Earlier text: HOW SHALL WE MEET THEM?MEETINGS IN CHESANING, MICH.
By M. B. Cornell
Our meetings here have progressed until the house will not hold the people. Last evening over three hundred were crowded in, besides many left, that could not gain admittance. The occasion was one of unusual interest, being a review of Eld. Russell, the Methodist preacher of the place. This Russell is a brother of the one that preached two sermons in Macomb Co., against present truth, to which our well beloved Bro. Cranston (since fallen asleep) made a very able reply. It was his last effort, and it is supposed it was the best one of his life. Bro. Loughborough and I had gone with the tent, and the preacher supposed that he had the field. When Bro. C. announced that he would reply, Eld. R. in utter astonishment said, “I supposed these men had all left the country.” That reply is spoken of by both friends and foes even to this day as a masterpiece. Bro. C. remarked to me that he never was so fully conscious of having especial help from God as at that time. Truth completely triumphed over cunning perversion and sophistry. Some of the positions taken by Eld. Russell (the younger) may not be uninteresting. He had, as the prophet says, “made others to hope that he would confirm the word,” and expectation was on tip-toe, but many were sorely disappointed. He read in a very slow manner the whole of the second chapter of Daniel, and then the whole of Dr. Adam Clarke’s lengthy comments on the chapter. It was very tedious. In his prayer he asked that new light might shine out of the sure word of prophecy, and then tired the people all out with some of A. Clarke’s old darkness. “The stone began to smite the image when the apostles went out to preach, but the greatest blow was given to the image by Constantine’s conversion, when he professed to see a vision of a cross, and the words, ‘By this conquer.’” That which opened the floodgates of error—united Paganism and Christianity—led the church into the wilderness, and laid the corner-stone of Papacy, was honored by the preacher as the work of God. This was “putting darkness for light” in real earnest. RUSSELL. “The kingdom of Christ is set up in the earth; how then can men grow worse and worse till the end?” Reply. Paul teaches that men will grow worse and worse in the last days, therefore the kingdom is not set up. RUSSELL. Read what Dr. Clarke wrote 60 years ago, and remarked, “Our ministers have preached the Advent doctrine.”117 Reply. Methodist preachers once believed and preached the Advent doctrine, but since the doctrine dwelt in Nazareth and has been baptized in unpopularity they fear the reproach, and carefully shun the books of Daniel and Revelation, and the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, lest their hearers should think their sermons tinctured with “Millerism.” Russell. That the world is growing no worse may be known from the circulation of Bibles, liberal cash grants, &c. Reply. How can the Bible bless the people after their eyes have been put out by the clergy assuring them that only collegiates can understand it? If Luther found the Catholics had chained up the Bible, we find that Protestants have chained up the people. For the most part of those who have Bibles are as though they had none. The priest preaches smooth things, and the people perish for lack of knowledge. Russell. Britain is Christian, and all other kingdoms may be. Reply. “Within the last forty years commitments for crimes have increased in England from five to thirty-one thousand, more than six-fold, and four times faster than the increase of population.”—Boston Recorder. “The Christian nations of Europe ‘in time of peace’ are expending $1,000,000,000 annually in preparing for war with each other; while all the Christians of the world, in the largest munificence of their philanthropy, have never given more than 3,000,000 a-year in preparing to preach the gospel to benighted regions of the earth.”—Morning Star. “It is admitted, by all parties, that crimes of the most outrageous and unprecedented character abound through the country, and probably throughout the world, to a degree wholly unparalleled.”—Scientific American. The whole number of inhabitants in the world are put down at about 800,000,000. Under the head of Christians are set down.
Roman Catholics, 80,000,000
Protestants, 70,000,000
Greek Church, 50,000,000
───────────
200,000,000
Jews, 5,000,000
Mohametans, 140,000,000
Pagans, 455,000,000
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600,000,000 According to these statistics only one-fourth of all, even profess Christianity. But what right have men to call the Catholic church Christian? Does not the Bible set it down anti-christ? Can it be Christ and anti-christ at the same time? Catholicism was always only another form of Paganism. And what better is the Greek church? These must go together as anti-christian. Thus we have only 70,000,000 left that can with any consistency claim to be Christians. We see then that less than one-eighth of earth’s population are Christian, even according to their own figures. But, let us take the Bible rule of real Christian character, and go out among the 70,000,000 Protestants, divided up into about 600 sects, and try them by their fruits. Try them since their great moral fall of the last fifteen years, and there would be a reduction to at least another eighth. Stubborn facts show that the world is growing worse and worse. Matthew Henry, whom Dr. Clarke says is “always orthodox,” in his comment on Luke xviii, 6, says: “The world will grow no better, no, not when it is drawing towards its period. Bad it is, and bad it will be, and worst of all just before Christ’s coming.” We expect to remain here another week at least. We are nearly through with the subjects of prophecy, and this evening Bro. Lawrence is to take up the subject of the law of God. Chesaning, Feb. 17, 1861. “But ye have forgotten,” says the apostle [Heb. xii, 5], “the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.” The slightest thought upon such texts as this, is sufficient to reveal to us the fact that they were dictated by some intelligence which was intimately acquainted with the secret springs of the human heart. There are two ways in which the heart of man is naturally inclined to treat the chastening of the Lord, against both of which we are directly warned in this exhortation of the apostle. The chastening here referred to is evidently such as is included in being “rebuked of him.” That being corrected and rebuked of the Lord, is called a chastening is evident from many scriptures. See Job v, 17. “Behold happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.” Here being corrected of the Lord is called his chastening, and such seems to be the kind referred to in the text at the head of these remarks. But how are mankind disposed to receive this chastening? The first, and perhaps most common promptings of the natural heart are to rise up against it. We revolt against the application of the reproofs, corrections, and rebukes of the Lord to ourselves. We would fain prop ourselves up in the idea that we are not deserving of such sharp correction, that it is not applicable to us, and hence we will not receive it, but cast it from us, and trample it under foot. But what says the voice of inspiration to us under these circumstances? Unexasperated by the rash course we would too often pursue, the affectionate exhortation comes to us, My son, treat it not thus: “despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.” Well, if we do not despise it, if we heed this part of the exhortation, and receive the reproof, acknowledge its application, and feel its force, what is the next leap the impulsive heart is inclined to make? It plunges to the opposite extreme, and says, Well if I am in a condition to be thus rebuked and chastened of the Lord, if such is my case, surely it is of no use for me to try longer to serve him; I never can overcome; I will lay down my armor, give up the struggle, cast away my profession, and make no further efforts to gain the prize. But inspiration anticipates this very movement of the chastened spirit, and meets us with the firm and plain exhortation, My son, “faint not when thou art rebuked of him.” Thus the two extremes of revolt and despair are shut against us. We can indulge in neither one nor the other without directly violating this plain declaration of scripture. There is a better way for us to act, a better course for us to pursue. It is the medium course between these two extremes. It is to endure the chastening, receive the reproof, and profit by the correction. If we do this, it will not be long before we shall feel the assurance that “God dealeth with us as with sons.” Heb. xii, 7. We shall feel that it is good to “be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live” [verse 9], and that “happy is the man whom God correcteth.” Job v, 17. MEETINGS IN LIBERTY, IOWA.
By M. Hull
BRO. SMITH: Bro. Shortridge and myself commenced meetings at the Liberty school-house, five miles south of Mt. Pleasant, on the first of Feb., and continued until the tenth, during which Bro. S. preached three times, and I tried to preach twelve times. There was a great deal of prejudice there when we commenced; but it so far gave way before the truth that a great many resolved to keep the commandments, sixteen of whom publicly declared their determination to go with the remnant to the kingdom. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon them. I was very sorry to be compelled to leave the place before the meetings closed; but on account of a heavy snow going off and a rain falling, I had to go home or be water-bound. I left Bro. S. there, and a great interest to hear the truth. May the Lord bless his labors in that place. SELF-JUSTIFICATION
By D. H. Sanborn
“Ye are they that justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts.” Self-justification has always been a characteristic of sinners. Here is an instance which our Lord reproves: Luke xvi, 15. The Pharisees which were covetous (had an inordinate love of the world) did not like the plain declaration, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” And they derided him. Perhaps there is nothing that stands more in the way of reform than this disposition of self-justification. No matter what the rule of justification or what the plea that is made for sin. How often do we see the plainest testimony of God’s word set aside; in one case by long established custom, as though age made sin venerable, and God would respect it. Again, human wisdom is brought to make void the law of God; or human legislation is made to overrule the authority of the King of kings. Indeed, the servant of God seems continually called upon to demolish some refuge of lies, to tear away some tissue of falsehood, which may indeed justify them before men, but must always be only an aggravation to guilt in the sight of God. We can hardly withhold the tear of pity, and the Lord himself seems to lament over such, when he says, “Oh! that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” But do not Sabbath-keepers sometimes manifest the same disposition to justify themselves? Now brethren and sisters, let us reason together. The word of God says [Tit. ii, 12] that we should live soberly, [1 Thess. v, 6, 8] that we should watch and be sober, [Tit. ii, 2] that the aged men be sober, [verse 4] that the young women be sober. Verse 6. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. 1 Pet. v, 8: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Again, 1 Pet. iv, 7. “But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.” When we read these and other portions of scripture of the same import, and remember that they are a part of the Word that alone is able to make us wise unto salvation, how is it that we can join the rude mirth of worldlings, and often vie with the wicked in foolish jesting? What apology dare we offer in palliation of this conduct? Let us see what is said by those that justify themselves: It is so natural for me I cannot avoid it. Let us ask, Is this a sufficient excuse? If so, try it in reference to anything that is forbidden by the word of God. It may be natural for some to tell falsehoods, and for others to steal. But to such the Lord says, Thou shalt not. No exceptions made in favor of natural proneness to sin. Another apology sometimes made for sin, is, I’m so habituated to it, I do not think, or, Its hard to break off. If these will justify in anything contrary to God’s word, how many hardened rebels against his government may escape by showing a natural inclination to sin and long continuance in it. For surely an excuse that will do for Christians ought to be allowed for men of the world. “Some men’s sins are open, going beforehand to judgment.” 1 Tim. v, 27. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. xxviii, 13. Brethren let us beware of treating lightly the admonitions of the Lord, or trying to justify ourselves when he reproves us. Let the language of our hearts be, “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” “Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let our conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Do we feel our responsibilities? It will help us to be sober. Would we apply our hearts to wisdom, and devote ourselves to the service of our Lord? Let us gird up the loins of our minds and be sober. The Lord is threatening the wicked with swift destruction. Can we see our fellow-men exposed to suffering and death, and instead of raising our voices to warn them of their danger, join them in foolish mirth? If we do this we are practically saying, “Peace and safety,” when the Lord declares that “sudden destruction cometh, and they shall not escape.” May the Lord strengthen the hearts of his ministers to bear a faithful testimony; that, like Paul, they may not shun “to declare the whole counsel of God.” And may we as a people be meek that the Lord may guide us in judgment and teach us his way. Ps. xxv, 9. HAVE FAITH IN GOD.
By D. Hildreth
The four mighty angels which stand on the four corners of the earth have their commission to hold the four winds. Rev. vii, 1. They are to hold the winds while the servants of God are being sealed. The third angel [Rev. xiv, 9–13] cries to the four angels [chap. vii, 2] not to let the winds blow until the servants of God are sealed. This fixes the time the winds are to be held: from the time the sealing message starts in the east till the work is accomplished. Waters in scripture are used to represent peoples and nations. “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Rev. xvii, 15. See also Jer. ii, 13; Isa. viii, 7; Dan. vii, 2. Winds represent the moving or controlling power over nations; and when allowed to act, they produce wars and revolutions fitly represented by the clashing and contending of waves driven by opposite winds. It was in this way the four kingdoms were developed, each succeeding power swallowing up its predecessor by wars and commotions. Dan. vii, 2, 3. The nations have been allowed to engage in wars and destroy each other until the ending of the prophetic periods. Since that time they have been held. Will they be held till probation ends? Faith answers unhesitatingly, They will. It is curious to watch the movements of the nations while they are being held. In time past when difficulties have arisen between the kingdoms of Europe, protracted wars have been the result. But the peculiar course of things for a few years past has baffled the wisdom of the ablest statesmen. It is not long since Russia, Turkey, France and England mustered their armies on the shores of the Black Sea. The war-trumpet sounded throughout the cities of Europe. Several battles were fought, and everybody supposed that a general European war was inevitable; but in a little while, to the astonishment of the world, the uproar of nations was hushed, and the soldiers returned home. What was the cause of this? No one was able to tell. The most far-seeing sages of earth could not unravel the mystery. But a chosen few to whom it was given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom knew what it all meant. The angels were holding the winds. The mysteries of God are hid from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes. Take up any newspaper of the day and you will see elaborate articles written by the wise of earth who suppose they understand the signs of the times, the movements of the nations, and the result of causes now in operation; but they are deceiving themselves. None but the humble few who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, really understand the signs of the times and the events of the future. The seven last plagues will take them away with all their wisdom. The inquiry now is, Watchman, what of the night? Will the present disturbances in the United States become general, and civil war follow? Faith answers, The angels are holding the four winds. Shall we continue to put forth vigorous efforts to spread the truth? or shall we hold on a little and see if the Lord is going to keep the way open before us? Faith answers, The angels are holding the four winds. We walk by faith, and not by sight. What if dark clouds shut down on the pathway before us, and the light of the holy city is obscured for a little while; we know the path we are in leads through to mount Zion, so we press forward and never think of halting. Some timorous ones like Peter begin to tremble at the tossing of the billows around them, and think perhaps we do not understand the signs of the times. Perhaps the number is almost sealed, and probation about to close. But ifs, and perhapses are no part of the christian's faith. It is admitted they are a part of his unbelief. Paul says, [1 Thess. v, 4, 5]. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. No ifs nor guessing about this. Faith takes right hold of the promises. Yes, thank the Lord, we know where we are. But are we Paul's brethren? Let us see. Those that are Christ's brethren are Paul's, of course; and Christ says, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matt. xii, 50. To do the will of God is to obey him and keep his commandments, so if we are keeping his commandments we are the ones Paul addresses; but if we are not keeping them, we may well fear that the day will overtake us unprepared. But we inquire again, Where are we? Those who118understand the nature and extent of the work to be accomplished by the third angel, know just where they are. They know that the loud voice of the third angel and the strong voice of the angel of Rev. xviii, 1, 2, who unites his voice with the third, and by whom the earth is lightened, is not fulfilled. I have heard individuals say, “Perhaps the Lord will come in a week.” Such a faith is without foundation, and such persons have not got their feet planted firmly on the platform of present truth. It is the christian's privilege and duty to know where he is, and to know what has got to be accomplished before the coming of the Lord. Paul's Thessalonian brethren had the idea at one time that the Lord was coming immediately, but Paul corrected them, and told them what must transpire before that event. 2 Thess. ii. We are not to be frightened by difficulties among the nations, but should base our faith on the sure word of prophecy. The number has got to be made up, the church get ready, and wait for the Lord. Are any of these, facts of the present tense? No, they are all future, yet to be fulfilled. Then we should not be soon shaken in mind, or troubled, but press steadily on towards perfection. We are not to stop and look around and speculate on the issue of present contingencies, but keep our eyes on our work, and get ready for the advent of Christ, for if we slacken our hands the day will roll around and find us unprepared. That event will not take place instantly, neither will it delay a great while. The wheels of time are rolling steadily round, and it soon will be here. We are to advance cautiously, understandingly, and rapidly as possible in the work before us. The Lord has assured us that the winds will be held, and we can rely on his word. Things may grow worse and worse, and a general rupture seem inevitable; but it is a very easy thing for Him who holds the earth as a ball in his hand to check the stormy passions of wicked men and bid them wait his time. The Lord has given us his word, now shall we believe or disbelieve? 1 Jno. v, 10. The nations were to get angry before the wrath of God or seven last plagues were to be poured out. Rev. xi, 18. We have seen that other nations have been getting angry for several years, and we expect of course that this nation will also get angry before the message closes, so that when the decree passes, every nation will be ready to join in the battle of the great day. If things should remain perfectly quiet and peaceable till the message closes, we might have reason to think it had been given in the wrong time; so the present troubles, instead of weakening our faith and position, strengthen them, and admonish us that the end of all things is at hand. Meanwhile the Lord assures us that he will stay his rough wind in the day of the east wind. Isa. xxvii, 8. Faith Strengthened Near the Port of Rest
Sister S. J. Voorus writes from La Porte, Ind.: “I have been tried on every hand, and the waves have almost overflowed me; but, like David, I cried to God and he heard me. I have now and then had a taste of some of the grapes from that goodly land. I have nothing discouraging to say. My faith grows stronger as we near the port of endless rest. Of late I have tried to realize more fully the times we are living in, and that God’s people must be holy, without spot; that they must be clothed with the robe of righteousness, and talk a pure language; for in their mouth was found no guile. How important then that we watch our words that we say nothing but what is well pleasing in the sight of Him to whom we must give an account for every idle word and thought. Although strait and narrow the path to walk in, yet there is nothing in the way; for the Lord is more than all that can be against us. My desire is to have all upon the altar, a living sacrifice, and keep it there until all is consumed. My prayer is that God will wake up his waiting ones to do their duty, and hasten the latter rain, when the message will go forth with the loud voice, and his children be gathered into the unity of the faith, and the watchmen see eye to eye. Dear brethren and sisters, lift up your heads and rejoice; for your redemption draweth nigh. ‘Then we’ll watch and we’ll pray, as our vessel bears
away,
And we’ll never be disheartened any more;
For the port is getting nearer, and I hear the leader
say,
We soon shall reach the harbor and the shore.’” Worcester, Mass., Feb. 1861
By Stephen N. Haskell
BRO. SMITH: I would bear my testimony through the Review as still on the Lord's side, and endeavoring to be an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. When I look abroad in the land, and behold the movements of the nations, and then look at the rise and progress of the third angel's message until the present time, and see the blindness and confusion which seems to characterize those who have opposed, and do still openly and knowingly oppose this work, it forces home to my mind the conclusion that we are fast approaching the final crisis, when the wicked will be fully ripe for the harvest, the captivity of God's people be turned, and victory given to God's children throughout the length and breadth of the land. The circumstances which were crosses, disappointments and troubles to ancient Israel in the wilderness, were to humble them, to prove them, to find what was in their hearts, to see if they would keep his commandments or no. Deut. viii, 2. “These things happened unto them for ensamples and are written for our admonition.” It is God's design to bring through an holy people, destitute of self, every desire consecrated, every impure thought eradicated, and the entire being “presented a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service.” To the end that this object may be obtained, God permits in his providence, circumstances to cross our pathway and thus develop what is in our hearts, that we may put away that which is wrong far from us, and be in the hands of the Lord like clay in the hands of the potter. Hence all our trials and perplexities should have a practical tendency to bring us to a closer walk with God, instead of producing a revolting and murmuring spirit. It is when we view things in this light, seeking to understand God's design in them all, that we can say with David, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.” And again, “Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word.” And more especially at the present time should all our disappointments and crosses have a practical effect upon our lives, when every event around us seems to speak in thunder tones that the Judgment is at hand, when our thoughts, our conversation, our actions, and the very motives of our heart are to be weighed in the balances of the Sanctuary. It is altogether too late in the day, and the times are altogether too solemn, and fraught with too momentous consequences for us to be found quibbling, finding fault with one another, and murmuring against God on account of his providences, because he has not dealt with us thus and so. Like Nehemiah, we have a great work to do, building over against our own house, that we may be prepared to stand when there is no mediator. If we fully realize what must be done for us that we may stand, we shall have no time to come down to the plains of Ono to hold a conference with the enemy. Our souls are to be saved. We are to carry a saving influence with us continually. Our eye should be upon the mark, and our entire life tell that we really believe what we profess. Our course should be onward and upward continually, that our hearts be fully prepared for the latter rain, we have an interest in the loud proclamation of the third angel, pass through the time of trouble safely, and finally with the redeemed stand upon mount Zion. S. N. HASKELL. Worcester, Mass., Feb. 1861
L. M. EATON
By L. M. Eaton
BRO. SMITH: As others are giving in their testimony for the truth, I feel that I want to add mine with theirs, to let those brethren who labored in Milford know that their labor has not been in vain in the Lord. We are a little band who meet for worship every Sabbath, and feel that the promises of our High Priest are fulfilled to us, that where two or three are gathered in his name there he is in the midst. We are striving together for that inheritance promised to the faithful. Although taunted with cries of Millerism, yet we bless God for the doctrine of the Bible which makes our hearts burn within us. There is a joy in believing the truth as it is in Jesus. It is but a short time since I embraced the doctrine of the Bible, always having believed in the eternal torment of the wicked. I had never given my attention to the subject until Bro. Frisbie and Lawrence came here. I went to hear, became interested, and gave up my predetermined opinion, and by the help of the Lord, concluded it was better to fear God and keep his commandments than to obey men. In doing this I have not denied my faith, but have added more to my faith. Lord, send forth thy truth with power, is my prayer. Your unworthy sister striving to overcome. CAROLINE S. LEE
By Caroline S. Lee
BRO. SMITH: For the first time I try to contribute a few lines to the pages of the Review, as I have many times been encouraged by reading the cheering letters from brethren and sisters scattered abroad. I am striving to be an overcomer through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. I love the law of the Lord. I believe it is holy, just and good. I love the faith of Jesus, and will try to live it out in all its bearing. I am lonely and weary, but I look forward with glad anticipation to the time when the sleeping saints will come forth from their dusty beds, and with the living ones be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. I then expect to meet loved ones who sleep in Jesus, if I endure to the end. Praise the Lord for the bright prospect that is before the faithful follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. My heart burns with love and gratitude to God for his goodness to me. Although I have been called to drink the bitter cup of affliction, yet praise the Lord, our light afflictions which are but for a moment will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, if we strive in the strength of the Lord to bear with patience all that he in love sees fit to lay upon us. I believe we are nearing the closing up scene of all things earthly, and I want to be among those who shall be counted worthy to stand with the Lamb on mount Zion. I am thankful for the many great and precious119promises that I find in the word of God for the encouragement of the widow and the fatherless. I feel like trusting in God with all my heart. Let us look up and take courage. Our blessed Saviour is soon coming to take his people to himself, that where he is they may be also. I thank the Lord for the light that he has let shine upon my path amidst the darkness that surrounds me. Surely his blessed word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I thank thee, O my God! who made
The earth so bright,
So full of splendor and of joy,
Beauty and light—
So many glorious things are here,
Noble and bright. I thank thee, too, that thou hast made
Joy to abound—
So many gentle thoughts and deeds
Arching us round,
That in the darkest spot on earth
Some love is found. I thank thee more that all our joy
Is touched with pain;
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain;
So that earth’s bliss may be our guide,
And not our chain. For thou who knowest, Lord, how soon
Our weak heart clings,
Hast given us joys, tender and true,
Yet all with wings,
So that we see gleaming on high
Diviner things! I thank thee, Lord, that thou hast kept
The best in store;
We have enough, yet not too much
To long for more—
A yearning for a deeper peace,
Not known before. I thank thee, Lord, that here our souls,
Though amply blest,
Can never find, although they seek,
A perfect rest—
Nor ever shall, until they lean
On Jesus’ breast. THOS. DENMON
By Thos. Denmon
BRO. SMITH: Having had a desire for some time to add my testimony to the many that have preceded me in favor of present truth, I embrace the present opportunity to inform the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I rejoice with all my heart that I have been permitted to live to see this day, and to hear the sound of the third angel's message. Although it came to me in the form of a silent messenger, yet it did its work, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, upon my heart. I experienced religion twenty-nine years since, and united with the M. E. church. At that time they enjoyed the spirit and life of religion; but of late years they have degenerated. While they have retained some of the forms, they have virtually denied the power; and we are commanded from such to turn away. I should be too tedious to relate the many evils which I saw among them. Being an official member among them for a number of years I had a good opportunity to learn a great deal of the evils and hypocrisies practiced among them. They had become so corrupt that my conscience would not permit me to remain in fellowship with them any longer. I looked around me to find a people that loved and served God; and from outside appearances, I judged that the United Brethren were such a people. Being a new comer in the place, and they a new people to me, I with my wife united with them. I was chosen leader, and exhorted them as well as I could to holy living, and a full consecration, which offended some; so much so that they expressed themselves that they had rather I would strike them in the face than to speak to them in class. I consequently had to abandon class altogether. Thus matters stood until I was kindly loaned the use of some Advent books, which showed the truth so plain that we could not find it in our hearts to resist. We embraced it on the second day of Nov. last, to the joy of our hearts. We then applied for a letter from the Brethren church. The minister asked the reason. We frankly told him that we considered that they were not keeping the commandments of God by doing labor on the seventh day of the week. He then tried to have us remain, saying that we might keep the seventh day. We told him that we could not in conscience do so. From these remarks they afterwards took the ground that we had slandered the church, and without any notice turned us out. But, blessed be God! if we are faithful in keeping all his commandments and the faith of Jesus, we shall be accounted worthy to obtain that kingdom; and it will not be in the power of man to disinherit us of the rich reward of those that have a right to the tree of life. Dear brethren and sisters, I believe that soon Jesus will come, and what if we have not got oil in our vessels! Oh let us remember the parable of the virgins, and be wise. There are nine of us here trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The most of us are so situated that we meet twice each week for worship; and God deigns to meet with us and bless us. But Oh, how we long for a messenger to come and present the truth to this people. Some of us also wish baptism. Cannot some preaching brother that reads these lines come to us? May the Lord open the way. Yours striving to be an overcomer. Kickapoo, Bad Axe Co., Wis. Bro. A. Abbey writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y.: “When we read of the interesting meetings that have been held in the western States, it almost seems that we are with them participating in their joys, and hearing them tell their resolutions. It cheers us to hear of the prosperity of the cause in any place. Ever since we read the proceedings of the Battle Creek conference, we have been in full union with it. We believe fully that the plan of Systematic Benevolence is a plan that will meet the demands of the cause. A few of us in this place are striving to go forward, having union for our strength, love for our banner, and eternal life for our motto, while our watchword is, The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are satisfied that we are living in a very important period of the world's history, and we believe also that we are living in the time when the last state of the church is being manifested. How important then it is that we heed fully the counsel of the faithful and true Witness.” A Sabbath Journey in Faith
Bro. J. Whitenack writes from Painted Post, N. Y.: “I still feel that it is by the grace of God that I am what I am; and I still hope by his grace to hold out to the end of the warfare. The first Sabbath in this year I walked over six miles and back to have the privilege of meeting with a few brethren and sisters. We had a good meeting. I felt strengthened both in body and mind to prosecute the journey with courage, looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. I want to say to all with whom I have been acquainted, Cast not away your confidence; for he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. And those whom I have never seen, I hope to see soon in the kingdom. Although alone and without a relative to go with me, I feel assured that I have the sympathy of good people, good angels, and the blessed Jesus. This gives me courage to hope. Without holiness no man can see the Lord. I am glad that it is the privilege of God's children to love him with all the heart. I request an interest in the prayers of such.” J. L. PRESCOTT
By J. L. Prescott
Fell asleep in Jesus, Thursday morning, Jan. 24, 1861, Bro. John G. Foy, of Brunswick, Me., aged 55 years. Bro. Foy was formerly a member of the Methodist church. He embraced the first angel's message in 1842. In 1844 he came out of the church. He was a firm believer in the third message, having been the first in this section who embraced the Sabbath, of which he was a consistent keeper up to the time of his death. His sickness was lung fever, of six days' duration. His sufferings were great, but he exhibited great patience to the last. He was beloved in his life, and his loss will be deeply felt by the church, but especially by his children, six in number, who had previously lost their mother. May God support them and lead them all to seek a preparation to meet those loved parents in the morning of the resurrection. He was buried first-day, Jan. 27. A discourse was preached by the writer from Ps. xvii, 18, to a large company of mourning friends. It was an interesting, and we trust a profitable season. A man in Israel has fallen. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.