Review and Herald, Vol. 12, No. 22.
Brief Sketch of the Saxon Idols from which the Days of the Week received their NamesPage 1
Earlier text: Brief Sketch of the Saxon Idols from which the Days of the Week received their Names"IS THE SEVENTH DAY OF THE JEWISH WEEK THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH?"
By R. P. C.
This is the title of an article in Review No. 19, by one Williams of Wisconsin. And lest the writer, or others, should think that the article is unanswerable, and therefore contains the truth, and so be strengthened in error, I make a few remarks upon it. He says, "The only reliable source of evidence in determining this question, is the sacred Scriptures of divine truth." To this we respond, Amen. But after opening thus, the writer takes a course wider from the Scriptures than is the Grand Trunk from the Panama Rail-road, or higher above them (?) than any balloonist has floated above the earth the past season, and then in conclusion he requests that if any one choose to review his article, he will confine himself to the Scriptures. This is a task that I shall not undertake to perform; because I view it an utter impossibility. If I were to confine myself to the Scriptures on the question, I should speak only of what they say concerning the Sabbath. But if I were to review his article, I should be obliged to follow along the track which he has there laid down. I cannot review the track of the Panama, and, at the same time, confine myself exclusively to the Grand Trunk. What, then, shall I do? I will show that his whole theory is mere conjecture, and, as I have already stated, foreign to the Scriptures of truth. 1. Where is the text of Scripture that "fully authorizes us to claim that the original Sabbath commenced in the morning and not in the evening"? The Bible informs us, that in the beginning, the evening and the morning constituted the day. It also teaches, "From even unto even shall ye celebrate your sabbath." These scriptures harmonize to prove that the day begins, and from the creation did begin, at evening. But, instead of harmony, the writer fancies that he sees discord in these scriptures, and feels himself warranted in saying that "God himself did authorize a change to the extent of half a day at least." The word of God is not yea and nay. It does not contradict itself, and thus warrant us in saying that God has made a change in the commencement of the day, and neglected to reveal the fact to us, otherwise than through a discrepancy in his own testimony. 2. Where is the text that tells us whether God commenced his work, in the creation, in the evening or in the morning; or whether he labored twenty-four hours in a day, or twelve, or five minutes? We are simply told what he did upon each day, and that the evening and the morning were the day. Where is the text that says that "At whatever hour he commenced his work, at that very hour he ended it"? It is found in our friend's article, but not in the Bible. 3. Where is the text that informs us in what part of its orbit the moon was placed on the fourth day of the creation week? The passover was instituted on the fourteenth of the month, but where is the text that tells what day of the week it was? Or what day of the week the Israelites crossed the Red sea? We want no probabilities to change the Sabbath of the Lord. Is this manner of treating a subject, confining himself "exclusively" to the Scriptures? 4. Where is the text that informs us that the Jews had "got wrong in their reckoning," or that "their Sabbath at the crucifixion fell on the sixteenth" day of the month? When Jesus was accused of breaking the Sabbath, he never told them that they were wrong in their reckoning. 5. Where is the text that tells us that "Our Saviour, on the Sabbath day, plucked the ears of corn and gave them to his disciples"? There are three texts that inform us that the disciples plucked the ears of corn and ate; and a very good reason is given, that is, they were hungry. We are also expressly told that this took place on the Sabbath day. And, whether the Jews were right or wrong in their reckoning, they complained of it as a breach of the Sabbath law. Now, where is the text that informs us that Jesus did something that he did not do, "manifestly to show that he had abolished the Jewish priesthood, and transferred it [the Jewish priesthood] to his own disciples"? Christ himself was not a priest while on earth. (Heb. viii, 1-4.) and if he gave his disciples a priesthood, it must have been a Jewish priesthood, and consequently expired at the cross. Where is the text that fixes the change of priesthood any where else? And where is the text that says The priesthood being changed, there must of necessity be a change of the Sabbath law? 6. Where is the text that proves that "every" special manifestation of Jesus to his disciples, subsequent to his resurrection, was on the first day? He was seen of them forty days. These were not all Sundays, and who can tell on which of these days was the most special manifestation?173If those only are special which are recorded singly, we reply that there is no recorded instance of his meeting with his disciples on any first day, except the one on which it was first known that he had arisen from the dead. Another special, recorded instance was when the disciples were fishing; and another, in which he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, the day of the week not mentioned at all. Where is the proof then that every special manifestation was on the first day? These are the points in this triumphant argument, and not one of them has a single text of Scripture on which to rest. Yet the writer claims to have confined himself exclusively to the Scriptures of truth! But supposing it could be proved that, in the first month of time, the Sabbath came on the seventeenth, and, at the crucifixion, on the sixteenth, or some other day, what of it? Was the year ever reckoned so as to contain a certain number of weeks, so that the first day of the first month would invariably come upon the same day of the week? Now this is the main point in the argument. Admitting the premises entire, the conclusion would not follow. One singular feature in this writer's theory is that although the Sabbath commanded to the Jews was the original seventh day, yet it was necessary, on the change of the priesthood, that the Jewish Sabbath should be abolished. And the Jews being, wrong in their reckoning, the Sabbath law was changed (?) so as to require the observance of the same day that it ever had from the creation! Now I suppose that the necessity of a change, of which Paul speaks, would have existed, had the Jews retained the original reckoning of the week. But what would have been done for a change, in that case? Nothing but to abolish the Sabbath and re-institute it upon the same day! How fortunate for this theory that the Jews "got wrong in their reckoning!" This is only a specimen of the many inventions by which men are striving to set aside the law of the Most High. It is so very weak and perfectly foolish that I could hardly consider it worth reviewing. But then, said I, it is as good as the best on that side of the question, and why not spend a little time upon it, and thus treat them all alike. "Better 'twould be, ye fighters of the law,
If your own weakness, verily, ye saw;
If ye would hear the teachings of God's word,
And live obedient to all ye heard,
Better 'twould be t'obey God's holy will,
And own the Sabbath precept binding still,
Before ye make, in all ye do and say,
Such wretched work to have it done away."
[Word for Sab. Would to God that men would choose the path of obedience! But since they will not, we wait for the next grand discovery of some infallible remedy for the goadings of a guilty conscience. A medicine that gives apparent relief to one, utterly fails in every other case. The grand Panacea has not yet been discovered. And my advice is, that those that have found a remedy in their own case, should try it upon two or three others before they advertise. TENT MEETING IN REPUBLIC, OHIO.
By John Norton Loughborough; T. J. Butler
This meeting which commenced Sept. 2d, continued twelve days, during which time we gave sixteen lectures. A deep interest was manifest to hear, and the Lord gave good liberty to speak the truth. On the whole it was the most interesting meeting we have held this season. At first the report was afloat that we were "Free Lovers from Berlin Heights," and but few would come into our tent; but the second evening the tent was nearly filled. Our congregations continued to increase, and at our fifth meeting the tent would not hold the people, and scores of them lay outside the tent on the green grass. A great anxiety was manifest to hear till the meeting closed, and the people purchased over $40 worth of books, to aid them in their investigations. The ministers of the place, some four in number, troubled us but very little with their presence, and as we were about to leave, one of them began to raise the cry of "wolf." Our reply was, if we are wolves, he was a hireling, for when the hireling seeth the wolf coming, he fleeth and leaveth the sheep, and the wolf catcheth them; but after all we were not willing to admit that we were wolves; for we had come with the truth of God's word, and not to steal sheep. There was but little public opposition to the views advocated in Republic, except an attempt which was made to show that the 2300 days did not terminate in 1844, but extended far into the future. The ground taken to sustain this position, was that the 2300 days commenced with the taking away of the daily, and that the 70 weeks were not a part of the 2300 days. The Lord gave us liberty in reviewing the subject of the time, and we never felt firmer on our position than that evening, and most of the people seemed satisfied that we had the truth. Several have already come out on the truth in Republic. Our prayer is that others may walk in the light which their eyes behold, lest darkness come upon them. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
T. J. BUTLER. ELD. TAFT'S COMMUNICATION.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. Smith : I see by Review that Eld. Taft takes some exceptions to my reference to his visit to Lapeer, in my report. He says, "The matter is hardly represented in its true light." Now I will say that if Bro. T. had known all that transpired in Lapeer, he would have readily acknowledged that my statement was strictly true. I represented that his sermons were a confirmation of our position, and so they were. If the law of God is immutable, (which Bro. T. affirmed) then the seventh day is the Sabbath. Again, he denied that man pre-existed, and if he did not pre-exist, neither will he exist after "his breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, and his thoughts perish." Ps. cxlvi, 4. And I repeat that on the questions of the Sabbath, and man's nature Eld. Taft is in theory, substantialy with us, his last communication to the contrary, notwithstanding. As I read Eld. T.'s article, I could not help remarking that it was the effort of an honest man, with a noble mind to get out through a very small place. He says, "As to man's nature, I premise that my views and Bro. Cornell's are not at all alike." Now I must say that if the Elder's article is to be understood literally, his views and mine are exactly alike on all the essential features of the question, What is man? He says, "The make of the soul itself then, argues nothing conclusive upon the subject. We turn to the Bible, and what is the result? Man's mortality stands out on every page." He admits again that the soul is in a state of violence after death, and that without the animated body, the soul is without activity and energy. Again he says, "My faith is that man has no necessary inherent immortality." This covers the whole ground. What more could we say? Our views are stated as plain as language can do it. It will, we think, be vain for the Elder to try to make it appear that he differs from us on these points, for popularity's sake, for his knowledge of the Scriptures, and his honesty compel him to acknowledge to the contrary in all he speaks and writes on the subject. Concerning the Son-ship of Christ, Eld. T. says, "It was the original pre-existent Christ that suffered and died for man," &c. So we believe. It was that Jesus that was with the Father before the world was, that died, and not the mere human body, as some believe. But this is what the clergy of Lapeer called "blank infidelity." Concerning the change of the Sabbath Eld. T. says, "To me there is no evidence of a change by divine appointment, and therefore the perpetuity of the original institution." Again, "If preference has been given to another time, we may expect to find the world advertised of the fact." Thus it appears that in theory there is no real difference between us on these points; but it is natural to lean towards the popular side and try to evade the cross; yet it is to be hoped that Eld. T. will soon realize the importance of discharging the obligations he is under in view of the light he has on these great subjects. Yours for truth, M. E. Cornell.
Hillsdale, Oct. 12th. The Resurrection and Christ’s Coming
BUT I wish you, brethren, not to be ignorant with respect to them that are asleep, lest ye sorrow as other men without hope. For if we are persuaded that Jesus died and came to life again, then must God through Jesus bring with him them also that are asleep. For this we declare unto you by a declaration from the Lord: that those of us, which are left alive at the coming of the Lord, will not go before them that are asleep; because the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a commanding voice of an archangel, and a loud-sounding trumpet: and they who have died in the cause of Christ, will first come to life; afterwards we who are left alive shall be caught up together with them in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore encourage each other with these doctrines.—Wakefield's translation of first Thess. iv, 13-17. "Their rock is not as our rock, even our enemies themselves being judges." Deut. xxxii, 31. It is often said by the members of the nominal churches, that the name that we have found for them in the word of God, cannot be applied to them with propriety, as there is perfect agreement among them with regard to the essentials of salvation; which are Repentance, Faith and Obedience, and consequently they all expect to reach the same happy home. If the foundation of the superstructure which they have raised, is composed exactly of such materials as the great architect of our religion has placed beneath his own temple here, then all is well; but we have some doubts about that matter. Let us hear what the apostle Paul says about the worshipers in the Lord's temple. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom (i. e., Jesus Christ, the apostles and prophets) all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." Eph. ii, 19, 21. "There is one body and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Eph. iv, 4, 5. We understand by "one body," one church, not 666 different ones. "And he is the head of the body, the church." Col. i, 18. We understand also that one Spirit animates this body, which is the Spirit of Christ, and that Spirit cannot lead us astray; and the fruit of the Spirit is love, and leads its possessor to love God and keep his commandments. Such a Spirit dares not to sit in judgment on the word of God, receiving a part and rejecting the rest of it. We believe with the Apostle, that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Rom. xv, 4. "Be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour." 2 Pet. iii, 2. The foundation upon which the apostles and prophets stood is good enough for us, and that is charity; for a full definition of which read in Ex. xx, 3-17, a perfect manuscript of what may be found in the ark of the testimony above, and by which you and I shall be judged worthy of eternal life or eternal death. The rock upon which the apostles and prophets stood, is eternal rock, which is "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." They have never told us, as some modern teachers do, that the moral law is abrogated; that the Sabbath law is a myth; that the soul is immortal; or that we have nothing to do with the Prophets. We are glad that we have not so learned Christ, but can look up with glorious hope and read over the portals of the heavenly city, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." The Days of Lot.
By F. C. Castle
LIKEWISE also as it was in the days of Lot, even thus shall it be when the Son of man is revealed. Luke xvii, 28-30. And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will now go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it. Gen. xviii, 20. 21. And while the Lord was about to destroy the place, two angels came down to Sodom at even to warn just Lot of the destruction that awaited the place. He welcomed them to his house, even pressed them greatly. See Gen. xix, 1, 2. And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place; for we will destroy this place. Verses 12, 13. Lot went unto his sons-in-law, and told them that the Lord would destroy the place. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law. They probably felt safe and feared no evil. But the Lord rained brimstone and fire out of heaven upon them, and they were destroyed. So also in these last days, while signs in the heavens and the earth have been manifested, speaking forth the coming of Jesus and the end of the world, three angels have gone forth proclaiming their commission to the inhabitants of earth. The message of the first angel was to every kindred, tongue and people, while he cried with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come. Such a message has gone forth to the inhabitants of earth. While God's chosen and faithful servants proclaimed this, some gladly received it, as did Lot the angels; while the great mass of professors, lulled with the siren song of peace and safety, rejected and crushed their testimony. This prepared the way for the second angel's message, [Rev. xiv, 8.] *“Saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen,” &c. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,” &c. Verses 9-11. And now while the voice of this angel is sounding, many gladly embrace the truth, and heed its warning. Others look at it as did Lot's sons-in-law, as not worthy of their notice; but their destruction is as sure as theirs was, unless they heed the call, and turn from the traditions of men to the worship of the only true God. Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Verse 12. And let those that are disposed to trifle with these things remember that the commandment is exceeding broad, and profit by the teachings of God's word; for that will show that the great mass will be deceived by the strong deception of the enemy of all righteousness. And now while Satan is at work through spirit mediums, performing miracles, healing the sick, &c., many say that it can proceed only from a good source. But according to the Scriptures, there exists a power in opposition to the work of God. See Ex. vii, 10-12; 2 Tim. iii, 8. We are warned against hearkening to the voice of those who show signs and wonders which may come to pass, if they would turn us from the only true God. See Deut xiii, 1-4. Now as Spiritualists do away the Bible, the only rule by which we may know how to worship Him, they must be false teachers, performing the work described in 2 Tim. iii, 8, 9. And now, while the saints of God are searching the Word, and becoming strong in the Lord, the enemy's power will be more manifest; but their day is short, for he that is to come, will come quickly to the joy and salvation of his people. How Are We Saved?
By R. M. Thurston
By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph. ii, 8. 9. Grace is favor, "as it relates to God; it is free favor and love to us-ward," and "in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." 1 Jno. iv, 9. Even while we were yet dead in sin, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness, through Christ Jesus. Eph. ii, 7. And now let grateful emotions possess our heart, while we briefly contemplate the goodness and condescension of God to us. He who created the vastly expanding heavens, adorning them with so many brilliant luminaries, he who caused the dry land to appear, calling it earth, and beautified it with such a variety of scenery, bestows upon frail man the capacity for communing with him, likewise the privilege of addressing him by the endearing name of Father. Yes, by grace we become heirs of God, on the condition of faith in Jesus, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. v. 2. Then to become the recipients of that grace which bringeth salvation; that grace which preserves the equilibrium between retiring justice, and wooing mercy, we have only to comply with God's plan or condition of salvation, which we understand is faith in Jesus. Whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Rom. iii, 25, 26. God has uniformly wrought out, and harmoniously arranged a condition of salvation which includes the whole human family in its benevolent scheme. For the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise might be given to them that believe. Gal. iii, 22; Rom. xi, 32; iii, 23; Titus iii, 4, 5; also Rom. iii, 26, 31, inclusive. Why then so much solicitude to merit salvation by works, since it is attainable only through the righteousness of faith? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness, even in uncircumcision and he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the faith which he had yet, being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all that believe. Rom. iv, 2, 16, inclusive. We do not consider faith to be an act, or step, but an assent of the mind to a revealed truth. Hence when we are convicted on Bible truth, and that conviction is seasoned with the grace of God, and enlightened with the Holy Spirit, we shall be found walking in the steps of obedience, which wrought with Abraham's faith. By, or through works was Abraham's faith manifested, as ensamples to all who believe. In doing (not for doing) the will of God, there is great reward. We do not suppose that works impart life to faith, but they are manifestations of life, and spontaneously grow out of a living faith. See how faith enabled the confiding fishermen to obey the simple injunction, Follow me; and many who were healed received the blessed assurance, as it fell warmly from the Saviour's lips. Thy faith hath saved thee. Again, Peter, when about to sink, was reminded, that as he commenced walking by faith, and not by sight, thus he must continue or perish. True the devils also believe, and so do the great mass of mankind believe in an existing God, a once crucified, but now risen Saviour, and coming judgment; but their belief is not of that faith which worketh by love, and purifieth the heart. Gal. v, 6; Acts xv, 2. All who believe through the righteousness of faith, must be justified, as long as they continue to walk in the light. 1 Jno. i, 7. God has promised to forgive our sins, if we confess and forsake them. 1 Jno. i, 9.
R. M. THURSTON.
Hancock, Wis. “Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another.” BRO. SMITH: I feel thankful to God for what he has done and is still doing daily for me. I do feel more and more strengthened as I try to keep all of God's commandments, and also the rules laid down in the New Testament for us. I think we have some watchmen now that are giving us the last warning message before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. We are living in the time that Christ spoke of when he said, The harvest is great, but the laborers are few; and truly we should pray for more laborers to be sent into the vineyard of the Lord. I feel that it was about the eleventh hour with me, in receiving the truth. I embraced the Advent faith in 1842, and had strong faith that the Lord would come on the tenth of the seventh month in 1844; but was disappointed as many others were. Since then I have been asleep, as it were, in regard to the time in which we are living; and I was led to embrace the views of the Age to come, which are that Christ will come and set up his kingdom here, and reign on the earth during the seventh thousand years, when, they say, the rest of the nations are to have a chance to hear the gospel. But how does this agree with Rev. xix, commencing at the 17th verse, which speaks of the angel's standing in the sun, and saying to all the fowls of the air, "Come to the supper of the great God, that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and captains, and mighty men, and horses, and they that sit on them, the flesh of all men, both free and bond, small and great. The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. (Who are these, if they are not those that are found keeping all of God's commandments?) And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone; and the remnant of them were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth, and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." I find none left for them to teach in their Age-to-come, as all, both bond and free, small and great, are to be the supper for the fowls. There are about eleven souls in this neighborhood who are trying to keep all of God's commandments, and the testimony of Jesus. We are surrounded by those who believe the commandments were all done away at the cross of Christ, or at the destruction of Jerusalem; and now, they say, we are under the law of Christ. If so, who our mediator is I cannot tell. The Bible tells me that if I sin, I have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. It appears to me, if Christ is our lawgiver, he cannot be our advocate. I thank the Lord that he has led me to see the truth, and not left me in such errors, to live after the traditions of men. Dear brethren, my faith has been tested some, I think,175since I embraced the faith last January; for we have had some of the strongest ones along here, that preach the commandments done away and all abolished. My companion not having examined the subject so thoroughly as she should have done, was almost led back again, which gave me such feelings as I cannot describe. If ever I prayed, it was then; and blessed be the name of the Lord, he heard my prayers, and the way was opened for the truth to be preached again in this place, and the Lord led her to see the position she was in, also my sister who lives in the house with us; so now I rejoice in God much for his goodness to us, poor mortals. I would say that my sister come out in the time of our discussion here, in August. She has been a bitter opposer to our views, but is now rejoicing in the truth. Dear brethren and sisters, take courage. The Lord hears prayer; and if any of you have companions that are not in the truth, hold on by faith, and it may be the Lord will open the way in his own time, and bring them in. Are we the people that are to be found without guile in their mouths? If so, how watchful and faithful we should be in order to stand without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Come home, come home, backslidden soul,
Why will you feed on air,
Since you may have substantial food,
And heavenly blessings share. O now repent, return and come,
Your Father's house is free;
There's bread enough for every one,
You need not hungry be. Come, burdened soul, to Jesus come,
With all your guilt and stain,
He'll make the wounded spirit whole,
You need not come in vain. Come, leave your burden at his feet,
He'll for your help appear;
Bring but a humble, contrite heart,
And you have naught to fear. Erect the sacred altar, prayer.
Let faith the fuel be,
And leave thyself an offering there,
In meek humility. If, Peter-like, you seem to sink,
Beneath temptation's wave;
'Tis Jesus bids you come to him,
And 'tis his arm will save. Camden, Me., Sept. 24th, 1858 I. S. CHAFFEE
By I. S. Chaffee
Bro. SMITH : On the 25th and 26th of September, I attended a meeting at Mackford, Wis., with Bro. Welcome. He preached twice on the Sabbath and once on First-day, and baptized five. We had prayer-meetings Sabbath and First-day evenings, and they were attended with the Spirit and power of God. I think all, or nearly all, partook of the general blessing. My christian friends, for one I want to live near my God, and enjoy his smiles day by day. I do not wish to deceive nor be deceived; for the day will come when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and our Judge will judge righteously. I see that the christian's life is a life of warfare, and of self-denial, and of consecration, and of prayer and watchfulness; but the grace of God is sufficient for us. He has begotten within me a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and it is my prayer and hope that I may be filled with his salvation. I would say to my brethren and sisters, that as we live in a time of fashion and pride, we cannot be too careful to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Let us as christians take Christ for our example, and follow in his footsteps. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us, and if we have not the Spirit of Christ we are none of his. Let our light so shine that others will take knowledge of us and be led to glorify our Father in heaven. I ask the prayers of all that I may prove faithful. Ordino, Wis., Oct. 2d, 1858. A Plea for Labor in Troy
By Rufus N. Chaffee
Bro. Smith: My heart rejoiced when I heard that Bro. Cornell had been invited to labor this fall and winter in Ohio. My prayer is that the Lord will send him to Troy, Geauga Co., about thirty miles south-east of Cleveland. There appears to be a desire to hear a reason of our faith. There are some here that are convicted of the Sabbath, but do not feel the importance of keeping it. It is my conviction that if the Word could be preached here, a few of God's people would come out of Babylon. The tracts that I brought here, I have endeavored to give to those that I thought would read them with interest, hoping that some might be led to the knowledge of the truth. Brethren and sisters, pray for me and mine, that we may be sustained in the trying time. If any of you should come this way, call on us without fail. Your unworthy brother in the Lord.
RUFUS N. CHAFFEE.
Welshfield, Geauga Co., O, Oct 8th, 1858. BRO. SMITH: I feel to praise the Lord for the blessed privileges that I have in hearing from those that are trying to be zealous in repenting. That they may in fact be overcomers, and be permitted to sit down on the throne with Jesus, is my prayer. The Review is a messenger that brings good tidings. Praise the Lord! In reading "Testimony for the Church No. 4," on page 34, where it says, "Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading; they seemed indifferent and careless," I did feel to acknowledge before my heavenly Father, when I read it, that I have not been as zealous in repenting as I should have been; and that I have not been as much engaged in agonizing and pleading as I should have been. I saw by reading the Testimony that the angels of God left those that were indifferent and careless, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones. I have made up my mind to be more engaged in agonizing and pleading for assistance from God than I ever have been. I expect I shall be called a fanatic, if I am zealous in trying to serve God; but I have made up my mind to heed not the cry of fanaticism, but seek earnestly for help from God, that I may act in his fear, and not in the fear of man. It will not be any worse for me to be called a fanatic, if I am in earnest in trying to serve God, than it was for the friends of Jesus on the day of Pentecost, [Acts ii. 13.] to be accused of being full of new wine, when in fact they were filled with the Spirit of God. My prayer is that I may so repent of all my sins, and be so humbled at the feet of Jesus, that I may be more fully baptized with the Holy Spirit than I ever have been. Faith Amid Persecution
By H. L. Daniels
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I esteem it not only a duty, but a privilege, to obey God and keep all his commandments, and the faith of his dear Son, who was willing to give his life a ransom for us, that we by obedience to the gospel, might finally obtain everlasting life. Although we are strangers and pilgrims here in this sinful world, surrounded on every side by those who love to persecute us, yet, blessed be the God of Israel, he is able to deliver us as he did his ancient people. But says the Saviour, Ye shall have tribulation; ye shall be persecuted falsly for my name's sake. Dear friends this time has come. But what are we to do? Are we to get discouraged, and give up our faith? O no, Jesus says, Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Then let us exhort one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. We can now look up by the eye of faith and see Jesus coming in the clouds of glory; yet how few believe this sublime truth. While many scoff at the doctrine of the coming of the Just One, and cry "peace, peace, when there is no peace," "my Lord delayeth his coming," and "where is the promise of his coming," &c., Jesus says to the faithful, waiting flock, Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. O may the Lord keep us in the faith, that we may be able to escape the seven last plagues, which are soon to be poured out upon all the wicked.
H. L. DANIELS.
Woodhull, N. Y., Oct. 1858. Walking Nearer the Lord
By Semantha Baker
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is now about five years since I embraced the present truth, and this is the first time I have ever attempted to speak to my brethren and sisters through the Review. I have been a slothful, unprofitable servant thus far, but I feel like walking nearer the Lord in time to come. I see more and more the necessity of being up and doing while I have opportunity, lest I be weighed in the balance and found wanting. The pure in heart have the promise of seeing God. Oh, God, purify my heart, is my prayer, and make me a fit subject for thy kingdom. This world and the things of the world, look to me of little consequence, compared with the world to come, and the glories soon to be revealed to the children of God. I long to know that my ways please him. Our enemy is strong and would if possible deceive the very elect, therefore I feel the need of that wisdom which cometh from above, also of girding on the whole armor that I may be able to stand. It is a great thing to be a christian, and I fear many times that I shall come short, but if I know my own heart, I desire above everything else to be one. I think I can see that the cause of truth is on the rise, and I desire to arise with it. I can say in the language of another, "O give me a place in thy kingdom,
When life with its turmoil is o'er;
Let me dwell with the King in his beauty,
And I ask, O, I ask for no more."
Yours hoping for victory, SEMANTHA BAKER. Ulysses, Pa., Oct. 3d, 1858. Pressing Onward to Heaven
By Charlotte H. Chaffee
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel an increasing desire to press my way onward and upward to those mansions that our Saviour has gone to prepare for those that follow him. I do not feel discouraged because I have trials on the way. I expect to suffer with Christ if I would reign with him in glory. The Review is a welcome visitor to us, situated as we are, so far from any of like precious faith. My heart is often carried back to the little band with whom we have met and enjoyed precious seasons on account of the presence of the Lord. My feelings are most tender towards them, because with them I received the truth, and they have prayed for me and watched over me, and it is through their prayers, in union with mine, and the goodness of God, that I have been brought thus far on my journey. To them I would say, If we should never meet again upon the shores of time, may the Lord help us to be so faithful that we may meet with the saints of all ages in the kingdom of heaven, where all tears will be wiped away, and sighing, and sorrow, and parting, with friends, will be felt and feared no more. It cheers my heart to hear that the message is rising, and God's messengers are going free. May the Lord strengthen and prepare them for the conflicts just before them. We feel like pilgrims in a strange land, but the Lord meets with us around the family altar, and manifests himself unto us as he does not unto the world. We hope ever to be found in the way of duty, bearing the cross, despising the shame, and enduring temptations. Pray for us. Yours in hope of heaven.
CHARLOTTE H. CHAFFEE. Welshfield, O., Oct. 6th, 1858. A Better State of Feeling
Bro. Smith: I would say, by way of encouragement, that there is a better state of feeling with the brethren here in the East, and the general impression is that the Lord is about to work for the salvation of his people. We had a powerful meeting last Sabbath. We have not had such a time of the outpouring of the Spirit for many months. We feel very thankful to the Lord for every token or sign of his moving hand among us here, as we have sometimes almost felt that we were forsaken of him. But there is a sound of abundance of rain; and we wait for its fall upon us, hoping that each of us may have our cups right side up to receive the refreshing. Somerville, Mass., Oct 8th, 1858.