Bro. WHITE: It is with feelings of pleasure and gratitude that I see and hear of the encouraging prospects of the cause of present truth. My heart is rejoiced to see the gift of prophecy taking its proper place in the work and church of God; for I have long felt that it was not properly appreciated by many among us, and that the third angel's message could not be fully blessed of the Lord until so important an instrumentality in its advancement was thus appreciated by all, especially those that have a burden and influence in the work.
Nothing, in my humble opinion, could so effectually bring up God's people to the standard of truth, as the effort now being made respecting spiritual gifts.
The blessing of God upon the strait testimony borne by Bro. Cornell in his first visit to Buck's Bridge, commenced a good work for the church there; but considering the unfavorable circumstances of that meeting, the church were quite anxious he should return that way, and accordingly gave him a pressing invitation so to do, at the same time desiring that the Lord would direct in the matter. In answer, we believe, to the prayers of the church, the Lord sent him this way, and his coming was indeed made a blessing to them. Although Satan was on the alert, as usual, to hinder the work of God, and bring in darkness and bondage, yet his purpose was defeated. On first-day three willing souls, who felt that the third message with its blazing light upon the law and testimony had slain them, followed the Lord in baptism. At the close of the meeting in the afternoon, a little more freedom was felt, and a meeting was appointed for the next day to organize the church. Although an attempt at organization had been made before, the blessing of God had not attended it as was expected, and the brethren felt that it was premature and disorderly, and were desirous that things should be "set in order."
With fear and trembling the church came together at the hour appointed, feeling that now, if ever, they needed the help of the Lord, and the guidance of his Spirit; and the desires of their hearts seemed to be granted. Much caution was used in every step that was taken; a spirit of confession and submission was given to those who needed it; and every one seemed anxious to stand clear before God and the brethren. After considerable deliberation and investigation, choice was made of Brn. H. G. Buck as elder, and H. Hilliard as deacon of the church, and when, according to divine direction, they were set apart by the laying on of hands, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and every one felt that a good witness was given that the Lord was pleased with the move.
The Lord is indeed at work for his people; and while Satan and his emissaries are mustering their legions for the work of death and destruction, which even now is already commenced, how necessary that we get on the whole armor, and thus be prepared to fight the battles of the Lord, and to "stand in the evil day." Courage, brethren! the Lord still lives, and those that put their trust in him "shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." Ps. cxxv, 1.
Unbelief and the Approaching Day of the Lord
By I. D. Van Horn
From Bro. Van Horn.
BRO. WHITE: I believe in present truth, and I also believe it a duty to bear testimony in its favor. I know by the little experience I have had, that God is in the work, moving out a people that will give honor and glory to his name.
For nearly six thousand years God has stretched out his merciful arm to save, and, by message after message, and warning after warning, has been inviting fallen man back to a place of safety; yet we find that in all ages of the world the great majority of the human race have slighted the invitation. Unbelief in what God has said, is the broad channel in which Satan is leading the multitude. He entered the garden of Eden, and by enticing words and flattering tongue, caused Eve to doubt the word of God. In Noah's day the Lord sent a warning to the inhabitants of the earth; but Satan, ever ready to oppose, filled their hearts with unbelief, and thus they doubted until it was "too late," and were all cut off, but faithful Noah and his family. Our Saviour tells us, "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."
It has been over eighteen hundred years since the Saviour uttered this, and yet mercy lingers. Truly can we say, "The Lord is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
But we find, by carefully searching the Scriptures, that we are approaching very near the great day of the Lord, when he will plead with all flesh; not in the entreating tones of mercy, but by pouring out his wrath upon them in the valley of decision. There will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. By carefully examining the word of God, we see that a great event is about to take place on the earth. The gospel age is closing. The Lord is giving the last solemn warning to the world; but how few heartily believe it. Satan is filling the hearts of the people with unbelief. We must have living faith to overcome his power, or we too shall be led captive by him at his will. Some may raise the question, How are we to obtain living faith? The most of us have been enlisted in the cause long enough to know that we individually have a work to do. And I believe that it is high time that we begin active service, and "bring forth fruits meet for repentance." Then the Lord will let his blessing rest upon us, our faith will increase, and we shall grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth from day to day. May the Lord help the doubting ones, that they may believe to the saving of the soul.
I for one want a deeper work of grace in my heart I want all my actions to accord with the high standard of truth, that I may be where I can receive the counsel of God, and be ready to act in his service.
Brethren, let us gird on the whole armor, act out our faith, and the Lord will bless us abundantly.
Yours striving for the victory.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Blackman, Mich.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister E. Comings writes from Wilton, Wis.: "It is about three years since I heard the proclamation that the Sabbath day was still in force, which caused me to turn to the law and to the testimony, and by diligent search I found it to be the truth that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God, the same that it ever was, and I am trying to keep it. The Bible is now a delightful study, and I can truly say, great and marvelous are the truths revealed therein, and it doth greatly rejoice my heart to hear from my brethren and sisters through the Review, with whom I am determined to struggle on striving for eternal life. I have desired the eye salve that I might see, and as the light is growing brighter and the scales are falling from my eyes, it causes me with deep humility of heart to praise and adore the Highest for his wonderful works to the children of men. Yes, dear brethren and sisters, my heart overflows. I have made some conquests over sin, and I hope through the grace that is in Christ Jesus, to be an entire overcomer that I may be enabled to stand before the Son of man at his second coming, which I believe to be not far distant."
Sister M. B. Pierce writes from Andover, Vt.: "I still feel an earnest desire to do and suffer all the Lord's blessed will. O how solemn the moments in which we live! Would that I felt their importance more; that I might ever be on the watch against every evil. How true what has been shown as to the power of the enemy to throw stupid, indifferent feelings upon us, and make us feel there is no importance to our praying. I never had so much of such feelings as within a few months past; and I would with deep humility confess that I have not always resisted it as I should, and sought to the Lord for help and power to endure. In this the enemy has at times gained ground upon me; but how good and merciful the Lord is. When I have tried to tear away fully from the lulling power of Satan and draw near to God, I have felt he did have tender pity upon me. O that I may never yield an inch to the enemy again, but be willing to toil and struggle continually to overcome, and then we have encouragement that the Lord will help us. I have felt more of late that I must be pure. I must overcome more fully and be where I can prevail with the Lord more. He is willing, yes, he wants us to lean upon him, and he will be strength to us and for us. Sister White's last Testimony was touching and solemn. I desire to heed and profit by it. How I have thought upon what she says about confessing Christ. I hope this will help me to have more correct ideas about it. I feel in my heart that I would confess him in my whole life, in all my words and acts. O that they may be tempered with such watchful care, that I shall not deny the blessed Lord in any way. Precious Saviour! My heart loves the name. I would not grieve thee, and I mourn that I have so much in the past."
The Fragrance of Christian Character
As flowers never put on their best clothes for Sunday, but wear their spotless raiment and exhale their odor every day, so let your life free from stain, ever give forth the fragrance of the love of God.—Sel.
Eastern Iowa Pledges for Snook's Home
By Editor
THE friends in Eastern Iowa are pledging nobly for Bro. B. F. Snook a home. A list of $117 to be paid Jan. 1, 1863, is just received. The first payment of $203, is due June 1st. Let all who pledged to pay then be prompt. We shall send Bro. S. $100 immediately; and the friends in Michigan, and further east, can send to us at their earliest convenience, what they wish to give to Bro. Snook.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
Business Notes.
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The P. O. address of Paul Folsom is North Somerville, Mass.
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RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
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Cash Received on Account.
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Books Sent By Mail.
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PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on all transient publications, at the rates of one cent an ounce for Books and Pamphlets, and one-half cent an ounce for Tracts, in packages of eight ounces or more. Those who order Pamphlets and Tracts to be sent by mail, will please send enough to prepay postage. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers), . . 30 10
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6—12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . 15 4
Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four, . 15 4
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, . 15 4
Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . 15 4
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency, . 15 4
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . 15 4
Miraculous Powers, . 15 4
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul, . 15 4
Prophecy of Daniel; The Four Universal Kingdoms the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, . 10 3
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth, . 10 3
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . 10 3
Law of God, The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity, . 10 3
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . 10 3
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . 10 3
Tracts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . 10 3
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . 10 3
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix, . 10 2
Christian Baptism, Its Nature, Subjects, and Design, . 10 3
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compound of Scripture references, . 5 1
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . 5 2
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . 5 1
The Two Laws and Two Covenants, . 5 1
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . 5 1
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . 5 1
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . 5 1
Brown's Experience in relation to entire consecration and the Second Advent, . 5 1
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c., . 5 1
Sabbath Poem. A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed, . 5 1
Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . 5 1
Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment—Apostasy and perils of the last days, . 5 1
The same in German, . 5 1
" " " Holland, . 5 1
French. A Pamphlet on the Sabbath, . 5 1
" " " Dan. ii, and vii, . 5 1
ONE CENT TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Law of God, by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Deed and Burial—Preach the Word—Personality of God.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Infidelity and Spiritualism.
English Bibles.
We have on hand a good assortment of English Bibles, which we sell at the prices given below. The size is indicated by the amount of postage.
Diamond, Marg. Ref. Calf binding, $0.90. Postage 12 cts.
Pearl, Ref. after verse, " $1.50. " 15 "
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" " Marg. Ref. " $1.75. " 15 "
Nonpareil, " Calf binding, $1.75. " 21 "
" " Ref. after verse, " $1.75. " 21 "
" " " Morocco " $2.00. " 21 "
" " " " $2.25. " 25 "
Minion, " " "
Bound Books.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage,
The Hymn Book, containing 454 pages and 122 pieces of music. 80 cts.
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound—Part I, Bible History—Part II, Secular History, . 60 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . 75 "
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Anna R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts
A DISCUSSION.
By Moses Hull
Eld. E. Miller jr., and myself will commence a four days' discussion in his neighborhood in Mendon, St. Joseph Co., Mich., May 27, at 10 A. M. The following are the propositions:
1. Resolved, That the Scriptures teach that the seventh-day Sabbath is binding throughout the gospel dispensation. Affirmative, M. Hull. Negative, E. Miller jr.
2. Resolved, That the Scriptures teach that Christ will reign on the earth over Israel and the nations in a mortal state during the age immediately succeeding his second coming. Affirmative, E. Miller jr. Negative, M. Hull.
3. Resolved, That the Scriptures teach that the gifts placed in the church at the beginning of the gospel dispensation have by divine authority ceased. Affirmative, E. Miller jr. Negative, M. Hull.
There is but one family of Sabbath-keepers in that immediate neighborhood, but the friends will try to provide for all who come. MOSES HULL.
BOOK NOTICE.
By Editor
The Two Laws and the Two Covenants. This is the title of a small Tract by Bro. M. Hull. Price, 5 cents, postage 1 cent.
Testimony for the Church, No. 8.—This pamphlet of 64 pages is now ready.
Subjects—How to confess Christ—Patent-rights—Duty of husband and wife—An unfaithful watchman—Mauston fanaticism—Northern Wisconsin—Bogus holiness—Bible holiness—The power of Satan—The two crowns—The future.
We will send this pamphlet by Mail for 10 cents a copy, postage two cents; or ten copies, post-paid for one dollar.
Youth's Instructor, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, bound in paper covers for $1.50, post-paid.
ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES.
By Uriah Smith
Wm. Caviness: An exposition of the seven churches has several times appeared in past volumes of the Review in which will be found an explanation of the church of Thyatira. Bro. White will again shortly take up the subject in remarks on the book of Revelation.
H. M. Kenyon: For a solution of your questions, see Bro. Hull's late work on the Two Laws and Two Covenants.
D. Price: Read again the Saviour's language in Matt. xix, 9. According to that language it is the injured party that obtains the divorce; and that divorce does not lessen or affect the guilt of the guilty. The guilty party is, of course, to be held and treated as his or her crimes deserve.
E. M. Crandall: For an explanation of John iv, 24, see the little tract published at this office, entitled, The Personality of God.
U. S.
A GOOD ITEM.
By G. W. Amadon
THE Comprehensive Commentary, in disposing of Rev. xii, 17, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," makes the following valuable historical statement:
"Some think hereby are meant the Albigenses, who were first by Dioclesian driven into barren and mountainous places, and afterward cruelly murdered by popish rage and power, for several generations; and for no other reason, than, because they kept the commandments of God, and held the testimony of Jesus Christ."
We quote this merely to show that the Albigenses were Sabbath-keepers; as any issue between Bible Christians and the church of Rome on the commandments of God must have reference to the fourth precept of that law. And when we bear in mind that Dioclesian ruled the Roman empire from A. D. 284–305, we have good evidence that God had suffering witnesses for his Sabbath at that early date.
G. W. AMADON.
Labor in New York and Ohio
By M. E. Cornell
☞ The brethren in New York wish me to labor with their Tent this season, if Bro. Andrews can be obtained to labor with me. If not, I shall probably labor in Ohio.
M. E. CORNELL.
APPOINTMENTS.
TENT CONFERENCE IN OHIO.
Providence permitting there will be a tent conference at Lovett's Grove, Wood Co., Ohio, May 31st, and June 1st. Bro. M. E. Cornell and Bro. and Sr. White are expected to attend. Let there be a general gathering of the friends of the cause in Ohio to this meeting. Come furnished with provisions, blankets, &c., to take care of yourselves as far as convenient. Especial efforts will be made to make all comfortable.
JOSEPH DUDLEY,
I. N. VAN GORDER,
H. F. BAKER.
} Conference Committee.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church at Knoxville, Iowa, on Sabbath and first-day, June 7 and 8. I shall hope to see the brethren from the neighboring churches.