Review and Herald, Vol. 6, No. 18.
MAN NOT IMMORTAL,Page 1
Earlier text: RELATION OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIPSister A. Barrows writes:—“Our hearts sympathize with you, and while we realize in some degree the care resting upon you, we often feel sad, and pray that God would sustain you with that grace and wisdom you need. When I reflect that those who have endured trials, and borne the burden and heat of the day, will soon share a rich and glorious reward forever in the kingdom of God, I do rejoice. All tears will then be wiped away from all faces, and they will feel richly compensated as they behold the beauties and glories of heaven. It will be cheap enough. I choose to suffer with them here, that I may share in that blessed inheritance. This sometimes seems too much for me to expect, yet I know that those who faithfully keep God’s commandments will overcome. “The precious truths of the third message are dear to my heart. I earnestly desire to so live out144the truth that I may ever have the approbation of God. I see a greater fullness in Christ for me to enjoy, and higher attainments for me to acquire. I do feel resolved to press my way forward, to serve God with my whole heart, for I believe the hope of the faithful will soon be realized. “We feel thankful for the Instructor. I think the lessons it contains are very instructive and profitable, and I think it should be sustained. I suppose that ere this your beloved sister sleeps in Jesus. My heart was affected when I read her last exhortation to us to be faithful, and I felt that I would strive to meet her in that better land, where sickness, pain or death can never come.” Sister E. M. Barrows writes:—“We have no sympathy with those who are exerting themselves so much to crush some that have long stood in the front of the battle, and labored with untiring zeal in the cause of God. We believe their career will be short. O how much better for them had they made strait paths for their feet and not tried to turn others out of the way. The Lord cares for his people, and will not suffer one of his little ones to perish. Those who fully trust in him need have no fears of consequences, knowing that these things will only be for the furtherance of the gospel. “I have not forgotten your first visit to this place, with what fervor of soul you and sister W. labored to raise the standard that had fallen in the dust on account of some who were disorderly. Neither have I forgotten the scene at the water side, how the blessing of the Lord rested upon us as you led some of us down into the water. These are bright spots in our experience. We are indeed thankful to God for the means that have been used for the advancement of his cause. “The Lord has worked for us of late. Some have been added to our numbers. My heart is encouraged to trust in the Lord. “The truth looks very excellent to me. This world is dark and dreary, but the blessed hope of reaching the saints’ happy home is indeed cheering. There tears will be wiped away. There the saint that has been borne down with trials will forever go free. O praise the Lord! I want to be there.” Bro. Gould writes from Lawrenceburg, Ind.,—“We would be glad to have some of the servants of God come here and give us a course of lectures; as there are some in this place who have never had an opportunity of hearing lectures on present truth.” E. J. Paine, writes from Barre, Dec. 10th, 1854:—“We are all striving to make our way home to mount Zion. The Lord is at work in this vicinity. The labors of Bro. Loughborough are being blessed. A number are very much interested. I wish he or some other lecturing brother would come this way soon.” COMMUNICATIONS
By A. S. HUTCHINS
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—As I am writing, I would say for the encouragement of the saints scattered abroad, that the Lord is still very merciful to his children in Vermont. I have been holding meetings (a part of the time in company with Bro. Sperry) for several weeks past, in different parts of the State. There is evidently an increasing interest to hear the evidences of our position. Some have recently become obedient to the faith; and new fields are opening for the spread of the last message of mercy. The Tent-meetings held here in the Summer and Fall, it is quite certain, did very much to break down and remove prejudice against the truth. The Review and the books and tracts vindicating the cause of present truth, circulated by the brethren and friends of the cause, are evidently doing a good work. By reading the arguments in defense of our faith, the mind of the reader has been opened to conviction; and thus the way has been prepared for the preaching of the last solemn message of mercy to this world. I am deeply anxious that the friends of this blessed, cheering message, should do all in their power to spread these publications where they can benefit the anxious inquirer for truth. Our meeting of two days in this place has just closed. We feel encouraged and strengthened from this interview enjoyed together. Yours in hope, A. S. HUTCHINS. Johnson, Vt., Dec. 11th, 1854. P. S. The Review and Herald I have read with deep interest from the very first day after embracing the message of the third angel; and I expect to feel no less interest in reading and circulating it, than at present, as long as it continues to publish the truths that it now does. I would further add, that if the publishers of the so-called “Messenger of Truth” flatter themselves that they are giving “meat in due season” to the Lord’s household, that I think they are sadly mistaken; for the matter in that paper, in my humble opinion, is “like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” “The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” From Bro. Grandy.
By J. H. Grandy
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is through the goodness of God that I am permitted to address a few lines to you. I have now kept a few Sabbaths, and by the blessing of God, I am determined to keep clear of the mark of the beast and keep all of the commandments of God, that I may be hid in the day of his indignation. When my companion ordered our paper to be sent to Saratoga, I was not in the truth; but I had vowed to the Lord that if the way was open for me to keep the Sabbath I would do it. I could not do it without leaving the place where I was at work. I was satisfied that it was my duty to keep all of the commandments, and left my work; and I bless God for the light that he has given me. There are a few in this place who are striving to be ready when the Lord shall come. Pray for us that we may keep our eyes on the word of God. J. H. GRANDY. SARAH EASTMAN
By Sarah Eastman
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel to praise God that I am permitted to live in this age of the world when light upon God's word shines so clear. It is little more than a year since I commenced keeping all the commandments of God, and I can say that the Sabbath which has been trodden under foot so long is a delight, holy of the Lord. How true it is that the change of the Sabbath to the first day of the week is the work of man. I have had Catholics of learning own to me that they had no proof from the Bible for Sunday-keeping. Brethren and sisters, let us refrain from the mark of the Beast; for here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We never can enter the kingdom disobeying God. There is only one here besides myself who keeps the Sabbath. We meet together as often as we can, and claim the promises of God. I have never heard the present truth preached only through the Review, which comes to us a welcome messenger. Yours striving to overcome. DEAR BRO WHITE:— I am now living amid the wilds of the West, far from any of like precious faith. In my father's little household is no other Sabbath-keeper; and as far as I am acquainted with the inhabitants of the country, either by report or personal acquaintance, I know of no one who, like myself, is trying to keep all the commandments. But this does not discourage me. My desires are as strong, and my determinations the same, to gain an entrance into the city, that they were when I was amid the Advent friends. The soul-cheering hope of soon seeing my Saviour, buoys me up above the cares of this bitter life, and gives me courage to press onward to the prize. Truly, now if ever, I fully realize that I am but a pilgrim and a stranger on earth; but I hope soon to meet all the humble followers of Christ, where we shall feel that we have an abiding place. I realize that I am in the enemies' land, that there are many snares to entrap the would-be-watchful, many enticements to induce the seeker after godliness to forsake his object and wander in forbidden paths; and I would ask the brethren and sisters who, Sabbath after Sabbath are permitted to meet together to pray with and for each other, not to forget to pray for one who is denied the priceless privilege. Pray that she fall not, but that God be her guardian while she sojourns on earth, and enable her to bear the cross, and at last permit her to wear the crown. May God bless the Advent friends scattered abroad throughout this dark world, and at last crown them in his kingdom, Is the prayer of your sister. Minnesota, Nov. 12th, 1854. Since the terrible battle fought at Inkermann on the 5th of November, in which the allies lost nearly 4,000 men, and Russia nearly 10,000, neither party has been in a condition to renew active hostilities. On that occasion both sides claimed the victory. The Russians were the attacking force; the battle raged from dawn till afternoon, when they retired to Sympheropol, from whence they came—the allies being unable to pursue. No incident of importance has occurred since then. The report of another battle on the 13th is discredited. The urgent necessity of re-enforcements to the allies, to preserve the very existence of their army, has called forth an unwonted degree of activity in England and France, and, ere this, re-enforcements to the extent of 30,000 additional men must be in position before Sebastopol. This will enable the besiegers to resume their attack. Re-enforcements are, in like manner, augmenting the Russian strength, and it is evident another great battle, or series of battles, must be fought, before the fate of Sevastopol is decided. The diplomatists of Russia, Austria, Prussia, and the lesser Germanic States, are particularly active. England and France, have, however, taken a higher tone than they have hitherto assumed, and have notified the German Government that the western powers no longer recognize the four points as a basis of negotiations; also, that they intend to hold the Crimea, and will, in their own time, dictate terms of peace. The English official papers continue to hold out hopes of Austria's active support to the English people, while the partisans of Russia openly tell us, that Austria is preparing for an alliance with the Czar, and as soon as she has her forces ready, the campaign will be opened against France. The financial difficulties of Austria continue; in spite of the voluntary loan, the premium of gold has risen to 33 per cent., just as in the time when the Hungarians were victorious, and driving before them the armies of Jellachich and Windisch-graatz. Still the military budget remains enormous. Comorn is to be more strongly fortified, and the army absorbs 800,000 florins a day. How can such a state of things be endured for any length of time? The “victory” of the 5th has disabled the allies from continuing the siege works; they have had to entrench themselves, while the bombardment has slackened. We hear nothing more of an assault; but re-enforcements are expected, and the besieging army will remain on the defensive until they arrive. The sudden gale of the 14th of November has, likewise, done much mischief; about twenty-five transports have been wrecked, and the allied fleet is said to have suffered considerably. The Egyptian Admiral has been drowned, and his three-decker foundered close to Constantinople; but a great portion of the crew was saved. According to Prince Menchikoff's dispatches nothing of importance has happened, before or in Sebastopol up to the 18th. The English correspondence from the Crimea under date of Nov. 6, says: Two hundred Russian prisoners were brought in last night, to the head-quarters camp. They were badly wounded, many of them, and several died during the night. The work of burying the dead and carrying the wounded to Balaklava, occupied the day. The Russians are quiet. We hear they have lost 10,000 men and three Generals. We must have men at once, and abundance of them. The Moniteur says the enemy, defeated at Inkermann, and having sustained losses even more considerable than were reported in Gen. Canrobert's former account, has not interfered with the siege operations, which are continuously carried on. In the second dispatch it is stated that the Russian loss on the 5th, must have reached 15,000 men, in killed and wounded. The allies had buried 5,000 Russians left dead on the field. The English and Turkish re-enforcements had arrived on the 9th, to the number of several thousand men. Letters from Constantinople to the 20th state, that during the previous ten days at least 15,000 men, to re-enforce the allies, had sailed for the Crimea, or passed the Bosphorus on their way thither. CONSTANTINOPLE. Nov. 20.—Thirty-two English transports were lost in the hurricane on the 14th inst. The Prince and Sea Nymph foundered with all on board. Three mail steamers have been stranded. The Samperell was driven ashore, on fire from her machinery. The Atonement.—This important work is now completed. The subject on which it treats is second to no other in importance; and no one who hopes for salvation through Jesus Christ should neglect to study the great plan of salvation as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats. We commend it to the notice of the friends of truth. Price 15 cts—postage 2 cts. We can send 6 copies and pay the postage for $1. Man Not Immortal: The Only Shield Against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism.—This tract is just completed. We know of no subject better calculated to correct the errors of popular theology than the one embodied in this work. If man is already in possession of immortality he certainly need not seek it as a future reward. If death is the gate by which man enters everlasting joy, then the devil “who has the power of death” is the door-keeper of heaven. Moreover, the resurrection, instead of being the promised path of life, is that event which brings the man proper, from heaven back to earth again. Death, our last great foe, is now made to take the place of the resurrection, the only hope of the church. And what ought to thoroughly arouse the attention of all to this subject, is the use which Satan is making of the popular doctrine of natural immortality. The land is darkened with legions of evil spirits, purporting to be the immortal souls of our departed friends. They are now seeking to visit all classes of men for the purpose of destroying their faith in the teachings of the Bible, and with the avowed object of convincing men of the immortality of the soul. They confirm their mission with a great variety of wonders, and seem to be the precursors of the hour of temptation. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not any thing, none are prepared to stand against these wicked spirits in high places. We commend the work of Bro. Hall on the Immortality question as an able discussion of this great subject. Read it with candor, and arm yourself with the truth of God, to stand against the wiles of the Devil. Price 12½ cts—postage 1 cent. “Why don't you keep the Sabbath-day?”
By Editor
A tract with the above title has been lately published at this office. We wish to call especial attention to it at this time. It consists entirely of extracts from Catholic writers in answer to the important question, “Who changed the Sabbath-day?” The tract furnishes ample evidence that the first-day Sabbath is a Catholic institution, and the reader will find it an excellent commentary on Dan. vii, 25. Our only way of disposing of Western Bank bills is to let them go to the Broker at a discount of from 3 to 25 per cent. This we have done for the last two months, and find it quite a tax. Our Western friends will do us a favor to obtain Eastern bills when convenient. Postage stamps are as good as money. Gold dollars may be enclosed in letters so as to come safe. But those who can obtain nothing better for us than Western bills, may send them without delay. S. HOWLAND. The money is received and the books sent as you direct. U. COLBY. You will find your money receipted in No. 12. J. M. STEPHENSON. Sent you books by express Dec. 7th, to Palmyra, Jeff. Co., Wis. J. E. KELLOGG. The $1 on the Stark Bank, enclosed in your letter is worthless. E. EVERTS. You did not give us the P. O. address of S. DUNKLEE; so that we are not able to credit her money on our Books. E. N. GATES. The INSTRUCTOR is sent regularly to Binghamton, Broome Co. ☞ The P. O. address of Joseph Bates, is Fairhaven, Mass. To F. Wheeler, Berlin, Ct., by express. "Hutchins and Sperry, Vergennes, Vt., by express. "Henry Lyon, Battle Creek, Mich., by express. Amount on hand Nov. 14th. $244,94.
Subsequent Donations. 13,19. Books deliv'd Wm. S. Ingraham, Nov. 30th, $15,00.
“ “ J. N. Loughborough, Dec. 5th, 10,00.
“ “ J. M. Stephenson, “ 7th, 13,00.
“ “ Joseph Bates, “ 9th, 12,00.
“ “ F. Wheeler, “ 12th, 5,00.
“ “ R. F. Cottrell, “ 18th, 5,00. Remaining in Treasury. $198,13. Amount expended above recent Donations. $12,87. Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4—152 pp. 12½ cts.—postage 1 ct. The Law of God: Testimony of Both Testaments:—132 pp. 10 cts.—postage 1 ct. Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath-day? Extracts from Catholic works—36 pp.—4 cts. Perpetuity of the Royal Law—5 cents. The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days—76 pp.—8 cts.—postage 1 cent. Review of O. L. Crozier—the Sabbath—48 pp.—5 cts The Signs of the Times; Spirit Manifestations a sign that the day of wrath hasteth greatly—124 pp.—10 cts.—postage 1 ct. The Two-horned beast, the United States—52 pp.—5 cents Advent and Sabbath Hymns—30 cts.—postage 5 cts. Supplement to Advent and Sabbath Hymns—5 cents. Time and Prophecy—a Poem—25 cents—postage 5 cents. “ “ paper covers, 15 cts. “ 1 ct. A Word for the Sabbath—a Poem—5 cents. History of the Sabbath—40 pp.—4 cents The 2300 days and the Sanctuary—32 pp.—5 cents. Christian Experience and Views—6 cents. Supplement to Experience and Views—6 cents. Solemn Appeal—Speedy Coming of Christ—32 pp.—3 cts True Picture—state of the Churches—16 pp. The Sabbath by Elihu—16 pp. Both Sides—on the Sabbath—16 pp. The Sabbath by P. Miller Jr.—16 pp. First-day of the week not the Sabbath—16 pp. Review of Objections to the Sabbath—16 pp Tracts of 16 pages each can be sent by mail for one half cent an ounce, in packages of not less than 8 ounces. Sabbath and Advent Miscellany—seven of the above Tracts bound with paper covers—10 cents—postage 1 cent. Volumes I—IV of the Review, bound in paper covers, Vols. I and II, 40 cents; Vols. III and IV, 75 cents. Youth's Instructor, Vol. I, in paper covers—25 cents.