BRO. SMITH:—I would like to say a few words through the Review, concerning the goodness of the Lord to me. I feel that I was plucked as a brand from the burning. It has been two years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. The Lord has led me out in a way I knew not. I had never seen any beauty in him that I should admire him. I had not been to an Advent meeting. I had never heard any thing but evil reports of them; but now I mean to strive to follow the Lamb through evil report as well as good report; for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
I had used tobacco for many years. I thought I could not give it up. I tried, however, in my own strength, but in vain. I knew it was wrong, and thought I would have to give up the truth; but the thought would come, Will you lose your soul for one idol? One, never! Then I made one more effort in the strength of the Lord, and got the victory, for which I can give him all the praise. I can boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
I thought I was rich because I had given up my greatest idol; I had got hold of the truth, but the truth had not got hold of me. I thought I was rich and increased in goods and had need of nothing; but when I compared my life with the word of God, I found that I was wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
I find I have many sins to overcome. It is a daily warfare. It is no small thing to be a christian; but God is good and greatly to be praised; for he says, if we will return unto him he will return unto us and heal all our backslidings. I do desire to be zealous and repent, and buy gold tried in the fire that I may be rich, and white raiment that I may be clothed, and have my eyes anointed with eye-salve that I may see, and understand the Lord's will concerning me.
The Review is a welcome visitor. I often feel encouraged while reading the cheering communications from the saints of God. I feel truly thankful to God that my lot has been cast among the commandment-keepers. I never have been sorry that I enlisted in so glorious a cause. I feel that heaven is worth working for; that we have been bought with a price. I choose to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
I believe that the last message of mercy is being given to poor, fallen man. O the blessed hope and the precious promises that are laid up in store for all those who love his appearing! I want to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, having my face set as a flint Zion-ward. I rejoice that the church is rising. I mean to strive in the strength of the Lord to arise and prepare to meet the Lord in peace; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. I want all my sins to go to judgment beforehand. I believe a little from this it will be said, He that is filthy, let him be filthy still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
"I'll go to Jesus, though my sins
Like mountains round me close;
I know his courts, I'll enter in,
Whatever may oppose.
"The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee."
MARY E. TROWBRIDGE.
Coughdenay, N. Y., April 20th, 1857.
Buying Gold Tried in the Fire
By S. C. Courter
From Sister Courter.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—It is with trembling that I take my pen in hand to address a few lines to the people of God. We have felt deeply to mourn over our almost hopeless condition, when we found ourselves poor and wretched, and miserable and blind and naked. O what a condition for a people looking for the Lord! I felt at times on the borders of despair, on account of my transgressions; it seemed to me as though all my sins stared me in the face.
I had professed to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus most of my life, with the good instruction of a dear father that I loved. This only enhanced my misery, to think of the privileges I had enjoyed above many. Yet how far below in holiness: but I feel to praise the Lord for his unspeakable love to such a sinful worm as I, that he in infinite love and compassion should send me an invitation to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve. My response is,
"Lo glad I come, and thou blest Lamb
Wilt take me to thee as I am;
Nothing but sin I thee can give,
Nothing but love would I receive."
Dear brethren and sisters, shall we not be willing to have our faith tried as gold, if we can be made fit subjects for immortality? We believe Jesus is soon coming; likewise the day which is to try men's souls. O then let us be faithful. Let us awake to our condition before we are cast out as unprofitable servants. I feel to confess my unfaithfulness, but I mean by assisting grace to arise and let my light shine. To live for him who died for me.
Your unworthy sister. S. C. COURTER.
Windsor, Eaton Co., Mich., April 20th, 1857.
SELECTIONS.
By R. Sherwell
The religion of Jesus Christ teaches us to cheer all around us with glad words and kind looks. In so-doing it takes an humble sphere, but accumulates an untold amount of happiness. It is very seldom that we have an opportunity of conferring a favor on a friend, but every day we may make some little contribution to the happiness of those with whom we associate, either by a kind word or an encouraging smile. We are occasionally called upon to submit to great injury, or to forgive a determined foe; but almost every hour some little forbearance is to be practiced, some little petulance of temper is to be pardoned. Christianity, therefore, in taking into her jurisdiction the usual course of human feeling and conduct, is full of benevolent wisdom, and shows herself thoroughly acquainted with the propensities and wants of men.—R. Sherwell.
A Kiss for a Blow.
By H. W. Wright
A visitor once went into a school in Boston, where he saw a boy and a girl on one seat who were brother and sister. In a moment of thoughtless passion the little boy struck his sister. The little girl was provoked and raised her hand to return the blow. Her face showed that rage was working within, and her clenched fist was aimed at her brother, when her teacher caught her eye. "Stop, my dear," said he, "you had better kiss your brother than strike him." The look and the word reached her heart. Her hand dropped. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. The boy was moved. He could have stood against the blow, but he could not withstand a sister's kiss.—H. W. Wright.
Methodist Brother Expelled for Shouting
At Albany, N. Y., after fifteen evenings of trial and debate, "Bro. Bronk" was found guilty of shouting so loud during service as to attract attention and excite ridicule, and was sentenced to expulsion; but the pastor, Mr. Brown, took the responsibility of suspending the sentence during the good behaviour of Bro. Bronk. The offending brother confessed to the shouting, but maintained that under the excitement of worship he could not restrain his feelings. Mr. Bronk is an excellent exemplary Methodist, and he makes an appeal from the decision of his church to the Troy Conference.—Rel. Tel.
Faith Grows by Living It
FAITH is the very life of the spirit.—How should we maintain it, how increase it? By living it. Faith grows with well-doing. What little faith you have, only live it for one day and it will be stronger tomorrow.
Voice from the Fifth Century
VOICE FROM THE FIFTH CENTURY.—Chrysostom, on false teachers, says, "When thou seest the holy Scriptures regarded as an abomination by men that outwardly profess to be Christians, and those that teach God's word, hated; when the people rush to hear fable-mongers and genealogies and teachings of demons, then bethink thee of the saying, 'In the last days there shall be an apostasy from the faith.' —Voice of the Church, p. 298.
J. W
By James White
REMARKS on the above may be proper. We would here state that our mind rests upon the West as the great field of successful labor. The experienced friends of the cause are few in the West; but the few, with the special blessing of God, can accomplish much, provided they put forth extra efforts. The time is not far distant when in the West there will be a valiant host to help forward the cause of truth by one united effort with their means and their prayer. Then means will be plenty; doubtless there will be more than can be judiciously used for the Lord. But at the present time the friends of the cause should, we think, spare neither labor nor means, to put forth efforts to spread the truth in the West, and thus commence in earnest the great work in the West.
It is true that the infant cause in the West has been chilled by the Age to Come, and the flock scattered, and the friends of the Third Message there saddened by its dire influence, but better days have already come. The leaders have run from one heretical sentiment to another till the candid are losing confidence in them. And judging by the course others have taken, we should not be surprised to hear that they had given up the Lord's Sabbath. Such men cannot long hinder the work of God.
We wish here to remark particularly upon the importance of teaching those who have just commenced to keep the Lord's Sabbath, to delay not to do their whole duty. As they begin to walk in the path of duty, lead them along over the whole road as laid out in the scriptures. Then is the time they can easiest consecrate all they have to the Lord. But if they do not learn this lesson, the world will again call their undivided attention, and they soon lose their interest in the cause of truth. Are they christians? then let them learn fast what God at this time requires of christian. They are safe only walking the christian road.
Those who take their stand on the side of the Lord's Sabbath, should become at once permanent subscribers of the REVIEW, that they may have this means of instruction in the path of duty. They would gladly pay their own way in this cause, and help others too, if they were faithfully taught their duty. But we have observed that where books, as well as the REVIEW, have been given to some individuals, by brethren who have abundance of this world, the influence on them has been bad. They receive the idea that they have nothing to do in the work but to read and hear. They do not think of the editor, the printer and the preacher—how they live—what supports them. It is our solemn conviction that in most cases a fair compensation should be required for our publications. And it is a fact that most people, especially those we hope to benefit, would choose to pay for them. Publications would be thought less of if urged upon them without pay. We would here recommend the plan on which Eld. Himes acted in the first Message. He offered all his books for sale before immense audiences, and stated that if there were those present not prepared to purchase, they could have them free, as he was anxious all should read who wished to learn the reasons of their faith and hope.
We hope that Bro. Hart's propositions will be responded to by every friend of the cause in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. God's providence has opened the way to spread the truth in the West, and he calls on you, dear brethren, to let your light shine. God grant that the last golden rays of the gospel sun, now setting, may blaze all over the West, and thousands of precious souls have their path way lit up to mount Zion.
We now hope to be able to spend the Autumn months in the West.
J. W
A Call to Repentance and Missionary Effort
By J. Hart
To the Brethren in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, in Wis., Ills., and Iowa: I feel it duty to speak to you a few words through the Review. We have most of us the past Winter expressed our faith either publicly or privately that we were the people represented in Rev. iii, 14-22, whom God is calling to repent. And on conditions that we remain in a lukewarm state, Jesus says that he will spue us out his mouth.
Now this being the true testimony to us, and that we acknowledge it so, our responsibilities are increased. This brings us to take the last position that is to be occupied by the true church, (as to perfection,) previous to translation. And we should be very careful not to rest on the feeble effort we have already put forth, but to show by our works that our repentance is true and genuine. And as we love the truth, let us remember that there are those that will love it as well as we, if they can only have opportunity to receive it.
Then the question comes up, How can they receive it? How can they hear without a preacher? And how can he preach without he is sent? And again, how can he go without the necessary means to go with? Now if these things are necessary, there must be two prominent features to set out our faith. One to pray the Lord of harvest (and surely this must be in the time of harvest,) to send forth laborers into the field. Have we prayed this prayer as we ought? Have we laid hold of the arm of the Lord on this point as we ought? Have we stood in that place where we could put faith and works together? or have we lacked in faith and works also? I fear there has been a lack of both, or Jesus would never have said that there must be a change or he would spue us out of his mouth. There seems to be a lack of true, genuine faith and corresponding works.
Dear brethren and sisters, may the Lord help us to come up to the standard that is set before us, and let faith and corresponding works shine forth in these States, to show that our faith is true. And if this be the case, the image of Jesus will be manifested in our lives to those around us.
We have now before us a large field of labor, and in this field there are but few laborers. Our labor should be laid out to the best advantage. We have therefore thought best to go forth into the field before us with a Tent. We wish therefore to go in that way that will prove the most beneficial to convince those before whom we may come that this is a Message that God accompanies by his Spirit. We must have the prayers of the church. There must be a union between the church and those who go forth to proclaim the truth. This sympathy will be seen, if it exists, in works. Shall we see it, brethren, this season? Shall we take that position in the commencement that we may have the Lord to go to battle with us?
So far as I have seen the brethren, there seems to be a willingness to take hold of this work. We have now between two and three hundred dollars pledged in the churches in Whiteside and Jo Daviess Counties.
We wish therefore to say, Let those who wish to share in the blessing that may follow in getting this glorious truth before the people, lend a helping hand by giving some of their means to aid in this work.
We wish to raise a fund to be laid out in books, suitable to be handed out at the tent-meetings without charge, in that way that they may go into all the families that shall be at the meetings, who wish. Thus far, since it was proposed, it meets the minds of the church.
We would say to the brethren and sisters, Send in your pledges what you will do. If you are situated in churches, send them in as a church; if individually, send them in so, and we will report through the Review that it may be known that it is received. Put the amount that you wish to give for Tent and the expenses following it, and also what you wish to give to be handed out in books as set forth in the above.
May the Lord prosper this enterprise, is the prayer of your unworthy servant.
J. HART.
P. S. Direct to Round Grove, Whiteside Co., Ills., to J. Hart or Elon Everts, that either may take it from the Office.
APPOINTMENTS.
By Editor
Eastern Tour.
PROVIDENCE permitting, Bro. and Sr. White will meet with the brethren and sisters in Conference at West Winfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 16th and 17th.
Also at Springfield, Mass., May 23d and 24th.
Pledges for Power Press.
D. R. Palmer, . . . paid, . . . $100.00.
A. L. Burwell, . . . . . . 100.00.
E. Everts, . . . . . . . 100.00.
R. Godsmark, . . . . . . 100.00.
John Byington, . . . paid, . . . 100.00.
C. G. Cramer, . . . . . . 100.00.
Wm. Peabody, . . . . . . 100.00.
H. Bingham, . . . . . . 100.00.
H. Childs, . . . . . . . 100.00.
Jas. Stiles, . . . . . . 100.00.
E. Aldrich, . . . . . . . 100.00.
Geo. Leighton, . . . . . . 100.00.
Geo. T. Lay, . . . . . . 100.00.
Ch. in Jackson, Ohio, . . . 100.00.
E. Wilbur, . . . . . . . 100.00.
S. Rumery, . . . . . . . 100.00.
A. B. Pearsall, . . . paid, . . . 100.00.
The Power Press.
By James White
Probably, it will require from $2500 to $3000 to purchase the Press, and put it in motion. Of this sum $1700 have been pledged, in sums of $100 each, by seventeen persons. eleven of them in this State. The money will probably be wanted by the first of June. Those who have pledged will be notified by letter when and where to send the amount pledged. Or if any choose, they can send bankable funds to the Office immediately. We have hoped, and shall continue to hope, that the amount will be raised in sums of $100. Let two or three persons put their means together to this amount. We hope several will be ready at the Conferences at Winfield, N. Y., and Springfield, Mass., to furnish means to help purchase the Press.
J. W.
New Exposition of Daniel and the Sanctuary
By Editor
A Brief Exposition of Daniel ii, vii, viii, ix, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary.—This is the title of a Work just published, it being our old Work on the Four Universal Monarchies of Daniel, &c, somewhat improved. Price, post-paid, 10 cts.
Bible Student's Assistant
By Editor
Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. We can recommend this little work as one of great worth to those especially who are engaged in the study of the holy Scriptures. 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.
The Danger of Misguided Zeal
Zeal not rightly directed is pernicious; for, as it makes a good cause better, so it makes a bad cause worse.
Jews Changing the Sabbath.
The Baltimore True Union says: "The Lord's day services have of late been held by the Israelites of our city. A call is now made for a decision, as to the permanent continuance of the arrangement. This will prove an important step to the Jews, should the arrangement prove permanent."
Love for God and One Another
The more believers love God, the more they love one another; as the lines of a circle, the nearer they come to the center, the nearer they come to each other.
The Sabbath Loves the Poor
Yes, child of suffering, thou mayest well be sure,
He who ordained the Sabbath loves the poor.
Business Items.
By Editor
C. Truman:—We will put your paper at half price, in which case your remittance will extend to No. I, Vol. XII.
Jno. Young:—Your papers are sent regularly.
S. D. Stevens:—Your paper has been regularly sent.
H. W. Lawrence:—The Bible Student's Assistant will probably be completed this week, and we will then forward as you order.
Books Sent.—L. D. Ayres, Ills. N. Guider, Ind. T. Bryant, Me. B. F. Brockway, Vt. H. W. Lawrence, N. Y. Wm. Dawson, Iowa. R. D. Waterman, Me.
Receipts.
By Editor
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. N. Curtis, 1,00,xi,1. N. G. Needham, 1,00,xi,1. J. Cornell. 1,00,xi,1. Wm. Merry, 2,00,xi,1. I. Gardner, 1,00,x,14. B. M. Adams, 1,00,xi,1. Charlotte A. Alley 1,00,xi,1. Isaac Jones, 1,00,x,14. Sr. Jones, (for P. Drew,) 0,50,xi,1. J. Pemberton, 1,00,xi,1. M. Tyler 2,00,xi,1. L. W. Nuttall 2,00,xi,1. Sr. F. M. Palmiter (for J. Palmiter,) 1,00,xii,1. E. M. L. Cory 1,00,xi,1. C. Truman 3,00,xii,1. L. Bolton (for R. D. Waterman,) 1,00,xii,1. S. A. Proctor 1,00,x,8. Isaac Brown 1,00,xi,1. T Bryant Jr. 1,00,xi,1. Wm. Bryant 1,00,xii,1, Wm. Bryant (50 cts. each for B. Woodman & W. Howard,) 1,00, each to xi,1. Mrs. A. Andrews 2,00,xi,1. M. Mott 1,50,x,14. E. Everts (for W. P. Curtis) 1,00,xi,1. E. Everts (for R. D. Ryder) 2,00,xii,1. Danl. Eaton 3,25,xiii,1. Jno. Young 2,00,x,1.. Mrs. S. Greenman 2,00,xii,6. D. Eaton (for L. Eaton) 1,59,xi,11. C. Pangburn 1,00,xi,1. A sister in Vt. 2,00,xii,1. Mrs. M. A. Eaton 1,00,xi,1. J. H. Ginley 1,00,xi,1. Wm. Sevey 1,00,xi,1. H. Lyon 1,00,xi,1. A. M. Preston 1,00,xi,1. B. F. Brockway 1,00,x,23. M. Fairbanks 1,00,x,1. J. E. Titus 1,00,xi,1. J. E. Titus (for Wm. E. Whitney) 0,35,x,14. J. E. Titus (for H. S. Saunders) 0,59,xi,1. W. Bedient 1,00,xi,1. Jno. Palmiter 1,00,xi,1. L. Bolton 100,xi,1. C. N. Russell (50 cts. each for B. Stout & A. Buck) 1,00, each to xi,1. J. Day 1,00,xi,1. Jno. Gibson 1,viii,1. Sally Peck (2 copies) 2,00,x,21. E. S. Lewis 1,00,xi,1.
Mich. Tent Contributions
For MICH. TENT.—Sr. H. Godsmark $2. Mrs. M. A. Eaton $1. J. E. Titus $2.