DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We have had some good times in this section, and I have thought it good to inform the remnant of what God has been doing for us in this place.
A little more than two months ago this people never had heard the voice of the third angel; but his warning voice has reached this place, and thanks be to God a few names have ventured to step out on the broad foundation of truth.
About nine months ago we received a letter from a sister in Rochester, which gave us the first conviction that the seventh day was the Sabbath, but did not get a clear understanding of the truth until we came to Rochester last August. We intended while there to be refreshed by hearing Bro. D. I. Robinson preach; but God had a different message for us.
Bro. White gave us a lecture on the commandments, showing them unchanged, and their unchangeable nature so clearly, that we had but two positions left—one was to keep the commandments, the other was to not keep them.
We did not keep them until about three weeks after we heard Bro. White lecture.
Bro. J. N. Loughborough, returning from the west about this time, stopped and gave us two lectures.—God owned his word. We have tried to keep God's Sabbaths, since that time, according to the commandment.
Bro. Loughborough came here again Oct. 16th, and gave us five lectures. Three others from that time began to keep the Sabbath, and many others confessed that these things are so, according to the Bible. And why they don't venture out and take up the cross is more than I can tell. But those who have been convinced, will soon find a withdrawing of the Spirit of conviction. God from the foundation of the world has claimed one day out of seven, and that day is the seventh day. This may be proved from Neh. ix, 14.—And madest known to them thy holy Sabbath. Gen. ii, 3. And God blessed the seventh day. Deut. iii, 14. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. Isa. lviii, 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day.
John was in the Spirit on the Seventh day. This needs no more proof than what is contained in the title Lord's day: if God has claimed any other day aside from the seventh, he has not given us notice of the change.
I do hereby agree that if any person will point out to me one single text of scripture that shows that God has ever claimed the first day as his day, then I will keep it holy to the Lord; or if they will show that it is even hinted at, by Christ or his apostles, that the first day is in any sense to be kept holy, then I will do as I said above. The one that volunteers to find the text, will know something about the Bible before he gets the passage he wants.
Some of our Divines here, tell us that Christ arose on the first day, and the disciples met together on the first day; therefore the Sabbath was changed. O that man could see that the great God uttered the fourth command, in thunder tones, from Sinai's mount that made creation shake. And if he had meant to have it changed to the resurrection day, he would have announced it in an audible voice from heaven, that would have laid Jerusalem in the dust, and thus have given it an equal footing with its nine aged brethren; but no such voice was heard—no, not even a whisper from the Father's well-beloved Son, nor his disciples, that followed close in his track.
But we do find the blessed Jesus keeping all his Father's commandments, and we know that one of those commandments reads, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." We find the apostle Paul, twenty years after the resurrection day, in company with Timotheus and Silas, traveling in a Roman colony, and tarrying certain days in the city of Philippi; but when the Sabbath, or Jehovah's, Rest-day came round, the Apostle had a prayer-meeting to attend by the River side. Lydia is converted, and baptized. She then takes those brethren to her own house, and they never so much as hint to her that the next day is the Christian Sabbath. But the secret is that Paul and his company, like us, poor despised Advent believers, kept the seventh day for the Sabbath.
Glory to God that we have now a rule by which we can test ourselves, to know whether we love God or not; for the last few years of our lives we have been telling that we loved God—that we love him and was willing to sacrifice every thing for his honor. Our Father has now begun to test us; by one of his old rules, too; "If ye love me keep my commandments," and my time, that I instituted for the world.
Why Father, I have kept thy commandments.—And I am willing now to keep them just as I have been doing. Well that won't do. The seventh day is mine, and it must now be kept holy.
Why, they all say Father, that the day was changed. I permitted darkness to cover the earth for twelve hundred and sixty years while my times and laws were given into the hands of the Pope. He changed my law and my time, and slew my saints, and when they were delivered out of his hand, you were honest in keeping the first day of the week. I overlooked your ignorance, until knowledge has been increased. The time of the end is come, and the visions are understood; therefore you have no more the excuse of ignorance.
Jesus has shown us that he intends to have a church to present unto his Father, that are keeping all his commandments. He gives John a vision of what that church should be. 1. He tells him what it encountered from the Dragon in its infancy. 2. The persecution it should suffer for 1260 years, by the Papacy, and the last thing he sees of her is, when she becomes a little remnant, keeping all the commandments, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ, just ready to receive her Lord, and enter upon joys eternal. We have much need of patience for they say all manner of evil against us falsely. Pray for us. S. WOODHULL.
Olcott, N. Y., Nov. 14th, 1853.
L. B. ABBEY
By L. B. Abbey
From Sister Abbey.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I do feel to thank the Lord that I have been brought, by the unspeakable goodness of God to see myself, and to see the wonderful work of God that is now beginning to be made manifest in our land. I do rejoice, and thank the Lord for his goodness to me, that through kind friends I have the Review to read; it comes a welcome messenger, laden with “durable riches and righteousness.” I can truly say, “I delight in the law of God after the inward man,” although I did once persecute this way: the good old way, the way in which the ancients did walk. But it was through ignorance that I did it.—I had not searched to know the will of God concerning his Law, which is as unalterable as himself. But the Lord has forgiven my sins. Praise his holy name. Now I can truly say with my whole soul, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Ps. cxix, 103, 104.
O how glorious is this news, the third angel’s message: it cuts us off from every thing of a worldly nature, and this is what we must be, to be in readiness to meet the day of trouble spoken of by Daniel, “such as never was since there was a nation,” which is but a step ahead of us. “Lift up your heads168and rejoice for your redemption draweth nigh.”—Again, the Lord says by the mouth of the Prophet, “For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” Isa. lxiii, 4. “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy; for then I will turn to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.” Who are they to whom he will turn a pure language? Surely it must be those that have waited upon him, and for him. “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
O my brethren and sisters we have great cause for rejoicing: let us therefore praise the name of our God: he is a mighty God, “a strong tower into which the righteous may enter and be safe.” This is the day in which we are exhorted to seek meekness.—“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgments; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” How very humble ought we to be, in view of what is just before us, and also in view of what we are asking the Lord to do for us.—The Lord cannot work for those around us, until we get into the right place, so that his name can be honored and glorified, by bringing out the jewels. We have great cause for thanksgiving in this place; there have been two of late, brought to see the necessity of turning their steps unto the testimonies of the Lord. O, how our hearts do leap for joy, to have any turn from their wickedness, unto the Lord: I have no doubt but there are others around us who will yet listen to the cry of the third angel, and very soon too, if we still hold on to the arm of the Lord, and be very careful to keep humble. The time is fast hastening when the four angels will let go their hold of the four winds; then will be the time of trouble spoken of, Dan. xii, 1. O, my brethren do let us engage more earnestly at the Mercy Seat. I do pray the Lord to speed this message, and to uphold, and keep his messengers humble.
Yours, hoping and trusting that I shall, with all the Redeemed, be an inhabiter of the New Earth.—Pray for us.
L. B. ABBEY
Hubbardsville, N. Y., Nov. 22d, 1853.
THE STANDARD.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Isa. lix, 19.
The Enemy comes like a flood,
To capture, deceive and destroy,
With flaming professions of good,
The better, mankind to decoy.
He says he comes, all men to bind,
With Union's affectionate tie;
And prove to each sceptical mind,
The human soul never can die.
The people, for centuries past,
Have been so well charmed by his lies,
He fixes an ambush at last,
To capture them all by surprise.
Like a flood he sweeps over the earth,
His conquests and converts abound;
While naught but luke-warmness and dearth
In the churches, (so called,) can be found.
But what is the Standard, raised high
By the Spirit of God, to oppose,
Around which the saints who now sigh,
May rally and vanquish their foes?
It is the commandments of God,
And also the faith of the Son;
Here the saints, who are scattered abroad,
Will shortly be gathered in one.
To break the commandments is sin,
The doom of the sinner is death;
As proud as men ever have been,
The beasts and they, "all have one breath."
Eternal life none can enjoy
Till Jesus in glory shall come,
The wicked of earth to destroy,
And gather his ransomed ones home.
But Satan would not have men doubt
That in death they become 'as the gods,'
That they live, and are roaming about,
While their bodies are under the clods.
Would have them believe they may break
The commandments of God, and not die;
And whatever course they may take,
They'll rise to the circles on high.
If some are yet slow to receive
The doctrine, in terms thus arranged,
It will do just as well to believe
That one of God's precepts is changed.
If men in the face of the light,
On one of these precepts will tread,
With just as much safety they might
Pronounce the whole Decalogue dead.
But "all his commandments are sure,
Forever and ever they stand;"
The day of his Rest will endure
As long as the works of his hand.
With truth for our buckler and shield,
The wrath of the dragon we'll brave,
And never relinquish the field—
Our Captain is mighty to save.
The last mighty conflict, ere long,
Is coming—the time is at hand
When the ransomed will sing the New Song,
And on the Mount Zion will stand.
The Standard of Truth is unfurled—
The last invitation to "come"
Is now going forth to the world—
God's people will soon be at home.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., 1853.
Hiram V. Reed
By Hiram V. Reed
From Bro. Reed.
Dear Bro. White :—I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you of the state of the cause in this part of the country. We have been much enlightened and edified by hearing Brn. Stephenson, Hall and Waggoner, speak from the Word with clearness. Many have been convinced of the present truth.—There are about twenty-five in this place who are trying to keep the commandments of God, instead of the commandments of the Pope.
We are, truly, living in an age when we may expect persecution both from the nominal church and world, although there is not much difference between them. How often do we hear it repeated, that it makes no difference what day we keep, if we only keep it to the Lord. Old things are done away, and, of course, the old Jewish Sabbath is not binding on us. Thank God, that there are a few who are trying to restore the breach that has been made in God's law, by those who are willingly ignorant of the truth.—How dare people call God's holy Sabbath a Jewish Sabbath? I should think they would hear the voice of the Mighty One, saying, You are violating one of my moral precepts, that I engraved with my own finger on the tables of stone.
Your invaluable paper I love to peruse. I am rejoiced to hear that the third angel's message is on the rise. May God save all his dear children in the day of wrath.
Your brother, striving for the kingdom,
Hiram V. Reed
Rosendale, Wis., Nov. 1853.
Letter from Bro. Loughborough.
By John Norton Loughborough
MEETINGS AT LAONI AND FREDONIA.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We had a pleasant journey to this place, found the brethren well, rejoicing in the truth.
Our meeting on the Sabbath was one of deep, solemnity; there were but few of us assembled, but the Lord verified his promise, and met with us. A brother who has kept the Sabbath several years, alone, came some seven miles to hear on the subject of present truth. The subject of the Sanctuary deeply interested him and cast light on his path, as he testified.
On First-day, our meetings were held in the Christian Meeting-house, in the forenoon. A few came out who listened with considerable interest. But few have an interest to hear in Laoni, as the blighting influence of Spiritualism has passed through this village, and near two thirds of its inhabitants are believers or mediums of Spirit manifestations; and, of course, while Satan has the charge of their minds, no place is found in them for the truth.
By invitation, in the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a believer in the Spirit manifestations. His widow is an Adventist, and a sister of Bro. Adam Miller. The Lord helped to make some remarks on Job vii, 21, and John xiv, 14. I endeavored to show the formation of man, that he was not created immortal. His fall by transgressing the moral government of God. The state of the dead. The hope of the Christian, a resurrection to Eternal Life; and then passed to give them a Bible exposition of Spirit manifestation. The Lord stood by me, and I never had greater freedom on the subject than when trying to show them the awful delusion in which they were fallen, and the solemn certainty it gave us that Jesus was soon coming. There was a congregation of about 200, and I was informed that about one half were either mediums or believers in the spiritual workings. I felt as though perhaps it was the last opportunity I should have to warn them, and I meant to clear my skirts. Said I, That this work of moving tables, &c., is an evidence of the existence of some power present more than human, I do not deny; that the communications given, show that that power possesses intelligence, I also admit; and even farther, that it is the work of spirits; but what are they? Why, says one, the spirits of the dead. The difficulty is, you have forgotten that there's a Devil. This is that work pointed out in the Apocalyptic Vision, the spirits of devils working miracles, to deceive the world. There was much of squirming, twisting and wry faces, which evinced to the beholder the uneasy position of the mediums; but I am thankful that they were kept quiet until an opportunity was had to faithfully warn them. May the God of truth arrest some of them from the awful snare, if they are not too far gone.
Yesterday, in the forenoon, in company with Bro. Miller, I called on Bro. Wilson, an Adventist in Laoni, who has been much opposed to the Sabbath-keepers. We talked but a few moments before he manifested some interest, as also did his wife. We talked with them about three hours; and left them more favorably impressed. Last evening, held meeting at Bro. Hamilton's, in Fredonia. Quite a room-full came out to hear; among them was this same Bro. Wilson and C. Low, the Advent minister in the place. After closing my remarks, he said he had indulged hard feelings towards his brethren. This, said he, was wrong. I believe, said he, they are honest. Bro. Wilson confessed that he had almost wished them dead, and asked them to still try to show him the light. Said he, if the Sabbath is binding, I want to keep it. Said he to me after meeting was closed, I cannot gainsay your arguments. A daughter-in-law of Bro. Hamilton was also present, who listened with deep interest. Oh Lord, lead these souls into the truth. Another meeting is appointed for this evening: the result you shall know by my next.
Although it looked dark when we came here, the Lord has worked. He has blessed my soul. Praise his name. We will endeavor to go forward, trusting in the Lord; for in his name is all righteousness and strength. Pray for us, that the Lord may open some door of utterance in Ohio. I believe the Lord will work. Give our love to the dear saints in Rochester.
Still looking for redemption,
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Fredonia, N. Y., Nov. 22d, 1853.
Sudden Death of William Mayhew
By Editor
WE are informed of the sudden death of Wm. Mayhew, who died Nov. 1st, at Milton, Wis. L. H. Bond of that place writes:—
"One object I have in addressing you, is to ask you to publish, if you please, for the benefit of his friends, the sudden death, in Milton, Wis., of a stranger, on the first day of the present month, by the name of Wm. Mayhew. He was taken on First-day night, and died Third-day morning at 7 o'clock. I was with him constantly, from the morning after he was taken until he closed his eyes in death. All was done for him that mortal skill could devise. He had four Physicians.
"I had him buried as I would an own brother. He will rest in the seventh-day Baptist burying-ground until Jesus comes to gather home his jewels. His funeral sermon will be preached next Sabbath by our Elder."
Receipts.
By Editor
M. A. Crary, D. Barrett, Sr. Smally, C. M., J. H. Lonsdale, J. Holmes, each $1.00. S. Peckham, Z. W. Leach, R. G. Lockwood, Wm. Peabody, (one for S. G. Peabody, and one for S. D. Simonds,) Wm. Hyatt, J. Deming, each $2.00; M. M. Truesdell, E. R. Seaman, each $5.00; L. Marsh $9.00; H. Child $3.72; J. M. Lindsey $1.50; S. Pierce $4.50; S. Burlingham $1.50; L. H. Bond $0.80.
Each Number of the REVIEW costs $55.00. There are $135.01 still lacking.
The Harbinger Disclaims Millerism
By Editor
The Editor of the Harbinger, in an article in the American of this city, says:—
“The Advent Harbinger is not the organ of ‘Millerism,’ as is more than intimated by the writer of the strictures in the American. The Harbinger disclaims all connection with ‘Millerism,’ and advocates great and fundamental doctrines which are disavowed by the disciples of Wm. Miller.”
The Youth's Instructor Announcement
By Editor
The Youth's Instructor, Vol. II, No. 1, will probably be out by the first of January. We design that our young friends shall have it by the first day of 1854. Good matter, original or selected will be very acceptable.
Charts and Books Sent to Dodge
By Editor
Bro. A. A. Dodge. We sent you a box of Charts and Books about one week since. Have you received it?
Joseph Baker Delayed by Ill Health
By Editor
By reason of ill health, Bro. Joseph Baker will not come to this State as soon as he anticipated.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
J. H. WAGGONER:—Your manuscript, "The Law of God," for this number, is not yet received, Nov. 24th. Has it been sent?
Appointments.
By Editor
Bro. Joseph Bates will hold meetings at Bro. L. Hastings, New Ipswich, N. H., Dec. 3d and 4th.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren at Dartmouth, Mass., Dec. 3d and 4th.
FREDERICK WHEELER.
Bro. A. S. Hutchins will meet with the brethren at Oswego, the evening of the 29th, Rochester, Sabbath, Dec. 3d.
Letters.
S. W. Rhodes, L. C. Rogers, J. Baker, E. Goodwin, J. B. Frisbie, H. S. Follet J. Bates, R. F. Cottrell, H. Edson, J. Baker, R. Hicks, F. Wheeler.