IN Review, No. 3, Vol. X, May 24th, 1857, you say, "There is one argument used by those who think the Sabbath is not binding I cannot answer satisfactorily to my own mind. It is found in Gal. iii. The law was added TILL the seed should come, &c., . . . can the law there spoken of refer to the ten commandments?"
Answer. We believe it can, because we do not read of any other law that could be added, because of transgression, to the gospel covenant [see verses 8, 16, 17] when it was preached, and confirmed to Abraham: nor when the blessing of Abraham [verse 14] came on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ under the new, or gospel covenant, at the end of the seventy weeks of Daniel. But as some of our brethren have been in communication with reference to this matter, I deem it proper to leave it with them at present. If I have misjudged in this, and there should be no reference to it in the Review, I will endeavor to answer this point at a future time if other pressing duties will admit of it.
Your questions and queries now come up in the following order:
"1. If the 2300 days cover the whole vision of Dan. viii, and they ended in 1844, what event answers to the breaking of the little horn without hand? This is one of the events seen in the vision: and the vision was 2300 days in duration: and I am unable to37see how the days can end and that event not take place."
In answer to this your first question, we do not understand that the 2300 days cover the whole vision of Dan. viii. Hence the further difficulties which you apprehend about the little horn's being broken with the ending of the 2300 days may be removed.
That the 2300 days do not extend to the breaking of the little horn of Dan. viii is evident from the following reasons; viz.: "The going forth of the commandment," or decree to restore and build Jerusalem, [Dan. ix, 25.] from whence the 2300 days have their commencement, (if men of reason and common sense will admit that they have any commencement at all,) was given to Ezra in the 7th year of Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, [Ezra vii, 7, 11-26.] B. C. 457. From the middle of said year to the middle of A. D. 1844, is precisely 2300 symbolic days. The only objection to these points that man has ever been able to discover from the Bible is, the solitary one that has been so often presented during the last twenty years, viz., that the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem was given to Nehemiah by the same Persian king in the 20th year of his reign, B. C. 445. Neh. ii. To 445, B. C., we add the present A. D. 1857, and we have 2302 years. Here we perceive most clearly that all our opponents on these points prove that the 2300 days [years] of Daniel's vision are in the past, and the little horn, or fourth earthly kingdom, is not yet "broken without hands."
Again, Dan. viii, 17 says, "For at the time of the end shall be the vision." That is, before the vision ends it will be explained. "And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie . . . it will surely come, it will not tarry." Hab. ii, 2, 3. Now those who explain the prophetic periods from the commandment given to Ezra B. C. 457, show clearly that the 2300 days ended in the Fall of 1844. While those who explain from Nehemiah's date, B. C. 445, show that the 2300 days ended in 1855, or at the farthest in 1856. Now as but one of the two periods can be right, the question arises in which of the two was the appointed time, or vision of 2300 days made plain on tables, [charts.] and spoke and did not lie? We answer, most certainly in the former. For in 1840 the first Second Advent Conference was convened, and the first Second Advent paper issued. In 1842 the first and only vision for an appointed time, viz., 2300 days, was written and made plain on tables, [charts.] and it was proclaimed and known in every nation that Daniel's vision of days ended in the Fall of 1844, while nothing relative to the vision of 2300 days transpired in 1856. Here then we prove beyond controversy that Daniel's vision of 2300 days ended more than twelve years ago; and the stone is not yet cut out "without hands which smote the image upon his feet," [Dan. ii, 34.] and the fourth universal earthly kingdom, or little horn of Dan. viii, is not yet "broken without hands." Hence we learn that Daniel's vision of chap. viii, extends to the destruction of all earthly powers, while the vision of the 2300 days in the same chap. ended in 1844. "Then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed."
"2. Do the 1335 days of Dan. xii, 12, reach to the end of the wonders, in answer to the question, [verse 6.] How long? &c. What blessing is given to those who wait and come to those days? If they ended in 1844, what is understood by the last verse, Thou shalt rest and stand in thy lot at the end of the days? If the prophetic periods are all ended, in what time are we living now, and how long will it last?"
Your first question here is, Do the 1335 days of Dan. xii, 12 reach to the end of the wonders in verse 6? We answer, they do not. We understand that the same period of time from the cleansing of the Sanctuary in 1844 to the breaking of the little horn without hand in chap. viii, as proved above, will also be found between the 1335 days and the end of the wonders in Dan. xii; because we further show that the 1335 days ended with the 2300 in 1844. When the first angel's message [Rev. vi, 7; x, 1-6] was given on time from 1840, and finished in 1844, proclaiming the judgment hour cry, and "that there should be time no longer," it was then understood and afterwards seen more clearly that this declaration was in reference to the long periods of time given to Daniel in chap. viii. 13; xii, 12. For he was expressly told that the vision "should" "be at the time of the end," and afterwards told to go his way, "for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." Chap. viii, 17; xii, 9. So when this time of the end came, the words of the vision that had been sealed, were unsealed, and the book open in the angel's hand declaring with an oath that there should be time no longer. Referring of course to all the time which had been sealed up. The angel symbolizes a body of people giving the message in question.
Time here cannot mean duration as measured in months and years, for 1000 years are measured after this, and after that Jesus is set on his father David's throne, "and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Therefore the angel could swear to no other time but prophetic time, which was the burden of his message.
In the typical day of atonement under the first covenant the earthly Sanctuary was cleansed at an appointed time once a year, at which time the lot was cast to obtain blood for a sin-offering which the high priest bore into the most holy place to make an atonement for the transgressions of Israel in all their sins. Thus all Israel were in their lot. In the antitypical day of atonement under the new covenant the time appointed for cleansing the Sanctuary is unto 2300 days. This being the day of atonement to cleanse the whole Israel of God, both the dead and living saints, from all their transgressions in all their sins, it was previously declared to Daniel, "Thou shalt rest and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." This shows most clearly that both of these periods, viz., the 2300 and 1335 days bring all of God's people in their lot, to be cleansed from all, their sins by the precious blood of Christ in the antitypical day of atonement. And when the great High Priest has accomplished the work for them all, even to the last, and the sins of Israel are all blotted out forever, the living saints will surely know (and so will you, Bro. Merriam, if faithful) that "blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the 1335 days." Daniel stands in his lot with all the righteous dead, that all their sins of ignorance may be blotted out before the resurrection.
In regard to your question about Daniel's standing in his lot at the end of the days, I refer you to Bro. White's article on that point in the Review, Vol. IX, No. 13.
Your last question under this head is this, "if the prophetic periods are all ended, in what time are we living now, and how long will it last?"
Answer. The prophetic periods as you see are all ended, and we are now living in the day of atonement; the finishing, crowning work of God; being addressed by the third angel, declaring "here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus." When this message closes the work is done. The mandate will then go forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: he which is righteous, let him be righteous still." We are also living in the Laodicean, the last state of the church, in imminent danger of being spued out of the Saviour's mouth, unless we hastily repent and seek a closer walk with God. We see therefore that it will take every moment of our time to get ready for the auspicious hour that is now dawning. Let us haste then and tarry not in all the plain. God, and Christ, and holy angels are urging us onward. Time was given in the first message. In this last message time is not given, but signs which are unmistakable, showing that we are in the closing scene.
"3. If keeping the Sabbath is to be the distinguishing work or seal of God in the foreheads of saints during the time of the two-horned beast's reign now considered future; what was the seal of God under the sounding of the fifth angel? Rev. ix, 4. In what position is a person that is sealed? i. e., can he fall from it?"
We believe it is generally admitted by all expositors of the book of Revelation, that the opening of chap. ix, now under consideration, teaches the rise of Mahomedanism and their religion. The fourth verse from which your question arises reads thus: "And it was commanded them" that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree: but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." Rev. ix, 4.
Gibbon, the historian, says, that Abubeker commanded his soldiers when they were about to go forth to battle, not to stain their victories with the blood of women and children. Destroy no palm-trees, nor burn any fields of corn. Cut down no fruit-trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you kill to eat. As you go on you will find some religious persons who live retired in monasteries; and propose to themselves to serve God in this way; let them alone, and neither kill them nor destroy their monasteries, and you will find another sort of people that belong to the synagogue of Satan, who have shaven crowns; be sure you cleave their skulls, and give them no quarter till they either turn Mahomedan or pay tribute. The preceding are the only instructions recorded by Gibbon as given by Abubeker to the chiefs whose duty it was to issue the commands to all the host.—Litch. Pro. Exposition, Vol. II, pp. 172, 173.
As the subject matter of Rev. ix gives us a history of the rise and fall of Mahomedanism, it appears pretty clear that the foregoing quotations from Gibbon apply to the text in question. John says, their king "is the angel of the bottomless pit" who says, "these religious persons propose to themselves to serve God in this way: Let them alone! Don't kill them!" We do not see any other order of, or for, sealing in this chapter. The reverse of all this is seen by John in chap. vii; viz., holy angels are engaged in the work; 144000 of the living Israel being sealed with the seal of the living God just prior to, the resurrection of all the righteous dead. Sealed in their foreheads. We understand this is a professional mark in the intellect. When all the saints are sealed their position will be in the time of trouble. We do not believe that the servants of God, that are sealed with the seal of the living God, will fall, because the holy Spirit of God seals them unto the day of redemption. Eph. iv, 30. This brings us to your fourth point.
"4. If I understand your position in regard to the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii, it is, that the United States are to fulfill the prophecy: that it has not yet done its miracles and wonders to deceive; of course has not yet caused the earth to make an image to the beast. The difficulty to my mind is this: if it has but just arisen so as to show its two horns, and is to exercise all the power of the first beast, and is to cause the earth, and them which dwell therein, to worship it; is to do great wonders, make fire come down, &c., is to deceive the people and cause them to make an image and worship it on pain of death; is to cause all to receive a mark of homage, &c., and all before the coming of Christ, then we have got something before us to watch for instead of watching for the Lord! To me it looks like getting the coming of Christ too far in the future. Still I may not understand it right."
The two-horned beast, which we fully believe is a symbol of the United States, is not just arisen, but was coming up in strength and power when the Papacy was wounded by the sword, and its dominion was taken away fifty-nine years ago. The great wonders called spirit manifestations, began more than nine years ago, and will have their final end under the vials of God's wrath. Every other point which you have enumerated under this head that looks so much like putting the coming of Christ in the future, and so formidable for us to watch for, have a place for their fulfillment assigned them in the time of trouble after Christ takes his seat on the white cloud, and the vials of God's wrath will be falling on the wicked. The case of every mortal soul will have been decided weeks and months before the events you name can have their fulfillment, except the wonders above noticed, which bring the world to the battle of the great day of God Almighty.
"5. Much has been said of late of the loud cry of the third angel. Can that cry be made before the beast is fully developed?"
Yes. For the whole message will be in the past and the world in the time of trouble such as never was before the beast (two-horned beast) can be developed.
JOSEPH BATES.
Battle Creek, Mich., June 1st., 1857.
EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
BRO. SMITH: The good hand of the Lord prospered us over the long road from Michigan to our first appointment in West Winfield, N. Y. It may be said that this was a good meeting; the brethren and sisters seemed to be much encouraged and strengthened in the faith, yet there was nothing of uncommon interest manifested. At the close of this meeting we went to Brookfield, where we found rest, and great peace of mind in the family of Bro. Ira Abbey. We also enjoyed the society of Bro. Rhodes, who in point of health, spirits and confidence in God, has grown much stronger.
Our solemn and settled convictions are that the testimony to the Laodiceans has not been felt and obeyed as it will be by those who walk in the path of present truth. It has been too much of a surface work, the influence of which soon passes from many minds. The Witness in this case is Jesus Christ, and his testimony is true and faithful. The description of our condition is given in faithfulness and truth. In our blindness and stupor we may not realize it to be so; but the Witness has given a true and faithful testimony in our case. God help us to see it, feel it, and obey it.
At Lancaster the Tent was pitched on a retired, green spot. The weather changed suddenly on Sixth-day from cold and wet to warm and sunny. In fact, it seemed to be just right for a meeting in the Tent. The surrounding trees, as if belated, seemed in great haste to spread out their leaves and blossoms. The scattered people of God came together evidently to wait on the Lord, and got their strength renewed. We were happy to meet with brethren with whom we united ten years ago to obey and spread the truth, and with those who had said forgive us for our alienations from the cause, and who repeated the same in tears. From the heart, all is forgiven.
The Spirit of the Lord came down upon us on Sabbath afternoon, and the Lord there plead with his people, as it were, face to face. The testimony given was that the counsel to the Laodiceans had not been fully heeded; that the work had not been deep; but in many cases a surface work. The Tent remains in Lancaster, over next Sabbath and First-day. Three families in Lancaster have embraced the Sabbath this Spring. A few others seem interested. Although the great work is in the West, yet there are some minds in the East on which the truth has influence.
J. W.
TWO BAALS.
By Joseph Clarke
Which is the Best?
BRO. SMITH : In the Sab. Recorder of April 30th, at the head of an article entitled Slaveholder's Treason, by G. B. C., is an introduction by D. E. M., in which Dr. Cheever is endorsed by Mr. M. as "one who seems to understand for what purpose the gospel was sent to the earth," and that Dr. C. is one who has not bowed the knee to this modern Baal. I ask, if Dr. C. understands for what purpose the gospel was sent to the earth, why is he breaking the law which Christ came to fulfill and to make honorable? I ask what difference there is between worshiping the Baal of Slavery and the Baal of Papacy; and if D. E. M. supposes that Dr. C. is a true shepherd, then how can D. E. M. teach another and an opposing doctrine; for surely if those leaders who hallow the first day and defend it are the genuine shepherds, D. E. M. and his fellows must be false; for God is a God of order, and he has not instituted two Sabbaths weekly, one for us and one for G. B. C. Will D. E. M. clear up this matter?
In Mr. Cheever's article it is taken for granted that the constitution of the U. S. A. does not degrade the black man. Dr. C. says, "Only local State-laws, well known, can put any disability upon him." I ask how Dr. C. can be serious in making such an assertion?
If the constitution does not degrade the black man, how does he dispose of that law giving the owner a three-fifths vote for his human chattel? True the constitution does not say slavery, but slavery did exist then, and the gift of negro suffrage, three votes for five chattels, fully endorses it.
Then to assert that our constitution does not legalize slavery is simply absurd, and the effort by professed teachers to exalt the constitution as faultless is most certainly criminal. Let the axe be laid at the root of the tree. The Christian prays, Thy kingdom come, or in other words, for a Theocracy. Can he then be a consistent Democrat who in heart is praying for the coming of Christ's kingdom? Let us come out fearlessly and honestly, lay aside the mark of hypocrisy, and shout, Live forever, glorious King!
Let worldly and political affairs alone. Let godly men be such politically and morally, be as men who wait for their Lord. Surely he will come. Shall good men be found at their posts or not? Can man change the nature of the lion or the spots of the leopard?
Let men who work for God work legitimately and in their sphere. Let not Paul or Peter attempt the reformation of the Roman form of government, but rather the purification of the church and the interests of those who are ready to crucify the flesh. Let teachers and shepherds look to the lost sheep, and not to the taming of wild beasts.
Truly yours. JOSEPH CLARKE.
Sabbath Recorder, please copy.
Our Country in 1856
The Secretary of the Treasury has recently prepared a table, showing the population of the different States and Territories, and the value of the real and personal estate, prepared in part from enumerations and valuations, and in part from estimates, from which it appears that the population is 26,964,312, and the value of property $11,317,611,072. The American minister to England, at a dinner on the Fourth of July, said that "the American republic at the time of its birth was a puny creature, sickly, feeble, diminutive. It then contained 2,500,000 souls. The population is now 27,000,000. The territory was then a margin of the Atlantic. It is now an immense continent. Our wealth was then comparative poverty, while our resources are now actually exhaustless."
LETTERS.
By G. W. Amadon
'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'
From Bro. Amadon.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and his soon appearing, I feel like saying a few words to you by way of encouragement. For indulging such a blessed hope as we do, it is hard to keep silence. The Lord is coming, and the fact that he is soon coming, constitutes it one of the most exhilarating and lively themes in the Christian faith. And when we open the door of our hearts and let the Saviour in, it will place us in a similar position with good old Jeremiah, who declared that he was "weary with holding in." Then we shall long in the Spirit of Jesus Christ "to speak and be refreshed."
But there remains a great work to be done for each of us prior to standing on Mt. Zion. To be sure there are degrees to this work as well as kinds. While some have to contend with levity and jesting, there are others who have to strive against selfishness and a too hasty spirit. In fact, time would fail to mention the many things those will have to overcome who eventually stand upon Mt. Zion; for they could not be specified in this paper. But, cheer up, dear brethren, for this long category of different sins does not inhere entirely in every one; but they seem to distribute promiscuously among us all, and while I have some one or more besetments, you also have "some thorn" in the flesh, to get the victory over which, you must cry incessantly to Israel's God.
I fully believe we have got to the Laodicean state of the church, and wherever there may be found a true child of God, he is in it—and sooner or later he will confess it. And while of late the "remnant of the seed of the woman" have been trying to rise, but yet made no great ascent, I thought I discovered an error here—at least in myself if not in my brethren. It is this: not keeping the "unity of the Spirit," or retaining the blessing of the Lord when it is given. Now we are all often blessed, and sometimes with joy inexpressible, and did we carry this blessing with us continually, it would have as much potency as the clearest point in present truth; it would make the people of God "terrible as an army with banners." But alas, too often we arise from our knees, and as the "cares of life" press in, the Spirit of God flees out, and we straightway forget "what manner of persons we were." Examine on this point, James i, 21, and read it with care.
We, dear brethren, are blessed with the knowledge of truth that "breaks every yoke," and "sets us free," when we have the same Spirit which in times past indicted it. The ten commandments and faith of Jesus constitute a platform broad enough for all the world to stand upon. Jesus says, [John xiv, 23.] "If a man love me he will keep my words, (sayings, i. e., the Faith or Testimony, of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy,) and my Father will love him; and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." This is what I understand by letting the Saviour in. It is by being purged of all dross, and letting our bodies become the temple of the Holy Ghost, and Jesus Christ dwelling there by faith until we behold him "face to face," and "see him as he is." When we as a people get in this position, it can truly be said our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John i, 3.
O for the abiding witness that our daily course is pleasing to God.
"One precious boon, O Lord I seek,
While tossed upon life's billowy sea;
To hear a voice within me speak,
Thy Saviour is well pleased with thee.
"Earth's scoffs and scorn well pleased I'll bear,
Nor mourn though under foot I'm trod,
If day by day I may but share
Thine approbation, O my God."
Your unworthy brother, hoping soon to be found "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor; but the wicked regardeth not to know it. I wish that some methodical writer would give us an article on the above text. I frequently, in the course of my business, meet with those who want to hear of the three angels' messages, the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and the atonement.
I try to tell them something in my illiterate way, and should be glad to send them books that they might be taught more perfectly; but they are not aware of the abounding light that shines in our pathway, and of course are not interested to buy books. I have not money to buy with, but I think if I had, they should not perish for lack of knowledge if they would read. Would it not be a good work for those who have more property than can well be disposed of in two or three years, to hand out something for books to be lent out by the brethren where there are those that will read? Perhaps by this way some more might be brought to know, love and obey the truth, and be saved. There is another subject found in Eph. iv, 11-13, which I wish thoroughly set before the readers of the Review. We learn from the connection that Christ gave gifts unto men, for the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ. How long? till we all come, (margin) into the unity of the faith, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the (margin) age of the fulness of Christ. There is a body of Christ, and all that belong to him, compose the members of this one body, and are all members one of another, and must all come to the unity of the faith. Those who are to be39changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, must be all united in faith, and all in perfect harmony of obedience to all the commands of God and the faith of Jesus; all keeping the seventh-day Sabbath according to the commandment; all having found it their meat and their drink, and more, to aid in advancing the cause of God, by doing all in their power by their substance, or teaching and exhorting one another, and so much the more as they see the day approaching; praying with and for one another, esteeming others better than themselves, denying themselves of all that would injure their body or mind; such as tea, coffee or tobacco in all its forms; cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I rejoice greatly at the prosperity of the cause as it comes through the Review. Let us be all of one accord united in the faith.
I have renounced all my opposition to the visions, and am trying to come to the unity of the faith in heart and life, praying that I may find some humble place as a member in the blessed body of Christ.
We are well united in Fairhaven and Dartmouth, striving to be zealous and repent, and to give all to buy the tried gold and the white raiment, which alone can cover our shame for our many faults, that we may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger, and prepared to set down to the marriage supper of the Lamb, who hath washed us from our sins in his own blood, and see his glorious face in exceeding peace and joy.
DAVID CHASE
Fairhaven, May 16th, 1857.
Defining Conference Meeting Places
By J. A. Loughhead
From Bro. Loughhead.
BRO. SMITH: It rejoices my heart to see the cause of present truth rising, and the brethren and sisters, (some at least,) heeding the message to be zealous and repent. It is my earnest prayer that I may be sanctified through the truth, and prepared unto every good work.
I was much disappointed in the change of the conference from Oswego, N. Y., to Roosevelt. I had made preparations to go to the meeting, and about an hour before I expected to start, I received the paper giving the change of the meeting, and I was unable to find by map or P. O. list, where Roosevelt was.
Would it not be well in giving notices of Conference meetings, to give the name of the County, and what means of public conveyance there is connected with the place? I will comply with the recommendation of the Conference.
It is my prayer that the Lord will bless the efforts put forth for the advancement of the truth, and give an abundant increase.
Affectionately yours in love of the truth.
J. A. LOUGHHEAD.
Elmira, N. Y.
NOTE.—We think it would be well to define the place of meeting, as above suggested, that all may know the means of reaching it; but better yet, to have, if possible, the appointment definitely arranged before given out, so that there may be no change.—ED.
PRIDE.
By Charles Swain
Though Pride may show some nobleness,
When Honor's its ally,
Yet there is such a thing on earth
As holding heads too high!
The sweetest bird builds near the ground,
The loveliest flower springs low,
And we must stoop for happiness,
If we its worth would know.
Like water that encrusts the rose,
Still hardening to its core,
So Pride encases human hearts
Until they feel no more.
Shut up within themselves they live,
And selfishly they end
A life that never kindness did
To kindred, or to friend!
Whilst Virtue, like the dew of Heaven,
Upon the earth descends,
And draws its hidden sweetness out
The more—as more it bends!
For there's a strength in lowliness
Which nerves us to endure—
A heroism in distress,
Which renders victory sure.
The humblest being born is great,
If true to his degree—
His virtue illustrates his fate,
Whatever that may be!
Then let us daily learn to love
Simplicity and worth;
For not the eagle, but the dove,
Brought peace unto the earth.—[Charles Swain]
LEANDER M. JONES
By Leander M. Jones
From Bro. Jones.
BRO. SMITH: My heart is often made to rejoice while reading the cheering communications from the scattered flock. I am glad, dear brethren and sisters, that while on your heavenly journey, you occasionally stop by the way to write a friendly epistle for the Review.
Our journey is almost over. The victory will soon be won. I feel solemn while penning these lines. The last notes of warning are now being given, and the work is to be cut short in righteousness. What a trying scene there is just before us! and in the language of the Prophet I ask, Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.
How glad I am that I have been led to see the necessity of giving up the world and all its pleasures. The cheering prospect of standing on mount Zion with the hundred and forty-four thousand, has in a measure unglued my affections from this world. I am determined to overcome, that I may finally have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.
I do rejoice that this truth has made me free. Solemn as it is, there is freedom in it. We are not left to grope our way in darkness. No, no; God is in this work, and I believe it with all my soul.
Come brethren, let us rally around the standard of truth. God has something for us to do. We must try and be the means of saving some. Have we not fathers or mothers that we want to go with us? or sisters or brothers that we would have saved? If so, send them the Review, and such books as are best calculated to enlighten their minds, and ask God's blessing to go with them. I believe that many are to be brought into the truth by reading the Review, where they cannot be reached by any other means. O God, awake thy people to the solemn warning of the Third Angel's Message.
Yours in hope of life.
LEANDER M. JONES
Monterey, Mich., May 19th, 1857.
GEORGE SMITH
By George Smith
From Bro. Smith.
BRO. SMITH: The Lord is at work in this city. I came here a little more than one year ago, and then there was no one to keep the Sabbath in the Third Message, but we have a little church here now of thirteen, who come together on the Sabbath of the Lord. We have meetings also on the evening of Fourth day; and on First day, and the Lord is blessing us, and is adding to our numbers such as shall be saved in the day of his coming. The people want to hear on the subject of the Sabbath, and as I have seen their desire to hear and understand, I have cried to the Lord to send some one to this place to preach to this people. Cannot Bro. M. E. Cornell or Bro. J. Bates come here? I would say through the Review to them or to any of the saints of the Lord, who may feel it their duty to come here, that I will pay their expenses to and from this city. I feel like taking hold anew in this glorious work of the Lord, and laboring while the day lasts; for in a little from this we shall receive a glorious reward and enter into that rest that remains for the people of God.
Remember me in your prayers.
GEORGE SMITH
LaPorte, May 24th, 1857.
A Testimony of Repentance and Trust
By Delinda J. Hitchcock
From Sister Hitchcock.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Feeling an increasing love for the cause of God, I would not be idle any longer, but would try to cast my testimony for the Lord, let it be never so small. I thought that others were more capable of writing than myself, and I would forbear; but feeling that I love to hear from the dear brethren and sisters, and believing they do the same, I am constrained to write, hoping that it may encourage some who are lonely.
I feel that the Lord has been very good to me, an unworthy creature, in giving me a heart to embrace the glorious truths of these last days. Notwithstanding my feeble efforts to obey God, I found myself in a wretched condition, destitute of the Spirit of my blessed Master.
But O I am determined by the help of God to repent of all my sins that they may go to judgment before me, and be blotted out while Jesus lingers in the Sanctuary. I feel like making haste, redeeming the time, for the days are evil.
Dear brethren and sisters, I want to be a humble follower of my blessed Pattern. I want to remove all the rubbish away from the door of my heart, so that Jesus can come in and dwell there. Though I sometimes feel to rejoice at the prospect before us, at other times there seem to be clouds of darkness over my mind; but I will try to trust in God, knowing he will deliver me from these things if I put my trust in him.
I do not expect to go to heaven on flowery beds of ease, no, my brethren, but I am willing to suffer for Jesus' sake, if at last I can have my home in glory. O let us be faithful a little longer, and victory will turn on our side.
A little from this and we shall be done with this vain world, and the cares of this miserable life which are so apt to lead us astray from God. We know by the signs of the times that we are living down in the eve of time. Soon probation will cease, the decree will go forth, and he that is filthy will be filthy still. The wrath of God will be poured out on an ungodly world. O solemn thought! O dreadful day for those who have no hope in Christ!
I would say to such, whose eyes shall meet these lines, Prepare to meet your God. Now is the time. Delays are dangerous. But on the other hand, O the joys that await the people of God! They will lift up their heads with joy, saying, This is our God, we have waited for him. My heart exclaims, Shall I be there! Is my heart pure? Are my hands clean? I am trying to be one of that number, and by the grace of God I will be. Although it seems too much for such an unworthy being as I am, yet the promise is to such as do his will, and I mean to try to do it, that at last I may overcome and sit with Jesus in his throne, even as he has overcome and set down with his Father in his throne.
The church in this place is striving to arise and come up on higher ground, leaving the things that are behind, and looking forward to that glorious morn which shall put an end to all their cares.
Delinda J. Hitchcock.
Locke, Ing. Co., Mich., May 1st, 1857.
A Sister’s Longing for Fellowship
Sister L. H. Rior writes from Scoville, Ohio, May 26th, 1857: "I believe that the dear Lord will lead us safely on if we but put our whole trust in him. I feel that I can say with the poet, that he is the 'Rock of ages cleft for me.' I have a strong desire for the gold that I may be rich, and the white raiment that I may be clothed, and the eye-salve that I may see between good and evil, truth and falsity.
"I never spent but a few Sabbaths with the remnant, and that was more than five years ago. O my heart longs to enter the house of prayer; for I do love my Saviour and all his dear children. I keep hoping there will some messenger of the Lord come this way to speak to this people, for how can they hear without a preacher?
"Beloved ones, let us strive a little longer to walk the narrow path; for it will certainly lead us to the pearly gates, and the lovely Jesus will open them that we may enter in. My heart burns with love and thankfulness when I meditate upon these things; but we must be pure and spotless, and keep all the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus."
Sabbath Conviction from Reading the Review
By Helen Bristol
From Sister Bristol.
BRO. SMITH: It is truly interesting to peruse the pages of the Review. It was by reading and comparing it with the Scriptures. I became convinced that the day now called Saturday is the Sabbath.
I am resolved by the grace of God to try to live in his service. I wish I could meet with Sabbath-keepers. There is one lady here who is a seventh-day Baptist. From her I get the Sabbath Recorder, and I lend her the Review. In them we can read better sermons than we can hear from the pulpit. I wish some of the preaching brethren could come here. I think they might do some good.
If I cannot see any of you or of your faith in this life, I hope to meet with the remnant, when sorrows and disappointments have passed away.
Yours, HELEN BRISTOL.
Richland Center, Wis., May 10th, 1857.
Sanctification and Eternal Inheritance
Bro. J. Dorcas writes from Fremont, Ohio, May 20th, 1857: "DEAR BRO.: The Lord being my helper, I intend to do all that in me lies towards the advancement of the present truth in the world. I am happy to say that the work is rising in this State. O how true is the word of the Lord! It says, "If ye will keep the Sabbath, ye shall know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you." And O the blessed hope of a substantial inheritance! These are subjects truly worthy of daily contemplation. To be sanctified here, and to be brought into possession of eternal inheritance hereafter, are certainly worth striving for."
Request for Meetings at Salem
By Joel L. Locke
Bro. Joel L. Locke writes from Salem, Ind., May 22d, 1857: “The little band of brethren and sisters here in Salem request me to write a few lines in their behalf, and entreat some of the preaching brethren to come and hold a series of meetings here. It is almost three years since any of the messengers have met here with us. We do not enjoy the privilege of attending to the ordinances of the gospel, and we sometimes feel as the Psalmist did, No man cared for my soul. Yet we are striving to obtain eternal life.
“If any of the brethren can come, I would say, We live one mile west of Salem Center.”