p. 192 | Review and Herald, Vol. 8, No. 24. (10/16/1856)

Tent Meeting in Princeton, Mass.

By A. S. Hutchins

This meeting was held agreeably to appointment. At its commencement for certain causes we greatly feared it would fall far short of proving a blessing to the church; but God gave to a few the strength which is the result of union; and we were resolved by the aid of his holy Spirit, patiently and perseveringly to labor for that order which must characterize the church of God; notwithstanding individuals might be crossed in their feelings and views.

Brethren and sisters were present from different parts of the State; and some from Ct., and N. H. Bro. Wheeler came in time and with a mind to help us, and his coming was not in vain.

After the close of the public meetings, while engaged in prayer the Spirit of the Lord was poured upon us freely, its deep-searching influence was felt upon us all. The blessings of that hour can be realized only in eternity. Here some for whom we had entertained but faint hopes, confessed heartily and thoroughly their wrongs, and set about the work of pouring the oil of consolation into the wounds by themselves made. The Lord blessed them, yea, he blessed us all together.

At the close of this meeting I was better satisfied (if possible) than ever before that we must with the spirit of meekness and love stand firmly for the great and blessed truths of the Bible, given to control and regulate the church of God. No other way can be devised to restore union, and convert sinners but that given by the Author of our salvation.

Said David, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Ps. li, 12, 13.

As there was no opening for the tent in Maine, as we had expected there would be, it was decided by the brethren at this meeting, to put up the tent for this season.

It was a very encouraging feature in our meetings the past season, to know that they grew more and more interesting. We trust our labor in Ct. and Mass. was not in vain. A. S. HUTCHINS.

Barton Landing, Vt., Oct., 1856.

Following Christ Without Carnal Weapons

By A. G. Carter

From Bro. Carter.

BRO. SMITH:—I still feel highly gratified with the teachings of the Review. I have not a shadow of doubt but that it brings to us present Bible truths, and shall feel free to cast in my mite towards its support. I can cheerfully endorse the sentiments of Bro. Everts, in his article entitled, “Follow me.” To follow the Saviour is eternal life, but to refuse, is pain and eternal death.

Since I realized my sins forgiven, I have not believed the followers of Jesus have a right to use carnal weapons; for Jesus taught us to pray for God to forgive us as we forgive others. If we forgive we shall be forgiven; if we forgive not we shall not be forgiven. Matt. vi, 12–15. I am aware some will say, But, they must say I repent, &c. Granted; but says Paul, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.” Rom. xii, 17–21; Lev. xix, 18; Deut. xxxii, 35; Heb. x, 29, 30. Jesus came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them; [see Luke ix, 51–56;] then to follow him we should do likewise. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Matt. xxvi, 52. Is not the second sword here referred to, that which proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord? See Rev. i, 16; ii, 16; Isa. xi, 4; xlix, 2; Eph. vi, 17; Heb. iv, 12; Rev. xix, 15, 21. With the testimony of Jesus and his apostles before us, we cannot be the followers of Jesus, and engage in wholesale murder; for no murderer hath eternal life in him.

With regard to political strife, for years past I have been doubtful of there being any good accomplished in that way. Last Fall, Bro. Hart was here, and strengthened my views on that subject very much. Since that time I am fully persuaded to let it alone. I now acquiesce with him on communion; viz., that those that reject the light, and teach that the Law of God is changed or abolished, cannot prepare an emblem of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

They may prepare and call it the broken body and shed blood; but I doubt very much its being acceptable to God. God is not mocked. Sin is the transgression of the law; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. iii, 20. For where no law is there is no transgression. Rom. iv, 15. The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Ps. xix, 7. All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Ps. cxi, 7, 8.

The Saviour says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Here is his reason: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Matt. v, 17, 18. As the heavens and earth still remain, so every jot and tittle of the law remain. Then if thou wilt enter into life, keep the Commandments. Matt. xix, 17; I John v, 2, 3; Rev. xii, 17; xiv, 12; xxii, 14; Ps. lxxxix, 26–36. See also Isa. lvi. Here we see that the Gentiles as well as Jews are blessed for keeping the Sabbath. Of this number of Commandment-keepers I hope to be one; for those only who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus will have a right to the tree of life.

Some have tried to cramp us to Sunday-keeping. They say, What do you think you are going to do? you can’t compel your children to keep Saturday for the Sabbath? After they are of age they will see they can’t get employment unless they work Saturdays and keep Sunday like other folks,” &c. But the Word says, Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, &c. My grace is sufficient for you. Glorious promise!

Soon after Bro. Hart was here, Eld. B. Webb came, and has been lecturing during the past year through this vicinity. He has been in the New Time theory. He contends that the law of ten commandments was abolished with the ordinances, that the cleansing of the Sanctuary is the burning of the earth, that the two-horned beast is Russia, and that the Third Angel’s Message is in the future. We have presented the word showing the perpetuity of God’s law, &c. He tries to reject it by referring it to the law of ordinances, to our “bump of firmness,” &c. Such arguments (?) will not stand the test in the last day. See John xii, 48. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. See 2 Pet. iii, 8; Rev. xx, 12. By some I am considered uncharitable for rejecting him as a brother in Christ; but I am not to go beyond my Lord, i. e. have more charity, but to follow him, i. e., have as much charity. May God grant us consistency in our faith.

A. G. CARTER.

Rubicon, Wis.

A Visit and Resurrection Hope

By A. S. Hutchins

From Bro. Hutchins.

BRO. SMITH :—On our way home from Princeton, Mass., we called on your mother and brother, at your birth-place, the spot of your early pleasures. We found them endeavoring to live out the principles of the religion of Jesus Christ, amidst this “crooked and perverse nation.” We expected to stop but a few hours, but discovering that a longer stay might interest, and, we hoped, profit these lonely pilgrims, we consented to rest there for the night; which to us was no small satisfaction.

As we talked of the ravages of death, and of your dear friends that quietly and silently sleep in the grave, the hope, the blessed hope of the resurrection, threw a halo of light around their resting-place, and pointed us forward a few days to that happy morn, when in immortal bloom the saints shall return from the “land of the enemy,” with a triumphant victory over death and the grave.

At our last season of prayer, your mother was greatly blessed of the Lord, and praised aloud his holy name. She, with your brother, had made all arrangements for a tent-meeting there, immediately after the meeting at Princeton, but by some means we did not learn the arrangements in time to go there.

She felt unwilling to leave that place, till she had done what she could to hold up the light of the Message of the Third Angel.

May sustaining grace be given them still, and also yourself, to help you on to the land of bliss and glory, where there will be no tearful eyes, nor quivering lips, nor farewell voices.

“Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Bring me to the Saviour’s feet, Lay me low, and keep me there.” A. S. HUTCHINS. Barton Landing, Vt., Oct. 1st, 1856.

COMMUNICATIONS.

By John B. Frisbie

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Frisbie.

TOUR IN ILLINOIS.

WE have returned from Illinois after an absence of ten weeks. Our visit to that State was quite pleasant, although mostly among those who knew nothing of the present truth. There was quite an interest awakened in a number of new places, where we had good liberty in presenting the word. We sold some twenty dollars worth of books and sent in some fifteen new subscribers for the Review, as investigators, with the prospect that some will keep the Sabbath. We received several letters from different parts of the State, requesting us to visit them. We are sorry that we were not able to visit them, but we find by experience that it is necessary to stay in most any place some considerable length of time, in order to accomplish any great amount of good. In this way we were satisfied that it would have been an all-winter’s tour. But in the providence of God the time may not be far distant when we may visit that State again, and then we will try not to forget those friends who have written to us. It is often the case when an interest is awakened in one place it opens the way for others adjoining.

J. B. FRISBIE.

Battle Creek, Oct. 9th, 1856.

M. W. PORTER

By M. W. Porter

From Bro. Porter.

BRO. SMITH :—I am yet trying to keep the Commandments of God, but I find I have the world and the flesh to contend with; and in the midst of surrounding besetments I many times do things that I ought not to do, and leave undone things that I ought to do; but my determination is to go forward, trusting in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since 1842 I have been a member of the M. E. Church, until I became acquainted with the Advent faith through the Review about one year since; and it seems to me that I have enjoyed more of the love of God shed abroad in the heart, than ever before. My desire is to be doing something to advance the cause of truth, and also to honor and glorify God in every thought and action.

Dear brethren and sisters, let us be doing; let us labor to enter into that rest. How reasonable it is that every true Christian should love the appearing of the meek and lowly lamb of God. They can look up and say, Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Brethren and sisters, we crave an interest in your prayers. If some lecturing brother could come this way and labor for a short time, quite a number I think would embrace the truth.

Yours in hope of eternal life.

M. W. PORTER

Mantorville, M. T., Sept., 1856.

Extracts from Letters.

By Editor

Bro. G. W. Holt writes from Milan, O., Sept. 18th, 1856:—"I have been much interested and encouraged of late by reading the pithy and spirited matter in the Review. The piece entitled, Third Angel’s Message, is to the point. I can say, Amen, to every word of it.

"A testimony that will cut like a sharp two-edged sword is what the church want to arouse them from the lethargic state into which some of its members have sadly fallen."

Bro. Danl. Baker writes from Westfield, Pa.:—"We prize the Review for its Bible doctrines, reproofs, corrections and instructions, which thoroughly furnishes us with argument against the "isms" of the day. We truly feel that the times are perilous, and would request the prayers of the saints that we may continue faithful and watch for our Deliverer, that when he shall appear we may be received with the rest of those that keep the Commandments and have the Faith of Jesus."

OBITUARY.

By A. S. Hutchins

SISTER Ann D. Bailey fell asleep in Jesus, in Johnson, Vt., Sept. 26th, 1856, aged twenty-four years and six months. She was the companion of Bro. Orange Bailey, and daughter of Bro. and Sr. Loveland of that place.

The consumption was the disease by which the enemy brought her to the cold, silent grave. But the hope of the gospel sustained her graciously amidst all her severe sufferings, and she sweetly sleeps to awake in the first resurrection.

As her eyes began to close in death, she was asked if Jesus was precious. She replied, “All is well.” She was among the first who embraced the Bible Sabbath in Vt. Sleeping by her side is her little son three months and eleven days old, which died about five weeks previous.

It is my prayer that this affliction may not only be sanctified to the good of the mourning family, but also to the good of the church. A few remarks were made the following day, to the mourners and friends present, from the words, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” The blessed hope of the first resurrection comforted our hearts.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Sept. 30th, 1856.

Holding Fast to the Truth

Bro. C. A. Bates writes from Green Vale, Ill., Sept. 30th, 1856:—"The Review is a welcome visitor to us. It comes richly laden with truth. It is truly a great help in searching the Scriptures. We are living in perilous times, when the adversary is trying to lead us astray from the path of rectitude into his snare. It becomes us to have on the whole armor, and "watch and pray lest we enter into temptation" that we may be able to stand in the coming day that is just upon us, and that will try men's souls. It will be truly a trying time. We should be ready and waiting so that we can hail that day with joy and not with grief, and have our work done and well done. We need much of the Spirit of God to enable us to have our mind in a position to worship him aright. We must have our mind and conversation in heaven from whence we look for the Saviour, and take up our cross daily and follow our blessed Master, who is our Pattern. We must follow in his footsteps, live lives devoted to him, that we may be accounted worthy to help make up that happy number which the Revelator saw standing before the throne of God, in whose mouth was found no guile, who were without fault.

"We are trying to hold on to the truth, fully believing that we have the truth, and that we shall soon reap if we faint not. We have two meetings a week, and the Lord is with us by his presence. His promise is sure, that where two or three meet together in his name, being agreed as touching any one thing, there will he be in the midst. Then let us keep his Commandments that we may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the City. Blessed promise to the faithful! That we may all help make up that number, is my prayer.

"We have received some of the Testimony for the Church, No. 2, and like them very much. O that we may heed the warning therein given. We have not had any one to lecture to us since our beloved Bro. Joseph Bates left; but we hope that some one may come soon. The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few. Pray the Lord to send more laborers into his vineyard."

Bro. James Cornell writes from Tyrone, Mich:—"I am thankful for the Review. It is truly an interesting and welcome messenger to me. I hope those engaged in publishing it may be sustained, and I pray God to give them wisdom to set forth his truth in all its beauty and simplicity. I feel much encouraged to see the cause of truth steadily advancing. May the car of salvation roll on still more rapidly, that all the honest ones may be gathered out of Babylon in due time. O blessed hope! may the work speed on gloriously."

New work.

By Editor

We have just published a tract entitled, "The Bible Student's Assistant; or a Compend of Scripture References."

It is generally the case that those who are beginning to investigate, as well as those who are more thoroughly acquainted with, the truths we advocate, wish for a list of texts which contain proof of the prominent points of our faith. To meet this want is the design of this little work. It contains a list of proof-texts on each of the following subjects:

The Holy Scriptures the Rule of Faith and Duty.
Reason why men are ignorant of the truth.
Restitution of Truth in the Last Days.
The moral Law of God. The ten Commandments.
The Bible on the Sabbath.
The First Day of the Week.
Time for commencing the Sabbath.
The Second Advent.
Signs of the last Days to precede the coming of Christ.
False Prophets and Spirit Manifestations.
The Nature and Destiny of Man.
The Condition of the Dead.
The final Destiny of all men—the Righteous and the Wicked.
Purity.
Church Order.
Explanation of Prophetic Figures.

Price, including postage, 6 cents.

APPOINTMENTS.

By H. Bingham

PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a general meeting of the Advent Church of Vermont at Bro. H. S. Peck's, in Wolcott, Vt., commencing Sixth-day eve., Oct. 24th, to continue as long as duty demands. Churches will please send delegates, &c.

Our tent operations are now closed. We hope brethren will come to this meeting prepared to adjust their subscriptions, that the Committee may be able to settle with the tent laborers soon.

In behalf of Wolcott Church. H. BINGHAM. Oct. 1st, 1856.

Business.

By Editor

E. Rowley:—Your money was received, and the books were sent July 3d, according to our record. As one volume never reached you we now send again. The dollar for REVIEW was probably by a typographical mistake receipted to R. Rowley. You stand credited on book to Vol. IX.

The two dollars receipted to E. D. Cook for N. Y. Tent in No. 14, Vol. VII, should have been receipted to D. Hildreth.

Receipts for Book Fund.

By Editor

J. Tillotson $10. S. H. Peck $3. Wm. Chapman, D. Hildreth, E. Harris, each $2. L. Titus, R. T. Ashley, M. E. Harris, each $1.

Receipts.

By Editor

H. Wheeler, A. L. Burwell, Wm. Clarsor, L. Russell, E. Harris, L. Titus, Wm. Bixby, D. Baker, H. Bristol, M. W. Porter, Jno. M. Mills, D. N. Fay, H. Snyders, John Jones, R. T. Asbley, H. V. Reed, Wm. P. Drown, A. Fife, R. H. Peck, Wm. McAndrew, L. N. Corruth, Geo. Smith, (for E. D. Place,) each $1.

L. H. Rior $2, L. P. Miller $2.25. A. G. Carter $1.35. R. T. Payne $0.75. A. A. Dodge (for L. McLean) $0.50.

REVIEW TO THE POOR.—M. B. Pierce $0.50. D. Hildreth $3.

OFFICE RELIEF.—Sr. A. Burwell, A. L. Burwell, each $5. Jno. M. Mills $2.

FOR MICH TENT.—Sr. A. Burwell, A. L. Burwell, each $4.

Books for Sale at this Office.

By Uriah Smith

The price set to each publication includes both the price of the book, and the postage, when sent by Mail.

Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Hymn Book is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco, 65 cents.

Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price, 50 cents each.

Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages Price 15 cents.

The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing. Price 12½ cents.

The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents.

Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.

The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.—Bound 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.

The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.—Price 8 cents.

The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17. Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt v, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 cents.

The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented.—Price 12½ cents.

Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.

German Tract

By Editor

We are happy to commence in this number (see first page) the publication of the matter designed for the German Sabbath Tract. It has been thought best to publish it first in the REVIEW, not only for the sake of the argument presented, but also that the brethren might know what matter they were placing in the hands of the Germans. The additional work of translating and stereotyping will bring the cost of this tract probably to about ten dollars per hundred. If those who design to take part in circulating this work among the Germans, will forward to this Office immediately the amount they wish to invest in this work, it will greatly aid in the publication of the tract, and they shall have their means refunded in books at actual cost, as soon as issued.

Communications Laid Over

By Editor

A press of matter this week obliges us to lay over some interesting communications from brethren and sisters. They will appear in due time.

The Life of Faith

The soul is the life of the body. Faith is the life of the soul. Christ is the life of faith.