Review and Herald, Vol. 8, No. 12.
Christianity Requireth a Renunciation of the World, and All Worldly TempersPage 1
Earlier text: Christianity Requireth a Renunciation of the World, and All Worldly TempersCONFESSION OF FAULTS.
By James White
THIS is a plain Bible duty, yet some seem never to think of it, or never think it can be their duty. It is noble, manly and Christian to confess faults, to leave error and cleave to truth. He who clings to his errors is foolish, while he who frankly exchanges them for truth is wise. He who commits errors which injure others should be willing, yea anxious, that his confessions should cover the entire ground of his errors. Bro. Seaman's statements on another page will meet with general approval. We hope he will fully free himself from the snare which in an unguarded hour overcame him. One may sacrifice the confidence of brethren in an act of a moment, which can be fully recovered only by a godly life for a length of time. O God, save the erring. We have borne abuse with some degree of patience, we trust from many of those who took sides with the Messenger. We now pity them, especially those who have been deceived by those who have made fair speeches in uttering the most heaven-daring falsehoods. Bro. S. says in a letter to us dated July 9th, "I have been deceived by liars that have told them with such a grace, and such enormity of expression, that I thought there must be some truth." "Am willing to do anything to undo the evil I have caused against the truth." As an example of the course of some we would present the following from J. K. Bellows, which appeared in the sheet above named for Oct. 1855, against the REVIEW. "They have stopped my paper. I have had none since the first of December last. I had paid up for the current year, and I know not why they discontinued it, unless it was because I took sides with the Messenger. I confess I am in favor of truth, and opposed to their double dealing." Now the facts in this case are simply as follows: J. K. Bellows' paper has never been discontinued, but regularly mailed to his address up to this date, although he has failed to pay up for it, and has frequently made statements in a public manner against the REVIEW and its conductors, as false and as bitter as the above. He has paid only 25 cts. on Vol. VII, and nothing on Vol. VIII. And notwithstanding all his past abuse he more recently writes to the Office in a style as though nothing had happened!! Such statements as the above were calculated to cast a strong influence against the REVIEW in the minds of those who were not personally acquainted with J. K. B. or the conductors of the REVIEW. It was best, perhaps to bear such things in silence till the feverish excitement on minds affected by such statements should subside, and the crusade against the REVIEW prove a failure. Now facts in such cases may help those who can be helped. Again we say we pity the erring. And could we see them penitent, we would gladly weep with them over the errors they have been led to commit. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." Delay in Publishing the Review
By Editor
It has been our object to publish the REVIEW regularly each week, and to issue it as early in the week as possible; but delays are sometimes unavoidable. We are now in a very unfavorable condition in regard to help. Our press-man is sick. Bro. Belden just recovered from a severe attack of sickness, by endeavoring to work the press in his absence has again reduced himself to a condition in which he is not able to do any labor in the Office. We have now no one with us, and cannot obtain any one in this place, adequate to perform this portion of our work. This will explain the delay of this number. The INSTRUCTOR is also delayed for the same reason. CONFERENCE ADDRESS.
By Editor
TO THE SCATTERED SAINTS:—
Dearly Beloved, In the good providence of our God we are again permitted to meet in Conference and thus strengthen and encourage one another in the great work in which we are engaged; and as we enjoy the opportunity of praying with and for one another, our hearts are moved toward the scattered ones whose servants we rejoice to be, for Christ's sake. After the example of the apostles of our absent Lord, we earnestly desire to be helpers of your joy, and to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, that you may be mindful of the words spoken before by the holy prophets; and this we will endeavor to do, realizing the perils of the last days in which we live and our own responsibility as bearers of a priceless treasure. But perilous as the times are, we must not look upon them as altogether peculiar in this respect, since the remnant are instructed to take the prophets as an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. The way to life is narrow, and the redeemed throng are said to come out of great tribulation. Disappointment is incident to the present state. But that we meet with disappointments is no evidence that God is not for us, or with us; for the ways of his providence are beyond our vision. His ways are higher than our ways. The saints of God have ever been an afflicted people as it is written; they are troubled, perplexed, persecuted and cast down. As it is now, even so it was in the days of Christ and of his apostles. When the Saviour came into the world, and signs and miracles were wrought by him to the glory of his Father, a company of humble ones were gathered as his followers. Though many gladly heard his word, and for a season rejoiced in the light, they could not long bear the plainness of the truth; they were displeased at his hard sayings, so that the true followers of Jesus remained but few—even a "little flock." These few, having high hopes that he would then redeem Israel, or restore the kingdom, were sore dismayed when the counsel of the ungodly prevailed to put him to death. But God raised him from the dead, and the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Yet to their great grief they must be again separated from him; he had to go away to prepare a place for them in his Father's house. Though they could not then follow him to the mansions on high, he gave them the assurance that he would return and take them to himself; and thenceforth his second coming became to them the blessed purifying hope. The thought that the Lord himself would descend and raise their sleeping friends from the dead, and change them to immortality, filled the souls of the believers with comfort and joy. But they were not to see these things without tasting death. That day should not come till the "falling away" had taken place. A day of darkness and persecution awaited the church of God: "the patience and faith of the saints" must be tried; they must fill up that which was behind of the afflictions of Christ; the members of the body must all suffer with their head, before they could rise and reign with him in glory. And not only did persecution await them from without, but they were told that there should be false teachers among them; grievous wolves should enter in not sparing the flock. Also, men should arise of their own selves speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. These were spots in their feasts of charity, feeding themselves (not the flock) without fear among the saints; murmurers and complainers, who separate themselves, having not the Spirit. To those who have marked the fulfillment of prophecy in the past and present advent movement, and have searched the scriptures to see the manner in which God will carry on his great work of preparing a people to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord, there will be nothing unseemly in a parallel drawn between the times of the early church and the times in which we live. The expectations of the disciples of Jesus were never higher—never were their hopes brighter that he would restore the kingdom and redeem Israel, than were those of the Advent company that he would come again and establish his kingdom in 1844. And as the former "mourned and wept at their own homes, or walked together and were sad" while conversing of the prostration of their hopes in the death of their Lord Jesus, their disappointment was not greater than that of the latter when "the time" passed, and the kingdom was not restored—their Lord did not come. And as the hopes of the former revived when he rose from the dead, so did the hopes of God's waiting ones revive when the truth arose from the dust and rubbish of slander and persecution, where it was for a time obscured, and the glorious light of the Third Angel's Message came like life from the dead, harmonizing the word, and fully explaining the mystery of the dark providence through which they had passed. But though glorious was the light, and sweet the precious truth as it reached the sorrowing heart, the day of the Lord was not yet. As in the first age of the church so now a time of persecution and peril must be passed; "the patience of the saints" must be tried; false teachers must be exposed; grievous wolves unmasked; murmurers and complainers silenced; and they who have been feeding themselves among the saints, who separate themselves to work iniquity and speak perverse things, must be manifested as "having not the Spirit." Some of these things we have already experienced; already have false teachers been manifested among us; perverse things have been spoken, by reason of which evil reports have been raised against the truth, and disciples drawn away from their steadfastness. And many perils we have yet to pass. The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, urged on by the unrighteous influence of seducing spirits, will combine to make war on the children of God. Satan, transformed to an angel of light, and his ministers to ministers of righteousness, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, and because iniquity shall abound the love of many will wax cold. But, beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. We are aware that it is hard and even impossible to rejoice in tribulation and affliction, unless we apprehend their object according to God's word. But the word is very explicit; so that we cannot consider ourselves followers of Jesus unless we have learned to follow him through the darkness of this world with meekness and patience. Says the Apostle: "We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience." But if we constantly dwell on our trials as though some strange thing happened to us, we have therein evidence that our tribulation worketh impatience; and the result will be to our shame. The chastisement which we receive is designed to yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness; and so it will to them which are exercised thereby. But if we are not exercised (or disciplined) thereby according to godliness, it cannot be expected to yield such fruit. The word declares that our affliction is light and momentary, and that it worketh for us: not against us as we would almost persuade ourselves. And the result is glory. The affliction is light: the glory is weighty. The affliction is but for a moment; the glory is eternal; and it is a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. But we know that the affliction of the unrighteous and the worldly does not end in glory—it does not yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them; hence, it is evident that this glorious result is only obtained by receiving it in a patient, uncomplaining spirit. In order that we may exercise this patience in affliction we are assured that we have a High Priest who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, who is the head of the body, and feels all that the members suffer. And as Jesus suffered so much for us without a murmur, we should cheerfully bear the cross of Christ in hope of soon being glorified together with him. Can you consider him that endured for our sakes, and say you suffer too much? Can you think of Gethsemane and complain? Can you look upon the cross and murmur? O, that we might realize the agony of him upon whom our sins were laid! Most of those who have a form of godliness at the present day, endeavor to shun the cross, and seek salvation in a smooth and easy way; and with them have our associations mostly been. We therefore consider it well to impress these things upon your minds, and put you in remembrance. Think that the afflictions you now bear are not your own; they belong to the head of the church, of whose body we trust you are members, and you only bear them for his sake. In the great day of account he will claim these sufferings as his own; whatsoever is done to the least of his disciples is done to him. If Jesus thus feels your trials, (many of which are, perhaps, brought on by your own unfaithfulness,) and does not complain, you should not. And if we are truly devoted to God we shall bow to the dispensations of his providence as cheerfully as to the decisions of his word. Then look no more with mournful thought on what you here endure, but look to Jesus, our pattern and our friend, and to the glory soon to be revealed, at his appearing. "Walk by faith and not by sight." To direct our minds in the way of humility and patience, as marked out by our pattern, the institutions of the Lord's house are given to us, as well as the instructions of his word; and these institutions speak in emphatic terms to the heart of the believer. Patience may well be exercised in view of what Jesus has suffered and bought for us; but christian patience without christian humility cannot be attained; and as we have both precept and example before us to inculcate patience, so we have both divine precept and example to lead us to perfect humility. We show forth the Lord's death, the shedding of his precious blood, in the Lord's supper; and his burial and resurrection in baptism. To prepare our minds for a better appreciation of these truths, we should follow our Lord's example, and obey his command, in washing one another's feet. We know that against this ordinance much prejudice exists, and to it much repugnance is felt by many; but let us remember that it was on the occasion of its institution that the Lord uttered those memorable words: "The servant is not greater than his Lord." Read John xiii, 1-17; especially verses 14, 15, 17. It is very plain that a positive command is here given; and we feel that the most solemn obligation rests upon us to exhort you to follow the Saviour in self-denial and humility, without which you cannot be his disciples. Should we pass this by in silence, we should fail to fulfill the "great commission," which says: "Teaching them [the disciples] to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." In so-doing we have the sweet assurance that he will be with us to the end of the world; but if we hide his counsel, or neglect his commands, he will forsake us utterly. We think it is incumbent upon us to again call your attention to the subject of the gifts of the Spirit; and this we feel the more constrained to do, inasmuch as there are, not only those who deny these gifts, but those who profess to believe all that the word of God teaches on this subject and even to rejoice in his goodness in fulfilling his precious promises, and yet treat these manifestations of divine favor as though God94wrought only for our convenience, or to gratify curiosity. We earnestly entreat you to consider well that God will work all for his glory, and we are commanded to do all things to his glory: but it is greatly to be feared that many have had other objects in view than the glory of God when they have looked for the outpouring of his Spirit, and the spread of the truth. If we desire the manifestation of God's power to prove to the world that we are a favored, peculiar people, exalted above many that claim to be the children of God, it is selfishness, and we shall not receive while thus asking amiss. God will not give his glory to another; but he has graciously connected our salvation with his glory, so that to glorify him is to secure our highest good. But we should let his glory be first, and our benefit the secondary object. If we have a very correct view of this truth we shall realize that God will only pour out his Spirit when we stand where we can glorify him in its reception; and that he will withhold it whenever we use its gifts for purposes of a selfish nature, or cease in our efforts to be benefited by them in a manner consistent with his glory. Of the truth of this we have had a sad experience in the past. Some have shown a desire to be noticed, even though it were with a reproof, merely to gratify selfish curiosity, and to have the assurance that they were objects of divine care, without any effort being manifest on their part to seek by renewed consecration and humble faith in Christ, higher attainments in Christian holiness. On such the frown of our heavenly Parent must surely rest, until they humble themselves, and in deep contrition seek forgiveness of God for such presumption. When we consider how weak and inefficient we are to work righteousness, how entirely dependent we are on Jesus and the Spirit of his grace, we should be led to the deepest humility by such unmerited favors so freely conferred. If the precious gifts of the Spirit were not to be bestowed, we should in vain seek for the unity of the faith, or perfection in the knowledge of Christ; and we exhort you to shun the counsel of those who profess to take the Bible as the rule of faith and practice, but slight or reject that part of it which teaches us to seek and expect the power and gifts of the Spirit. We hope you will take the word in all things, and seek the illumination of the Spirit to instruct us in its truths, and to correct us when we err from its teachings. Nor do we think it proper to sit still, as the church has done in time past, and wait for the outpouring of the Spirit, with the mere willingness to recognize the gifts when they are bestowed, but remember it is made our duty in the word to earnestly seek for spiritual gifts. To fulfill this duty we must constantly strive for more humility—more holiness of heart, and daily pray that God will crown our efforts with the blessing that our hearts desire, that we may stand strong in his strength, and be prepared for the work to which we are called, and to meet the dangers to which we are exposed. The bare consideration of the fact is solemnly impressive that the church of Jesus Christ must stand complete in him when his mediation has ceased, and the vials of wrath are poured out upon a guilty world from whom the Spirit of truth is wholly withdrawn; and we cannot think that they who reject these gifts, or deny their necessity for the perfection of the church, realize the depravity of our natures or the depth in which we have sunk ourselves by our sinful lives. Nor do we consider it any excuse to say that we are liable to deception by the seducing spirits of the age; for we must more need the influence and aid of the Spirit of holiness to assist us to stand in the light and liberty of the gospel in this age of strong delusions. Those who object thus should, to be consistent in all things, shrink from being called the children of God, for there are also "strange children" in these last days. But our Father has not given us to understand that his children shall receive a stone when they ask for bread; nor do we expect that the "strange children" shall receive the food that belongs to those who truly have the spirit of adoption. This illustration is authorized and used by our Saviour; and to carry it out we would ask: What father would commend the forethought of his son who should refuse to take the bread without which he must starve and die, merely because there were stones in the land? While some profess to lament the blindness of those who receive a stone and call it bread, we can consider it but a species of insanity in them to turn away from the pure bread offered them and call it a stone. Surely God's children should by "reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." We realize the extreme danger of those who assert that all manifestations of supernatural power are wrought by the Spirit of God; for they then receive as of divine origin the miracles wrought by "the spirits of devils." But we think there is equal danger of those who look upon all spiritual phenomena as of Satanic origin; for thus they make light of God's promise to pour out his Spirit, and slight the choicest blessings which he confers on fallen creatures. Dear brethren and sisters, we have great reason to have increased confidence in the gift which God has already bestowed upon us in these last days; for whereas, many murmurers and complainers have arisen and openly avowed that the visions which God has given for his glory and our good were causing division and confusion in the church, we find that since we have been free from the unhallowed influence of such persons, and have humbled ourselves before God, and he has more frequently bestowed such favors on the church, our peace has increased, and the bond of our union has been strengthened, while confusion and distraction, and every evil work is in the midst of our enemies. They have drawn away disciples after them, and while they promised them liberty, they have shown that they themselves are the servants of corruption. In this we rejoice, not that they have denied the truth, and been led away by the error of the wicked, but that their reviling has been overruled to our great comfort, and the advancement of the cause of Christ. Truly has our God caused the wrath of man to praise him, and we will no longer fear if God be for us. Let us then rest on his promise, and seek meekness; and in all things avoid the ways of those who speak evil of the things which they know not; and even corrupt themselves in those things which they know. For it is not only the unlearned, but the unstable that wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. But, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, be ware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. C O M M U N I C A T I O N S.
By Jesse Dorcas
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." Bro. Smith :—I have now for a few days been at home, and in reviewing things as they exist in the West, my very heart sickens. The words of the Prophet seem to apply every where with wonderful appropriateness to the present time: "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so." They bear rule by their means in various ways, but, in the erection of colleges, and the organization of Sunday Schools, not an inconsiderable portion of their means is employed, and these things have a mighty bearing towards keeping the people in what is called the orthodoxy! O, the harvest truly is great, and the laborers are few. Where are the laborers? God only knows. I do not; may the Lord of the harvest send forth laborers into the field, is my most earnest prayer. The saying is true, "The western mind is full of mighty energy, and it will go forward, right or wrong, it will go forward." These teeming millions of the west are fast falling into infidelity. Through the teachings of Universalism, Spiritualism, &c., many are becoming dissatisfied with the former teachings of their guides, and are falling in with the new, not knowing what will be the end thereof; falling into a sort of stagnation of mind between truth and error. I would gladly hold my peace, but I do not see how I can and be guiltless. There are many places in the West where the truth (as we understand it,) can be preached. Can not some of the brethren take a tour through Iowa and Missouri? Yours truly, Jesse Dorcas.
Fremont, Ohio, July 5th, 1856. J. B. FRISBIE
By John B. Frisbie
Bro. Smith :—My late visit to Allegan Co. was one of interest to me. I visited the church in Monterey the last Sabbath in June, and found them comfortably assembled for worship in a barn, after the school-house was locked against them, because they are so rebellious against the traditions of Popery as to work on Sunday and keep the Lord's holy Sabbath. As it was further to the meeting than I expected, I was rather late, and found between forty and fifty brethren and sisters engaged in a prayer meeting. The time was so occupied I had not an opportunity to make myself known to the church, to whom I was an entire stranger, for nearly half an hour. When there was a minute's rest I arose and made myself known. By request I spoke on Church Order in the afternoon, with good liberty. First-day morning we assembled at a school-house which was not shut against us, and spoke to an attentive congregation, on "The day of the Lord," with good liberty. The word seemed directed by the Spirit of the Lord. The next Sabbath I talked at the house of Bro. Curtis, in Trowbridge, to a goodly number. Next First-day preached with good freedom in the town of Cheshire, to quite a congregation, who gave good attention. There was a request sent again from Monterey to me to make a second visit to that place, which I did at half past ten. We spoke on the plan of salvation. We then went to the water, where we baptized eight more willing souls in the present truth, in addition to the forty previously baptized in that place. In the afternoon I gave the evidence by which we know we have the truth. The church appeared strengthened. There have been one hundred and four baptized in the west part of Michigan within three months, most of whom have embraced the Third Angel's Message within the last six months. The cause is onward. Praise the Lord. The Lord is opening the way west as never before. All that is wanted is faithful labor. May the Lord raise up laborers in the harvest which is now whitening, both literally and spiritually. Yours in the present truth. Rejecting Probation After Christ Comes
By E. R. Seaman
BRO. SMITH: — As I have no sympathy with the doctrine of probation after Christ comes, and believing as I do that the night is far spent and the day is at hand, I have felt it duty to write you to let you know my position, feeling for the advancement of truth. I could not forbear, as an honest man before God, to express as publicly my mistakes as they have been before made public. Wherein my influence has been cast against the truth by being identified with those that deny the past as not of God, I am sorry, and wish to counteract the influence thus exerted and not dishonor God, or be a stumbling-block longer in the way of any. I should have ere this spoken if Satan had not hindered. I entertain no hardness nor exclusive sectarian spirit against any, but feel prompted from a sense of duty to thus publicly express my faith in the past, which I can never give up, unless I give up all religion as spurious. To me it would be very absurd to think of being one that should give the First Angel's Message over again, and I cannot see how any one could enter into that work, after the knowledge and light that has been given on the subject. I can imagine how I should reason against facts and self-evident truths: I should know that there were two more messages to follow before the Lord could come: that would consequently put off his coming some time in the future; and I ask, how can any one that has felt the spirit95of the Third Angel's Message, in confidence enter into such a work? I am satisfied that this doctrine, together with mercy and probation after the advent, is not calculated to prepare a people for that sudden destruction that is coming on all the dwellers on the earth. The Word informs us that ye brethren are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief, but ye are the children of the light. Why? Why, because when they cry "peace and safety," then sudden destruction cometh, and they shall not escape. This cry may have a two-fold meaning. It may relate to the evil servants that are saying in their hearts, The Lord delayeth his coming; and it may refer particularly to the national cry, which was advertised to be celebrated on the 29th of May in Great Britain. It is, I believe, one of the signs by which the children of God may know that the time of trouble is near. I wish to realize it more, and feel to heed the caution of the Saviour not to be overcharged with the things he has referred to. The effect they have had upon me I hope to overcome. I believe the whole tenor of the New Testament teaches the doctrine that the work of mercy closes with this dispensation; also that the design of the gospel was not to convert the Jews, but to take out of the Gentiles a people for his name, that the true Israel might be all made up. The learned doctor, Cotton Mather, remarks on the strong proof text, [Rom. xi, 25, 26,] that we have a wrong translation of this scripture. He says that it should read, So all Israel shall be saved by a filling up of the Gentiles. This looks like truth, and harmonizes with other portions of Scripture, and destroys the supposed foundation of the Jewish fabric. Some things that I did not dictate have appeared, for which I am made responsible, and have thereby injured the feelings of dear brethren, which I regret. Also that in any investigation for truth I have been estranged from my natural brethren. The confidence of brethren injuriously sacrificed may not be regained, but I hope by a patient continuance in well-doing, to seek the reward of eternal life, and leave the former things in the hands of the God of all the earth, that will do right and show mercy. Pray for me. E. R. SEAMAN.
Oswego, N. Y. W. E. LANDON
By W. E. Landon
BRO. SMITH:—I have long felt it to be my duty to communicate to the saints scattered abroad the dealings of the Lord with me. Three years ago last Winter my mind was called to the subject of the Bible Sabbath, through the instrumentality of Brn. Ralph, Hammond and Graham, with whom I labored from day to day for my daily bread. I have ever felt truly thankful to the Lord that in his providence I ever found their society. While reading J. W. Morton and others on the Sabbath, and hearing their exhortations, I became fully convinced that I was a transgressor, and unless I yielded obedience I never could be admitted through the gates into the City. I well remember the last Sabbath I labored. I felt that the wrath of God did abide on me; but still I was not willing to let God be true and all men liars. I tried my utmost to drive away my convictions, but without success. At last I made a vow unto the Lord that if he would spare my life till another Sabbath, I would try to keep it, and what joy and peace it brought to my soul. The world can neither give it nor take it away. Although opposed bitterly by my companion, I could go to a throne of grace and obtain help and strength that I needed. I could then exhort her to obey God and keep his Sabbath, and bear her case to Him whose ears are ever open to the cry of his children; and praised be his holy name! he heard my cry, unworthy as I was, and now I have one to bear trials with me, and share in my joys. Yours, hoping for eternal life at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Collinsville, Ct., July, 1856. P. S. There is an opening for the truth to be presented here, when any of God's servants feel it to be their duty to come. I feel it to be important to move in the fear of the Lord always. I will try in my feeble manner to do all that in me lies to advance the cause I dearly love. Whether it would be best to have a tent-meeting or not, I cannot say. There is a hall sufficiently large to accommodate all that would probably come out. Encouragement for Believers
By Burt Hall
BRO. SMITH:—I still love the truth and am trying to keep all the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. O what a kind and merciful Father we have, in whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning; one who cares for his children, and is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And what did his Son say when he came? He said, Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and he will come again and receive us unto himself, that where he is we may be also. O how I long to be where my blessed Saviour is, and be free from this vain world of sin and sorrow. O when shall we be free! when shall we be delivered from the power of sin and Satan! O brethren, we are not in darkness, we are not without hope in the world. Jesus has promised to deliver all who trust in him. Let us trust in him and he will deliver to the uttermost. I would say a word of encouragement to those who have labored with us in Shelby. Your labor has not been in vain. There has been, and still is, a general interest on the part of the church for the truth. We are all striving to overcome and get ready to meet our Saviour. Let us all wake up and gird on the whole armor, and have our lamps trimmed and burning, and be as men waiting for our Lord when he shall return from the wedding. From your unworthy brother, hoping for a glorious immortality at the appearing of our Saviour. BURT HALL. Shelby, Mich., July 5th, 1856. Lonely Sabbaths with Jesus
By H. S. Boyd
BRO. SMITH:—In my lonely pilgrimage I often think of those situated like myself, doomed to spend our Sabbaths alone; and yet not alone; for Jesus is with us, and has said he will be with us to the end of the world. Glorious promise! with us to the end. We need not be discouraged if we have such a friend with us always. O no! let us be strong in him who is King of kings and Lord of lords, and who will soon have all his enemies under his feet. Dear brethren and sisters, I can sympathize with you. I often think of and pray for you. I know what it is to spend lonely Sabbaths, with strangers, and oftentimes with bitter opposers, (being by trade a clock repairer.) I have to experience my full share of inconvenience by keeping the Sabbath of the Lord our God. But let us take courage: no temptation has happened to us which is not common to man. Even Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Jesus, once possessed of all the glories of heaven, for our sakes became so poor that he had not where to lay his head. If we suffer pain and persecution we remember that he was also a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and persecuted unto death. Do we love this Jesus? Then let us so live that all men may know that we are his disciples, (John xiii, 34, 35.) and have the evidence in us that we have passed from death unto life. 1 John iii, 14. Herein is love: not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us we ought also to love one another: if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us his Spirit. 1 John iv, 10-14. Let us have this evidence, and cultivate this Spirit God is love. Our lot may seem at times hard, yet I feel that we are a highly favored people. God's children have always been a persecuted people, from righteous Abel down to the present time; yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. If we be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are we; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon us. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear we shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Dear brethren and sisters, let us cheer up. While the ancient worthies suffered infinitely more than we, they had to look into the dim and distant future for their reward. We can view ours near, yea, close at hand; and although we cannot meet here, there is a meeting that we can all attend. It will be when the angels have gathered the elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other. It will be when the prophets, patriarchs and apostles shall meet, and Jesus with his blood-bought throng will be there. O glorious meeting! where we shall part no more, but enjoy the society of those we love, of angels and our dear Saviour forever, and range the bright fields of glory in the presence of our God, and shout praise to Him who has purchased with his own blood these glories for us. Brethren and sisters, shall we be there? Through the grace of God I hope to be there. That we may be sanctified through the truth, cleansed from all unrighteousness, and be prepared for such a holy place is the prayer of your unworthy brother. A Letter from Sister Andrews
Sister M. E. Andrews writes from N. Y. City, July 5th, 1856:—"I hope, though strangers comparatively in the flesh, that we are not altogether so, in the Spirit of our dear Redeemer, and the present truth. I love the paper; it is cheering; was well pleased with the Advent history; should have liked more. "I love to look back on our past experience. Truly those were happy days. I remember we could not go on a steamboat and find a few of like precious faith but they would make the boat almost ring with their songs of Zion, and sometimes we would have a lecture on the near coming of the Lord. If it was truth then, is it less true now? and should we faint and go back now we have got so much nearer the port of eternal rest? No! rather let us put on the whole armor, watch the way, keep the munition, fortify our power, strengthen our loins with truth, and press the battle to the gate." To Whom it may Concern.
By Stephen Pierce
THE church assembled at Randolph, Vt., on the first day of March, 1856, deemed it their duty to express publicly their disapprobation of the course of Bro. Washington Morse in regard to his deal, and the manner in which he left Vt., and do hereby thus express their disfellowship of him as a member of the church. By order, and in behalf of the church. STEPHEN PIERCE. NOTE.—The above action of the church was sent by Bro. Hart for publication, when he went West, but he has since informed me that the minutes of it were lost: this is the cause of our seeming delay. S. P. Temptation Met.—"The Devil," says the Rev. Thomas Brooks, tempting Bonaventure, suggested to him that he was a reprobate, and persuaded him to drink in the pleasures of this life, because he was excluded from the future joys of God and heaven. Bonaventure, however, at once answered, "No, not so, Satan: if I must not enjoy God after this life, let me enjoy him as much as I can in this life."