NOTHING can give more force to the language of Scripture in which are recorded the signs of the last days, than the fact, that we can scarcely look abroad anywhere upon the wide world without beholding the fulfillment of these very signs going on before us. The living nations of the earth as well as the elements of nature, seem conspiring to work out a most striking fulfillment of what God caused to be written on the page of prophecy, eighteen hundred years ago. And the mighty printing-presses of this enlightened century are groaning day and night to inform us that events have now become veritable matters of history, which have long lain hidden in the womb of prophecy. Dr. Cumming, of England, thus speaks of these unconscious witnesses to the truth of revelation: "If I want to see prophecy rushing into performance; if I want to see the evidence of God's inscribing upon the world's tablets, what he has written upon the Bible's page, I take up one of the morning or daily newspapers, and I read there what is now going on—the fulfillment of prophecy." Again he says: "The writers in the Times, the Morning Herald, the Morning Post, the Daily News, sit down faithfully and very graphically to record what they see; and we in our studies compare what they have recorded with what God has written 1800 years before; and we find they are the unconscious amanuenses of the fulfillment of truth, voices sounding in the desert of the world, 'Thy word, O God, is truth.'"
The point to which we would call attention in these lines, is the cry of "Peace and safety" that is being heard in the land. It is written that there shall be upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity and that men's hearts shall fail for fear. But it is written again, that when they shall cry "Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." Will men cry, Peace and safety, when their hearts are failing them for fear? It would not be reasonable to suppose thus; and hence we conclude that there will be an occasional alleviation of the perplexity of the nations, and a restraining of their anger. This work is expressed by the angel which John saw ascending from the east, when he cries to those holding the four winds, saying, Hold, and hurt not the earth, till we have sealed the servants of our God. Rev. vii, 1-3. The phraseology also of 1 Thess. v, 3, may throw light on this point. We have at any rate we think sufficient ground for the conclusion that the last throes of this expiring world, will be accompanied by intervals of comparative peace and quiet—intervals long enough for Satan, ever busy in times of danger with deadening opiates, to accomplish a work, specious indeed, but fatal beyond remedy.
But is the cry of "Peace and safety" being heard? Listen. Says the American Messenger, "At the late splendid coronation of Alexander II, as emperor of all the Russias, celebrated in the ancient city of Moscow—on which occasion England and France rivalled each other in doing honor to their so recently inveterate and formidable foe—the young emperor to consecrate the memory of the occasion, and of the nation's rest from its gigantic struggles, issued his 'manifesto of grace' in thirty-six separate articles, bestowing immense boons and privileges on the Russian people.
"We cannot but pause here to recognize the power of a wonder-working God. Who, one year since, when the dreadful conflict of three mighty empires filled the world with terror, could have believed that what we now record was possible? And cannot the same God of heaven and earth work equal blessings for our own country—calm our existing agitations and fears, and fill our hearts with praise?"
We have emphasized the above as we think the subject demands. But mark the tenor of the extract. A year ago the conflict of three mighty empires filled the world with terror; and who could then have believed that what we now record was possible: all has calmed down again; treaties of peace have been ratified; the belligerent armies have withdrawn from the field of war; and France and England vie with each other in doing honor to their recently inveterate foe; while it is claimed that immense advantages will result from the war to the cause of Christian religion in Turkey. Apparently all is right. The superficial observer sees now no cause of alarm; and "Peace!" and "Safety!" is the response that breaks from the deceived but hopeful multitudes. But prophecy has attached a fearful echo to this siren song: it is that then sudden destruction cometh upon them which they cannot escape; and thus the cry of peace becomes in the believer's ears, but the herald of death.
The writer in the Messenger admits that in regard to Europe, existing fears and agitations have been calmed, and hearts have been filled with praise. He then asks, Cannot the same God work equal blessings for our own country? God can indeed restrain the angry elements, not only in Europe, but also in our own land, if this be necessary to the fulfillment of his word. He can and will restrain the winds, so long as their blowing will endanger the progress of his cause and the safety of his people. But if men will seize upon these occasions to lull themselves into a carnal security, they do so at their own peril. Brethren, let us view these things in the light of revelation, and see to it that the words of Paul may apply to us: Ye brethren are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief, 1 Thess. v, 4.
If the eye of any should rest upon these lines to whom we appear as one who mocks, we would remind him that Lot appeared in the same light to his profligate sons-in-law; but a greater destruction than that of Sodom, now overshadows the world.
But thoughts of peace and safety in regard to the condition of Europe are by no means well founded. Europe is "like the troubled sea when it cannot rest." A graphic description of its volcanic state, is given in the following which we extract from an article credited to the London Christian Times:5
"If we are to credit the hints thrown out from time to time in the Journals that affect to be in the confidence of Government, Europe is on the eve of a new convulsion. The elements of discontent have long been in existence, from one end of the Italian Peninsula to the other, and they have at length arrived at a point which threatens immediate explosion. We have often dwelt upon the complication of evils, both of a political and religious character, which affect the inhabitants of that unfortunate country, and we wish now, in a few words, to direct attention to the new and ominous phase into which they have at last entered.
"Austria and Piedmont have long been facing each other in a menacing attitude—each as it were with their hands on their swords. It is probable they would have come to blows even now but for the late war and the gallant manner in which the little Italian State threw her weight into the fortunes of the Allies. There was then gallantry in the act. There was consummate policy also. Her army in the Crimea averted for the time the descent of the Austrian sword in Italy; but, now that the war is over, and Austria is relieved from the obligations to good behavior under which it bound her, she has cast about for pretexts to carry into effect her original policy of hostility to Sardinia in truly Austrian fashion—that is, with falsehood, insolence, and wrong. *
"While these things take place in the north of Italy, matters are little better in the south. The king of Naples, we are told, has taken fright at the insolent tone of his first reply to the remonstrance against his misgovernment, addressed to him by the Governments of Great Britain and France, and has already sent—so it is stated—a retraction and an apology; but as to the main ground of remonstrance he continues as obdurate as ever. He will give no redress, consent to no mitigation, open no prison-doors. He persists in maintaining his right to do what he will in his own kingdom, and refuses to hold himself accountable to any one for his acts. Now it was to be supposed that when France and England took the unusual step of remonstrating with a monarch on the misgovernment of his own territories, they did not mean to content themselves with mere remonstrance. A nation's words are acts, or they are worse than ridiculous. As it is probable that his subjects will not much longer tolerate such a hideous harleque upon all settled government, they can only anticipate a revolution, at no great distance. *
"It is impossible to deny these are grave complications of affairs, and that they bode no good to the future peace of Europe. It is easy to begin a war in Italy, but it cannot be confined there. All the elements of dissatisfaction now existing over Europe—and they are many—will be brought within its reach, and will supply new fuel to its all-devouring flame. Compared with such a war as Italy would give rise to, the late conflict, with all its losses and all its suffering, would prove but as the few drops before the thunder-shower."
HOW TO SPEAK.
By John Harvey Waggoner
At this time of strong delusions and general declension of piety we should “search the Scriptures” with all diligence, that all may know for themselves what is the will of God concerning us, and that we be not put to shame before the world by those who would turn us and others away from the truth. But there are many who have searched the word and are very ready to tell what is truth, who know not how to answer nor in what manner to speak according to the will of God.
Says Peter: “Be ready always to give an answer to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Margin, reverence. 1 Pet. iii, 15.
Says Paul: “Speaking the truth in love.” Eph. iv. 15.
If all should follow these divine directions, then would God be glorified where now his truth is reproached. Too many speak the truth in a boasting manner, and sometimes with a tone of defiance, as though the speaker would dare some one to meet him. “This wisdom cometh not from above.” They that know the present truth should have compassion on the ignorant. “What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory?”
I have known a young man to attack one much older than himself, who had not considered the subject of the Sabbath, and because he could not successfully meet the argument, turn upon him with raillery, tell him he could not do it, &c., till the person so assailed became disgusted with such unbecoming conduct; and then, instead of being ashamed of his course, he would go away and boast of what he had done! Poor youth; he knew not the stain he had brought upon the cause of Christ, or the almost irreparable injury he had done to his fellow-man.
In some places it is almost impossible to get a hearing because of the influence of certain individuals who are always ready to talk, but whose talk and whose lives are alike a reproach to the cause.
To speak the truth in love, we must love both the truth spoken, and the person or persons spoken to. Many have lessons of discretion to learn on this subject, and it is high time they were learning them. Let this be our rule, to be always willing to bear the reproach of the cause of Christ, and always careful that we do not bring a reproach upon it.
J. H. W.
THE NEW BIRTH.
[The following we extract from a pamphlet entitled, “The Plain Way, or Conviction, Conversion and the New Birth,” published by J. Lenfest, Machiasport, Me.]
Do not the Scriptures teach that a man must be born again before he can see the kingdom of heaven?
They certainly do. The Saviour says, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John iii, 3.
Does not this new birth take place at conversion?
I think not. The Scriptures teach that it does not take place until the resurrection from the dead.
I have always understood that regeneration took place at conversion; but, if it is not so, I wish to know the truth in the case.
I am aware that yours is the popular idea of the new birth, but let us to the law and to the testimony. But what do you understand constitutes regeneration?
The common idea is that it is being changed from a state of sin to holiness; from the service of Satan to God.
Well, let us first find the meaning of the word, and then see how it is used in the Scriptures. The term regenerate is compound; i.e., composed of two words, re and generate. The term generate indicates the first birth. Re is a prefix, and, joined with generate, indicates a second birth. To be regenerated, then, one must, 1. Be born; 2 Die; and 3. Be raised from the dead. We find it used twice in the New Testament. The first instance is found in Matt. xix, 28, where the Saviour says to his disciples, “Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Here you see that regeneration, and the sitting of the Son of man in the throne of his glory, are simultaneous events.
I have always read this passage with the understanding that his disciples followed him in the act of regeneration.
That they followed him in the act? Did Jesus undergo a “moral regeneration”—a birth from sin to holiness?
No, no; it cannot be so. Jesus never sinned—consequently had no need to be regenerated in that sense; but when does he sit in the throne of his glory?
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” Matt. xxv, 31.
It must be, then, that regeneration takes place at that time; for at his second coming the resurrection takes place. But where is the other text where this word is used?
In the letter of Paul to Titus, in which, speaking of the love and kindness of God towards us, he says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus iii, 5.
What is to be understood by the “washing of regeneration”?
Baptism, which is a sign of regeneration. As I showed you on a former occasion, we are “buried with Christ in baptism”—planted in the likeness of his death.” This shows that we are dead with Christ; and being “planted in the likeness of his death,” we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Thus, baptism becomes a sign of regeneration.
What is meant by “the renewing of the Holy Ghost?”
It has reference to the Spirit which we receive after baptism, and on account of which our “mortal bodies” will be quickened at the last day. Compare Acts ii, 38, with Rom. viii, 11.
This is altogether a new idea to me, that men are “born again” by the resurrection from the dead. Has there ever been an instance of it?
Yes; Jesus Christ himself experienced such a birth. Hence he is called “the first-born from the dead” [Col. i, 18,] and “the first-begotten from the dead.” Rev. i, 5.
This is plain, certainly; but are there any passages that as plainly teach that his people will be born in like manner?
I think that there are. The Saviour is called “the first-fruits of them that slept.” 1 Cor. xv, 20. Under the Levitical law the people were required to bring the first-fruits of their increase and present them to the Lord—afterwards, the entire harvest was gathered in. So, in this case, Jesus Christ is the first-fruits of them that slept; at his second coming, the entire harvest—all of his true followers—will be gathered into the garner of God. Think you that the first-fruits and the harvest resembled each other?
Without doubt they did; but will Jesus Christ and his people resemble each other?—will they be of the same character?
Doubtless they will. The apostle says, “Forasmuch, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.” Heb. ii, 14. . . . “And as we have borne the image of the earthy Adam, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. xv, 49.
How will this be brought about?
By the resurrection from the dead. Hence we look for the “Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Phil. iii, 20, 21. We with Paul wait for the “adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Rom. viii, 23. . . . For “it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John iii, 2.
Are there any other passages that teach that we are to be born again at the resurrection?
Yes; one very important text is found in Rom. viii, 29. Speaking of God, Paul says, “Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren.”
Does the Saviour call his followers brethren?
He does; he is “not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb. ii, 11. But what should you infer from the expression, “That he might be the first-born among many brethren?”
I must acknowledge that it looks reasonable that his followers will be born as he was—born from the dead, born by the resurrection; but are they not called the children of God now?
Yes; they are children by adoption, but not in the full sense of the word. The Saviour says of them who have a part in the first resurrection, “Neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being children of the resurrection.” Luke xx, 36. Why do you suppose they are called “the children of the resurrection?”
It must be because they are brought into being the second time by the birth from the dead.
True; the first birth introduced them into natural life; the second, or birth from the dead, introduces them into life eternal. Now, they are the children of God by adoption; by the birth from the dead, they become so in the full sense of the word.
A few thoughts on the Philadelphia and Laodicean Churches.
By Stephen N. Haskell
I noticed a piece in Review No. 23, Vol. VIII, under the title, "Watchman, What of the night?"
The subject referred to has been one of deep interest to me for some three months past. And did I know it to be the will of the Lord, I would be glad to write my firm convictions concerning what I believe to be truth on all points in regard to the Philadelphia and Laodicean states of the church. But at the present time I wish only to throw out a few ideas in relation to Rev. iii, 18-21.
I have for some time been led to believe that the message to the Laodiceans belongs to us; i. e., to those who believe in the Third Angel's Message, from many reasons which I consider to be good. I will mention two.
If the seven churches in Asia represent the seven states of the church, (which we have sufficient reasons for believing,) then the message to the angel of the church at Ephesus (which is the first) must refer to the primitive church; or to the first state of the church. The second message to the second state, the third message to the third state, and so on, till we come to the sixth state, which is the Philadelphia state, which, as I understand, we came to in 1844.
Now if I am right thus far, the seventh message, which is to the Laodicean, must refer to the seventh state of the church; for, mark, he is giving us a history of the church, or his people. The church, or God's people, are those who walk in the light of the present truth. At the present time it is those who are in the light of the Third Angel's Message. It cannot be the nominal churches; for they are cold, and became so by rejecting the former messages; and the same reason is sufficient to prove that it cannot be the nominal Adventists; for they as a body have rejected the Third Angel's Message.
2. The "white raiment," which I understand to be the "wedding garment," belongs to, and only to, those who believe in the Message. This I shall attempt to prove.
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me." This is the language of the True Witness to us.
1st, I understand that we, in 1844 came into a different age of the world, called a "dispensation of the fullness of times." Eph. i, 10. "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him."
The great lever that moved the world in 1844 was the two thousand three hundred days, which marked at least four events: 1st, Sixty-nine weeks unto Messiah the Prince. 2d, Midst of the week, or sixty-nine and a half, to the ceasing of the sacrifice and oblation, the virtue of which ceased at the crucifixion of Christ. 3d, Seventy weeks which were determined, or cut off, for the Jews. 4th, The two thousand and three hundred days, reaching to the cleansing of the Sanctuary.
Now when we read of the fullness of times, how can we say "The fullness of times," until we arrive at "the fullness of times?" And we certainly did not arrive at the fullness of times until 1844.
2d. The gospel dispensation is called a dispensation of grace. Eph. iii, 2. The object of this dispensation is to gather to a oneness. Eph. i, 10. In the former dispensation we were to buy "wine" and "milk;" now it is "gold," "white raiment," and "eye-salve." Formerly we were to knock and have it opened to us; but now he knocks and we open to him. Compare Isa. lv, 1; Matt. vii, 7, 8; with Rev. iii, 20; Luke xii, 36; Song Solomon v, 1-6. What sense would there be in buying eye-salve to see, if there was not something more to see?
While the true Witness calls on us to buy gold, white raiment and eye-salve, he says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me."
Again, 1 Pet. i, 19. "We have a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well to take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the morning star arise in your hearts." (Macknight.) In Rev. xxii, 16, we are informed that Jesus is "the bright and morning Star." Him that overcometh has the promise of the morning Star. Rev. ii, 26-28.
Now I wish to throw out a few ideas about the white raiment, and I will close. Matt. xxii, 11-13. "And when the King came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment, and said unto him, How camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the King to his servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
This individual doubtless represents a class of individuals which are found "in" a certain place not having on a wedding garment, and in consequence of not having on a wedding garment are cast out and destroyed.
This wedding garment I understand to be the white raiment. Compare verse 12 with Rev. iii, 17, 18; xix, 14; xii, 3, and we learn what it is. Now the question at once arises, In what place is he found?
In the parable of Matt. xxv, we read, "The Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him!" Mark the cry, Go ye out to meet him. Now here is order: 1st, They go out to meet him, and do meet him; and, 2d, they go in to the marriage. This point I understand met a fulfillment by a movement of the church similar to this in 1844. But did the church in 1844 make a move which answered to the going in to the marriage? I think not. Most thought probation ended. Some thought Christ came, &c. So it was that some thought one thing and some another. No one knew.
But when light on the Third Angel's Message dawned and we saw the light in regard to the Sanctuary, &c., then could we understand Rev. iii, 7, 8; then could we understandingly go in, or in other words, go in to the Most Holy Place by faith?
Hence it is thus: 1st, The midnight cry carries us out to meet the Bridegroom; while in the second place the Third Angel's Message carries us in by explaining the way. This is as I understand it thus far.
A theory of the Third Angel's Message never, no never, will save us, without the wedding garment, which is the righteousness of the saints. We must perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.
Probably there has been no time that a theory of the Message has been understood better than now. I mean among those who believe. But yet it is a well-known fact that there is a great, yes, very great, lukewarmness throughout the entire church. Pride, popularity, a worldly-mindedness, &c., &c., are in the ranks of the remnant. They are rich in theory, but know not that they are poor, miserable, blind and naked. Hence the language, Buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and eye-salve that thou mayest see.
I firmly believe that the loud cry to the Message is right upon us, and the knocking of Christ at the door of our hearts is begetting in us a cry which will result in the loud cry of the Message.
There will be a portion of us who are "in" who will not have on the wedding garment. They will realize their position when it will be too late. They will then rise up to open the door to the Beloved, but he will have withdrawn himself. They will seek him but cannot find him. They will call, but he will give them no answer. Song v, 6. Then he will say to the servants, Bind them hand and foot and cast them out; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Mat. xxii, 13.
STEPHEN N. HASKELL.
Princeton, Mass.
COMMUNICATIONS.
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Sister Ayers.
Bro. Smith: It is with hesitation that I take the liberty to address you, being a stranger not only to the brethren generally, but partially to your peculiar views.
About twenty-eight or thirty years since, there was a great excitement in the vicinity where I lived in consequence of the prophecies being proclaimed, that soon the Saviour would return; and that the end of all things was near. Though I was then only ten or twelve years old, the idea of seeing my Saviour so soon thrilled my soul with emotions of pleasure. Though the prophecy apparently failed at that time, the impression remained; and often in my wanderings, my favorite lines would give vent to my pent up aspirations:
'How long, dear Saviour, O how long
Shall that bright hour delay?
Fly swiftly round, ye wheels of time,
And bring the welcome day.'
When Wm. Miller's book was published it was read with interest; though I doubt the propriety or ability of man to fix a definite time. Our Saviour did not think it necessary to tell his disciples, though they inquired; but admonished them again and again to watch: "Watch lest that day come upon you unawares." The prophecies are fast fulfilling, and I have sometimes fondly hoped that I should live to see that blessed day.
About the year 1836, the claims of heaven compelled me to forsake the traditions of men, and "Remember the Sabbath." My motto from a child has ever been to believe and obey whatever the Bible taught me, though the whole world should oppose. Being only desirous of truth, I have tried, unbiased, to bring each new theory advanced, "To the law and to the testimony," adopting such as stood the test.
I have never heard any of your people preach; have not even an acquaintance with them; but I have taken the Review and Herald about six months; and it comes like a dear friend, to call my attention from cares and toil, to look forward to that rest that remains for the people of God.7We feel lonely, being separated from all Sabbath-keepers, or those who take the Bible for their guide. How grateful would be the message of love and truth to our hearts, could we have the privilege that some of our brethren and sisters have, of sitting to listen from week to week to the words of life. Why cannot some of our brethren come this way? How can the people believe, that of which they have heard, nought, save reproach and denunciation? Truly that prophecy seems to be fulfilling, which says, "That day shall not come except there come a falling away first and the man of sin be revealed," &c.
Brethren and sisters, let us be careful to maintain an intimacy with the Judge, that we may be found friends and not enemies in that great day of reckoning.
Yours in hope.
L. M. T. Ayers.
Canton, Ills., Oct. 28th, 1856.
Note.—There are various prophetic periods given in the Scriptures which can be clearly located. Events are clearly given which mark their commencement, and hence we can tell definitely where they terminate. Were this not so, they would be useless; but we cannot believe that any part of revelation is useless. Our mistake lay in supposing that those periods reached to the coming of Christ, whereas they only brought us to events which immediately precede his coming; and in view of this light we contend that no one, from any data given in the Bible, can tell the definite time of Christ's coming. We believe that we are now in the patient waiting; and we have this blessed assurance to encourage us, that "yet a little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry." We trust that the "fond hopes" of our sister as well as our own, will shortly be realized in meeting our coming Deliverer, and "beholding the King in his beauty.—Ed.
A PRAYER.
By J. Curtis
Lord, give me a spirit of prayer,
And wisdom to pray as I ought,
Endue me with patience to bear
Whatever may fall to my lot.
Lord, clothe me with patience and love,
And let me seem just what I am;
Descend, thou celestial dove,
And make me as mild as a lamb.
Lord help me to purge out the dross,
And cleanse me from all that is wrong,
That I may not shrink at the cross,
Which does to thy chosen belong.
Let praise and thanksgiving abound,
Which flow from my heart and my breath;
That I in the way may be found,
Which leads from the realms of death.
Let honesty, virtue and peace,
Be printed so deep in my heart,
That when earthly comforts shall cease,
My treasure shall never depart.
Let honesty, truth be my guide,
And may I be faithful and just;
With oneness in Jesus abide,
And share in the heavenly rest.
Make me to be simple and low,
And walk in humility's vale,
Where life, love and harmony flow,
And blessings that never will fail.
Thy presence, O God, I entreat,
My spirit completely resign:
Help me to be wise and discreet,
May love and submission be mine.
J. Curtis.
Worcester Co., Mass.
Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
Chas. Davis writes from Woodstock, Oct 11th, 1856: "Myself and family have been very much afflicted the past year; yet the Lord in his mercy has sustained us and brought us thus far, for which we praise his holy name. He does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men; but for our profit, that we may learn to trust in him. The friends of the cause have been good to continue my paper so long. I do not feel that I am one of the worthy poor, I feel very unworthy of such favors; but my prayer is, that the Lord will comfort and support you in your ardent zeal for the cause, and the good of souls.
"The cause is dear to me. The Lord is doing up his last work. The Third Angel's Message is the last Message of mercy to be given to fallen man. When this closes, he that is holy will be holy still, and he that is filthy will be filthy still."
Bro. B. Miles writes from Plainfield, Ills., Oct. 1856: "I long to be where I can join hands with all the blood-washed throng. O brethren, be faithful, I believe the battle is soon coming between the 'two kingdoms' I have made up my mind that the brethren have the truth concerning the state of the church. O, Lord, arouse us from stupidity. I was glad to hear again the inquiry, Watchman, what of the night? Truly we want to know what of the night; also of the morning.
"I would be glad to have some one come this way and preach to us here in a large harvest-field, where laborers are few."
Sister S. Shaw writes from Brookfield, Vt., "Surrounded as I am by a wicked world, and worldly-minded professors, and friends that hate the truth, how prone I am to step aside to do that I should not; but I mean to be an overcomer, and stand on the mount Zion. The privilege of meeting with one of like precious faith rejoices my heart. Such has been my privilege the last week; and my heart feels strengthened in the truth of the Bible. I feel like pressing my way through. Jesus says, If they have persecuted me they will also persecute you."
Bro. Samuel Everett writes from Iowa City, Iowa: "We have several Sabbath-keepers in Iowa, but they are few and far between as yet. When we first came to this State, we did not know of any others but our family. But the emigration to the West is bringing some. We need them all over the State to reprove Sunday-keepers and Sunday-breakers, and to hold up the light of present truth.
"We want a single young brother to live with us at present, who loves the Sabbath of the Lord, and would like to live in the West. Such a one can write us on reading this. We would be glad to receive a communication from him. May the Lord strengthen you to perform your arduous labor of love."
Bro. Jos. Dudley writes from Canaan, Me.: "I can say with all my heart the Review is to me a welcome visitor, and I believe it is so to every lover of truth, although Satan, and wicked men, and seducers, are bent on its overthrow. Although Satan has come down with such mighty power, yet we have the blessed promise that they that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abideth forever. While we can feel that blessed assurance in our hearts that the Lord is for us, we have nothing to fear.
"I rejoice that even in these last days of peril and danger, the Lord is brightening up the prospect before us, and is confirming my hopes, increasing my faith, and enlarging my desires for holiness of heart. And while I now write, my heart flows out to God in praise that I ever heard the glorious sound of the Third Angel's Message, and the prayer of my heart is, that all the dear saints may commence anew to bind their life-preserver about them, (the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus,) with cords that cannot be sundered by Satan's fiery darts; that when the wrath of God shall burst upon an ungodly world, we may feel safe from fear of evil, having the Lord for our sun and shield. Although a thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, yet it shall not come nigh us. Only with our eyes shall we behold the reward of the wicked.
"The ardent desire of my heart is, that the saints of God may as one arise and put on strength. For my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. And having so many promises left for our encouragement, let us strive to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord."
Bro. H. M. Kenyon writes from Monterey, Mich., Oct. 27th, 1856: "I am still trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I praise God that I ever had a mind to serve him. I feel to rejoice many times in the blessed hope of the soon coming of Christ. O shall I be one of that number which shall stand on mount Zion, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb: I fully believe we are the Laodicean church, and I am determined to repent by God's grace assisting me. I feel like consecrating myself to God a living sacrifice. I want all upon the altar that I may do all his will."
Sr. P. A. Dorsey writes from Bath, N. Y., "My paper is a welcome and not a neglected visitor. Were it not for that and my Bible, I know not where I should go in my lonely moments. O the blessed hope and the precious promises! I want to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, having my face set as a flint towards Zion."
Bro. E. Gridley writes from Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa.: "In prospect of a soon coming Saviour let us hold fast to the promises of God, obey his commandments, and bear persecutions with patience. I feel that we have much need of patience in these last days of peril."
Sister Lydia A. Clay writes from Lincoln, Vt., "I thank God that my eyes were ever opened to see the light on the Third Angel's Message and the Commandments of God, that have been so long trampled under foot. I thank the Lord for what he is doing for his children in these last days; for we are truly living in perilous times—a time when we need on the whole armor of God. I am striving to keep the Commandments of God that I may have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City."
Bro. & Sr. Cyrus and Lois Wheelock write from McHenry, Ills., Oct. 26th, 1856: "Your paper which was sent us by the interposition of kind and generous friends soon after we had removed to this place from the East, has been cordially received by us, and we trust, read with true respect to the Bible truths which it contains; but as our means are limited at the present, we shall be obliged to request you to accept one dollar and to discontinue the paper until our means will enable us to comply with its terms. We enclose one dollar and our sincere thanks, trusting that you together with all our christian friends, will be more abundantly rewarded at the resurrection of the just."
[Bro. & Sr. Wheelock will pardon us for not complying with their "request," but continuing to send their paper free, until circumstances will allow them to aid in the cause according to their desire.—Ed.]
Testimony to the Third Angel’s Message
By Nancy D. Greene
From Sister Greene.
BRO. SMITH: It is with feelings of deep interest in the cause of God, and with a heart of thankfulness to him for his mercies, that I am permitted to address these few lines to you as a sister of like precious faith.
I have often been cheered and revived when I have read from the pages of the Review the testimony of my brethren and sisters in favor of the cause of truth. I wish to add my testimony in the same cause; for, though the enemy is trying to impede its progress, it is nevertheless destined to go forward and accomplish its work, even the glorification of the Lord's name.
It is one year this present month since I first had light on the Third Angel's Message. I rejoice that I received the truth; for it gives me light on the past, the present, and the future. And I expect that by keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus I shall with all the children of God receive an abundant entrance into the eternal city.
O that every one of God's children would speak in the language of David when he said, "O how love I thy law. Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end. Thou art my hiding place, my shield. O God, I hope in thy word."
Your sister in hope of eternal life.
NANCY D. GREENE.
Wilson, N. Y.