Earlier text: An ExhortationConfession of Faults.
By Editor
SAYS the Apostle, "Confess your faults one to another." James v, 16. Errors and faults among professed Christians are generally the result of pride; therefore the best way to remove the cause is to enter heartily upon the pride-destroying work of confession. This is the gospel plan. But those who are overtaken in faults and errors, that wound the precious cause, and grieve the Holy Spirit, should feel deeply. It is no small thing for a professed friend of truth to dishonor the cause of Christ, and wound the feelings of hundreds of devoted souls, to whom the cause is dearer than their own life. It is no small thing thus to incur the frown of God, and grieve our only Intercessor. And O, may Heaven grant that the careless soul may realize what it is to grieve away the Holy Spirit. God is more willing to give his Spirit to his humble followers than parents are to bestow gifts upon their children. But it is a tender Spirit. It will not dwell with pride, and self-righteousness; nor with those who disregard its reproofs and teachings. No one would dare to insult God, or his Son Jesus, were they brought to stand before them; but the Holy Spirit is often slighted, insulted, and its teachings rejected by professed followers of truth. Poor little proud self rushes on carelessly, and disregards and resists the Holy Ghost! What madness! What a sin in the sight of God. Take care, careless soul, how you treat the Holy Ghost. "Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him." Matt. xii, 32. Confessions should be deep-felt and thorough.—They should cover the whole ground of the offence. Then the church can feel to forgive from the heart. But those who have repeatedly erred, should not expect the church at once to put perfect confidence in their judgment, even if the confession seemed to be thorough. A little time will prove whether the work is genuine. If it is, it will be seen by the meekness, and godly walk of the one who has confessed his faults. One good mark is a willingness to live a life of confession and repentance. Such a mark is sure to endear the person to the church, and restore them fully to the confidence of their brethren. Such ones will always be as much (if not more) beloved than if they had never been overtaken in fault. A very bad mark in some who pretend to confess, is a disposition to confess very sparingly, and if their faults are of necessity referred to, they become irritated. "Why, I confessed that," says the poor soul, "why do you bring it up again?" Pride is not subdued in such.—The work is too superficial. For the sake of the cause of truth, and for their own soul's sake, we rejoice to see the erring confess. There are some cases where it seems necessary that the confession should be quite public; but it is unpleasant to give place to confessions in the limited columns of the REVIEW. It is indeed a pity that the friends of Christ cannot, or, rather, do not, so live that such unpleasant matters may be avoided. It is in our hearts to help those who feel that they need help, and to forgive any mortal who may in any way have injured us. We speak these things only because they are true, and vastly important. Statements of Elder J. V. Himes.
By Editor
IN THE REVIEW of Nov. 8th, we published a letter from Bro. J. H. Waggoner, in which he speaks of conversation with Eld. Himes at Detroit, Mich., a few days previous, at which time Eld. Himes told him that "believers in the third angel's message did not keep the Sabbath according to their profession." "That on conference occasions," "especially in Vermont," they traveled from twenty to forty miles on the Sabbath to attend meetings; and when not absent from home, they cut their wood, &c., on that day, and generally made it a day of visiting, after the manner in which many nominal Sunday-keepers observe that day." We addressed a note to Bro. Waggoner on the subject in that number of the REVIEW, with the intention of answering his letter more fully. We have waited to hear from brethren in the East relative to these things reported by Eld. Himes. We now give the following from Bro. E. P. Butler, of Waterbury, Vt. DEAR BRO. WHITE:—In consequence of the reports made by Elder J. V. Himes to Bro. Waggoner, and Bro. Everts, which reports say, as published in the Review of Nov. 8th, that believers in the third angel's message did not keep the Sabbath according to their profession; that in Vermont they travel from twenty to forty miles on Conference occasions on the Sabbath; that when at home they cut their wood on that day, and generally make it a day of visiting; I would say, (as you have called upon the brethren in Vermont to speak out plainly, and give information on this subject,) that my place of residence is near the center of the State of Vermont, and as the State is but about one hundred miles in width, I have occasionally visited most of the brethren through the entire width of the State, and am acquainted with the brethren generally fifty miles to the north and fifty miles to the south of where I reside. And I think that one hundred miles square through the center of the State will embrace most of the believers in181the third angel's message. Situated as I am, I know not but my opportunities for learning the truth relative to these charges are as good as any brother's in the State.
Your remarks relative to the brethren's meeting together the day previous to the commencement of the Sabbath on conference occasions, is correct. This has been the case as far as I have any knowledge where conferences have been appointed, and the brethren came from any considerable distance. We have been more or less in the habit of going from town to town on the Sabbath; as these towns are six miles square we frequently travel from five to ten miles to meet our brethren. I think if Elder Himes had been in the habit of riding after a team of his own, as we are accustomed to, he would not have made the statement that we rode from twenty to forty miles to attend meetings on the Sabbath. The brethren of Vermont do feel that there is great importance attached to keeping the seventh day holy. We would therefore cheerfully invite Elder Himes, and all who see us in danger of transgressing the fourth commandment, to admonish us. As to the charge of chopping wood when at home on the Sabbath, I have not heard, to my recollection, of a case of the kind among all the Sabbath-keepers who are in fellowship with the body. One case where an individual is said to have cut wood and cleaned clocks on the Sabbath, the person has not certainly for a year professed to be with us. If any thing can be said to clear Elder Himes from falsehood in making the declaration that believers in the third angel's message generally made the Sabbath a day of visiting, I would gladly do it. I would say that some apology might be made if possible, that Sabbath-keepers often get together on that day to worship God where there is but few of them; but have never heard of any Sabbath-keepers visiting their neighbors generally, much less that the body of Sabbath-keepers are in the habit of visiting. As to the assertion that Bro. S. W. Rhodes has been, and is now deep in spiritual wifery, I never heard of anything of the kind until Bro. Everts informed me that Elder Himes charged him with it. Of the many reports and accusations put in circulation in Vermont, against believers in the third angel's message, Bro. Rhodes has had to bear his share, as he has occasionally been in the State. We have often heard of his being harsh, severe and uncharitable, and sometimes abusive to his opponents; but must confess that the charge filed in against Bro. Rhodes, by Elder Himes is unlike what we have taken to be his character. We would in all good feeling call upon Elder Himes for his evidence of the truth of these charges. We wish him to call the names of individuals. If the charges will stand against the body, they may be sustained against individuals. We hope no degree of delicacy will prevent plainness on this subject, that we may find where these Sabbath-breakers are, and where those are who hold to "spiritual wifery." Certain it is that these charges preferred against us will do us no good unless they enable us to find the transgressors. We hope if these sins have not passed under his immediate view, but if he has relied upon his friends in Vermont for information, he will not for this excuse himself, but will mention the names of his informants, that we may inquire of them; for we who believe in the third angel's message, here, even in Vermont, do desire to search out all our sins that we may get rid of them. We want the truth that we may be sanctified through the truth. "Thy word is truth." Nothing else will satisfy us but light from the word of God. We do verily believe that when the third angel ceases sounding, mercy to hypocrites and sinners is gone forever. Waterbury, Vt., Dec. 1st, 1853. "REMEMBER THE SABBATH-DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY." THOSE who teach that there is no Sabbath for the gospel dispensation, are requested to give us one plain text from the New Testament that teaches that the seventh-day Sabbath has been abolished. When any one will do this, we will notice it in the REVIEW. THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
"THE SEVENTH DAY IS THE SABBATH OF THE LORD THY GOD." ANOTHER REQUEST!
By Editor
Those who teach that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, are requested to give us one text from the New Testament that teaches such a change; or the example of Christ and the Apostles, recorded in the New Testament, favoring such a change. When any one will point out such a text and such example, it shall be given in the REVIEW. When the shadow of this world is deep, and the heart is sad through unspoken grief, it is a solace to know that Jesus is near. When wasting care makes life a burden, and heavy thoughts oppress the spirit, how priceless is the truth that we shall soon be changed, and caught up to be for ever with the Lord. When we are hopelessly separated from those we love, and the chill of worldly friendship surrounds us, how inspiring is the expectation of the return of Him whom our soul loveth. When the sleep of death enchains the lovely and the cherished, and the tomb answereth not the wail of the mourner, how sweet is the voice from heaven, "Behold I am the resurrection and the life, and I come quickly." Yes, the precious promise of the immediate coming of Jesus is the true and only solace of these degenerate times, and the balm for every wound. It is the hidden spring of peace within many a weary breast, and supports the trembling feet of those who are ready to perish through oppression and woe. There is no path so dreary, no cup so bitter, and no cell so dark with despair, but that this glory can illuminate and sweeten with a joy unspeakable. Who then among the weary children of earth will not hail such a hope? Who will not exult in such a prospect, and lift up the head and rejoice, because redemption draweth nigh? —Mid. Cry, 1844. Distinction between the Sabbath of the Lord and the sabbaths of the Jews.
By William Miller
[THE following remarks are from the pen of Wm. Miller. Bro. M. was an advocate of the change of the Sabbath, though he took this for granted, without attempting to show any divine precept in its favor. But his views respecting the perpetuity of the Lord's Sabbath and its distinction from the sabbaths of the Jews are none the less truthful for that.] "I say, and I believe I am supported by the Bible, that the moral law was never given to the Jews as a people exclusively, but they were for a season the keepers of it in charge. And through them the law, oracles and testimony, have been handed down to us: see Paul's clear reasoning in Rom. ii, iii, iv, on that point. Then, says the objector, we are under the same obligation to keep the sabbaths of weeks, months and years, that the Jews were. No, sir; you will observe that these were not included in the decalogue; they were attachments, added by reason of transgression, until the seed should come, to whom the promise of one eternal day, or Sabbath of rest, was made. "Therefore there remaineth a keeping of a Sabbath to the people of God." Only one kind of Sabbath was given to Adam, and one only remains for us. See Hosea ii, 11. "I will cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new-moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts." All the Jewish sabbaths did cease, when Christ nailed them to his cross. Col. ii, 14-17. "Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new-moon, or of the sabbath days; which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." These were properly called Jewish sabbaths. Hosea says, "her sabbaths." But the Sabbath of which we are speaking, God calls "my Sabbath." Here is a clear distinction between the creation Sabbath and the ceremonial. The one is perpetual; the others were merely shadows of good things to come, and are limited in Christ."—Miller's Life and Views, pages 161, 162. "Neither on the Sabbath-day." Because it was to be kept as a day of rest, and no servile work was to be done on that day, nor would it be right for them to travel on that day. Christ has in this place sanctioned the Sabbath, and clearly shows us our duty, to let no trivial circumstance cause us to break the law of the Sabbath. Yet how many, who profess to believe in Christ, at this present day, make it a point to visit, travel, and feast on this day! What a false hearted profession must that person make who can thus treat with contempt the moral law of God, and despise the precepts of the Lord Jesus! We may here learn our obligation to remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." Exposition of Matt. xxiv, p. 18. Sec. Ad. Library, Vol. I. THE ADVENT, THE NEXT PROPHETIC EVENT
By S. Bliss
1. From the fulfillment of the prophecies.
"THEY are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. x, 11, 12. 1. History informs us that Babylon, Media-Persia, Grecia and Rome, the four universal empires, symbolized by the gold, silver, brass and iron, of Nebuchadnezzar's image, [Dan. ii,] have successively arisen as predicted; so that we are now at the very toes of the image, which symbolize the divided state182of the Roman empire, in the days of which, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom, symbolized by the stone smiting the image on its feet, and dashing it to pieces, and which will destroy all those kingdoms and stand forever. 2. History not only shows a fulfillment of the predictions of these great kingdoms, which are also symbolized in the 7th of Daniel by four beasts,—a lion, bear, leopard, and nondescript beast, but also the fulfillment of the more minute predictions in that chapter respecting them; the division of the Grecian empire into four kingdoms, and the division of the Roman into ten, with the coming up of the Papal horn among the ten, which subdued three of them, and has continued its time: so that we only wait for the judgment to sit, when these kingdoms will be given to the burning flame, and the saints of the Most High will take the kingdom, to possess the kingdom forever and ever. 3. History shows the fulfillment of the same events predicted in the 8th of Daniel; so that we are only waiting for the exceeding great horn to be broken without hand. 4. History shows a fulfillment of all the events to precede the judgment predicted in the 11th and 12th of Daniel; so that we only look for the standing up of Michael, the time of trouble, the resurrection of the dead, and the glory which is to follow. 5. History shows the fulfillment of all the events predicted in the 24th of Matt. to precede the sign of the Son of man in heaven; so that we only wait for Christ to come, as the lightning shining from the east even unto the west. 6. History shows the fulfillment of the events predicted by St. Paul, in 2 Thess. ii, to transpire before that day—the falling away, and the revelation of that wicked one; so that we only wait for the Man of sin to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming. 7. We find, by the historical fulfillment of the events predicted in Rev. i, ii and iii, that we are living in the Laodicean state of the church, which is to be spewed out of the mouth. 8. We find by the historical fulfillment of the events predicted in Rev. viii, v, and vi, that we are living under the sixth seal, at the close of which, the wicked will call upon the rocks and mountains to fall upon them, to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. 9. We learn by the historical fulfillment of the events predicted in Rev. viii, ix, x, and xi, that we are at the close of the sounding of the sixth trumpet, when the seventh is to sound quickly; and when it shall begin to sound, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. 10. We find by the historical fulfillment of the events predicted in Rev. xii, xiii, and xiv, that we only wait for the angels to reap the harvest of the earth, and to cast the wicked into the great wine-press of the wrath of God. 12. We learn by the fulfillment of all the discursive prophecies but those which have reference to the scenes of the last day and the glory to follow, that the Advent of Christ is the next expected event. II. THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES ADMONISH US THAT THE LORD IS AT THE VERY DOORS.
"But can ye not discern the signs of the times?" Matt. xvi, 3. 1. The gospel of the kingdom is now being preached in all the world; which was to be a witness to all nations that the end should then be. See Matt. xxiv, 14. 2. Many are running to and fro, and knowledge respecting the end is being increased, as was predicted it should be at the time of the end. Daniel xii, 4. 3. The increase of riches, and heaping up treasure together, which was to be done "for the last days." James v, 1-3. 4. The unwillingness to hear sound doctrine, and the substitution of fables. 2 Tim. iv, 1-4. 5. The multiplicity of scoffers, who walk after their own lusts, and say, Where is the promise of his coming? 2 Peter iii, 3, 4. 8. The multiplicity of false teachers who make merchandise of the gospel. 2 Pet. ii, 1-3. 9. The abundance of mockers who walk after their own ungodly lusts. Jude iv, 19. 11. The prevalence of wickedness, so that it is indeed as it was in Sodom and before the flood. Luke xvii, 26-29 12. The absence of faith that Christ will ever make his personal appearance. Luke xviii, 8. 13. The wonders seen by this generation in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire, and pillars of smoke. Joel ii, 30. 15. The falling of the stars, Nov. 13, 1833, as a fig tree casteth its untimely figs, when shaken of a mighty wind. Matt. xxiv, 29. Rev. vi, 13. Advent Tract, No. IV, PUBLISHED IN 1843. Influence of the Sabbath upon true Religion.
By Boston Traveler
1. Its ministrations are the most effectual of all agencies in setting and keeping before the minds of men, that grand, essential element of all piety, the character of the living and true God. 2. By separating a portion of time to sacred uses, it furnishes ample opportunity for that contemplation of Divine truth, and that public and private worship of God, which is so much needed by men, and which most effectually promotes the cause of true religion. 3. The holy Sabbath itself, as an institution of God, is a constantly recurring symbol of the divine authority, and by its regular return impresses a sense of that authority on the minds of men, and thus keeps in view the character and government of God. 4. Clear apprehension of the will and claims of God are indispensable to the nourishment of true piety in the soul. The Sabbath furnishes it by its services, which constantly press on men's attention the duties they owe to their Maker. 5. The Sabbath furnishes constant and abundant fuel for the fire of piety in the heart, by the great variety of religious instructions it provides, such as those from the pulpit, in the family circle, in the Sabbath School; and the opportunity it gives for the study of the holy Scriptures, and other religious works. 6. The Sabbath, by its sacred stillness and repose, shadows forth the eternal rest of heaven, and powerfully attracts the thoughts of men to that blessed world, and thus aids the soul in its preparation for it. 7. No fact is better established than that a faithful and conscientious observer of the Sabbath has always been accompanied by a flourishing state of piety, and the spirit of sincere and heartfelt devotion to God. 8. On the other hand, it is no less true, that with a declining regard for the Sabbath, there has always been a decline in the spirit and power of vital piety; the withered and decaying graces of Christianity showing that one of the grand agencies of their nourishment and strength has been taken away. A Sabbath-breaking community has always been characterised by mournful violations of other of the laws of God, and is most obviously a stranger to the spirit and power of true piety. 9. Multitudes of the most distinguished saints have recorded their experience of the well kept Sabbath's powerful influence in sustaining the life and the vigor of piety in their minds, affirming that laxness, or fidelity to Sabbath obligations, has depressed or raised the tone of religious emotion in the soul. 10. That the Sabbath powerfully sustains the cause of vital piety, appears from the fact that all who are enemies to such piety, are hostile to the Sabbath, and spare no pains to level in the dust that holy institution, because of its power to sustain and promote true religion; just as dear to us as are the interests of pure and undefiled religion in our world, so dear should be the holy Sabbath of the Lord. Vital godliness lives and flourishes with the honored Sabbath; languishes and dies with the disregarded day of the Lord.—Boston Traveler. "He that endureth to the end shall be saved." SEEING that there are many of our dear brethren and sisters who, in keeping the commandments of God, have to endure a great deal of opposition and persecution, I thought to say a few words to such, by way of encouragement. Brethren, we are confident that we are living in the time when the kingdom of God is about to appear, and we desire to inherit it; but do we expect to find the way in which we are to walk, in order to gain admittance into this kingdom, a smooth way, without any briers or thorns in it? If we do, we will find our mistake; for "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God;" [Acts xiv, 22;] and if we think we shall enter the kingdom without tribulation, we need not expect to be of that great number which John saw stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; for "these are they which came out of great tribulation," &c. Rev. vii, 14. Do we think that merely to believe that we ought to keep all the commandments will secure for us an inheritance in this kingdom? Let us see what our Lord says: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke ix, 23. What is it to follow Christ? When is one person said to be following in the footsteps of another? Is it not when he does the same works that the other did? Christ testifies that he kept his Father's commandments; [John xv, 10;] and if we would follow him, we also must keep the commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John v, 3. Again our Lord says, "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." John x, 38. And the apostle James says, "Though a man say he hath faith, and have not works, it doth not profit: faith cannot save him." Again faith without works is dead. James ii, 14, 17, 26. Thus we see that though we believe in keeping the Sabbath, yet we must keep it whether we are persecuted for so doing or not; otherwise our faith is dead and cannot save us. Do we expect to become heirs of the kingdom, by violating God's holy commandments, for the sake of keeping peace in our house? I tell you nay! "Think not that I am come to send peace on the earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me." "If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife, and children, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Matt. x, 34-37; Luke xiv, 26. We are taught that we must, (if need be,) forsake all, even our nearest friends, for the sake of following after Christ. Brethren, do we prize the inheritance of the saints so highly that we are prepared to make such a sacrifice as is here required of us? If we do not, let me tell you, we are not Christ's disciples. Do we suppose that to keep the commandments for a while, and then when persecution and oppression rage, to turn back, is going to secure this blessed inheritance for us? If we do, we will find our calculations to come very far short. Paul says, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries." "Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Heb. vi, 4-6; x, 26, 27, 38, 39. Peter says, "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them." 2 Pet. ii, 20, 21. May the Lord help us to persevere unto the end. Says Jesus, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." Rev. ii, 10. "Behold I come quickly, hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Rev. iii, 11. Brethren, if we turn from the "holy commandment," we are sure to lose our crown, and some one else will take it. Let us now see what we can find to encourage us to suffer patiently while on our pilgrimage in the enemy's land. There are very many promises that are precious to the true child of God. The Lord help us to lay hold of them with full assurance of faith.—Matt. v, 10-12. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Rom. viii, 18. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." 2 Cor. iv, 17. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Tim. ii, 12. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." 1 Pet. iv, 12, 13. "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." Matt. x, 22. "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved." 1 Pet. iii, 14. "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled." Luke xviii, 29, 30. "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come, life everlasting." By looking at these few promises contained in the Bible, we see that there are great inducements held out to encourage us. Our blessed Lord has gone to prepare a place for us, and he says, "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." John xiv, 3. O heart-cheering promise!—Jesus is coming for us. Yes, soon we expect to see183him coming in the clouds of heaven, with all his holy angels. Then the sleeping saints will burst the bars of death, and come forth in immortal youth. Then the living righteous will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, from mortal to immortality, and all shine forth as the stars of heaven. Then will we be free from all care and pain, suffering and anguish, oppression and persecution. Then will we have no more temptation. Then we will no more have to mingle in society with those who hate God, and despise his law. Then will our hearts no more be pained at seeing the holy Sabbath of the Lord desecrated; for "it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord." Isa. lxvi, 23. Then shall we meet all those who died in faith, not having received the promises. Then shall we meet all those millions that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And above all, then shall we see the lovely Jesus, him who was once a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, him who bore our sins upon Mount Calvary, who died to redeem us from the power of the grave. Then shall we walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, and eat the fruit of the tree of life.—Do we realize how soon all these joys are to be participated in by those that endure to the end? I fully believe that within a very short time the third angel’s message is to go with a loud cry, when the 144,000 will be sealed. Then will come the bitter persecution; then the plagues, The Lord help us to do his commandments, that we may be prepared to stand in the time of trouble, and finally to stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb.
J. B. BEZZO.
Franciscaville, Mich., Nov. 22d, 1853. “Light is sown for the Righteous.”
By L. V. Masten
No one will contend that the light here mentioned by the Psalmist, is that light which God created at the beginning to form a part of the day; for the wicked enjoy that light as well as the righteous.—But the light that is sown for the righteous is withheld from the wicked, because they are “the children of darkness,” and not the “children of light.” Hear Solomon’s testimony on this point: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.” Prov. iv, 18, 19. The light that is sown for the righteous is that which enables the true child of God to understand the sayings and teachings of our Blessed Master, and unfolds to us those prophecies which show that Christ is soon coming to receive, and bless his chosen ones with an everlasting salvation. Says the opposer, “No man knoweth the day nor the hour,” &c. We would invite such to come out of the darkness of the world, and receive the light of truth in their hearts, and then they will be able to understand the context as well as the text they are so ready to quote. Says the Apostle in 1 Thess. v, 4, 5, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. We are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. v, 14, 16. “But the path of the just is as the shining light.” How is it as a shining light? Ans.—because Christ declares, [John viii, 12,] “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Christ has marked out the path for his followers, his light shines upon that pathway; and so long as his humble followers walk therein, and keep their eyes fixed on Him from whom the light proceeds, so long will it point the way to life and immortality. But when their eyes are turned upon the darkness of the world, they turn aside from the way—darkness enshrouds them, and they stumble and fall. Brethren, let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, that our bodies may be full of light. Let us be careful to keep in the narrow way, that is to grow brighter and brighter, and finally lead us to the bright day of redemption. We soon shall pass Time’s last way-mark. Oh, may God help us to be so faithful, that when the Golden City heaves in view, we may enter its pearly gates—clap glad hands, and “shout our sufferings o’er.” Rochester, N. Y., Dec 7th, 1853. Statement of the Council.
ACCORDING to previous appointment a majority of the Council (which were called to sit on the trial on the part of the Church occasioned by Bro. W. Morse and Sr. F. M. Shimper traveling together as published in the Review of July 7th, 1853,) met together at Bro. W. Morse’s in Royalton, Vt., Nov. 25th, and heard the confession of Sr. F. M. Shimper which was full and satisfactory, and have conversed with Bro. Israel and Sr. Irena Camp who had previously made their confession in the Review, which the Council deemed satisfactory, and all that has ever been required of them. We therefore hope Bro. and Sr. Camp, and Sr. Shimper, will be restored to the confidence of their brethren as though the trial mentioned had not existed. E. P. BUTLER.
JOSIAH HART.
R. LOCKWOOD.
R. G. LOCKWOOD. Waterbury, Vt., Dec. 1st, 1853. COMMUNICATIONS.
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—On my way to Rochester, I held meetings at the following places in this State. At Brandon in the evenings of Nov. 9th and 10th.—It was truly a matter of comfort and satisfaction to learn what the Lord had done for the brethren there within a few months. In company with Bro. Sperry I visited this place last August, at which time there was not a Sabbath-keeper in the town. Now there are ten rejoicing in the holy Sabbath; and still conviction is fastening deep upon the minds of others. The brethren at B. have met with strong and continued opposition. The claims for Sunday-keeping have been presented and urged by ministers and their doctrine has seemed to be gladly embraced by many. But with this attempt to scatter error and darkness among commandment-keepers, and to lay the truth low, the enemy could not rest satisfied. Another position must be assumed. I found there a teacher who presents the claims for keeping holy the seventh day, believing it to be (as he says) the only sanctified time, and the only day to be observed as the Sabbath. With the position before his hearers, that the “seventh day is the Sabbath,” he next attempts to prove that the seventh day comes on the first day. (Sunday.) Though I had a personal interview with this man, yet I could not learn from him on what his evidences were based for preaching that Sunday is the seventh day. He said at some future time he would give me his views; but was not prepared then to do it. None can fail to see that if this position be tenable, that those who have been teaching the observance of the first day of the week to commemorate Christ’s resurrection, should be recalled to present the same evidences in favor of keeping Monday which is the true first day, if Sunday is the true seventh day. Truly error has many mouths, and proclaims a multitude of poisonous and conflicting sentiments, while truth speaks one and the same thing. Sabbath, Nov. 12th, I met with the brethren in Bangor. Our meeting was one of profit to us all.—On the evening of the 13th, I lectured to a large congregation at Fort Jackson. One sister has been keeping the Sabbath there for some months, and still feels strong in the truth. In the evenings of the 16th and 17th, I lectured at Norfolk. Sabbath and First-day, 19th and 20th, met with the dear brethren in conference at Potsdam. In this meeting, in answer to earnest and fervent prayer, both in the meeting and between the hours of worship, the deep searching, and melting Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us, and a glorious and triumphant victory was obtained by the dear saints.—One young brother, a member of the Methodist Church, and an honest seeker for the truth, there fully resolved to take the Bible as the rule of his action, and keep all the commandments of God. I felt a deep anxiety that this dear brother should embrace the whole truth, and I expect he will. O may God guide him safely on through all the trials and conflicts of life, and may we be permitted to meet again beneath the cloudless sky of a blessed eternity. Our Conference at Lorain on the 26th and 27th, resulted in much good to the dear brethren there. I have seldom enjoyed greater freedom in presenting the truth than I did on First-day. On the evening184of the 29th, I met with the brethren at Oswego. A few were present to hear, who listened with attention to the word spoken. On the evening of the 30th, I met with a few brethren and friends at Hannibal, and spoke to them on the commandments of God. I remain fully resolved to go to heaven by the way of the cross. O the reward that awaits the faithful servant, looks glorious to me. Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 4th, 1853.