We have sometimes been beset with scandalmongers and gossip-whisperers who are everlastingly on the scent of some fancied sins and enormities, for which nobody ever cares a farthing, or finds any tangible foundation. They fatten on fancying they have found something to be fastened on persons who are before the public. They delight in raking up the past, and hang with ecstasy on the skeleton of a rumor which had the ghost of an existence years ago. They shake their heads and heave dolorous sighs of sorrow. Poor mortals! how oppressed they are; and they show how bad they feel, by running off and retailing their feelings to everybody they meet. Shame! Hold that member which is set on fire of hell. Judge not. Who cares how many devils Mary Magdalene had once, if they were only cast out at last. Take men and women for what they are to-day, and for the divinity within them which promises more to-morrow. If any wrong is done, help right it, but do not run and bore anybody with your blab. Heaven save us from sneaking Judases, and sin-scenting Pharisees!—Spiritual Clarion.
The Bible’s Terrible and Delightful Truths
By Plumer
If the Bible be true, it is awfully so to the wicked. Its truths are not to be trifled with, made a jest of, held in unrighteousness of life, or coldly received. It is no objection to Christianity that its consistent professors are solemn and in earnest.
If the Bible be true, it is, to the humble, good man, delightfully so. If it has a rod laid up for the indolent, it has also manna laid up for the hungry. If it turns a dark side towards the wicked, it turns a very bright side towards the pious. Its promises are as brilliant as its threatenings are terrible. Let the people of God shout aloud for joy, for "all the promises do travail," and their "redemption draweth nigh." Let the inhabitant of this rock of truth sing—Plumer.
A Welcome Messenger of Truth
Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills.: "I esteem it a privilege to write and send in my mite for the Review, which is truly a welcome messenger. The cheering truths that it contains, the subject of the Sabbath, and keeping the heart, and the letters from the brethren and sisters, are food to me. I am striving to keep all the commandments, so that I may enter in through the gates into the city. I feel to take heed to the friendly admonitions I read in the paper. I have been in a lukewarm state, but I love the truth and the friends of the truth."
Buying Gold Tried in the Fire
Bro. H. Bowen writes from Liverpool, N. Y.: "It is truly cheering that there is a way provided whereby we can read each other's faith, hope and love. Dear brethren, we feel the sharp, cutting reproof to the Laodicean church. The counsel is to buy gold tried in the fire that we may be rich. Dear brethren, this counsel is not from poor, short-sighted, fallible man, but it is from the all-seeing, infallible Son of God.
"Dear brethren, my prayer is that we individually may know this infallible Counsellor, and buy of him gold tried in the fire. We have of late been refreshed in the spirit of our minds by the coming of our beloved Brn. F. Wheeler and S. W. Rhodes, who delivered to us the Third Angel's Message and its kindred truths, which we believe has had a good effect, especially on the church in this place. May the Lord reward them for their labor of love to us."
Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
BRO. WM. LAWTON writes from West Winfield, N. Y., Feb. 16th, 1857: "The friends in this part of the land are very thankful for the Review. We are trying to repent, and zealously repent, that we may be fully prepared to resist all the wicked spirits by which we are surrounded. We would say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, remember us in your prayers, that we may have strength to overcome."
Choosing the Despised People
Bro. Alfred Miner writes from Brookfield, N. Y.:
"It was not until of late that I was made willing to unite myself with the despised people that are looking for the second coming of our Saviour; but I endeavored to count the cost; and though I might draw around me friends that deny the coming of our Saviour, and worldlings, yet in erecting this tower of unrighteousness, I must lose all hopes of eternal life, and all the promises which God has made to his people. But by coming out I must leave a proud church who keep not the Sabbath of the Lord, I must give up my name on earth, I must meet the disapprobation of friends and relatives; yet I retain the bright prospect of enjoying the smiles of God, and making Jesus my friend, and the hope of putting on life and immortality at the resurrection of the just."
The Bible and the Review
Sister J. A. Feeler writes from Oswego, N. Y.:— "It will take all to buy the field. May the Lord help us to take heed to the counsel of the true Witness, to endure the trials of the way, and have respect unto the recompense of reward. Many times I should be lonely, were it not for my Bible and the Review. In the Bible I find the promise sure to them that believe; and in my paper the light of present truth shines forth. As we have so much light and truth, let us strive to be holy, even as our Pattern."
A Testimony on the Lord’s Side
Bro. Giles Castle writes from Reading, Mich.: "I wish to give in my testimony on the Lord's side. Though a stranger to you and the brethren, I trust I am not a stranger to Christ. Although I am in a lukewarm condition, yet I am very thankful that I am not left to sleep on. My prayer is to God for my poor self and my beloved brethren in Christ, that we may take unto us the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Eph. vi, 13-18.
"I am striving to keep all the Commandments of God. I commenced last August. I then counted the cost. May I ever adorn the doctrine of God, with a well ordered life and a godly conversation, and anoint my eyes with eye-salve, that I may see.
"Yours in hope of immortality."
Meetings in Allegan Co., Mich.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith: Since the 3d inst. we have been holding meetings in Trowbridge, Waverly, Bloomingdale and Monterey. On our way to fill our second appointment at the Brandywine school-house in Waverly, we held two evening meetings at Trowbridge, and three more were buried with Christ in baptism.
Our series of meetings at the Brandywine school-house continued from the 5th to the 8th inst. The people were stirred up to inquire into our position, and learn more about the Bible Sabbath. Said one, "I went with my husband to your meetings, and for the first time I heard on the Advent doctrine, and expected, according to hearsay, to hear a perfect babble; but we never were more disappointed." Another who had strongly opposed the doctrine, said, "Why, I never understood this subject in this light before. I mean now to examine into it." Books were procured for the purpose.
At the close of the last meeting some that were troubled asked one of their leading men who had closely attended the meetings, what he thought about the subject. Said he, I have no fault to find with it whatever. But, said one or more of them, he stated so and so. No, said the man, you are mistaken, you misunderstood him. Another said, I wish he would come and hold meetings in our district, our school-house is open. Before the meeting closed seven were planted in the likeness of Christ's death. The brethren and sisters that attended from the scattered districts were encouraged and strengthened in the Lord, and expressed their determination to rise with the message.
From the 10th to the 13th, we held evening meetings at Bloomingdale. The hall appropriated for religious meetings was closed against the Second Advent doctrine. This proved a furtherance to the cause; for the doors of private houses were readily opened, so that our three meetings were held at three different houses for their accommodation. These three families became much interested with others that came to hear. The Review is now taken there, and they have furnished themselves with books to examine the subject. I called to take leave of Mr. B., the Post Master where we held our second meeting. Said he to a Methodist class-leader who had just called at the office from another section of the town, I wish you could have been here and heard this doctrine. Things in the Bible which I never could understand before were made plain and clear to the understanding. I wish I had, was the reply. I would like to have the man go to our district and preach to our people. I have no prejudice about these things.
From this we rode some twenty miles to attend a two days' meeting in the east part of Monterey, which commenced the 14th inst. A great portion of the church in M. attended this meeting, and were much blessed of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord was manifest so that they could hardly wait one for the other to pour out their spirited exhortations; exhorting each other to walk in newness of life and rise with the message. At the close of the meeting five were buried with Christ by baptism into death, to walk henceforth in newness of life. The following morning we baptized two more in Trowbridge, and passed on eastward to Otsego.
The church in Otsego have recently been laboring under some discouragements with respect to receiving members who were unwilling to comply with all the requirements of the gospel. See Mark x, 11, 12; Luke xvi, 18; 1 Cor. vii, 10, 11. As this difficulty is now removed we trust they will rise with the message and live in all the light of the gospel, and heed the counsel of the true Witness.
From Otsego we passed on eastward to Silver Creek, Kalamazoo Co. We preached four times in the school-house here, closing First-day evening, 22d inst. Many of the people who came to hear listened attentively. Some admitted we had the Bible truth, and wished they had attended all the meetings. We trust that some good was accomplished in the name of the Lord.
When we left Battle Creek the last of Oct., we proposed to spend a few weeks in the western part of Mich. As we passed around the way continued to open and calls multiplied to hear our position in the various districts in Allegan, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties, until we have spent nearly four months in almost continual labor in these openings. Notwithstanding the severe cold, snow-storms, and false teachers, we have had to encounter, our heart has been warmed and cheered by the hearty welcome of dear brethren and sisters who have kindly welcomed us to their dwellings, and helped us on our way to bear the cheering message, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus." We praise God that this message is taking deep root and arousing sinners to see their dangerous position, and calling out the honest-hearted to be ready to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. JOSEPH BATES.
Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 25th, 1857.
Business Items.
By Editor
L. Paine:—Your subscription expired at the commencement of present volume. Payment for Vol V. of INSTRUCTOR is also due.
L. Chester:—You will find your money receipted in No. 16.
I. N. Pike:—We send the paper called for. We reserve extra copies of every volume for the purpose of binding. Of volumes VII and VIII, we have none bound yet, but intend to have soon; and volume IX likewise, and then you can obtain a copy if you wish. Price about 50 cts. The Bible Student's Assistant is in pamphlet form, second edition same as first. The matter for German Tract has not yet been issued in Tract form in English. We intend to do so as soon as convenient. Due notice will be given.
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Books Sent.—Jno. Bond, Me. E. Dunham, Me. I. N. Pike, Vt. E. Huey, N. Y. M. L. Gaston, Mich. P. S. Thurston, Wis. Chas. C. Taylor, N. Y. J. F. Case, Mich. J. H. Waggoner (by express to Hillsdale, Mich.)
Conference in Wolcott, Vt.
By S. Pierce
AGREEABLY to notice the brethren from different parts of the State met, and organized. Bro. S. Pierce presided.
The case of elder N. A. Hollis was duly considered. It was adjudged that, after laborious exertions to reclaim and save him having proved unavailing, (he having withdrawn himself from the church while laboring with him,) he has gone out from us because he is not of us,
The subject of the use of tobacco was taken into consideration. The article published in the Review, Dec. 4, 1855, was read. A motion was then made to rescind the resolution then passed, and the following one was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the use of Tobacco is a fleshly lust, which wars against the soul; and therefore we will labor in the spirit of meekness, patiently and perseveringly to persuade each brother and sister who indulge in the use of it, to abstain from this evil.
The Conference then inquired, What does the New Testament teach in relation to the office and duties of elders?
The following report of their Committee was unanimously adopted: "From the best understanding we have of those passages of Scripture collectively considered and compared, which relate to the office and duties of elders, they teach, that there were several distinctive officers ruling in the Christian church who come under the general title of elders," and that the following report of our Committee expresses the New Testament teaching in relation to deacons:
"The Committee also report, that from a careful examination and comparison of those Scriptures in which the original word, translated deacon, is found, we have come to the conclusion that the office of deacon is a subordinate office, the duties of which relate more especially to the temporal wants of the church. Still, from the qualifications there given, they have much to do in promoting the spiritual wants of the church.
After which it seemed good and proper to set apart certain brethren as elders, and others as deacons, the Spirit witnessing in the imposing of hands and prayer, while they were set apart to their respective offices.
Resolved, That the above be published in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.
With gratitude and thanksgiving to God would we acknowledge the beneficent aid of his Spirit, which has characterized all our endeavors to do his will, both here and at our adjourned meetings at Eden and Johnson. We bless the Lord who has worked so signally for us, and granted us such victory. To his name be all the glory.
The minutes of the above Conference were sent to Irasburg for Bro. Hutchins to prepare them for the press, and after lying there in the hands of him by whom they were sent many weeks, they were sent back to Bro. Bingham, the Secretary, who prepared them as above, and then sent them to the undersigned recently. This is the cause of the strange delay. S. PIERCE.
Wolcott, Vt., Oct. 26th, 1856.
Morocco Binding
By Editor
Morocco Binding.—Those who wish Experience and Views, Supplement, Testimony for the Church Nos. 1 & 2, bound in one neat little volume, may address E. G. White, Battle Creek, Mich.
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Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
THE price set to each publication includes both the price of the book, and the postage, when sent by Mail.
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Hymn Book is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns 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. 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 Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing. Price 12½ cents.
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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.
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The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. 7, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 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.
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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. 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.