DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish briefly to notice a few points contained in a letter written by an Advent preacher, who professes to be looking for the coming of Christ this year, that others may see what those resort to who have not a thus saith the Lord, to substantiate their unscriptural assertions.
The first point, that I would notice is this: He states that he believes in keeping all the commandments of God, and then says, that the ten commandments are not binding. Consequently they are not the commandments of God, under the gospel dispensation, and John has no reference to them whatever in the text I have quoted. Viz: 1 John ii, 3, 4; v, 2, 3.
2. He says, Christ is our law-giver in this dispensation, and 3d, he makes the assertion, that the Lord's day [Rev. i, 10,] was the day the Lord arose from the dead, and was not the Sabbath.
In reply, I asked him the following questions: 1. What the commandments of God which he believed in keeping in this dispensation, were. 2. When, and where, Christ gave his law, how many precepts has it, and what are they. 3. If Christ is our Law-giver, who is our advocate. And 4. I asked him to prove to me from the word of God, that the Lord's day [Rev. i, 10,] meant the day that he arose from the dead.
I will give his answer to question 3d, as it is the only one he has attempted to answer. He answers, by asking me, if I believe we are to obey the precepts of Jesus Christ; for instance, Christ says, "I say unto you, love your enemies;" he says, if this precept is binding, Christ not only may be, but is, both our law-giver and our advocate; and again, he says, there is no difficulty here after all, notice one fact, there is no proof in the Bible, that Christ intercedes for any but the saints. O how blind are such teachers. I would to God that they would heed the counsel of the faithful, and True Witness, and buy the gold tried in fire, that they may be rich, and white raiment that they may be clothed, and anoint their eyes, with eye-salve that they may see. It does appear, that any one must be in want of Bible arguments to sustain a theory, that will take such a position; or if it be true, I fail to see how the sinner can be saved, as he has no goodness of his own to plead of, he must receive the penalty of his law. But I choose to hear what the word of God says on this point.
Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. vii, 25. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John ii, 1. But allow me here to say, as my questions were not answered the first time, I repeated them, telling him if they were in the Bible, he could answer them, &c. but this he refused to do, telling me he was fully satisfied it would do me no good for him to answer, until I was free from the mesmeric influence, under which he was fully satisfied I was now held. Such an excuse will do for those who have not the Bible on their side to prove their unscriptural assertions.
But in these times, when satan is permitted to work with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved; for which cause strong delusion is sent upon them, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned, who believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness.
I feel like heeding the admonition of the word of God, to try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. And I am thankful, that we have a detector, a statute-book, by which we may try all the fables of the last days. And we have the assurance, that if they preach another gospel, aside from that word, or speak not according to it, it is because there is no light in them. And it is by this word that I wish to try the above. 1 Pet. iii, 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Now as we know that some have turned aside unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm, [1 Tim. i, 6, 7,] let us beware lest we also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from our own steadfastness. If the hope that is within us, is founded upon the word of God, we can give a reason of the same; but if it is not, and is only built on the traditions, and opinions of men, the sooner we abandon it the better; for the time is coming, that every thing that can be shaken, will be. Every man's work will be tried of what sort it is. Nothing short of the word of God will stand. If our feet are not firmly planted, upon this word, we shall fall, a prey to the enemy. Then how important that we examine carefully, the reason of the hope that is within us, to see if we can sustain it by the word of God.
In regard to the New-Time theory, he says, it is going with more power in some regions than the '44 cry. It is stirring the virgins, affecting the world, God is in it, and with it, the Holy Ghost is in it, Jesus Christ is in it, all of God's good children who are not in it will come into it; and to use his own words he says, there is salvation in it, and damnation out of it, and he says, if I ever sing the victor's song, I shall have to believe from the heart, that Jesus is coming in 1854. But if our salvation depends upon this, I see not why we are not as safe as they, for if Christ should not come this year according to their own theory, they are without hope. I choose rather to believe the words of Jesus. He says, blessed are they that do his [the Father's] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Rev. xxii, 14.
While I look back upon the time since 1844, and see the many positions those have taken, who have denied the ending of the days at that time, and have repeatedly been setting times for the Lord to come. I feel to rejoice that God has a people on the earth, that are willing to follow down the track of prophecy, and are striving to hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end, and have patience that after they have done the will of God, they might receive the promise. And as they have obeyed the first, and second angel's messages, they are now heeding the warning voice of the third, which 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, which is poured out without mixture, &c. Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. In this time when error is fast increasing, and darkness is covering the world, and gross darkness the people, I feel to praise the Lord for the third angel's message, which makes the past so clear, and shows us where we are in this world's history; while those that reject it, are left in darkness, not knowing at what they stumble.
God will have a remnant on the earth, when he shall appear, that are following him wholly, as did Joshua and Caleb; and although some may turn back, and bring up an evil report of the land, I am resolved to go on, for I believe it is a goodly land, and we are well able in the strength of the Lord to go up and possess it. But we must see to it that we are shielded with the word of God; for the enemy is on the alert, and if possible will hinder our prayers, and draw us away from God. But praise his name, truth is mighty and will prevail, and as the way is narrowing, and the conflict is more sure, let us take a firmer, bolder, and more decided stand, for God and his truth, and our Lord will fight for us.
"The battle is coming between the two kingdoms,
The armies are gathering round;
The pure testimony and vile persecution
Will come to close battle ere long;
Then gird on your armor ye saints of the Lord,
And he will direct you by his living word;
The pure testimony will cut like a sword."
LOIS J. RICHMOND.
Ashfield, Mass., March 16th, 1854.
OBITUARY.
By Rhoda Abbey
Our little son has fallen asleep in Jesus. The Lord lent him unto us one year and one day. He died on the third day of March, just before the Sabbath, in time to lay him away, and rest upon the Holy Sabbath according to the commandment. His funeral was attended yesterday. Bro. Holt spoke from 1 Thess. iv, 18.
When I awoke this morning, and thought that my sweet babe had slept in the cold grave for the first night, I could not well refrain from weeping. Though the tears run ever so freely, yet in my heart I can say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord."
RHODA ABBEY.
Brookfield, N. Y., March, 1854.
Lines on the above.
By A. R. S.
MANY a tear was shed, beholding
Its young form in dreamless sleep;
Brief the hours its charms unfolding,
Ere it left them here to weep.
Tender bud, so early blighted
By Death's rude, relentless hand,
In a fairer clime, united,
Soon thy beauties will expand.
Though no more thy smile is cheering
In the home, without thee drear,
Nor thy lisping tones, endearing,
Still delight the listening ear,
Yet, to God the gift resigning,
Parents, trust his promised grace;
Through afflictions, thee refining,
Till his image he can trace.
Weep not for the treasure longer,
Taken from life's care and woe,
Ere its infant steps could wander,
Or its heart could sorrow know.
Sleep! sweet babe, till Jesus calls thee
From thy lowly resting-place!
Kindred, then, where nought befalls thee,
Clasp thee in their fond embrace! A. R. S.
BETSEY E. PLACE
By Betsey E. Place
From Sister Place.
DEAR BROTHER:—I prize the Review and feel interested in all it contains, especially your articles in regard to the Gospel Order of the church. I feel that it is bread indeed to my soul; O! how much we need Gospel Order among us. My prayer is that it may soon be established among us, here in Oswego. And, also, I feel truly interested in its contents in regard to holiness of heart and life. To my mind it describes the religion of Christ and his apostles. It is what I call Bible religion, and have for twelve years past. Before I made a public profession of religion I have had professors of religion talking with me on the subject, call me sister, and I would say to them, I am not a christian. They believed I was, only I ought to connect myself with a church. Never, said I, will I make a profession of religion until I know beyond a doubt that I have got it. Said I, the church and world is already full enough of such professions. In 1841 I prayed earnestly to the Lord for an evidence of my acceptance with him, if I was indeed a child of his, and it was granted in a way that I have never doubted. No, the darkest hours that I have seen since then, I have felt if I went astray and was finally lost I could say I knew that all my sins had been forgiven.
I feel strong in the truth of the third angel's message. I feel to rejoice from day to day, yet it is with trembling, remembering the admonition to him that thinketh he standeth, to take heed lest he fall.
Dear brethren and sisters, those of us that profess to believe we are hearing the last message of mercy, O, let us square our lives by the plain word of the Lord. Dont let us suppose that we can, somehow, gain admittance at last into the City and have right to the tree of life if we are indulging self, and are living habitually in known sin. The prayer of my heart is that the Lord will enable me to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. O! for a pure heart and clean hands continually. May the Lord help us to search to know his will and make duty plain, and help us to do his will, regardless of what man shall say or do unto us; for who shall harm us if we be followers of that which is good.
BETSEY E. PLACE
Oswego, Mar. 19th, 1854.
Bartlett’s Testimony of the Truth
By Morinda G. Bartlett
From Sister Bartlett.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am enjoying much of the light and the truth of the third angel's message. I have the greatest reason to be grateful to God, and to you, my dear brethren, that I ever was blest with the privilege of reading the Review. I thank my heavenly Father that there are servants who are giving meat to those who are hungry and thirsty, and to those who have fed on husks long enough. Blessed are those servants whom when their Lord cometh shall be found so doing. I have not had many privileges only through the little paper which is a welcome visitor to me. There are none in this place who are in the present truth, but my trust is in God. His truth has separated me from the doctrines and precepts of men, he has established my goings and I feel that I am founded on the rock, Christ Jesus, and he is able to bring others out of darkness. I hope to be remembered in your prayers, dear brethren and sisters, that I may be found without spot, unblamable when Christ comes.
Yours in love of the truth.
MORINDA G. BARTLETT.
West Hartford, Vt., Mar. 20th, 1854.
SPIRITUALISM.
"They are the spirits of devils working miracles." Rev. xvi, 14.
"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit," &c. Chap. xviii, 2.
"Whose [Christ's] coming is after [immediately following] the working of satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess. ii, 9.
"And shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt. xxiv, 24.
SPIRITUALISM IN PERSIA.—The N. Y. Tribune of March 22d publishes a letter from a Vienna correspondent, who says that the rappings and various other spirit manifestations have appeared, not only in the Austrian capital, but as far east as Persia. We quote an extract from the letter in point:
The Tischklopfen (table-rappings) have also found their way to the imperial city, although they do not operate upon the slow and deliberative Germans in the same manner as they affect the more excitable Americans. On the whole, there is something in the Geisterklopfen (Spirit-rappings) which exactly suits the transcendentalism of the Germans. A few days since I had a long sitting with Bibesco, the oracle of those things in Vienna. I hear of no other results, good or bad, from the same than that a few fortunate lottery tickets have been bought after consulting the Spirits, and that certain ladies more than a thousand weeks old (the German of sweet seventeen) have consulted them upon questions concerning their future. A friend, who has a monomania for Oriental affairs, read to me, a few nights since, from a Persian newspaper, that the Spirits are also doing their work at Teheran, the capital of that empire.
SKEPTICISM CAVED IN.—Somewhat over a year ago, the Hon. Francis Cogswell, a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, formally presented a proposition before that body, "That the Education Committee consider what legislation, if any, was necessary to protect the ignorant and credulous from the delusive acts of 'Spirit-rappers,' so called, whose blasphemous assumptions are fearfully engrossing the minds of a large portion of the community, producing insanity, robbing men of their property," etc. The order also proposed to make it a "penal offense for the owner or lessee of any building" in that commonwealth, "to let the same or any part thereof, for the purpose of holding the blasphemous meetings of the Spirit-rappers." After Mr. C. had strenuously urged the adoption of this order, Rev. John Prince, another member, and who was a believer in Spiritualism, proposed as an amendment that the parties most implicated, viz., the Spirits themselves, should be cited to appear in their own defense. The bill was unanimously rejected. A short time ago, to the astonishment of every one, who should appear before the Boston Spiritual Conference but this same Mr. Cogswell! He there stated that the moment that he presented the above order before the Legislature, he concluded to investigate the subject to which it related, and that that investigation had resulted in an entire conviction of the reality of spiritual intercourse. We thank our friend C. H. White for communicating to us the foregoing particulars.
LOUIS NAPOLEON AND THE SPIRITS.—A Paris correspondent of the N. Y. Journal of Commerce states that notwithstanding the prohibitions of the Catholic priesthood, the Emperor and Empress of France have had several interviews with the Spirits through a Parisian medium, and that they seemed delighted with the affair. At one interview a Spirit took occasion to administer some severe reproof to the emperor for some of his past public acts, and to denounce terrible calamities upon him if he did not carry himself pretty straight for the future. It is said that the empress considered the nature of the communication as a confirmation of its spiritual origin, very reasonably supposing that if the medium had any control over it, care would have been taken to exclude from it all such impressions as might possible give offense.
SPIRITUALISM AT WASHINGTON.—The Editor of the Telegraph is now at the national capital, whither he went on the 22d of March, as the bearer of the Spiritualists' Memorial to Congress, and to deliver two lectures on Spiritualism. When the Memorial will be presented, and by whom, is not yet determined—nor whether it will be first presented to the Senate, or the House of Representatives. There are numerous believers and able advocates of Spiritualism in both bodies.
A distinguished friend who resides in Portland, Me., states that "there is good deal of grubbing and grading going on in that place preparatory to the laying of the spiritual track, and which the opposers of the new Revelation can not put a stop to, inasmuch as a world-wide charter has been attained, and the stock all paid in."—Spiritual Telegraph.
FOREIGN NEWS.
The steamship Africa, which left Liverpool on Saturday morning, at nine o'clock, March 11, arrived at New York at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning.
THE EASTERN WAR—A BATTLE IN THE DARK.
On the 17th of February a conflict took place by mistake between two columns of the Russian army. The Turkish positions are extended in an easterly direction as far as the village of Cuiperceni, which is about a mile distant from Kalafat. For several days a Turkish corps 4,000 strong, under the command of Col. Mirolai, had been posted in front of this village and in the direction of the Russian outposts. On this corps the Russians determined to make an onslaught during the night of the 16th. For this purpose two Russian columns were brought up, each from 4,000 to 5,000 strong, one by the road which leads to Kalafat from about the village of Seriberzi, and the other from the left side of it from about Poisna, (Prince Miloseh's property,) to advance unexpectedly upon the Turks, to surprise, inclose them, and cut them to pieces. The Russian columns commenced their march at 3 o'clock, in the morning, and by 4 o'clock reached a position from whence they were only half an hour's march from the Turkish pickets. The second column seems either to have missed the direction by mistaking the road, or to have come up long after its time. Be this as it may, the latter column, in the obscurity of a foggy night, concluded the former one to be a body of hostile Turks, and instantly opened upon them a terrific cannonade, which the others, who labored under the same mistake, returned with yet more deadly effect. Pressing toward each other, it came ere long to a close fire of small arms. This ill-omened combat lasted for an hour and a half, until, when day dawned, the combatants saw with horror the error they had committed. The loss in killed and wounded in the course of this night's encounter is reckoned, by the Russians themselves at several hundreds. The Turks were naturally alarmed at every point; and at Widdin, which is but a league and a half distant, Omer Pasha, on hearing the cannonade, took all the requisite measures for defense. The Turkish corps stationed at Cuiperceni stood to arms in readiness for action at any moment, but did not advance as it was at a loss to imagine or comprehend what the Russians were about; murdering one another in that style. It was not till between 7 and 8 A. M. that the Russian columns withdrew to their respective positions, carrying their wounded along with them.
By the arrival of the Franklin, Thursday, March 30th, and the Canada at Halifax, last evening, we are put in possession of advices from Europe to the 18th inst., a week later than previously received. The first division of the British fleet, intended to operate in the Baltic, sailed from Portsmouth under Sir Charles Napier on the 11th inst. The Queen visited the squadron in her yacht, and escorted the ships to sea. The remaining division was to sail in a few days, under Admiral Chads. The whole fleet, when united in the Baltic, will consist of 44 vessels, with 2,200 guns, 22,000 men, and 16,000 aggregate horse power of steam force. From the seat of war on the Danube, there is no news of importance, beyond the partial retirement of the Russians from Kalafat. The auxiliary French and English armies will not reach Turkey and be ready to act much before April. The Greek insurrection is suppressed. The Czar has published in the official journal at St. Petersburg a reply to the recent invectives of Lord John Russell in the House of Commons. He accuses the British Ministry of having known and partially approved beforehand all the plans whose execution they now hold up as such a crime. The Ministers repel the charge, and promise to refute it by documents. Austria adheres to her declaration of neutrality, but while she approves the course of the Western Powers, states that her future course will be decided by regard for her own interests.
Western Tour.
By Editor
WE probably shall not be able to leave on our Western Tour before the first of May. If the brethren in the vicinity of Milan, Ohio, wish us to meet them in conference, the 5th, 6th and 7th of May, they will give us seasonable notice. We shall probably spend but one Sabbath in Ohio, then pass on to Michigan. Our appointments for several weeks will soon be arranged and given in the REVIEW.
We would invite that portion of our brethren who are fully with us in the present truth, who have done but little, or nothing, to pay the expenses of publishing the REVIEW, to look at the receipts in this number. Brethren, we want your help now. See our terms. "We make no charge," not because we are able to give the REVIEW; but that it may have a free circulation to all who wish to read it.
When we stated the sum of $1,50 per year, we did expect that every lover of those precious truths which the REVIEW advocates, would at once send us this small sum, if possible.
Several churches have raised the sum to pay for all the copies of the REVIEW taken in their vicinity. This plan we would recommend to all. Will the traveling brethren see that agents are appointed, who shall attend to this matter. A little care and christian benevolence on the part of the professed friends of truth, would save us much embarrassment and perplexing care.
We have ordered $500 worth of paper, for which we shall have to pay before we leave for the West. We are publishing a series of Tracts, standard works, which will cost about $2000. In order to go forward with the work, and to meet all our other expenses, we should receive about $1000, on the REVIEW during the present month. We hope that our friends will attend to this matter immediately. ED.
Publications.
By Editor
THE Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days—76 pages—price 7 cents—postage 1 cent.
Review of O. R. L. Crozier on the Sabbath—48 pages—price 5 cents—postage 1 cent.
A Refutation of the Claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, a lengthy extract from the History of the Sabbath—40 pages—price 4 cents—postage 1 cent.
Signs of the Times—124 pages—price 8 cents.
Our collection of Advent and Sabbath Hymns—144 pages—price 30 cents—postage 5 cents.
Time and Prophecy—a Poem—120 pages, well bound—price 25 cents—postage 5 cents.
A Word for the Sabbath—a Poem—price 6 cents.
The First Day of the Week Not the Sabbath—32 pages—price 3 cents—postage 1 cent.
Volume I, II and III of the REVIEW, bound in paper covers—price 40 cents for Vol. I and II, and 80 cents for Vol. III.
Youth's Instructor, Vol. I, in paper covers—price 25 cents.
THE CHART—A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John and their Chronology—price $2.
Tracts of 16 pages each can be sent by mail for one half cent an ounce, in packages not less than 8 ounces. We will send 50 and pay the postage, to one address for 50 cents.
Letters.
By Editor
R. Hicks, J. A. Loughhead, S. Smith, J. W. West, A. A. Dodge, E. Wood, E. L. M. Cary, R. F. Cottrell, H. Smiley, J. H. Waggoner, W. J. Lusk.
Receipts.
J. Wilcox, J. Hebner, W. Bryant, C. Robinson, R. Preston, C. Woolverton, each $1. B. Madill, R. Clark, H. C. Crumb, each $2. W. W. Rew, J. A. Miles, H. Everts, each $1.50, S. Smiley, E. Rew, P. Gove, each $0.75. S. Gove, $0.90. A. Chapman, $0.68—$84.90 behind on REVIEW.
Terms
By Editor
TERMS—We make no charges. Those who wish to pay only the cost of one copy of the REVIEW, (as some choose to do,) may pay $1.50 a year. Canada subscribers, $1.75, when the postage is pre-paid.
That we may be able to send the REVIEW to the worthy poor, and to many who have not yet embraced the views it advocates, it will be necessary for all the friends of the cause (who are able) to pay the cost of their own paper, and for many of our readers to pay for one or more others.
☞ All communications, orders, and remittances should be addressed to JAMES WHITE, Ed. of REVIEW, Rochester, N. Y. (post-paid.)
Returned Paper for A. Hall
By Editor
A returned paper has on it written, "A. Hall;" but as the P. O. address is not written on it, nor on the wrapper, we know not where to look for the name in our books.
NEW TRACTS.
By Editor
THE TWO-HORNED BEAST.—This is the subject of a Tract of 52 pages, written by Bro. J. N. Loughborough. It is an excellent work for circulation. Price $3.00 per 100.
THE SANCTUARY.—A Tract of 32 pages, written by Bro. Uriah Smith. This is an important little work at this time, as it is necessary that the true Bible position of the Sanctuary and 2300 days should be understood, to prepare the mind to resist the New-Time heresy. Brethren, let the tract be circulated. Price $2.00 per 100.