Earlier text: Review of the New Time TheorySOLEMN APPEAL.
By J. B. Cook
[In the last REVIEW we gave several pages from an excellent pamphlet, written in 1843, by J. B. Cook, entitled, "A Solemn Appeal to Ministers and Churches, especially to those of the Baptist Denomination, relative to the Speedy Coming of Christ." The following is another extract from the same work.—Ed.] We should have no will of our own, especially in religion. Such was my conviction; but my good name, my situation as pastor, or, what was more, the peace of the church—in truth, everything relating to this world seemed at stake. To admit the truth, was probably to forfeit the friendship of those whom I had most highly esteemed. Everything of this kind was presented to my mind’s eye in all its importance; and much of what was then seen, has been realized; so that I did not rush recklessly into my present position. O, no! the truth never was admitted with a more complete survey of consequences. I did not see anything with the second advent doctrine, in this world, but disgrace and the promised blessing of Jesus. On this condition my soul submitted. Soon, very soon, I was constrained to say, that whatever sufferings might be allotted me, I enjoyed enough to compensate for them all. My very soul and body were bathed and blessed,—my whole person was baptized with the Holy Spirit’s influence; never did my heart love God so much. In fact, it seemed to me that I had been a comparative stranger to love. His word was verified: "No man forsaketh father or mother," &c., "for the kingdom of God’s sake, but he shall receive an hundred fold more." My whole intellectual and moral nature was made to repose sweetly in the truth and its Divine Author. My Bible seemed nearer now than when I bought it, at my first conversion. If friends had been lost, I found those who were an hundred fold nearer and dearer. Heaven, for which my soul at times had panted, seemed as in open vision. Hell is an awful reality. Sinners seem to be in the condition of persons in a house on fire; their doom is seen to be so dreadful and so near, that I want to call after them continually. God never wrought in my soul with such power to rescue souls as brands from the burning. He gave me about all that my physical strength could bear. Now my concern seems directed to my brethren in the ministry, and the state of the churches. Beloved brethren, suffer the word of exhortation. It is not possible for me to address you as if you had a long life of usefulness before you; it is not possible for me to feel that you or your people are safe. It is my settled, solemn conviction, that you are many of you in infinite peril. Many of you have been to me amiable; but it does seem that you, who put off the coming of Jesus, occupy a wrong position with reference to that amazing event. If you are in doubt as to the time, still there is no excuse why you should despise those who are not in doubt. Surely, the least you can do, with safety to your own souls, is to pray to be ready, and labor to get your people ready. "Take heed to yourselves—watch and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Tell me—settle it in your mind before God,—how you can be safe, when the announcement of this tremendous event, on the authority of the Most High, produces little or no prayer. How can you forgive yourselves,—how can our common Judge forgive you, when you fulfill the character of the unfaithful servant, and turn to smite your fellow servants? Do you not see that just so far as you oppose the speedy coming of our Lord, you please the ungodly? It is dangerous to stand in the way of sinners, for the next step will be to sit "in the seat of the scornful." Ministers have passions like other men, and are as easily excited, except they watch and pray. Ministers have more at stake than other men—their salary, reputation, comfort and the respectability of their families, will all serve to tempt them to take just that stand against the unpopular doctrine of the second advent, that the rulers of the synagogue took against Paul. My brethren, you are exposed to temptation, and Jesus saw it, or he would not204have charged you, as well as me, to watch. There are many, however, who seem not to suspect danger of being unprepared; these do not watch with reference to the coming of Christ. Some make light of "going up." They may not have read with attention, that some who mocked at Elisha for saying that Elijah had "gone up," were cursed, and made a monument to the impious in after ages. God has given us one illustration, in each dispensation of the revealed truth, that his people shall be "caught up to meet the Lord in the air." Enoch in the patriarchal, Elijah in the prophetic, and Jesus in the Christian; yet many make a mock of it. Though ministers may have read, they seem not to believe that even children were destroyed, who mocked at Elisha, for saying that Elijah had gone up. It was mocking God, who caused Elijah to go up. So now, it seems plain to me, that all who make light of second advent believers "going up," mock God. One minister says that he had as lief be found fighting the doctrine of the second advent when Christ comes as not; but I forbear. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." If my service be not accepted of the brethren, it will be, I trust, a relief to myself. I was constrained to write, and though I have written amid the interruptions occasioned by the sale of furniture and "breaking up," yet here are some of my convictions stated—some of my feelings portrayed. * As to spiritual influences, are they not what has been foretold? What cause can be assigned for Brother Brown's primitive experience? There are, I presume, thousands who have had an experience strongly resembling his. A ministering brother has just told me of a pious woman, who had essentially such an experience as Brother Brown's, and she was brought by nothing but the Word and Spirit to just those views I now entertain. She was deemed crazy, but the Spirit of God wrote this whole second advent doctrine on her soul; she has it all without human agency. If there are to be in the last days instances of remarkable outpourings of the Spirit, where are we to find them, if not among second advent believers? A child of six years old, when converted, told me the most interesting experience I ever heard; her whole soul was quickened, and she was a believer in her Lord's speedy coming. Now I should like to hear some of those who feel and act as if the Lord could not come yet, account for these spiritual influences, on any other principles than those by which "the rulers of the synagogue" accounted for Paul's experience—for the miracles of Jesus, &c. Account for them, my brethren, if possible, on any other principles than those by which Universalists and Infidels account for ordinary conversions. If insanity, mental imbecility, or the devil, be the cause of our experiences of truth, what is the cause of revivals? My brethren, let those engaged in them be your judges. This is a solemn truth. I feel awfully in view of the necessary conclusion to which these premises lead. You cannot justify opposition to that agency which cuts the soul loose from the world and fills it with the second advent, as well as "glory and God," except you virtually justify the Jewish rulers in opposing the apostles. Therefore, it is my solemn conviction, that you need beware, lest ye only behold, oppose and perish. It is true that there were miraculous powers attending Paul; but observe that is not the basis of my argument. The church has long regarded the argument derived from Paul's conversion, (it being sustained by the same kind of conversion in all parts of the world,) as a strong one. It has been urged as if irrefragable. If it be a good argument in any case, why not in the one before us? You observe that the argument is based only on spiritual influences. Every effect has an adequate cause; every direct spiritual effect has not only its adequate cause, but a cause of its own nature; as it is written, "Satan is not divided against Satan," nor can Jesus "deny himself." These eternal truths are not recognized by wicked men when they oppose the Holy Spirit's agency in the experience of the saints; nor do you, my brethren, when trifling with the same sort of agency in writing the second advent on the hearts of many. This Spirit is "not of the world;" if it was of the world, the world would love its own; but seeing it is not of the world, "therefore the world hateth it." All ministers who believe in the Lord's coming at hand, must be hated, or at least neglected. Those who believe, cannot, therefore, have the ordinary impulses to action, which worldly men have; they must have higher, holier impulses, derived from the Holy One, to separate from the spirit of this world, and wait, on scriptural principles, for the coming of Jesus to judgment. * Jesus solemnly inquired, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Yet the masters in Israel are making the verification of this dreadful truth a reason for their continued unbelief. When unbelief is predicted to be a fearful token of his coming, many ministers, with an unbelieving world co-operate to create that token. Surely I have not mistaken the application of my text. Beware, lest in unbelief ye only wonder to perish. Even though a definite period had not been named for the coming of the day of God, such are the general admonitions to be ready, to wait for, look for, and love his appearing, that no one can disregard them without infinite peril. Beware, then, beware, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the prophets. Did you ever learn the whole name of Jesus? Rev. i. 8. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come." The last clause, literally rendered, may read, The coming One. Faith respects him in his whole character. Many have spoken to me about preaching the gospel, not seeming to know that the gospel is the good news of the kingdom to come when Jesus shall appear. The gospel dispensation is not his kingdom, except in embryo in the hearts of his people, because, [Luke xix, 11-13,] "He spake a parable to them, because they thought the kingdom should immediately appear." The disciples were expecting the kingdom. Acts xvi. It shall be set up at his appearing; [2 Tim. iv, 1.] and we know, on the highest authority, that it cannot come till after the resurrection. 1 Cor. xv, 50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. No one will ever enter that glorious, everlasting kingdom, but by the resurrection, or a change equal to it. Some want me to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. Such, probably, do not know that he, who was the crucified One, is now The coming One. If we, my brethren, preach, and the people believe in Jesus as he is revealed, we shall both preach and have the people believe in the coming One. Beware how you omit to preach the coming of Jesus! By the terrible splendors of the Day of God, I charge you to preach the coming of Jesus. By your past remissness, I charge you to preach the coming of Jesus. By the doom of the unfaithful watchman and the unfaithful servant, I charge you to preach the coming of Jesus. To all, I say, in view of the opening judgment, repent, be baptized and believe in Jesus, the coming One. Amen! Illinois Sabbath Convention
A number of ministers and members of various denominations in Illinois, have called a Convention to take measures for a perpetuation of the proper observances of the Sabbath. Oct. 20. At present, the greatest danger we can see among our friends, is that of slumbering while the Bridegroom tarries—imperceptibly falling into an awfully dangerous slumber, just before the Master appears. The symptoms of this slumbering, which may be more safely discovered in ourselves than in others, ought in itself to be hailed as the very last sign of the Bridegroom's sure approach. Are your prayers faint and feeble? Does your confidence begin to fail you? Is your voice tremulous, and lacking in energy? Do your footsteps reluctantly mark the way to the place of prayer? Are you slow to catch and send forth with increased life, the notes of praise falling from others' lips? Are you saying, “We trusted that it should have been” Jesus that would have delivered his people ere this? If such are your exercises, and such your feeling, O hear His voice! “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” These very exercises of yours are recognized by the prophets, and by them, in connection with accompanying evidences, we may know the Bridegroom is near. See! O, see! that you are treading upon the last sands of probation. Arouse thee! Tarry not!— "My Lord Delayeth His Coming."
AN evil servant says this, in his heart. "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming," &c. Matt. xxiv, 48. The case of this evil servant has been supposed to apply to those religious teachers who entirely rejected and opposed the doctrine of the Second Advent, as taught by Wm. Miller, and held by the Advent body. It has been the unanimous opinion of those looking for the Lord's second coming, that the prophetic discourse of Matt. xxiv, touches the important events with which the church of Christ is connected, from the First Advent down to the Second. First, the destruction of Jerusalem; second, the 1260 prophetic days of tribulation to the church; third, the signs of the Second Advent, in the Sun, Moon and Stars; and, fourth, the two classes of servants; one giving meat in due season; the other smiting his fellow-servant, &c. This position, in the main, is certainly correct. But we think there has been a mistake in the application of the case of the evil servant. He does not represent those ministers who have never looked for the second coming of Christ. Those who have not expected Christ's coming, would have no occasion for saying that he delayed his coming. But those who have looked for him, and have been disappointed as to the time of his coming, and are brought into a state of severe trial of faith, are certainly in great danger of acting the part of the evil servant. We do not see good reasons for applying this text to those teachers who have not expected the Lord; while the application to those who have in heart backslidden from the Advent faith, is natural, and evidently correct. Luke xii, 42-45, is good proof that the evil servant was once wise and faithful. "But and if that servant [who had been giving meat in due season] say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming," &c. This evidently illustrates the case of those who once fed the flock of Christ with the doctrine of the Advent in its purity, but have since lost their faith, zeal and love. Again, the unfaithful servant smites a fellow-servant. This clearly illustrates the case of those who have been fellow-laborers in the Advent cause, but are now backslidden in heart. What they say in the heart is seen by their acts. The Advent message, in fulfillment of the first angel, [Rev. xiv,] arrested the attention of a goodly number of the Lord's ministers, who went forth with the glad tidings of Jesus' coming, cheering the hearts of many, and with this bread of heaven, fed the flock. The time of expectation passed, and a period of severe trials has followed, in which many have lost their faith. Some profess faith in the Advent, whose acts show that they are saying in their heart, My Lord delayeth his coming. But a portion have held fast the Advent movement, as the work of God. And as they have moved down the track of prophecy from the first and second messages to the third, they now see the best of reasons why they should still hold fast the Advent movement, and look for the Lord's soon coming. The Son of man on the white cloud to reap the harvest of the earth is the next scene in the prophecy. To keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is clearly shown to be present duty. While the event to occur at the close of the 2300 prophetic days of Daniel, is shown to be, not the burning of the earth, but the finishing work of salvation by our Great High Priest in heaven, the nature of our disappointment is clearly seen, and the past movement with its disappointment, is explained. This view harmonizes with the past and present, and205gives certainty to the glorious future. Those who take this position can say with full assurance, The Lord is coming. Such can feed the Lord's household with meat in due season. Where, we inquire, may the faithful servant be found, if not among such? But it is a painful fact that a large portion of the Advent people, and Advent ministers, have lost their faith in the soon coming of the Lord. They may still cherish the doctrine of Christ's personal Advent, the literal resurrection of the just, prior to the millennium, and the true inheritance of the saints; but faith in the immediate coming of the day of God, they have lost. The past Advent movement they consider a mistake, and one after another of the pillars of the Advent faith they have pulled down. This apostasy has been a gradual, deceptive work, so gradual, and so carefully managed by the Advent papers, that the brethren who have lost their faith can hardly tell how and where they lost it, yet it is gone. For several years these unfaithful servants have been saying in their hearts, "My Lord delayeth his coming," as their acts have denied their profession of faith in his immediate coming, and they have been overturning one strong point after another of the "original Advent faith." They have continued their profession of faith in the immediate Advent of Christ, while their acts have shown that they were saying in their hearts, "My Lord delayeth his coming." More recently, however, they have been speaking it out in unmistakable terms. Under the head of Original Advent Faith, the Advent Harbinger for Dec. 24th says: "Two prominent items of this faith were the darkening of the sun, A. D. 1780, as a fulfillment of Matt. xxiv, 29; and the connection of the 70 weeks of Dan. ix, with the 2300 days of Dan. viii." "In answering L. T. Cunningham's inquiries relative to the connection of the 70 weeks with the 2300 days, Mr. Bliss remarks:" "We argued their connection as evidence that the longer period would expire in 1843-4. If those periods commence at a common epoch, it can no more be denied that the longer one ended at the time named, than that the sun rose this morning. But the event predicted to follow at that end not having transpired, it follows that the supposition of their connection was an error. . . . The passing of ten years has demonstrated that it [the 70 weeks period] was not cut off from the 2300; and therefore the supposition that it was, has been disproved as sophistical." "By the abandonment of this last item of the 'original advent faith,' its fundamental principle is given up; for the connection of these two periods was the distinguishing point between Mr. Miller's faith and that entertained by other more common theories on the prophetic periods. And the abandonment of the dark day in 1780 as a sign of the Lord's near coming we also consider a wide departure from the 'original Advent faith.' . . . We hope the Herald will continue its departures from the 'original advent faith,' until it shall be freed from error, and become an herald and defender of the whole truth." As the Harbinger has renounced the Advent faith, why should it longer profess to be the Advent Harbinger? Why not take some appropriate name, and not profess to be what it is not? Its readers were once Advent believers. Has their faith been gradually taken from them, in the downward course of the Harbinger, so that they have not strength to resist the temptation to renounce the faith altogether? We fear for many. May God have mercy, and save the sincere. The Advent Herald has taken a fearful position relative to the 2300 days and the Sanctuary of Dan. viii. The assertion that "the passing of ten years has demonstrated that" the 70 weeks "was not cut off from the 2300 days," is untrue and presumptuous. If it could be shown that the Sanctuary is the earth, and that its cleansing is the burning of the earth, then the assertion might be correct. But as the Sanctuary is the true tabernacle of God in heaven, the passing of ten years demonstrates no such thing. It has led us to search and see that the oversight was in the event to occur at the end of the days, and not in the time. We like the remark of the Herald, that, "If those periods [70 weeks and 2300 days] commenced at a common epoch, it can no more be denied that the longer one ended at the time named, [1843-4.] than that the sun rose this morning." And we would remark that the Herald, in supposing that the Bible teaches that the Sanctuary is to be cleansed by fire when Christ comes, is as certainly in error as that the sun will set to-night. Let the Herald take the scriptural view of the Sanctuary, and it will not be under the necessity of throwing down this main pillar of the "original Advent faith." The position of the religious press, in shutting out the doctrine of the Advent, was considered fearful ten years since; but that of Advent papers, in shutting out the truth of the Sanctuary, which harmonizes the past, seems a hundred fold more fearful. Rather than to advance one step on this question, which, when taken, brings one to the full light and confidence of the Advent faith, the Herald seems to choose to draw back, and overturn every strong point of the "original Advent faith." How can its downward course lead otherwise than to perdition? May God open the eyes of his fainting, dying people to the course of these unfaithful servants, lest they be led to draw back finally to perdition. Heb. x, 35-39. There are two more particulars relative to the unfaithful servant which we here notice. First, he smites his fellow-servant who is attending to his duty to the household. This, in a most striking manner, illustrates the cruel and wicked opposition of unfaithful Advent ministers, and Advent papers, to those who adhere to the main principles of the "original Advent faith," and also teach the observance of all the commandments of God. Second, he eats and drinks with the drunken. This also illustrates the condition of those ministers who have backslidden from the Advent faith, and are now united with the world in spirit, and in opposition to the present truth. They were once separate from the spirit, customs and love of this world, and called loudly to the flock to come out from these things; but many of them have gone back, and are leading the flock down to death. They are united with those who are drunken with the spirit of the world in opposing the most sacred truths of God's word. From the Advent minister, down through various classes, to the veriest drunkard, you will hear the Lord's Holy Day reproachfully called, The Old Jewish Sabbath! And its observers are reproached and beaten, because they teach and observe the fourth commandment. Many of the selections, as well as original articles, found in these Advent papers show their union with those drunken with the spirit of this age of apostasy. For an illustration of this fact, see the article entitled, New York City Asleep, in the Harbinger for Jan. 7th, taken from the Tribune. If the Harbinger was what it professes to be, the Harbinger of the Advent, and if it wished to present a sign of the last days, by showing that the spirit and moral taste of this wicked and adulterous generation is as in the days of Lot and Noah, then it might give the article from the Tribune. But for aught we can learn, the Harbinger gives it as a choice selection to suit the taste of its readers. It may seem almost unnecessary, to those who are unacquainted with the devices of the great enemy of the christian, to warn those who profess to be expecting the revelation of him who will appear to the surprise and eternal ruin of all who have not their loins girt about with truth, and watching earnestly, steadily, and patiently for his appearing, of the fearful danger of falling asleep. Would to God it were unnecessary. But painful facts convince us that even Adventists need the gospel tocsin continually sounding in their ears. We live upon enchanted ground, where none can boast of security; but those whose aim is eternal life, are incessantly exposed to the wiles of a malicious and subtle foe. There is not so much danger of falling before the attacks of the open, avowed enemies around us, as of yielding to the pleasing allurements, and being overcome by the deceptive stratagems of him, who transforms himself into an "angel of light." And in view of this imminent peril, we are solemnly bound, as we discover the snares laid for the feet of our fellow pilgrims, to raise the warning voice lest their blood be required at our hands. Feeling this, duty requires me to point out what appear to be a few of the dangers to which the lovers of Jesus' appearing are exposed.—A few only can now be touched upon, but they are seen to be traps in which some unwary souls have been, it is to be feared, already ensnared. Heaven grant such a speedy deliverance! 1. Beware of resting easy with a theoretical knowledge of what you confidently believe to be truth, without reducing it to constant practice. This is a rock upon which many an ill-fated bark has split. To know the truth will only aggravate our guilt, unless its life and energy is experienced in the soul. We must act as well as talk truth. 2. Beware of supposing yourself in a safe state, because you are associated with many holy souls, and are fellowshiped by them.—Is there not great danger here? Let us remember that others may think we are in a fair way to heaven, when God sees we are in the broad road to perdition! In a spiritual meeting, through sympathy, we may catch the fire of those around us, and so be led to believe that our own hearts are right in the sight of God. Look out for deception! 3. Beware, when listening to a searching truth, of applying it en masse! Would it not be better to inquire, "Lord, is it I?" 4. Beware of supposing that because we live so near the close of time, it is of no use to employ our talents, property, &c., in trying to diffuse light and truth. Jesus says, "Occupy till I come." 5. Beware of excusing yourself for not being more zealous in God's cause, by saying, "It is such a trying time that it is hard to live a christian life." Such can only be the language of blind unbelief. "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be." 6. Beware of being overcharged with the cares of this life. In this business age, carefully avoid imbibing its spirit. Satan may present what may appear to be a plausible motive, for striving after the "filthy lucre" of this world. He may suggest the idea that with it you can spread light; but it may prove but a passage way to death. Thus a few sources of danger have been presented. There is one rule by which we can determine the nature of any idea that may be brought before our minds. The inquiry should be instituted, what effect does it produce upon the life? What are its legitimate fruits? If it gives license to slumber, if it takes our eye from the present truth, the immediate coming of Jesus, it is most evidently one of Satan's opiates. His main endeavors will now be to induce the child of God to slumber. Let us keep upon the watch! It is no time for the christian mariner to slumber, while tossed upon the tempestuous wave, and the black clouds around, filled with fury, are just ready to beat upon his little bark! It is no time for the gospel soldier to close his eyes, and fold his hands, when the battle rages the most fiercely, and more especially in the final, decisive struggle. If we sleep here, it is to be feared, we shall never again awake, until the shrill trump which will startle into life the pious dead, shall break upon the affrighted ear.—Selected. The Just Shall Live by Faith
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Those Who Believe to Salvation
"But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Heb. x, 28, 39. Faithfulness Until the Saviour Comes
By L. W. Nuttall
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Your valuable paper comes a welcome visitor, and I trust it will be continued weekly. I am thankful to God that the third angel's message has ever been sounded in this place, and that he has sent his messengers here to proclaim the glad tidings of a coming Saviour. I am trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Lord has blessed me many times, and brought me through deep trials, so that I can truly say, The Lord is my helper. What precious promises are recorded in the Word, for those that overcome. O should we not be willing to deny ourselves of worldly and vain pleasures, and suffer anything for the sake of him who died for us. My prayer is, that we may all be faithful unto the coming of our Saviour. Yours in hope,
L. W. NUTTALL.
Waukau, Wis., Dec. 18th, 1853. Encouragement from a Solitary Believer
By H. S. Boyd
Dear Bro. White:—It is an injunction in the New Testament to speak often one to another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching; and as I do not often have the privilege of meeting with the brethren, it would be a pleasure to say a word through the Review. I would acknowledge the goodness of God to me while almost alone here in the faith. I can say with the Prophet, His mercies continue till evening and renew every morning. I feel thankful that God has given me grace to step out, and keep the Sabbath, and has so far sustained me, though surrounded with temptations and trials. I can say as did St. Paul in 2 Cor. iv, 8, 9; and I find consolation in reading of the path trod by the prophets, apostles and good men of old; and in the precious promises all through the Word of God, especially such as those of our Saviour in his sermon on the mount. Matt. v, 3-12. I feel, for one, to trust him who has promised and cannot lie; him who will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear, but will, with the temptation, make a way for our escape. I would say to the dear brethren and sisters whom I met at the Washington conference, I am still striving for the kingdom. The meeting there was, to me, a glorious season. Although a stranger, I enjoyed the society of those I hope to meet in the New Jerusalem. Yea, I trust they will be of the general assembly and church of the first born. Finally, brethren, pray for us. When I bow in secret prayer, or at the family altar, I feel it a privilege to pray for the brethren, that their strength fail not; especially for those who have borne the burden and heat of the day; who have long since given up all, and devoted their whole time and means to win souls to Christ. Let us consider those who have suffered privations, and the loss of all that is dear in this world, for the truth's sake; by whose means many of us have been brought to the knowledge of the truth. Those who have sown in tears will soon reap in joy. Yes; for God has said [Ps. cxxvi, 6,] He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. That we may fear God and keep all his commandments, acknowledge him in all our ways, love one another as Christ loved us, and be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless at his coming, is the prayer of your unworthy brother,
H. S. Boyd.
Lyme, N. H., Dec. 29th, 1853. COMMUNICATIONS.
By Joseph Bates
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Our meeting at Bro. Hastings' in New Ipswich, N. H., on the third and fourth inst., was attended with the divine blessing. The word of the Lord took hold of the mind, and many that were present renewed their covenant to walk in all the requirements of the Gospel rule that they may stand in the Battle in the Day of the Lord. From New Ipswich I accompanied Bro. J. Day to Feltonville, Mass., where we had a meeting with the brethren at Bro. Priest's. On our way we called on Elder Heath, and spent a few hours in conversation and prayer with him and his family. He is still examining the third angel's message, and reading the Review. I hope he will soon embrace the message, so that God can use him to gather some of his precious jewels before the dreadful storm of his wrath shall come. From Feltonville we passed to Worcester, and the next morning we left for Providence, R. I. Bro. R. Hicks opened his house for public meeting, in which we gave several lectures from the 9th to the 13th inst. The brethren were much strengthened and more fully determined to hold on to the arm of the Lord. A brother who had been examining the Sabbath of the Lord, came out fully decided in all the truth. We believe the Lord has some precious jewels to be gathered from Providence. From Providence we passed to Springfield, Mass., where we commenced a series of meetings. Since the conference which you attended here in October, the way has been opening for meetings in new places. In one of these, in the south part of the corporation, we lectured on the first day and evening in the Methodist meeting-house. Here one family decided to keep the Sabbath. In another part of the city, a brother who had been a Catholic by profession, decided to keep the Sabbath. The brethren are exerting themselves more and more to spread, and sound the last message of mercy in their vicinity. Brn. Daniels and Hunt returned from laboring in West Brookfield and vicinity, in Mass. They found the people anxious to hear the truth. Several have decided to keep the Sabbath; and gave their names for the Review, and wished to be furnished with books on the subject. From S., I passed over the western R. Road to Rochester, N. Y. I thank the Lord for the evening we had with the church at your house. I still feel some of the heavenly and benign influence that rested down upon us while we were bowed in prayer before the Lord, which inspires me with confidence to believe that the duty performed in the meeting was of divine approbation. I pray God to strengthen and sustain you in the arduous position you occupy, in connection with your companion and the dear brethren associated with you, in sending out the truth to nourish and strengthen the little flock. We arrived at Fredonia, N. Y., the 23d inst., and spent the Sabbath and First-day, 24th and 25th, in meetings at Fredonia and Laona, with the dear brethren who are still striving to keep all the commandments of God. After about thirty-six hours in stages and over the Rail-Roads, I reached this place last evening. The Review, announcing my visit here, has just come to hand. Brethren here are all well. I intended to have sent this to you from Fredonia, but was prevented. Jackson, Mich., Dec. 28th, 1853. Striving for the Kingdom
By John Alexander
DEAR BRO. WHITE — I wish to say that myself and family, are, by the grace of God, still striving to keep his commandments, that we may enter in through the gates into the city. O, glorious thought! that soon, very soon, our merciful High Priest, having finished the atonement, will come with all the bright angels to gather his elect. But the question arises in my heart, Is my garment spotless? Shall I share with the saints at the marriage supper of the Lamb? My sympathy and interest is with the dear saints of the Most High. I rejoice to know that God is refining and purifying his people for the kingdom; and the third angel's message rises higher, and sounds louder, as the world is ripening for the great harvest. I have been trying to do all the good I could with publications, among the people, and am not discouraged, although I meet the scoffs and scorn of the enemies of the commandments of God. Some, I find, have ears to hear and wish to hear more. O that the Lord would direct some of his chosen messengers this way is my prayer. Brethren, be of good cheer; Christ, our passover, has overcome the world, and down here in the patient, waiting time, he says, Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Yours waiting for redemption through Christ.
JOHN ALEXANDER,
Forestdale, Vt., Dec. 22d, 1853.