Bro. Lewis Martin writes from Bennington N. H.:—“I desire that you as well as all others who are engaged in publishing the Review may have heavenly wisdom and much of the Spirit of our Master, that the paper may prove a rich blessing to the scattered remnant. We truly live in an evil time, the enemy of souls is very busy. My heart is pained on account of the divisions that exist among those who profess to be looking for the Lord Jesus Christ soon to come in the clouds of heaven. My desire and prayer, to God is that he will soon bring his people into the one faith and one spirit.”
We heartily echo the desire which our dear brother has expressed above, that those engaged in the publication of the Review may have wisdom from above and much of the Spirit of Christ. This we continually need. Without this we cannot render acceptable service to Him in whose cause we are engaged. For this we shall daily plead at the throne of grace, and trust that others will remember us there also.—Ed.
Bro. Jonathan Chase writes from Fall River Wis.:—“When I read the doctrine the little paper (the Review) contains and compare it with the word of God, why, I ask, should I not, yea, and every child of God believe it and embrace it; and when I read the communications from the scattered flock of Commandment-keepers in these last days of peril and persecution, I rejoice: I look up knowing that my redemption draweth nigh.
“Brethren, if we are persecuted I pray that it may be falsely for Christ’s sake. We read that when our Lord was on the earth he said to his disciples, If they have persecuted me they will persecute you. The Apostle says If ye live godly in Christ Jesus, ye shall suffer persecution. If we be reviled let us not revile again, but seek that mind that was in Christ.
“There has been considerable said in regard to Sr. W’s. visions. In regard to them I have only to say that I acknowledge that I never have felt fully satisfied in regard to them; consequently have let them alone and tried not to harbor any thing against them in my feelings, lest I be found fighting against God; for I read that God has placed the different Gifts in the Church and I find no text of Scripture that he has removed them from the Church; and if God has seen fit to make use of sister White in this respect, to carry forward his work, then I can say, Amen; because if it is of man it will come to naught; but if it be of God man can not overthrow it. Let us see to it then that when our Lord shall come we be not found fighting against God.”
“Again in regard to some of our brethren, preaching on the age to come. I knew nothing of it, until after the Wis. Conference, last Fall: in fact, the first information I had of their proceedings, I saw in the ‘Messenger;’ and I was astonished. Some one may ask why so! I answer because in the last conversation that I had with them on the subject, they pronounced the ‘Messenger’ a perfect sheet of slander. But I thank God that truth will triumph, and I feel that my trust is in Israel’s God.
“I would just say that Bro. Bates has been here, and I trust has been the means by the blessing of God of strengthening the things that remain that were ready to die, I hope that God will bless his labors that many souls may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
Sister Cooper writes from Bath, N. Y.:—“I for the first time write to the dear saints to tell them that my heart beats in unison with those that are keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of his dear Son. I feel more and more to praise the Lord that he ever anointed my eyes to see the truth which sanctifies and prepares us for the kingdom.
“May the Lord so unite his people in this place that they may have a mind to work and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Truth is a unit and where there is union there is strength.”
Sister Bryan writes from Ballston Spa, N. Y.:—“It gives me great consolation to hear from brethren and sisters scattered abroad. I am trying to keep all the commandments of God, and I feel determined by the help of God to stand at my post that no one take my crown. I am alone here. My prayer is that God will send some of his ministers to this place.”
Sister Fanny Edson writes from Marquette Co., Wis.:—“All my desire is to serve my Lord and Master with all my might mind and strength. We are living in perilous times. I have many trials on this earth; but eternal life is worth all other things.”
Bro. P. Folsom writes from Somerville, Mass.:—“We are still striving for the kingdom, and the prospect brightens as we are drawing nearer the port of deliverance. I believe the hand of the Lord is in the move of establishing the paper on a firm foundation. If all move in the order of the Lord, the paper will be sustained and the cause will move forward. But when we get self woven into the work of the Lord we may soon expect to see the chariot wheels drive heavily. The Lord will go with us just as far as we go with him, and no farther; therefore it is of great importance how we move.”
Sister Almira Preston writes from Ogle Co., Ill.:—“I could hardly live without the paper. It feeds my soul daily. It is food to read the letters from the brethren and sisters and the truths that it contains. One of my neighbors requested the paper to read. I gladly sent it; and he is convinced that the seventh day is the only Sabbath; and that a man may better keep no day than keep the first day.
“The work is the Lord’s and I hope he will search this place through, and see if there are any jewels here. O that some of his children might be sent to this place to proclaim the truth. I have been here two years this Spring and have never seen an Advent believer since I came. I have never been shaken in the least since I came here. I can say, To whom shall I go, Lord? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
Bro. J. Young writes from Addison Hill, N. Y.:—“As fast as I have read the Review I have sent them to my neighbors, and they have read them and some have become convinced of the truth. They say that they speak the truth. I think if some preaching brother could lecture for us a few evenings some would come out from Babylon and from the world and keep the true Sabbath.”
Sister Phebe B. Brown writes from Madison Co., N. Y.:—“I have become convinced by reading and observation that that great and solemn day for which all other days were made draweth nigh. I am a firm believer in the Sabbath of the Lord, and trying to keep all his commandments. I have long been anxious to meet with those who I believe are trying to live out the principles of the gospel, and are preparing to hail the approach of the Son of man; but I know not that I ever shall. Yet I have a hope if I am faithful, of having a seat with those in the New Jerusalem which have come up out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Sister Demarest writes from Parma, N. Y.:—“I still feel encouraged to press my way onward and upward towards mount Zion. Although the way is thorny, yet the promise is that as our day, so shall our strength be. I feel encouraged too, because the cause is rising, and bid you God speed.”
Bro. H. W. Lawrance writes from Bangor N. Y. Feb. 11th 1856:—“I have long wanted to express through the Review my convictions that more effort should be made on the part of the church to get the truth before those who have had no opportunity to hear or read. Often in the past in my feeble efforts to spread the truth have I urged my way into new fields and had some liberty and found ears to hear; when at the same time I could not have much freedom where there were Brn. that had often heard and were somewhat confined in their efforts to advance the cause.
“I still feel as though duty called the Messengers mostly into new fields, and yet some good Brn. often express anxiety for certain ones to “come and labor among us” i.e. locate a while for our benefit, and we can assist &c. Now I am anxious to know how far my views of duty are in harmony with the great body of believers in the Third Angel’s Message. Is it not a flying message? and if so, is it not our duty to scatter abroad and preach the word every where?
“May the Lord direct the remnant and enable us to be in harmony with his plan in the closing work of mercy.”
Bro John Hall writes from Marquette Wis.:—“I am well pleased with the way the Review has been conducted since I have taken it, and the truth it advocates, and wish to add my testimony on the side of truth. There are but few Sabbath-keepers here in this place, and we are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus and hope to have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.”
Bro. Josiah Hebner writes from Brown’s Corners C. W. Feb. 17th, 1856:—Bro. Smith, The weekly visits of the Review are to me very acceptable. When I read the letters, I find that there are others alone as well as myself who rejoice in the Third Angel’s Message. My heart beats in unison with all the dear saints of like precious faith who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I would like to speak with some of the dear brethren or sisters face to face; but as I have not this privilege, I am thankful a medium is provided through which we may speak to each other; namely the columns of the paper.
Bro. T. B. Mead writes from Buck’s Bridge St. Law. Co. N. Y. Feb. 18th, 1856:—“I have been much interested in reading the Review, to hear of the prosperity of the cause. There is a rising among the children of the Lord. Truth is having a sanctifying effect upon their hearts. I believe still that we have the truth, and it will bear away a glorious victory. Yes, truth will prevail, and error will be detected, and come to naught.
“I often thought during the tarrying time, while hearing so many different views, one embracing this another that for truth, that I should not know the truth, when the Lord’s servants did come with it; but I am grateful to the Lord, that it was not so. I did know the voice of the good shepherd, and was enabled by the help of the Lord to follow it. How plain it made the past Advent movement. It made our present position clear and plain; and it lighted up our pathway in the future.
“I want the truth to have an abiding place in my heart, and an influence upon my life. It is a time when we should have on the whole armor. The Enemy is busy, trying to destroy the children of the Lord. We can overcome if we hold on to the arm of the Lord. The Lord is a refuge unto which we can flee and be safe, it is good to trust in him. He will lead his people to a glorious victory.”
Sister M. A. Streeter writes from Oswego Co., N. Y.:—“I have heard but one sermon on present truth since 1844, and you cannot imagine how much consolation I receive from reading the paper, and searching the Bible. It gives me much light on the sacred Scriptures. It has taught me to keep all the commandments, the fourth not excepted. I am alone in keeping the Sabbath, excepting my children. No one around me that knows or cares for the present truth, surrounded by a fallen church and a wicked world. I have great reason to praise my God for the little light he has given me, and I pray for grace sufficient for my day and trials. I ask the prayers of all the brethren and sisters.”
Bro. H. S. Stickles writes from Potter Co., Pa.:—“I am trying to make my way onward and upward in hope of the kingdom. If we do God’s will we184may expect to reign with Jesus Christ in the kingdom. When we look around and see how the world is rushing to destruction, we should look up, knowing that our redemption is nigh.”
To Correspondents.
By Editor
Lucy Button, Madison Co., N. Y.:—We sympathize with you in your affliction. It is a consolation to us that the REVIEW has been a blessing to you; and as long as we have evidence that it is so still, as good evidence as your letter affords, we will gladly continue it. We trust it may continue to be an aid and comfort to you and others through the remainder of our closing pilgrimage.
C. A. Boudreaux, Franklin Co., Vt.:—We are pleased with your reasoning for the institution and perpetuity of the Sabbath from the very beginning to the days of Christ, and also for its universal obligation on the whole family of man; but we do not see how from your own premises you can satisfy your conscience by keeping the first day. If at the death of Christ there had been a suspension of all law on the subject, and every man had been left to keep or not to keep a Sabbath, as his taste or convenience might dictate, there would then be some plausibility in your reasoning. You say that if the Sabbath had never been changed to the first day of the week, you are convinced that there are satisfactory reasons why it should be hallowed. But who is he that can hallow a Sabbath for the use of men? Not man, but God only. But no one claims as far as we have heard, that God ever sanctified the first day of the week. At least they have no authority to present for such a claim. Has God then failed to do his duty in regard to it?
You first reason from analogy as follows: "Was the work of creation vast and glorious? the work of redemption is also vast and glorious." This we admit; but what of it? Again: "Was the seventh day the first that dawned on a lovely, a finished creation? the first day of the week was the first that dawned upon a risen, conquering Saviour." This we also admit; but what of that? What has all this to do with the Sabbath? You see that all such reasoning cannot go one peg towards establishing a religious institution, which wants the divine sanction and precept for its support.
You claim, as hosts of others have done, apostolic example for the observance of Sunday. This we have repeatedly denied, and do so still appealing for support to an impartial reading of the record in the New Testament. You quote for proof of your position, Acts ii, 42, 46. We consider you rather unfortunate in your quotation; for it reads that they continued DAILY in the temple and in breaking bread from house to house. Is this a "satisfactory reason" therefore why EVERY day should be "hallowed?"
You next quote Acts xx, 7, where we learn by the context that the disciples had come together for an evening meeting; but nothing is said about a meeting in the day-time; and nothing is said about this being the CUSTOM of the disciples; but only a single instance is there mentioned. This instance can have no weight with any but those who are laboring hard, not to learn whether or not the seventh day is the Sabbath, but to prove that it is NOT the Sabbath.
1 Cor. xvi, 2, is next called to the stand to witness for the new institution. But have you ever read J. W. Morton's exposition of that text? If not, we would be glad to furnish you with the Sabbath Tracts that contain it. He gives twelve different translations in which the expression "by him" in the text, is rendered, not in the "collection box of the congregation," but by himself, at home. And he says that three French translations, those of Martin, Osterwald, and De Sacy, read, "chez soi," at his own house, at home. Were it not for a scarcity of texts which could in any way be wrested into proof for Sunday-keeping, such passages as these would never be appealed to.
Like many who have gone before you, you wind up with Rev. i, 10; and it is a little remarkable how perfectly confident every one is, that that means Sunday. Where they find proof for this they do not tell us. But as we let the Bible be its own interpreter, we will do so in this instance. In Isa. lviii, 13, will be found an interpretation of Rev. i, 10. As you read that text mark the expression, "My holy day," and you can no longer doubt which day the "Lord's day" is.
Concerning the "fathers," whoever thinks he has authority from them for keeping Sunday let them keep it merely as a human institution, and not endeavor to defend it by the fourth commandment.
As for ourselves, the more we look over this subject, the more we are convinced that this darling institution now dandled in the lap of christendom, is a Pagan, Papal, and traditionary mongrel.
OBITUARY.
By P. M. Adams
It has become my painful duty to chronicle the death of my beloved husband, A. G. Adams. He fell asleep in Jesus about 1 o'clock on sixth-day morning after a protracted, and a portion of the time painful illness, aged 30 years 2 months and 20 days. He was attacked nearly five months ago with Bilious Fever which in one week passed into Lung Fever of a typhoid nature; and after a severe illness he seemed to be recovering, was able to walk out a short distance, and sit up all day; but for the last five weeks, which is all the time during his sickness, that I have been with him, he appeared to be gradually failing.
His end was peaceful and his trust in Jesus firm and unshaken; and upon my saying to him some time after he was past speaking and when his end was apparently near, You know where your hope is placed? he pressed my hand in token that he did. He appeared to be perfectly clear and calm in mind, while he was capable of expressing it even with his eyes. I cannot speak of all he was; but those who knew him will see that his death corresponded with his life, calm, strong, and peaceful.
P. M. ADAMS.
Topeka, Feb. 2nd., 1856.
APPOINTMENTS.
By John Norton Loughborough
Providence permitting, I will meet with the Brethren as follows :
At the house of Bro. David Demarest, in Parma, 4th day evening, March 12th. Clarkson, eve of March 13th. Barre, Sabbath, March 15th. I will commence meetings on First-day, March 16th, where Bro. Pond may appoint. I will meet with the Brn. in Olcott, Sabbath, March 22d, and will commence meetings in some new place, First-day, March 23d, where Bro. Lindsay may appoint.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Business.
By Editor
P. Scarborough :—Your money was received and receipted in No. 6.
S. Elmer :—Please inform us at what date E. Elmer paid, that we may know on what volume it applied.
E. Prior :—Your paper has been sent regularly. We send back numbers.
New work.
By Editor
We learn that some are inquiring if the article entitled "The Truth Found" lately published in REVIEW is not to be issued in tract form. We are happy to announce therefore that it is already printed, and will be ready for delivery in a few days. This choice little work can be had for $4 per hundred, or six cents single copy. Orders are now solicited.
Blame Somewhere.
By Editor
The following note we received from a subscriber in Iowa:—
"Mr Editor, I notice a charge against me for your paper. I never ordered your paper, neither do I know who did: if you know, collect your money of them. If I order a paper, I pay in advance: I hope you will get your money, but you must look to those that ordered it. I am not able to pay other people's debts. I have enough of my own."
MARTHA G. TROTTER.
We here have evidence of neglect from two sources:
1. If M. G. Trotter had done her duty we should not have been sending papers to her when they were not wanted. When a paper is not wanted it is certainly the duty of those receiving it, to notify the publisher of the fact, and it will be discontinued.
2. The person who ordered the paper as above should have informed her of the fact, and ascertained how it was received, and whether it was accomplishing good, and given information at this Office, and we should then have known how to act in the matter. For the benefit of the writer of the above note as well as all others, we subjoin the law of the United States, in regard to newspapers:
1. Subscribers who do not give express notice to the contrary, are considered as wishing to continue their subscription.
2. If subscribers order the discontinuance of their newspapers, the publisher may continue sending them until all arrearages are paid.
3. If subscribers neglect or refuse to take their newspapers from the office to which they are directed, they are held responsible until they have settled their bills and ordered them to be discontinued.
4. If subscribers remove to other places without informing the publishers, and their newspapers are sent to the former direction, they are held responsible.
5. The courts have decided that refusing to take newspapers from the offices, or removing and leaving them uncalled for, is prima facie evidence of intentional fraud.
6. The U. S. Courts have repeatedly decided, that a Post Master neglecting to give seasonable notice as required by the Post Office Department, of the neglect of a person to take from the office, a newspaper addressed to him, renders the Post Master liable to the publishers for the subscription price.
Methodist Day of Fasting and Prayer
By Editor
The Methodists have appointed Friday, the 21st instant “to be observed throughout the Church as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to Almighty God for the general revival of his work.”
They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the Lord; but they shall not find him: he hath withdrawn himself from them. Hosea v, 6, 7.
Preaching Requested in Fulton County
By Editor
☞ When God promises success, who need be afraid of the face of an enemy.
Ransom Loveland, of Fulton Co., Ill., signifies his wish that some preaching brethren would come into his vicinity, as there are professed Adventists in that region, advocating the First-day Sabbath which he cannot believe.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
RATES OF POSTAGE.
"Books bound or unbound, not weighing over four pounds, for any distance under 3000 miles, when pre-paid, one cent an ounce. When not pre-paid, 1½ cents an ounce."
HYMNS for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This is the title of our new Hymn Book prepared for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns of poetic merit, expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Nearly every Hymn can be sung in some one of the pieces of Music, which will promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the Churches.—Price, 62½ cents.—In Morocco, 70 cents.—Weight 7 & 8 ounces.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price, 50 cents each.—Wt. 9 oz. each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages Price 15 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. by 'J. N. A.' This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, points out distinctly the commencement and termination of the 2300 days, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing, and explains the disappointment of the Advent people in regard to time, and the true position of those who are now waiting for their Lord.—Price 12½ cents. Wt. 3 oz.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.—Bound 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—Paper covers, 18½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.—Price 8 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.—196 pp.—18 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the Immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.—148 pp.—12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
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Receipts.
P M Adams, J Hebner, S Kingston, E C Skinner, H S Stickles, E A Poole, F. Edson, each $1
J Cooper, R Griggs, Sr. Smalley, (for F F Mighell's,) S Burdick, W D Williams, each $2 O Moore, $3. M Durkee E S Lase, ($0,50 for J C Owen,) each $1,50. H Cottrell (for H M Farnsworth,) $0,50. Wm Deeter, $0,27.
To move Office and pay for Printing Materials.
By Editor
Amount to be raised . . . . . . $603.64
Previous Donations, . . . . . . 285.12
J Chase, $2.00 | J Demarest, $2.00
S Dunklee, 1.00 | O Moore, 2.00
R Griggs, 3.00 |