Earlier text: PERPETUITY OF THE ROYAL LAWYouth's Instructor.
By Editor
WHEN we commenced the publication of the INSTRUCTOR, we intended to furnish original Sabbath-school Lessons, one for each week in the year. This we did do for several months; but poor health, and other duties obliged us to give them up. We then gave the best Lessons we could select from other works, but found it exceeding difficult to find a series of Lessons suited to the present wants of the youth. We feared the result—that the children would lose their interest in their little paper—that the Sabbath School in some places might be given up. We have not lost our interest for the religious instruction and salvation of the youth, and feel resolved to do our duty in this department. Bro. R. F. Cottrell has undertaken the work of preparing Sabbath-school Lessons. Four of them are given in No. 8 of the INSTRUCTOR. They are excellent. They contain sound reasoning from plain scripture testimony, and at the same time are simplified and brought to the capacity of children. Their value cannot be estimated. It is hoped that none of our readers who are parents or guardians of children, will withhold from them this means of instruction, which they can have for only 25 cents a year—free to the poor. Sabbath Schools should at once be commenced where there are none. Volume II is two-thirds completed, and many have forgotten (perhaps) to pay for it. Our terms are, "In advance, or within three months." If more convenient, send us 8 letter stamps. Will traveling brethren, agents and friends interest themselves in the circulation of the INSTRUCTOR. [[FIGURE]] This No. has been necessarily delayed. We design that the REVIEW for the future shall be mailed on the second day of each week. PROVED BY BUTLER'S CATECHISM.
By A. S. Hutchins
Not long since, during an interview with a Papist, he made a statement of what he regarded as being the true definition of the word, soul, and of what he believed would be its condition after death, and after the judgment. These views did not differ materially from the popular theology of the day. In vindication of which, he added, "And if you have read Butler's Catechism, you have found it there." I remarked that the Bible did not endorse such sentiments. "I know that" said he, "neither can you prove the Trinity from the Bible." Here then, thus far, we have an acknowledgment or confession of the faith of the Romish Church, for which its advocate laid no claim to any scriptural proof. Neither do Romanists regard the Bible as a sufficient rule of faith. But contrariwise: "The Bible does not contain all things necessary to salvation, and, consequently, can not be a sufficient rule of faith." Snre Way. The following we take from Butler's Catechism. "Ques. Where shall we find the truths God has taught?
"Ans. They are chiefly contained in the Apostles' creed.
"Q. What do you mean when you say, the soul is immortal?
"A. I mean that it can never die." (The soul that sinneth it shall die. Ezek. xviii, 4.) Page 4.
"Q. Say the third commandment?
"A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
"Q. What is commanded by the third commandment?
"A. To spend the Sunday in prayer and other religious duties." Page 26.
"Q. Are there any other commandments, besides the ten commandments of God?
"A. There are the commandments, or precepts of the church, which are chiefly six." Page 31, 32. The first of these commandments enjoins the duty upon Romanists, of hearing Mass on Sundays." To the above we might add that the second commandment of the decalogue is not to be found in the Catechism of the Papists. And also that the tenth commandment is divided into two. With the above facts before us, we see that the man of sin has thought "to change times and laws." And in addition to this, a commandment is given by the church, if possible, more fully to guard Sunday-keeping. In this latter point the Protestant churches differ but little—at the present day, from the Romish church: Sabbath-keepers having been excommunicated from these bodies, for breaking the church covenant, by keeping the Sabbath of the Lord God, instead of keeping Sunday.5 We further learn, that Romanists have a "thus saith the Pope, or the priest, or traditions," to offer, and urge in defence of their religious faith; while the child of God, in vindication of his faith in Christ, and of his hope of future bliss and glory, has a "thus saith the Lord." "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Christian being thus "thoroughly furnished unto all good works," with "weapons, [not carnal] but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds," should be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of his hope with meekness and fear. "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." But is it the prevailing practice of the teachers of the different religious bodies, and of their followers at the present day, to hold up to the world, as the man of their counsel, and the rule of their action, the Word of God, blazing with sacred truth? Do they consult this blessed word first and last and mainly, and earnestly and prayerfully seek for the saving truths therein contained, as one seeking and searching for hidden treasures? We think facts in the case, show the reverse to be true respecting many "strange and divers doctrines," promulgated in these days of peril. We would be saved from all hasty and uncharitable conclusions; but, it is greatly to be feared that catechisms, creeds and the inferences of Doctors of Divinity, are held in such an estimate by many of the professedly pious, that the plain, simple teachings of the sacred scriptures are overlooked, and the commandment of God made void through tradition. This most certainly is true in regard to the Sabbath; in proof of which, we have only to become acquainted with the various and conflicting opinions of those who have arrayed themselves against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Nothing can be more clearly expressed than, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God;" yet how dreadfully this text is mangled and wrested by many to favor the first-day theory. Some months since, a minister was requested by some of his hearers, to preach on the subject of the Sabbath, and present the claims for Sunday-keeping. He remarked that he had written a sermon with that object in view, and should deliver it soon. "But," said he, "it is a mixed up mess! There is hardly enough to make a sermon out of it. All you can make of it is one seventh part of time." The question was then asked, Does the fourth commandment of the decalogue teach that one seventh part of time is the Sabbath, without specifying any particular day? or does it teach that the seventh-day is the Sabbath? In reply he affirmed that it was one seventh part of time without reference to any definite day. Every candid and honest reader must see at once that the above method of interpretation would rob the Word of God of all definiteness, and leave us to the conjecture and speculation of every opposer of the truth. In view of this attempt and indeed every other, to sustain the first-day theory, we ask how much nearer the Bible truth has the Protestant arrived on this point, than the Papist who proves his religious faith by Butler's Catechism?
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Buck's Bridge, N. Y. Aug. 1st 1864. WE commence the sixth volume of the REVIEW with encouraging prospects. Its friends are gradually increasing; and we think they may safely expect that this volume will exceed those before it in interest. We hope to be able to give valuable articles from different brethren on the all-important subjects connected with the Christian's hope and duty, such as the Atonement, the Advent, Immortality alone through Christ, the Law of God and Bible holiness, together with communications from brethren and sisters, giving the state of the cause in the different parts of the field, and also personal experience. Speak often one to another, brethren, of your faith, hope, trials and joys, through the REVIEW. This adds life and interest to it for very many. This is the best time to obtain subscribers. Those desirous of extending the knowledge of the truth will please obtain subscribers for the REVIEW. We shall send back Nos. to all new subscribers for a few weeks, unless ordered to do otherwise. The receipts this week show the readiness of not a few to pay for this volume in advance. In order that we may meet our expenses, and publish the Hymn Book and other works in contemplation, all our readers will please follow the example set them in this number. Each church should look after their poor, and see that their papers are paid for. Agents will please collect money for the REVIEW, and forward it by Mail at our risk, unless the sum exceeds fifteen dollars; in that case they may obtain drafts at our expense, payable to our order. An Evil Remedied.
By Editor
WE have witnessed large assemblies at Advent meetings, where the expenses have fallen on a few individuals. A few sisters (some of them perhaps quite feeble) have had all the burden of the cooking for, and waiting upon, the many in attendance; so those in the vicinity of such meeting could not enjoy them, or be benefited by them. This evil can be remedied. Those who attend such meetings can take provisions and some bedding (if necessary) with them; they can try to wait upon themselves, and keep out of the way of those who have the care of the meeting upon them. Plain provisions are certainly best, and in accordance with the faith of God's remnant people. Let this plan be carried out, and the burden of meetings will not fall on a few, a door will not be opened for any to follow for "the loaves and fishes," and all may enjoy the meeting. JUDGING from what we have seen, we are satisfied that the time has fully come to move out with Tents in the different States where suitable men can be found to preach the Word, and where there are friends of the cause ready to furnish the necessary means to meet the expenses of such an enterprise. The time has come for the Lord's ministers to gird themselves anew for the work, and for the church to arise, and with their prayers, and some of their means, stay up their hands. The saddening trials which have arisen in some parts of the field, in consequence of false messengers, are passing away. The people have an ear to hear, and God forbid that we should hide our light under a bushel. We think there should be a Tent in Central and Western New York. There could be six or eight meetings held this season, and we should be ready for early operations next season. Those friends of the cause who would esteem it a privilege to give from $1 to $50 to purchase a Tent, and bear the expenses of Tent Meetings, will please address us immediately stating the sum they will give. Those Churches wishing Tent Meetings held in their vicinity, should send in seasonable requests. Communication From Bro. Seaman.
By E. R. Seaman
ALMOST thirteen years have elapsed since first attention was arrested in Rochester to the glad news of a soon coming Saviour. And while the mind is exercised in reflection on the past movement of God among his people, many and vivid are the associations that entwine around the memory of those glorious scenes. Happy and joyous were the feelings of those who honestly expected the speedy consummation of their hope; but disappointment and sadness was their cup. In referring briefly to the past, I wish to inquire if anything has failed, and if God has not fulfilled his word. First, the great movement on time, that the Saviour might be expected to return to this earth sometime during the year 1843, was but the fulfillment of the symbolic message of Rev. xiv, 6, and the great witness that the end was at hand, Matt. xxiv, 14. That a class of messengers did run through the length and breadth of this land, and also that a message based on time, was heard in every island and kingdom under heaven, is a historical fact in the past. The signs that God has hung out in the heavens, which no man living has been able to account for on any natural principles, all spoke in trumpet tones, The hour of his judgment is come. But the vision seemed to tarry. The year '43 passed. The eyes of the Advent host that arose and trimmed their lamps and went forth to meet the Bridegroom, were held. They could not perceive all the mind of the Spirit. The parable of the virgins is to be fulfilled in Advent history. Then came the proper application of the prophet Habakkuk: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry wait for it; because it will surely come it will not tarry." A little mistake in the commencement of the 2300 days (or years) showed that they must terminate on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month, 1844. Then soon was heard as the rushing of a mighty wind, the solemn cry, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him! Many nominal professors had supposed that by the passing of 1843, Millerism, as they chose to call it, was dead; and they were as much astonished as if they had heard a clap of thunder in a clear sky, so sudden and powerful was the movement from the time when the first notes of the midnight cry were heard, until the memorable tenth of the seventh month was fulfilled in Advent history. Therefore God's word had been fulfilled. The days have ended. The Bridegroom came to the Ancient of days as recorded in Dan. vii, 13. But, says one, he did not come to this earth? Certainly not: the prophecy does not affirm that he would, but that then the Sanctuary should be cleansed. Before Christ comes to the earth, there is the wedding. Says Luke, [xii, 35, 36.] Let your loins be girded about and your lights burning and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord when he will return from the wedding. The first and second angels have flown in close connexion with the midnight cry. The announcement has been made, Babylon is fallen, fallen, &c., and that the Spirit of God, moved out a people to perform his will, is as clear as noon-day. If they had not done it in the proper time, the very stones would have cried out; and they were as justifiable in the sight of heaven, as ever the multitude were that shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David, when he rode into Jerusalem; and I would not say but their disappointment was quite as great as ours. Here I might ask before I pass to consider the cause of our disappointment, What gave such power and solemnity to the work just referred to? What made the churches stand as if the solemnity of eternity was resting upon them? What held the wicked in check, and caused the stoutest hearts to quake? What whispered in your ear, Dear Reader, when the evidences were presented, It is truth? I believe it was the Spirit of God; yea, I know it. Bind up the testimony. Many of the Advent leaders have tried to tear it in pieces, but it must be bound up, and the law sealed among the disciples, that they may be able to stand in the great battle just before us. I thank God for light on his Word. It is just as true because fulfilled in my day, as if it had been fulfilled in a former period. Lastly, the cause of our disappointment is explained in brief, by our not perceiving what was the Sanctuary to be cleansed—the Sanctuary in heaven. Now the solemn time of cleansing, or, in other words, the hour of judgment, is passing before us. The third angel's message is sounding through the land, waxing louder and louder. This is the last echo of warning that this world will ever hear. How solemn the thought! How interesting the time to those who desire to hear the approving voice of their soon coming Saviour! Soon the third angel will cease his mission. Then there will be no more mercy for sinners; but the wine of the wrath of Almighty God without mixture shall be poured upon their defenseless heads. Though they flourish as a green bay-tree, it is that they may be destroyed for ever. Let us strive to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Rochester Aug. 1st, 1854. The Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment not Altered but Confirmed by the Atonement.
By Zebina Marsh
IT has often been said by our brethren and sisters, and is confirmed by the Scriptures, that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was given in honor of God's resting on the seventh day from the work of creation. Ex. xx, 11, compared with Gen. ii, 2, 3. From these, as well as many other passages of Scripture, we find that the Sabbath was given at the time of the finishing of the work of creation, and in honor of that work, or of the rest on that day, of God the author of that work. But it is said in the Scriptures that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath; and how was it made for man? From the scriptures already quoted, we find that it was made while the earth was in purity, and while Adam was the only man on the earth; and it was made for him, and, through him, for all his posterity. So then we see that it was not made for the children of Israel exclusively, but for all mankind; and we also find that the seventh day is the Sabbath. But it is said at the present time by almost all people, that it was changed at the resurrection of Christ; for he (Christ) finished the atonement on the first day of the week when he arose from the dead. But supposing that this was the case, it would not prove anything like the change of the Sabbath; but did he then finish the atonement? Let the Scriptures speak on this point? I have never heard it stated that it was later in the week when he was crucified, than the sixth day, or Friday at 3 o'clock P. M.; or, Bible reckoning, at the 9th hour, when he died. Compare Matt. xxvii, 46-50, with Mark xv, 33-37, and Luke xxiii, 44-46; and in John xix, 28, and onward, we find the history as follows: Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished that the Scriptures might be fulfilled declared himself thirsty; and they gave him some vinegar; and in verse 30 he says, It is finished; and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost, or died: now I would ask any one to tell me what was finished if the atonement was not? and if the atonement was here finished, it was finished on the sixth day, or Friday. At the resurrection an angel is commissioned to come down in the presence of the Roman guard, and also of the women who are come to anoint him, and rolls back the sealed stone, and comforts the women and consigns to them a labor to do immediately; that is, to go and tell his disciples that he has risen. Neither Jesus nor the angel tells them to rest on that day and keep it as a Sabbath; but we find him and also the disciples in their ordinary business; so that if this was the Christian Sabbath then both Christ and the disciples did break it; and we find two of the disciples traveling on that day to Emmaus, which was about three-score furlongs from Jerusalem; which is 7 1/2 miles; and Jesus himself journeys with them and there makes himself known to them, and they return on the same night to Jerusalem, making a journey of fifteen miles on the Sabbath if the first day of the week is the Sabbath. Now I ask any one who is contending that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week to bring so much as one precept, or one example from the Bible; but until this can be done I am obliged to rest on the seventh day and labor on the first. May God bless us all, my brethren and sisters, and save us from the fables of these last days. I remain your unworthy brother striving to keep the commandments of God, and trust that I have the faith of Jesus. ZEBINA MARSH.
South Hadley, Mass., July 30th, 1854. The best Teacher I ever had.
By Gen. Evan.
He was never weary. Why, I cannot tell, except that to teach was his constant pleasure. He was never tedious, and this because the themes of his thought came with such endless variety. He was ever cheerful; no stupidity, nor provoking waywardness of the thoughtless, could disturb his steady purpose of teaching. His love for his pupils was a most elevated and most elevating affection. His patience was of the most enduring kind. He never administered a fretting rebuke, nor extravagant praise. His look was more effectual than stripes or prizes, and yet his training was admirable. The lessons were short, but strict as the line and plummet. Many a student's tear would start in the severe task; but the result was happy when the best exertions were put forth. His scholars were strong and sound as steel, well fitted for even the storm and tempest. You need not ask his name. Just hear his voice: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye. In6 the world ye shall have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."—Gen. Evan. HE is our Father, and we are his children. He watches over us with a tender care; and, "as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." This tender and indissoluble relation binds us to him by the strongest ties, and is calculated to excite the most ardent filial affection and gratitude. He is our Sovereign and Law-giver, and we are his subjects; and all his laws are framed on the principles of eternal and immutable rectitude, and are calculated to promote the harmony and happiness of the whole intelligent creation. He is our Master, and we are his servants; and "his commandments are not grievous." He is our Friend in adversity, our Protector in danger and in distress, our Instructor who has imparted to us knowledge and understanding, and our Redeemer who "spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all," that we might be rescued from the gulf of depravity and ruin, and exalted to a state of consummate felicity. In fine, he is that being who is the inexhaustible fountain of light of life and of joy, to all things, on whom depend all our future prospects in this world, and all the transporting scenes to which we look forward in an interminable state of existence. All these and many other relations in which we stand to the God of heaven, demonstrate that supreme love to this beneficent Being, is the first and highest duty of every rational creature; and they present the most powerful motives to stimulate us to its exercise. Thos. Dick, LL. D. Dear Bro. White:—I still feel like a pilgrim and a stranger here on earth, and I have no desire to call this earth my home in its present sin-defiled state; but I trust, if I am faithful a little longer, I shall have a home in the beautiful New Earth, with all my Father's children, where there will be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither will there be any more pain; for the former things will have passed away. How comforting are the precious promises given us in the word of truth. When weighed down with trials and temptations the Word tells us, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." It is true we have many trials to pass through, and we must expect to have them all the way along; but if we trust in the Lord, his grace will be sufficient for us, and we shall be able to live above them. It is cheering to me to hear from the brethren and sisters through the Review. I wish more of them would write. We are commanded to exhort one another,7 and so much the more as we see the day approaching; and what better way than through the Review? I think one must be blind indeed who cannot see the day approaching. But though darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people, yet we are not in darkness that that day should overtake us as a thief; therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. I am glad there have been such arrangements made about the paper. Let us all do our part toward sustaining it, that our faith may be manifested by our works; for faith without works is dead, being alone. Yours striving to overcome. Milan, O., July 28th, 1854. MARY A. WALDORF
By Mary A. Waldorf
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Through the tender mercy of my heavenly Father I am still alive and enjoying the blessings of his bountiful hand. Of a truth there is a divine reality in religion, and none but those who are children of God, can fully realize and enjoy the blessed and glorious effects of revealed religion. Religion, what is it but the love of God dwelling in the soul? It is this that enables us to endure steadfast in the service of our heavenly Master. Experience teaches us that there is nothing of a worldly nature that can satisfy the mind. Nothing can fill the aching void and give substantial peace, like this precious love. And this religion is revealed to us in the Bible; the blessed book of divine inspiration. O how good it is to have this book within our reach; for by it we learn the way of life and truth, and the glorious plan of salvation. It reveals to us the mind and will of our heavenly Father concerning us. It teaches us concerning the commandments of God, and our duty to obey in keeping them. It does seem to me that if we are truly consecrated to God as we should be, that it would be easy to keep his commandments, because they are not grievous; and if we are willing to know the truth as it is in Jesus, the Holy Spirit will reveal it, and cause us to know and understand our duty in all things; and though we may have many trials and temptations to endure, because we are striving to lay up a treasure in heaven, and truly desiring to show to all around, by our daily walk and chaste conversation, that we are the children of God; I say, what if we have to endure trials on this account, with the buffetings of Satan, let us trust in Jesus and he will bear us safely through; and we shall gain the harbor at last. Let us continue to "watch and pray and exhort one another daily," living steadfast in the faith that we may be prepared for the glorious coming of our Lord. I am striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Baptisms and Progress of Truth in Hebron
By E. S. Sheffield
Dear Bro. White:—It is with pleasure that I now address a few more lines to you to inform you of the success of truth in this part of the State since you left us. Fifth-day, July 6th, Brn. Phelps, Hall and Stephenson met with the brethren in Hebron. An interest was awakened. Some had been investigating for some time. Sixth-day, Brn. Hall and Stephenson left to meet their appointment at Christania. Bro. Phelps came home intending to go back the same day to be with them over Sabbath; but when he came home he found that his youngest son, aged about one year and eleven months, had been taken captive by death. This was sudden and unexpected, and they deeply mourned their loss; but they found consolation in considering that he was taken away from the evil to come; neither do they sorrow as those who have no hope: believing that when Jesus shall appear, them that sleep in him shall God bring with him. The funeral took place on the Sabbath. The following evening we left for Hebron where we arrived at day-break on First-day. After meeting, eleven were buried with Christ in baptism. One brother among them had been a medium, but he became convinced by reading the Signs of the Times, that they were the spirits of Devils instead of the spirits of the dead, with whom he was holding communication. The result was, he came out to hear and investigate the truth, and he is now rejoicing in the same, because he has been delivered out of the snare of the enemy. The next Sabbath three more obeyed the Lord in baptism. Others are seriously investigating, who a week since, cared for none of these things. But this state of things has aroused another party in opposition to the truth. Seeing that their numbers are being diminished, they are uniting their efforts for more vigorous opposition; but these things only tend to agitate the subject more, and lead others to investigate, to see whether these things are so. The school-teacher was among the number who embraced the truth. After this became known, an attempt was immediately made, to deprive her of her school, because she would no longer keep on the Sabbath, although she is far from her home and friends; but when arguments fail them, then they resort to other means to try to compel the unprotected and unoffending, to transgress the commandments of God. By this we can see that the way is preparing for a contest, not far in the future; but our weapons are not carnal but spiritual. Let us try to do our duty and press the battle to the gate. Surely the time is not far distant when an image will be made to the beast which had a wound by a sword and did live. Already we see the church and world uniting to oppose the plain and simple truths of the Bible; but we fear them not; for we know that they that be for us, are more than all they that are against us; for we know that we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but have followed the sure word of prophecy; and in taking heed thereto we have found it to be a light shining in a dark place: thus becoming the children of the light and the day, thereby claiming the promise that that day shall not overtake us as a thief. Dear brother, I believe that your visit was one of much profit to the brethren in this place. We all feel that our trials have been small when we hear what some of our elder brethren in the message have endured, in endeavoring to spread the truth. I believe we all feel strengthened and encouraged to press on with the hope and expectation that if we are deprived of your company here we shall enjoy it in the kingdom of God. Yours in love of the present truth.
E. S. SHEFFIELD.
Ft. Atkins, Wis., July 20th, 1854. COMMUNICATIONS.
By Joseph Bates
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—Since I left Rochester, I have been laboring in Barre, Mill Grove, Lancaster, Olcott, and Orangeport, N. Y. Honest souls cease not to inquire for the truth. At our meetings in Mill Grove three gladly embraced the Sabbath in the message, and four were baptized in obedience to the command of the Great Head of the Church. The Churches in Barre and Orangeport have of late been much tried, and embarrassed with the proceedings of Messrs. Ira Wyman and R. R. Chapin. Their vain boasting, and misrepresentations have opened the eyes of some that had in part sympathized with them. They now see that their motions were wrong, and continually tending to distraction and disunion. They now with but one exception, (and that a doubtful one,) concur with the Conference at Rochester; particularly in the case of Ira Wyman, as published in Review, Vol. V. No. 22. This has been attended to by the three churches in this quarter, so that they now have an Elder to watch over, and care for them; and we believe that the "Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed the Church of God." Bro. R. F. Cottrell has labored with me in Mill Grove and Barre. Yours in love.
Joseph Bates.
Orangeport Aug., 1st, 1854. J. HAMILTON
By J. Hamilton
DEAR BRO. WHITE, and the Publishing Committee of the Review and Herald:—Dear Brethren, you are engaged in a most glorious cause; therefore be encouraged. You have the prayers of the faithful, and God owns and blesses your labors; therefore if God be for us, no weapon formed against us can prosper. The Review is a welcome messenger to the little few that love God's law in this place. By it they are made to rejoice while they hear of the onward progress of the cause in other parts. It seems to be just what is wanted. It enlivens our love, our hope, our faith; yea, it stimulates to every good word and work. May God's blessing rest upon it, and his wisdom be imparted to it, that it may be a savor of life unto life to all those that have an honest heart, into whose hands it may fall, is my prayer. Fredonia, July 29th, 1854. T. M. STEWARD
By T. M. Steward
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Lord is still gracious in sparing life and prolonging the day of probation that we may have opportunity to repent and gain instruction so that we may be "sanctified through the truth." Since you left Wisconsin I have been laboring in the northern part of the State, mostly, in new places; and there seems to be a general interest to hear the truth; but it has been a very unfavorable time for meetings; yet I have had a meeting on every Sabbath but one, and on First-days also. I am now in Adario, holding a series of grove-meetings, Sabbaths and First days, and giving them a course of lectures on the Prophecies. Being called upon to give a Fourth-of-July oration at a Sunday-school celebration, I consented to give them two lectures on the two-horned beast. Did not set very well. I have found some who want the paper and I send their names. Adario, Wis. July 23d, 1854. Standing Firm in Sabbath Truth
By Martin Brown
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am still striving to keep the Sabbath holy. I am the only one in our family; and all that are any where near me, are against me; but by the help of Him who is ready and willing to help his people, I will stand the test. I want the prayers of God's people, that I may increase in faith and in the knowledge of the truth. July 15th and 16th, we had two very good meetings on Sabbath and First-day. Bro. Waggoner was our preacher. One sister went forward in the solemn duty of baptism. Myself and three others are all that there are in this town trying to keep the Sabbath and all the commandments. I see not much hopes of any more of this town; but all who have commenced, hold out. I grow stronger every day; and the more I read and the more they say to me, the greater is my faith. A man told me yesterday that he would complain of the first one that he saw breaking the first day of the week, or Sunday. But let him complain. They may put me in jail if they please; it is all evidence for me. No day passes but what I am opposed in some way. O that we could hear the truth preached every Sabbath. But we live in hope of better times. Yours in hope, MARTIN BROWN. Granville, July 26th, 1854. Striving for the Prize of Eternal Life
By Electa Richmond
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is with pleasure we read the Review and feel to praise the Lord for the truth it contains. I have been a believer in the second coming of Christ nigh even at the doors ever since 1843-4, and can truly say that my path is as a shining light that shineth more and more; and I hope that through the goodness and long-suffering of God, I shall be led in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Though almost all my friends, according to the flesh, think me very foolish, yet I feel that Jesus is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. I praise the Lord that he has ever been mindful of so unworthy a creature as myself. My heart is cheered when I hear through the Review of the many that are being brought to the knowledge of the truth through the third angel's message. I believe that soon the number will be made up, and sealed with the seal of the living God. Shall I be one? My longing heart cries out, I must be one! I mean to strive, and by the help of Jesus, be among those that shall be redeemed from the earth. I want to be more like Jesus, and have the evidence from day to day that my ways please God. My dear brethren and sisters, let us be encouraged to leave the things that are behind, and reach forward to those things that are before. Let us press for the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Evidences are fast thickening around us that tell that Jesus is soon coming. His work is almost done in the Sanctuary; and then every case will be decided. O let us realize the time in which we live, and lay up our treasure in heaven. We need on the whole armor, that we may be able to stand in this evil time. Let us remember that Jesus has overcome the world, the flesh, and the enemy. Praise his holy name, I mean to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, and overcome, and have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. Your unworthy sister, ELECTA RICHMOND.
Ashfield, Mass. I. D. CRAMER
By I. D. Cramer
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still among the accountable beings of the world. Shut in as we are, we are trying to live out the truth of the third angel's message. There are truly many trials connected with our daily endeavors to do good to those around us, in presenting the truth to those we hope to benefit. The Timeists are now coming along with additional folly to their theory. They are presenting to the public that the 1335 days end the 19th of next May, and that "Blessed are they that wait and come to that time; for Daniel is to stand in his lot at that time." They contend that the law was abolished at the crucifixion; that the commandments could not be kept as God gave them, therefore Christ nailed them to his cross, and therefore Christ says, A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another. This course they have to pursue in order to get rid of the third angel's message. The angel said to John, If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city. Rev. xxii, 19. Now men have the power to resist the truth; but like Jannes and Jambres their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. We hope the truth will shortly begin to take effect here. We have done what we could in our unworthy way. There has been no meeting here since last October. We have been almost discouraged, but we have continued to cry to God for help. He is our only help: thanks be to his ever blessed name. Bro. Holt called upon us on his way east. We were very glad to see him. We expect him to labor among us awhile, on his return from Vermont. O brethren pray for us here. We are glad to hear of the spread of the truth and its good effects in the West.