DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I almost wonder sometimes that all that hear do not believe and understand present truth, the third angel's message, the light is so clear. But then I remember the great cloud that was let down between the Hebrews and the Egyptians. It was light to Israel but darkness to their enemies. Can it be presumed that a people with such a light as a literal cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, should ever distrust the power and goodness of God, to preserve and protect them wherever they might be called to go? But as they approached the land, (Canaan,) ten out of twelve chosen from among them, quailed before their foes!
How similar is the Advent movement since 1844! What a light the word of God affords to-day to him that reads carefully and prayerfully, and searches it as for hidden treasure. Truthfully has it been said, that then the kingdom of heaven should be likened unto ten virgins. Who that looks over the past can fail to make the application and also perceive our whereabouts.
Again, when Moses told the children of Israel that their carcasses should fall in the wilderness, they were impulsed to go up; but Moses told them that God was not with them, and the truth of his word was soon after confirmed to them; for they were overcome as he told them they would be. How illustrative is the New-Time theory, of the move that Israel then made. How certain it is that God is not with them, while they regard his commandments no more than the worldling. Hand in hand they are agreed in hiding, as the Lord hath said, their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Eze. xxii, 26. They seem to be unmindful of James' view of pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father—to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James i, 27. May we not justly remind them of what the Prophet hath said, Isa. xxiv, 5. "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." Who will say that the curse will not devour the earth, though this prophecy be as destructive to the temporal millennium theory, as 1 Cor. xv. 53, and 1 Tim. vi. 16, are to the immortality of man, which the Spirit Rappings are so unanimous in helping the nominal churches to sustain.
I believe the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus to comprise the substance or essence of both the Old and New Testaments. They that read most in the word of God, and practice and believe what they read, are found looking into and embracing the third angel's message: a sure evidence of present truth. That it is a time to bind up the testimony and seal the law among the disciples is certain. The remnant are found having the testimony of Jesus, and keeping the commandments of God. Rev. xii, 17. There is one truth as yet seems to be shrouded in mist by nominal Adventists and even by some that are in the third angel's message with us: it is the closing of the ministration of Christ. The Jews overlooked his humiliation and likewise his ministration or priesthood, and rested their eyes upon him when he is to be King of kings and Lord of lords, possessing the kingdom under the whole heavens: not being aware of the dispensation of mercy that should come alike to all nations and intervene between the News of Good Tidings of Great Joy and the bringing of life and immortality to light through his death, and the time when he shall rule the nations with a rod of iron.
But as we near the shore, objects that once appeared in the distance appear distinctly. Let us take the view of Paul [Heb. viii.] that the earthly ministration does shadow forth the heavenly. Let us compare them: the earthly high priest, with a lamb, made offerings to God; so Christ, the Lamb of God, [John i, 29] gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Tim. ii. 6; Gal. i, 4; also Heb. ii, 17, thus being our High Priest in things pertaining to God, he will testify for us in due time while there is probation. But when they shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man and shall not see it, [Luke xvii, 22.] or when there is no high priest or intercessor, [Isa. lix, 19,] we conclude that he has put off his priestly garments in exchange for his garments of vengeance and will then suddenly appear in the clouds of heaven to receive us to himself, that where he is there we may be also.
Again, Paul says in Heb. ix, 27, 28. "And as it is appointed unto man once to die but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." I think these two verses contain more than the casual reader is aware of; for if the earthly high priest did bear the sins of literal Israel, as was manifest by the breast plate of righteousness, until the most holy was cleansed which was at the end of the year, and then came out and confessed the sins over the head of the scape-goat, which answers in the type to Azazel, the originator of sin will not our High Priest likewise finish his ministration even in the Most Holy before he exchanges his priestly garments for those of vengeance? Most certainly. Then let us see to it that we make our calling and election sure.
H. B. SIMONS.
West Hartford, Vt., Sept. 1st, 1854.
CORNELIA AYRES
By Cornelia Ayres
From Sister Ayres.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still striving to walk in that strait and narrow path, which leads to the Glorious City and Mount Zion. We do not feel like giving up, though we meet with trials and seeming difficulties, but the Lord has always delivered us thus far, and praise his holy name, he has said that he will deliver those who put their trust in him; and our whole trust is in the strong arm of the God of Jacob. We have no other arm to lean upon. We have no one to unite with us and pray, Lord Jesus, come quickly. O I long to find one who ardently longs for the coming of the Holy and Just One.
I do believe that he is near. Signs have taken place, after which we are told to lift up our heads and look up; for our redemption draweth nigh.
Your sister, striving to overcome.
CORNELIA AYRES
Shiloh, N. J., Sept., 1854.
The Law and Commandments of God
By Luther Paine
From Bro. Paine.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are yet loving the present truth, and with glad hearts hail its weekly arrivals through the medium of the Review, in which from many of the dear saints, we are entertained with matter of cheering intelligence and scriptural worth. We are almost inclined to envy those who enjoy the privilege of meeting together with the remnant on the Sabbath. We have long been praying and trying to be so situated as to enjoy those priceless privileges, but hindrance yet remains.
Truly we are living in “perilous times.” God is dishonored. His law and commandments are disregarded by those who make high profession of piety, and believe that the Lord will come this year. One of this class, who stood well in 1844, has recently been visiting us. But O the sad change! We presented Bible truth relative to the present existence56of the law and the commandments of God, and selected Paul's unanswerable testimony of the force and existence of the law and commandments in his day, and consequently, in all coming time; and also the plain testimony of James. And then in order to place the key stone in the mighty arch of Bible truth, presented the truthful sayings of our soon coming Lord, by whose word every wicked mouth will be stopped, and become guilty before God. But to our surprise, the person alluded to, would not admit of any law and commandments binding on man, this side of the crucifixion, except the law and commandments of Christ. This course of dishonoring God, in taking away from his Book of Prophecy, these all-absorbing truths, in which the whole plan of salvation is connected, is truly astonishing. If this case is a sample of the New-Timeists, we are led to cry, “How are the mighty fallen?” And all this laborious effort in order to get rid of the fourth commandment. “If the foundation be destroyed, what shall the righteous do.” Thanks be ascribed to the Lord forever, we have no fears for the safety of our position. Earth's and hell's votaries combined against God's truth, will be like beating the air. We have abundant evidence that the Devil goes at large yet.
Praying that success may continue to attend the third angel's message, I remain yours, loving God and all his truth.
LUTHER PAINE.
Ware, Mass.
Standing Fast in the Third Angel’s Message
By Dexter Daniels
From Bro. Daniels.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The little church in Springfield are standing fast in the third angel's message. Bro. Wait and his companion have been added to the church within a short time. The church in Brookfield are passing through trial, but seem to be strong in the faith. I hope they will remember that the trial of their faith is more precious than gold. So it is with all the saints. Trials await us; but Jesus has said, Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. O then by faith in him we shall overcome. He is faithful who has promised, who also will do it. Soon the victory will be won. The conflict is a short one, but sharp. Jesus will soon come from the wedding, and then he will give to every man according as his work shall be.
Christ will soon come. Men's hearts are failing them for fear of what is coming on the earth. They themselves are prophesying of famine, sword, and distraction. The time of trouble is truly at hand. Then let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. The days of visitation are come. Israel shall know it. Hos. ix, 7.
Yours in gospel love, looking for Jesus to come again.
DEXTER DANIELS.
New Boston, Sept., 1854.
Thankfulness for the Sabbath
By L. Prior
From Sister Prior.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I cannot express how thankful I am to you for sending the Review, not knowing that you would ever receive anything for it. O, I do thank our kind Father, and dear Saviour, for their kindness to us, poor worms of the dust. O, how unworthy I am, that he should have thoughts of good concerning me; and make my heart glad with his Spirit's presence. I will praise the Lord for letting me see his Sabbath, and helping me to keep all his commandments. I feel lonely when Sabbath comes, but the hours are precious. I would not be deprived of them. I will not murmur, for I am not the only one that is alone.
I have good neighbors here, with whom I have conversed about the Sabbath, and I have not met with but two (and they say that they are satisfied with the one that they keep) but that will acknowledge that they have no authority for keeping Sunday, from the Bible.
I want to overcome every evil propensity, and every thing that is wrong. Pray for me. I want to have on the wedding garment when my Saviour comes.
Yours in hope,
Scoville, Medina Co., O.
L. PRIOR.
Faithfulness Amid Persecution
By Sarah M. Pierce
From Sister Pierce.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is my delight to read the communications from my brethren and sisters scattered over the wide field. I rejoice to know that we are all of one mind; we are all striving to serve one God, and all traveling to one place; that is, the New Jerusalem. I believe that the time is short that we have to stay here, and then if we are ready, waiting and watching for the Bridegroom, we shall meet our Lord in peace.
Although a small number, here in Allegany, persecution will reach us; but Christ has said, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Now if the prophets were persecuted and despised, and Christ buffeted and slain, can we expect any thing better? I feel willing to walk in the path he has marked out for me. He trod the wine-press alone.
I believe that we are under the third angel's message, and that the time of trouble is near. May the Lord help us to stand fast as good soldiers, and not give up till our Lord shall descend from heaven on the white cloud, with all his angels, to gather the true believers who are keeping the commandments of God our Father, and the faith of Jesus. May the Lord help us to be faithful a little longer, and we shall be done with our troubles here.
Yours in hope, striving for the kingdom.
SARAH M. PIERCE.
Allegany, Potter Co., Pa., Sept. 3d, 1854.
A Bereaved Sister’s Hope
By Elizabeth Gibson
From Sister Gibson.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you of my present circumstances and of my very sore trial and bereavement, in the loss of my dear husband who departed this life on the 23d of July last. Surely it has been a source of much grief; but thanks and praise be to God, that although we do sorrow, it is not like those who have no hope; for I do know that the Lord Jesus will soon come again; and also that those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. What a blessed promise! what a glorious hope! Pray for me dear brother, that my faith fail not, and that I may be preserved blameless unto the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For many days previous to his death, my husband was more than usual in the constant habit of secret prayer. For many years he lived a consistent christian. He endeavored to make the blessed Bible his only rule of faith and practice. During the hours of his affliction (which were about ten) his mind was entirely taken up in prayer, exhortation, &c., and that I should remember to keep holy the Sabbath-day; which I have, and still feel determined to do through grace.
Your afflicted and bereaved sister,
ELIZABETH,
Wife of the late
PETER GIBSON.
London, C. W., Sept. 10th, 1854.
One Year Keeping the Sabbath
By S. B. Warren
From Bro. Warren.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Just one year has elapsed since I commenced keeping God's holy Sabbath. I shall long remember the third of Sept., 1853. It was the first Sabbath I had ever kept in my whole life. O how sweet have been the Sabbaths of the past year. How unlike the Sundays of years gone by!
The first little messenger that called my mind to an investigation of the Sabbath question, was a "Refutation of the Claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority." I have sought most diligently during the year past for one single passage that would prove that the first day of the week is, or ever has been, observed as the Sabbath, or a Bible institution; but my search for such a passage in God's holy book, has been in vain. The more I have searched, the more I have become convinced that the Sabbath of Genesis, which was a sanctified day, and the Sabbath of Exodus which was a rest-day, and the Sabbath of Leviticus which was an holy convocation, and the Sabbath of our Saviour's day, and the Apostolic age, and the Lord's day of Revelation, are all one and the same thing.
The Sabbath has but one meaning the world over. It is very plain and clear from the first of Genesis to the end of Revelation, that there is but one Sabbath of the Lord, and that is the seventh day. And yet why will not men keep it who profess to take the Bible as their only rule of faith and practice. I am certainly driven to the conclusion that the traditions and opinions of corrupt men in past ages, have more weight upon their minds than all that the God of the Sabbath has said, I ask, if the Sabbath has, in any age of the world, been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week by divine authority, how it is that our learned doctors of divinity are not able to prove it? They are learned, their minds are stored with knowledge; they have books on books, in their libraries—why is it that with all their store of knowledge, their learning and their talent, they fail to prove in one single instance that any such change has ever been made by divine or apostolic authority? The truth is, according to Mark xiii, 31. Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away.
It cheers my heart to read the letters in the Review from dear brethren and sisters, scattered abroad in different parts, whom I have never seen, yet hope to see soon if I am faithful to God. These letters as we read them are like food to the hungry or water to the thirsty. Some of us Sabbath-keepers are young, some are old, some of us are natives of America and some are from Europe; but thanks be to God! our interest is one, our language is one. We have one common interest together in the keeping of the commandments and looking for the coming of our blessed Saviour.
Let me say to you, brethren and sisters, by way of encouragement that the past year has been the best year of my life. It has been the sweetest year I have ever enjoyed since I first gave my heart to the Saviour. The Bible has, during the past year, proved to be a precious Book; more so than ever before. I find it contains precious truths of which I have in former years been almost wholly ignorant. We read in Dan. xii, 4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased."
I have during the past year made some exchanges of sentiments and opinions, of which I am by no means ashamed. I have exchanged the Pope's Sunday, a man-made institution, for the Sabbath of the Lord, a true Bible institution. I have exchanged the doctrine that all men are immortal, for the doctrine of immortality alone through Jesus Christ. I have exchanged darkness for light, error for truth, and the fables and traditions of men for the plain simple teachings of God's holy book.
Let me say to all the brethren and sisters who with me have made such exchanges, You have done right! No matter what fallen Babylon says, or a world of sinners. I have been called a fool and that too by a professed christian, one of Babylon's professors, because I urged the necessity of carrying out the true meaning of the second commandment: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." But let us have the Spirit of Christ and live out just what we profess, and God will throw around us his protecting care. O may the Lord lead all the true commandment-keepers, to feel the importance and necessity of being wholly given up to the cause of Christ. We are living just as it were on the last crumbling fragments of time. O, brethren and sisters, it is time that we bestir ourselves! Soon the call of mercy will be heard no more. O let us make no delay; for Jesus is soon coming.
S. B. WARREN.
Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 3d, 1854.
FOREIGN NEWS.
The Baltic.—The allied force had not left Bomarsund at latest accounts. Our news from the fleet is scanty. Napier's steamer Bulldog arrived at Dantzic Sept. 1, having left the fleet at Ledsund on the morning of Aug. 30. Marshal Baraguay d'Hilliers and General Jones, with some steamers, had been reconnoitering Helsingfors and the Finland coast. Abo was found to be strongly fortified, having a garrison of 15,000 men, with 15 gun-boats and some armed ships lying before it. The channel before Abo is so intricate and the place so strong that probably no attempt will be made against it. On the steamer's nearing Hange Udd the Russians blew up the fortress of Gustavsvarn, imagining it was about to be bombarded. This took place on Sunday, Aug. 27.
The Black Sea.—To Aug. 21, no movement had taken place at Varna, except that the French were embarking fascines, gabions and artillery. Their artillery-men were exercised daily in ball practice on board boats, and in embarking and disembarking. Cholera is abating in both armies.
It still is an open question with the public whether the expedition is destined against Sevastopol or Anapa. We put no sort of reliance on the statements of the London newspaper correspondents that the expedition will embark on this date, or the other. Aug. 25, was the day they last named.
The Danube.—The Russians having retired beyond the Pruth, and the Austrians having entered the Principalities, it is quite unlikely that any further engagement will take place between the Russians and Turks this year. Omer Pasha is bringing his army up quite leisurely. It is now six weeks since the Danube was crossed at Giurgevo, and there are not more than 15,000 troops in Bucharest, only 40 miles distant, and for three weeks the road has been quite clear. He has, indeed, no object to gain in forcing an engagement.
RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA.
Berlin, Tuesday.—The Russian note, besides the points already known, formally demands that Prussia shall act as mediator for the renewal of negotiations, on the basis of the propositions as interpreted and modified by Russia.
THE EAST.
Marseilles, Tuesday.—The Sinai has arrived, bringing news from Constantinople to the 25th ult.
The siege artillery belonging to the French army had arrived. All the Turkish men-of-war on the coast of Asia have been put into requisition for Varna. Up to yesterday the Duke of Cambridge was at Ventiliok still indisposed. The Russians had captured another vessel and carried her into Sevastopol. Gen. Guyon has been placed in command of the Turkish army in Asia. Mustapha Pasha is in disgrace. Said Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt, had been feted at Constantinople.
Lloyd of Vienna says, the French Gen. Latang, will, during his stay at the head-quarters of the Baron de Hess, have an Austrian officer for aid-de-camp. It is stated that in addition to his military mission he is charged with a political one—that of hastening the conclusion of the separate treaty between Austria, France and England. An English officer of rank will arrive at the head-quarters of the Baron de Hess at the same time as Gen. Latang.
Extract of Letters.
Bro. A. Woodruff writes from Richland, N. Y., Sept. 12th, 1854:—"Thank the Lord, dear Bro. White, that I yet live, though it is in a cold, dark stormy world, surrounded as we are by living beings with hearts colder than the earth on which we tread, and minds darker than midnight darkness. Alas for the world! when it shuts its eyes from seeing, and closes its ears from hearing, the law and the testimony; or when they will hear but do it not. What can be more wonderful than the long-suffering and patience of the Holy One towards offending man—a worm of the dust! O what impieties and iniquities are committed under the sun! and blasphemies uttered against the Lord! to all intents and purposes saying, Who is the Lord that we should obey him? or that he should reign over us?
"Will this state of things always remain? Not always! The depredations made, and wrongs committed, against God's law and government will be redressed ere long; the blasphemies uttered, avenged; the loftiness of men bowed down, and the haughtiness of men made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
"We are striving to rise above the darkness that surrounds us and to keep our eye fixed on Jesus."
Appointments.
By C. W. SPERRY; E. L. BARR
PROVIDENCE permitting we will meet with the Brn. in Farnham, C. W., Oct. 7th, and 8th
C. W. SPERRY.
E. L. BARR.
Tent Meeting
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold a Tent-Meeting at Springfield, Mass., to commence Oct. 5th, at 5 o'clock, P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day. F. WHEELER.
J. HART.
E. EVERTS.
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By Editor
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AGENTS.
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