighty who has said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” He is as strong and as mighty to save to-day as at any previous time. Put all your trust in him. Say, with Bunyan, “Lord, I fain would honor thee by believing that thou wilt and canst save.” Reports from Illinois Meetings
By H. G. Buxton
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I have endeavored to not be idle in the Master's cause this winter, but have done what I could, though it be but little. Nov. 21, commenced a course of lectures about four miles north of Lexington in McLean Co., Ill., in a country school-house. The roads were very bad most of the time while there, so that I had to postpone meetings once or twice, which, with the prejudice against the truth did not give a very large attendance. Gave thirty-two discourses in all. Sold about $6.00 worth of books, obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW and one for Reformer. Four signified their willingness to keep the Sabbath and with further help I believe they will become fully identified with the Lord's remnant people. Most all the community were convinced we have the truth on the Sabbath and the advent near. Jan. 16, commenced meetings in Danforth, a railroad station in Iroquois Co. There was quite a good attendance here, and I think there are some honest souls, although the Methodist minister, the only preacher there, had discontinued his meetings some time before saying “I have given them over to hardness of heart and reprobacy of mind.” The Spirit of the Lord helped, and four decided to keep God's commandments, two of whom, a man and his wife, were so situated they thought they could not well commence keeping the Sabbath, then, but have since given up their tea, coffee, and tobacco. I trust those four will be numbered with God's people. Two more started to keep the Sabbath but have rather turned from it, and a number more are about persuaded to obey the truth. I sold about $10.00 worth of books, obtained one subscriber for Reformer, and gave in all thirty-four discourses. Feb. 23, commenced a course of lectures in Lexington McLean Co.; but a number of circumstances rendered it impossible to go through. Gave only seventeen discourses, yet I think four will obey the truth. The ministers, of whom there were ten or twelve in the place, stated if they got into a discussion with us they should lose their members; hence they used their best and wisest argument, silence. Sold about $8.00 worth of books, and received two subscribers for Reformer. I crave an interest in the prayers of God's people for wisdom to know, and grace to walk in, the path of duty, in order to rightly labor while the day lasts. Seek Truth in Humility and Unity
By A. P. Lawton
SR. A. P. LAWTON writes from Herkimer Co., N. Y.: When the truth enters a family, if all cannot at once see alike on all points, it should never be allowed to excite, much less exasperate. In studying God's holy word, there should be no strife for mastery, no carnal will to be gratified. The great, all-absorbing, question should be, What is truth? If all are humble, honest, earnest, seekers, without prejudice, it will not be long before all will agree. Be very patient with each other. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. It is prejudice and an unwillingness to yield to the plain teachings of the word, not the truth nor its humble advocates, that make discord. Humbly, earnestly, and affectionately, pray with and for each other, that you may be guided into all truth. Error never does any one any good, however long it may have been established. Paul exhorts his brethren to be of one mind, and all speak the same things. The watchmen will see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Seek, dear friends, to get very near to God. The secret of the Lord is with those that fear him. Who would not seek this honor? Who would not prefer an intimacy with the Ruler of the universe, to an acquaintance with any of the potentates of earth? I can say, Farewell honor, wealth, position, and friends, if these stand in the way of eternal life. I can afford to sacrifice these, but I cannot, must not, lose eternal life. No one can love friends better than I, nor more highly prize friendship, but I love my mansion in Heaven better. From Sister Kynett.
By Eunice H. Kynett
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I read the cheering communications from the scattered flock, I feel like casting in my testimony with theirs on the side of truth. I feel to thank God that my eyes were ever opened to the importance of keeping his holy law. My husband and self commenced keeping the Sabbath two years ago. We struggled along through opposition and discouragement entirely alone during the first year, with no meetings to attend, and no preaching except the REVIEW. But I can thankfully say that I have since had two brothers and their companions come out decided to keep the commandments of God; and although we live from two to six miles apart we meet together at each other's houses on the Sabbath for prayer-meeting and Bible Class. Our number is only seven; but we believe the Lord meets with us, and we are strengthened to fight on in the battle against the adversary. I am convinced that we have a very short time in which to perform our allotted tasks; and unless we work faithfully and perform our whole duty, we shall be left to perish with the ungodly. Oh! let us awake and heed the Testimonies. Many of them apply to my case, and I am determined to strive to overcome, that I may be found with the redeemed on Mount Zion. Pray for your unworthy sister, EUNICE H. KYNETT. Against Improper Familiarity Between the Sexes
A LENGTHY communication, for all of which we have not space, has been received from Sr. M. M. Osgood, of Rochester, N. Y. She wishes to say to the brethren and sisters, that she has become fully satisfied of the evil tendency of that philosophy so strenuously advocated by some, of association and familiarity between the sexes; a philosophy which she has in times past looked upon with more or less favor. In the conclusion of her communication she says: “The truth looks more and more precious. As the way grows narrower, the more do I delight to walk in it; for there is not room to see much now only what is before us, and that object is altogether lovely, is all light and radiant with love. My hope of tarrying till Jesus comes is very feeble now; but I am trying to get ready for the time of reckoning, that whether I wake or sleep, my name may be retained in the book of life. May the Lord keep us from falling until the sealing is over.” A Sabbath-Keeping Testimony
By M. G. Fitch
BRO. M. G. FITCH writes from Dunn Co., Wis.: Myself and wife, being the only Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, sometimes feel lonesome, yet we have no desire to turn back to the world again. I thank God for the light he has given us on the present truth, especially for light on the Sabbath. And I bless his holy name that he ever gave me a heart to obey. I have been trying thus to obey him for about three years, and he has greatly blessed me. Pressing On in the Narrow Path
Sr. J. E. Simonds writes from Union Co., Iowa: I am resolved to press on in the narrow path that leads to life. I thank God that he has spared me to hear and embrace the third angel’s message. As we advance, the light increases on our pathway, showing us our position in the world’s history. We know we are living in the last days, and the last times are perilous times, wherefore we must take unto us the whole armor of God. The Paper as Preaching
By H. Schooley
Sr. H. Schooley writes from Lake Co., Ill.: I have not heard any Advent preaching for nine years, nor seen one of like faith. But our good paper comes to me every week. This is all the preaching I have, and I prize it highly. I feel like crying mightily to the Lord for strength to overcome. Request for Preaching Brethren
By C. CLARK
C. CLARK writes from Wayne Co., Mich.: We are firm in the truth. And as we are here alone, we would like to have some of our preaching brethren come here to preach, as others are very anxious to hear, and willing to help pay the expense. We live on the main road from Wayne to Monroe, two miles south of Smithville. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. DIED, in Newfane, Niagara Co., N. Y., March 11, 1870, of consumption of the liver, Ida Estell, daughter of Geo. B. and Mary J. Gaskill, aged seven years, seven months, and five days. We feel it a deep affliction to part with one so justly dear; but we hope to meet where no parting tears are shed, no farewell look is given. No night of weariness,
No sleepless eye,
No unknown shadow
Hovering nigh.
No night of sorrow,
With bitter moan,
No mournful lament
Or “left alone.”
No night of death,
No farewell tear,
No loved ones parted,
No anxious fear;
But harps, and crown, and songs alway,
And bright, eternal, joyous day.
GEO. B. & M. J. GASKILL. SR. M. A. LYONS writes from Somerset, Vt., that her husband was killed by the falling of a tree, on Tuesday, March 8, 1870. She has, in her affliction, the consolation of knowing that he was an honest seeker after truth. FELL asleep in Jesus, in Delaware Co., Iowa, March 9, 1870, my beloved companion in life, Sarah Youll, aged 39 years. She embraced the present truth in the summer of 1864, under the preaching of Bro. R. F. Andrews, and since then has stood firmly for all the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus. Since her stay at the Institute last spring, she has enjoyed much of the presence of God, and lived in harmony with the teaching of the apostle, willing to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
JAMES YOULL. We have received from Prof. Allen, of Alfred Center, N. Y., a catalogue of the S. D. Baptist University of that place, of which he is President. The following persons compose the present Faculty: Rev. JONATHAN ALLEN, President, Professor of Metaphysics, Ethics and Theology. MARY E. BROWN, A. L., Preceptress, Professor of the French Language and Literature. Rev. N. V. HULL, Professor of Pastoral Theology. WM. A. ROGERS, A. M., Geo. B. Rogers Professorship of Industrial Mechanics. A. B. WRIGHTMAN, A. M., Prof. of Latin Language and Literature. Rev. E. N. LARKIN, A. M., Prof. of Natural History. Rev. T. R. WILLIAMS, A. M., Prof. of Biblical Literature. Rev. A. HERBERT LEWIS, A. M., Prof. of Church History. PROSPER MILLER, A. M., Prof. of Natural Sciences. ALBERT WHITFORD, A. M., Prof. of Mathematics. EDWARD M. TOMLINSON, A. B., Prof. of the Greek Language and Literature. ABIGAIL M. ALLEN, A. M., Prof. of Painting and Drawing. IDA F. KENYON, A. M., Prof. of the German Language and Literature. MINERVA F. SIMPSON, Prof. of Instrumental and Vocal Music. SARAH SAUNDERS, A. L., Teacher of Primary Department. MARY J. LANPHEAR, Teacher of Preparatory Department. ANSON E. STILLMAN, Instructor in Book-Keeping and Penmanship. Normal Instructors, CHARLOTTE E. DOWSE, MARY E. SETCHEL, and TRUMAN W. SAUNDERS. Whole number of students for the year ending June 30, 1869, three hundred and sixty-three. The Institution appears to be in a prosperous condition. “Solemn Appeal.”
By R. F. Cottrell
THE present condition of our fallen, degenerate, and dying race makes this work a necessity of the times. It should be read by all that would escape the “pollution that is in the world through lust,” those who imagine they have escaped, as well as those who know they have not. It is written and edited in the interest of humanity, and all should be acquainted with its contents. May it prove the salvation of many. The married, as well as the unmarried, need its instructions. Those suffering the bitter effects of violated natural law need its friendly advice, while others need its solemn warnings. The writers and editor have faithfully discharged their duty in the fear of God, and for the temporal and eternal salvation of men. Let all who would second them in their efforts, see that the work is read and circulated. Its warnings and instructions will fail of their benevolent design, if they are not read. Let all do their duty. R. F. COTTRELL. In the foregoing communication, Bro. Cottrell speaks the mind of a number of correspondents for whose communications we have not room. Those correspondents we know will be willing to let Bro. Cottrell speak for them. And let the reader consider that here we have the mind not of one person only, but of many; and let him, above all, give heed to what is said.—Ed.