As Communications of esteemed Brethren sometimes contain expressions which we choose not to use, and sentiments which we would not advance, we would say, that we are not responsible for what appears under this head.
From Bro. Pratt.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is now eight months, since any of the Lord's messengers have passed this way. It is indeed a time of trial to those who strive to keep all of God's commandments. There are a few among these mountains in Jamaica that are striving to fear God and keep his commandments. There is not much to encourage the Lord's messengers this way, except to search out the poor outcasts; but we would be heartily glad if it was the Lord's will, that some one of his faithful and qualified servants could come and spend a few days with us. I know it is a hard place; having been a very strong hold of Adventism. O that they were wise, that they understood this, they would consider their latter end. O that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! O that thou hadst hearkened unto my commandments, then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.
Jamaica, Vt., March 6th, 1854. S. PRATT.
Duty of Discerning the Signs of the Times.
The signs of the present times are a stumbling block to many. They form in their minds a picture, which is partly fancy and partly fact, and, till their own notions are realized, they imagine we have no reason to believe we are in the last days.
Did Christ foretell that there should be signs in the sun, and moon and stars? He did indeed; but we know, from the inspired declaration of his companion and disciple, that they must be of such a nature that learned infidels and ignorant sceptics can turn from them with contemptuous indifference, and sneeringly say, "All things continue as they were." We can see nothing worth noticing.
We would respectfully ask our philosophical or theological opponents to describe any signs in the heavens, which would more exactly accord with all the prophetic declarations, than those which have taken place during the present generation. If they were less diversified or less conspicuous, or not so well authenticated, it might be doubted whether they were objects of prophecy. If they were of a more astounding character, striking the whole world with amazement, terror and awe, the mouths of scoffers would be stopped, and the prediction of Peter would fail.
Again, we are assured by him who sees the end from the beginning, that there should be "distress of nations with perplexity." The horrors of the French Revolution, and the sufferings consequent upon the wars which afflicted Europe during the twenty years ending in 1815, may be a part of the fulfillment of this prediction; but terrible as was that distress, we think the present state of the world agrees more exactly with the prophetic picture of "perplexity" and all its attendant circumstances.
In the midst of this perplexity, the world is to be greatly given to sensuality, and will have the means of self-indulgence, for they will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Though nations are perplexed, yet they will be pushing their great public enterprises, as well as their private business—"planting and building, buying and selling."
In direct opposition to the pleasing idea of latter-day glory, we are assured (2 Tim. iii, 1-5) that in the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, blasphemers, and a description of immorality is divinely given for the last days, which shows that, in more particulars than those which Christ specifies, it shall be "as it was in Sodom."
There may be some who read this description, and form a picture in their minds, the reverse of that commonly drawn for the millennium. They may imagine that all external decency will be laid aside, and no appearance of virtue or order remain. But this is equally far from the truth. While "the earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof," (Isa. xxiv, 5,) profession of religion must abound, for men will have "the form of godliness."
Though gloomy forebodings will oppress the observing philanthropist, and the multitude will be fearfully looking for "some great event," and many hearts will be failing for fear, yet all apprehensions of the coming judgment will be sought to be stifled by the cry of peace and safety, and all the kindreds of the earth—who would not have him to reign over them—shall see that they have trifled till it is forever too late, and shall "wail because of him."
Reader, we must beg of you to awake from indifference, and consider the signs of the times. Before Christ's first coming, there were many predictions respecting his birth of a virgin, his being despised and rejected, the circumstances of his death, burial and resurrection, &c. He came according to all the Jewish Scriptures, and yet the great body of the Jewish nation rejected him. Why was this? Because they did not "take heed to the sure word of prophecy," nor "discern the signs of the times." For this they were condemned. Evidence was accumulated before them, and yet they declared that whoever believed the evidence should be thrust out of the synagogue. They did not love the truth, and never took pains to ascertain where Christ was born, but blindly rejected him because they had a notion that he was not born in Bethlehem—the very place where he was born. The evidence that Jesus was the Christ seems plain to us, but then it was to be sought for. They did not seek for it, and hence Christ says: "How is it that ye do not discern this time?" When his ministry was drawing to a close, and he was about entering Jerusalem, knowing the sufferings that awaited him, he forgot them, and wept over the city, because of their unbelief, and the punishment it would bring upon them; "For the days will come," he said "that thine enemies shall cast a trench around thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee, because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." Did not the judge of all the earth do right? and will he not judge us by the same principle? But the objector may say, there was more depending on their acknowledging the Messiah when he came, than on our believing in his coming at hand. Dear friend, let me reply that God has not spoken to have his word slighted, and you have reason to tremble, when you are disposed to excuse yourself for neglecting it. Our Lord saw fit to give a discourse, in which he speaks plainly of the signs of his coming in the clouds of heaven, and calls on us to know when his coming is near. After we have carefully sought for truth, we can easily imagine that we might be still in doubt, but nothing is plainer than the fact that we despise Christ's words, if we neglect to seek for the truth. Reader, have you honestly and prayerfully observed the signs of the present times?"
'HE THAT ASKETH RECEIVETH.'
How precious to the child-like spirit is this gracious promise. It is not he that asketh shall receive, but he that, in the act of faith, truly asketh, receiveth. Let us believe the love of God, and yield our hearts to his mercy. Let us worship him in spirit and truth, and seek to know the fulness of his grace. This love is a fountain of eternal life and glory; how, then can we turn away in unbelief to the broken cisterns of creature good, and seek in vain to quench the spirit's restless thirst. Let us cease from self and creature trust, and sink into the encircling arms of an almighty love, and prove the blessedness of resting in God. Oh for the living faith and simple confidence that realizes eternal life, and the coming glory, that holds communion with the true and with the changeless, and rejoice in a full salvation. The time of our warfare is nearly accomplished, let us then leave the things that are behind, and press forward, altho' now the vail is but partially withdrawn, and we see the radiance of hastening realities only in the shade of the distance, let our faith increase, that with the voice of a continual desire, we may ever be ready to testify that 'he that asketh receiveth.'
Edson’s Report from Northern Counties
By Hiram Edson
From Bro. Edson.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have just returned home, after being absent about four weeks. Have visited different places in Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. In Watson, Lewis Co., there are a goodly number much interested in the present truths, connected with the third angel's message. Cannot some of our Brethren, who are capable of presenting the present truth clearly, visit and give them the truth. They will find a hearty reception and ears to hear the truth. Inquire for R. H. Brown, or Dea. Williams.
There are a few in Copenhagen which have identified themselves with God's commandment-keepers, and are confidently looking and hoping for better days in the prosperity of Zion in that region.
Bro Harvey Goodenough is capable of holding up the standard of truth. May the Lord help him to do so. The brethren in Lorain, and vicinity are holding fast the truth, and striving to make their way to Mount Zion. HIRAM EDSON.
Port Byron, March 10th, 1854.
Sperry’s Visit to Vermont and Canada
By Charles W. Sperry
From Bro. Sperry.
Dear Bro. White:—In company with Bro. Buck, seven weeks, I visited several places in Vermont, from thence to Canada East, where we spent four weeks, trying to present the truth, which will, I trust, prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death.
We visited several new places, and had a good hearing. But the truth is not only reaching new minds, but is searching deeply the hearts of those already professing truth. And may the Lord let it search us all thoroughly. But Oh! how many positions men take to get round the plain word of God. While conversing with a Baptist Minister upon the Sabbath, asking him for his authority for keeping the first day, he said, "Because my father kept it!" I then asked him where his father got it. But he was silent. Now if we had no more authority for advising men to keep the seventh day then this, would not our opposers have good reason to call us deceivers? Oh, thought I, is it so that men will feed on fables, rather than the truth. "And the prophets prophesy falsely, the priests bear rule, and the people love to have it so."
We also met with the arguments of the new-time-theory. Many of their ideas look like the perversion of Scripture. I have a paper chart of their time, and after explaining their theory, they say, "Take a Bible course, keep the commandment of God and the faith of Jesus." Oh how thankful I am for the truth which shines clearly. If the 2300 days have not expired, and do not until 1855, they will not meet the Lord then; for the Bible gives us a Sanctuary to be cleansed then, we shall be under the necessity of going there to learn what the Sanctuary is. And how clear the Bible upon this subject also. May the Lord lead us to see all the truth, feel all the truth, practise all the truth, that the truth may make us free.
From your unworthy brother, looking for redemption at the appearing of Jesus. C. W. SPERRY.
Potsdam, N. Y., Mar. 10th, 1854.
Christ's Absence.
"I was telling a friend," says one of God's children, when recording the feelings of her despondent hours, "that I could not praise Christ for anything." "Praise him," was the reply, "that you are miserable without him." The answer was pungent, but proper and consoling. The vacancy in the heart, when Christ has withdrawn himself, is a very sad and fearful one; but it is well that it is a felt, palpable vacancy.
For "the ungodly are not so." No sense of want reminds them constantly of something being lost. They do not miss what they never possessed. The soul finds satisfaction, inadequate indeed, but largely sought for in visible things and earthly gains. Power, or gold, or voluptuous pleasure, or ambition's dreams, or the nobler pursuit of science, fill up the mind or heart, and there is no consciousness of a mournful vacancy, since for Christ there is no room. But to the Christian the want of Christ's sensible presence is the deepest, most momentous want. No earthly want can satisfy the craving which the redeemed heart has for communing with its Redeemer. To be with him and near him; to look upon his face; to rest upon his everlasting arm; to be sheltered under his mighty wings; to walk by his side and be guarded by his hand; this is joy and peace and life. When he withdraweth himself or hideth himself, then cometh trouble; but a trouble that by its very existence, proves the existence of a living affection. We mourn Christ's absence, because we love his presence. We are sad in the darkness, because the light of his countenance was sweet to our souls. And though we may not cease to struggle upwards towards the light, or cease to pray for the Saviour's return, we may thank him for the last consolation which remains for the deserted saint, and "praise him that we are miserable without him."
SPIRITUALISM.
"They are the spirits of devils working miracles." Rev. xvi, 14.
"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit," &c. Chap. xviii, 2.
"Whose [Christ's] coming is after [immediately following] the working of satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess. ii, 9.
"And shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt. xxiv, 24.
"Brought by a Spirit.—Mr. D. G. Taylor, of this city, some of the members of whose family are mediums, related that a few evenings ago they were directed by a Spirit to put out the lights, and to await, without alarm, the event of a trial which he proposed to make, to exhibit his form to them. They followed the directions, but saw only a faint cloud of white light. This, however, was distinct, though it did not assume a personal shape. They were then directed to go into another room and sit round a table, having done which, a tooth-pick was mysteriously placed upon the table. The table had been entirely cleared off a short time before, and no one present could give any account of the article; but while the party was wondering where it could have come from, a Spirit (who gave his name) called for the alphabet, and said that the tooth-pick had belonged to him while in the body, and that he had just brought it there from his former residence (about 200 miles distant) as a test. This occurrence may be mentioned as a confirmation of analogous facts that have been stated, though taken by itself it would not be conclusive."
"Moved by the Spirits.—We understand that Mr. Henry Gordon, the well-known Spirit-medium, now residing in Philadelphia, was recently entranced, at his residence, and slid up stairs upon the bannister of the stair-way, and then turned and slid down head foremost, in the same manner, all by an invisible power. This occurred in the presence of several credible witnesses. It will be recollected that Mr. Gordon was in the same manner raised from the floor and carried back and forth through the air several times, in this city, likewise in the presence of witnesses whose word may be implicitly relied upon, and who positively testify that no visible agent of the movement was in contact with, or even near him."
"Spiritualism in France.—The N. Y. Tribune published a recent letter from Paris, from which it would appear that Spiritualism has become so rife in France that, to use the writer's own, perhaps somewhat exaggerated, language, "there is scarcely a family that does not make a pastime of these dangerous experiments." The Bishop of Verviers speaks of it as a mania which broke out with unexampled fury in America, and thence extended into France, where its aspect is daily becoming more serious. He of course pronounces it the work of the Arch Deceiver, and cautions all "nos tres chers chretiens" to avoid it as they would perdition itself—in which advice he is joined by the Archbishop of Paris, the Bishop of Orleans, and others."
"Written on the Wall.—At a recent Thursday evening Conference, Mr. Lyon, of Fall River, stated that at a late spiritual circle at which he was present, the name of a person in the Spirit-world was observed to be written with chalk on the wall of the apartment. No one could tell how the writing came there, as it had not been there before the meeting of the circle, and certainly had not been written by the hand of any one present in the body. The minds of the persons present were diverted from it for a time, and when they looked for it again it was not to be seen. The cause of its obliteration was as mysterious as that which had originally produced it."
A Biologist Deprived of his Power.
A Correspondent of the Spiritual Telegraph, writing from Moretown, Vt., says:—
"The cause of Spiritualism is making rapid progress in this vicinity. We have healing mediums, writing mediums, and speaking mediums: yet not enough of either to satisfy the demands of the inquirers after truth."
"There was a case of Spirit prediction at Montpelier, last Fall, in which a great biologist, by the name of Stone, was told his power was all given him of God, to help prepare the way for the Spirit manifestations, and that it would soon be taken away from him. He was lecturing at that place, and hearing of the marvels of a family in which there are two mediums, he said it could all be explained on the principles of magnetism. He called on these mediums, for the purpose of "showing them up," and requested the privilege of magnetizing one of them. It is unnecessary to say, his power was inferior to that of the Spirits' influencing the medium, and he was quite unsuccessful. It was at this interview that he was told that his power was to leave him, and he was invited to turn in and help to spread the Spirit manifestations. Not believing the prediction, he chose to follow his old profession, with what success the sequel will show."
"At his next lecture in that village, he failed to illustrate his doctrine by his usual experiments, not having power over his own subjects, who were two girls, or young women, that he called his mediums; and report says he was equally unsuccessful at Northfield, his next place of labor."
FOREIGN NEWS.
The royal mail steamship Arabia arrived from Liverpool the 4th inst.
THE WAR.—Actual operations exhibit no new features, but every Power in Europe continues to arm—France, England, and Russia on an immense scale.
Sir Charles Napier is appointed to the command of the Baltic allied fleets, and Admiral Seymour is in command of over twenty ships already assembled at Spithead. The ice in the port was breaking up, and part of the Russian fleet at Cronstadt was ready to sail.
AFFAIRS ON THE DANUBE.—On the Danube the deep snow prevented any movement by either army. The weather was becoming milder, and the Russians were making ostentatious preparations to cross the Danube. Omer Pacha was evidently aware of their plans, and was making dispositions of his force to check them. Some military men think that the Russians, notwithstanding their demonstrations, do not intend to attack Kalafat, but wish to entrap the Turks to come out. There has been considerable fighting by small parties whenever they had come in contact, but no decisive action. The Turks no longer occupied any place but Kalafat north of the Danube.
From Asia there have been no further advices. Another convoy of 10,000 men were preparing to leave Constantinople for Batoum. The Greek insurrection was in a fair way of being suppressed. Several British ships of war were ordered from Malta to Piræus. The Pacha of Janina had defeated the Greek insurrectionists at Arta, but had not sufficient force to disperse them. The Pacha had issued a proclamation calling on the Scutarians and Catholic Albanians to remain faithful. The Turkish government, in concert with the British, French and Prussian, had addressed a remonstrance to the Greek Court, which had apologized, and dismissed the Minister of Police; but the government is powerless. The Turks were concentrating a force in Elbasson, under command of the distinguished Halil Pacha. The insurrection does not extend further north than Albania. Montenegro is quiet.
A LAST NOTE FROM ENGLAND AND FRANCE TO THE CZAR.—A statement is current that couriers are on their way to St. Petersburg with a joint note from England and France, demanding a categorical reply within one week, whether the Czar will evacuate the Principalities before April 30—a refusal, or no answer, by the 18th or 20th of March, to be considered as a declaration of war against the allies. The reply will be laid before Europe. Again, though such vacillation is scarcely creditable, it is said that the Czar signifies through Austria some other modification of negotiations.
The fact that Austria adheres to the Allied Powers was officially announced by the Emperor Napoleon to the French Legislature. She will not, however, be called on at present to take offensive measures against Russia, but merely to keep peace on the frontiers.
The Vienna correspondent of the Times says, under date 2d—"An Austrian manifesto is about to announce that Austrians will occupy Bosnia and Servia." There was a panic in consequence on the Vienna bourse.
THE CZAR'S ANSWER TO NAPOLEON.—The St. Petersburg Journal of the 24th contains the following as the substance of the answer sent by the Czar to the Emperor Napoleon:—"If his Imperial Majesty extends his hand to me as I extend mine, I am ready to forget the mortification I have experienced, harsh though it be. Then, but then only, can I discuss the subject treated of in his letter, and may, perhaps, arrive at an understanding. Let the French fleet prevent the Turks from transporting re-inforcements to the theatre of war, and let the Emperor send me a plenipotentiary to negotiate with, whom I will receive as befits his character. The conditions already made known to the Conference at Vienna are the sole basis on which I will consent to treat."
Austria has decided in conjunction with the Western Powers, to summon Russia to evacuate the Principalities, and, if necessary, to employ force to compel her to do so.
The Brussels Independence Belge publishes a Hamburg letter of Feb. 28, which states the Russian fleet was preparing to leave Cronstadt, probably with the view to gain the sea before the arrival of the combined fleets.
RUSSIA AND SWEDEN.—The negotiations between the Russian and Swedish governments have not yet terminated, and it is feared at Stockholm that Russia, in order to give more weight to the demands, will make a demonstration by sending its fleets to that capital.
GREAT BRITAIN.—The war continued to be quite popular, although not without a shade of anxiety. The additional estimates for the army and navy were considered moderate.
FRANCE.—The Emperor opened the legislative session of 1854, on Thursday, the 2d inst. His speech commenced by referring to the deficient harvest, 7,000,000 hectolitres of wheat having been imported, and more on the way. Famine has been averted, but war is beginning. France has gone as far as honor permitted to avoid a collision, but must now draw the sword. She has no views of aggrandizement. The days of conquest are passed, never to return.
SPAIN.—An insurrection of quite a formidable nature had taken place at Saragossa. The insurgents for a considerable time held the castle of Aljaferia and other strong positions. A brigade horse regiment revolted, and the Captain General attacked them with three columns of infantry and some cannon. Several horses were killed, but the insurgents retained possession of the castle that night, but the next day, losing courage, they retreated and the royal troops took possession of the city, and some cavalry pursued the fugitives. The city was placed under martial law and disarmed. Madrid and the whole province is placed in a state of siege. A general insurrection is considered probable.
PRUSSIA.—Russia demands that Prussia shall at least close her ports nearest Russia against French and English ships. Berlin letters say that Prussia is not willing to accede to this demand. Prussia has granted her officers in the Turkish service permission to remain.
Russia makes the same demand on Swedish ports. The reply was not known. England and France request Denmark to allow the allies' fleets to take up their station at Kiel. The reply was unknown. Both Denmark and Sweden have ordered their citizens in the Russian naval service to return home. The treaty of commerce between France and Belgium is signed.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
1. IN writing to this Office, let everything of a business nature be put on a part of the sheet by itself, or on a separate sheet, so as not to be mixed up with other matters.
2. Be careful to write all names of persons and places, plainly and distinctly.
3. In all cases give the name of the Post Office, County and State. When a Town or Village is called by one name, and the Post Office by another, be sure to give the name of the Post Office.
4. When the direction of a paper is to be changed, do not forget to name the Office to which it has been sent.
5. Let everything be stated explicitly, and in as few words as will express the writer's meaning.
6. In writing texts of scripture, be sure to copy from the Bible correctly. It is no small sin to carelessly mangle the Word of God, as some do.
Appointments.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold meetings in the following places: Naaurd, Kendall Co., Ill., the 24th, 25th and 26th of March. Battle Creek, Mich., 29th, evening. Jackson, Mich., March 31st, and April 1st and 2d. Sylvan, 8th and 9th, Sabbath and First-day. Milan or Orlena, Ohio, 14th, 15th and 16th. Green Springs, 21st 22d and 23d.
☞ We now design leaving for the West about the middle of April, and think of visiting Barre, Olcott, Orangeport and Milan O. on the way. —ED.
Business.
By Editor
J. N. Loughborough.—The paper has been sent to S. C. Loveland, Maumee City, O. We will now forward it to Milan, O.
E. W. H.—You did not name the State of the Post Office address of the subscribers for the REVIEW.
The Post Office address of Bro. W. Morse is North Sherburne, Rutland Co., Vt.
The Post Office address of Bro. Joseph Bates (for the present) will be Milan, Erie Co., O. Care of Ira T. Day.
The Post Office address of Bro. H. Edson is Martville, Cayuga Co., N. Y.
J. E. Hall.—Your books ordered, were sent the 17th.
AGENTS.
MAINE.
N. N. Lunt, Portland.
S. W. Flanders, Canaan.
Cyprian Stevens, Paris.
S. Howland, Topsham.
W. T. Hanniford, Orrington.
Wm. Bryant, Wilton.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
J. Stowell, Washington.
S. Bunnel, Claremont.
MASSACHUSETTS.
O. Nichols, Dorchester.
O. Davis, N. Fairhaven.
L. Paine, Ware.
Wm. Saxby, Springfield.
VERMONT.
R. Loveland, Johnson.
H. Bingham, Morristown.
S. H. Peck, Wolcott.
Lewis Bean, Hardwick.
H. A. Churchill, Stowe.
E. P. Butler, Waterbury.
Josiah Hart, Northfield.
R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield.
W. Morse, East Bethel.
L. Titus, E. Charlston.
Alonzo Lee, Derby Line.
E. Everts, Vergennes.
H. Gardner, Panton.
S. Willey, Wheelock
CONNECTICUT.
E L H Chamberlain Md'town.
A. Belden, Kensington.
NEW YORK.
J. Byington, Buck's Bridge.
A. Ross, Caughdenoy.
David Upson, Moreland.
R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove.
John Wager, Orangeport.
L. Carpenter, Oswego.
A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek.
E. A. Poole, Lincklaen.
J. A. Loughhead, Elmira.
John Hamilton, Fredonia.
MICHIGAN.
Albert Avery, Locke.
Ira Gardner, Vergennes.
David Hewett, Battle Creek.
C. S. Glover, Sylvan.
A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids
A. A. Dodge, Jackson.
Wm. M. Smith, "
PENNSYLVANIA.
M. L. Dean, Ulysses
RHODE ISLAND.
Ransom Hicks, Providence.
CANADA EAST.
B. Hills, Melbourne
Letters.
By Editor
A. Barnes, W. I. Susk, W. Morse, J. F. Eastman, J. E. Hool, A. F. Servis, M. S. Avery, D. Arnold, J. N. Andrews, E. S. Lewis, C. Corwin, S. C. Perry, D. P. Hall, J. M. Stephenson.
Receipts.
By Editor
T. A. Colby, L. Chase, J. Wells, J. B. McCollough, J. Edson, S. Dexter, E. Cobb, J. Wilder, J. Chamberlain, F. Gould, P. Robinson, M. Rolfe, each $1.
J. N. Loughborough, J. Rolfe, B. Bishop, Wm. Peabody, A. D. Lave, each $2. A. T. & L. Wilkinson $3. S. Kellogg $4. G. Felshaw, E. Dexter, E. Sanford, W. Wright, each $1,50. A. Rockwell, W. Bates, each $0,50. W. Phelps, J. M. Ballou, C. Everts, each $0,75. C. Bourn $0,94. D. Landon $0,86. M. Avery $3,91.