DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel to rejoice that we can hear from one another through the Review, although we shall not all see each other's faces, until the coming of the great Redeemer. But how cheering the thought that we shall all meet together then, if faithful according to the grace given. Oh, the thought, what a day will that be to all who are not found ready and waiting! What! can it be possible that any who have embraced the third angel's message, will be found in that day not ready? Yes: there is a class represented as not having on the wedding garment. Momentous question, To which class shall I belong? O for more consecration of soul! Who can endure the thought, but for a moment, of being left in that great day! I feel to tremble when I read that none but the pure in heart can see God, and live; none but the merciful shall obtain mercy; none but the peace-makers shall be called the children of God.
What a glorious day will shortly dawn upon all those who shall be found prepared, and shall be counted worthy to stand before the Son of man; but who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire. Mal. iii, 2. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart shall stand. It is my desire and determination to strive to overcome. I know that we must overcome evil with good, if we would be like our Master. How necessary that our words be pure; that we imitate our heavenly Father; for our Master has told us to be perfect even as our Father. We are told that every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him; [Prov. xxx, 5;] but cursed be the man that trusteth in man. Let us not look to the arm of flesh, but trust in the Lord. What if fiery trials await us, if they do but consume the dross, and purify the silver and gold! How needful that we pass through them! Many shall be purified, made white and tried. Here is the patience of the saints. I believe that trials, if rightly understood, and patiently borne, often prove of the greatest benefit, by showing the evil in our own heart. When we can bear all things patiently, with a meek spirit, we can feel a consolation in the words of Jesus when he said, "Be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." I feel that I can say,
Let worldly minds the world pursue,
It has no charms for me;
Once I admired its trifles too,
But grace has set me free.
I expect a rough and thorny road to pass through to the celestial city. My Redeemer trod the same rough, yea, rougher, pathway, to purchase it for me; and he has said that all that endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. I feel that the prize that is laid up at the end of the race, will far outweigh all that we have to endure here; but my best enjoyment here is in contemplating the glory soon to be revealed. How bright the truth shines to all who are willing to obey. Truly it is a shining light, and it does shine brighter and brighter as we are approaching the perfect day. I know that we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we believed in the speedy coming of Jesus, and the third angel's message, as the last message of mercy to the world before the appearing of the Son of man.
Your brother, striving to be ready,
E. S. SHEFFIELD.
Koskonong, Wis., Dec, 19th, 1853,
The Christian Sabbath Question
By Norman Rublee
From Bro. Rublee.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Review is a welcome messenger to me and my family. We are all thankful to receive it every week, in this dark corner of the land, where we hear so much about a Christian Sabbath. Last First-day, I attended a meeting to hear an old Methodist Preacher, according to appointment, prove from the Bible that the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath. His text was taken from Mark ii, 27, 28: The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.
In the first place, while he was speaking of the holy Sabbath at the creation, that the seventh day was set apart for a day of rest for man in all ages, I could not refrain from exclaiming, Amen! He then took another track, and said that as Christ was Lord of the Sabbath day, he had power to make it over into a Christian Sabbath; and because he rose on the first day, he and his disciples ever after met on that day; they never met on the seventh day after that, and it could not be shown from the Bible to the contrary.
He then proceeded to show how contemptible and wicked those were who paid so little regard to the Resurrection Day—the Christian Sabbath. He said many other things after this sort, and as he closed, seeing he was going to give no room for remarks, I rose and inquired if I could have the privilege of saying a few words. His answer was—No! I then said that I would like to ask one or two questions for information. His answer was—No!! one word will bring another.
O, the awful blindness of the professed followers of Jesus! It is enough to make one's blood chill to see how they make void the law of God. I think I saw, in this, the dragon's ire, manifesting itself against God's truth.
Myself and family are together striving to keep God's Sabbath, and all his commandments, and the faith of Jesus. I feel stronger than ever to go ahead against wind and tide, and not be among those who draw back to perdition. Norman Rublee.
Woodbury, Vt., Dec 27th, 1853.
The Truth Gaining in Allegany County
By R. F. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The truth is gaining, though silently, in Allegany county. The leaven is at work, and will, ere long, burst forth in mighty effect. There are honest souls here who will discern the signs of the times, and soon see the fallen state of those who have a form but are wanting in faith. Pride and a love of popularity is fast growing upon these, and this will open the eyes of the humble children of the Lord. I find some that weep and sigh for the abominations done in the land. The Lord will cause a mark to be set on such, (Eze. ix. Rev. vii,) which will prove as effectual to them when God delivers every one whose names are written in the book, as the blood of the passover upon the doorposts did to the first-born of Israel. My heart has been made glad in finding such, and refreshed like the traveler in the desert, when he finds a green spot and springs of water. Thank the Lord!
Some who have always observed the Sabbath, confess that they view the Advent doctrine in a different light from what they have previously. They begin to see, that instead of the Lord's coming as a thief upon his children, he has graciously given them signs to apprise them of his approach, and will give a timely warning to the world, so that they will be left without excuse. That day cannot come upon the world unless the warning messages come first. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. Joel ii, 1.
Yes the warning must be given; every word of the Lord must be fulfilled; and I bless the name of the Lord for the confidence that I feel, that all his faithful children will see it, and come into the unity of the faith. The works of Satan himself will be overruled for their good. The old story that it makes no difference whether we believe he is coming or not if we are only prepared, will soon cease to be told. It will soon be seen, that in order to be prepared for salvation at his coming, we must of necessity believe his words, and when we see signs fulfilled, trust with as much confidence that he is near, as we do that summer is coming when the leaves put forth in the spring. Nobody thinks then that summer may be coming, but perhaps we shall have another winter first. So likewise ye, when ye shall see these things, know that he is near, even at the doors. How near is that? This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.
Brethren, let us be faithful a little while longer; the prize is worth all the sacrifice we can make, and then it will be a free gift after all. Let us lay aside all pride and be willing to be God's little children, bearing a testimony by word and deed to this generation that his word is true—that he has a remnant who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y., Dec. 21st, 1853.
Progress in Locke
By Marcia S. Avery
From Sister Avery.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Having just returned from prayer-meeting, where the dear brethren and sisters were assembled in the name of Jesus, I feel like writing a word for the encouragement of the disciples scattered through the land. We have truly had a good time together to-day, and the Lord was with us. Many of our number were melted to tears; and even the voice of a child was there heard warning the unconverted to obtain a right to the tree of life, and an entrance into the city that hath foundations. It is indeed pleasant to see little children praising the Saviour, and blessed be his adorable name that he has said, "Suffer little children to come unto me." O, who would forbid them? May the Lord help us, dear brethren and sisters, that we may have wisdom and teach them while their minds are young and tender, to love God and keep his commandments.
I have for a long time delayed to inform you of our progress in the present truth, hoping that some one else would do this duty; but as I do not yet see anything from the band in Locke, I fear lest the precious, suffering cause of our Lord should suffer reproach; but praise his name we are not dead here, but are, I trust, in a prospering condition. We still love and obey the law of God, and try to do those things that please him. Although we have of late been somewhat weighed down with trials, we have by the prayers of each other, and the help of Him who heareth prayer, been enabled mostly to overcome them, and the band seem to be daily growing in grace.
The way sometimes looks dark before me; for I have a sinful nature to contend with, that I often fear that I shall never overcome; but yet I am encouraged, and determined to persevere; for this cause is a glorious one, and one, too, that is dear to my soul. The third angel's message is no fiction, got up by man's invention. No! we have it in the sure, unalterable word of God; and by this we must be purified, or we shall fail. O I do rejoice that ever I heard this heaven-born truth; and by it I hope to be prepared to meet, undismayed, my Lord at his coming.
We had a reviving and interesting meeting with the brethren at the October conference. Brn. Waggoner, Case, Cornell and Cranston were present, and the truth was spoken to a large congregation with energy and freedom. Brn. W. gave four discourses on the perpetuity of the Law of God, and gave proof from the Word that it has not been abolished. The labors of love and the untiring zeal of that dear Brother, while with us, will long and gratefully be remembered by our band. May our Lord abundantly reward him. I pray God that his cause may prosper in the west; that his people may be united, and deeply feel the burden and weight of the message, and be prepared to rise with it. May we all give heed to the angel's voice, and "step fast" that we shall be in readiness to receive the seal of the living God, and be numbered among the righteous when the decree goes forth. MARCIA S. AVERY.
Locke, Mich., Dec. 17th, 1853.
Supporting the Cause of Truth
By Lucy Sullaway
From Sister Sullaway.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel truly thankful for the Review and for the truths it contains. It is indeed cheering to the soul to hear the word of truth set forth in so clear a manner. I think it is the duty of every one who professes to be engaged in the third angel's message, who have the means, to do all they can to sustain the precious cause of truth. I see we do not fully discharge every duty on this point.
Dear brethren, do we fully realize the time in which we live; that what we do for the precious cause must be done quickly? Do we realize how much the Saviour has done for us, and that he is still pleading our cause before the Father; and can we withhold the means that God has placed in our hands, and not make an effort to sustain his precious, suffering cause? Do we realize that we are withholding the words of life from the perishing, and causing our dear brethren many trials, when we ought to make every effort to relieve their wants? They are willing to leave their homes and friends, and face the storms and frowns of the wicked, to sound the last note of warning to a guilty world, and do we not wish to bear some humble part in this great work? How can we pray to God that this truth may spread, while we are withholding means that are within our reach?
We must be awake to the cause of truth. Time is short. Let us remember that what we have in our care, is not ours; we are only stewards, and must give an account to Him who has a right to claim his own. Dear brethren, let us keep all on the altar, and pray to God to teach us, and lead us in the path of duty; and let us discharge every duty with cheerfulness, and keep all the commandments of God, and we shall have right to the tree of life.
Your sister, in hope of redemption at the appearing of Jesus. L
LUCY SULLAWAY.
Wheelock, Vt., Dec. 28th, 1853.
Admonition Concerning Church Unity
By S. B. Craig, Jona. Lamson,; J. B. Lamson
From Brethren at Clarkson, N. Y.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We met with Bro. Chapin last evening, and labored with him according to our best judgment and understanding of his case, and we were unable to obtain any satisfaction whatever on his part for the wrong course pursued by him; and to our grief we are compelled to believe that he heeds not the kind admonition of Brn. Arnold, Orton and Lamson, the committee appointed at the late Rochester Conference, to address a letter of admonition in behalf of, and adopted by the unanimous voice of, the said Conference; neither the labors of the committee appointed in Clarkson; and with sorrow we have to state that he manifests wholly an evasive spirit and altogether against the gathering work of the third angel and the faith of Jesus, [Rev. xiv, 12; John xvii, 22,] and the present work of the church of God, [Eph. iv, 11-16,] and apostolic example. Acts iv, 32. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul," Jude 3. "Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto and exhort you that ye should contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints." 1 Cor. i, 10; xii, 25. Now I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions (schisms, margin) among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. We do believe that Bro. Chapin's present course is directly opposed to all these plain declarations of the word of God.
S. B. CRAIG.
JONA. LAMSON.
J. B. LAMSON.
Clarkson, Jan. 4th, 1854.
Sustaining the Review
By Editor
THERE is still the small sum of $52,96 behind on the REVIEW. Until this is made up, the REVIEW may not be expected regularly every week. There are a few faithful ones who stand ready to make up the lack; but as they have already done much for the Office, and will need their means to sustain traveling brethren, and to circulate books, we hope they will not send large donations for the REVIEW. Let it be sustained by its readers. Wake up, scattered friends, act your part, and have a weekly paper, free from embarrassments. The expense of the REVIEW weekly is $55 for each number; semi-monthly, (adding a week's rent,) $60.
NEW TRACTS.
By Editor
Solemn Appeal. The subject of this Tract is from a Pamphlet entitled, A solemn Appeal to Ministers and Churches, especially to those of the Baptist Denomination, relative to the Speedy Coming of Christ; by J. B. Cook; published by J. V. Himes, Boston, in 1843. It is an excellent little work to circulate, especially, where the hope of the gospel has not been set before the people—32 pages—price $1,50 per 100.
The Sabbath. The only reason presented by the Advent Watchman for the Seventh-day Sabbath, Reviewed by P. Miller, Jr. This little work is designed to correct the common error relative to the design of the Lord's Sabbath. Let it be briskly circulated—16 pages—price 75 cents per 100—24 pages, on nice paper with an appendix—$1,15 per 100.
Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of E. G. White—52 pages, on nice paper—price 6 cents.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
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If the above directions are complied with, we shall be saved much time and perplexity, and be less liable to mistakes in transacting the business of the Office.
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By Editor
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By Editor
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