Bro. Smith : I wish to acknowledge the merciful hand of the Lord in sending Bro. Barr to this place about two weeks since, and also others from Connecticut, who gave evidence that they were the Lord's chosen. I feel that Bro. Barr's labors and pointed testimony to the little church here was indeed meat in due season. My soul has been drawn out in deep gratitude to God that his mercy is still extended to one so unworthy as myself. I feel for one that by the grace of God I will profit by the strait truths which I have heard. The Lord is in earnest with his people, and we must be in earnest with ourselves, if we would obtain the precious treasures which we are counselled to buy of the faithful and true Witness. O I am sad when I think how long the Saviour has been knocking at the door of my heart, and yet I have barred him out till his head is filled with dew, and his locks are wet with the drops of the night.
And while I mourn over my past unfaithfulness, I praise the Lord that I am yet rebuked and chastened. Why it is that mercy still lingers for me, I know not. I wonder at the longsuffering of the Lord; for I feel that my goodness has been as the morning cloud, and as the early dew.
I have resolved, and re-resolved, that I would know by happy experience what it was to have the Saviour come into my heart, and sup with me and I with him. At times rays of light from Jesus have greatly encouraged me to struggle on in this self-denying, cross-bearing, yet good way, and also increased my confidence in claiming the promises of God, for which I feel to praise his holy name. I believe that every honest child of God will soon emerge from the stupor into which they have fallen, and stand out in the clear light of his word, where their influence will tell decidedly for the cause of truth; and also that the time is not far distant when the servants of the Lord will return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Mal. iii, 18.
I am, I think, prepared to sympathize with such as are passing through trials; but I would not complain nor trouble you with the nature of mine, though they are peculiar. Suffice it to say that I have been, and still am, wading through fire and water, as it were; but I think of the following promise left on record, and am comforted: When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isa. xliii, 2. I would not shrink from trials. I feel that some of mine have been among my greatest blessings. If I can but know that my ways please the Lord from day to day, it is enough. I will not murmur, though the road through which I am called to pass be a thorny one. My trust is in the Lord. No other can deliver.
It is indeed cheering to my soul to hear through the Review from the scattered ones who are striving to make their way through to the kingdom, and also to hear of the progress and wants of the precious cause of truth. May the Lord speed on the work, and gather in the honest ones, is my prayer.
Healing at Canaan
By J. L. Hakes
From Bro. Hakes.
Bro. Smith: It is with pleasure that I now take my pen to give in my testimony on the side of truth. I am still trying to keep God's holy commandments and the faith of Jesus. I feel truly that the Sabbath is a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and that in keeping it there is great reward.
The first and second Sabbaths of the present month I spent with the little church at Canaan. We had a precious time. It was a time that will not be forgotten by God's honest people. On the first Sabbath we met at the house of Srs. Eliza and Elizabeth Phelps. While reading a chapter to commence the worship of God, his Spirit seemed suddenly to come upon us. We had a precious, melting time. The Spirit of confession was upon us all. Our faults were confessed one to another, and we prayed one for another that we might be healed. In the afternoon God met with us in a wonderful manner. In answer to prayer Sr. Eliza Phelps was healed. She has been bound by Satan so that she could not walk for over eighteen years. During this whole time she could not bear her weight upon her feet, hardly for a moment, except by enduring the most excruciating pain. It is about six years since she gave up taking medicine, fully satisfied that she could gain no relief by using it. Last Spring she turned her feet from the traditions of men to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, and now she is walking and praising God.
O how good God is! How mighty is his power! Now we can see by this that God is willing to hear and answer the prayers of those that love him and keep his commandments.
Come, brethren, let us arise and gird on the whole armor, that we may be able to fight the battles of the Lord manfully. Let us now put forth every effort to advance the cause of God—let us be willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Remember what he sacrificed for us, how he left the realms of glory, yea, the very bosom of his Father, and took upon him our nature, was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, how he suffered and died the ignominious death upon the cross, and all this too, that we might have eternal life through him; and if this is not enough to arouse us to action, remember the scene in the garden of Gethsemane, where our Saviour prayed until he sweat great drops of blood. It was not for himself he prayed, but it was for you and me that he struggled so earnestly. And if he is so interested for us, should we not be interested for ourselves? Yes, we must be, or we shall be lost.
Says the faithful and true Witness, I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
O brethren and sisters, let us heed this counsel, and buy of him the tried gold and white raiment that we may be clothed, that the shame of our nakedness do not appear. Let us buy the eye-salve that we may see our wretched, blind and naked condition. Let us watch and pray lest we enter into temptation, and that day come upon us unawares. Watch, then, for ye know not in what hour your Lord will come.
From your brother in hope of eternal life.
J. L. Hakes.
East Granville, Mass., Sept., 1858.
Finding the Sabbath and Present Truth
By E. Green
From Bro. Green.
Bro. Smith: It has been about two years since I commenced to keep the Sabbath, and can truly say, it is a delight. The first Sabbath-keepers I became acquainted with, were Brn. Palmer and Dickinson with their families, at Jackson, Mich. They inquired of me if I kept the Sabbath. I told them I did; but they, seeing my mistake, inquired if I kept the seventh day. I replied that I did not. Then they began to instruct me in the Third Angel's Message. I went to work north of Jackson, taking with me some works on the Sabbath and Sanctuary, and spent a little time every day investigating this, to me, new doctrine. When the Sabbath came, I spent it in reading, determined to know which day we ought to keep. By the time the second Sabbath came, I was prepared to keep it to the Lord, and met with the brethren in Jackson for the first time, to share with them His blessing. As soon as I investigated the subject of the Sanctuary, I saw the harmony of the past advent movement, and rejoiced in the present truth. Dear brother, I have felt to bless God many times for directing me to this people. I can truly say the Lord has led me thus far, and I will bless his holy name.
I have been in Iowa about eighteen months; have lived with Bro. Everett. There has not been Sabbath-keepers enough to assemble here till Brn. Waggoner and Hull came with the tent, which was the answer to our prayers. Now there are thirteen who keep the Sabbath, and we have meetings every week. The Devil began his work, slily, before the tent meeting closed; and his angels have been busy trying to prejudice the minds of those who have lately embraced the faith, against those who have borne the burden and heat of the day. But the elect will not be deceived; and I thank the Lord that he has opened the eyes of the brethren here, that they may not be ignorant of Satan's devices. I bless the Lord for his Holy Spirit that enlightens and unites us in the bonds of love.
E. Green.
Iowa City, Sept. 22nd. 1858.
OBITUARY.
By James Marvin
Bro. Smith : I write to inform you of the death of my sister, Melinda A. Barney, who fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 24th, 1858, aged 29 years.
I embraced the Third Angel's Message last November. Old things passed away; the truth to me was new and glorious. I was not content to eat my morsel alone, but was much drawn out after my relatives ; and through the goodness of God, was enabled to persuade this dear sister to go with me. She came out clear on the present truth last Spring, in April, and soon commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and in so doing was greatly blessed. She soon laid aside everything that would hinder her from running the christian race. She laid all on the altar at once, and seemed to be ready for any event. At the commencement of her sickness, we held a meeting at her house. As Bro. Gould was with us, he talked on keeping the commandments. We then had a season of prayer, in which my sister engaged most fervently. She said she saw heaven open, and the glory of God rested down upon her. We believed it was so ; for we were much blessed. She took her bed soon after ; was patient and perfectly resigned. On being asked, what if she should die, she looked up with a smile, and said she had given all up to the Saviour, and he would take care of the little ones she left behind, and they would soon be with her. Her husband, and three children, though young, deeply feel her loss. Myself and sister had been waiting for the ordinance of baptism to be administered to us, expecting some of the ministering brethren to be here soon.
“In glory immortal I hope soon to meet her,
Where sickness and sorrow and parting are ’e'er.
With all the redeemed, there with joy may I greet her,
With the King in his beauty to reign ever more.”
JAMES MARVIN.
Swanson, Vt., Sept. 6th, 1858.
Jewelry.
By Editor
A CORRESPONDENT wishes an answer to the following question : "If it was right for the Children of Israel to wear jewelry, (see Ex. iii, 22; xi, 2; xii, 35,) is it not right for christians of the present day to wear it?"
Answer. We have no evidence that God designed that the Children of Israel should wear the jewelry which they took from the Egyptians. Concerning the justice of this transaction between the Israelites and the Egyptians, we presume no doubt is entertained. Two reasons may be offered why God should command them to take this booty, and why they should do it:
1. The whole body of the Israelites, say 600,000 working men, had performed hard service for the Egyptians for many years, without any remuneration. Something was their due. Hence God instructs them to demand jewels of gold and silver. The term rendered "borrow," Dr. Clarke says is very improperly translated. It should be ask or demand. And so the infidel's charge against the God of the Bible for causing his people to borrow from the Egyptians under pretense of returning it to them again, when he knew they never would, falls to the ground. The people were about to leave the land, and they probably asked or demanded some remuneration for their services; and the Lord gave them favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and they gave them such things as they required. But had an accurate account been rendered, the Egyptians would probably have found themselves in long arrears to the Israelites when they left the land.
2. This very gold, &c., which they took from the Egyptians, would be wanted in a few months afterwards in the construction of the Sanctuary, to which we find it was liberally contributed, Ex. xxxv, 22.
We have said that we have no evidence that God designed that they should wear the jewels taken from the Egyptians. It is true the women had got on some earrings; Ex. xxxii, 2, 3; and it is also true that the people made a golden calf; and perhaps they were only exchanging one sin for another more heinous, when they took the gold from their ears, and transferred it to a golden calf. At any rate the example of a people so easily given to idolatry, must be considered a questionable pattern for christians to follow in all particulars.
But suppose people were permitted to wear jewelry in those ancient days, when, on account of the hardness of their hearts and the ignorance of the times, there were many things that God winked at, [Matt. xix, 8; Acts xvii, 30,] how shall this affect us? Another dispensation has dawned upon the world since then; and we are to inquire what new facts its light reveals to us, and how far its precepts curtail the indulgences of the old. Now two apostles have direct testimony on the question at issue. First, Paul. 1 Tim. ii, 8, 9. "I will . . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair, or gold or pearls or costly array." Second, Peter. 1 Epis. iii, 3. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel."
When these apostles tell the women that their adorning should not be the wearing of gold, &c., they certainly do not mean that it should be. So far as their testimony is believed and received, no comment of ours can be necessary.
Eld. Williams' Article.
By Wm. S. Ingraham
Wm. S. Ingraham : Last week's REVIEW, containing Elder Williams' article on the Jewish week and Christian Sabbath, was in the mail before your letter arrived, stating that the people were anxiously waiting for it. Well, they have it now; and they can judge for themselves whether he has confounded the Sabbath question and Sabbath-keepers in "fifteen minutes," as he boasted. We beg leave to suggest that the Elder's fifteen minutes are up, and the work is not accomplished. Therefore we think the woman he spoke of, who could do it in "ten," will have to take the stand; for we have somehow felt a consciousness ever since the reception of his article that it would take a person at least "five minutes smarter than he."
Meetings in Republic, Ohio
By Editor
We take the liberty to extract the following from a business note received last week from Bro. Loughborough. It relates to meetings in Republic, Ohio. We shall doubtless have a fuller report soon:
"Bro. White and myself have held three meetings there since returning to the place. The congregation was a perfect crowd, in a large meeting-house, and the deepest interest was manifested. We have sold, in all over $40 worth of books in Republic; Many have come out on the Sabbath."
My Father or Our Father?
By R. F. C.
Is it proper in our social or public prayers to say, "My Father," since Jesus has directed, that in our secret prayers we should say, "Our Father." R. F. C.
The Lock.
A LOCK was shown to Gotthold, constructed of rings which were severally inscribed with certain letters, and could be turned round until the letters represented the name of Jesus. It was only when the rings were disposed in this manner that the lock could be opened. The invention pleased him beyond measure, and he exclaimed: "O that I could put such a lock as this upon my heart!"
Our hearts are already locked, no doubt; but generally with a lock of quite another kind. Many need only to hear the words Gain, Honor, Pleasure, Riches, Revenge, and their heart opens in a moment, whereas to the Saviour and to his holy name it continues shut. May the Lord Jesus engrave his name with his own finger upon our hearts, that they may remain closed to worldly joy and worldly pleasure, self-interest, fading honor, and low revenge, and open only to him.—Sel.
APPOINTMENTS.
Providence permitting, we will hold General Meetings as follows:
In Brookfield, nr. Bro. Abbey's, 16th and 17th; near Mannsville, Jeff. Co., in the evening of the 19th, and at 10 o'clock A. M., the 20th.
JAMES WHITE.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Appointments for New England Meetings
By James White
Bro. and Sr. White design spending Oct. 23d and 24th at Buck's Bridge; the evening of the 26th near Rouse's Point, where Brn. Taylor and Whipple may appoint; the 30th and 31st, in Vermont, where Brn. Bingham and Churchill may appoint; Nov. 6th and 7th, near Washington, N. H., where Brn. may appoint; 13th and 14th, at Worcester, Mass.
If brethren in New England desire meetings as above, they will please give appointment of the definite place in the REVIEW immediately, and address us at Hubbard's Corners, Madison Co., N. Y. If they wish the labors of Bro. J. N. Loughborough, they will please address him at the same place, and he will probably accompany us to the above named places. J. W.
Appointments for Church Meetings
PROVIDENCE permitting Bro. M. E. Cornell will meet with the churches as follows:
In Parma, Mich., Thursday, Oct. 7th, evening.
Jackson, Sabbath, Oct. 9th.
Green Spring, Ohio, Oct. 13th.
Republic, Ohio, Oct. 15th, and continue several days.
Gilboa, Sabbath and First-day, Oct. 23rd and 24th.
Lovett's Grove, Oct. 30th, commencing Friday evening and holding over Sabbath and First-day.
Portage, Nov. 2d.
PROVIDENCE permitting I expect to commence a course of lectures in Middleville, Barry Co., Mich., Oct. 12.
J. B. Faisbie.
Business Items.
By Editor
M. M. Osgood : We have a good supply of Hymns for Youth and Children on hand.
The P. O. Address of J. Lindsey, is Monroe, Green Co., Wis.
P. Brown : Your paper is on the free list.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the 'Review and Herald' to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
A. D. Lane, 1,00,xiii.1. E. Wood, 0,25,xiii,6. M. J. Olds, 0,25,xiii,6. Mrs. S. A. Colgrove, 0,25,xiii,6. Thos. Howe, 1,00,xiii,15. Wm. Smith, 1,00,xiv,1. Saml. Kingston, 1,00,xiii,1. A friend, (for E. Simmons,) 1,00,xiv,20. J. Lindsey, 0,75,xiii,1. G. W. Newman, (0,50, each, for Mrs. E. Albro and Mrs M. Newman,) 1,00, each to xiii, 20. Mrs. J. Gibson, 0,50,xiii,20. Mrs. J. Kelley, 0,50,xiii,7. S. Warner, 1,00,xiii,1. L. M. Ricker, 0,54,xii,20. F. V. Bogues, 0,50,xiv,2, Wm. Johnson, 4.64,xv.1.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR. Sr. E. Brackett, $3.
FOR MICH. TENT. M. S. Kellogg, $4
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Uriah Smith
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.
Supplement to the Advent and Sabbath Hymn Book, 100 Pages.—Price 25 cents.
Spiritual Gifts, or The Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, containing 226 pages, neatly bound in Morocco or Muslin—Price 50 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. Price, post paid, 10 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism—an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 8 cents.
The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents.
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.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iiiCol. ii, 14–17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two titles of Matt. v, 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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Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 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 Atonement. 196 pp. 18 cents
Man not Immortal; the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 143 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 adopted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of those subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S." Price 5 cents.
Brief exposition of Matt., xxiv. Price 6 cents.
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Fillio in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 6 cents.
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 6 cents. The same in German, 10 cents
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 papercovers, 12½ cents.
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