p. 53 | Review and Herald, Vol. 1, No. 7. (3/1851)

Earlier text: THE SIXTY-NINE WEEKS AND 2300 DAYS

The Paper

By W.

THE PAPER.—It may be our duty to say a few words relative to the course we have pursued in sending out the paper. When we began to publish we had but a very small list of names; in fact but few indeed, were then interested in the present truth. We thought best to send the paper to all, whose names were sent in by the brethren, without price. Thus we have continued to do, and God has blessed the effort, far beyond our expectations. But very few papers have been returned, and most every mail brings some new names for our list. Some, however, to whom we send the paper without money or price, seem to manifest quite a sour disposition; but in these days of discord and war, among those who reject the present truth, we may expect to be treated unkindly by some at least. But the cheering accounts, from the brethren, of the work of the Lord, and the spread of truth, fill us with joy, and urge us on in our present work.

Our object in sending out the paper gratuitously has been, that it might immediately be put into the hands of ALL who would read it with candor. The “Publishing Committee” are all of them destitute of means of their own, therefore, those who are interested in the spread of truth, and are benefited by the publications, will see that the pleasure and blessing of sustaining this cause is theirs. The brethren in this State are generally poor. None in this vicinity own a foot of land, a house, or even a horse. But the cause of publishing has been freely and fully sustained. There has been no lack the year past. God has opened the hearts of a few of the friends of the cause. Some who have no other means to sustain their families and the cause than day labor, have done much. A zeal for the truth is kindled in some hearts that will not be checked, and the cause will be sustained.

But, we ask, is it right that a few self-sacrificing souls should bear the whole expense, and share the whole blessing? Our readers will all answer, that it is not. Mark this: we do not speak of want. If this was any other than the cause of God, we then might have to urge appeal after appeal for help, as is done in other papers. More than a score of brethren have said to us, “If you need means, just let me know it and you shall have it.” But shall we call on such free hearted brethren while three-fourths of those who read the Review and Herald have done nothing to support it? We think we should not. We shall therefore expect these who have fully embraced the present truth, and who have not aided in this work, to help us as the Lord has prospered them.—We do not expect help from those who are not fully with us in the present truth; but those who are, will not neglect their duty. W.

PUBLICATIONS.

By Editor

The calls for publications have probably increased ten fold the last six months. And it seems necessary that quite an amount of means should be immediately expended, not only in publishing new works on the present truth, but in getting out another edition of a number of works which are nearly exhausted. As there are but few laborers in the wide “harvest,” and in many places but few to hear the evidences of our position, publications must take the place, in a great measure, of lectures. The brethren that travel cannot tarry long enough, in each place they visit, to spread out before those who have “an ear to hear,” one half the Scripture evidence of our position; therefore they must have publications, containing an exposition of our views, to leave with those whose ears and hearts are open to the truth.

We have thought best to circulate all our publications gratuitously. But in doing so there are some things which are unpleasant and wrong which we will name. 1. A few devoted brethren and sisters have made liberal donations in order that the publications might, without money or price, be put into the hands of all those who would read them; while most of those who have been benefited by them have contributed nothing to defray the expenses of publishing. This is not right. Every brother and sister should be forward to do something, “as God has prospered” them. But as the publications are circulated free, and as a few whole-hearted servants of the Lord have sold worldly possessions, or have divided the small amount obtained by day labor, and have freely contributed, so that we have had no occasion to make any call for means, many entirely neglect their duty in this matter.

2. Some seem to use and distribute the publications as if they cost nothing, which is very likely to give the impression, to many, that they are of but little value, hardly worth reading. Therefore, in some cases, at least, they will not be so likely to accomplish good as if sold at a reasonable price. Here we will say, that the folding, stitching, wrapping, &c., has been done by those (some of feeble constitution, who have often labored till past midnight) who have had no other pay than the consciousness of having done what they could for the cause. It can but be a cause of grief to have the publications freely handed out, without price, to those where there is no possible hope of their doing good. Said Jesus, “Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

We cannot refrain from urging the necessity of having these things, which are unpleasant and certainly wrong, corrected by the brethren.—We have been extremely anxious that all who are searching for truth should have the publications, therefore, in order that the light should at once be set before such, we have thought best to circulate them without price; but it should be done in a judicious manner, and all the friends of the cause should be invited to cast in their mite, to aid in paying for them. If any wish publications to distribute to those who are desirous

of finding and obeying the truth, let them send in their orders, they shall have them; and if any are not able to pay the postage, we will pay it for them.

The present state of the cause certainly calls for a vigorous and united effort of all the brethren and sisters. And it is necessary that gospel order should be sought for, and carried out, in order that the purpose of God be accomplished by us, in letting our “light so shine before” the scattered members of the body of Christ, that they may be led to glorify our Father in heaven, in keeping all his commandments. We are certainly safe in following in the footsteps of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in carrying out that system of order introduced by them.—Says St. Paul—

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye. Upon the first day of the week, let EVERY ONE OF YOU lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Cor. xvi, 1, 2.

Now we are quite sure that it would be well pleasing in the sight of the Lord for all our brethren and sisters to act on the plan, (or a similar one,) in raising funds to meet the expenses of publishing, that was introduced by the Apostle for the poor saints. And we will here suggest the propriety of the brethren in every place, once in two or four weeks, collecting what each can spare to aid in publishing. And when forwarded to us, it shall be credited to the church or individuals who send it.

Back Numbers and Publications

By Editor

We have on hand about 200 copies of all the back numbers of the Review and Herald, which we will send to those who wish them.—Those who send in names, should state whether the back numbers are wanted. — We hear that some have not received the paper regularly.—Those who have not can be supplied.

The two new works, viz: “The Bible Sabbath,” and “Thoughts on the Sabbath and the perpetuity of the Law of God,” can be obtained of Bro. Otis Nichols, Dorchester, Mass., or at this place.

THE HYMN BOOK.—We have a few left. Price, 12 for $1, or 12 1-2 cts. single copy.

The brethren in Western New York can obtain the Chart of Elias Goodwin, Oswego.

THE WEEKLY SABBATH INSTITUTED AT CREATION AND NOT AT SINAI.

“Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it.” Ex. xx, 8–11.

These are the words of the fourth commandment, the great Sabbath law, which Jehovah spake from the smoking Mount, and with his finger wrote upon tables of stone. With the divine requirement is also given the reason why the Creator instituted the weekly Rest, which is as follows:—“For [or because] in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it.” None can fail to see that the Sabbatic institution is inseparably connected with God’s resting on the seventh day of the first week of time, which day he then “blessed” and “sanctified.” Therefore, at the close of Creation, God instituted the weekly Rest, a memorial of himself, and gave it to “man,” to observe in commemoration of the very day on which the Creator rested.

We are told by those who advocate the no-Sabbath views that the Sabbath was given to commemorate the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. But this view is not only unscriptural but absurd in the extreme. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt was on the fifteenth day of the month Abib. It was commemorated by its two annual memorials, the passover and the feast of unleavened bread. These institutions were well calculated to call to mind God’s wonderful power manifested in bringing Israel from the house of bondage. But a moment’s reflection is sufficient to satisfy any reasonable mind that God never designed the weekly Sabbath to commemorate an event which took place on the fifteenth day of the month Abib. God rested on the seventh day after six days of labor. That day of the week he “sanctified” and “blessed.”

“And on the seventh-day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Gen. ii, 2, 3.

It is not possible for the Sabbath to commemorate any event only that which occurred on the last day of the first week of time. What if we should assert that the feast of unleavened bread was designed to commemorate God’s Holy Rest at the close of Creation? Certainly none would believe us. Neither should our opponents be believed when they assert that the seventh day Sabbath was designed to commemorate the deliverance from Egypt, which was to be commemorated only once a year! One is as absurd as the other. It is true that God, after he had brought the natural seed of Abraham out of the house of bondage, reminded them of his Sabbath, and commanded them to observe it; but there is not a word on record to show that it was then instituted. The reason is plain why God, at that time specially enforced the observance of the Sabbath, which is as follows:

“And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm; therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath-day.” Deut. v, 15.

While the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt they could not keep the sabbath. But they had been from Egypt but thirty days when God reminded them of it, and, in giving the manna, guarded the Sabbath by three standing miracles. See Ex. xvi, 19–30. They were then free, and the only given reason why God at that time commanded them to keep his Sabbath was because he had brought them “out thence through a mighty hand, and by a stretched-out arm; [where they could keep it;] therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath-day.” God does not here speak of the Sabbath, as of a new institution. He calls it “the Sabbath,” as if speaking of an old institution perfectly understood by the people.

God has given but one reason for the institution of the Sabbath, and that reason shows that it was “made” for the first “man,” Adam, and all his posterity.

“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it.”

That God instituted the weekly Rest for man to keep in commemoration of his Rest on the seventh day, after he had created the world in six days, is as clear as the noon-day sun. It is one of the most simple and glorious truths of the Bible.

The passover was a memorial for Israel, that they might not forget their wonderful deliverance from Egyptian bondage.—The communion of the body and blood of Christ is a memorial instituted for the church to keep in memory the Lamb of God who suffered and died for us. So the seventh-day Sabbath is a weekly memorial to commemorate God’s Rest-day, after he had created the world in six, that man might not forget the living God who made heaven and earth. If man had always observed this memorial, none would have forgotten God, and there never would have been an infidel in the world. How wonderful and wise the plan of Jehovah, laid out in the beginning!—Man was to labor six days, and on the seventh rest from servile labor and care; and by viewing the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all things which were created in six days, he was to call to mind the living God who rested on the seventh.

The passover was to be observed from the time of the deliverance from Egypt, until “Christ our passover” was “sacrificed for us;” the communion was to be observed by the church from the crucifixion, until the Second Advent of Jesus; so the seventh-day Sabbath was designed to be kept from the Creation to, at least, the close of time.

God has “blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it” but once, and that was when there was but one man living.

“And God BLESSED the seventh day and SANCTIFIED it; BECAUSE that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Gen. ii, 3.

Mark well the language of that portion of the decalogue which gives the reason for the institution of the Sabbath.—When speaking of the Creation in six days, and the Rest of the seventh, God says, “Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it,” “Here the seventh day is called “the Sabbath-day” at the very period when he bestowed his blessing upon it, which was on the seventh day of the first week of time. As we have seen the institution of the Sabbath inseparably connected with God’s Rest at the close of Creation, and as the Creator bestowed his blessing upon “the Sabbath-day” but once, and that at Creation, and as he designed the Sabbath for a memorial of himself, that the whole human family might call to mind the living God who made heaven and earth, by following his example and resting on the seventh day, we are now prepared to understand the words of our Saviour when he says, “The Sabbath was made for man.”

The word “man” when used as it is here, in its broadest sense, means all mankind. Not the Jews only, but man, the

whole race of man, the same as in the following texts: “Man, seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days.” Ex. xvi, 22–29.

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” Job xiv, 1. “Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until evening.” Ps. civ. 23. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.” Cor. x. 13. “Man lieth down and riseth not, till the heavens be no more.” Job xiv, 12. No one will say that man in these texts means Jews or Christians, for the whole family of Adam is included. In this sense, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Adam, Noah, Enoch and Abraham were men, therefore the Sabbath was made for them as well as for Abraham’s natural seed. We are men, and the Sabbath was made for us.

The entire record of about twenty-five hundred years from the Creation is contained in fifty-two chapters of our Bible, therefore we should not expect that much would be said relative to the weekly Rest during that period of time. But we find early and frequent notices of reckoning by sevens. The term week is used in the contract between Jacob and Laban. “Fulfill her week.” Gen. xxix, 27. The word Sabbath not being used in the record of more than two thousand years is no evidence that there was none during that time. At a later period, even in that time when the transgressor of the law of God, was, by the law of Moses, put to death, the word Sabbath is not found in the divine record of about four hundred years.—None will say that there was no Sabbath during that space of time, because it is not mentioned in the record. The word Sabbath being left out of that portion of the Bible which only notices the most important events from the Creation to the deliverance from Egypt, certainly, is not so remarkable as its being left out for hundreds of years when enforced by temporal death.

As there is no intimation given of the institution of the Sabbath only at the close of Creation, and, as Jehovah has so forcibly shown, by the language of the fourth commandment, that the Sabbath of that commandment is inseparably connected with his Rest on the seventh day of the first week of time, we can now clearly see that when Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man,” he meant for Adam, the first man, and for all his posterity.

We frequently hear it asserted, by those who oppose the Sabbath of the Lord our God, that “the word Sabbath is not mentioned in the Bible, till after the law was given from Mount Sinai; therefore,” say they, “it is the Sabbath of the old Jews, and was abolished at the crucifixion, where the Jewish dispensation closed.” But any one who has read Ex. xii–xx, ought to know better than to make this statement.

The Sabbath was guarded by three standing miracles in giving the manna, and was kept by Israel, in the wilderness of Sin, thirty days before they came to Sinai. The children of Israel departed from Egypt on the fifteenth day of the first month, and came to the wilderness of Sin on the fifteenth day of the second month. See Ex. xvi, 1. There, in the wilderness of Sin, God gave them bread from heaven, and through Moses reminded them of his Sabbath. They then journeyed to Rephidim, and from Rephidim they came to the desert of Sinai on the fifteenth day of the third month.

Moses was then commanded to sanctify the people, to set bounds around the Mount, and to be “ready against the third day.” And on the third day, in the morning, “there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the Mount.” And the Lord descended upon it in fire, and from the smoking Mount proclaimed in awful grandeur, the “Royal Law.” But, thirty days before Israel saw Mount Sinai, and thirty-two days before they heard the voice of Jehovah repeating to them the ten commandments, both God and Moses speak of the Sabbath as of an old institution well understood by the people.

“And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the Holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that ye will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over, lay up for you to be kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade; and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

“And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to-day is a Sabbath unto the Lord; to-day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none.

“And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days.” Ex. xvi, 22–29.

There is something very interesting in the circumstance of the people gathering two omers of manna on the sixth day.—This seems to have been done without the special direction of Moses or the rulers. And when “the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses,” he said unto them, “This is that which the Lord hath said. To-morrow is the rest of the Holy Sabbath unto the Lord.” Where had the Lord thus said? at Sinai? Certainly not; for he did not speak the ten commandments till thirty-two days afterward. It is evident that Moses in his reply to the rulers of the congregation, referred to the time when God blessed and sanctified the seventh day at Creation.

But some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather manna, and there was none in the field. This called forth the rebuke from Him who hallowed the seventh day. “How long refuse ye to keep my COMMANDMENTS and my LAWS?—See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath.” Here we see that God’s commandments and laws existed, and were observed by his people, before he spake them from Mount Sinai.

A Tour Among the Scattered Flock

By Joseph Bates

Dear Bro. White:—A brief sketch of my last tour west may interest some of the scattered flock. Our conference in Berlin, Conn., Feb. 15 and 16, was very good. Much interest was manifest in the proclamation of the “present truth.” I believe the Lord set it home on the hearts of children and parents. Some were present and took a part with us that were acquainted with the first and second angel’s message, who, I trust will also receive the third, and be found, and known as the restorers of God’s Holy Sabbath, in the great and eventful day of the Lord.

We also held meetings in Middletown and East Hampton.—In the first place, several came in to hear our message. At the close of the meeting two of them presented some of their strongest objections to the seventh day Sabbath, and shut door; but they were powerless and did not affect the hearers, because they failed to produce a “thus saith the Lord” to stay up their inferences. The others professed their sincerity relative to the “present truth.” I hope they will embrace it fully.

In the last place we found two who had been supplied with the papers, and were anxious to hear and ready to say they believed, so far as they had heard. The next Sabbath, (Feb. 22,) I spent with Bro. Waters’ family, in East Hamilton, W. N. Y. The Lord refreshed us. In Norwich, (24 miles south,) held meetings at Bro. Burrows. Here we found some hungry starving sheep, two of them wanted the paper sent to them. The types and third angel’s message made their past experience so clear, they were anxious for more light. My prayer is, Lord lead them into the whole truth.

In Peterborough, I learned that Gerrit Smith, who is so famed for his beneficent acts to the poor, especially to the liberated colored people, was, with his companion keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, but not in the message of the third Angel, Rev. xiv, 12. He listened a little while; said he must examine the subject, regretted very much that his companion was absent from home, as she was very much interested in the Advent.—Had two meetings here. One Sister, I believe, received the Sabbath in the message, some others seemed deeply impressed.

In Camden, we met with the brethren from Oswego, Scriba, Sterling, and the three families just removed from East Hamilton, and Brookfield. The dear brethren who had been wading through deep trials were much strengthened with the union of the little church from East Hamilton. I trust they will continue to renew their strength. The conference on the Sabbath and first day, (March 1 and 2,) was an interesting, quickening season. Truth seemed to take deep hold on many minds. Quite a number who had been laboring, and struggling for liberty, and freedom from the enemy, were set free in answer to prayer.

In Deveraux, I found Sisters Cady and Brissee hungry for the truth. We had a season of interest with them, and some others. Bro. Brissee, I trust, will have the whole message.

When I arrived in Boston, (March 6,) I learned that Bro. Rhodes had found some that loved the present truth there.

It is very evident, dear brother, even from the facts of this short tour, that God is now gathering his people by ones and twos and threes, from almost every place where the third angel’s

message is proclaimed, right out of the ranks of our persecuting foes. The old adage among sailors holds good here.—One volunteer is worth ten pressed men. Let us praise God for this growing, cementing, strengthening truth, that is drawing the remnant on to rock bottom. This gathering host have nothing to fear. The truth in this last message will make them mighty through God. One that has it will chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Amen.

Affectionately yours,

JOSEPH BATES.

Fairhaven, March 9, 1851.

[Letter from Bro. Wheeler.]

By Frederick Wheeler

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Our conference closed last evening. Bro. Baker, Rhodes, and Smith were present, strong in the present truth. The traveling was very bad and but few were present, except those in this immediate vicinity; but God was with us, by his Spirit in power. The truths connected with the third angel's message were brought out in a very clear and lucid manner, and the hearts of God's dear saints were comforted, and we felt indeed a desire to live by every word of God.— O, how solemn is the time in which we live! Never did I feel the force of truth as I now do. My whole being seems to be (as it were) wrapt up in this message. And methinks this ought to be the case with every one; for surely all that ever enter the kingdom will be purified and made white through this truth. O for that living faith that leads us to action. We need that faith that leads us to obey God in all things. A faith in this truth that fails to lead to an entire consecration of ourselves and all that we possess to God, is not the faith that we need. It will not save. The commandments must be fully kept, and the faith of Jesus we must have, or never enter the rest that remains for the saints. I do feel to praise God for his great love which he has manifested for his dear saints in this place. They are coming out from under the “rubbish;” praise God Zion is rising to sink no more. Glory to his holy name. Soon, yea, very soon will the 144,000 stand on the Mount Zion and sing the new song. Amen. FREDERICK WHEELER.

Washington, (N. H.) Feb. 10, 1851.

P. S. I should have mentioned that several have embraced the Sabbath, and the third angel's message since you was here. We do feel that our conference will prove a lasting blessing to the cause here.

F. W.

WEST MILTON, N. Y., FEB. 26, 1851

By GEO. W. HOLT.

[Letter from Bro. Holt.]

WEST MILTON, N. Y., FEB. 26, 1851

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I reached this place one week ago, and found the little company here striving to keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus.

I commenced going from house to house among those that were interested in the Advent movement in '44, in these towns, Charleston and Ballston. Some came out to the meeting at Bro. Cushman's on the Sabbath, and embraced the truth in full.

Elder Thompson, an old preacher, and one of the first in the Advent, who traveled much with Bro. Miller, and attended the first Second Advent conference in Boston, has, with his wife, embraced the third angel's message. He is very anxious that the papers be sent to him without delay. There are others in this County that I think will embrace the truth. I intend to leave this place to-morrow morning, and go north to Sandy Hill, Fort Ann and Low Hampton.

I never realized the goodness and tender love of God more than I do at the present time. I am anxious to suffer with Jesus, until the voice of God turns our captivity. I am sure that my whole being is identified with the interest of the cause of truth, as it is increasing in power and strength. Some are continually flocking to the standard raised and sustained by the THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.

New light is constantly pouring its welcome rays upon us and around the banner that is hoisted by our Captain, (Jesus,) for the remnant to gather under.

How true it is that we are living in the last time and the last warning voice is raised to arouse the church to a true sense of her obligation to God, and to one another. This is the day that Prophets and Apostles have foretold us of. They looked with intense interest on these precious moments that we are permitted to enjoy, when it is said to Zion, “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”—When the “light of the moon (church) shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun (gospel) shall be seven fold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.” The day that the power and spirit of Elijah is sent to restore all things, and the church to receive the latter rain, and be presented to the Father without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.—When the people that keep the commandments of God are looking for redemption in Israel, for the graves to be opened, and the sleeping millions to arise from their dusty beds. When the voice of the Archangel and the trump of God will be heard, while Jesus, the King of Glory, with all his holy angels will be seen coming down from the Holy City in the cloudy Chariot with its wheels rolling in fire, shouting holy, holy, holy.

How thrilling the thought! My heart melts within me while I contemplate the glorious scene, and the Spirit whispers, how holy ought ye to be seeing ye look for such things.

These things are before us, and we shall soon, if faithful, behold them. May the Lord guide us by his Holy Spirit, and keep us by his power unto the day of redemption is the prayer of your unworthy brother, GEO. W. HOLT.

Established in Present Truth

By AZMOND WOODRUFF

[Letter from Bro. Woodruff.]

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Although a stranger to you in the flesh, I can say of a truth, “we have the same spirit of faith.” I praise the Lord, that in his good providence, the “Advent Review” has been put into my hands. (Thanks to that brother who sent it to me.) It has produced in my mind a great clearness on those subjects of which it speaks. Never did I have such clear conceptions of God’s holy word and truth as I have had for a few weeks past. I am established, strengthened and settled in the present truth. The word of the Lord is sweet to my taste. That the parable of the ten virgins is fulfilled, down to the shut door at least, I cannot doubt. And that we are now receiving the third angel’s message, [Rev. xiv.] I as fully believe.

I left Father and Mother, friends and neighbors, and a whole community around me, at the age of seventeen, (31 years since,) to obey the Sabbath law of Jehovah, and depend upon it, I shall not now withdraw my hand, the Lord being my helper; since Master Jesus will soon be coming in his chariot of fire to translate to heaven the little ones, that have gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. No, not even when the old dragon is wroth and shall muster his armies to war against the remnant which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. But I forbear, lest I weary your patience.

Yours in hope. AZMOND WOODRUFF.

Richland, Oswego Co., (N. Y.) March 10, 1851.

The Spread of Present Truth

Bro. Holt writes from Half Moon, (N. Y.) March 11, 1851.—“I stated in my last that I intended to go north to Sandy Hill, &c.; but I have not been able to get away from Saratoga Co. yet. Bro. Thompson and wife were so blessed in receiving the truth that they were anxious that I should visit others in this vicinity, and would convey me from place to place; so I have been with them, to different places, and the Lord has been with us. A number have received the light, and are rejoicing in it with the whole heart.”

The Cause in Melbourne

By Editor

We have received an affectionate letter from Bro. J. Lindsey, giving an interesting account of the cause in Melbourne (C. E.) and vicinity.—To hear by Bro. L's letter that we still share the prayers and sympathy of the brethren there, is a cause of devout thanksgiving with us.

Letters Received and Receipts

LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE FEB. 26.—Otis Nichols; S. W. Rhodes 2; E. L. H. Chamberlain; S. T. Belden; David Arnold; G. W. Holt 2; J. N. Andrews 3; Hiram Edson 2; A. R. Morse; R. R. Chapin; F. M. Shimpel; Joseph Bates; M. E. Gleason; P. D. Lawrence, and Lucinda Woodworth.

RECEIPTS.—J. Lindsey, A. Hazeltine, and Noble Luther, $1 each; S. Strong and J. Thompson, 50 cents each; H. S. Gurney, $2; Otis Nichols, $10; R. R. Chapin, $2; Elias Goodwin, $6, one from Sr. Rogers; J. Whitmore, $3; C. Newton and others, $5; A. Woodruff, $1; E. Day, $1.

FOR THE CHART.—Wm. Hills, $5; Elias Goodwin, $5; J. C. Bowles, $32.