Earlier text: NATURE AND DESTINY OF MANTo Friends in Iowa.
By M. E. Cornell
For some time past I have thought it might be duty for me to say a word in regard to the disaffection of some in your midst, but I have waited for a period of rest. I have received letters with a statement of some objections to our views which I have purposed to answer, one especially, of considerable length written in a good spirit. I appreciate the kind Christian tone of the letter, and regret that I am unable to answer at length as I would desire. But I will say that I have not yet seen an objection which I could not as easily answer as I can answer the objections to our views of the law of God, the Sabbath or the non-immortality of the soul. I am more than ever satisfied with our general views of the two-horned beast, the three angel's messages, the sanctuary, &c. As to Bro. and sister White and the visions, I will say, that having had the very best opportunity to know all about them, I am more than ever satisfied with them. Most of my labor during the two and a half years that I have been in the eastern mission, has been in the vicinity where Bro. and sister White spent the days of their youth, and where they have been known from the commencement of their labors. I have conversed with both friends and foes in regard to them. And now I must say, that having inquired out all the particulars of the scenes and circumstances of their first experience and labors, and having traced out evil reports to their origin, I am perfectly settled in the conviction that God has been with them from the beginning. It is the motive as manifest by the general tenor of the life and the fruits we should judge by. I have watched for years, to see what was the fruit of Sr. White's visions. I have been over the ground in some fourteen different States, have become acquainted with many who have believed the visions the longest and the strongest; and if they are not the humble devoted children of God, I doubt whether any can be found on earth. I counsel our friends in Iowa, to say no hard words and think no hard thoughts of those who feel called upon to oppose what we believe to be the work of God. Let us be peace-makers; at least we should not stir up with grievous words. It is safe to keep quiet and let things work. All things shall work for good. Offences will come, but let me caution all not to be presumptuous. It is better to wait a little and see, before we engage to oppose what has endured so many storms. I don't know how all my former friends in Iowa now feel toward me, but I will say sincerely that I love them still, and hope their doubts and fears may be all removed. If God shall so direct in his good providence, I should be happy to see all the dear friends there once more. I should be glad to hear from any of them. As ever, yours in hope of life when Jesus comes.
M. E. CORNELL. REMARKS.
By J. H. Waggoner
We certainly have no intention to misrepresent the Unitarians or any other class; and shall be thankful to any one to set us right if we do so unwittingly. In the present case we do not yet see where the misrepresentation lies. If the faith of the Unitarians was such as to make the remarks referred to incongruous, or out of the way on the occasion, Mr. S. has ground for his objection. Let us see: There are three views respecting the nature of Christ. First. The Trinitarian, which makes him to be the "very God," the self-existent Deity, the Creator of all by his own word and power. The second we shall denominate the Christian view, well known to be the faith of that people. (We do not mean the Disciples or Campbellites, but those sometimes called Christ-ians.) That is, that Christ is divine; that he existed before his incarnation, acting by the power and authority of his Father; that he was "with God" "in the beginning;" that the Father made the worlds by him. This is, we think, the true Bible view. The third is the Unitarian. Although they often claim all as Unitarians who do not believe in a Trinity, they are distinguished from others by the great majority of them holding to Socinianism. Buck, in his Theol. Dict., summing up the "prevailing tenets of the New England Unitarians," places the following first: "That Christ is not truly a divine Being, but an exalted and pre-eminent pattern of human perfection." The Rel. Encyclopedia says: "A name assumed by those who confine the glory and attributes of Divinity to the Father and refuse them to the Son and Holy Spirit." These authorities give the generally received views of Unitarians; and now as regards the Convention referred to: 1. According to the newspaper report of the Convention Mr. Burley was not the only one who objected to the term Lord being applied to Christ, as would be inferred from Mr. Summerbell's letter. 2. The Unitarians deny the divinity of Christ, so that a protest against using the term "Lord," or applying this term to Christ in an exalted sense, was not out of place, but strictly in keeping with their faith. Battle Creek, Mich., March, 1866. Note from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
Bro. WHITE: I left home Feb. 22d, for New Hudson, where I arrived at dark. Spent the Sabbath and first-day with the Milford church; preached four times, and attended the ordinances. The weather was bad and the going bad, so there were but few out. Yet they were encouraged to still try to overcome. Monday, the 26th, I came to Bro. Carpenter's. The 27th and 28th spoke four times; twice at Bro. Carpenter's and twice at the school house. I partially organized a church of six members. Friday, March 2d, with Bro. Carpenter and wife and Sr. Poss, came to Locke. Here I stayed over two Sabbaths. Spoke fourteen times. Had a business meeting; reviewed the church book and Systematic book. There are 24 standing members. Systematic fund for the year, about $34.00. The church were encouraged to go forward. Monday I came to Owasso. Tuesday evening I spoke to the church here. Bro. Milk was here from Chesaning, and two sisters from Linden. The subject was the three angel's messages. Wednesday afternoon I preached and celebrated the ordinances; and the church by especial request had a season of prayer for Sr. Julia Griggs, who on account of excessive mental exercise is so prostrated as to be considered in danger. We had a good free time in prayer for her. She is in Illinois. In the evening I spoke again. Thursday, the 15th, I came to Pontiac on the cars; from thence home on foot, where I arrived on Friday at noon, after an absence of three weeks and one day. Rochester, Mich., March 16, 1866. Our Words.
By Jesse Dorcas
How important are our words. They may be made instruments of life or death. Hence the Saviour's timely caution, or declaration: “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Then how careful we should be, that our words be not of a character that shall “eat as doth a canker,” but gracious words whereby we may edify each other. It is said of the Saviour, “They wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth.” He is our example. Oh that we might at all times be mindful of the injunction, “So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” The apostle says, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.” It is said of some that shall live in the last days, “Your words have been stout against me saith the Lord,” while of another class, it is said, “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” With this agrees also the admonition of the apostle, to exhort one another daily. The Lord has given words, whereby his people may comfort one another. Do we feel our lack of wisdom, let us “ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” To do this, we are encouraged by the words of the prophet; Isa. l, 4. “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” It is also written, “The preacher sought to find out acceptable words, (or words of delight, margin).” Though no one is justifiable in the use of “flattering words,” yet our words should be kind on all occasions. It is said, “Charity is decent, modest, easy, kind,
Softens the high, and rears the abject mind;
Knows with just reins, and gentle hand, to guide
Between vile shame, and arbitrary pride.
Not soon provoked, she easily forgives;
And much she suffers, as she much believes.
Soft peace she brings wherever she arrives;
She builds our quiet as she forms our lives;
Lays the rough paths of peevish nature even;
And opens in each heart a little Heaven.” And yet, at times it may be necessary that the “words of the wise man be as goads,” and though they may not set well for the present, but be grievous, yet when it is seen that “they come as from one Shepherd” and are received in meekness and humility, they cannot fail to do good in the end. So clearly is it understood even by the world, that our words are a just criterion by which to be judged, that the Lord said, “Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” There is truth in the words of the prophet, that “a man shall be made an offender for a word.” Let us labor therefore, to have the fountain of our words so cleansed, that the stream may also be pure.
JESSE DORCAS. Signs of Christ's Coming.
By H. S. Gurney.
"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke xxi, 26. In the verse before the above text we are presented with signs in the sun moon and stars, and a perplexed state of things on earth. These signs were declared by our Lord to be witnessed in the last generation. The evidence concerning the appearance of those signs lies in the facts: 1. The positive assurance of our Lord, Luke xxi, 28–33. 2. The history that records their fulfillment. On these points there is no lack of testimony. It is sufficient to satisfy any honest inquirer. The appearance of those signs has answered the design of our Lord in relation to them, viz., To arouse the people of God to prepare, and to warn the world of a coming judgment. Luke xxi, 28; Zeph. ii, 2, 3. But as in the days of Noah and Lot, this warning, based upon the signs, supported by the best of evidence, is rejected by the scoffing multitude, who say, "Where is the promise of his coming?" But the warning goes forth in confident faith, until the wicked fill up the cup of their iniquity, and are thus prepared for the righteous visitation of the wrath of God. But God is not slack concerning his promise, as these may suppose, but will vindicate those rejected truths before all, in the clearest and most conclusive manner. How will he do it? We will let the Scriptures answer in accordance with our text. Those signs as above noticed were designed to produce a reform. But I pass to notice those scriptures which speak of the day of the Lord, when those signs will reappear for another purpose, viz., To vindicate God's truth, his people and his purposes in the changes to be wrought, and convince the world of their folly in rejecting messages of mercy. Rev. xiv, 18–20. When God's purposes of mercy, through the preaching of the gospel shall be fulfilled, Matt. xxiv, 14, then will the day of the Lord commence so often and fully described in the Scriptures of truth. This day will occupy a period of time in which God's wrath will appear without mixture of mercy. Isa. xxiv, 8. The day of vengeance follows a dispensation of mercy. See Isa. lxi, 2; lxiii, 4, 5; 1 Thess. v, 2, 3. In the day of the Lord the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements (the matter or substance which composes the world) shall melt with fervent heat. 2 Pet. iii, 10. The word of the Lord came to Zephaniah, I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. He saw men in distress and crying bitterly. Their hearts fall them for fear. Why? Because it is a day of darkness, even thick darkness, so that they walk like blind men. Zeph. i, 2, 14–18. Here is a clear description of the time of trouble. Dan. xii, 1. The righteous have hope of deliverance, but the wicked who have not discerned the signs of the times, nor taken heed to the warning given, must then drink the bitter cup of God's wrath; when the sun, moon and stars shall become dark, and the earth shall shake and reel exceedingly, and the Lord shall appear as judge. The events under the sixth seal close the history of this world. The closing part is described thus. "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together. And every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Rev. vi, 14–17. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have recorded the testimony of Christ concerning the signs of his second coming in their evangelical account. But in John's account those signs are left out. About sixty years after Jesus went to his Father, these things were shown to John in vision, and he was commanded to write them. The shaking of the powers of heaven and earth are clearly described. He saw the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, given to raise the warning by the faithful servants. These having answered their design in the warning given, he next sees the elements in commotion, and men who had rejected the warning in great distress; for they cannot bear the thought of gazing upon Him whose words they have despised, and said, "Where is the promise of his coming?" However boldly and with an air of triumph, men of all grades, from the King to the lowest subject, have despised and rejected the signs of Christ's coming, and the warning voice of God's faithful servants, they must now see him upon the white cloud, when the voice of God will shake everything that can be shaken. The kings and great men (civil officers) will leave their positions, to hide midst flying rocks and mountains. Even those on islands will feel the convulsions of nature and witness the roaring sea. The rich will cast their silver and their gold to the moles and bats, and fly from the face of Him who cometh to judge the earth. All grades of men seem to hear with distinctness, the words, Too late! "The great day of his wrath is come." They now see where the sinner and ungodly appear! See Rev. xiv, 18–20; xvi, 17–21. Another witness speaks as follows: "Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt. And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them, they shall be in pain as a woman that traveleth; they shall be amazed every man at his neighbor (margin, their faces shall be as flames). Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel, both with wrath and fierce anger to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and I will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of his fierce anger." Isa. xiii, 6–13. Such a description of the great and dreadful day of God as the prophets give is beyond all human conception. Why do the wicked howl, faint, hearts melt, afraid, sorrows and pains as a woman in travail, amazed one at another, their faces as flames, mighty men crying bitterly, in distress and walk like blind men, mourneth, languisheth, are burned, and few men left, fleeing to ragged rocks for refuge when God shall shake terribly the earth? Because as our text describes, men are convinced that God's word is true and they have trifled with it too long and their destruction is certain. They say, themselves, it is the day of God. "The great day of his wrath is come." A day cruel with wrath and fierce anger, a day of indignation, a day of trouble and distress, wasting and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, cloud and thick darkness; pouring out blood as dust, and flesh as dung. All the lights of heaven eclipsed in total darkness, ceasing men to walk like blind men. The earth emptied and turned up side down. Therefore I will shake the heav-142ens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of his fierce anger. Read carefully Isa. xxiv, 18–23. Jer. xxv, 30–38. Joel iii, 13–16. Amos i, 2. When the great God shall speak from his holy habitation, he will turn the captivity of his people who say day and night unto him. He will say "It is done." That voice will shake the "powers of heaven," and the earth shall fall to pieces, reel to and fro like a drunkard. Mercy has lingered until it would be unmerciful to linger any longer. The nations make a rush, there is a time of trouble such as never was, and the time comes that the saints take the kingdom. Much more testimony might be added, but it would not make the subject more clear, nor certain. But some may say these things will come to pass some time, but not in our day. By what authority do you say this? Did not our Lord describe signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and is it not acknowledged by the best of testimony recorded, and also by living witnesses, that those signs have come to pass within the memory of some now living? And did not Jesus say to those who record the signs that this generation shall not pass until he should come in the clouds of heaven? and then, as though his word needed confirmation in order to confirm the faith of the believers, he says: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away." Then certainly the day of the Lord is impending, and we may ask, Who will be able to stand? "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the day of God . . . that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless." Before dismissing this subject I will briefly refer to the hope of God's people in the time of trouble. The world are to be taken unexpectedly. Not because they have not been warned, but because, as in the days of Noah and Lot, they disregard the warning until too late. 1 Thess. v, 2, 3; Rev. iii, 3. Not so with God's people; they are faithful, taking heed to the things they have heard; they watch the signs of the times and discern. Hence, as the apostle says, "ye are not in darkness; . . . ye are children of the light." An angel said to Daniel, "The wise shall understand, but the wicked shall not." At the close of the third angel's message, are two distinct gatherings, First, the people of God; and second, the wicked. Rev. xiv, 14–20. Our Lord's parable of the wheat and tares, shows the same. The prophets have seen the nations mustering together to the battle of the great day of God. When this great day is impending, there is an exhortation to gather together, . . . before the decree bring forth (See Rev. xiii, 15–17), before "the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth. . . . It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. ii, 1–3; Rev. xi, 18. There is an importance in the prophet's exhortation, from the fact that the condition of deliverance is earnest prayer. The elect cry day and night. Luke xviii, 7, 8. When the Lord comes he will deliver such. Dan. xii, 1. "The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation." Jer. xxv, 30. The Lord shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shall shake, but the Lord shall be the hope of his people and their strength. . . . So shall ye know that I am the Lord." Joel iii, 16. There will be no infidels then. It will be discerned between those who worship God, and those who worship the beast. "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, it shall not come near thee. . . . There shall no plague come nigh thy dwelling. The angels will have a charge to take care of God's people." Psa. xci; xlvi. Such will be the condition of things in the time of the pouring out of the seven last plagues, that the remnant people of God will fear and tremble for their safety. So did the children of Israel, when the Egyptians pushed them into the Red sea. They will cry out in the bitterness of their soul. So did Jesus in the garden, and on the cross. See Jeremiah's description of Jacob's trouble; chap. xxx, 5–7. Also the promise of deliverance. As the history of this world closes, and the kingdoms crumble and blow away as the chaff, may we be ready for the kingdom of God. Amen. H. S. GURNEY. A Letter from Alma
By T. Z. Andrews
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Through the goodness of God I am trying to keep his commandments, and the faith of Jesus, that I may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. I think I realize that we are living in perilous times. Satan is trying with all his power to deceive and lead us from the faith, yet I believe that God will not suffer us to be led astray, if we watch and pray, trusting in him. When I think how unworthy I am, and how often I have merited the displeasure of God I feel to tremble under a sense of my weakness, fearing that he may suffer me to be deceived and believe a lie that I may be damned. At times my trials seem great, but blessed be God I believe that we shall soon be delivered from all temptations. Soon shall we behold Christ coming in the clouds of heaven "in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." We have yet a little time to prepare. Oh let us be up and doing while we have time and opportunity, for soon the servants of God will be sealed, and then he that is unjust will be unjust still, and he that is holy will be holy still. Brethren and sisters, let us look up, for our redemption draweth nigh. Let us pray that the third angel's message may go forth with a loud cry, and that many more may soon come to a knowledge of the truth. Pray for us here in Alma that we may finally meet you all in the kingdom of God. Yours striving to overcome. T. Z. ANDREWS.
Alma, Mich. Striving for Victory
By R. F. Phippeny
Bro. White: I would say to the dear brethren and sisters, that I am still striving for the victory. And as I see the signs thickening around me, I try more than ever to be on my guard against the adversary of all righteousness. I tremble sometimes for myself, when I hear of some giving up the present truth; those especially who have been teachers of it. How powerful Satan is, to draw those away who have had such an insight into this message. But I feel that God is still more powerful, and that he will keep us from the power of Satan if we will only put our trust in him. I feel like fully trusting him, and asking him to help, that Satan may be deprived of his power over us. It rejoices my heart to hear of the interest that is manifested for the truth, and of the success of the messengers in presenting it. We need some of the preaching brethren here to help strengthen the church. May God grant that we may be kept together, pure, and honest in all our motives. Our-meeting house is about finished, and143we hope to see Bro. and sister White here with some others as soon as the roads become settled, so that there can be a good attendance. We need them here, and we want them to assist in dedicating our house. I hope and pray that God will restore to perfect health and strength his afflicted servants, for they are needed in the field of labor. My heart is with the people of God, and the interests of the cause of truth. I long for the day to come that shall free us from this sin cursed earth. By the grace of God I shall endeavor to be prepared and waiting. Yours in bright hope of a blest immortality. The Captain and the Quadrant.
A godly man, the master of an American ship, during one voyage found his ship bemisted for days, and he became rather anxious respecting her safety. He went down to his cabin and prayed. The thought struck him, if he had with confidence committed his soul to God, he might certainly commit his ship to him; and so, accordingly, he gave all into the hands of God, and felt at perfect peace; but still he prayed that if He would be pleased to give a cloudless sky at twelve o'clock, he should like to take an observation, to ascertain their real position, and whether they were on the right course. He came on deck at eleven o'clock, with the quadrant under his coat. As it was thick drizzling, the men looked at him with amazement. He went to his cabin, prayed, and came up. There seemed still to be no hope. Again he went down and prayed, and again he appeared on deck with his quadrant in his hand. It was now ten minutes to twelve o'clock, and still there was no appearance of a change; but he stood on the deck, waiting upon the Lord, when in a few minutes, the mist seemed to be folded up and rolled away as by an omnipotent and invisible hand; the sun shone clearly from the blue vault of Heaven, and there stood the man of prayer with the quadrant in his hand; but so awe-struck did he feel, and so "dreadful" was that place, that he could scarcely take advantage of the answer to his prayer. He, however, succeeded, although with trembling hands, and found, to his comfort, that all was well. But no sooner had he finished taking the observation, than the mist rolled back over the Heavens, and it began to drizzle as before. This story of prayer was received from the lips of the good Captain Crosby, who was so useful in the Ardrossan awakening; and he himself was the man who prayed and waited upon his God with the quadrant in his hand. "Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above." "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. The Way to Zion
By Z. C. Warren
Bro White: The sincere desire of my heart is to find the way to Zion. It is now about two months and a half since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, with my beloved companion, and the Lord has graciously blessed us; and we feel to bless his holy name. We truly can say, It is good to try to serve the Lord. I find much pleasure in the study of the word of God. Oh how precious are the promises to those who are looking for the appearing of our Lord and Master. I desire to be sanctified through the whole truth, and be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord. May we be faithful unto the end that we may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. There are a few of us in this place of like precious faith, who are trying to win our way to Zion. May the Lord help us, that we may be diligent, and be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. In hope of the kingdom of God,
Z. C. WARREN. A Resolve to Keep God’s Law
By Wm. Pepper.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to make known my resolutions and determinations, hoping that it may be the means of encouraging others to follow the same example. I have been brought, through the labors of Bro. R. F. Cottrell, to realize the import of the third angel's message, and to try to observe as I should God's law, and to keep holy the true Sabbath-day, which for over twenty years I have been taught to observe quite differently. But now, thank God, a great light has been shed upon my path, and I perceive the dark abyss into which I must have fallen. But, thank the Lord, I may yet be saved; there is hope even for me, a sinner. I want to be one of those who are striving to keep God's law. I am anxious to be one of those who, in the last day, shall be able to stand before the Lord, and not be found wanting. Brn. and sisters, pray for me, that I may press on in the path which I have just entered upon, and that all my works may be good in the sight of the Lord. I do in the fullness of my heart give thanks to God for the light which has been shed upon my darkened way. For blessings, Lord, on me bestowed,
A hymn of thanks I'll raise;
A cheerful tribute to thy name,
In heartfelt words of praise. For while in darkness I did stray
From that which leads to light,
Thou didst in mercy bring me back,
And place my steps aright. Although the world may scorn and scoff,
For motives which are pure,
In thee I'll ever place my trust,
And to the end endure. And when in glory thou shalt come,
Thy promise to fulfill,
May I be counted worthy, Lord,
As having done thy will. WM. PEPPER.
Shelby Basin, N. Y. Looking for Christ’s Coming
By B. Dutton
Bro. WHITE: I would say to those of like precious faith that the church of Oakland, seeing the signs fast fulfilling, are looking with increased faith for the coming of our blessed Saviour, and are striving with increased energy and desire to be prepared for that event. We would exhort all of the scattered ones to hold fast the profession of their faith, for he that shall come will come and will not tarry. Oh that we may so live by faith, that at his coming we may be able to say, Lo this is our God, we have waited for him and he will save us; this is the Lord, we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Yours in the hope of soon seeing the King in his beauty.
B. DUTTON. The Goodness of God
By J. A. Smith
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to speak of some of the goodness of God to me. While I have been listening to the glorious truths presented by Brn. Ingraham and Andrews, occasionally, for the last few weeks, my heart has been made to rejoice. How bright these truths looked, while they were being faithfully presented by those servants of God! I thank God for such truths as these, which increase our faith, and confirm our hope. Now as God has given us these truths; truths in which we can rejoice, and which make glad our hearts; shall we not walk worthy of them? and shall we not live in accordance with them? Oh yes, we must, we will. I feel more like living nearer to God than I have ever before. I feel more like trusting his promises. I know there is great reward in living a Christian life; and if we want God to preserve us, and carry us safely through the perils of the last days, we must serve him aright; and if we do this, he has promised that he will never leave us, nor forsake us. Oh, what a blessed promise! He will never leave us! Let us treasure up this consoling promise deep in our hearts, and when we are tempted to do that which is not well pleasing in the sight of God, let us remember that God will help in every time of need. How good is the Lord! The high and lofty One does not forget us poor worms of the dust. Even the sparrow does not fall without his notice, and we are of more value than many sparrows. Even the very hairs of our head are all numbered. I am determined so to live that I can have a home in the kingdom of Heaven. I would love to meet all the brethren there. J. A. Smith.
Libertyville, Iowa. Sister Cynthia McCoy writes from Akron, Tuscola Co., Mich.: I feel that I would like to say a few words through the Review. It is now four years since I started in this good cause, and I praise the Lord for his great mercy in calling my attention to the third angel's message. I feel to rejoice that the Lord is doing a great work in this part of the State, and hope that it may spread over every part. I think I have great reason to thank my heavenly Father for the restoration of my health, which was very poor last season, and which I think through prayer is being restored. I hope I shall be faithful unto the end. I have thrown away every known idol, and mean to be an overcomer, and strive to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Bro. Fuson of North Liberty, Ind., writes: The Lord is truly manifesting himself unto the church in North Liberty. He has indeed blessed the efforts of the brethren and sisters in trying to remove every obstacle that would hinder a free intercourse of the Spirit, and we are pressing together in the work. Our prayer meetings are of that tendency that we can say truly we have the approbation of God. We are made to rejoice many times on the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and thank the Lord that our eyes were made to see the light of his word, and that we were willing to walk out and obey the same. May the Lord help his believing children to lay their all upon the altar, and become subject to his law and the testimony of Jesus. We would rejoice to have some messenger come and preach to us that we may hear from God out of his word, for we do greatly hunger and thirst after the truth. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." We believe there might be much good accomplished here in the name of Jesus. Some of our friends here are much interested, and we think if they had the truth presented to them they would walk out and obey it. May the Lord help them, and all his faithful people, is my prayer. Bro. G. Cruzan writes from Cicero, Ind.: I would be glad to know something more about this last message of mercy, as it is called, and Christ's coming being at the door, and time of probation being short, and the signs of Christ's coming, which are in the past. These are some of the things I learn by reading the Review. I understand that this message has been preached in some localities for years. Now what is the matter that we, in these parts, don't get any? Are we better than others, or is there no mercy for us? I suppose there are thousands in these parts who never heard that the third angel's message is being preached. How can we hear without a preacher, and how can one preach unless he be sent? If the Lord has sent forth his angel, we shall hear his proclamation. I want some of the brethren to call on us, and give some lectures and we will take care of them. Sister R. A. Worden writes from St. Clair, Mich.: I praise the Lord to day that I am identified with those that keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of his dear Son. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope." Notwithstanding our isolated situation, (it being about twenty miles to the nearest church,) my enjoyment in present truth the past winter, has been greater than in any previous year. Never have I experienced so much of the love of God, and realized his blessings to such an extent as I have the last few months. I know that God has blessed my feeble efforts to overcome, and I am resolved to increase those efforts until I shall have succeeded in overcoming, that when my case shall pass in review before the great Judge, my name shall be retained in the Lamb's book of life. I shall hail the day with delight, when the churches shall again receive Bro. White in their midst and hear from his lips words of comfort and encouragement, such as he has been wont to give. Bro. A. Worster writes from North Liberty, Ind.: I am trying to get as many as possible to read our books and the Review. Some seem to be interested, while others reject it. But truth will triumph, for which I can say, Praise the Lord. The few here are trying to rise with the message, and be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We long for some messenger to come here so that we can hear the truth spoken once more, and have a season of rejoicing. Pray for us that we may be ready to stand on Mount Zion. A Call to Renewed Faithfulness
From Bro. and Sr. Shireman.
BRO. WHITE: We wish to say to the brethren and sisters that we are striving to live out the truths of God's holy word. They look better and better to us every day. Although our experience during the past summer has been a dark and sad one, yet we rejoice that the Lord has permitted us to live until the present time. We can now see that our feet were almost gone, our steps had well nigh slipped, while passing through some severe trials. But we are glad to say to the brethren and sisters that the present truth is what we love and cherish, and that we believe that it will gather a people even in Iowa for the coming of Jesus, and we want to stand with them on Mount Zion. We want to take heed to the faithful and true Witness. We have been in a lukewarm state. We feel that we must arouse and be more engaged in the third angel's message. We want the gold that is tried in the fire, that we may be rich, and the white raiment that we may be clothed, and have the eye-salve that we may anoint our eyes so that we may see. We have learned this one thing, that by being in a lukewarm condition we have been in a position where Satan could work through us. We shall try by the grace of God to set a better example than we have the past eight months, and strive for a home in glory where there is no tempting enemy to separate those who have come up through great tribulation, and who shall dwell in that goodly land. Dear brethren we are now living in the perils of the last days. Dangers are increasing on every hand. We must have an experience of our own. We must dig deep, and remember to watch and to pray every moment, in order to be able to stand. The trials that we have to pass through will not come as we expect. Let us press together, seek holiness of heart, look for the return of our Lord, and he will save us. As the poet says, "Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted,
Watch for the glory of earth's coming King;
Lo, on the mountain-top light is now breaking,
Heir of the kingdom rejoice ye and sing."
Yours in hope,
D. T. & A. SHIREMAN.
Marion, Iowa, March, 10, 1866.