p. 48 | Review and Herald, Vol. 7, No. 6. (9/18/1855)

A Wanderer’s Testimony from Canada

By Elizabeth N. Harris

From Sister Harris.

To the Editor of the REVIEW AND HERALD.

DEAR BROTHER:—After being for months a wanderer from my family and home, I can here raise my Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto hath the Lord been my helper. In every hour of trial and affliction, I have realized that as a father piteth his children, so the Lord piteth those that fear him; and that he will never leave nor forsake those who put their trust in him.

During the months in which I have been visiting friends, both in Upper and Lower Canada, it has not been my lot to meet with one Advent Sabbath-keeper, and my Sabbaths have been spent among those who were busily engaged in preparing to observe the first day of the week; thus taking the Lord's time to prepare for keeping the commandments of men; though at times I have not felt lonely, yet I thank God that my peace has often been as a river. Would that my righteousness was as the waves of the sea. Feeling that I am a helpless worm of the earth, it has been my constant endeavor to seek for grace and wisdom from on high, that I might not dishonor the cause of truth, or cast a stumbling-block in the way of any. I feel thankful to say, that I have met with some of like precious faith with regard to the second advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: men who, loving the Saviour, long for his return to earth; and whose eyes are now turned to the East, anxiously watching the signs of the times, that they may be able to answer the inquiry, "Watchman, what of the night." In some denominations in Canada, there seems to be a general spirit of inquiry, both among ministers and people, and sermons are frequently preached upon the relation the present war sustains to prophecy.

The brother with whom I am now residing in Canada, is at present engaged in examining the subject of man's nature and future destiny; should he embrace what we consider the Bible view on the subject, who may tell the good which he may accomplish. His position in the church, and his widespread influence, would enable him to be much more useful than any stranger could be in the Province. Even now he is wielding a great influence in bringing these truths, and also the Sabbath question, before the people; as day after day brother ministers call in and these subjects are freely canvassed, and a general spirit of inquiry awakened, both among ministers and people.

The M. E. church in Canada has always been foremost in all questions of reform, and from what opportunity I have had of becoming acquainted with her ministry, I can truly say I have never met with a more holy, humble, and zealous class of men. They seem calm, reasonable, and intelligent, and on an equality with their Christian brethren, having no disposition to act as lords over God's heritage. When looking abroad upon this wide field, which seems white already unto harvest, I am often ready to exclaim, Who is sufficient for these things? But I rejoice to know that the work is the Lord's, and do pray him to send forth laborers into his vineyard.

The so-called Sabbath question is exciting great interest in all parts of Canada. Sermons are preached, and tracts on Sunday-keeping are distributed, and the mind of church members generally seems prepared for a law rigorously enforcing the strict observance of the first day of the week. In Lower Canada especially they seem very anxious upon the subject, as the Catholics who form so large a class of the community, do not keep the day in accordance with Protestant ideas of propriety. Conversing upon the subject a short time ago at the house of a friend, a very intelligent gentleman who was present said, "If I were not a Roman Catholic, I would certainly be upon your side of the question; but of course I consider the authority of the church sufficient." I find church members generally, much opposed to our views of the Sabbath. Having labored for years to secure the observance of Sunday, they feel anxious to preserve their ranks from division; and argue that it is better to have one day well kept, than two partially, even if the law is still in force. Thus we see the enemy has been going ahead preparing the minds of the people to resist the truth, and reject the law of God.

Your sister in Christ.

ELIZABETH N. HARRIS.

Kilworth, Sept. 6th, 1855.

Slander

By Robert Bolton

SLANDER.—Surgery may heal a bodily wound; but what balm can bind up the bite of a slanderous tongue? It runs like a contagion over the whole country, and cannot be recalled. Robbery may be

recompensed by restitution; but how can you ever make amends to the man whom you have traduced? I tell you truly, not all the wealth you have in the world, can wipe away the wrong you have done in such a case.—Robert Bolton. 1634.

COMMUNICATIONS.

By J. B. Frisbie

From Bro. Frisbie.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have been watching affairs closely for the last two years. Perhaps no one knows more of the state of the cause in the western part of Michigan than myself. I have just visited most of the Sabbath-keeping families, and have been preaching among them, and in some new places.

In some places there is quite an ear to hear; others scarcely any. There are quite a number of new places open for lectures in the north settlements, where all that is needed is faithful labor, and no doubt many would embrace the truth. In some places Sabbath keepers have sprung up without any preaching, by the means of papers, books, &c. I baptized some twelve, and more will soon go forward when an opportunity is presented. My health is poor. Perhaps I ought to say with Paul, "I glory in mine infirmities." This may be the only means of my salvation. My poor health has greatly humbled me. I sometimes get greatly discouraged over it, and think to cease traveling with the message, and would not hesitate in so doing if I could be sure the Lord would not be displeased with me.

Here is a wide field of labor, north, west and south, in this State. The harvest is ripening for the truth, but where are the laborers. I have large fields of acquaintances, formed when a Methodist traveling minister, that I have not yet been able to break upon. One, south of Adrian; another, La-porte, Ind. Both of these places I have been looking upon as important. I learn the No-Sabbath and No-law arguments are of little or no account where there are no nominal Adventists. But among the sects, the fulfillment of prophecies as laid down upon our chart, the signs of the times, and by whom and how the Sabbath was changed, at once brings a whole community into conviction that we have the truth. But it is much easier to convince a new community that we have the truth than it is to make them keep God's holy Sabbath; for there is a cross over which thousands must and will stumble to destruction.

Yours believing we have the truth.

J. B. Frisbie.

Battle Creek, Sept. 11th, 1855.

OBITUARY.

By Luther Paine

DEAR BRO. WHITE :—It becomes my painful duty to record the death of Cynthia, my companion, who fell asleep in Jesus on the 10th inst., aged 57 years, after suffering about seventeen days illness, of the lung and typhoid fevers. Cynthia, two daughters and myself, have been cheerfully observing the forever blessed, memorable Sabbath of the Lord about 4 years. She had no doubts relative to the truthfulness of the position she occupied in the present truth, connected with the near coming of our Lord.

She had been passing through severe trials previous to her sickness, but she kept above the billows, and was apparently weaned from the world, and seeking an inward conformity to the divine will. She could look to the all-absorbing work of God in '44 when our great High Priest entered the Most Holy to cleanse the Sanctuary. She manifested her submission to the divine will, whether in life, or death. We find her place empty at the family altar, and in raising her voice in singing hymns of praise. Many of our Sabbath brethren and sisters are being laid aside until the resurrection morn. Should not those who survive, renewedly engage in the all-absorbing work connected with the near coming of our Lord.

From your afflicted brother.

LUTHER PAINE.

Springfield, Sept. 14th, 1855.

SELECTIONS.

Christ the Bliss of Heaven.

I think not of the starry crown, Or robes the saints in glory wear ; 'Twere heaven enough to bow me down, Before my Saviour, Jesus there.

I think not of those harps whose notes Swell sweetly o'er the heavenly plains ; The Savior's voice in music floats, In richer, sweeter, dearer strains.

I think not of those golden streets, Where arches rise o'er pearly gates ; Or mansions in whose blissful seats, Rest for the weary pilgrim waits.

But oh! the Saviour's face to see, The blest Redeemer's voice to hear ; To be from sin for ever free, The tempter's wiles no more to fear.

To feel immortal vigor fill My soul, and quicken every power ; On angel's wing to do His will, And with a seraph's love adore

[American Messenger.]

Courteous Reply to an Infidel.

An American traveler being unexpectedly detained at the mole or quarantine in Odessa, was very civilly offered "half of his apartments, and a sofa to lie on," by a young Englishman who acted as translator to the mole. After they had formed an intimate acquaintance, and one evening had retired to rest, the traveler asked his friend how he could endure the blasphemy which was so constantly heard there. The young Englishman replied, that as a gentleman these things were disagreeable to him, but as to their being intrinsically wrong, it was no matter of concern to him, as he denied the truth of revelation, and believed Jesus Christ to be an impostor.

The traveler, without supposing the remark would be heeded except by courtesy, replied, "Either Christ was an impostor, or he was not. If he was an impostor, we have the inconceivable phenomenon of a base man practising virtue, self-denial, charity, forgiveness of injuries, through his whole life, in spite of scourging, contumely, and even crucifixion. Is it philosophical to suppose that a bad man would take so much pains to make men good?"

But if he was not an impostor, then he has told the truth, and we must believe him."

"Is it possible that I never saw that before?" was the only reply of the young Englishman, but the argument sunk deep into his heart; and when the traveler had arrived at Alexandria, he received a letter from the former sceptic acknowledging him as "the best friend he ever had," encouraging him to be equally faithful to others; and praying him not to forget "his Odessa convert."

"Am I my Brother's Keeper."

YES; God has so constituted the human heart and human society, that no man can live unto himself. Whatever may be your position in life, you have an influence over some unpenitent sinner, which, if rightly exerted, might lead him to the Saviour.

God commands you to exert that influence. The beginning of your duty is to make your own calling and election sure; but this is not the end of it. You are bound first to take the beam out of your own eye; but you should do so in order that you may see clearly to pluck the mole out of your brother's eye. When you have heard for yourself the gracious invitations of the gospel, you are to invite others to come.

God has promised to bless personal efforts for the salvation of souls. He has filled these promises in innumerable instances. When Harlan Page was on his death-bed, though oppressed with a sense of his unworthiness, he could say, "I think that, through the grace of God, I have been instrumental in the conversion of more than one hundred souls." Oh, how many there are who might, like him, even in private life, win many souls for Christ. Be encouraged to sow the good seed of the gospel wherever you can find soil to receive it. It will not be lost. The grain of wheat that was wrapped up for three thousand years in an Egyptian mummy, at last found a congenial soil, and sprang up and bore fruit. And so

“The seed that in these few and fleeting hours Thy hands unsparing and unwearied sow, Shall deck thy brow with never-fading flowers, And yield thee fruits divine in heaven's immortal bowers,"

Think of the value of a soul. Who can estimate it? The world and all it contains is as nothing in the comparison. God has shown his estimate by the price he paid for its redemption. The angels show how much they value it by their joy over one sinner that repents. The dominion of the soul is the great subject of strife between the powers of light and of darkness.

“Hell moves below to work its death, Heaven stoops to give it life.”

“Know that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins.”

A word as to the manner in which we should strive to win souls. Do it with gentleness and humility. Never speak to an impenitent sinner as though it were your office to rebuke and punish him. Never bring a railing accusation against him. Remember, he is your brother. You were once in the same condemnation; and if you are not now under God's wrath no credit is due to you; you are saved by grace.

Pray much for those you would lead to Christ. “Effectual, fervent prayer availeth much” in two ways; it calls down God's blessing on those for whom it is offered, and it cultivates the spirit of zeal and brotherly love in those who offer it. When we come down from the mount of communion to speak to our fellow-sinners, our faces will shine, and our words will be as precious ointment poured forth.

The Bible the Key to the Heart.

If I had a lock, of very complicated construction, and there was only one key that would unlock it, I should feel very sure that the key was made by one who understood the construction of that lock. So when I find that, notwithstanding all the windings and mysteries of iniquity in the human heart, the Bible, and the Bible only, is adapted to it throughout, and is able to penetrate its most secret recesses, I am constrained to believe that the Bible was made by Him who “alone knoweth the hearts of the children of men.”

NEW WORK.

By Editor

Home here and Home in heaven, with other Poems. By Annie R. Smith. 112 pp. Price—bound—20 cts; by the dozen and over, 15 cts; postage 4 cts. In paper covers—15 cts; by the dozen and over, 12½ cts; postage 1 ct. This work is now ready for delivery. If any who have sent in their orders do not receive their books, they will notify us.

Business.

JOS BATES:—The REVIEW is sent you regularly. If you do not receive it the fault must be in the P. O. department.

F. WHEELER:—We have not received any letter from Rachel Preston.

J. B. FROBIE:—By whom was the money sent for N. G. Spencer? We have received no letter from him.

L. LATHROP:—The REVIEW has been sent regularly to Olney Place, to the place named.

WM. C. DREW:—The REVIEW sent to Mrs. Wm. Drew, is paid to Vol. viii.

P. MORTON:—We send your books by mail to Vietta, Grundy Co.

Books for Sale at this Office.

Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.—This is the title of our new hymn Book. It will be found a choice selection, both for the purposes of public worship, and private devotion. The music inserted will be found well adapted to the wants of those who may use this work. 352 pp. 62½ cts.—postage 7 cts.

A Letter to the Disciples of the Lord.—3 cts.

The Three Angels of Revelation xiv, 6–12 : particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast —148 pp —12½ cts.

Sabbath Tracts, Vol, I, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4—184 pp. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question. Price 15 cts, postage 2 cts.

The Bible Class, Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus—125 pp —20 cts—paper covers 15 cts.

Home here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems—112 pp— 20 cts—paper covers 15 cts.

Last work of the True Church—68 pp.—7 cts.

The Celestial Rail Road—24 pp.—5 cts.

The Law of God: Testimony of Both Testaments—132 pp —12½ cts.—postage 1 ct.

Man not Immortal, the only shield against the seductions of modern Spiritualism—148 pp. 12½ cts.

The Atonement—196 pp.—15 cts., postage 2 cts.

The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God—84 pp.—8 cts.

The Sanctuary, and 2300 days by J. N. A.—10 cts.

Perpetuity of the Royal Law " —5 "

Review of O. R. L. Crozier-Sabbath " —5 "

Signs of the Times—Spirit Manifestations—124 pp.—10 cts.

Why don't you keep the Sabbath-day? Extracts from Catholic works—36 pp—5 cts.

Remarks on our Lawgiver, 2 Cor., Chap. iii. Colossians ii, 14-17, The two Vills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, Thoughts on the Sabbath—36 pp., 5 cts.

Time and Prophecy—a Poem—25 cents—postage 5 cents " " paper covers, 18 cts. " 1 ct.

A Word for the Sabbath—a Poem—5 cents.

History of the Sabbath—40 pp.—5 cents.

The 2300 days and the Sanctuary—36 pp.—5 cents.

Christian Experience and Views—6 cents.

Supplement to Experience and Views—6 cents.

Youth's Instructor, Vol. I & II, in paper covers—25 cents.

Liberal discount on these works where $5 worth are taken.

Address Elder James White, Rochester, N. Y.

AGENTS.

A G E N T S.

MAINE.

N. N. Lunt, Portland. S. W. Flanders, Canaan. Cyprian Stevens, Paris. S. Howland, Topsham. W. T. Hanniford, Orrington. Wm. Bryant, Wilton. C. Dingley, E. Pittsfield.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

J. Stowell, Washington. S. Bunnel, Claremont.

MASSACHUSETTS.

O. Nichols, Dorchester. O. Davis, N. Fairhaven. L. Paine, Springfield.

VERMONT.

R. Loveland, Johnson. H. Bingham, Morristown. S. H. Peck, Wolcott. Lewis Bean, Hardwick. Edwin Churchill, Stowe. E. P. Butier, Waterbury. Josiah Hart, Northfield. R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield. Jesse Barrows, Irasburg. Alonzo Lee, Derby Line. E. Everts, Vergennes. H. Gardner, Panton. S. Willey, Wheelock.

CONNECTICUT.

E. H. Chamberlain, Md'town. A. Belden, Kensington

NEW YORK.

J. Byington, Buck's Bridge. A. Ross, Caughdenoy. David Upson, Moreland. R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove. John Wager, Orangeport. L. Lathrop, Oswego. A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek. E. A. Poole, Lincklaen. J. A. Loughhead, Elmira. John Hamilton, Fredonia.

PENNSYLVANIA.

M. L. Dean, Ulysses. J. H. Heggie, Alleghany. C. H. Barrows, Port Alleghany. A. Southwic, Smethport.

MICHIGAN.

Albert Avery, Locke. Ira Gardner, Vergennes. David Hewett, Battle Creek. C. S. Glover, Sylvan. A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids. A. A. Dodge, Jackson. Wm. M. Smith, *" A. C. Morton, Delhi. J. M. McLellan, Hastings.

OHIO.

J. B. Sweet, Milan.

WISCONSIN.

E. S. Sheffield, Koskonong. P. Hall, Rosendale.

CANADA EAST.

B. Hills, Melbourne

The Church's Strength.

The converts of the day of Pentecost, if doubled once in ten years, would, at the end of two centuries, have equalled the whole population of the globe. Yes, if Christians had continued to labor so faithfully, so humble and so prayerfully, and God had so blessed their labors as to make each convert the instrument of the conversion of two persons every ten years, the morning which ushered in the third century from that memorable day, would have shone upon a world containing not one soul unreconciled to God. Why then did not Christianity go on "conquering and to conquer," until its triumphs were co-extensive with the abodes of man? Alas, the fault was in her professed friends. Even before the grave had closed on the last of the Apostles, pride and emulation, and worldliness, had begun to mar the beauty and paralyze the energies of the Christian church. And as years rolled on, the scene became darker and darker still, until at length a night of gloom settled down upon the world, which continued unbroken for ten centuries.

How impressive the lesson thus taught us by history. How clearly does it show that the strength of the church is in proportion to her purity and spirituality. Let her once more cherish the pentecostal spirit, and would she not experience pentecostal success, and receive a pentecostal blessing?

FOREIGN NEWS.

EUROPE.

From the war there is nothing new of great importance, though much that is highly interesting. At Sevastopol the only immediate indication of the long expected assault upon the Malakoff and Redan is the opening of fire upon them on the 17th ult. It was continued throughout the day, and the effect produced was as much as was anticipated. The Russian fire which at first answered briskly, became by evening feeble. The British loss was 138. We are told, also, that the English advances are within sixty yards of the Russian outworks, while the French on the right of the Malakoff are within thirty yards. Indeed, if we may judge by a dispatch from Gen. Pélissier, they are still nearer, for he informs us that on the 24th ult. they captured a Russian ambuscade on the very glacis of the Malakoff, and turned it against the fortress. Meanwhile the slaughter in the works is daily very large. The English say that they alone lose sixty men every day on the average.

Of the battle of the Chernaya, or as it is now called, the battle of Traktir Bridge, fought on Aug. 18, the Russian attack was a deliberate effort to raise the siege of Sevastopol, and if the Russians had succeeded in holding the heights on the Allies' side of the river, they intended further to attack the Allies from four points, namely: a main attack on Balaklava, another on the British Camp, and another simultaneously on the extreme right and left of the French lines. Documents found on the body of a Russian General indicate this. Gen. Simpson estimates the Russian forces at 55,000 infantry, and 6,000 cavalry, with 160 guns. The French had only 12,000 men and four batteries engaged. The Sardinians had 4,500 men and 24 guns engaged, while the English had only one battery in play. Gen. Simpson says the Russians advanced three times with the most determined bravery. Thrice they carried the bridge and crowned the heights, but were thrice driven back. Gen. Pélissier calls the French loss, 17 officers killed and 53 wounded, 172 men killed, 150 missing, and 1,160 wounded. The Sardinian loss was 250. The loss of the Russians was 3,000 killed, and 5,000 wounded, including 1,600 wounded prisoners in the hands of the French and 200 in the hands of the Sardinians.

In this battle it is plain that Pélissier was taken by surprise, and that but for the important aid rendered by the Sardinian artillery the French might have fared very badly. Indeed, such is the opinion in Paris, where people do not regard him with admiration just at present. With respect to the Russians it is equally notorious that in this instance they maintained their long-standing reputation, and were beaten according to the rule which prevails whenever they come in contact with European troops. The same system which they tried at Inkermann with such fatal results was here experimented upon again. Dense masses of men were flung upon the enemy as if to overwhelm him by sheer quantity of weight, but on these masses the Sardinian artillery, which took them in the flank, and the rifles of the Zouaves did the most murderous execution, and they were obliged to yield. The same absence of generalship, and of all manœuvres calculated to facilitate the struggle and assure the desired victory was conspicuous here as at Inkermann. The men fought bravely but the incapacity of their commanders rendered their courage vain. Indeed, while we incline to agree with an opinion which a Brussels journal attributes to Omer Pasha, we must extend its application. According to this authority, “Omer Pasha freely expressed himself at Constantinople that the allied commanders—especially Gen. Pélissier—were humbugs, and that he should twice have lost his army if he had followed their advice.”

Omer, by the way, is going with his army to Asia, to fight there against the Russians, now under Muravieff besieging Kars.

Notice Concerning the Review Office Move

By James White

As it is probable that the REVIEW Office will be moved to Michigan this Fall, it would be well for Eastern brethren to supply themselves with books before it is moved. Those indebted to me for books will do me a favor to pay me at their earliest convenience. Those sending drafts to the Office will please have them payable to S. T. Belden, in whose hands I leave my business. JAMES WHITE.

APPOINTMENTS.

PROVIDENCE permitting, Elder J. N. Loughborough will preach in the Wesleyan meeting-house at Olcott, Sunday, Sept. 30th at 10½ A. M., and 2 P. M.

TENT MEETINGS.

By J. Hart, C. W. Sperry, A. S. Hutchins

If the Lord will, there will be Tent-meetings in the following places:

Walden, Vt., commencing Sept. 22d,

Chelsea, “ “ 29th,

Warren, “ “ Oct. 6th.

J. HART,

C. W. SPERRY,

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Letters

H. Lyon, M. E. Cornell, J. P. Kellogg, L. O. Stowell.

Receipts.

M. Porter, S. L. Hallock, P. Morton, Wm. Gifford, J. M Hall, C. Osborn, P. Scarborough, L. Drew, J. Lamson, (fo R. Judd,) J. R. Green, E O. Fish, J. M. Ballou, J. J. On derkirk, L. Mann, H. Flower, A . B. Smith, L. C. Paine, C E. Harris, S. Carhy, O. B. Stiles, C. B. Spalding, J. Barrett, E. Boyers, W. W. Rue, each $1.

Lebbeus Drew, J. M Mills, A. B. Pearsall, ($1 for J. Powers,) each $2, Sr. Drew, $1,25. J. H. Titus, D. Ford, H. Jenney, S. Pierce, (for J Dudley,) R. Woodin, D. Sherwood, a Friend, each $0,50. R. Stores, $0,25.

FOR TENT IN N. Y.—J. Martin, $2. J. Lamson, $5.

TO PURCHASE HORSE FOR J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.—E. P. Below, $2. J. Lamson, $5.

TO PAY ARREARS ON VOL. VI.—R. Woodin, $1.