p. 32 | Review and Herald, Vol. 33, No. 4. (1/19/1869)

Earlier text: THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Comfort for the Discouraged

By W. Gatchel

From Bro. Gatchel.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel unworthy to say anything through the columns of the REVIEW; but as my heart has often been cheered and comforted by your testimonies, I feel willing to bear some humble part in trying to be a source of comfort and consolation to others; and if I can say anything to cheer the lonely, or add a word of consolation for the sick and afflicted, or the sorrowing ones, or such as are cast down through manifold temptations, or feel unworthy to be numbered with the people of God, I shall be fully rewarded for my feeble efforts.

I have often felt if I could compose as others can, it would be a pleasure to me to write; but I have this to encourage me: "'Twas the broken bread that fed the multitude." How often have the tears welled up in my eyes when I have heard the young convert speak for the first time. Though his language might be feeble and broken, yet it would touch a well-spring in my heart that would cause the waters to gush forth.

I have often wept during my pilgrimage; sometimes for joy, and sometimes through sorrow of heart. Many times I have wet my couch with tears when I have had a view of the low estate of Zion, and thought how the law of God has been trampled upon with impunity.

Ofttimes I feel unworthy to be numbered with the people of God when I see my own frailty and liability to err, and that there is no good thing about me to recommend me to his favor. At such times, this heart-cheering promise has been held up to my view: "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isa. xliii, 25.

I have suffered much from bodily infirmities, and have passed through many trials, and been sorely afflicted for many years, and still I am an invalid, afflicted with pain and disease, and though I may still have to suffer, I have these words to comfort me: "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Isa. xlviii, 10. Oh! may the refining process go on until his image is fully reflected in me; and if our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, only work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, how happy we shall be.

Our afflictions are truly light compared with some in ancient times. "Take, my brethren, the prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James v, 10, 11. Then let us learn this lesson: To be patient in tribulation, and let patience possess our souls, and let it have its perfect work. Job passed through more than is common to the lot of man; yet it is said of him, In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

What infinite goodness that God should bestow upon a fallen race such a legacy as his precious word to guide our feet into his testimonies, and to encourage us in every situation in life to trust in him! What encouragement we have to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

A few days since, as I was reading some remarks on the book of Psalms from the pen of Bro. Waggoner, it touched a cord in my heart that made him seem very near to me. Though I have never seen him, yet I was led to exclaim, May the Lord bless and sustain him in all his labors of love. While I was reading this sentence, "First I was led to wonder that my own feelings and experience in sorrow were so well described therein," I could rejoice that the experience of Christians is so similar that when they expressed the dealings of God with them, it would unite their hearts in the bonds of love, though they may never have seen each other. May we all so act our part that we may prove a blessing to one another.

The book of Psalms has been a source of consolation to me for many years; and in whatever condition we may be placed, we may find comfort from that book. When the wicked who have their portion in this life, oppose, we can look up and say, "As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." Ps. xvii, 15. And if we have done wrong, and have offended our Maker, and feel that he is angry with us, then these words are sweet to us: "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night; but joy cometh in the morning." Ps. xxx, 5.

The Psalms have words of hope and comfort for us,

1. When in trouble: "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." Ps. xxxiv, 17.

2. In affliction: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Ps. xxxiv, 19.

3. When sick: "The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Ps. xli, 3.

4. When we are weak: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Ps. xlvi, 1.

5. When grief and sorrow weigh heavily upon us: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." Ps. lv, 22.

6. When the enemy presses upon us, and fear is on every side: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Ps. lvi, 3.

7. When we are brought into a strait place, and our way seems to be hedged up, and we know not which way to move for fear we shall go wrong: "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." Ps. xxvii, 5, 6.

8. In darkness: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. cxix, 105.

9. In every situation of life, whether in sickness or health, poverty or wealth, if we live near the Lord, his word will be sweet unto us, and we can say in truth, "Thy word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it." Ps. cxix, 140.

10. When we feel that we are drawing nigh unto death, and soon must be laid in the narrow confines of the tomb, then in the triumphs of faith we may say, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for he shall receive me." Ps. xlix, 15.

Oh! may I be cleansed from every unholy thing, that the love of God may abound in my heart, and I be enabled by his grace to keep all his commandments, and the faith of Jesus, that Jesus may be glorified in my salvation, and I be his when he comes to make up his jewels.

W. GATCHEL.

Cumberland Co., Mo.

WHAT IS WEALTH?

WEALTH is something more than gold, More than luxury and ease; Treasures never to be told, May be found apart from these. Men who great possessions own, May be needy none the less; They are rich, and they alone, Who have stores of nobleness.

Palaces are dreary domes; Fair demesnes, but deserts wild; If there be not happy homes, Gentle thoughts, and manners mild. Trust me, though his lot be small, And he makes but slight pretense, He who lives in peace with all, Dwells in true magnificence.

If you'd prove of noble birth, Oh! beware of judgments rash; Scorn to measure human worth By the sordid rule of cash. Gold and silver may depart, Proudest dynasties may fall; HE WHO HAS THE TRUEST HEART IS THE RICHEST OF US ALL.

—Harper’s Weekly.

R. HAAG

By R. HAAG.

From Bro. Haag.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel thankful today that the Lord ever showed me the light of present truth, and by his grace assisting me I am trying to live it out and be a vessel unto honor fit for our Master's use.

The church here, Sabbath and first-day, Dec. 19 and 20, had a good meeting. Through the efforts of Brm. Harvey and Styles, the brethren and sisters from LaPorte, South Bend, and Mishawaka were present, and I trust we all felt the blessing. Those that came felt that it was good to be there. In the evening we attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and we showed our love to him by following the example he set for us. John xiii. I thought of the time when he said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.” If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I believe those that came here felt to take courage, and to go on in the good way. Six united with this church. The Lord was with us, and in our several places of residence may he still be with us, is my prayer.

R. HAAG

North Liberty, Ind.

Confession of Past Wrongs

By J. B. LAMSON

From Bro. Lamson.

BRO. SMITH: With your permission, I would like to occupy a little space in the REVIEW, in confessing the wrongs of my life in the past.

By reproof that has been given me, I have been led to examine my heart more closely than I should have done had no testimony been given. I have to confess to my brethren and sisters and the world, that in my Christian experience I have come far short of living up to the profession that I have made.

For about twenty-one years I have been looking for the coming of the Lord, and about sixteen years of the time have been a believer in the third angel's message, professing to keep the commandments of God. My life has not corresponded with my profession; I have failed to keep the two great precepts of the law. Love to God has been crowded out of my heart by the love of the world; and the love of the world has led me to deal in an unchristian, selfish manner; and the cause of God has suffered reproach by my wrong course.

I ask forgiveness of my brethren and sisters, and all that have been injured by me, and I pray God to forgive me, and help me in the future to live up to the golden rule as taught by our Saviour: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.” I pray him to help me to spend the rest of my life in his service, and be prepared to stand in the Judgment.

“Yet does one short, preparing hour— One precious hour—remain.”

I want to improve it by divesting myself of wrongs, that I may have a clean record in the day of Judgment, and stand acquitted at the bar of God.

From your unworthy brother. J. B. LAMSON.

Rochester, N. Y.

I. M. REYNOLDS,

By I. M. Reynolds

From Sr. Reynolds.

I WISH to say to my dear brethren who are commandment-keepers, that having been comforted by the testimonies of many, I would again add mine. I deeply feel the solemnities of the present time. I see, or think I see, by gospel light, a world increasing in wickedness of every description to a fearful degree. Even Christendom (speaking after the manner of men,) is going mad with folly. To me it looks more like blasphemy. They make a Babel of the house of God, filling it with buyers and sellers, starving the dear lambs of the flock. How long, O Lord, shall these things continue to increase?

It is a little more than two years since I became acquainted with this people, and but a short time since I identified myself with them, feeling that they had the truth, and were the people I had been some years looking for. To believe the truth and live it, is all that is necessary to secure to us that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.

Dear brethren, how many of us have our lamps trimmed and burning, with oil in our vessels with our lamps? How many of us have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts? Under the light of present truth how do our cases stand to-day? Are our affections clinging to this earth? Are we yielding our members as instruments of unrighteousness? or are we, with singleness of eye, crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts, preparing for the soon coming of the Bridegroom. That the Sun of righteousness may arise in all our hearts, to heal our backslidings, fill us with the spirit of watchfulness and humility; that we may deny ourselves, all ungodliness, and every worldly lust; gird on the whole armor that we may go forth to meet the Lord at his coming, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.

I. M. REYNOLDS,

Sturgis, Mich.

Thankfulness for Life Incidents

Sr. L. Spencer writes from Houghton: I feel to thank those who have sent me Life Incidents and the Health Reformer. I have just finished reading Life Incidents, and have greatly feasted on it. It is just the light I have wanted on the great truths of God's word, and it has opened my understanding in the Scriptures. I feel truly thankful for the light I have received, and hope I shall have grace and strength so to profit by it, that when the Lifegiver comes I may be ready to meet him.

Did Christ Die, and Shall Sin Live?

DID Christ die, and shall sin live? Was he crucified to the world, and shall our affections to the world be quick and lively? Oh! where is the spirit of Him who by the cross of Christ was crucified to the world, and the world to him?

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

$1.00 each. R G Lockwood 34-1, H Lockwood 34-1, P D Lawrence 34-1, M T Connett 35-1, Mrs L C Foster 35-1, E Davis 34-1, Betsey Davis 35-1, J M Humphrey 35-1, C Herrick 32-1, J Sutton 34-1, Emma Smith 34-1, D J Burroughs 34-1, J A Hoyt 34-1, Mrs H Dunbar 35-1, B Brown 35-1, C Grant 35-1, W E Caviness 34-1, H Miller 34-1, G W Newman 34-1, J N Porter 35-1, C L Haskins 35-1, C Belden 33-14, P Allen 34-1, F Wheeler 34-1, T Francis 33-1, L Martin 34-1, L Parrott 35-4, J F Wood 35-4, Wm Nicholas 35-4, D B Webster 34-1, H A Alverson 34-4, B Vore 34-4, Mrs S H Bonfoey 34-5, Jane Dade 34-4, S Matthews 33-1, Eldon Cross 34-1, A J Richmond 34-1, S Osgood 34-1, D D Haines 34-1, Wm Edgar 33-1, J H Rogers 34-3, S H Williams 34-4, S Hopkins 35-4, Eliza Root 35-1.

$2.00 each. T Hare 35-1, S Grimnell 34-1, R Marvin 33-1, L H Hunting 35-1, D W Milk 35-1, F F Lamoraux 35-1, A Nellis 35-1, Amy E Dart 35-1, A Johnson 34-1, G H Wood 35-1, Peter Smith 35-1, J Prentice 35-1, C O Bliss 35-1, E Seaward 34-1, J B Woodruff 34-19, D C Webster 35-4, Maggie Wilkinson 35-4, John Young 35-1, G G Wheeler 35-4, J T Fowler 35-4, D B Welch 35-1, M L Maxsom 35-1, A C Warren 35-1, C Wright 34-9, J B Umberhold 35-4, C R Ogden 35-22, M P Styles 35-1, P Markillie 35-1, F C Foss 35-1, G Emans 35-1, S Howard 34-1, S T McAllister 35-4, E Butler 33-7.

$3.00 each. C B Deyarmond 33-9, T F Emans 33-9.

Miscellaneous. T K Henry 70c 33-10, R Wells 50c 34-1, A H Clymer $2.63 35-1, A Poll 50c 34-1, M A Stanley 1.50 35-1, M P Stone 1.80 32-6, J P Ayer $5.00 35-1, D B Staples 1.75 34-3, E W Darling 50c 33-14, H Crowell 2.50 35-1, R G Cowles 2.00 35-16, L Bullock 1.50 33-20, T Ramsey 1.75 34-11, J Webber 4.00 34-12, J Cady 1.50 34-14, A O Tobey 1.50 33-4.

Books Sent by Mail.

F Bliss 25c, W F Crouse $3.00, Mrs D B Welch 1.50, M T Connett 1.00, H Goble 1.00, A Chabaugh 1.00, S Needles 1.00, R Wells 1.00, A H Clymer 75c, L H Hunting 3.00, S Drake 9.00, E E Sturges 75c, N Grant 50c, W H Littlejohn 1.00, Amelia Nellis 40c, Amy E Dart 15c, G W Newman 25c, T F Emans 15c, M A Beasley 1c, M P Stone 70c, H J Rhodes 30c, H Royce 20c, J Griffith 73c, W Sanborn 1.22, C L Haskins 1.00, Mary M Sarchet 50c, M A Holt 20c, R G Cowles 75c, M P Johnson 50c, P B Allen 25c, Geo Francis 75c, J Clarke 1.00, Mrs G W Pierce 3.00, S Wilkinson 2.00, T Alverson 22c, Mrs S H Bonfoey 1.50, C L Boyd 2.25, C A Brees 4.00, H Bingham 4.00, C R Ogden 75c, P Markillie 1.15, A Brown 25c, D D Haines 1.13, T E Thorpe 25c, Mary A Johnson 75c, J De Ville 1.00, P Pierce 13c.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

C R Ogden $1.00, Polly Lumbert 5c.

Cash Received on Account.

T K Henry 80c, T M Steward $15.00, J W Hines 12.00, A B Atwood 12.76.

Receipts for Benevolent Fund.

H L Richmond $2.50, T M Steward 10.00, S Logan 10.00, D B Webster 10.00, L B Webster 10.00, Wm Edgar 2.00, J H Waggoner 10.00, S P Ward 5.00, Elbridge Green 10.00.

For California Mission.

H L Richmond $2.50, Wm Edgar 2.00, Elbridge Green 5.00.

MICHIGAN CONFERENCE FUND.

Church at Cleveland $10.00, Church at Oakland 62.00, Church at Monterey 80.95.

Books Sent by Express.

J L Lewis Lansing, Mich., $10.00.

Appointments.

By W. C. GAGE

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church at Convis, Sabbath, Jan. 30. Should the outside interest demand, will remain over first-day, and will speak upon the prophecies, &c. W. C. GAGE.

BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.

A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.

HOUSE FOR SALE.—I have a good house and lot in the town of North Liberty, Ind., that I will sell cheap to some brother who wishes a good home and privileges of meetings. Address JACOB FUSON. North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind.

Gratiot County Quarterly Meeting

By S. E. Sutherland

The next Quarterly Meeting of the churches in Gratiot Co., Mich., will be held at Ithaca, Feb. 6 and 7. Let there be a general turn out. The brethren and sisters of Fulton are invited to attend. We should be glad to have the labors of some one of the preaching brethren at this meeting.

S. E. Sutherland. Ithaca, Mich.

THE TWELFTH APOSTLE.

“Who was the twelfth apostle, Matthias or Paul? Please answer through the Review, as there is a difference of opinion on the point.”

ANSWER. We think Matthias was taken to fill the place of Judas, and make good the number of twelve apostles which Christ had at first ordained. Matthias, says the record, “was numbered with the eleven.” There were more than twelve apostles in the first age of the church, though the twelve were pre-eminently such. It was an essential feature of their apostleship that they should have been personally acquainted with the Lord, and with the events of his ministry. Hence when they designated two men, one of whom should be chosen to fill the place of Judas, they were particular to state in their behalf that they had companied with them, all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that he was taken up from them; and that such persons were the proper ones to be chosen to be witnesses of his resurrection. Acts i, 21, 22. And Paul afterward seems to base his claim of equality with the twelve on the fact that he had also seen the Lord, in addition to being sent to preach the gospel. “Last of all,” he says, “he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Cor. xv, 8, referring to his miraculous vision of Christ on the way to Damascus. Again he says, Am I not an apostle? . . . Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? But there were other apostles still; Barnabas was one. Acts xiv, 14. Titus and other brethren, were called messengers (Greek, apostles). 2 Cor. viii, 22, 23. The same is true also of Epaphroditus. Phil. ii, 25.

Spiritual Gifts

By James White

SPIRITUAL GIFTS.—There are a very few full sets of the four volumes of this work for sale at the Review Office. There are more than one hundred of volumes two, three, and four, and nearly three hundred of volumes three and four. We earnestly recommend them to those who have them not, and ask such to send for them whether they have money to send for them or not. Send for these books if you wish to read them. Those who have them, and prize them, will please obtain them for the destitute. Send your orders with or without pay. In all cases send postage, which is 8 cents a volume. JAMES WHITE.

Few Saved

By James White

FEW SAVED.—This excellent Tract, written by Eld. D. T. Taylor, noticed a few weeks since by the editor of the Review, can be had at the Review Office. Price, post-paid, 15 cents. JAMES WHITE.

The Duty of Writing to the Letter Department

By James White

While the duty of reporting is enjoined upon ministers, I wish that there could be awakened a general interest in regard to the duty of writing to the letter department. For all that we could learn from the REVIEW, we might think there were no believers in many important fields. It is as encouraging to the ministers who have labored with churches to learn of their progress and interest, as it is to the churches to hear of the minister’s labors. Do they ever think of this? Shall we not all strive to build up each other? J. H. W.

The Call to Preach

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Some imagine they have a call to preach, yet no one heeds their preaching or are willing to hear it. But as in all God's works and ways there is adaptation, I conclude that if he call one to preach, he will call others to hear him. R. F. C.

Few Bearers of Christ’s Cross

JESUS hath now many lovers of his heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of his cross. All desire to rejoice with him, few are willing to endure anything for him. Many follow Jesus unto the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the cup of his passion. Many reverence his miracles, few follow the ignominy of his cross.

THE MAJESTY OF GOD.

The Almighty from Teman came forth in his might; Then earth and the heavens shone radiant and bright; All nature responsive, the earth and the air, Resounded his praise, for his glory was there.

He measured the earth with a glance of his eye, He thundered, and lightnings lit up the dark sky; He spoke, and the nations asunder were driven, Beheld, and the mountains in fragments were riven.

And as he came down in the strength of his might, He covered himself with a garment of light; And, lo! in his hands was the hiding of power, While from his feet there went coals to devour.

Then trembled the mountains, the waters passed by, The deep uttered his voice and lifted on high, The sun and the moon in the heavens stood still At the light of his arrows, they went at his will.

To punish the heathen, he marched through the land, And brought forth his people with the strength of his hand, And, lo! with his horses he rode through the sea; And I trembled in view of his high majesty.

I trembled within me, that I might but rest When Thou all the wicked of earth shalt molest; And although the fig tree shall quite fade away, And no fruit on the vines shall be found in that day;

The flock all cut off from the fold and the stall; Yet still on the God of my strength I will call. May we, like the prophet, on his arm rely, And ever remember our strength is on high.

BOOKS.

By Jos. CLARKE.

The recent work entitled Life Incidents, by Bro. White, is an important work; as it shows conclusively the connection between the first, second, and third messages, of Rev. xiv, more clearly than any other book yet published. It is also important, as it sets the work of Eld. Wm. Miller (to whom such rank injustice has been done) in its true light. Such a work as this, vindicating the work and character of this man of God, is not merely a deed of justice done to Eld. Wm. Miller, but it is called for, as an act of justice and equity done to the cause of truth and its author.

Such a work as this, written in familiar and unvarnished style, yet chaste and elegant, and of thrilling interest, it being mingled with incidents in the life of the author, marks an era in the history of the third message of no small importance; and we believe that an impetus will be given to this work not heretofore felt.

The tracts, Law and Gospel, and God's Memorial, have already been the means of the conversion and confirmation of many. Brethren, let us scatter these works far and wide in the world around, so that all may be instructed.

The tract, Sign of the Day of God, is well calculated for general circulation everywhere, especially when traveling on the cars, or by other means.

Jos. CLARKE.

“If He Gather unto Himself his Spirit and his Breath.”

By John Nevins Andrews

TWO passages from the words in the book of Job are worthy of comparison and of thought. They are the following: Job xxxiii, 4, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job xxxiv, 14, 15: “If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.”

Here is the building and the unbuilding of man. The man is formed of dust. The breath of the Almighty gave to him LIFE. The Lord gathers to himself his spirit and his breath. The man ceases to live, and turns again to the dust out of which he was formed. J. N. ANDREWS.

Hold on to the Truth

HOLD on to the truth, for it will serve you well, and do good throughout eternity.

Quarterly Meetings in Minnesota

By STEPHEN PIERCE

QUARTERLY Meetings in Minnesota. Feb. 6 and 7, 1869, at Pleasant Grove; 13 and 14, at Greenwood Prairie; 20 and 21, at Pine Island; 27 and 28, at Deerfield; March 6 and 7, at Jo Daviess; 13 and 14, at Brush Creek; 20 and 21, at Riceland. Meetings to commence half-past 10, A. M. Let all come with a determination to prepare for the solemn Judgment. STEPHEN PIERCE.

G. L. HOLIDAY

By G. L. HOLIDAY

THE next Quarterly Meeting for the Seventh-day Adventists of Albany, Wis., will be held, Jan. 30 and 31, 1869. Eld. T. M. Steward will be here. Meetings will begin with the commencement of the Sabbath. Brethren and sisters are expected from the Monroe, Avon, Rockton, Little Prairie, and Johnstown churches. Those coming from a distance should be here on Friday in time to have themselves and their teams cared for before the Sabbath.

Brethren, leave your cares at home for four days.

G. L. HOLIDAY

Monthly Meeting for Western New York

By John Nevins Andrews

The Monthly Meeting for Western New York, will be held with the Parma church, the second Sabbath and first day in Feb. J. N. ANDREWS.