FROM THE MEMOIR OF JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, BY JOHN HOLT RICE D. D., AND BENJAMIN HOLT RICE D. D.
IN a communication addressed to his parents, dated July 16, 1822, there is a display of filial and fraternal love, mingled with Christian affection and joy, evincing a high and sustained mental excitement. The father, mother, and all the grown up children, had become hopefully pious. In reference to this subject he expresses himself thus:
“When I look at my father’s house my heart is filled with praise for what God has wrought. I now rejoice in the assurance that the family altar is frequented every day, and that there is offered up the sacrifice of broken spirits and contrite hearts. How comforting! My dear parents, may you ever abide under the shadow of the Almighty, find the banner of Jesus over you to be love, and his food to be sweet to your taste! May your house be a Bethel to each of your souls,” &c.
After addressing most earnest and affectionate exhortations to each of his sisters, he adds concerning himself, “Of all others I have the most reason to praise the Lord, because he has kept me in perfect peace. Precious seasons, delightful hours I have enjoyed, and the remembrance of them is sweet. The Lord has manifested himself to me by his Spirit, and I now feel his presence; my heart is stayed on the Lord; Jesus is precious; and I feel an increased determination to give up all for Christ, for he is worthy.”
In another letter he says, “Thanks to my heavenly Father, I can write to you in a new strain. My former communications have been full of complaint, yet I did not tell you of half the distress which I felt on account of coldness in my Master’s service, lest I should distress you with the narrative. But now I feel that I can never sufficiently praise the Lord for all that he has done for me. I will take the cup of salvation and call on his name. I would also call on my soul, and all that is within me to bless him for the great deliverance which he has wrought. Surely he has delivered me from the snare of the fowler—he has set my feet in a large place and made me to rejoice in his great salvation. Never have I enjoyed so much in religion as since the 23d of last April. That was, and ever will be a memorable day to me. Praise the Lord for it! He is all. I am nothing. The glory of my salvation, from first to last, shall be ascribed to Jehovah.”
To another he expresses himself thus: “Since my arrival at Lawrenceville I addressed to you a letter testifying the goodness of God to my soul. I have now to say, to the praise of his grace, that he has continued his favors. At this time I enjoy an indescribable peace, it passes knowledge, and yet it is a blessed reality. And it is now my earnest desire that all Christians may strive for a deeper work of grace in their hearts.
“I am ready to testify to the world that the Lord has blessed my soul beyond my highest expectations. People may call this blessing by what name they please, faith of assurance, holiness, perfect love, sanctification—it makes no difference with me whether they give it a name, or no name, it continues a blessed reality; and, thanks to my heavenly Father, it is my privilege to enjoy it—it is yours also, and the privilege of all, to enjoy the same, and to go beyond anything that I have ever yet experienced.”
He thus writes to one who had, at an early period in life, made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ:
“Oct. 31.—A hope of eternal life is indeed a treasure more precious than gold, yes, than much fine gold.” When I saw you last, you expressed doubts and fears respecting yourself. You also wished to obtain a brighter evidence, a clearer witness of your acceptance with God. The desire is laudable, and it may be gratified; for full assurance is attainable. And who is happy without it?
“To attain what you desire, two things are necessary.
“1. You must believe that it is attainable.
“2. You must seek it with your whole heart.
“1. You must believe that it is attainable. That it is so, see for proof, Heb. vi. 11. We there find a desire expressed that the Hebrews might possess it to the end. Paul enjoyed it. 2 Tim. iv, 6-8. The eighth verse plainly shows that the writer possessed full assurance. ‘There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.’ See also Rom. viii, 38, 39. ‘For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Many others, besides the apostles, to the lasting joy of their souls, have found this truth a blessed reality.
“2. Therefore you must look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. Heb. xii. 2. Mere belief that assurance is attainable, will not bring down the blessing to our possession. The prodigal son believed that there was bread enough and to spare in his father’s house, while he was feeding on husks. But what would this conviction have availed had he not come to the resolution, ‘I will arise and go unto my father?’ and what his belief and resolution, had he not put the resolve into execution? Exertion is necessary. Can we attain any object of desire without using means adapted to the end in view?
“Suffer then, the word of exhortation. Give all diligence to secure that, which I trust the Holy Spirit has caused you to desire. Let your cry be continually in the Lord, that your soul may be filled with perfect peace. Be encouraged, for the promise is, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’ You have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ He has said, ‘If ye shall ask anything in my name. I will do it.’ John xiv, 14, &c. Ask, O ask, that your joy may be full.
The following, to the same friend, is so full of the fervor of piety, that the reader will peruse it with deep interest.
“Nov. 9.—The retrospect to you, as to me, is no doubt mingled with emotions of regret and joy. For, once we were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise. Nearly fifteen years of my life were spent at a distance from God, in pursuit of a phantom, a visionary object, denominated by its votaries, pleasure. With what eagerness I followed that on which I have long since stamped vanity and vexation of spirit, the companions of my youth could testify. But alas! two of them have gone, never to return. One departed with bright evidence of a work of grace inwrought by the Holy Spirit—yes even in the triumphs of faith, saying, just before she left the world, ‘I am going soon, my Saviour is near.’ The other manifested no token of a change of heart. Should these persons now give testimony respecting the hilarity of our youthful days, how deep would be their tone of reprobation! But soon the day of account will come, and all must answer for the deeds done in the body.
“Besides the person first mentioned, only two others of my youthful companions, as I believe, have denied themselves, taken up the cross, and followed the Saviour.
“‘Why was I made to hear thy voice,
And enter while there’s room?
While thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come.’
“When I had reached the age of fifteen years and five months, I publicly professed the religion of Christ, and joined myself to his people. This confession was witnessed on the 15th of Sept., 1816. The vows then made to be the Lord’s, have often since been repeated in the closet and in the sanctuary. Eventful era in my life! Never by me to be forgotten! Its annual return always brings grateful recollections.
“On last Sabbath I was privileged to obey the dying command of the Lord Jesus, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ It was a most precious season. The intercourse between my soul and heaven was open and free. I was brought into the banqueting house of the Beloved; and his banner over me was love. Truly I had communion with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. My brethren and sisters were objects of my affection—yes, all who were purchased by the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. I also with all my heart, desired the conversion of impenitent sinners. Indeed the Lord was present to bless me with gospel measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.111Communion seasons grow better and better. And so it ought to be. By and by I hope to drink new wine in the paradise above.
‘When shall I wake and find me there?
O glorious hour! O blest abode!
I shall be near, and like my God,
And flesh and sin no more control
The sacred pleasures of the soul.’
“I said that the 15th of September, 1816, was, and ever will be an eventful era to me. But there is another day to which I shall ever recur with as much, if not more interest. It was the 23d of last April. On that day the Lord wrought a deeper work of grace in my soul than at any former period. Yes, blessed be his holy name for ever! he condescended to bestow a favor, for which I have been longing for years—the witness of which I have enjoyed daily ever since. I cannot tell you what I have enjoyed from his fullness; but let it suffice to say that my peace has flowed like a river; and I can testify that I have experienced more of the presence of the Lord, than during my whole previous existence. The earnest of the purchased possession has been given to me, and I have rejoiced in the hope of the glory of God, and of the rest which remaineth for his people.
“I wish you to understand that I advert to this subject, and dwell on it, because I wish to show forth the divine goodness as manifested to so unworthy a sinner as I am; and to testify the loving kindness of the Lord.
“It may encourage my friend, who, I trust, has tasted that the Lord is gracious. Let me again urge you to seek until you obtain that bright evidence of your acceptance which you desire. Never give over the effort. The adversary is ever near to cheat you out of the promised blessing. But the word of truth assures us, that if we resist him, he will flee from us; and that if we draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh to us. ‘Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.’ ‘If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.’ Such are the promises which encourage us. If then you seek and find not, search narrowly into your heart, and see if there is anything cherished there inconsistent with your desires to obtain this blessing: any thing opposed to holiness, such as love of the world, pride, selfishness, &c. God does not come and dwell in the heart where he finds rivals. Before you venture to approach the holy presence of the Lord and offer sacrifice to him, examine yourself carefully, and put far away every thing that can hinder the blessing. If you feel how important it is that believers should be sanctified wholly, in soul, body and spirit, you will excuse the plainness of my speech. Allow me to propose a question, which has occurred to my mind since I wrote the preceding paragraph. Why may not you be an uncommon Christian? Do you see any thing to prevent it? Is not the Lord on your side? Have you not the God of Jacob for your refuge? Have you not an Advocate with the Father, who is also a sympathizing friend, having been in all points tempted as his disciples, yet without sin? O then strive for it. Keep the world, the flesh, and the Devil continually under your feet, and heaven continually in view; that you may have heaven within you. Is it not for this that you have been brought into the church at a very early period in life? Is it not your duty to be an uncommon, that is, a very humble, self-denying, cross-bearing, (in a word,) BIBLE CHRISTIAN? And it is no less your privilege than your duty.
“Pray for me, that I may have more faith, humility, patience, yea, everything to make me Christ-like.”—Nov. 23.—The soul may be in heaviness through manifold temptations. 1 Pet. i, 6. Then, and in all times of difficulty, there is an opportunity for trusting in the Lord, and seeking him until he comes and accomplishes a complete deliverance. To be tempted is not a sin—but to yield to temptation. To endure it is a blessing. James i, 12. But if temptation takes effect, it will bring forth death. Verse 15. Thanks to heaven’s high King, ‘the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.’ 2 Pet. ii, 9. Then let us commit our cause into the hands of the Author and Finisher of our faith, who ‘worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure.’ And after all our exertions for deepening the work of grace in our souls, may we lie passive in his hands. Although our whole life should be one continued scene of doubt and fear, heaven will make amends for all. But ask and look for overcoming grace here, now. There is enough and to spare. Let me request that your prayers be offered up on my behalf—that the Lord would make me a faithful servant in his vineyard, should he call me there to labor; and that during my work of preparation I may be useful.”
J. B. T.
Immortality of the Soul—Frank Confession.
By M. E. Cornell
THE following is from the Comprehensive Commentary. Note on Joshua viii, 29.
“The Talmudists say—The reason bodies were to be buried immediately was, lest the view of the carcass, should lead the common people into the idea that the soul was also dead; and thus weaken the opinion which needed a revelation from God to make it believed, that the soul was immortal.”
According to the above, it was admitted many years ago, that the doctrine of the soul’s immortality, was an “opinion which needed a revelation from God to make it believed.” Now we ask, Has this “necessity” ever been supplied? and answer, It has not. Many have searched in vain the book of the revelations of God, for something to support that “opinion.” Every pretended revelation from God which bears the marks of being genuine, condemns that “opinion” and proves the entire mortality of man.
“God only hath immortality.”—Paul
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”—Ezekiel.
“His breath goeth forth, . . . in that very day his thoughts perish.”—David.
It appears from the above confession, that certain supporters of the doctrine of the soul’s immortality, were afraid that even nature itself would teach the common people better than to believe the “opinion” in the absence of direct revelation. And they would have us believe that Joshua commanded the dead bodies to be taken down immediately, lest the ignorant should learn from nature a truth, which has from the beginning been plainly revealed; for God declared to Adam, “Thou shalt surely die.” God has never revealed anything concerning man’s former, present, or future state that is contrary to nature; for the God of the Bible is the God of nature; hence if the doctrine of the soul’s immortality was truth, there would be no danger that the faith of the unlearned, could be “weakened” in that “opinion” even though they should be constantly surrounded by thousands of dead carcasses.
But by reference to Deut. xxi, 22, 23, we learn that the commandment of Joshua was according to the commandment of God; and it is not to be supposed that the system of truth revealed by the God of nature, is out of harmony with nature itself. The reason there given for burying the dead immediately, is, not lest a view of them should lead the common people away from any opinion founded on truth, but, “That thy land be not defiled, &c.”
What a gross misrepresentation of revealed truth is the above! He that originated the first lie ever believed by man, was no doubt the author of this perversion of God’s Word. Satan has a long time been aware that his first sermon to our race (or that part of it which says “thou shalt not surely die,”) never would be believed by all without a special revelation. He knows that dogma of an “opinion” needs a revelation to strengthen it; and knowing also, that he has but a short time, he has already commenced a system of revelation, manifested by great “power, signs, lying wonders, and deceivableness, &c.” He is not slow to confess that all this mysterious rapping, writing, speaking, and moving tables &c., &c., is to “convince men of the immortality of the soul.” He has succeeded in this last mighty effort wonderfully. Millions are already deceived beyond hope. No view of a dead carcass can make any impression upon their minds now; for they are taught that the long “needed revelation” has at last come; besides they are made to believe that the body is a mere prison house, from which the soul escapes at death, never more to be bound. They now have strong delusion. In all this it is Satan’s object to rob Christ of his glory, the resurrection of its importance, and bring the Bible into general disrespect; and thus hopelessly deceive the world and add to the number of the mighty host, which he will finally marshal to encompass the city of New Jerusalem and camp of the saints; when he shall make his last effort in wrath against those that keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. O may the Lord save the honest from this fatal snare.
M. E. CORNELL.
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.
By James White
TESTIMONY OF EMINENT CHRISTIANS.
Under this head we design to quote from the writings of men of eminent piety. And, although their testimony may contain some unscriptural expressions, and sentiments, we think them worthy of a place in the REVIEW on account of the spirit of consecration and holiness they breathe. J. W.
Overcoming Sin Through Trials
By Electa Richmond
From Sister Richmond.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS;—Scattered as we are in this dark world of sin and sorrow, and called to pass through many trying scenes, many things that are calculated to draw our minds away from God and the truth of the soon coming Saviour, I would say, Let us strive with energy to overcome and gain the victory over all our sins. My prayer is, 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.
I have been a believer in the truth of the soon coming of Jesus ever since 1843, and '44; and though I then thought that the burning of the earth would be the cleansing of the Sanctuary, yet I feel to thank the Lord that his ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. God's people are to be purified made white and tried. O let us endure the trial of our faith which is more precious than the gold that periseth.
We are living in a time when we need to have on the whole armor. I believe that grace will be given to the humble followers of Jesus to sustain them in whatever trials they may be called to pass through and they will be led to rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer for the cross of Christ. When I look back on my past life, and see how the Lord has led me, step by step, and has carried me through many dangers in which the enemy would fain have drawn me away. I feel to praise his holy name and regret that I have not lived more to his honor and glory. I mean by the help of the Lord to strive against every evil and live in obedience to all the requirements of the holy law of God and the testimony of Jesus. I want to live so near the Saviour that he can shed increasing light on my pathway and feel the evidence from day to day that my ways please him; that I may be found without fault before the throne of God.
We truly live in a time when we need to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation and stand alone upon the promises of God; and though earthly friends may fail, yet he never will leave those that put their trust in him; but they will be like mount Zion which cannot be removed but abideth forever.
We have the sure promise that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things shall be added, O let us seek meekness that we may be hid in the day of his anger; for he says the meek he will guide in judgment and the meek he will teach his ways. O may the Lord hasten the time when his people will be one; when the loud voice of the Third Angel's Message will be heard. I desire an interest in the prayers of all the saints.
Your sister striving to overcome that I may meet you in the kingdom. ELECTA RICHMOND.
Franklin Co, Mass.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By G. R. Barber
From Bro. Barber.
BRO. SMITH:—I take this opportunity to write to you informing you that you have one more added to your number that is trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God. I commenced keeping the Sabbath the last Sabbath in September. Myself and companion went to prayer-meeting to brother Cramers' in Milton but had not got the light on the change of the Sabbath. I did not know whether it was the change of the day or the name of the day, but soon got hold of the history of the change made by the Pope, the Man of Sin, the one that the Lord is to consume by the Spirit of his mouth, and destroy by the brightness of his coming.
We have good prayer-meetings on the Sabbath but we have enemies on every hand to try us and to test our faith in these perilous times. Still we are trying to keep the commandments of God and live out the faith of Jesus.
When brethren Hutchins and Sperry were at our place, I had no thought that I should be a Seventh day man; but I found that I could not avoid it: I must keep the Sabbath let others do as they may.
I want to so live that I may enter in through the gates into the City and have right to the tree of life.
This is the promise to those that keep the commandments. I desire the prayers of all the brethren and sisters connected with the Third Angel's Message and all the friends of Jesus that I may be kept by the grace of God in the spirit of the Message.
I am thankful that there is a little Remnant that are looking for that blessed hope of seeing Jesus as he is and being made like him.
Your unworthy brother looking for deliverance at the coming of the Lord.
G. R. BARBER.
Saratoga, Co., N. Y., Dec., 16th, 1855.
Embracing the Third Angel’s Message
By Fanny S. Barber
From Sister Barber.
Bro. Smith:—I have desired to write to you for some time, feeling a great interest in your excellent paper. I would like to say for the encouragement of the brethren and sisters. I commenced keeping the Sabbath the first day of September. I always believed the seventh day was the Sabbath; and when I saw the change and the mark of the beast, I at once embraced the truth. How thankful I was that Brn. Hutchins and Sperry came this way with the Third Angel's Message which was great light to me. I felt truly as Bro. Sperry said, It was a resurrection to the Advent faith. While he was explaining on the angels of Rev. xiv, and said, God was a God of order. I saw the light at once. It seemed as though I could not let them go till I heard more of the Third Angel's Message. My prayer has been ever since they were here that God would send them back here or some one else; for the remnant are starving, and the people are anxious to hear. Truly we are living in a solemn time. Every thing proclaims that we are near the end. We do not often hear the word of God preached as it is.
I feel anxious that those that were in the First and Second Angels' Messages should see the Third Angel's Message also, which is a Message as well as the others.
I feel often to say with the Psalmist, Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. O how love I thy law: it is my meditation all the day.
I feel as though my feet were on a rock concerning the Sabbath and Advent faith. I feel to say, If God is for us, who can be against us. The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
The doctrine of immortality through Christ is a glorious faith for me, and has been for about eight years. I feel to say with Paul that I groan within myself, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. O the resurrection! Who would not long for it. Myself and husband are the only ones in this place that keep the Lord's Sabbath.
Yours striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Fanny S. Barber. Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec 16th, 1855.
OBITUARY.
By J. B. Frisbie
FELL asleep, of Consumption, in the 65th year of his age, Wm. Glover, of Sylvan, Mich. He had kept the Bible Sabbath about two years; and when about to die, he said, “I shall sleep but a little while before Jesus will come and awake me.” He was a firm believer in the near coming of Christ.
He joined the Baptists about forty years ago, and was interested with them until 1849, when he was led to see the Bible doctrine of life and immortality through Christ alone, to be given to the saints at the second coming of Christ in their resurrection.
He left his companion and ten children, four of whom keep the Sabbath, to mourn his loss.
J. B. FRISBIE.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
By John Norton Loughborough
DIED in Van Buren, N. Y., Nov. 1st, of Consumption, Culver Lanfare, aged 18 years, 8 month, 18 days. Bro. Lanfare first professed faith in Christ at the Tent-meeting in Van Buren last August, and from that time until his death, was a strict observer of the commandments, and was actively engaged in striving to get the minds of his young companions turned to the subject of the Sabbath and its kindred truths. Having finished his short work here, he sleeps in Jesus.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
Silent Prayer
By Hannah More
In the extremity of pain, the Christian feels there is no consolation but in humble acquiescence in the Divine will. It may be that he can pray a little, but that little will be fervent. He can articulate, perhaps, not at all, but his prayer is addressed to one who sees the heart; who can interpret its language, who requires not words, but affection. A pang endured without a murmur, or only such an involuntary groan as nature extorts, and faith regrets, is itself a prayer. We have a striking instance of an answer to silent prayer in the case of Moses. In a situation of extreme distress, when he had not uttered a word, 'the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy crying.'—Hannah More.
Extracts of Letters.
By Editor
Bro. C. Bates writes from Jo Daviess Co., Ill., Dec. 18th, 1855:—"I would write to you to inform you that we feel that our interest is with the Review and the doctrines that it advocates. We find that there are some that profess to keep the Sabbath, that are teaching the doctrine of the age to come; or probation through the thousand years. Elds. Stephenson and Hall have been in this region and made some stir among us, and we need some one to come among us that can present the truth, that the fog may be cleared away, and the truth shine out."
The Work is the Lord's.
By R. F. C.
DEAR BRETHREN:—The work in which we are engaged, is the work of the Lord. If it were not so, we might better leave it, and give our attention to something else; but the Lord has given us too much evidence on which to ground our faith, for us ever to despair, or give up our faith and hope. The lamp of prophecy shines bright upon our pathway, the waymarks which have been already passed in our voyage, are a sufficient guaranty that we are sailing by the right chart, and that after braving a few more surges our way-worn bark will be safely anchored in the haven of eternal rest. Do you not hear the breakers roar? That is a sure indication that land is near. As individuals we must steer very carefully between the rocks of Presumption and the whirlpool of Despair; in other words, we must keep on board; for the old ship is safe, our Father's at the helm.
The apostle James, in writing to the twelve tribes, has given us some important directions, applicable to the present time. My brethren, says he, count it all joy when ye fall in to divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Again he says, Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.
Here is no time to lose our patience; here is the patience of the saints. If we will listen to the suggestions of the Enemy, he will perhaps tell us that the ship is in danger; that she is on the wrong course, and that unless we seize the helm and set her right, she will be lost. And then, what everlasting joy to know that we have saved so good a ship!
Be patient, brethren, the ship is on the right course; as yet we have met with no danger but what is laid down on the chart—in the last days perilous times shall come—but we need not be frightened, and jump overboard. We may take the exhortation of Paul to his companions, to "abide in the ship," but we shall not get ashore as they did—"on broken pieces of the ship." Thank the Lord!
But we have not need of patience only, but of humility. The trials which we meet are such as we need. We have too much pride, and too little humble dependence and trust in God. The Lord has wrought for us, in time past, and manifested among us, in some degree, some of the gifts of the church. Is God less gracious now? No. Have we changed our theory of truth? No. What then is the difficulty? James says, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye men of two minds. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
If we observe all these admonitions, we shall do well. God favors the humble, the decided, the obedient. The same Apostle says, Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church. Men of two minds know not whether to obey this, or send for a doctor. We may possibly recover, if we choose the latter; but if we choose the former, we shall not only be raised up, but our sins will be forgiven. The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Whether we live or die, we want our sins forgiven; and how much better it would be, to die in the way of obedience, than to live and not know that our sins were forgiven. Job says, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. And the Psalmist says, It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. If we live in obedience to all our known duties, we shall not die any too soon.
But let us humble ourselves before God, and with fasting and prayer desire earnestly the gifts of the Spirit. Let us hold fast the great, crowning truth of the gospel—the Third Angel's Message; keeping our eye on the prize at the end of the race. And let us all have a mind to work, both for ourselves and for others; and we shall see the work of God moving forward, and the remnant preparing to stand upon mount Zion.
But let us not be impatient or discouraged, and forget that the work is the Lord's. Let us labor faithfully in our several spheres, willingly and meekly bearing the reproach of Christ, striving to enter in at the straight gate. While we are doing so, we need not tremble for the cause of truth. The Lord will take care of his own cause. He does not need our help. This last message is destined to accomplish the work for which it was sent; namely, to prepare a people for the Lord; and if we are humble and willing to work, we may have a share in the glory that is soon to be revealed. The ship is safe, and we shall be safe, if we are only on board.
R. F. C.
Spirit Manifestations at Buffalo.
By Editor
"Having wound our devious way up four pairs of stairs, we entered a rather rough looking room, about twenty feet square. At a large, heavy, round table in the centre, sat two harmless looking boys, one, I should judge, about fifteen and the other seventeen years old. On the table were two violins, a guitar, a small tea bell, and a large tin speaking trumpet. Around the walls were seated, on benches and chairs, twenty-six ladies and gentlemen, waiting for the time—half-past seven, P. M.—for the "performance" to begin."
"Third test---A "strong-minded" woman desired to set between the boys and hold their hands. The aforesaid working tools were all placed on the table, the audience seated, and the lights put out. In a moment one of the most unearthly blasts or bellowings was heard through the trumpet, that ever greeted my ears! The "strong-minded" woman was brave, but was probably unprepared, as well as myself, for such a demonstration. She quaked a little, and a voice through the trumpet immediately said, "I meant to scare her, and I succeeded perfectly." The instruments were then played upon, or rather twanged, in every part of the room; the bell was rung constantly; the violin hit me several times
in passing round on the knees, and was finally put into my hands, and taken violently away. The bell was put into the lap of a lady in the corner of the room, then thrown upon the floor; then the guitar was thrust against me. I caught a firm hold of it, and after a strong pull, succeeded in holding it, but it evidently displeased the "operator," for a blow with a violin, which may have been aimed at my head, nearly demolished both instruments. This "demonstration" was too striking, so the lights were called.
Fourth test.---The boys were held by disinterested persons; the lights put out, and it was announced through the trumpet that we should have "Spirit lights, an earthquake, and Spirit walking." Soon the stove began to shake violently, then the table and instruments, and finally the whole floor. Then a bright spark darted in every direction across the room, and a voice through the trumpet said, "All clap your hands;" we complied and set up an applause that would have added three years to the life of an actor. The light increased in brilliancy and activity in proportion to the noise we made. Then there was a terrible tramping over the floor, sounding to my ears like the war dance of twenty Indians.
"Finally it was announced through the trumpet that he would give us "a snow storm and then retire." Mr. Davenport explained: a snow storm meant a tremendous rattling, thumping, flying about of all the instruments, &c. Sure enough, such a "hilabloo" I never heard before. All that had been done before was repeated at once. The "horn" was talking, the bell ringing, violins and guitars twanging and whistling about in every part of the room. Then he called out "light" close to my ear. The cover was raised from the light instantly, when every instrument dropped to the floor just in that part of the room where it happened to be, and the table was thrown half across the room, falling upside down; the trumpet fell at my feet.
"This closed these most remarkable mysteries: I have not exaggerated in the least; on the contrary, many side tests were tried, equally wonderful and successful, that I have not mentioned. W. D. Cross." [Christian Spiritualist.
We might ask with what propriety those spirits which would utter such "unearthly blasts" and create such a perfect "hilabloo," could pretend to be spirits of light and glory. And why do they "choose darkness rather than light?" But all such questions will readily suggest themselves to the minds of our readers.—ED REVIEW.
Communication from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH:—I trust my heart still beats in unison, in some measure, with the hearts of God's dear children. Yet I deeply regret from time to time, that I am no more like Jesus, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth : who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." I am confident that it rejoices my heart to hear of the advancement of the cause of present truth. My humble and fervent prayer is, that God will graciously sustain you and all others engaged in publishing the Review, and give unto each mental and bodily strength adequate to your task. I am grateful for the prospect of the Review weekly, I have heard many a lonely pilgrim say, "I should hardly know how to get along without the Review."
Since the close of our Tent meetings in Vt., in company with Bro. Sperry, I visited Northern N. Y., where we spent about one month, and held meetings in several different towns; some of these meetings were in new fields, where good attention was paid to the word spoken. Others were among the brethren which we trust resulted in lasting benefit to the Church; especially, some held at Buck's Bridge.
We regretted that we could not meet our appointment at C. W. It being so late in the season, and the distance so much greater to that place than we supposed when the appointment was made, we did not deem it duty to visit the brethren there.
The next Sabbath after our return from N. Y. I spent in Stowe. Our meeting at this place was truly interesting and refreshing; especially, the evening following the Sabbath. Here we met with Bro. Barr, who expected to leave soon for Mass. and Me.
Last Sabbath and First-day, I spent at Lunenburg, Essex Co., where I found a few who are keeping the Sabbath of the Bible, and looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
On First-day, our congregation was large (considering the brief notice) and very attentive to the word spoken. Here seems to be a field opening to do good; but how few are the laborers here? O, that the Lord would raise up more and faithful laborers, to enter the wide-spread and ripening harvest!
At this place, the Church are striving for more and greater victory in the name of our blessed Master. We anxiously desire when the robe, the palm, and the crown, are given to the saints of God, to share with them.
Yours pressing forward for home. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Irasburg, Vt., Dec. 19th, 1855.
Post Office Addresses.
By Editor
1. THE P. O. address of J. N. Andrews is Wawkon, Alle-makee Co., Iowa.
2. THE P. O. address of James White is Battle Creek, Mich. In addressing letters to him be careful to address Elder James White, as there are others in this place of that name.
3. THE P. O. address of J. H. Waggoner is Union District, Washtenaw Co., Mich.
4. THE P. O. address of Stephen Pierce is Roxbury, Vt.
5. THE P. O. address of Joseph Bates is for the present Battle Creek, Mich., care of ADVENT REVIEW.
6. THE P. O. address of M. E. Cornell is Battle Creek, Mich.
Receipts.
By Editor
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G. W. Davis, $1,50. C R Walters, E. A. Averill, (for H. C. Towner,) D. E. Elmer, each $0,50. S. Johnson, $0,25.
TO MOVE OFFICE.—E. P. Below, J. Parmalee, each, $1. Mrs. Bryant, Thos Hale, N H Saterlee, each, $2. J. D. Hough and others, $4. E. S. Lewis, $0,50.
HORSE FOR J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.—J. Stryker $2.
TENT IN N. Y.—E. D. Cook, S. W. Rhodes, each, $2. Wm. Harris, $3. S. Segar, $0,25.
REVIEW FOR THE POOR.—E. S. Lewis, $0,25.
TO PAY ARREARS ON VOL. VI.—Thos. Hale $5.
Back Numbers
By Editor
Back Numbers.—We have thus far sent back numbers to all our new subscribers from the commencement of this volume. To all who may subscribe between this and the close of the volume, we shall send papers from the middle of the volume, and commence their subscriptions at the same point, unless otherwise directed. We have papers for all who wish them to the commencement of this volume. All who wish the back numbers will be particular to state it, that we may know how many to send.
The Scattered Flock
By Editor
"THE SCATTERED FLOCK," is a term often used by our people, denoting those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is very appropriate as will be seen from the fact that we send out papers to Sabbath-keepers in nineteen different States of this Union, from Maine to California, besides the Canadas.