DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Feelings of gratitude to God, and a sense of duty induces me to relate a little of my experience.
From my childhood I have been taught by precept and example to observe the First-day of the week as the Sabbath. The reason was, Christ arose on that day; yet I never saw that the fourth commandment had any more reference to the First-day, than the Third-day of the week, and often remarked that the Bible never speaks of the First-day being the Sabbath. The reply ever was, Jesus arose on that day, and therefore the day was changed. But I never found a word to my satisfaction on record, although like many others, I supposed it was in the Bible somewhere, and have often when reading, wished to find it, but never was interested enough to search for it until last July, hearing that the Sabbath was not abolished, and that some began to observe the real Sabbath, I began to investigate, to see why they should now in these last days turn to the Sabbath of the Bible. I found where Jesus met with the disciples on the First-day of the week, and where Paul preached until past midnight, and some few more inferences, and talking with unbelievers, I began to think the First-day was the Sabbath, and to reject the Seventh, and to my surprise there was a burden came, such as I never experienced before.
I now began to call on the Lord to know the reason of this burden. I soon discovered that every time I said a word against the Sabbath the burden was greater. I at last had the opportunity of visiting at the house of a friend. They were keeping the Sabbath, being the only family in this vicinity that were keeping the Sabbath excepting one brother. I resolved by the grace of God assisting me, to know the truth; and Sunday I retired from all of the family. I felt that I must live different from what I then did. I read in James iv, 17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." I began to think what have I done. I felt that I had done nothing that would be acceptable in the sight of God; and how could I think that my heavenly Father could hear me. I at last said, Lord, make all thy will known to me, for I am resolved to do all thy will, and keep all thy commandments. I could get no relief. The Sabbath came to my mind; I resolved to keep it, and the burden left in a measure. I then began to think what shall I do, how can I keep the Sabbath, as I am a poor, lame girl, and have to depend on friends for a home, though I have been able to support myself with my needle most of the time, I knew I had a Father's home, and kind brothers and sisters, but they were opposed to the seventh-day Sabbath. Yet I could not give up; I must serve the Lord. I remembered God said in his Word, that he will take care of his children, and I believe he will do as he says. I remained with my friends about three weeks, in which time Bro. Case, in October 3d and 4th, held a Conference in this place. My father and some of the rest of the family attended one lecture with all prejudice. On Monday morning I returned home, rejoicing in the Lord for what he had done for me. Some of them laughed, some ridiculed, and tried to shame me. But they saw all would do no good. Finally one sister was convinced of the Sabbath and kept it with me the next Sabbath, and the third Sabbath my mother and two sisters more kept the day. Praise the Lord, O my soul; for he is good. My father, also, is now keeping the day. The Lord is good. We have a little band of twenty in number, and some more are searching for the truth. May the Lord help them.
Bro. Case held another Conference here, the 15th, and 16th of Feb., and I trust the Spirit of the Lord was with us, and some were convinced of the truth. Although I meet with opposition, and have all manner of evil spoken of me, yet I pray the Lord to keep me, for I believe we have the truth, and it looks precious to me, I now feel to rejoice in it. I feel to say with the Psalmist, "O how love I thy law!" May God keep us humble and give us grace to endure to the end, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.
P. CONKLIN.
Tyrone, Mich., Feb. 27th, 1853.
W. & J. COLBURN
By W. & J. Colburn
From Bro. and Sister Colburn.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—There are a few here who profess to love the appearing of the Lord. But we have been like sheep without a shepherd, seeking rest, but finding none. Of late, the professed watchmen have been getting up time again, what they call the "midnight cry;" but some had one starting point and some another; one crying one time, and another warning against it. Just about this time, in our extremity, the Lord sent one of his children here, laden with the rich truths of the third angel's message.—Until this time, (about six weeks since) we had not so much as heard that there was a third angel's message, save by the way of scorn and reproach. But praise God, it was to our souls like cold water in a thirsty land. Meat indeed, a real strengthening substance, and we felt it to be in due season, only we mourn that we so long fed on husks, while our Father's children had bread and to spare.
We now read our Bible with great interest and profit. This message lights up the whole pathway, clear through to the kingdom. Glory be to God,—O, it looks right to us that the holy Sabbath should be restored, and the perfect law of God kept by his children, who are to be changed at Jesus' coming,—and though our former brethren cry bondage, bondage, yet we bless God for that love that knows no bondage in keeping his commandments; and we only want more grace, that we may keep them perfectly.
We are alone in this place, and do hope the servants of God will call on us as they pass through. We also beg an interest in the prayers of all the Church, that we may be able to stand in these perilous times; and ourselves feel to pray for all the dear brethren and sisters,176for, though unworthy, we do feel that those that do the will of our Father in heaven, is our mother, and sister, and brother.
Yours in the hearty love of the present truth,
W. & J. COLBURN
Nashua, N. H., March 5th, 1853.
ELON EVARTS
By Elon Evarts
From Bro. Evarts.
Dear Bro. White:—I have just returned from a tour, searching out the scattered and starving flock in company with Bro. C. W. Sperry. We had interesting meetings in North Hudson, N. Y. Some four came decidedly into the Sabbath, one a preacher. Thence to Lewis, at Bro. Merrifield's, (Baptists) evening of the 23d. They said that the church afforded no food, and decidedly declared that they had kept the last Pope's Sabbath, and should now keep the true Sabbath.
We had an interesting meeting at Bro. Mott's, Plattsburgh, commenced evening 25th, had six meetings; a deep, searching, weeping time. Six came out decided to keep the Sabbath, and rejoiced in the Sanctuary light and third angel's message.—28th we lectured at Bro. Miles Clay's. He and his wife acknowledged the Sabbath, hope they will walk in its light.—March 1st at Bro. Day's, Chateaugay, held eleven meetings which were strengthening and encouraging to the brethren, while we presented the third angel's message, and particularly the sayings of Christ, &c. Some five or six I hope will walk in the light they acknowledge, and keep the Sabbath with the seventh-day brethren, these who have been hunted like the soul of David by Saul, by them who break, and teach others to, the commandments.
How strikingly the Sabbath marks the line between the righteous and wicked. While the brethren and sisters would bow, weep and pray, the wicked would strike the seats, roar and laugh; while some would rejoice in the light, others would mock and rage. I never, till of late, felt so sensibly the discerning between him that fears God and him that fears him not, the contest between light and the powers of darkness. While an awful development of a rapid increase of indifference to what may be truth is so prevalent, yet, some poor, mourning children are scattered in various places and conditions, weeping and sighing over the wretched state of the popular churches; looking to some source for a morsel to prevent death. O how comforted, yea how rejoiced many were for the present truth, and that again, the family altar that has lain years prostrate, is reared up, and their little circle bow in humble devotion, and mingle tears and earnest petitions for help from the heavenly Sanctuary. One instance I would mention. After closing the fourth meeting in one place, about ten o'clock at night, the congregation would not leave the house till midnight, getting us by the hand, and begging of us not to leave them (as we were thinking of) the next morning. My Lord feed the starving flock of slaughter whose possessors slay them!
ELON EVARTS
New Haven, Vt., March 8th, 1853.
THE SANCTUARY.
By Editor
The Harbinger of March 5th has some inquiries relating to the Sanctuary by J. B. Frisbie, and answers by O. R. L. Crosier. "My views," says C., "have been somewhat changed on the subject of the 'sanctuary' since 1845, when I wrote the article on the law of Moses, from which Sabbatarian Adventists quote so often." We have quoted from C's article, for no other reason than this, it contained precious truth, which we wished to spread before the flock of Christ. And God has blest it to the good of many. One man backsliding from the truth, does not affect that truth, any more than to renounce the religion of Christ, destroys Christianity.
But C. says: "The above named persons appear to me insincere in quoting from that article, (1) because they know that it was written for the express purpose of explaining and proving the doctrine of the 'shut door,' which they now, I understand, disclaim."
On the above we will first remark, that as C. has informed the readers of the Harbinger that we disclaim the doctrine of the shut door, that paper should no longer reproachfully call us "shut-door Sabbatarians." But we say that C's article on the law of Moses, no more goes to prove a shut door than it does an open door. It is in harmony with the Bible doctrine which we hold, that at the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, there was a change in the work of our High Priest—a door was then opened into the Most Holy, while another was shut.
C. continues: "I think we have no means of knowing the precise time when the antitype of the ancient 10th day of the 7th month service did or will begin: but we have evidence that it will not close the 'door of mercy' against all the previously impenitent."
As to the "door of mercy" of which C. speaks, we read of no such door, only in the writings of uninspired men. But the truth that C. wished to state here, for truth it is, is this, that there would be those who might come to God through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and find pardon of their sins, after the work of the antitype of the tenth day of the seventh month services should commence. This, to us who believe that this is the period of the antitypical tenth day service, is an important truth. While the great work of saving men closed with the 2300 days, a few are now coming to Christ, who find salvation. The "precise time" for the antitype of the ancient tenth day services to cleanse the sanctuary is given: "Unto 2300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." Amen.
The following paragraph from C. states important facts, and such facts as his brethren generally reject. Notice them with care.
"I think the terms 'the most holy place' and 'heaven itself' as they occur in Heb. ix, are not convertible. The contrast, you will see by verse 24, is between 'the holy places made with hands' and 'heaven itself.' In my opinion, we fail to see much of the instruction contained in the type, if we confound the services of the 'holy place' with those of 'the most holy place.' They had distinct apartments in the sanctuary, services were performed at different times, and under different circumstances. These differences are recognized in the New Testament exposition."
Speaking of the services of the most holy place, or the antitype of the service of the ancient tenth day of the seventh month, C. says: "According to the best light I can obtain from the Scriptures, I conclude that that service will occupy the next age." He speaks of the distinction between the services of the holy place and the most holy place, and states that the service of the most holy will occupy "the next age." If it occupies the next age, there can be no room in that age for another distinct service. Therefore we are led to conclude that his position is, that Christ performs the services of the holy place in the heavenly Sanctuary, in this age, and the services of the most holy place in the next age, in a Sanctuary yet to be built with hands!! Will such a position satisfy the readers of the Harbinger? If this is not his position, we do not understand him, and shall be glad to be corrected. If they are his views, we acknowledge that they have undergone a sad change since 1845.
Speaking of the Sabbath, C. says: "How often have I heard Sabbatarians say, 'We can't keep it: we do the best we can: yet we can't keep it according to the Bible.' The reason is, it was never designed for Christians to keep," &c.
We venture to say that no Sabbath-keeper ever made this statement, unless on the point of giving it up, as C. and some others did a few years since. We never heard such a remark from the mouth of any Sabbath-keeper. But why cannot the Christian rest on the Sabbath day according to the commandment, as well as the Jew? Do tell us why. He can. Will any dare say that God gave the Jew a Sabbath that he could not keep? Such make the Great Law-giver a tyrant. The Jew could keep the Sabbath, and so may the Christian. Amen.
The Truth Prospering at Oak Hill
By W. Phelps
From Bro. Phelps.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I write a few words to let you know how the truth is prospering. There has been quite a turning to the Lord here. Some eleven or twelve are decided to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Last Sabbath evening we had a precious time together, while each one did their duty. And still there is a great interest in the minds of some that are enquiring after truth; some that never took any interest in the Advent cause, but honestly trying to serve God, and seeing the fallen state of the Church, and not knowing what the matter was, on hearing the evidences of our position, readily received the truth. I am to leave here this week to commence a course of lectures in Bro. Holcomb's neighborhood on Sixth-day evening.
In hope waiting for the kingdom, W. PHELPS.
Oak Hill, Feb. 28th, 1853.
Report of a Tour Among the Brethren
By John Norton Loughborough
From Bro. Loughborough.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—During the last five weeks Bro. Edson and myself have visited the brethren in Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Alleghany counties, also, Potter Co., Pennsylvania. The first Sabbath, we met with the brethren in Orangeport, and had a free time in speaking to them the word of truth.
We called at Mill Grove, but had only time to speak a few words of encouragement; but the Lord blessed us, and we all felt to consecrate ourselves anew to God, to live for him.
We spent Sabbath, Feb. 12th, in Fredonia and Laoni.—Here we were much comforted to find our brethren strong in the Lord. We stopped with them four or five days, and felt strengthened in trying to speak the truth.
From thence we journeyed as far as Gerry, accompanied by our brethren and sisters from Fredonia. We spoke three times, to attentive hearers, in the house of Bro. Pratt. We feel assured that the seed sown will spring up, and bear fruit. May the Lord lead those dear souls into the present truth. We were very cordially received at Busti, and held our meetings as previously arranged. We spoke to them five times. We believe the Lord will do a great work for the brethren there, who are looking for Israel's King, if they will only believe — Thank God, the prejudice is giving away there. We passed on from thence to Nile, stopping at Ellington and Napoli, each one evening, and although it stormed quite hard, we had a good and attentive congregation in each place.
At Nile we found Bro. Giddings's family rejoicing in the Lord. Truly he can say, "The Lord has led me by a way I knew not." We had the privilege of speaking twice on the Sabbath, in the seventh-day Baptist Church, to attentive congregations. Quite an interest was manifested by our seventh-day Baptist Brethren. We moved forward from this place to Ulysses, accompanied by Bro. T. I. Giddings, stopping only at Scio, where we had the privilege of speaking to a few on the present truth, in relation to our Great High Priest. We found the brethren in Ulysses standing upon God's word. We continued with them nearly one week, and had a free time in expounding the scriptures to them. The brethren see the necessity of acting out the truth they profess. We there formed a very interesting acquaintance with Eld. H. F. Babcock, pastor of the seventh-day Baptist Church in that place. Toward the close of our meeting he seemed very much interested in the present truth. O, may the Lord lead him into all truth.
The ears of the people seem to be open to hear in the vicinity of all these places, and would hear with interest if there was any one to speak to them. The sheep are hunting the shepherds, and, surely, the shepherds should be awake. And thus it is every where. People are anxious to hear. Brethren, are we keeping pace with the message? O, let not the things of earth lead us to wound the cause of God. The burden of the message will soon be given, and then victory will be ours.—But I grieve to see some of my brethren living as though the Lord would not come for a great while. Time is short. The 144,000 will soon be sealed, and then the indignation of the wrath of God will be poured out. But who shall stand in that day? Would to God we could realize where we are.
"Lift up your heads, ye soldiers, bold,
Redemption's drawing nigh;
We soon shall hear the trumpet sound,
That shakes the earth and sky."
Rochester, March 10th, 1853. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
U. BUCKLIN—We send the Chart as ordered.
WM. A. RAYMOND—We know nothing of any view that Christ had been in the "Holiest of all" half of his time in 1849; and much regret that any one should spread such an idea. Such things are calculated to have a bad influence on the cause. "Now the just shall live by faith." We are in the waiting, watching time. Let God's servants "preach the Word," and may his people keep the word of his patience, Amen.
J. H. WAGGONER—We have sent Tracts to Baraboo, as you ordered, only we did not send as many of some kinds, because we have but few on hand.
JACOB SHIPMAN—We sent you a Chart as ordered, the 11th.
N. W. ROCKWELL—We sent you a Chart, is it received?
E. A. POOLE—Please send your manuscript.
Change of Review Agent at Derby Line
By Editor
We are informed by Brn. A. S. Hutchings and Alonzo Lee, that the character and course of J. T. Chase of Derby Line, Vt., is such, that he should not be the Agent for the Review in that place. Alonzo Lee is appointed in his place.
Unsigned Payment and Order
By Editor
SOME one has written from Claremont, N. H., on business, enclosing $2, but as there is no name signed, we shall have to wait till the person writes again, before attending to the order.
Correction of Article Credit
By Editor
The lengthy article on the return of the Jews in our last, should have been credited to the Midnight Cry of 1843.
Removing Inactive Subscribers
By Editor
We shall erase from our books the names of some of the many we have never heard from. Those who want the Paper can write.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
By John Norton Loughborough
Providence permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Orangeport, Sabbath March 19th.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
Letters received since March 3d.
U. Smith, H. Flower, 2, N. A. Hollis, S. W. Rhodes, J. B. Smith, W. Bryant, S. Treat, O. Davis, A. Tuttle, G. T. Smith, J. M. Stephenson, J. Bates, 3, R. Draper, D. W. Johnson, D. Hewett, E. Smith, H. C. Mason, J. Lindsey, W. Phelps, W. Colburn, P. Conklin, J. H. Waggoner, U. Bucklin, Wm. A. Raymond, J. B. Sweet, J. Kemp, L. A. Lockwood, M. G. Kellogg, A. H. Robinson, O. Howett, B. Clark, H. S. Boyd, H. S. Cuso, E. A. Cooper, M. Leadbeater, E. R. Kelsey, T. I. Giddings.
Receipts.
By Editor
R. Moran, A. S. Coburn, J. Santee, L. Leach, J. Shipman, D. W. Cartwright, H. Hopkins, D. Baldwin, D. Barnes, M. Bush, L. A. Colby, J. W. Learned, C. McConnel, J. Day, S. Chase, Wm. Crandall, A. Cartwright, E. A. Poole, E. E. Travis, H. Penfield, L. Stowell, M. Roberts, G. Cobb, for M. Morse, P. R. Chamberlain, for R. Haskins, S. W. Flanders, C. Chase, each, $1.
L. B. Caswell, E. Goodwin, W. E. Landon, I. D. Cramer, M. Gates, E. Jackman, W. E. Arnold, each $2.
Ira Abbey, a Friend, each, $5; C. M. $3; A. Hall, J. Kibbe, Asa Hall, C. Bushnell, a Friend, M. Ralph, each 50 cents. T. M. Steward, C. M. Coburn, each 50 cents; W. Holcomb, 75 cents; E. Place, 65 cents; B. Madill, C. Lyman, each 25 cents. W. L. Saxby, $1.68; J. North, $1.50.
For Tracts,
Lebbeus Drew, $10; Robert Harmon, $5; Ira Abbey, $3; E. P. Butler, $2.20; L. Paine, E. R. Seaman, each $1; J. North, 40 cents; B. G. Jones, 70 cents.