Earlier text: Entire Consecration and Christ’s AdventA. N. SEYMOUR AND THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.
IT has become so common for our no-law, or anti-law opponents to place this message in the future age, that an effort by any of that class to locate it anywhere else is quite an out-of-the-way event. But such an event occurred in Burlington some time since. Mr. Seymour spoke on the subject according to an appointment. His method of proof was as brief as it was novel. He said that the second message located the first and third, and then affirmed that the second was proclaimed by Luther, and of course the others were also. The point on which he particularly dwelt was that the Roman Catholic church was Babylon, and that "Protestants have nothing to do with it whatever." He said he was favorably inclined to our view of the message once, but that word Babylon kept him from embracing it. When he came to that he stopped—he could go no farther. That this referred to the churches was a position too monstrous for him to endorse. This sounded exceedingly strange to those who had heard him preach and argue, in sermon after sermon, that the churches were Babylon. I was informed by those who had attended his meetings here, that he had in times past preached it much stronger and made it more prominent than we have. And the impression of such was that his convictions were the same that they were then, but it was the only point where he could raise a prejudice in the minds of the churches, and cast an influence against us. His pretended argument was a complete failure, as the following facts will show: He did not show, or attempt to show, that Luther preached "the hour of his judgment is come." He did not show what the image and mark were, or the relation they sustain to the beast in the message. He did not tell where the beast received a deadly wound, and refused to answer a question on that point. His closing remarks were against the Law and Sabbath, in the usual strain of such harangues. In reviewing his discourse I denied that the first and third messages were located by the second, and then showed that, 1. The first message is located by the word "another," showing its relation to certain events then past. 2. The third message is based on facts existing subsequent to the wounding and healing of the seven-headed and ten-horned beast. 3. "The hour of his judgment is come" could not be proclaimed till the termination of 2300 days of Dan. viii, 14. 4. The degenerate state of the churches since 1844 is so plain to be seen that our observation scarcely needs the confessions they have made to confirm it. He defied any man to show one passage of scripture that says the Protestant churches are Babylon! This is similar to his method of argument on other points. In turn I called for one passage that says the Catholic church is Babylon. There is no such passage. We arrive at the conclusion by a process of reasoning, and we reason from the same facts to show that the Protestant churches are "the legitimate daughters," as A. Campbell says, corrupting themselves with the nations of the earth, sustaining their unjust laws, and in return receiving charters from earthly governments. See the reason assigned for her fall in Rev. xiv, 8. In his second discourse he read a few pages of questions, relating to the Sabbath, about three dozen in number, which he said were unanswerable. A few of the first questions covered the whole ground, the others being transpositions of the same subject. The subject of these questions is fully set forth in a little tract published at the Review office, entitled, "Both Sides," containing a letter by E. Miller jr., and a reply by Bro. R. F. Cottrell. In reply to Mr. Seymour's statement that we dare not try to answer them, I stated that they had been answered, and the answers sent to the Expositor, where the questions were published, but the Editor refused to publish them, still sending forth the cry that no one dare reply to them. On being questioned in regard to this statement, I am told Mr. S. said that Mr. Marsh said they were not fully and scripturally answered, therefore he did not publish or notice the answers! Such is the boasted freedom of the Expositor. His readers must not be permitted to judge of the merits of the case. Could they hear "both sides" they might exercise "the right of private judgment," a privilege not countenanced by the Pope of Rome and Joseph Marsh. Mr. S. gave as his reason for not answering my question on Rev. xiii, 3, that I had published him as a "wolf in sheep's clothing," and he would not answer till I retracted it. This I could not do, as I had reasons for so publishing him. First, I think he answers to the description given of that class by our Saviour. Second, his course demanded that the warning be given. Some suppose that Mr. Seymour denied my statements, in the Expositor; but that is a mistake growing out of a hasty or careless reading of his remarks.85He said I depended on others for my information, and published from hearsay. But he did not deny that the information I had received was correct. Had he done this, I stood prepared to prove it, and he knew I could do it. And some have complained of the act as though it was an unpardonable sin to make an application of the words of the Saviour. But if we shall not do this, of what use is the scripture? Will some one tell? Jesus gave the warning, and told us what class to beware of; but he did not inform us what individuals would belong to the class. Of this we must judge, being responsible to the Author for the use we make of the scripture. But this passage is not alone in this respect. The same responsibility rests upon us in regard to all the word of God. The warning can only be of use to us as we are permitted to make an application of it. Mr. Seymour stated that we feared his influence more than that of any other man in Michigan. For the information and gratification of those who have heard of his efforts against the truth, I will say that his lectures in Burlington have been the means of greatly strengthening the faith of the church in this place. When it was announced that he was to preach against the Message, some feared the result would be to weaken the faith of some, and raise doubts of the truth of our position. But when they saw the weakness of his position, and the lack of argument to remove the message from the present generation, their confidence in the truth was strengthened. A friend has placed in my hands some objections to the ground taken in the review of Mr. S., which have lain unnoticed for want of time to attend to them. I hope to be able to attend to them soon. J. H. W. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By James White
THE Battle Creek church assembled Jan. 16th, in the evening, to consider the subject of a System of Benevolence which would induce all to do something to sustain the cause of present truth, and thereby fully sustain the cause, and at the same time relieve some who have given beyond their real ability. Brn. Andrews and Frisbie were present, and spoke upon the subject. Others also freely expressed their views; all seemed deeply interested in the subject. Brn. Andrews, Frisbie and White were chosen to prepare an address on Systematic Benevolence, founded upon the declarations of holy Scripture. Jan. 29th, after the hours of the holy Sabbath were passed, the church assembled, when the address was read before the church, and adopted by a unanimous vote. Also voted that the address be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD. Bro. J. P. Kellogg was then chosen collector and treasurer for the Battle Creek church, and Eld. James White was chosen corresponding secretary to correspond with the brethren scattered abroad who may wish to address him upon the subject of Systematic Benevolence. J. W. MEETINGS IN OTSEGO, MONTEREY AND WRIGHT, MICH.
By John Norton Loughborough
SISTER White, my companion and myself left Battle Creek, Jan. 7th, to hold the meetings appointed in the above named places. In Otsego we met on the Sabbath with a few in the Baptist meeting-house, and expected to occupy it for all our meetings; but on First-day morning we found the house nailed up so that we could not enter. We held two meetings on First-day, however, in a private house. But few strangers came in to hear. We had good liberty in talking to our brethren and sisters on the present truth. It was just one year since we met with these brethren, and we are happy to say this church has made progress, not so much in numbers as in other respects. They have been relieved from some who were but dead weights, who served to bind their spirits, persons who professed to be in sympathy with the Third Angel's Message, and yet had rebellion in their hearts. They have gone out from us because they were not of us, and those who are determined to rise can now breathe forth their sentiments with more freedom. Eld. Cranmer, who had been preaching what he calls the Third Angel's Message in Otsego and vicinity, has picked up those that wished to rebel against the body. Some of his company attended our meetings, and gave in their testimony. They said we preached just as Eld. Cranmer did, and they could not see why there should be a division. After being asked why the division, we endeavored to set forth the reasons as well as we understood them, why Eld. C. was laboring on his own responsibility. The simple facts are, that when he was kindly admonished to heed the testimony which had been given on his case, which he acknowledged was from the Lord, he rebelled and went out from us. And so if any one has caused division, he is the man. Jan. 14th to 16th we met with the church in Monterey. We enjoyed much freedom in speaking to them on the blessed hope and kindred doctrines. Many of our brethren are making zealous efforts to rise, and we think can report progress; but we were sorry to find that some were almost indifferent to the solemn duties of this time. Here we were brought in contact with what we call a God-dishonoring doctrine: unconditional election. One whose heart had been touched with the truth, and whom we supposed was striving to learn the Third Angel's Message, we found on the point of rejecting the whole truth because it did not agree with the doctrine in which he had been traditional from his youth; namely, unconditional election. We do not marvel much that a person cherishing the doctrine of election cannot see light in a message which is clearly and unequivocally a conditional message. But we do greatly marvel that a person can read the word of God in which salvation is in the most pointed manner made conditional, and yet from a few isolated texts claim that salvation is unconditional. We feel that in this late day when such glorious light is beaming from God's word, it is too late to tolerate a doctrine so long since out of date. It is too late to stop to hear the various views with which different ones would remodel the Third Angel's Message. On First-day the meeting-house was well filled with attentive hearers, and we were glad to learn that there are still ears to hear the truth in Monterey, and we hope the long-suffering of the Lord may yet prove the salvation of some who have not yet yielded to the saving truth of the Third Angel's Message. Tuesday morning we were furthered on our way by Bro. Geo. Lay who carried part of the load across the swamp towards Grand Rapids, some ten miles, in a sleigh, thus smoothing down somewhat the roughness of the log-ways over which we had to pass. From the 21st to the 23d, in connection with Bro. Frisbie we held a conference in Wright, Ottawa Co. This conference was held in the new meeting-house which is in process of erection, and which with zealous efforts in keeping up fires was made quite comfortable. About 200 Sabbath-keepers came together to this conference, nearly 100 of whom have embraced the truth within the past year in Wright and vicinity. We had liberty in speaking here, and the word seemed to have access to the hearts of the people. Our brethren seemed to be greatly encouraged and strengthened, and others who had not yet embraced the truth are turning their attention to it and seemed to manifest an anxiety to learn the truth. On First-day the meeting-house was crowded with attentive hearers. We left Bro. Frisbie in this place intending to labor on through the week and over another Sabbath. We trust the labors thus put forth will prove effectual in establishing others in the truth who are almost persuaded to obey God. On our way home from Wright we tarried the afternoon and evening, Jan. 25th, with the church in Caledonia. The Lord met with us and blessed us in our meeting in this place. In the afternoon while talking of the unity of the church, and the means the Lord has chosen to effect that union; namely, the gifts of the church, we felt much of the spirit of union in our hearts. In the evening we spoke in a crowded school-house on the conditions of the kingdom, or the duties required on our part that we may have an entrance into the kingdom of God. As a matter of course, the perpetuity of the ten commandments occupied a large place in our discourse. We thank the Lord for the good liberty we had here. Efforts had been made in Caledonia by O. R. L. Crozier to turn our brethren away from the Sabbath. His effort has proved but little detriment to the cause. We were informed that only about six had given up the Sabbath, and those who remain are more than ever rooted and grounded in the truth. One of those who recently gave up the Sabbath has since broken other commandments besides the Sabbath; but this we might look for as the result if the ten commandments are abolished. But we should hardly expect one would so soon be ready to curse and swear, after taking the position that the law was abolished, and more especially one who before he embraced the Sabbath professed to be a minister of the gospel of Christ. We arrived at home in good health the evening of Jan. 26th. Our hearts have been encouraged by this visit among God's people. Still we feel like pressing on in this good and glorious cause. Battle Creek, Jan. 27th, 1859. REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
BRO. SMITH : I met with the brethren of Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties at their last monthly gathering. There was a goodly number of the scattered pilgrims present, all the different localities being well represented except Clarkson; sickness prevented those that were intending to come from there. We enjoyed a sweet, heavenly sitting together in Christ. All were encouraged to press on in the way, and strive to be overcomers. Bro. and sister Naramore of Rochester, who have lately embraced the truth, were present. He is strong in the truth and fully resolved to obey God at any sacrifice. She is satisfied on the Sabbath question but on some points is still investigating. The Lord keep them in the way, and prepare them to enter through the gates of the city of God with the commandment-keepers. The Lord is also doing a work for the children of his people. Three expressed their determination, at this meeting, to obey God and go with us to the kingdom. These were the oldest daughter and second son of Bro. Lindsay, and a son of Bro. Buckland. May the Lord lead them on in the way of duty, make them steadfast in the faith and a blessing to others, and finally give them eternal life in his everlasting kingdom. An Advent believer was present that had been in the cause since 1842. He had heard but very little of the the Third Angel's Message, but seemed candidly inquiring, and I hope with a good degree of confidence that he will embrace the truth. He is referred to in the work on the Three Messages as the captain of a canal boat running between Albany and Buffalo; and an extract of a letter from his pen is quoted from the Midnight Cry, giving an account of some Norwegians that took passage on his boat, from whom he learned that they had heard the Advent doctrine and seen the chart in their own country. He now resides at Fairport, Monroe Co., N. Y. The Lord is speeding on his work, and soon the message will be heard proclaiming its solemn warning with a loud voice. I feel a strong determination to renew my diligence, be faithful in duty and go through with this company that are being prepared for Mt. Zion and Jerusalem above. R. F. C.
Mill Grove, Jan. 14th, 1859. Habitual Communion with God
By Cecil
HABITUAL COMMUNION WITH GOD.—The Christian's fellowship with God is rather a habit than a rapture. He is a pilgrim who has the habit of looking forward to the light before him ; he has the habit of not looking back ; he has the habit of walking steadily in the way whatever be the weather, and whatever the road. These are his habits, and the Lord of the way is his Guide, Protector, Friend and Felicity.—Cecil. An evil heart always hates reproof, and faithful preachers find but sorry quarters with such: he that faithfully preaches down sin, is sure to preach up opposition. "Why, even the heathen nations believed in the immortality of the soul. Socrates, Plato, and a host of others, taught it in their lectures, and will you be behind even the heathen?" "Is it possible that a person brought up as you have been can sink lower than even the heathen?" I admit, friend, that heathen philosophers taught the doctrine of the soul's immortality, and that is the source from whence it came to us. Satan handed it to Eve in Eden, "Thou shalt not surely die," and the same doctrine has been industriously propagated ever since by Satan, and heathen philosophers are the very ones he chose as his agents. They refined and distilled the doctrine to such a degree that it was an easy matter in the political christianity which flourished about the age of Constantine, to engraft it upon the papal stock. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH : Permit me to say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that my hope is still in God, the living God, that made heaven and earth, whose righteousness shall not be abolished, though the heavens and earth shall vanish like smoke. And though we rarely see those of like precious faith, living some fifteen miles from the little flock at Lisbon, we do not feel discouraged. The Review come to us a more welcome visitor, if possible, than ever. We read the original matter, but especially the letters, over and over, till we could almost repeat them from memory. I believe that the Lord has enabled me to get one step higher, of late, for which I praise his holy name. I would rejoice to see more being done to promote the present truth in this State; but am happy to see even as much interest taken in the work as there is on the part of those who do believe. But there is great reason for the exhortation, "Let us not sleep as do others." There are breakers ahead; trials come in strong, and many; but thank the Lord, our heavenly High Priest knows our frame. It is now over four years since I was first permitted to hear the voice of the Third Angel's Message; and notwithstanding I have passed through some trials, and some chastenings from the Lord, yet I can say that there is abiding glory in it. And I feel persuaded that a faithful and scriptural understanding of this message, carried out in our daily practice, will soon end in immortal glory. My soul is moved by the repeated calls for help. O that we may do our duty, that none of God's people "perish for lack of knowledge" on our account. It is the constant feeling of my heart, O that some one would come and help us. I have not yet made any visits, but to Lisbon ; there I found dear brethren and sisters who, I trust, are living epistles. Yours truly,
JESSE DORCAS.
Red Oak, Iowa, Jan. 14th, 1859. Calling the Sabbath a Delight
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
Bro. Smith : As I have not the opportunity of meeting very often with the dear brethren and sisters this Winter, I wish to say a few words to them through the Review. And as my name has never yet appeared in the paper, I will inform you that it has been about sixteen months since I turned away my foot from the Lord's holy day, and since that time I have been endeavoring to call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord and honorable. It was when Brn. Holt and Cornell visited Gilboa with the tent that I first heard the truth of this last message. By strict attention and a careful examination of the word of God I was fully convinced that Sunday could in no way answer the obligation of the Lord's holy Sabbath, and also that we had been slumbering as it were on the very brink of time without any knowledge of its close, and thus giving no attention to the exhortation of the Lord through the prophet, to "seek meekness and righteousness," that there might be a possibility of being " hid in the day of his anger." Zeph. ii, 3. For a time I was at ease. I felt secure in having enjoyed the favor of God in the belief I had entertained of his word; but suddenly conviction seized me, peace of mind fled from me, and I knew not whither to turn. I knew there was no way to heaven but by the way of the cross, and here it was before me in all its weight. How heavy, let experience tell. Here is the last test, thought I, and I could only think of those words for encouragement, "Behold, I have set before you this day life and death." I saw that it was better that I had never known the way of righteousness than to turn away from the holy commandment delivered unto me. I felt the force of the words of Jesus, No one cometh to me except the Father draw him; and O, how thankful am I to-day that he drew me by the sweet cords of his love to come to Jesus, in whose wounds I found forgiveness for the transgression of God's holy law. "He drew me and I followed on,
Charmed to confess the voice divine." My peace was now like a river. I could exclaim with David, Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. I now care not for the scoffs and frowns of the world, neither do I crave their smiles nor flatteries, because the precious Bible teaches me that even the friendship of the world is enmity against God, and I have chosen rather to suffer with his people than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. My course is onward. I have that hope which is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, and reaches to that within the vail, whither the forerunner for us hath entered. I rejoice that I have an Advocate. Were it not for this I could have no hope. And again, when I read this blessed promise gratitude swells my heart. "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Dear brethren and sisters, let us awake! Let us enter more fully into the work of saving our souls. Let us be zealous and repent. I believe there is danger, great danger, of having our names taken out of the book of life while we are so unwilling to deny ourselves for the suffering cause of truth. Let us look to the time when neither our silver nor gold shall be able to deliver us. O let us provide ourselves with bags that wax not old, and have our treasure deposited in the bank of heaven. Let us not shrink from the suffering part of religion, but be willing to suffer as Jesus did, who is our example; that when his glory is revealed we may be glad with exceeding joy. The work of saving souls is not confined to the messengers. Each individual member has a part to act in spreading the truth, and this we shall do if we have the truth in our hearts. O let us sink deep into the will of God, that we may rise with the message, and not be left to look to the earth and "behold trouble and darkness, and dimness of anguish." The Lord's cause should have our first and principal attention. Yours in hope of eternal life.
Eliza J. Wagner. Greenbush, Ohio, Jan. 8th, 1859. SARAH E. BATES
By Sarah E. Bates
BRO. SMITH : I am still striving to keep the commandments, and feel to say with the Psalmist, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the commandments of the Lord are pure, enlightening the eyes; more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Moreover by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward. When Bro. Frisbie first came to lecture in this place I thought he was an impostor; but when I heard him for myself, I saw that he taught the doctrine of the Bible, and I must receive it, or reject it to my own condemnation. And now as the messengers come this way and deliver to us strait testimony and Bible truths, something within me seems to say, Truly these are the servants of the Most High God. And O, may I ever follow the Bible instead of the teachings of men. Though I lose all in this life, I am determined to strive to walk in the straight and narrow path that leads to life. This world looks very dark and dreary to me, filled with pride and vanity. Truly there is no pleasure for me in such empty things. I long to go where our joys will be lasting, our pleasures never end; where sickness and sorrow can never come. O how good it is to get our thoughts and affections87elevated far above earthly things, and our souls filled with the love of God! Yes, religion pays well, both in this life and in the world to come. The church here are striving to arise. We have had some good meetings this Winter. COMFORT IN SICKNESS.
By S. C. Welcome
How sweet in deep affliction's trying hour,
To lift our heart to him who hath the power
To soothe our sorrows, and whose gentle hand
Points ever onward to the promised land. And while we groan in bondage to disease,
And death comes creeping on us by degrees,
By faith we see our Father's loving hand
Beckon us onward to the promised land. We feel his arm support us by the way,
While pains these bodies rack; we hear him say,
I'll ne'er forsake thee; but my own right hand
Shall lead thee safely to the promised land. When anguish leads us almost to despair,
'Tis then we feel the benefit of prayer.
We lift our hearts to him whose gentle hand
Opens our eyes to see the promised land. A present help in every time of need,
He bears our griefs, and with the Father pleads
That we through him may on mount Zion stand,
When he shall reign o'er all the promised land. And if death comes to lay us in the ground,
We rest in hope, for soon the trump shall sound,
And who in Jesus sleep, at his command
Shall rise to dwell within the promised land.
S. C. WELCOME. And Forgive Us our Sins.
By H. J. Kittle
Do we realize this important sentence as we should? The petition is offered in almost every prayer to God; but do we realize that it can only be answered when we cherish a disposition to forgive those who trespass or sin against us? I fear that while we are before the throne we are not careful to forgive those who have injured us. God will not accept any half-way forgiveness; if we wish a free, full pardon ourselves, we must grant just such an one to our debtor who has trespassed against us. Is it not too often the case, dear brethren, if we have been injured, and the brother or sister returns with the penitential tear, saying, "I repent," that we greet them with a cold reception, and if we have occasion to speak of them it is in a cold, disparaging manner, forgetting that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, and that we are to ask for forgiveness only as we forgive others. The Truth at Gilboa
By Wm. S. Foote
BRO. SMITH: The truth proclaimed at Gilboa one year ago last Fall is still cutting its way through the hearts of the people. Even here, eight miles from the tent ground, the doctrines of the church of God are discussed freely, and often angrily; and as is generally the case where the truth is preached, the multitude prefer darkness to light, hate the cross, and seem bent on pursuing the road to death. A man by the name of S. ———, has recently given his people three lectures against the law of God, and especially the fourth commandment, trying to prove the whole law to be abrogated, and the Sabbath changed to the first day of the week. He stated, among other absurdities, that "mankind were without any laws for the government of their moral actions for 2500 years from the creation!" I will leave all to make their own comments on the above, and just say the effect of such preaching has been, and is, to make infidels and fallen angels to rejoice. Through the instruction of false teachers here the people are fast getting upon the no-Sabbath ground. But while we have cause to lament over the mental blindness of the multitude, and see the enemies of God's holy law, like the troubled sea, casting up their mire and dirt, we have abundant reason to rejoice, that through the grace of God a few this way have had the unspeakable privilege of hearing the truth, and are now trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. And while leaning upon the arm of our Beloved are trying to serve God and get ready to stand in the time of Jacob's trouble, if called to pass through it. A few who started in the good cause with us, on seeing lions in the way, have turned back; but there is still a goodly number, who we believe are ready to pass through the fire and come out as tried gold; dear brethren and sisters, who bear the image of Jesus, and through grace are endeavouring to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free, and are bound for the kingdom, which is to fill the whole earth. Yours for, and in the truth.
WM. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O., Jan., 1859. A. H. LEWIS
By A. H. Lewis
Bro. SMITH: In accordance with the suggestion of Bro. J. Clarke in the Review, No. 8, I embrace this opportunity to communicate with your readers, if, perchance, what I may say shall be found worthy a place in your columns. I commenced reading the Review some three or four years since, for two reasons: I wished to learn something of those who supported it, and advocated its doctrines, and felt willing to receive any new light upon the all-important subject of our lives. Upon the question of the Sabbath I had no inclination to disagree with you, as I had always observed it; other points I did not embrace at once. I thought them quite consistent, yet I never saw them in their true light until, with the Bible for my guide, I sought God in prayer for light to see his truth, and I now bless his holy name that I ever heard the three messages, the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, the immortality of man as brought to light in the Bible, &c., &c. But for meeting with Bro. Steward, of Mauston, and the Review when I did, in my boyish incredulity I doubt not but I should long since have renounced the Bible, and now have been attempting to "climb up" by some theory of speculative philosophy; and whatever may be the end of the Review or of Adventism, thus far I feel that it stopped me and brought me back to the sure guide of the world, the Bible. There are but few here who call themselves Adventists, yet I believe there are not a few who are willing to keep all God's commands and serve him in all his appointed ways. The Seventh-day Baptists are the leading denomination in our immediate neighborhood; yet there are many around and among us who observe Constantine's Sabbath instead of that of the Lord. But I trust God has yet good laid up in store for his children in Berlin. I sometimes try to vindicate the truths of God's word here on the Sabbath, yet a press of other duties, of a literary nature, make it impossible for me to study or reflect much, and my own weakness, and at times want of faith, seem to retard any effort in any great degree for good. A few seem alive to God, and the interests of his kingdom, yet many around us (especially those who do not keep the Sabbath) seem too much inclined to seek only a form of godliness without the power. O, that God would not say of us as he did of Ephraim, but would send us light and give us hearts to receive it. Allow me a question to yourself or some of your correspondents: Is the Third Angel's Message being given, or to be given except in the United States? Yours striving to overcome. Berlin, Wis., Jan. 22d, 1859. NOTE.—We have no information that the Third Message is at present being proclaimed in any country besides our own. Analogy would lead us to expect that the proclamation of this message would be co-extensive with the first: though this might not perhaps be necessary to fulfill Rev. x. 11, since our own land is composed of people from almost every nation.—ED. Request for Lectures in Greenbush
By D. Sevey
BRO. SMITH: I would say in behalf of the little band of commandment-keepers in Greenbush, that we are very desirous of having Bro. Waggoner, or some other messenger, come to this place and give a course of lectures. We think it would be very beneficial, especially to the little church, and we also think that others will be benefitted. There are subjects upon which we desire light. We need help. O let the Macedonian cry be heard. D. SEVEY.
Greenbush, Mich., Jan. 13th, 1859. Embracing the Third Angel’s Message
By R. J. Brown
Bro. Smith: I feel to praise the Lord for showing me the light of truth, and the glorious plan of salvation. The Bible is no longer a dark mystery to me, but a bright and shining light. It has been but a few months since I embraced the Third Angel's Message, under the preaching of Brn. Cornell and Lawrence. It found me in one of the Babylonish churches of this place; but when I heard the call I was willing to come out of her. I am determined to press my way on and upward to those mansions our Saviour has gone to prepare for those that love him and keep his commandments. O, this world seems of little account to me when I think of the joys that await the faithful. I am willing to suffer anything for Jesus' sake. I want to live near him and enjoy his approving smile every day, and know that my ways please him. I believe we are living in a solemn time, and that this is the last note of warning this world will ever receive. I am determined by the grace of God to hold out faithful till Jesus comes. Your sister, hoping to stand on Mt. Zion.
R. J. Brown.
Lapeer, Mich. The Necessity of Deeper Grace
By Peter F. Ferciot
Bro. Smith: I can say that the truth still looks precious to me. The path of the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day. We are truly living in a solemn time. O may we heed the warning to be zealous and repent. My brethren and sisters, we do want the gold tried in the fire, the eye-salve that we may see, and to be clothed with the white raiment which is the righteousness of the saints. I see the necessity of a deeper work of grace in my heart; for we are truly living in a perilous time, a time that is trying the patience of the saints. Some that started to travel the narrow path when I did have become discouraged, and have fallen out by the way. They say by their actions that they do not want Christ to reign over them. I feel the necessity of living out the truth, that our enemies may see that we have been with Jesus and learned of him. I want all the christian graces developed in my character, that I may comprehend with all saints what is the length and breadth and heighth and depth of perfect love. Light afflictions which are for a moment, will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Brethren and sisters, let us look forward to the time that the apostle James speaks of, when the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him. I believe the time is now, if we have the faith requisite, when the power of God will be manifest among us as a people, and the different gifts developed in the church. Is not Satan working with all power, and signs, and lying wonders in the land, and will not God raise up a standard against him? I believe he will as he did when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt. He is the same forever. Then let us put our trust in him, for he will deliver us from the power of Satan, and we shall overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Yours striving to overcome.
Peter F. Ferciot. C. L. GORDON
By C. L. Gordon
Bro. Smith: I have long wanted to tell you of the progress of religion here. The Third Angel's Message has taken effect in this place, and there are many who are trying to keep the commandments of God. I thank the Lord for the present truth which I have been enabled to see. There was a discourse delivered here a short time since, which excited much interest in behalf of this faith; and I am sure if we could have a preacher here there would soon be raised up a noble church. Last Sabbath we had a prayer-meeting, and the Lord poured out his Spirit as I never before witnessed. I believed in the Universalist doctrine until a short time ago; but when the truth of God was presented to me I could not resist it. Yours waiting for the coming of Christ. The following words from the pen of Lydia H. Sigourney are full of instructive meaning: "Lost wealth may be restored by industry; the wreck of health regained by temperance; forgotten knowledge restored by study; alienated friendship smothered into forgetfulness, even forfeited reputation won by patience and virtue; but who ever looked upon his vanished hours, recalled his slighted years, stamped them with wisdom, or effaced from heaven's record the fearful blot of wasted time. The foot-print on the sand is washed out by the ocean wave; and easier might we, when years are fled, find that foot-print than recall lost hours." OUR beloved sister, Deborah Drew, wife of Lebbeus Drew, fell asleep Jan. 13th, 1859, in the fiftieth year of her age. She has left a husband and a large family of children who deeply feel their loss; but they mourn not as those that have no hope, at least in respect to the welfare of the deceased; for she was strong in the faith that the grave would not hold her but a short time, and that she would soon see Jesus and be made like him. Some of the children have not professed a hope in Christ, but as their beloved mother gave them her last exhortation and farewell, they resolved to seek a preparation to meet her in the morn of the resurrection. The Lord help them to fulfill this good resolution, and prepare to meet the soon coming Jesus. And may this affliction be sanctified to the good of each member of this bereaved family. The funeral was attended to-day. I endeavored to administer the consolation of the gospel, in a discourse founded upon Rev. xiv, 13, in presence of a large collection of relatives, friends and neighbors. We then laid her away to rest in the silent grave till Jesus comes who has the keys of death and of hell. "She sleeps in Jesus, blessed sleep! From which none ever wake to weep." S. Pultney, N. Y., Jan. 16th, 1859. Sister E. Cox writes from Bowling Green, Ohio: "I was a bitter opposer to the truth till it pleased the Lord to send Brn. Loughborough and Butler to Bowling Green with the solemn message of the third angel. I went to hear what I believed to be error, but found it meat in due season to my soul. It was long before I could make up my mind to come out from the world and serve God; but I feel thankful that I found a willing heart at last to treasure up the truths of God's blessed word. I desire to stand firm and steadfast to the end."