DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Realizing the great goodness of God to us, I write a few words hoping that it will be the means of a blessing to some.
While living in the West we were called to wade through deep waters of affliction. Death entered our family and called a number of our children away. My husband was, also, greatly depressed in mind, and all my persuasions, with those of friends availed nothing. For years, not one ray of light pierced the dark clouds that surrounded him. After we came to this State he became more calm, but still the third angel's message found him in darkness, and far from the way he should go. But it came in mercy, and it now appears that nothing else could have saved him. He now enjoys sweet communion with God, and delights in his holy law. The Lord will bless all those that take hold of his covenant, by remembering his commandments to do them. We are witnesses that it is not a law of bondage, but of liberty; and we know that it is not abolished, for we read that all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.
We see now that our afflictions were sent in mercy, for they have been the means of bringing us where we could hear and receive the truth. We thank the Lord for calling our children away from the evil to come, believing that all who sleep in Jesus the Lord will soon bring with him. The Lord is blessing his people who are striving for the truth, and they must and will succeed, in spite of all opposition. The Lord is adding to our numbers, for which we thank him and take courage.
Oh, let us be of good cheer, for soon our trials will all be over. God will soon wipe away all tears from our eyes. Yes, we shall soon see the King in his beauty, and if faithful hear his lovely voice bidding us welcome through those pearly gates, where we shall walk those golden streets, and sing hallelujah to Him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever. O, glorious thought; I long to be there.
Your Sister striving to keep the commandments, SUSAN ELMER.
Buckland, Mass., Aug. 30th, 1852.
Jackson Conference Report
By B. B. Brigham
From Bro. Brigham.
Jackson Mich., Conference.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—This meeting has just closed. It was one of great interest. Brethren came from fifty to seventy-five miles, East West and North to hear for the first time the last message of mercy. Many broken-hearted confessions rendered the fore part of the meeting a truly weeping time. Those from a distance had heard so many slanderous reports circulated72for effect, that, until they saw and heard for themselves, they verily thought the dear church in Jackson were anything but the children of God. It is surprising to see how an over-ruling Providence makes the evil devices of our enemies to open the eyes of enquiring souls to see the difference between the chaff and the wheat, and those that keep the commandments of God and those that break them, and teach men so.
At the close of the afternoon service on first-day, six were buried in baptism by Bro. Bates. The scene at the water was solemn and delightful. In the evening we repaired again to the house of worship, where we had the Lord's supper, and all the ordinances of the church of God. And though quite a number had to start for home, yet forty-five joyful brethren and sisters remained, and sat together in a heavenly place, while God's Spirit was poured upon us, and his banner over us was love. It seemed to me that I never before had such a glorious time. For many a dreary month previous, I had concluded that the sweet communications of the Spirit were not to be enjoyed in this mortal state. But let me say to any such desponding souls, that peace, love and joy inexpressible, yes, and a hope too, as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, can be obtained while in this tabernacle, by keeping the commandments of God, the faith of Jesus, and all the ordinances of the Lord's house. We have only to open the Bible, examine the practice of the primitive saints, and in the same path with them, follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; and then God will pour out his blessing.—I speak from experience, praise the Lord. Permit me also to say that this state of humility, love, heaven-born peace and joy is, indispensable in order to meet the prevailing trials in this time of the patience of the saints.
The Lord has greatly blessed the labors of Bro. Bates in this region, and there was much weeping on his departure; but his appointments were sent on, and he left, full of faith and the Holy Ghost.
B. B. BRIGHAM.
North Plains, Mich., Aug. 18th, 1852.
E. A. LUTHER
By E. A. Luther
From Sister Luther.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I do feel to thank and praise the name of the Lord for all the way that he has led me; and I can say the path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
It is now a little more than two years since I heard the third angel's message. I soon saw that it was truth, and that if I would enter into life I must keep the commandments. I had never before dreamed that Sunday-keeping was an institution of Papacy; and as soon as I saw that, I resolved to lay aside the traditions of men, and keep the commandments of God.—Previous to this time, I had been, since 1844, wandering in this world of woe, trying to serve the Lord as well as I knew how, but not knowing my real position, I could not go back to a fallen church and confess that I had been wrong, for I still believed that the coming of the Lord was nigh. I could not unite with any new organization, and build again those things which I once destroyed. Supposing that the Lord would come at the end of the days, I concluded there was a defect in chronology; but I now see that the vision did speak and did not lie.
O, thanks be to God for the clear light that now shines upon his Word since receiving this last warning message; and truly that which is light to us is complete darkness to our enemies. I do thank the Lord that he has counted me worthy to be numbered among the remnant that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. O, that I may endure unto the end, that I may stand with them upon Mount Zion. I am endeavoring to seek righteousness and meekness that I may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.
When I view the narrowness of the way, my soul cries out who shall be able to stand when he appeareth; shall I go through. My daily prayer is, Lord make me holy, write thy holy law upon my heart, and help me to look to Jesus till I reflect his lovely image.
We (my companion and myself) are much instructed and comforted in reading the Review and Herald; and we think the lengthy Articles of Bro. Andrews are full of sound doctrine that cannot be condemned. We are also glad that the Lord has put it in your heart to do something for the benefit of the children.
E. A. LUTHER
Eaton, C. E., Aug. 23d, 1852.
The Law of God fulfilled
By J. A. Waggoner
From Bro. Waggoner.
The Law of God fulfilled.
Many seem to suppose that because the Saviour fulfilled the law, we are under no obligation to keep it; thus abolishing, instead of establishing the law through faith. According to Macknight's translation the Saviour fulfilled the law in the sense of ratifying it. Jesus said, [Matt. v, 17,] "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill;" and, [John xv, 10,] "I have kept my Father's commandments." Then fulfilling the law, is keeping it, and not destroying it, according to Christ's own words. Paul gives us the converse of fulfill, which makes it very clear; [Rom. ii, 27;] "and shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee who by the letter, and circumcision dost transgress the law?"
Rom. viii, 3, 4. "God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and by a sacrifice for sin [margin] condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness [precept, Whiting] of the law might be fulfilled [not transgressed] in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."
The knowledge of God is perpetuated under both Testaments by the observance of his law. Eze. xx, 20; 1 John ii, 3.
Matt. vii, 12. "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Then the law and the prophets cannot be destroyed, or made void, so long as the golden rule—the law of love abides.
The remark is often made that, "A law fulfilled is no longer of force." Let us trace this proposition to its conclusion as follows: Christ came to fulfill the law—therefore we are under no obligation to keep or fulfill the law.
Again, [Rom. xiii, 10,] "Love is the fulfilling of the law;" and Christ fulfilled the law, (which is love,) therefore by faith in Christ we are released from the obligation to keep or fulfill the law which is to love. Can such liberty be desirable to the Christian?—But further, we may release ourselves from the obligation to love, according to the above rule. Rom. xiii, 8. "He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law;" and a law once fulfilled is no longer of force. Therefore, "he that loveth another," is under no obligation to love any more!
Can this conclusion be denied by those who vainly strive to "make void the law through faith?" Rom. iii, 31. Is not this perverting the right ways of the Lord? Acts xiii, 10.
This meeting was held in a grove, where the brethren in the vicinity, and a very few from abroad, assembled on the Sabbath. In the forenoon the subject presented was the Advent movement in the past, as symbolized by the angels of Rev. xiv, 6–8. And we were enabled to see that the word of the Lord had been fulfilled in our disappointments, as well as in our joyful expectations; and that we are still on the track of prophecy.
In the afternoon several spoke of the duty of being separate from the world, and of the importance of being humble, and holy, and living out our holy faith. When these points were touched, the Spirit of God rested down as a witness to the truth presented.
It was stated that merely believing and observing the Sabbath would not save one, and that there was no salvation in the Sabbath alone; but that in the hand of God it was a cleaver to cleave us out from the world, and bring us into the Lord's work-shop, where the whole gospel can be brought to bear upon us, and we be hewed and squared by the faith of Jesus.
It was also remarked that our hope of success as a people is in being humble, and separate from the world. That some greatly err in supposing that argument is all that is needed to convince people that we have the truth, and to bring them to acknowledge it. Gross darkness has settled down upon the earth, minds once enlightened have become beclouded, and the conscience has become so benumbed that the most powerful arguments will fail to bring souls to the truth, unless the Spirit of God moves and powerfully convicts. Then our only hope of success is in living humble and holy, that God's Spirit may rest upon us, so that those who come into our little assemblies may feel and know that we have something more than a mere form of godliness. Many honest souls are starving and perishing for spiritual food. And if the sweet, melting Spirit of Jesus is with us, they will taste its sweetness, and be drawn away from the world to take a stand with those who keep the commandments of God.
The importance of a closer walk with God, and living out our faith by good works, was felt by the brethren and sisters present, and a number bore a good testimony on the point.
First-day morning we had a very profitable meeting at the house of Bro. Miles which will not soon be forgotten by some present. Sweet, Christian fellowship prevailed, and the saints were permitted to enjoy freedom of soul.
We had two meetings in the grove through the day, which were well attended, and by the candid, strict attention was paid to the word preached. Some scoffed; but as the majority were candid, and listened with unusual attention, it did not affect the meeting, or mar the peace of the saints. The falling tear showed that some who came to hear were not without feeling upon the subject presented.
At the close of the meeting in the grove, the brethren assembled at Bro. Miles. There was some difference of opinion relative to the time of the commencement of the Sabbath. Some spoke of the necessity of union in sentiment, that there is no such thing as gospel union without agreement of views. Then the reasons for the commencement of the Sabbath at 6 o'clock, Friday, P. M., were briefly stated. The Spirit of God came down upon us, and the saints wept, or shouted for joy.
We are now at the house of Bro. John Byington, where we have a meeting this afternoon. To-morrow we go on to the meeting at Norfolk.
JAMES WHITE.
Potsdam, N. Y., Aug. 26th, 1852.
A Paper for the Children
By Waterman Phelps
From Bro. Phelps.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I think much of the idea of a paper for the children. I hope there will be matter calculated to instruct them in their duty to their parents enjoined in the fifth commandment [Ex. xx, 12; Eph. vi, 2, 3.] with the fourth, Ex. xx, 8–11. I know that much must be done for many of the children of those parents who have embraced the present truth. Do parents realize the responsibility which God holds them under while they are trying to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and preparing to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. I understand that we are held accountable to God for our children while they are under our care. Now if we would have them saved, and escape the judgments of God in the seven last plagues, we must see to it that they keep God's commandments and live in obedience to their parents.
I feel that we have reason to be very thankful to God, in this place, that he was mindful of us in sending the message of the third angel, which a goodly number have received, and the interest seems to be increasing.
The labors of Brn. Bates and Case, I think will result in much good through this region. There is a large field of labor through this part of the country, almost ripe for the harvest. Who will God send into his vineyard? My prayer is, send by whom thou wilt, that the truth may go to the scattered flock. I feel willing in God to do all I can.
I have just returned from a tour towards Lake Michigan. Found some souls there starving for the truth. The commandments of God were presented, and the testimony of Jesus, and some seemed quite interested in the subject, who I think will embrace the truth.
I am determined, by the help of God, to go through, at the expense of everything.
I want to become entirely reconciled to the will of heaven. I feel like dedicating all to God. I want to be sanctified and made meet for the Master's use, and become more like my Saviour, and more like a child. How necessary it is that we become holy in heart and in life in order to do good while we go forth, bearing precious seed, crying, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and let our light shine, that others seeing our good works may glorify our Father which is in heaven.
Your brother, in patient waiting for deliverance,
WATERMAN PHELPS.
Alden, Ill., Aug. 15th, 1852.
THE LOVE OF HEAVEN.
By L. G. Stowell
BY L. G. STOWELL.
I love, I love that world so bright,
Its pleasant scenes my heart delight;
Where I shall breathe the balmy air
Of heaven, perfumed with odors rare.
I love the fruit of life's fair tree,
Its loveliness looks rare to me;
I love the crystal fount so pure,
That flows beneath life's tree, I'm sure.
There shall I view the opening flowers,
That bloom among the shady bowers,
Supplied by life's pellucid stream,
So gently flowing from the main.
The Ivy, Balsam and the Thyme,
The towering Oak, the Elm, the Pine,
Will grace that land where all the blest
Beneath their peaceful shade may rest.
There, bright arrayed, the unnumbered throng,
Like Seraph forms, shall range along,
All marshaled on the expansive plain,
Obsequious, through heaven's wide domain.
Their music through heaven's arches, ring,
While anthems sweet of praise they sing,
As o'er the blissful fields they roam
Within their bright, elysian home.
Then, shall this love within my soul,
Cease when the seas forget to roll?
No,—I shall mount where Seraphs shine,
And strike the harps to love divine!
Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 1st, 1852.
Appointments.
By James White
I WOULD say to our brethren and friends abroad, that Providence permitting, there will be a General Meeting at this place Sept. 11th and 12th. If the weather will permit, it will be held in a grove.
Some of our lecturing brethren will be present to show our position, and give the present truth.
Pultney, Steuben Co., N. Y. LEBBEUS DREW.
Brn. Holt, Rhodes, Edson and Andrews, may be expected at the Pultney Meeting. It is thought best for the brethren in the region round about to hold meetings to consider the subject of gospel order, before the Meeting commences in the grove. Therefore they are requested to meet Thursday, Sept. 9th, at 2 o'clock P. M.
ED.
Providence permitting we will hold meetings as follows:
Washington, N. H., to commence Friday, Sept. 10th, at 6 o'clock P. M., and hold Sabbath and First-day.
Boston, Mass., Tuesday, Sept. 14th, at 2 o'clock P. M.
Portland, Me. Friday, Sept. 17th, at 6 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
Bangor, Me. Friday, Sept. 24th, at 6 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
It will not be possible to hold Meetings in all the places where we have been requested to hold them. We expect to see the scattered friends at the above appointed meetings.
JAMES WHITE.
H. S. CASE
By Hiram S. Case
A CONFERENCE will be held at North Plains, Iona Co., Mich., where Bro. B. B. Brigham may appoint, to commence Sept. 24th, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.
Also, at Tyrone, Livingston Co., Mich., where Bro. Kellogg may appoint, to commence Oct. 1st, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. The friends of truth, and all who wish to know the reasons of our hope, are invited to attend.
H. S. CASE
Pamphlet Publication and Distribution
By Editor
We have stated that we designed republishing, in pamphlet form, Bro. J. N. Andrews' review of O. R. L. Crozier. This pamphlet will contain the lengthy review published in Nos. 11 and 12, Vol. II of the REVIEW AND HERALD, also some portions of Bro. A.'s recent letters. Those who have read the review and letters, know their value.
We think an edition of four or six thousand should be published for gratuitous distribution, and have paid out $44 for paper for this object. Those who design to help in publishing this work, and have the means at their command, will please send it immediately.
Letters received since August 19th.
By Editor
R. F. Cottrell 2, B. Clark, J. Baker, L. Drew, J. Hamilton 2, J. Lindsey, J. N. Andrews, E. Richmond, H. S. Case 2, J. Bates 2, H. Edson, H. B. Steadman, W. Phelps, A. A. Dodge, R. Moran, S. B. Craig, S. E. Baker, E. Cooper, I. Wyman, H. O. Nichols, G. W. Stockings, H. P. Wakefield, J. H. Waggoner, P. Miller Jr., M. C. Andrews, E. A. Luther, E. L. Barr.
Receipts.
M. Cramer, M. Hall, L. Harrington, L. Freeto, L. Paine, D. Philips, A. Arnold, R. Jarvis, L. Tuttle, Wm. Stage, J. Taylor, W. Horr, C. Bailey Jr., J. S. Rogers, B. Marks, each $1. Wm. B. Maxon $2; Bro. — Hill, Wm. Lawton, H. Bush, each $3.
E. Prior, R. R. Chapin, for a Friend, each 70 cents; C. W. Stanley, J. K. Bellows, H. E. Greenwood, each 50 cents.
D. Lyon, $5; A. B. Pearsall $4,37; B. B. Brigham $1,75; J. P. Kellogg $1,50; H. S. Gurney 66 cents; S. E. York 25 cents.
In Defense of Joseph Bates
By John Hamilton
From Bro. Hamilton.
Dear Bro. White:—"Truth is the gem for which we seek," And it is in defense of truth, and the character of our beloved Bro. Joseph Bates, that I send you this statement for publication in the Review and Herald; for I learn that the article published in the Advent Harbinger of July 10th, entitled "Mr. Bates' Misrepresentations," signed by C. W. Low, C. Crawford Jr., M. Whitaker and N. Richardson, is made use of to prejudice the minds of many that otherwise might listen to the truth, and likewise to the injury of the character and influence of Bro. Bates. Therefore I feel constrained (painful as it is to publicly expose the errors of those we love) to say that their statement made in the Harbinger is not correct. It contains many errors and misstatements.—And I further say that the statement made by Bro. Bates in the Review and Herald of May 6th, of the manner in which that meeting commenced, and progressed to its painful close, was correct.
We fully concur in the above.
John Hamilton.
Olive Hamilton.
Adam Miller.
Eliza A. Miller.
P. Miller, Jr.