p. 104 | Review and Herald, Vol. 3, No. 13. (10/28/1852)

Earlier text: American Sabbath Tract Society Anniversary

The Cause Here Is Prospering

By W. Phelps

From Bro. Phelps.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The cause here is prospering. I left home at Alden on the 20th, of Sept. Have visited Beloit, Janesville, Spring Valley, Union, Albion, Christiana, Kaskonong, Madison and then to this place. Found some in all these places, except one or two, strong in the truth, and where they are not in the truth they are enquiring for light. I intend to stop here over the Sabbath, and then leave to visit other places on my way home. In some places the evil servants are trying to undo what the faithful servants had done, and they have scattered the seeds of destruction which are found in the no-Sabbath theory.

O, when will these deluded men cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord. Acts xiii, 10. Nominal Adventists and nominal professors are all well agreed in this work of death. I feel like keeping on the altar of God, and letting him direct my steps.

Yours waiting for the kingdom, W. PHELPS.

Packwaukee, Wis., Oct. 8th, 1852.

The Dark Day of May 19, 1780.

A FRIEND recently placed in our hands a letter, written more than seventy years ago by Dr. Caleb G. Adams, of Exeter, N. H., to General Nathaniel Folsom, of that town, who was at the time a member of the Provincial Congress at Philadelphia. In the following passage, that well-known phenomenon, the "Dark Day," which spread alarm, and in some cases, consternation through this part of the country, is described, with details which must prove deeply interesting to many of our readers. The letter is dated Exeter, May 26, 1780: Boston Journal.

"We had a very extraordinary phenomenon the 19th day of this month. In the morning it was rainy, till about nine o'clock, when the clouds broke away and the sun appeared, but very red. After nine the clouds grew very thick, with the wind from southwest, in light breezes; at half past ten it was uncommonly dark, the clouds appearing of a yellowish hue. At eleven the public school was dismissed, it being so dark that no person could read or write. It continued to grow darker till twelve, when it was so dark that we could not tell one person from another in a room with three large windows. In short, it was midnight darkness at noon-day! The fowls went to roost, and there was a strong smell of smoke. It had been very dry for a long time before, the wind having been at East for four or five days, which drove the smoke back to the westward, and when the wind shifted it brought it all down in a body, which, together with the dense clouds, caused the darkness, which lasted till three o'clock P. M. before it began to grow light."

"Thousands of people who could not account for it from natural causes, were greatly terrified, and indeed it cast a universal gloom on the earth. The frogs and night-hawks began their notes. At four o'clock the wind shifted to the north-east, which brought the clouds back, and at sunset it was again very dark. At nine o'clock it was darkness to be felt by more senses than one, as there was a strong smell of soot. Almost everybody who happened to be out in the evening, got lost in going home. The darkness was as uncommon in the night as it was in the day, as the moon had fulled the day before."—Advent Herald.

Definition of Bible Names.

Elijah the Tishbite—Signification—God the Lord, that turns back.

Ahab—The brother of the father.

Gilead—The heap, or mass of testimony.

Cherith—Cutting, piercing, slaying.

Jordan—River of judgment.

Zarephath—Ambush, or crucible.

Zidon—Hunting, fishing.

Samaria—His lees, his prison, his throne.

Obadiah—Servant of the Lord.

Jezebel—Island or dung-hill of habitation.

Carmel—Harvest or vineyard of God.

Baal—He that rules or subdues.

Jezreel—Seed of God, God spreads the evil.

Beer-sheba—The well-fountain of the oath, or well of satiety.

Horeb—Desert, solitude, destruction, dryness.

Damascus—A sack full of blood.

John—He that is, or exists.

Elisha—Salvation of God.

Shaphat—Judge, or judging.

Ben-hadad—Son of noise, clamor, or cry.

Syria—Sublime deceiver.

Gilgal—Wreck, revolution, or heap.

Bethel—House of God.

Jericho—His moon, or month.

FAMILIAR SPIRITS.

By E. R. Seaman

MANY are not aware that in the last series of signs given to show the coming of the Lord near, the working of the spirits of devils, stands out most prominent of any revealed in the word of God, as in immediate connection with his coming.—The Bible plainly teaches us that they have been manifested in past ages. The children of Israel were commanded not to consult them, on pain of death. Seeking after them to obtain knowledge is, therefore, strictly forbidden in the word of God. Deut. xviii, 10, 12; Lev. xx, 27; Isa. viii.

An instance of the result of disobeying God in this matter, can be seen in the case of king Saul. When the host of the Philistines gathered themselves to fight against ancient Israel under him, the king's heart greatly trembled, and when he inquired of the Lord he answered not, neither by dreams, nor by the Urim, nor by the prophets, his next resort was to seek out a witch that had familiar spirit. 1 Sam. xxviii, 7. His end was destruction as recorded in the last chapter.

Is there not a striking analogy between the last state of the second, rebellious house of Israel and king Saul. And may we not expect that when they find God has left them desolate (for rejecting his saving truth) and they receive no answer to prayer (because they seek him where he is not for he has withdrawn himself from the holy to the most holy place) I ask, will they not be liable to be drawn into the great whirlpool of deception, and share the same fate. I think the law and the testimony plainly affirm it. For while one class are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, [Rev. xiv, 12,] the other class are being deceived by the lying wonders of the two-horned beast, [Rev. xiii, 13, 14,] which, without doubt, are the spirits of devils working miracles.

I understand St. Paul, in 2 Thess. ii, 12, to teach the same doctrine, and to carry us down to the point of time when the coming of the Lord is immediately impending. I think he not only brings to view the Papacy, which is understood to embrace the man of sin, or to refer to that exclusively, but a distinct power or manifestation called the workings of satan.

Christ's coming will be soon after the workings of satan, and the last great lying wonder has been presented to captivate this doomed generation. Hear the language of inspiration: "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. ii, 11, 12.

I hardly need to state here that the strong delusions and workings of satan are in prophetic fulfillment, and already are increasing with alarming rapidity, as never before witnessed. Different persons, or mediums as they are termed by themselves, professedly hold converse with spirits of devils, (who represent themselves spirits of departed friends,) and are answered, as I am credibly informed, with an audible voice; and so far have they progressed that balls of fire are shown, and streaks or flashes of light, and other lying wonders too numerous to mention. And they do not propose to stop here, but promise their followers greater signs, and that right early.

I have briefly alluded to this subject because I believe it to be one of great importance, more than some may suppose, and I pray that the children of God may be aroused to love the truth which alone can make them wise unto salvation, and watch continually, knowing that our adversary as a roaring lion goeth about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast unto the end.

E. R. SEAMAN.

Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 18th, 1852.

THE SABBATH.

By S. R. C. Denison

BY S. R. C. DENISON.

AND is it as some teachers say, That none of us are able To keep the Holy Sabbath-day, As written on the Table ?

They tell us 'tis a Jewish rite, Made for the Hebrews solely; And if we strive with all our might, We ne'er can keep it holy.

A yoke of bondage 'tis, they say, And you cannot bind freed men, In this enlightened, Christian day, With fetters—forged in Eden.

But, in a round of seven days, All say we should rest one day; And none refuse to keep the seventh, If it but come on Sunday.

To me it is a thing quite strange, (Perhaps there are things stranger,) How they can keep the seventh day On Sunday, without danger.

If we observe the Sabbath-day, We fall from grace, most surely; But Sunday is a festal day, Its keepers stand securely.

But in the glorious earth, made new, Where none from grace will sever, We see the Sabbath brought to view, And there observed for ever.

How blind, by sin, lost man is made! In folly, how transcendent! His strength, though weakness, still arrayed Against the fourth commandment.

The Perfect Law.

By Raymond F. Cottrell

THE Holy Spirit said, by the prophet David, "The law of the Lord is perfect." Ps. xix, 7. I enquire:

1. Can a law which is perfect, be made better by any alteration?

2. Can a perfect law be altered, without rendering it imperfect?

I can answer these questions but one way, and that is in the negative. Then I must come to one of three conclusions:

1. That Jehovah has no law, at the present day, by which he governs his creatures; or,

2. That he now rules by an imperfect law; or,

3. That the same law which existed in the days of David, demands the obedience of all his subjects now.

My mind settles upon the last conclusion, as the truth; not only because it looks the most reasonable, but because the apostle James, who wrote in the sixtieth year of the Christian era, still has a "perfect law," which he wishes his brethren to look into, continue in, and do. "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James i, 25.

Can there be two laws differing from each other, and each be a perfect rule to govern our actions? If not, James must refer to the same law of which David spoke; and this view is confirmed by what the Apostle says in the next chapter, viz: "If ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well." He then proceeds to quote two commandments from the decalogue as a part of that royal law, which he would have fulfilled according to the "scripture" first named, declaring beforehand, that whosoever shall "offend in one, is guilty of all."

I have not a doubt remaining, that the "perfect law" is the ten commandments of God.

R. F. COTTRELL. Mill Grove, N. Y., Oct. 12th, 1852.

YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.

By Editor

WE have just issued the second number of this little sheet. Being from home on our Eastern tour, we were unable to publish a number for September. We now intend to issue it regularly each month, and, with the blessing of God, to make it instructive, interesting and a blessing to the youth. Such a paper is much needed. For want of such instruction as should be given in such a sheet, many of the children of Sabbath-keepers are very ignorant of the present truth plainly taught in the scriptures.

We are thankful for the interest taken in this little paper by a portion of our brethren. About 500 copies have been subscribed for. But we print 1,400 copies of each number, which leaves about 900 on hand. These are lying idle, and at the same time many of the children of Sabbath-keepers are deprived of the means of instruction.

Now we call upon you, dear readers, to do your duty in this matter. This little paper must be circulated. We intend to do our whole duty in making it what it should be, and we depend on you to aid us, by sending the names and address of those who wish to receive it.

It is very necessary to subscribe for THE INSTRUCTOR immediately, that the Sabbath school lessons may be learned as they are published. Brethren, let these remaining 900 copies be called for. If it is not convenient to send the money now, send it when convenient. If any of you feel that you are not able to pay, do not let this prevent you from sending for the INSTRUCTOR. It will be our greatest pleasure to send it free to the worthy poor. Our present list, if all should pay, will nearly half support the paper. We hope however, our list will be doubled before No. 3 shall be published.

We recommend to all who have not established Sabbath schools, to do so at once. Let some one in each place send for as many copies as are needed, and send the means when they can collect it. Brethren and sisters, do not let this opportunity of doing good pass, without improving it. Let this little messenger go to these dear, precious youth who may be benefited by it.

THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.

By C. Munroe

I FEEL heartily to endorse the sentiments of the "Address to those who are interested in the Youth's Instructor," found in Vol. III, No. 8, of the Review and Herald. I am glad to see something started for the benefit of our dear children; something that will be safe and salutary for them to read and study. I have seen as yet, I regret to say, no periodical designed for children and youth, such as it ought to be. True, good pieces may be found, but, after all, there is so much trash in them that the good is lost, and becomes powerless of reformation. The best of them savor of pride, vanity and worldliness. They abound with fables, fictions, conundrums, riddles, and so on. Such things, I call trash; consequently, poisonous trash, miserably adapted to feed and mature the youthful mind, or any other mind. If our dear children must have fables and puzzles to flatter their vanity, or gratify an idle curiosity, and waste precious time, let them find them in books or mouths that make no pretensions to heavenly things—no pretensions to mould the wayward minds of youth, and train them to virtue and religion here, and a life of holy and unending felicity hereafter.

Thus to train and prepare our children, and youth, is a holy work, and requires holy instruments. Then, away with all trash, and give the dear, dying children the bread of life, pure and unadulterated, that they may eat and live for ever. Let parents, and all who can, take hold in good earnest, to aid in this blessed work. It is important. Let it not be delayed until it is too late. There is danger of this. In the meantime, let parents take care of their own souls also, that when called to give up their account, they may be prepared to say, "Here, Lord, are we, and the children thou hast given us."

C. MUNROE. Conway, Mass., 1852.

Invitation to Visit Rochester

By Editor

Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham is invited to visit the brethren in Rochester as soon as convenient, and spend one or two weeks in this vicinity. He is expected by the friends here. Please send word in season to give notice.

Pamphlet Funds and Delay

By Editor

There has been $55 received for the Pamphlet. This leaves $45 yet due. We regret that it is not ready for distribution. We shall get it out as soon as possible under present circumstances.

To Correspondents

By Editor

TO CORRESPONDENTS.—Bro R. Gray; To send the Commandment Cards by Mail, we should have to pre-pay one cent each. What shall I do with the $1, not credited.

Sr. M. L; The Nos. you requested, have been sent. If not received, inform us. If your friends wish to read the REVIEW AND HERALD, send their names and address, and we will send it to them.

Letters received since Oct. 14th.

By Editor

E. P. Burditt, L. Drew, M. E. Cornell, S. W. Rhodes, F. Wheeler, E. Day, W. Phelps, E. S. Eastman, E. P. Butler, H. Lothrop, E. A. Luther, A. Hall, S. B. Craig, S. Shoudy, Wm. Gould, E. N. Harris, E. Goodwin, L. Leach, S. R. C. Denison.

Receipts.

D. Myers, R. Gray, E. S. Sheffield, J. R. Towle, E. R. Seaman, L. Woodworth, T. J. Orton, D. Ford, J. Deming, C. Finch, I. Snew, J. Green each $1.

A. R. Andrews, H. Spencer, W. I. Lasher, each 50 cents.

E. Lothrop, $4; V. Wiard, E. Goodwin, each $3; M. Curtis, $2; L. C. Young, $1,25; M. Leadbeater, 75 cents.

Receipts have fallen short of actual expenses $159.50.

For the Review of O. R. L. Crozier in Pamphlet Form,

By Editor

Receipts have fallen short of actual expenses $159,50, since No. 7.

For the Review of O. R. L. Crozier in Pamphlet Form,

By John Nevins Andrews.

Elijah Potter, $10; S. B. Craig, $2,50.