BRO. SMITH: I feel to thank the Lord for what he has done for his people in Caledonia since the labors of Brn. Bates, Jones, and Kenyon from Monterey. We are earnestly striving to raise higher the standard of piety. There are twenty-three who have come out from the confusion and have planted themselves upon the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. O how sweet it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. We have of late felt some of the spirit and power of the third angel in our meetings. May the Lord help us to keep pace with the message, and go on from one degree of grace to another until we shall be perfect overcomers, and stand with this dear people on mount Zion. One has started anew to keep the Sabbath since the church have begun to raise the standard. May the Lord help all the dear honest children to overcome and stand shoulder to shoulder with those upon whom the Lord has laid the burden of this work. My heart is drawn out in sympathy with such. I can faintly realize the discouraging influence that they have to bear up under. May the Lord help us my prayer.
Yours in love of the truth. LYMAN GEROULD.
Caledonia, Mich.
Worshiping God Outside the Camp
By Henry C. Blanchard
From Bro. Blanchard.
Bro. Smith: We are striving to be overcomers through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We have meetings every Sabbath in the Christian church in Princeville. There is a good interest manifested with the Sabbath-keepers to keep up the meetings, but still we labor under embarrassing circumstances. We are not allowed to invite Advent preachers to preach in the church; and, in fact, the church is not free for any of us, unless we signify a determination to remain on what they call the Christian platform. But I say, let us worship God in the open air, or anywhere, where we can have freedom of conscience. The Saviour suffered without the gate. Let us go forth, therefore, unto him without the camp bearing his reproach; for here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb. xiii, 13, 14. Blessed be the Lord! If we suffer with him we shall also be glorified together.
Dear brethren and sisters, we will not murmur if we are driven from churches, school-houses, and even our own homes, when we know our Redeemer has suffered and died, even the death of the cross, that we might have eternal life through faith and obedience. Some seem to think that there never will be a church united on the great truths of God's word. Do such think the prayer of our Saviour in vain? "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee; holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are one." John xvii, 11. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Verses 20, 21. Shall we act in harmony with this prayer?
Again, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul." Acts iv, 32. Here is one more testimony. "Now I besexch you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment." 1 Cor. i, 10. Here is testimony to show conclusively that the true church should be united. We should look well to this subject.
What has brought about the spiritual downfall of the Protestant world? Is it not for the want of union on the great truths of God's word? Most certainly. Confusion is one of the characteristics of Babylon. There is but one way by which we may become united and perfectly joined together on the great truths of God's word, and that is to put the old man entirely away with his deeds, and sink into the will of God, and be led by his Spirit, which will not lead us to all the points of the compass, but will lead us and cement us together in one. We should be careful how we reject the manifestations of the Spirit, if it comes in harmony with the word. Rather should we lift up our voices with the apostles [Acts iv, 24-31], that God would restore to us again the gifts of the church, which we by stubborn unbelief have lost.
But says one, these gifts were for the setting up of the gospel, and consequently we have no need of them. Well, if you can prove to me that you have no need of eyes, arms or hands, and also that the body is perfect without these members, then I will admit that we have no need of the gifts of the church. 1 Cor. xiii. The gifts are not confined to the setting up of the gospel; for Paul to the Ephesians [chap. iv, 12], in speaking of the gifts, says they are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftsmen whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Let us believe that God is as ready to give us his Spirit as he was in the days of the apostles. The watchmen of God's remnant church will lift up their voice, and see eye to eye. They are to have the testimony of Jesus Christ [Rev. xii, 17], which is the Spirit of prophecy. Chap. xix, 10.
There are some thirty Sabbath-keepers in this county. I think there might be a church of twenty members organized here in Princeville. I hope to be found in the remnant church in the day when the nations are angry, and the wrath of God is come. We shall then be safely sheltered under the shadow of his wings, while the wicked nations will be dashed in pieces. O sinner, flee to him who died for you, for protection in that day. No longer transgress the law of God. No longer trample the holy Sabbath under foot, but walk with the remnant to mount Zion.
Henry C. Blanchard.
Princeville, Peoria Co., Ills.
P. S. We would be glad to have any of the brethren call on us.
Sanctified by the Truth
By C. W. Olds
From Bro. Olds.
BRO. SMITH: With feelings of gratitude to my heavenly Father for his mercy and goodness toward me in permitting me to see his saving truth, and the relation we sustain one toward another, I feel it a privilege to say a few words. It is now some over one year since the message was first sounded in this place by Bro. Sanborn. The result was that some forty were caused to see that they were sinners, and trampling on God's commandments. Since that time they have been trying to keep all of them and the faith of Jesus, and to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
The longer I live and have to do with the things of the world, the more I see that it is the time of patience. I find that a belief in the truth is not all that is necessary, but we need to be sanctified by it as Jesus says, "You are not of the world; for I have chosen you out of the world: therefore the world hateth you." John xv, 19.
But the question might be asked, What is meant by the words "out of the world?" Surely the Saviour did not mean for us to understand that we must literally go out of it. No, he did not; but they are not of the world even as he was not of the world. John xvii, 16. The Saviour prayed not that God would take them out of the world, but that he would keep them from the evil. John xvii, 15.
O brethren, may our Lord's word's be fulfilled in us. May we put forth all our efforts that they may, in this time of trouble, when wicked men and seducers are so prevalent in our land. Yes, we must overcome the world if we would see Jesus in peace. How many things we have to overcome! How many habits we have which are not pleasing in the sight of God. Then shall we still persist in the way that we know is not to the glory of God? How can we and still claim his blessing? O those idle words that we have been in the habit of indulging in, those more than useless ones which so often drive the Holy Spirit from our hearts! What! not one idle word! No, not one; for for every idle word we shall be brought to an account.
I had been in the habit of using tobacco for fifteen years, but I saw that it was a filthy habit, and by the help of the Lord I have laid it away, and purpose never more to defile myself with it. God will not bless his people if they do not try to help themselves, and with Bro. Sanborn in Review No. 26, Vol. 17, I can say, I do not believe that man or woman can use the filthy weed tobacco to the glory of God.
The brethren were very much pleased when they saw the notice in the paper for Bro. and Sr. White to visit us, but were disappointed in not seeing them. The brethren and sisters were much revived by Bro. Shortridge's preaching, and one more acknowledged all of God's commandments, and took a stand with the remnant people to go with them to mount Zion. May God help Bro. S. to be successful in his labors, as we have no doubt he will. We feel thankful to God for sending him this way. May the Lord help us all to rise with the message, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that are coming on the earth.
From your brother striving to overcome.
C. W. OLDS.
Little Prairie, Wis.
MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION.
THE Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association met according to appointment, May 23, 1861, and proceeded to the adoption of By-laws, and the election of Officers. The doings of this meeting, together with the State law, the act of incorporation, and the By-laws of the Association, will soon be embodied in pamphlet form for the benefit of those who may take shares in the society. The following officers were elected: President, James White. Vice-president, G. W. Amadon. Secretary, E. S. Walker. Treasurer, U. Smith. Auditor, J. N. Loughborough. Editor of REVIEW & HERALD, James White. Editor of YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, G. W. Amadon.
Longing for Sabbath Fellowship
Sister H. Holford writes from Napoleon, Mich.: "I am trying to keep the commandments, and can say that they are not grievous. Many years it has been my lot to suffer afflictions deep and sore; but amidst it all the Lord has been my dearest friend. And now we are nearing home. Yes, heaven, delightful heaven! glorious home above! While I was reading to-day the sweet communications in Review No. 25, and saw how some could express their gratitude to God for sending his messengers their way that they might hear the truth, with flowing tears I exclaimed, Lord, when will it be my turn to enjoy this privilege? I have invitations on every hand to go with the churches again, and throw away these foolish notions, as they call them; but no, never can I go back to the fallen churches. If any of the messengers could come this way we would be glad to receive them. I have a son who wishes to be baptized. But if I am never to see a Sabbath-keeper again in this life, I will try to live so that I can enter through the gates into the city."
Holding Fast to the Blessed Word
Sister P. D. Lawrence writes from Falmouth, Mass.:
"I am still holding on to the blessed word of the Lord, which shines more and more brilliant as the darkness is more dense. I feel that a study of it is more and more necessary as we encounter the trials which we meet, as we are drawing near port. When popular preachers tell me that God can consistently send the wicked to hell every day, because he has a judgment every day, I can tell them, according to God's word that he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world; and when they tell me that the wicked are always dying and never dead, I can read in God's word that they shall die; for God only hath immortality. We can see what seem to be indications of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah [chap. xxv], when the slain will lie from one end to the other end of the earth, and not be lamented, nor gathered, nor buried, when the shepherds will howl, and the principal of the flock cry.
"I am alone and lonely, but thank God that am not confined with unbelievers. I can say that I love my Jesus, and all those saints who love him also. I rejoice that I shall soon see the faces of those who sleep, and those who are all alone like myself. I know how to pity them. But I am unworthy. I have no claim on God; but in Jesus there is salvation. Precious Saviour! I am hoping to be more like him every day, but often get almost discouraged, and pray God to arouse me, and quicken and fit me for the coming kingdom."
THE FAITH ON THE EARTH.
"WHEN the Son of man cometh," said the Saviour, "shall he find faith on the earth?" This language contains the strongest implication that of true and genuine faith there would scarcely be any to be found, at the time of his coming. From present appearances, however, there will be enough of every other kind. The present age is remarkable for faiths of this description. There is faith in that which has no foundation, faith in fancies, faith in tradition, faith in lies, faith in everything except the truth. That such a time as is understood by a temporal millennium, should ever occur on this earth, in the present state of things, viewed in the light of all experience thus far, would seem to be the greatest stretch of which any man's faith was capable; but to believe that the present state of perplexity and commotion, with its prospective wars, bloodshed, and ruin, is the introduction to the aforesaid millennium of peace and glory would seem to be greater still. Such, nevertheless, seems to be the faith that is taking or has already taken root in the hearts of men. With this faith, they are still compelled to acknowledge that appearances are all against them; that the future to all human appearance is most dark and gloomy. As for the word of God, that somehow seems not to be taken into account by them. These thoughts are suggested by the following sentiments of one who is held to be one of the lights and leaders of the religious world. The Congregational Union has lately held its anniversary in New York. Among the speakers was the "Rev. Robert Hatfield, of the M. E. church," who among other things uttered the following:—
"I am glad to be here to-night, and to have listened to the cheerful and encouraging words of those gentlemen who have spoken. I hold fast to my faith in the truth that God rules and reigns, and that however the storm may career, however the sea may roar or the mountains shake, that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and out of these terrible calamities there shall come the peaceable fruits of righteousness. These things are preparing the way for the time when the grand universal shout shall go up, filling all heaven, that the tabernacles of God are with men. It would comfort me some if to this faith I could add a little clearness of vision with regard to the future, but I am compelled to admit to you it seems to me just now to be most dark and saddening."
Such utterances as these are becoming common; and in view of them may we not set down this age as the most remarkable one for faith that ever existed. When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth? Yes: the most astonishing, blindfold, and deceptive faith that it is possible for the great deceiver to devise and instill into the darkened hearts of men.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
Saml. Haskell : Your dollar was received, and is receipted in No. 20, last volume, a copy of which we would send you if we had a spare copy in the Office. Your present remittance, as you will see, pays you to No. 8, Vol. xix.
J. Iden : You send a dollar for J. C. Brown's paper, but where does his paper go?
Mary M. Brown : We will change your paper when you tell us to what place it has heretofore been sent, and in what State that Richmond Corner is, to which you wish it sent.
D. N. Fay : We are not sending any papers to Fitchburg, Dane Co., Wis., neither to Plata, Erie Co., Pa.
G. G. Dunham : Where is your paper sent?
Receipts.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review and Herald to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
D. J. Burroughs 1,00,xix,1. J. Young 1,00,xix,1. J. A. Wilbur 1,00,xviii,20. N. Hodges 1,00,xviii,1. J. Wilbur 2,00,xix,18. H. C. Whitney (for S. Zin) 1,00,xx,1. H. Lyon 1,00,xix,1. S. Eastman 1,00,xviii,1. Jno. Stowell 2,00,xx,1. C. K. Farnsworth 1,00,xix,1. C. R. Austin 1,00,xix,1. C. R. Austin (for M. Olmstead) 1,00,xx,9. S. Chase 1,00,xix,1. S. Haskell 1,00,xix,8. J. Parmalee 1,00,xix,1. T. W. Potter 1,00,xix,1. N. H. Satterlee 1,00,xix,1. N. H. Satterlee (50c each for C. G. Satterlee, xix,1, and H. H. Satterlee xviii,1) 1,00. M. Bounds 1,00,xix,1. J. Iden 2,00,xv,11. H. M. Caslar 1,00,xix,10. Mrs. S. Eastman 2,00,xx,1. J. C. Parker 1,00,xvii,1. Jos. Palmiter 1,00,xx,1. A. M. Preston 1,00,xix,1. Mrs. C. Manley 2,00,xix,1. J. Jones 1,00,xix,1. D. Lyon 1,00,xviii,10. M. H. Bates 2,00,xviii,10. Mrs. M. M. Nelson 2,00,xviii,6. Mrs. L. M. Gates 1,00,xxi,1. Jno. Newton 1,00,xix,6. Wm. Inglis 1,00,xviii,10. D. F. Moore 1,00,xix,1. A. Rankin 1,00,xviii,7. John Kemp 1,00,xv,1. A. B. Pearsall 1,00,xix,1. J. H. Ginley 1,00,xix,1. D. W. Milk 0,50,xix,1. Julia A. Dayton 0,50,xix,1. J. H. Parks 1,00,xix,1. O. B. Sevey 0,50,xviii,6. Jas. Stiles 5,00,xx,14. D. Sevey 1,00,xviii,1. C. Fox 1,00,xx,1. J. Fishell jr. 2,00,xix,1. S. Peckham 1,00,xix,1. S. W. Bean 0,50,xviii,1. S. W. Flanders 1,00,xix,1. Jos. Thomas 1,00,xix,1. G. N. Collins 1,00,xix,1.
For Missionary Purposes.
C. C. Bodley $2.
NO PAPER NEXT WEEK.
By Editor
PREPARATORY to the operations of the Association, there will be a full inventory taken of all the stock, property and accounts connected with this Office, in consequence of which the paper will be omitted next week.
Supporting the Publishing Department
Bro. A. Belden writes from Moore's Forks, N. Y., "The paper with the circular came to hand the 14th. It cheers my heart to see a willingness expressed to do something to advance the blessed cause of truth, and raise a fund sufficient to carry on in a proper manner the publishing department. Although poor in health and stinted in means, I wish to do what I can, and with the help of the Lord I will take one share."
A Call for Gospel Labor
Bro. J. Fishell jr., writes from Grand Ledge, Mich. : "I would say to the brethren and sisters that there are a few of us here in Delta, Eaton Co., Mich., who are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The most of us adopt the plan of systematic benevolence, and have on hand a little money that we would like to give to some preacher if one could come and preach to us and to the people. We think some good might be done here. Our prayer is, Lord, send by whom thou wilt. We have long prayed for a messenger to come here. Some of us have never heard the third message, and one is waiting to be buried with Christ by baptism. Perhaps others will be ready to go forward when they hear on the subject. We have meetings every Sabbath. The Lord verifies his promise. Praise his holy name! he is worthy of all our praise."
Pledge to the Publishing Association
Bro. J. B. Merritt writes from Cheney's Grove, Ills. : "The circular for pledges to the Publishing Association has just come to hand, being detained one week by irregular mail. I hasten to return it with my pledge for one share, as I desire to have a part in this matter. Living as I now am, remote from those of like faith, and feeling at times lonely indeed, I can truly thank the Lord for the intelligence that I receive weekly from the dear saints through the Review. I was sorely grieved when I first read of the secession movement, or hasty conclusions, of some of my old associates in Ohio ; yet I am glad to learn that they are disposed to retrace their steps in this thing, and have their errors corrected. O, that this spirit may be in us all, until we get on higher and holier ground."
A Lonely Believer’s Testimony
Sister S. Bliven writes from North Stonington, Ct.: "I am a lover of the precious truth the Review advocates. I should not know how to do without it. It is all the preaching I have. I feel very lonely. There is not one here that believes as I do. I have taken a great deal of pains to lend my papers and books, hoping and praying that they may prove a blessing to those that read, as they have to me. I love the Lord, I love his cause, his people and his holy word."
The Review Refreshes the Spirit
Bro. T. Draper writes from McGregor, Iowa: "I cannot do without the Review, for I have a hungry love for the cause it advocates—the cause of truth, the cause of life. Praise the Lord! How often is my spirit refreshed when reading the letters from beloved brethren and sisters; and my last Review giving account of the conference meeting, seemed to bring the spirit of the meeting with it, to enliven the minds of those who are in union with the work."
A P P O I N T M E N T S .
By John Byington
Providence permitting I will meet with the church in Parkville, Sabbath and first day, June the 8th and 9th, and by the request of the friends of our dear sister Bovee, lately deceased, of that place, there will be a funeral discourse on first day at the place and hour the friends may appoint.
John Byington.
Monthly Meeting.
By A. S. Hutchins, D. T. Bourdeau
The next monthly meeting for the Seventh-day Adventists of Northern Vt. and Canada, will be held at North Sutton, C. E., June 8 and 9. Our brethren in this section are very anxious to see Bro. Stephen Pierce. Can he not meet with us in this meeting?