Earlier text: MODERN PHENOMENA OF THE HEAVENSAmerican Sabbath Tract Society Anniversary
By J. A. Begg
The ninth anniversary of the American Sabbath Tract Society, was held September 13th. The report of the Board states, that during the past year the Society's series of sixteen Tracts have been thoroughly revised and stereotyped. The following letter from Mr. Begg to the Directors and Members of this Society was read, which we copy from the Sabbath Recorder. DEAR BRETHREN:—I desire to express thankfulness on your account, and prayer in your behalf. I give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he hath put it into your hearts, and afforded to you the means and opportunity, of being fellow-workers with Him in recalling men to the enjoyment of the blessing that there is in truly remembering the Sabbath day to keep it holy; and I pray that grace may be given unto you all, enabling you to approve yourselves unto those for whose enlightenment you have combined, as "a band of men whose hearts God hath touched."101 When Israel was faithful in the observance of the Sabbath, it was "a sign" that the Lord did sanctify them. It still remains so in regard to "the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it." More is thus demanded of us than acquiescence in the soundness of the argument, or the clearness of the evidence, by which the truth concerning it is established. Even the truth may be held in unrighteousness, through men's practice not according with their convictions. The blessing is in keeping the Sabbath from polluting it. It is this which makes it the sign, as it is this which constitutes it a test. In regard to the belief of doctrine which makes no immediate demand upon the external conduct, when the judgment is convinced, there is nothing to prevent an immediate avowal. But the keeping of the Sabbath is an evidence of faith and love, their possession being requisite to enable a man to submit himself to the practical influence of God's commandment, so as to be sanctified by him. It is to this, dear brethren, let us ever bear in remembrance, that all our efforts must be directed, while endeavoring to lead men to a knowledge of the truth. Faith must, however, be based on the word of God, as practice must follow or accompany faith. An intellectual perception of the will and purpose of the Most High may be aided by a clear exhibition of the Scripture statements on the subject of the Sabbath; and remonstrance may be addressed wherever there is the unfaithfulness which the neglect or perversion of the Sabbath implies. Some err from ignorance only; others are obstinately wedded to the error they have adopted. Yet, in all, conscience hath place; and the Spirit that inspired the Word is still capable of making it effectual in the human heart. Christ himself, and Peter, and Paul, and all the holy men of God, reasoned out of the Scriptures, and when this is rightly done, we are still encouraged to hope that with us as with them, some will attend to the things spoken, the Lord opening their hearts thereunto. As of old, when the law of God was made void by human traditions, so is it still, even among the people of God. In some cases, so inveterate is the evil, that the distinction between the law of the Lord and the tradition by which it is overlaid and concealed, is wholly destroyed. Men have come to receive the word of their fellow-men as if it were the word of the living God; and, often unconsciously, they expose themselves to the threatened work of judgment by the Lord upon those of whom he says, "Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." And yet, not only is the imagined change of the Sabbath a mere tradition, but the tradition itself is that of a confessedly corrupt church. Still more remarkable is it, that the warning of an inspired Apostle—and he the Apostle of the Gentiles—that there should come "a falling away"—should have so failed in putting the church upon her guard against resting any thing on such tradition. Surely, in such circumstances, the friends of the Redeemer ought to have been more upon their guard against the danger to which their faith and practice were exposed by the too ready reception of the traditions of a church on which inspiration has thus placed the brand of apostasy. But the warning was little heeded, and has had little influence on the practice of those for whose guidance it was designed. Apart even from the apostolic warning, it might well have excited doubts and fears as to the acceptance of the traditionary Sabbath, to find that even the less faithful Ecclesiastical Historians of a subsequent age distinctly intimate that the churches of Rome and Alexandria were the first to abandon the divinely-appointed Sabbath—Rome and Alexandria having been the grand nurseries of most of the heresies with which the church of Christ was so early overrun! Ecclesiastical Councils of a later date authoritatively legislated for the perpetuation of this and other errors; and as Rome attained that place of power and influence, over the west especially, to which her ambition had so long aspired, the memorial of God's creation rest was decried as Jewish, while Sunday and saints' days were exalted to a place to which, according to the word of God they have no rightful claim. Thus these days of human appointment, first put on terms of equality with the Sabbath of the Lord, afterwards usurped its place, and anathemas were uttered against all who, in reverence of the law of their Lord and example of their Saviour, refused to allow tradition to thrust aside eternal truth. Ages of superstition confirmed the false position which had thus been assumed; and the Council of Trent, looking back upon what Rome had done, declared (Catechism, Quest. xviii) that "it hath pleased the Church of God, in her wisdom, that the religious celebration of the Sabbath day should be transferred to the Lord's day." "We also learn from the sacred volume," they indeed add, as one of the reasons of transference, but without citing chapter or verse, "that the first day of the week was held sacred because on that day the creation of the world commenced." The sacred volume speaks of the Sabbath in connection with the finishing of creation, not its commencement; but such was the "wisdom" of a General Council of a Church under "strong delusion, that they should believe a lie," because they received not the love of the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Other days, accordingly, says the Council of Trent, besides those in honor of the mysteries of our redemption, were instituted, the first of which are "those dedicated to the most blessed virgin Mother; and also to the Apostles, Martyrs, and the other saints reigning with Christ." (Buckley's Translation, pp. 398,399.) The example and admonition of saints are despised, while their names are used to sanction evils against which they protest! Imperfect was the Reformation towards which the faith and devotedness of Luther so signally contributed. With his whole heart bent on restoring to its place the doctrine of justification by faith, the Sabbath of the Lord had little other place in his creed, than it had received in that of the Church which he denounced as otherwise so corrupt. Calvin followed, in the aim at reformation. More strict in some respects, and more distinguished for logic than for love, he also failed to discover the delusions which had prevailed as to the day and design of the Sabbath, and was as little disposed to return to the position regarding it from which Rome had so sadly severed. Neither he nor Luther recognized any day as now specially sanctified and blessed of God. Any day, in their estimation, was equally good with that which alone the Lord had chosen, for the edification of the Church and preaching to sinners—and to these ends alone, irrespective of the glory of Him who made the world, did they confine their contemplation of its purpose. The inconsistency of allowing such scope to human caprice in dealing with a divine appointment, was too obvious to escape attention; and at a still later period, England gave consolidation to the apostasy by misapplying to the day of the Church's adoption all the sacred sanctions of God's law. Affirming that divinely the change had been made, and calling Sunday the Sabbath, the injunction of the fourth commandment is now read in connection with the first day of the week instead of the seventh. The promises of God to Sabbath observance, and the terrors of the Lord dissuading from Sabbath desecration, are used unhesitatingly in the present day, to sustain a self-evidently false proposition. Under the air of confidence with which this is done, however, the intelligent observer can scarcely fail to perceive that there are misgivings of the soundness of the law and the logic enunciated. There is an unwillingness to argue on the subject of the alleged change; a confession of the want of direct evidence in its support, a pleading of general practice, or the assumption that it matters not which day we observe—and all this by men zealous for the maintenance of a day unsanctioned by the Word. "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no truth in them." In the light of the Lord, and the might of his grace, be it our aim and prayer, my dear brethren, to be enabled to rend away the veil from many hearts. A wide-spread confederacy has been robbing the Redeemer of his glory, under a plea of exalting his name. He who on earth exclaimed, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets," hath not the less love to either, that he is now in glory. In his word and by his providence he again inquires, "Who is on the Lord's side?" Be it our part to be ever willing to be yielded to his hand, and to avail ourselves of all opportunities for the advancement of his truth. The printed page, composed in prayerful spirit, may be read in secret, and be meditated in silence, and be given effect to, in the heart, when the ear has been closed against the preacher's voice. The message of love and truth may be borne, too, beyond the reach of your own observation, watched over by Him who distinguishes between the chaff and the wheat, and the fruit of all your labor may never be seen until the day of the appearing of the Lord we love and serve. That it may then be accepted and abundant, is the prayer of, dear brethren. Yours in the love of the truth,
J. A. BEGG.
5 Argyll Arcade, Glasgow, August 27th, 1852. Modern Phenomena of the Heavens.
By Editor
WHAT we have published on this subject is from a tract of 48 pages by Henry Jones, published in 1843. Many of our readers have but recently had their minds called to the subject of the Second Advent. Such will be much interested, and we trust strengthened, by these facts relative to modern phenomena of the heavens. But we have not published them for this class alone. It will be cheering to all our readers who love the appearing of Jesus, to again examine those signs by which we were to know that the coming of the Lord was near, even at the doors. Infidelity says, that nothing may be known relative to the period of the Second Advent. Faith rests with confidence upon the words of our Lord:—"Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it [margin, he] is near, even at the doors." Matt. xxiv, 32, 33. This was the great object of our Lord, in naming the signs of the Advent, that his Church might know that his coming was near. It was not to perplex his people, but that they might know, and warn the world, as did Noah, of its approaching destruction. We ask those who think we are to know nothing of the period of the Advent, What is the design of the foretold signs? Let them give any other reason, if they can, than that the church might know that the Advent was near, and warn the world. But how near? Why, "even at the doors." A friend of ours might be coming, yet a thousand miles off; he might be near, yet twenty miles off. But if he should be "near even at the doors," we should at once rise, open the door, and welcome our friend into the house. We may now know that our Lord is coming, that he is near, and more, that he is "even at the doors."—Are we ready to welcome our dear Saviour? Does the fact that he is at the door, fill us with joy? Reader, do you love this world more than you love the appearing of Jesus? If you do, your case is a fearful one. The judgment is upon you, Christ is coming; he is at the door. O, get ready to welcome the dear Saviour. In this city is encouraging. Probably there is as much prejudice against the Sabbath of the Bible here, as in any place, yet the cause of truth is advancing. This prejudice has been raised in the minds of the Advent brethren, by those who teach them that there is no Sabbath for the gospel dispensation, and that it is extremely dangerous to keep one, that those who do, fall from grace and expose themselves to "irretrievable ruin." And in order to hinder them from hearing for themselves, and investigating the Sabbath question, they have been told that these Sabbath-keepers are full of mesmerism; and hear-say stories of the faults of individuals have been repeated (even from the desk) to complete the work of filling the mind with cruel prejudice. But notwithstanding all this, the prejudice is gradually giving way, and several have recently embraced the Sabbath. Some who have formerly opposed strongly, now rejoice in it. A few weeks since, they viewed it a yoke of bondage, now they "call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable."—Though they opposed the truth, they did it as Paul says, "ignorantly," before examining the subject, acting under the influence of the no-Sabbath teachers. Last Sabbath our meeting was excellent. It was a melting, heavenly season. We were cheered by several decided testimonies from those who have recently embraced the present truth. In the afternoon and evening of last First-day we spoke to quite a number who assembled at Bro. Orton's. We believe that the Lord will add to our number many precious souls; and we hope soon to have a more convenient place of worship. Blessed Are They That Do His Commandments
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev. xxii, 14. Loughborough’s Christian Experience
By Editor
[The following communication from Bro. Loughborough will be read with much interest. His case is one among the many of prejudice existing against our position, till the light of truth breaks into the mind. We have formed a happy acquaintance with this dear brother. He commenced preaching when quite young. May God bless him abundantly in the discharge of his duty.] Loughborough’s Call to Ministry
By John Norton Loughborough
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I would like (by the help of God) to say a few words to the saints scattered abroad. Some four and a half years since, I heard the first and second angels' messages, and became satisfied that the coming of the Lord was at hand. This was my first profession to know the love of Christ. No sooner had I settled my mind in regard to baptism, than I began to feel the worth of souls, and was constrained, by the Spirit of God, to go out and proclaim the note of warning, "Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come," I endeavored to go out trusting in God. I felt blest in endeavoring to let shine what light I had, but still saw but little fruit of my labor, and felt that there was something lacking. I could not reach the hearts of the people as I wished to. I continued in this condition till about one year since, when my mind was called to the subject of the two-horned beast, and the time of trouble. I became satisfied that both were in the future, but supposed that they were to be fulfilled by Papacy. The fore part of last Winter I had some conversation with Bro. Edson on the subject, and became satisfied that the United States, (civil and ecclesiastical) is the two-horned beast. But still I did not see the commandments. Last Summer I was invited to examine the subject of the Sabbath, but I was mind full of prejudice, so that the truth did not reach me. During the time of the last conference of Sabbath-keepers, held in this city, I was invited to attend and hear on the subject of the third angel's message, the Sabbath, &c. I declined, plainly stating that I would not attend the meeting. But afterwards my heart condemned me, and on First-day I went to hear.—My mind was arrested by the Spirit of God. I could not keep away from the meeting, nor resist the power of arguments presented. I had always supposed that there was but one law, and that done away in Christ. Still this position looked as though God changed, and it confused me. But thank God, when I saw the two laws, all was plain. Then I could understand Paul, when speaking of falling from grace, by keeping the law of ordinances, and how the law that contained the commandments, could remain holy, just and good. I had supposed there was no Sabbath, and, therefore, observed none. But when the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened to my mind, the first thing I saw was the commandments under the mercy-seat, and now the Sabbath to me is a delight, and I love to keep God's holy law. My mind has rested, from the first, on the history of the church. I saw that she had been persecuted in all ages; and the question arose, Are God's people to escape in the last age of the world, without persecution? I began to search, and this solemn expression of scripture pressed upon my mind: "There (at the time Christ is to be revealed) shall be a time of trouble such as never was." But of those who have kept God's word, it is said: "I also will keep thee." May God help to sound the note of warning. I see my duty. My heart is full. And God helping, I will do my duty. I hope those who have faith, will remember me, as I endeavor to speak the truth to my fellow men. May God's Spirit accompany the word. I thank God that a goodly number in this city are keeping the Sabbath, and more are investigating.—Brethren, be strong in faith, giving glory to God, for what he has promised, he will perform. Amen. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 25th, 1852. Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 25th, 1852. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. cxxvi, 6. HEAVENLY OBJECTS.
By H. S. Gurney
GOD is an eternal source of wisdom, goodness and truth, and worthy of praise from all intelligent beings. The highest order of intelligencies were created for his praise, to surround his throne. Before the fall of man, all the heavenly hosts united in one song of praise and adoration, in view of God's perfection of beauty, glorious power, handi-work, &c., when there was nothing to mar it. Even "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." How perfect the order and harmony, beyond description! But soon the scene was changed. Man, who "was made a little lower than the angels," transgressed a law, and falls into a most miserable state, under the sentence of death, and the curse begins to devour the earth. Now the song of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels is interrupted, in view of the evil consequences of disobedience. But soon the plan of redemption begins to be developed, and the angels manifest their interest, in that they became ministering spirits to those who should reap the benefit of such a plan. God be praised for such manifest tokens of condescension. God has often manifested himself to men through the medium of angels, revealing his will, giving warning of danger and judgments upon the disobedient. God's special care for his trusting people, is thus revealed. How consoling the thought, that the angels of God encamp around about them that fear him. Angels have always been interested for man's best good.—Redemption from the curse has been the theme of angels and all good men. As the plan has progressed, angels have more particularly manifested their interest. When the history of the world was revealed to Daniel, and in particular, the plan of redemption, the highest order of angels were consulted. When the time came for the promised seed to be manifested, the angels, or sons of God again shout for joy; they sing "glory to God in the highest." Why is this rejoicing in heaven? The plan of redemption does not save the multitude of the heavenly hosts, for they need no redemption. Then it is not that they have lost any thing they expect to gain, but it is a disinterested regard for man's best good. Seeking the good of mankind without regard to their own personal interest. Hence, they leave the heaven of heavens, the realms of celestial glory, and descend to earth, to become guardians of God's afflicted people. Peter, when contemplating the plan of redemption, says, "which things the angels desired to look into." The time is very near, when every intelligent living creature, will unite in one song, saying, blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Such a united song is now interrupted in consequence of the interest among the heavenly hosts, for man's salvation. They are made to sympathize with man's fallen state, in unison with Christ's ministration in the Heavenly Sanctuary. Jesus said at one time, he could command more than twelve legions of angels. The innumerable company is soon to be called together, to descend with Jesus, and gather his elect from the four corners of the earth. No doubt the most perfect order will be regarded. Such a scene must transcend all that mortals can conceive. Shall we behold such a scene, and be changed into the glorious image of the Son of God, in all the glory of his father? Yes, more, to share with him in the everlasting inheritance. "O, glorious hope! O, blest abode!
Shall I be there, and like my God?" The apostle Paul has said, "set your affections on things above." Inspiration sets before us an object of attraction worthy of our best endeavors, our affections entirely. God has promised the dominion of the kingdoms of this world to the saints of the Most High, with the curse and its consequent evils removed. But what is there in heaven worthy of our affections? He that has promised, and is faithful, is located above. "For he hath looked down from the height of his Sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth." Ps. cii, 19. He dwells in light, which no man can approach unto. Our great and glorious High Priest, a minister, rendering service in the Sanctuary which the Lord pitched, is distinctly with the Father, and above. See Acts vii, 55. The different order of angels have their location above, created for purposes infinitely glorious, above the condition of man. I am speaking of literal things. It would be foolishness to talk of setting my affections on shadows. The "natural" have a body, so do the "spiritual." 1 Cor. xv, 44. "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven." Ps. xi, 4. "His throne is like the fiery flame." Dan. vii, 9. "Jesus sits in it." Rev. iii, 21. The highest order of angels bow before it, in deep adoration, while another order sing around it.—Rev. v, 11—14. Herein is brought to view the most perfect order which, certainly, can never be interrupted. Sin can never frustrate the order of heaven. The City for which Abraham looked, whose builder and maker is God, built of a variety of the most superior materials, glorious beyond description, the bride adorned, the Lamb's wife, the mother of us all, is above. Said Jesus, to comfort his disciples, "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." John xiv, 1—3. All these things are reserved in heaven for the faithful children of God. West Wareham, Mass., Oct. 3d, 1852. Thayer Accepts the Lord’s Sabbath
By Abijah Thayer
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have received the Review and Herald some months past, and read it with pleasure, and I trust, profit. I fully concur in its general position relative to the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and also in respect to the coming glory, and "restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." The fulfillments which we have witnessed for the last ten years, together with the glory which the unfulfilled prophecies foreshow are calculated to suggest the inquiry in each one of our minds, "What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation, and godliness," and to lead us to gird up the loins of our minds, be sober and hope unto the end for the grace which is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen we love, in whom, though now we see him not, yet believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.103 I endeavored to keep the Lord's Sabbath for some years, but was moved from that position by J. Turner's arguments, in his discussion with J. B. Cook in the Bible Advocate a few years since, to believe that Sunday was the seventh day. I am now satisfied that it was error, and for several months past have observed the Lord's Sabbath, "rejoicing in hope of the glory of God, so soon to be revealed." I wish the Review and Herald continued, as I value it more highly than all other papers, and will endeavor to help sustain it. Yours in hope of the gospel,
ABIJAH THAYER. Shelbourne Falls, Mass., Sept. 21st, 1852. LETTERS.
By Minerva M. Calkins
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—When I realize the goodness and overruling power of God in leading my feet into the strait and narrow path, I, truly, feel that I am a monument of his mercy. In the Winter of 1843 and 1844, a small tract was providentially placed in my hands, a publication of Bro. Fitch. I read it over and over, and it was sweet to my taste. I commenced searching my Bible with an energy that I had never before felt. Living in a secluded place, I knew nothing of the Advent movement, and in the Summer of 1844, the Lord saw fit to place me where I must let go of the Bible as the rule of my faith and practice, or leave the church. He enabled me to trust in his word, and to leave the Baptist church, with which I had been united twenty-six years, and which I dearly loved. He gave me grace and strength to stand, as it were alone, while my unknown brethren were tossed upon the waves of disappointment and trials of various kinds. Thus the Lord knows and tries his children; for many shall be tried and made white. In the Winter of 1850, F. Miller Jr. came to our place and delivered several lectures. I soon found myself united with about twenty-five who professed the love of Christ's appearing. But when I saw that I must keep all the commandments of God, I must again be severed from those most dear; yet there are a few of that number that are willing to obey God, in spite of a scoffing world, for which I can truly praise the Lord. O, how my heart has been pained to see the scoffs and cruel misrepresentations in the Harbinger, both of the word of God, and those that proclaim it. Bro. Bates was at our house when the conversation referred to in the Harbinger, under the caption of "Vain Talkers," took place. Brn. D. Hewett, A. A. Dodge, my husband and myself were present, and did not hear Bro. Bates make any such expressions as he was charged with. A promiscuous conversation took place about the Harbinger being a dear paper, and Eld. Marsh making a profit in the business. By what means H. C. Mason could have got his impression, I know not. Brn. Rhodes and Case have been represented in the Harbinger as being wolves in sheep's clothing, for advising people to stop that paper without paying for it. Bro. Rhodes is a stranger to me, but Bro. Case has taken a very different course, so far as I am acquainted, by advising those in these parts to pay to the uttermost farthing, and give no occasion to be evil spoken of, save for the truth's sake. But let us not render railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Let us be patient, and establish our hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. They that have pure hearts, and clean hands shall abide in my tabernacle, and dwell in my holy hill, saith the Lord. May the Lord help us to do his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City. MINERVA M. CALKINS.
Climax, Prairie, Mich., Oct. 4th, 1852. A Lonely Sabbath Keeper’s Testimony
By Jane Oneil
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—Although a stranger in person, yet I feel to express my grateful thanks, through the medium of your paper, to some friend unknown to me, for sending the Review and Herald. Blessed messenger of truth, how it cheers and comforts me on my lonely way. Two years ago last Winter I received light on the Sabbath question for the first time. I heard you preach on the commandments at the house of Bro. Wm. Beebe in Lorain. You there gave me a pamphlet on the subject. I took it and compared it with my Bible, and found I was violating God's holy law; "for whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James ii, 10. I was at this time on a visit with my friends, and after my return to my home in Wisconsin, I commenced keeping the seventh day as a Sabbath holy unto the Lord; and I feel to thank and praise his name that I have been led to see this glorious truth. I have no opportunity of attending meetings with those of like precious faith with myself, or the privilege of hearing any of my brethren preach on the present truth. There are but two Advent sisters in this place, and they do not view the Sabbath as I do. With my Bible and the Review, I am convinced that now is the sealing time for God's people. And though I meet with reproach and opposition I hope to be one of the few that shall be found keeping the commandments, and having the faith of Jesus. Yours in hope of eternal life, JANE ONEIL.
Plymouth, Wis., Oct. 2d, 1852. A Family Keeping God’s Commandments
By J. B. Sweet
Dear Bro. White :—I can say of a truth that I feel thankful to our heavenly Father for numbering our whole family with those that keep the commandments of God. All praise be to the Most High. Our dearly beloved Bro. Bates, who has so long stood in front of the battle, has just left us for the East. Our souls have been fed with meat in due season, while hearing him explain the Scriptures of truth. O, may the Lord speed the messengers on their way, in search of those who have been scattered on the mountains of Israel. I am well aware that they have much to pass through, but I would say, hold fast a little longer. He that mustereth the hosts of the battle will go before you, and the battle will soon end in triumphs of victory. I praise God that the truth is being powerfully felt in this Western country. In hope of eternal life, J. B. Sweet.
Milan, O., Sept., 30th, 1852. E. S. SHEFFIELD
By E. S. Sheffield
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel it a duty to say a few words at this time in regard to the position I now occupy towards you and the world. And, first, let me say, that as we have one Master, even Christ, and all we are brethren, let us show to the world our relationship to each other by brotherly kindness and love to all that are willing to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; for by this we are to know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. I have been much strengthened by the communications through the Review and Herald. And although I have not participated in any of the former movements of the Advent cause, yet I feel bound to acknowledge my firm belief that it is the work of an Almighty hand. Everything has been done in regular order and in the right time. I know that many scoff, and say that we are fanatics, &c. But why are we called deluded? For this reason, we are willing to place implicit confidence in the testimony of our Lord. But who are they that scoff the hardest and rage the most? My short experience shows that they are generally those that profess to be followers of, and looking for (a great distance in the future) the coming of the same Lord: But our Saviour said, while on earth, that the servant that should say, my Lord delayeth his coming, the Lord of that servant shall come in a day he is not aware of, and appoint him his portion with hypocrites. If ever there has been a people on the earth that has placed entire confidence in the word of God, and that alone, it has been the believers in the time, as stated by the Prophet. And I can see clearly that it is that confidence in God's word that has led them step by step up to their present position. And I feel to thank God, and say, I know in whom I have believed; and they that put their trust in the Lord shall never be confounded. Dear brethren, I do not expect to meet you all, until brought into his presence, but praise the Lord, I do hope to meet you then, and the time is not far distant, we all must know, who take Jesus at his word. If we do not believe all that he has said, how can we have all his testimony? The mass of professing Christians at the present day, in order to get rid of the Advent doctrine, try to connect the signs that Christ said should precede his coming, with the destruction of Jerusalem, because he said, "this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled." If the signs there spoken of refer to the destruction of Jerusalem only, then it is certain that the Judgment is past, and we are all past the time of redemption; for Jesus said, [Luke xxi, 28,] "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." If, as he says, this generation is not to pass till all is fulfilled, and the generation has reference to those that were then living on the earth, then all things must have been fulfilled nearly 1800 years since. And if so, why are we trusting in Christ for salvation, so long after all things are fulfilled, and the day of redemption past? The day of the Lord is not past, we all know, therefore it is yet to come, and it must be near at hand.—The time as given by the angel to Daniel is past.—The signs, as given by the Lord himself, are in the past, excepting the sign of the Son of man. Then surely we ought to lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. May we all who love his appearing, be up and doing, that we may have living faith that works by love and purifies the heart. May we thus be found obedient to his word, looking for our Lord. Fort Atkinson, Wis., Oct. 14th, 1852. Extract of Letters.
By Editor
BRO. P. GIBSON writes from London, C. W., Sept. 10th, 1852:—"I do feel thankful for the last message of mercy that has come to us. The Review and Herald came in time to save the little flock from the shepherds that scatter them. I was led to receive the message of the first angel in the fall of 1845. I then commenced to take the Voice of Truth, which gave the cry to God's people to come out of Babylon. I hesitated to come out of a society I loved so well, and had been a member of twenty-six years. They called me a Millerite and cast me out of the Methodist Church. I believed that my Saviour would come in this generation, and rejoiced to suffer a little reproach for his sake. The paper I was taking ceased to be the voice of truth. The Harbinger was sent me, but it was not the Harbinger of Christ's coming, but of the "Age to Come." The Review and Herald with other pamphlets were sent me free. I now rejoice in the message of the third angel as in the first. I love the Holy Sabbath, but do not have the privilege of meeting with my brethren on that day. If it would be for the glory of God, we should be glad to have some of the brethren come over and help us." BRO. T. J. GIDDINGS writes from Nile, N. Y. Oct. 9, 1852:—"We are thankful for the Review and Herald. It is to me as food to the hungry soul. Those of my brethren whose names I gave for the paper, are well satisfied with it. It gives good satisfaction where it is read. The Lord prospers his own cause. The subject of the coming of the Lord, I hail with more delight than all others. It gives that life to all my devotions, that I can but feel absorbed in this glorious theme. I have been studying the scriptures for about ten years, to find out in what the saints' rest consisted, and have found that, according to the promise of New Heavens and New Earth, there were joys that the preaching that I was accustomed to, could not afford. O, that the Lord would open the eyes of my brethren, that they may see, and be willing to teach the whole truth, and prepare the way of the Lord. It is very cheering to me to hear of the prosperity of our Advent brethren." BRO. WHEELER writes from Newport, N. H., Oct. 14th, 1852: "I attended the appointment at Portland, Me., and had a good time with the brethren there.—Baptized four. Spent last Sabbath with the brethren in Washington. The conference has proved a great blessing to the cause. There has been a rising in the church. God's blessing rests upon his people, and they are coming together, striving for the unity of the faith, and the power of the third angel's message." The Only Sabbath Keeper Here
By Darius Myers
Dear Bro. White :—I feel thankful that you yet send me the Review. My sympathies are with you. I feel glad for the stand you have taken for the word of God, and the commandments. It also rejoices me to hear from those brethren that I have once loved so well, and those that I have known to be self-sacrificing, and self-denying. I should be glad to say a word of encouragement to those of like precious faith, for I feel that they have their trials from what I have seen here of the hatred manifested against the Lord's Sabbath, and its kindred truths. There are none here that have fully embraced the Sabbath, excepting myself. One or two are, however, almost persuaded, so much so that they have not of late labored on the seventh day. We have had no lectures here on this subject, only as I have talked with some of the Advent believers, and sometimes in meeting, and it makes me feel, and see from actions, that those who are saved will have to strive to enter in at the strait gate. I have often wished some of the brethren could have made it so as to come this way and held meetings. O, I should have been very glad to have seen Bro. Case when he was in Wisconsin, or Bro. Bates. Though I am not personally acquainted with Bro. Bates, yet I should have been very glad to have seen one of like faith. It may be that some one with the truth may yet pass this way. Plum River, JoDaviess Co., Ill., Oct. 10th, 1852.