UNDER this head we design to quote from the writings of men of eminent piety. And, although their testimony may contain some unscriptural expressions, and sentiments, we think them worthy of a place in the REVIEW on account of the spirit of consecration and holiness they breathe. J. W.
TESTIMONY,
FROM THE MEMOIR OF JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, BY JOHN HOLT RICE D. D., AND BENJAMIN HOLT RICE D. D.
"His daily and most earnest prayer was for higher and holier zeal, and more fervent love. He was fully persuaded that a Christian, in the use of the appointed means, might make continual progress in the divine life, and advance far beyond his Christian stature. And this high attainment was the object of his continual desire.
"His repeated declarations show, that from the time he made a public profession of religion until the year 1822, he longed for, and with much earnestness sought clearer manifestations of the divine favor, and greater conformity to the divine will. He was under the abiding feeling that, without higher attainments in holiness, he never could enter the ministry. During the Spring vacation of 1822 he visited his parents, and, as it would seem, resolved to consecrate this time of relaxation from study to the special object of seeking such an increase of religion as would relieve him from many doubts which barrassed his mind. It was his privilege at this period to enjoy the society of some relatives, who, according to his account were persons of very distinguished zeal and piety. He made much use of their conversation and prayers, as well as of other means for the accomplishment of his object. All his subsequent papers refer to the twenty-third of April, in this year, as the most important era in his Christian life. He then gave himself up to Christ with a strength of purpose, a depth of feeling, and an unreservedness of which he had never before been conscious. And he was made to partake of peace, of joy, of rapture, such as he had never experienced. It was a great revival of religion in his heart. He knew something of that "hope which maketh not ashamed;" of that "perfect love which casteth out fear;" of that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. In a great number of letters written about this time, and years afterwards, he dwells on this season and its blessings. The fullest account, however, of the whole case, is given in a letter, dated May, 1823, which is here introduced, as the event recorded had a very strong bearing on his religious character and his whole future conduct."
"This day brings with it a privilege of no ordinary kind. It is that of witnessing the good profession of the church in this village, and of testifying to the world that I am on the Lord's side. Once more I am called to sit at the table of the Lord Jesus and celebrate his dying love—may I do it in remembrance of him, penitently, humbly, with faith, with love, with peace, with joy! I would remember him as the man who is Jehovah's fellow, [Zech. xiii, 7,] set up from everlasting—I would remember him as the promised seed, who should bruise the serpent's head—as the looked for Shiloh—as the Messiah foretold by the prophets. I would remember him as already come—the babe of Bethlehem—the man of sorrows—the despised Nazarene—the friend of publicans and sinners. I would remember him as voluntarily humbling himself, and although rich, for our sakes becoming poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. I would remember him in the garden in his agony—before an earthly tribunal, though Judge of all the earth—on the cross, thirsting, bleeding, groaning, dying, although he is the Lord of life and glory. I would remember him in the grave, in his resurrection, and in his various manifestations to his disciples. In a word, I would remember him as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification.
"What an honor, to have a name and a place among his people here below. But what is a name and a place, if we are destitute of the badge of true discipleship? I mean the badge of love—supreme love to God, universal love to men.
"But I would remember the forbearance and mercy of him whose name is LOVE. I would never forget that fourteen years of my life were spent in folly and in sin, and yet I was not cut down as a cumberer of the Lord's vineyard; that by the Holy Spirit I was convinced of sin and converted. I would remember Jesus as my best friend, in the midst of temptations, trials and afflictions—as him who has not only permitted me to taste of his grace, but has filled me with his perfect love, which casteth out fear, save the filial fear of offending my Father. I would indeed remember him as my Lord, my portion, and my all.
"The Lord has often made himself known to me in the breaking of bread, particularly during the last year. My soul has, indeed, been richly fed at the communion table. The intercourse between my heart and heaven has been frequent and full. Jesus has been exceedingly precious. May I find the tabernacle of the Lord of hosts amiable this day because of his presence; may the banner of Jesus over me be love; and may his food be sweet to my taste! Then shall I sit under the shadow of the Almighty; my spiritual strength will be renewed; and I shall be happy in the Lord my Saviour.
"I re-perused with interest a letter received from you in 1819. Among other things contained in it, I found the following:—It is thought by some pious persons, that the course of study usually pursued in the present day, by candidates for the ministry, is calculated to abate that fervor in religion which is so desirable. However this may have appeared to the observation of others, I have not discovered it to be the case in many instances. On the contrary, it is to be hoped that young men, in a course of preparation for the sacred office, grow in grace as they advance in knowledge. Surely, if they do not, they will have occasion to accuse themselves of base ingratitude and very culpable negligence. That some are thus worldly remiss cannot be doubted. In the words of your correspondent, as quoted, they become, in the course of their education, very different men, with a very different kind of piety; and time must show whether it is better or worse.
"But thanks, everlasting thanks to the great Head of the church, that he has not suffered my graces to languish and die. It is to his rich grace that I owe it all. He has done great and wonderful things for me since I commenced studying for the ministry. Shall I tell you? My tongue could not, much less can my pen express the loving kindness of the Lord to me, who am less than the least of all his mercies. Eternity is too short to utter all his praise. But I may tell you some of the merciful dealings of the Lord to my soul.
"You will doubtless recollect how often I have complained to you of the littleness of my attainments in the divine life; how much of sin was still remaining within me, notwithstanding my profession that I had crucified the world, the flesh and the devil. I have had keener sorrows for indwelling sin than I ever experienced before conversion. O the distress which I have felt on account of pride, envy, love of the world, and other evil passions, which have risen up and disturbed my peace, and separated between God and my soul. But the Lord heard my cries and groans, and was witness to my tears and my desires for holiness. I pleaded and wrestled with him; and, praise to his name! after six long years I found what I had so long and so earnestly sought. It was on the 23d of April, 1822, when I was on a visit at Haddam, in Connecticut. Memorable day! The time and place will never, no, never be forgotten. I recur to it at this moment with thankful remembrance. For then, through the great love and power of our Lord, my feet were set in a large place.
"I cannot give you the particulars better than by making an extract from my journal:
"For some days I have been desirous to visit some friends, who are distinguished for fervor of piety, and remarkable for the happiness which they enjoy in religion. It was my hope, that by associating with them, and through the help of their prayers, I might find the Lord more graciously near to my soul. After my arrival, I took up a hymn book, where I found a hymn descriptive of my situation. The perusal of this increased my desire that the Lord would visit me, and fill me with the Holy Ghost—my cry to him was, seal my soul forever thine. I lifted up my heart in prayer that the blessing might descend. I felt that I needed something which I did not possess. There was a void within, which must be filled, or I could not be happy. My earnest desire then was, as it had been ever since I professed religion six years before that all love of the world might be destroyed—all selfishness extirpated—pride banished—unbelief removed—all idols dethroned—everything hostile to holiness, and opposed to the divine will, crucified; that holiness to the Lord might be engraved on my heart, and evermore characterize my conversation. My mind was led to reflect on what would probably be my future situation. It recurred to me, I am to be hereafter a minister of the Gospel. But how shall I be able to preach in my present state of mind? I cannot—never; no, never shall I be able to do it with pleasure, without great overturnings in my soul. I felt that I needed that, for which I was then, and for a long time had been, hungering and thirsting. I desired it, not for my benefit only, but for that of the church and the world. At this very juncture I was most delightfully conscious of giving up ALL to God. I was enabled in my heart to say, Here, Lord, take
me, take my whole soul, and seal me thine—thine now, and thine forever." If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. There then ensued such emotions as I never before experienced—all was calm and tranquil, silent, solemn—and a heaven of love pervaded my whole soul. I had a witness of God's love to me, and of mine to him. Shortly after, I was dissolved in tears of love and gratitude to our blessed Lord. The name of Jesus was precious to me. 'Twas music in my ear. He came and took full possession of my heart; and I was enabled to say; I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me. Let him reign in me, reign without a rival for ever.
"But this is not all—since that blessed season I have enjoyed times of refreshment, in which I have gained nearer access to God. I have enjoyed his presence from day to day. Not one I believe has passed, in which I have not had the witness in myself that I am born from above. O the peace which I have had, and joy in the Holy Ghost! It has flowed as a river. I have been happy in my Lord; I have exulted in the God of my salvation. But I ascribe all to his grace. The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad, and for which I would praise his name. Not unto me, not unto me! I am nothing—Jesus is all. To his name be the glory! He is the author and finisher of faith. I know and am as fully assured of my acceptance with God as I can be of my existence—that is, if love, joy, peace, are evidences of reconciliation. The perfect love of God casteth out all fear of death, of the grave, of judgment, of hell. Filial fear—fear of offending my heavenly Father, and my brethren, possesses me. Surely I am a miracle of grace, free grace, sovereign grace, almighty grace. I feel that I love the Lord, because he first loved me. And, even now, I am favored with the gracious presence of Emmanuel. How suitable and delightful is the name—God with us! yes, and formed within us the hope of glory.
"I find the Scriptures increasingly delightful. I read no book with so much pleasure. It is indeed not a dead letter, but spirit and life. Divinity is stamped on its pages; and when carried home to the heart, its truths are life and power.
"In closet duties you doubtless find most pleasure. Here I too find the heavenly manna. My soul has had Gospel measure in my evening's retirement. 'Tis here the Christian comes at the essence of religion, while he holds intimate communion with heaven, and partakes of joys sublime and substantial, such as the world knoweth not, the unrenewed never taste. But they are real; they are pure; they are foretastes of good things to come, earnest of future endless bliss.
"The prospect before me is a pleasant one. I have no anxiety about the future. My only wish is to know what my heavenly Father will have me to do. I have, indeed, the ministry in view. I believe that the great Head of the church has called me to prepare for it. But whether he will count me worthy to be put into it, is not for me to decide. I would not determine. He may see fit to remove me hence before I shall have finished my course of study. But whether my life be protracted or shortened, my inquiry is, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. I am not my own keeper; neither would I be at my own disposal. Godliness with contentment is great gain. I trust that I have won this prize. Pray that I may keep and finish my course with joy.
"Thus I have spoken of the Lord's dealings, and testified to his goodness. I have spoken to you with the familiarity and confidence of a friend. Do not think me an egotist.
"And now may I ask you, Is it well with thee? If I mistake not, you were once not a little harassed with fears, and perplexed with doubts. Have you gained the ascendancy over your adversary? If not, be assured it is your privilege. For this purpose was Jesus manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. And it is not his pleasure that we should always be babes, or even young men. He would have us arrive at the stature of perfect men in Christ Jesus. Alas! how many seem to be ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. There are some who are always complaining of their deadness and want of spirituality. Do you know the reason? Certainly it is not because they have religion, but because they have no more religion. The effect of true piety is to quicken and enliven the soul, to make its possessor spiritual and heavenly-minded, which is life and peace. All, all should be on the alert; up and doing for their Master's cause. Indeed, there is much land to be possessed; much in our own heart; much in our families; much in our neighborhood; much in the world at large. Who will be Christians in deed and in truth? who will be decidedly for the Lord—eminently holy and devoted103servants of the Most High? There is much to do; much for you and much for me to accomplish; and our time is short. O for more of Enoch's spirit, that I may walk with God continually; for more of the meekness and the ardor of our Saviour. In a word, let us live for God, for heaven, for eternity. Then shall we rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks. The world will sink into nothing before us—souls will be valued according to their worth—the divine glory will be our chief aim, and heaven our final home.
"What shall I say more? May you and I seek to be uncommon Christians; that is, eminently holy. Holiness becometh the house of the Lord. It is this which conforms us to his image, which fits us for communion with him here, and which only will fit us for heaven and for glory."
Encouragement to the Remnant
By Horace Bowen
From Bro. Bowen.
BRO. SMITH:—Through the blessings of the Lord means have been put into our hands to enlighten our understanding in God's blessed truth. We feel to praise the Lord that he has brought out a people, the remnant, who have been charitable to us in placing your valuable sheet into our hands the past year, which we have read with great interest. It rejoices our hearts to hear through this medium from those of like precious faith. It is truly meat in due season to us.
To the Remnant scattered abroad. Dear brethren, hold fast the profession of your faith without wavering; for yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry. Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Be strong, fear not: behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense. He will come and save you. Be patient unto the coming of the Lord.
Dear brethren, we can by an eye of faith behold the King coming in his beauty to bestow immortal beauty and diadems of glory on his now down-trodden and rejected people, but on the other hand to take vengeance on the ungodly.
We can, by an eye of faith, see the awful doom to which this world is fast approaching. The battle of Armageddon will soon be fought. The time is near at hand when a thousand will fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand; but it will not come nigh us, only with our eyes will we behold and see the reward of the wicked. We literally see the fall of Babylon, and the date of her fall is since the proclamation of the First Angel's Message. She is now becoming the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit. We literally see the great wonders and workings of the two-horned beast in these United States; and in short every thing speaks in warning tones of the speedy coming of the Son of God.
Myself and companion have been firm believers for ten years that the literal and personal coming of Christ was at hand, and many have been our trials since. In 1854 we had partially embraced the time theory; but before the time had expired, our faith for the want of positive evidence commenced declining. We found ourselves in a dilemma, and not willing to give up all our hope, we went to the God of Daniel to direct us in this matter. Our minds were directed to a humble, pious, and as we suppose, holy people. On a critical examination of the evidences of their faith we found ourselves robbing God of his tithes. On being willing to submit ourselves to God's blessed truth and give in our tithes and offerings, we were extricated from the dilemma into which we had fallen, and according to the promise [Mal. iii, 10] a blessing was poured out.
To dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, especially those in the town of Locke, Mich., we feel in a measure indebted for the blessings bestowed upon us. Since we came into this State we have been deprived of meeting with those of like precious faith, except one precious season on remaining over the Sabbath with brethren at Roosevelt, N. Y.
As Lot tarried in great Sodom, so we tarry in a little Sodom, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Here are five high and lofty synagogues, and professors of religion almost innumerable. Out of all these religionists myself and companion, our little daughter, and mother, are all that pay any regard to God's holy Sabbath.
Dear brethren, we knew not which way to turn as it regards the commencing and ending of the Sabbath; but to our satisfaction we have read Bro. Andrews' article published in the Review, Dec. 4th, 1855, and comparing it with the Scripture we think it right, for which we feel to praise the Lord.
I feel to tremble at the word of God; for it is quick and powerful. Our prayer is that the remnant upon which the dragon makes war may cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God, that we may be enabled to hail the dawning glories of that bright morn that knows no night, and with an anxious eye look for the chariot of salvation, and with ears intent listen to catch the first sound of the rumbling wheels of that mighty car which brings from the excellent glory the Son of God, whilst the Archangel's voice shall awake the sleepers in Jesus to everlasting life. O, blessed day! O glorious summons, whose trumpet shall gather the elect, resurrected and immortal, to stand on Zion's holy mount, and crowned with diadems of glory, to sing of victory, and adore the prince of life, and receive an inheritance pure and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
HORACE BOWEN.
Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 12th, 1855.
Extracts of Letters.
Sister Nancy Guider writes from Sullivan Co., Ind., Dec. 4th, 1855:—"It has been about six months since I embraced the doctrine of the seventh-day Sabbath. I have been a full believer in the Second Advent doctrine since 1843, and so was my husband, but he has went back into the world, and in 1844 he bought a farm thirty-five miles from Cincinnati, which deprived me of all my privileges of meeting with the children of the Lord. My sorrow, and trials, since that time have almost overcome me; but I thank my heavenly Father that he has kept me thus far; and I trust he will keep me to the end."
Dear brethren, send some of the Lord's children this way. There are a number of brethren about Sullivan, and much good might be done there. I am thankful that I have been permitted to see your valuable paper.
I desire the prayers of the church that my faith fail not, but that I may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour, and meet you all at the resurrection of the just."
COMMUNICATIONS.
By S. A. Taft
From Bro. Taft.
BRO. SMITH:—I hasten to congratulate you and the brethren generally upon the appearance of that interesting article in Review No. 10, entitled "Time for commencing the Sabbath." Admitting that you are all correct in your reasoning upon that great question, still I had thought that you were totally in the fault upon this point. To be regulated in the time of commencing and ending so important a period as God's holy Rest-day, by our fickle timepieces, did seem to me nonsensical. Sun-setting, or the going down of the sun, is a great natural circumstance about which there can be no mistake. And then there is something so perfectly sublime in entering upon such a season at such a time. It is infinitely more in harmony with the great fact than anything possibly can be in the six o'clock time determined as it must be by our rickety old clocks and watches. How much more serious to look out upon the vast expanse of the heavens which God made to note the hour of the holy Sabbath's approach, than to look upon the face of a clock which man has made. Pardon me, brethren; but only think of the wonderful contrast. Perhaps it appears worse to me than it otherwise would have done, but for the fact that I had before me the reasoning of our Seventh-Day Baptist brethren. And then the Bible is so plain upon the subject; and then what is next, in my mind at least, it is so perfectly in harmony with the Bible idea of a holy Sabbath. There is such a thing as a fitness in things; and I believe this is peculiarly the case in the moral as well as in the natural world. And in the view presented there is a fitness that is not only agreeable, but truly glorious.
I do hope therefore that so far as the practice of keeping the seventh day is concerned, there will not be a dissenting voice.
Yours truly.
Macomb Co., Mich., Dec. 8th, 1855.
S. A. TAFT.
Faithfulness Through Church Trials
By John Norton Loughborough
From Bro. Laughhead.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Through the goodness of a kind Providence I am permitted to address a few lines to you. I still love the truth of God in which I have rejoiced for several years, and I am grieved and deeply mourn over the trials that afflict the church of God, and the effort that the enemy is putting forth to bring the truth to the ground and overthrow our faith; but still I believe that the Lord will take care of his truth and his faithful servants, and though some are deceived, yet in his own time he will vindicate his truth and save his people; for the Lord will have a tried, a perfect and a holy people. Zech. xiii, 9; 1 Pet. i, 7; iv, 12; Jas. i, 3, 4; 2 Cor. xiii, 11; Heb. xii, 14; Eph. i, 4; 1 Cor. iii, 16, 17; Eph. v, 27.
Now dear brother, I believe the Lord will turn these trials for our good and that he will overrule all things to the glory of his name and the salvation of his people. I feel to cast myself on the mercy of God, and take heed to my ways according to the word of the Lord. Ps. cxix, 9. And the Apostle says, if we judge ourselves we shall not be judged; and it is my earnest desire that I may not be judged with the wicked, but be numbered with the remnant that keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, and have right to the tree of life that is in the Paradise of God.
Dear brother, be faithful and trust in the Lord; for it is through much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom of God, and may the Lord give you grace and wisdom to act wisely in this time of trial, is the prayer of your brother looking for salvation at the appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord.
J. A. LAUGHHEAD.
Chemung Co., N. Y., Dec. 8th, 1855.
The Light of the Third Angel’s Message
Sister Caroline R. Austin writes from Vt., Dec. 11th, 1855:—"I feel to thank the Lord, for the light that shines upon the pilgrim's pathway, and that it is an increasing light that will shine more and more unto the perfect day. When I heard the First Angel's Message, I believed it, and loved to listen to its proclamation; but it filled me with doubts and fear. I doubted whether I was a christian, though I had long been striving to be one; and I feared that I should at last be left as an unfaithful servant, although I meant to perform every duty as well as I could. I could not then see, as I can now, what God required we should do, that we might have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.
O I feel to thank God for the Third Angel's Message, which not only assures us that the coming of our Lord and Saviour is near at hand, but it sheds a glorious light on the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.
I love it for its separating truths. When we keep all the Commandments we shall be separated from the world two days in the week; and when we get the testimony of Jesus into our hearts so that we shall live it out in all our actions and words, we shall not be of this world, even as our Master was not of this world.
May God help us to remember that for every idle word we shall be called to an account, and enable us so to watch and pray always that we shall be accounted worthy to escape all the things that are coming on the earth, and to stand before the Son of man."
Keeping the Holy Sabbath
Sister Caroline M. Lunger writes from Ionia Co. Mich., Dec. 6th, 1855:—"I feel determined to serve the Lord and to keep the holy Sabbath. It is one year last July since I began to keep the Sabbath, and I am not sorry, no thank the Lord, I feel to praise the name of the Lord that he has given us a Sabbath. It seems lonely sometimes, as we have no meetings to attend. We have heard Bro. Frisbie lecture, and wish that he or some of the brethren, could come and hold a course of lectures in Portland. I think there could some good be done.
The Review is certainly a welcome messenger to me. The truths it advocates, and the communications from the dear saints are food to my soul."
Obituary.
By A. S. H.
Died in Johnson, Vt., Oct. 9th, 1855, of Consumption, sister Florinda Loveland, aged 21 years and six months. Bro. L. and his family were among the first who embraced the Message of the Third Angel in Vt. The hope of the christian graciously sustained our dear sister in her last days. Her trust was established in God's unfailing word; therefore she fell asleep in sweet expectation of meeting with all the saints of God where death can separate us no more. This "blessed hope," never seemed more precious than when her dear mother stood around the coffin, taking the last look of Florinda. She praised God aloud for the hope of meeting again. Said she, "We shall meet again where death can part us no more; then let our tears be dry." Praise God for the hope of the first resurrection. A. S. H.
A Woman’s Answer
A WOMAN'S ANSWER.—A writer, illustrating the fact that some errors are lifted into importance by efforts to refute them, when they need only to be treated with wholesome doses of contempt and ridicule, observes that "all the blows inflicted by the herculean club of certain eminent logicians, are not half so effectual as the box on the ear of a celebrated atheist by the hand of beauty." After having in vain preached to a circle of ladies, he attempted to revenge himself, by saying, "Pardon my error, ladies, I did not imagine that in a house where wit vies with grace, I alone should have the honor of not believing in a God."
"You are not alone, sir," answered the mistress of the mansion, "my horses, my dog, my cat, share this honor with you; only these poor brutes have the good sense not to boast of it."
Review Delivery and Defense
By James White
Bro. Rew of Wis. writes:—"Again we enclose our mite for the Review, from which we have in times past drawn spiritual nourishment, which we still feel that we cannot do without: notwithstanding there are many things rumored abroad that might prejudice the mind.
We do not get the Review regularly, not having received but four or five numbers within the last six months. We do not, however, attribute this fault to the Office."
NOTE.—We are sorry to say, dear brother, that there is a class of persons who, though they appear smooth before us, and never take the trouble to point out to us the pretended errors and wrongs of the Review and its conductors, are very busy in reporting every slander they can hear, to say nothing of the stories they may manufacture.
The Review has been sent to you when published. We will send you the back Nos. of the present Vol.
The Review is established on a basis that will not fail to receive the approbation of its friends. It is rising in interest. Most every mail brings new subscribers. We have engaged anew in the work with the utmost confidence of seeing the cause of truth prosper gloriously. J. W.
Communication from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH:—The Conference at Battle Creek, Nov. 15th-19th, which terminated with such a rich blessing from the Most Holy Place in the heaven of heavens, in answer to continued prayer for light and heavenly aid, respecting our present and future labors, with which blessing each and every one was moved with fresh courage to stand in their lot and act for God, the part assigned them in the wide spread field now whitening for the harvest, until the Master comes to call them to the marriage supper of the Lamb, has continued to cheer and encourage me on to hunt up the scattered sheep of the house of Israel from "the high ways and hedges."
After the Conference, by invitation I accompanied Bro. Pearsall to his place at Grand Rapids, about 50 miles North of the Mich. Central R. R. Here we held meetings on the following Sabbath and First-day, on each side of the river, mostly with Sabbath keepers. They professed to be blessed and strengthened and fully determined to persevere in their onward course for the heavenly kingdom.
Nov 27th, took steamboat Eastward up Grand River for Lowell and Vergennes. At the last place we spent several days holding meetings every evening and Sabbath and First day. The Brn. although much scattered were zealous to attend the meetings, and were much refreshed by the proclamation of the Word. Some of their neighbors also became much interested. Bro. Ira Gardner's father had recently commenced to investigate the subject of the Sabbath and message, and became fully convinced of its importance, and presented himself for baptism to unite with the church; one other was baptized with him. On First-day we held meetings in Keene, about six miles from V. Here at the close of the meeting, the father of an interesting family decided also to keep the Lord's Sabbath. His friends had furnished him with books and he had begun to read the Review, and as he read, the true light began to shine into his mind. The Lord help him and all his family to keep the holy Rest of the Lord.
From the 6th-12th inst., held a series of meetings at the house of Bro. H. Flowers, and at the district school-house. Bro. Brigham's family from North Plains were with us on the Sabbath and First-day. Several who came to hear became much interested. One family decided to keep the Sabbath and prepare for the coming of the Lord.
From hence Bro. Flowers conveyed me to Ionia, where we held two meetings. Some heard for the first time and gave good attention except one woman, (a catholic,) who broke in upon me two or three times, especially when I was reading from the Catholic Catechism, showing where the Pope required Sunday to be observed instead of the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Said she, "I should think you had read enough, you had better stop," &c. She gave away however and ceased to disturb the meeting.
From the 14th-18th held several meetings in Portland and vicinity. First-day evening we had a very interesting meeting in the Baptist meeting house; the audience gave more than ordinary attention. Our subject was the last message to this generation preparatory to the coming of our blessed Lord. I was made very welcome at the house of Bro. Perry, who with his family is endeavoring to keep the Sabbath in the message. His daughter now with the family from Ohio, became fully settled, and decided to the whole truth. She never had heard any preaching on the Sabbath or message before.
I arrived here last evening after a tedious journey of two days' travel. The roads in many places almost impassable by reason of late heavy rains and lightly frozen over. Duty on my future labors, will, I trust, open before me after the Sabbath with the Brn. in this place. JOSEPH BATES.
Jackson, Mich., Dec. 20th, 1855.
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Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This is the title of our new Hymn Book prepared for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotion. It is a selection of Hymns of poetic merit, 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. Nearly every Hymn can be sung in some one of the pieces of Music, which will promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the Churches.—Price, 62½ cents.—In Morocco, 70 cents.—Weight 7 & 8 ounces
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.—Wt. 9 oz each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, points out distinctly the commencement and termination of the 2300 days, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing, and explains the disappointment of the Advent people in regard to time, and the true position of those who are now waiting for their Lord.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
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.—Wt. 2 oz.
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.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.—Bound 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—Paper covers, 18¾ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.—Price 8 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two ills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
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.—Wt. 2 oz.
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.—Wt. 4 oz.
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.—Wt. 3 oz.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
History of the Sabbath.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S."—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The Celestial Railroad.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Supplement to Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Review, Vols 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, bound in one book.—Price $3,00. Vols. 3 & 4 bound in one book, and 5 & 6 in one book, $1,50 each.—In paper covers 35 cents a Vol.
Youth's Instructor.—Vols 1 & 2.—Price 25 cents a Vol. in paper covers.
Pay for Sunday Labor
PAY FOR SUNDAY LABOR.—A question of some interest, in a religious as well as a pecuniary point of view, is now before the Board of Supervisors in New York. The various Police Clerks of the city have set up a claim for $4 extra pay for each Sunday's service they have performed, making the entire amount claimed over $5,000. There is considerable objection made to the principle of paying salaried officers extra for Sunday labor.
Sunday in England
SUNDAY IN ENGLAND.—An English paper says that there "seems to exist a settled purpose in certain quarters to break down the sanctity of the Lord's day. The fate of lord Robert Grosvenor's Bill last season has encouraged the enemies of the Sabbath to renew their attacks; and even one of the most prominent supporters of that measure—Sir John Shelley, the member for Westminster—is now to be found at the head of an association for opening the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Crystal Palace on Sundays."
To SHAKE OFF TROUBLE.
By Howard
Set about doing good to somebody; put on your hat and go and visit the poor; inquire into their wants and go and administer unto them; seek out the desolate and oppressed, and tell them of the consolations of religion. I have often tried this, and found it the best medicine for a heavy heart.—Howard.
Change of Day.
By Editor
IN order to receive all our exchanges before going to press, we have concluded to issue the REVIEW the fifth day of the week, instead of the third day as heretofore. It will still reach most of our subscribers the week following. All appointments and business matters, to insure insertion, should be received at this Office as early as Third-day afternoon.