Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 4, 1855
IS THE SOUL IMMORTAL?
By John Norton Loughborough
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony Concerning Man's Present Condition and his Future Reward or Punishment.
BY J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
[Continued.]
We now inquire, what is the christian's hope? Paul in his letter to Titus, [chap. i, 2] represents himself, as being "in hope of Eternal Life." This is a true gospel hope; for God has made plain promises in regard to it. 1 John, ii, 25. "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life." Paul in Rom. ii, 6, 7, speaking of the same thing, says, God "will render to every man according to his deeds; to them by continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life." That is, God will render eternal life to those who seek it. As we proceed to notice the testimonies of the Scriptures on this subject, we shall find that the gospel hope, is the hope of eternal life at the resurrection.
Christ says in Luke xiv, 13, 14. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed AT THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST. Here is a plain promise concerning the time when
the saints' reward is to be given them, and it differs as much from the common faith of professing christians on the subject, as the resurrection differs from death. We will now call attention to John vi. In this chapter, Christ plainly tells how and when the reward is to be given, Verse 39. "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."
From the above testimony it is plain, that if Christ did not raise up at the last day that which God had given him, viz; his people, some thing would be lost: that which God hath given him. Now he will save that which God has given him. How? He will raise it up at the last day. Verse 40. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will raise him up at the last day. He does not say I will re-unite the soul and body, (which would be a resurrection, if as we before have noticed, death was the separation of soul and body, but "I will raise him up. Him does not signify merely the body. Him is the one that is raised up, that he may receive that which the Father hath willed that he should receive, viz; everlasting life.
Says the objector, We have everlasting life now; it commences here when we believe on Christ; he says in verse 47, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." We reply, this text, if it proves that we actually have everlasting life here, proves as positive that we receive it by faith in Christ; therefore, those who have no faith in Christ would have no eternal life. Does Christ convey the idea that in the strictest sense we have eternal life? I think not! Read verse 54. "Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." Now putting the testimonies together that we have above granted, although men may eat (not literally) the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, and have eternal life, yet, if they are not raised up at the last day, they will be lost. How can this be, if they absolutely have eternal life? It cannot.
We understand the eating of the flesh of the Son of man, and drinking his blood, to be a work of faith; meaning that the creature, man has sinned, must lay hold of the merits of Christ's blood, as he would take his daily food to protract natural life. Christ makes a similar statement in John iii 36.
"He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life." We read in 1 John v, 13: these things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." Read now verses 11, 12, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life: and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life.
Paul in Col. iii, 2-4, sets this matter forth in its clear light. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth; for ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Those who believe on the Son of God have eternal life, not in themselves, but it is in the Son. They are to have it in themselves, not at death, no! no!! but when Christ who is their life appears; viz., at his second coming. If we should claim, that man was now actually in possession of eternal life, it would make the testimony
faulty, that says we are in hope of eternal life. For as Paul says, "What a man seeth why doth he yet hope for?" what would be the necessity of earnestly desiring that we already had? None at all. "But," says Paul, "if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience WAIT for it." Then according to this testimony, if we are in hope of eternal life, we must be, not literally in possession of it, but waiting for it.
Christ made a promise concerning the reward in answer to the inquiries of Peter, as recorded in Matt. xix, 27, 28. Then answered Peter, and said unto him, behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what we have therefore?" There can be no dispute but here was a plain question as to what they should receive as their reward. If it was the design of God, that they should go to heaven at death, here was certainly, the most favorable opportunity to make it known; for their minds were stirred up to the subject. Mark well the reply of our Saviour: [Verse 28:] "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me in the regeneration, WHEN THE SON OF MAN SHALL SIT IN THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Does Jesus intimate that they will go to heaven, or that they have a deathless spirit that will survive the scenes of death? Not a word of it. But, when the Son of man should sit "IN THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY that they should receive their reward." Read Matt. xxv, 31, and there you will learn when it is that he sits in the throne of his glory. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, THEN shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. This will be at his literal second coming, that is the time when he comes with all the holy angels with him. See Matt. xxiv, 31.
Paul states in Acts xxiii, 6, "Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question." And in Chap. xxvi, 6-8, he says; "And now I stand and am judged for the hope OF THE PROMISE made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?" Here again Paul has stated what the burden of his preaching was. He states in verses 22, 23, of this chapter, "Having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing to both small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should RISE FROM THE DEAD." &c.
The burden of Paul's testimony, in his gospel sermon, 1 Cor. xv, is the resurrection. And he clearly holds forth by his testimony, that without it the salvation of God's people is a failure. We will notice a little of his testimony at this point, Verses 17, 18. "And if Christ be not raised your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." We know of no sense in which the saints of God could be said to have perished, if they possess immortal souls, though their bodies might never have a resurrection. But allowing the Scripture sentiment held forth in this book to be true, viz., that man in death is unconscious, without reward, and waiting a resurrection that he may receive a reward, then, if he does not rise from the dead, he is perished, and out of existence for ever. Mark the language of the 19th74verse: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ." This testimony is equivalent to saying, that if there was no resurrection, there is no hope beyond this life.
Paul says, Verse 32, "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, (periling my life) what advantageeth it me IF THE DEAD RISE NOT?" His language here clearly shows, that he had no other hope, but that of a resurrection from the dead. And if there was no resurrection, he would choose the sentiment of the Epicurean—"Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." But do you think there is any danger of those of the professing church at the present time, who are denying the resurrection becoming Epicureans? Nay! verily, for they claim the resurrection would be no advantage whatever that they get all their reward without it. It must be that their theology embraces something that Paul did not believe, for he could see no future hope aside from the resurrection.
We will now notice the testimony of Paul in Rom. viii, 19-25 for the earnest expectation (hope) of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope: because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now: and not only they (or that), but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting (to go to heaven at death! No, but) for the adoption, to wit, the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY." The creature spoken of in Verses 19, 20, 21, we understand to be the saint of God. It cannot be the wicked, they have no earnest expectation. Neither can it be the beasts as John Wesley claims, for then it would prove, that every beast would be delivered into the kingdom of God. The saint of God is "waiting for the manifestation (revelation) of the sons of God," That is for it to be made known who are the sons of God. And as stated in Verse 23, they are waiting for "the redemption of our body." "For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." By the above testimony, Paul plainly represents, that the saint of God is waiting and hoping for the redemption of the body, or the resurrection.
Compare the above testimony with Paul's testimony in Phil. iii, 20, 21. "For our conversation is in heaven; FROM WHENCE also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." Why says the objector, Christ comes at death. That is a popular sentiment I know, but where is the authority for it? Perhaps you are ready to quote Matt. xxiv, 44. "Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh," which is often quoted on funeral occasions and applied to death, and thus the Son of man is made to mean death, while the book of God represents death as "the king of terrors." See Job xviii, 14.
Did the disciples understand that Christ's second coming was at death? Look at the case of the disciple Jesus loved, spoken of in John xxi, 20, 23. "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following: (which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?) Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee, follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple SHOULD NOT DIE, yet Jesus said not unto him, he shall not die, but, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" Here is positive proof, that the disciples of Christ understood his coming to refer to something aside from death.
Calling the coming of Christ death, would make an absurdity of the testimony of Paul in Philippians; for it would prove that our bodies were fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body, when they go into the grave. Paul was not expecting to go to heaven at death, but he was waiting for Christ to come from heaven. Not when his body should go into the grave, but when the time should arrive for it to be changed and fashioned like Christ's body. His language in the same chapter plainly shows us what encouraged him to labor and suffer. Verse 11, "If by any means I might obtain unto the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD." The Greek term employed in this text rendered resurrection is anastasis, which signifies, a rising from the dead, which is the same as, out from among. Paul did not merely wish to rise, but he wished to have a part in the first resurrection.
Paul in writing to Titus, states plainly what the hope is, and what the saints of God should do in view of it. Titus ii, 11-13, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: looking for that blessed hope, and—kai, even—"the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
But perhaps you are ready to ask, Did not Paul in some of his teachings, show, that men would go to heaven at death? No. We have already answered every text that can be construed in that way. We will now notice the testimony of Paul, as he is about to fall a victim to death. Here, if anywhere, we might expect to find him speaking of being rewarded at death, if that is the time of reward. 2 Tim. iv. In the first verse he gives his last solemn charge to Timothy. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge (all men at death! No, but) the quick and the dead at his appearing and kingdom." Why not charge him in view of death? Because that is not the time of recompense. Says Solomon, "Neither have they (the dead) any more a reward."
After giving this charge Paul says, [Verses 6-8,] "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." The sentiment of the present time would say, you will go right to heaven. But let us hear what Paul says on the subject. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at (death? No, but) that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." My fellow christian, you and I want each of us a crown, but if I supposed that the day of Paul's death was the time crowns were given to all, I should despair of ever getting one. The day spoken of above, is the day of the Lord's appearing. Then the righteous of all ages will be made perfect at once.
Paul, at the time of his death, cast his mind forward to that scene which he had described to others, to console them in the hour of affliction and bereavement. Mark well his testimony in 1 Thess. iv, 13-18. We will read it. He says, [Verse 13,] "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." The saints of God are not said to be sleeping in heaven, but in the grave. Verse 14. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." The testimony of the Apostle is [Heb. xiii, 20] that "God brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ." And "them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." Not from heaven, for they are not sleeping there, but in their graves. Verses 15-18. "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words."
Dear reader, are these words of comfort to you? Not if you cherish the sentiment, that death sets the Christian free and sends his soul to bliss and happiness. I presume if you cherish such a sentiment, you have been ready to exclaim long before reading this page, What a gloomy doctrine? True, death is a gloomy picture when viewed without the light of the resurrection. As Job says, it is "the land of darkness, as darkness itself." But Christ has "brought life to light." He is coming again to "proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." He says, "I am the resurrection and the life."
John says of Christ and his work, [John i, 4, 5,] "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." If light, here signifies life, darkness would mean death. Says John, [verse 5,] "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." This light (eternal life) that was in Christ shined into death, and the grave, but the darkness (death) comprehended (understood) it not. Why? Answer. "The dead know not anything."
Paul desired of the Lord, as he expresses it in 2 Thess. iii, 5, that he would keep his Thessalonian brethren from evil, and direct their hearts "into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." The rest of the apostles taught the same sentiment to the church, that Paul had taught. Says James, [Chap. v, 7, 8,] "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient: stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."
Peter speaks of the hope [1 Pet. i, 3-7] as follows: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope (hope of life) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in THE LAST TIME, wherein ye greatly rejoice though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory, AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST." From this testimony of Peter, we learn that the saint's inheritance is reserved, to be revealed in THE LAST TIME. There is no other time to which we can apply this, but at the appearing of Jesus, when Peter's testimony applies it.
Peter gives a charge to the elders in his first epistle [1 Pet. v, 2] to "feed the flock of God," and he adds, [verse 4,] "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." The crown of glory is not to be given at death, but when Christ, "the chief Shepherd," appears.
John teaches the same sentiment in his epistle. Read 1 John iii, 2, 3. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Christ in the revelation he made to John taught the same sentiment. Rev. xxii, 12. "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
We see then, that the harmonious testimony of the New Testament is, that at the resurrection and coming of Christ, is the time when the saints of God are to receive their reward. They are represented as deprived of reward unless they have a resurrection. "If the dead rise not, then they which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." Should the objector yet contend that man is conscious between the periods of the death and resurrection of the body, he will have to admit, that during that time the saint has no reward. But we have already shown that there is no consciousness during that period.
The hope of the christian we understand to be, the hope of eternal life, to be obtained through the resurrection, at the appearing of Christ. So if there is no appearing of Christ, there will be no resurrection. If no resurrection, no eternal life. Yes,75no reward. Faith then, in the coming of Jesus and resurrection, attributes to Christ the work he claims as his. If we believe the scripture doctrine, that then, life is to be obtained, it throws a radiant glory like morning sunlight around that event. But, if we incorporate into the items of our faith the sentiment that man has an immortal soul, and the saint goes to his reward at death, we at once mar the work of God, and render the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead of no effect.
The testimony of the Word concerning Christ's second coming is, "My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Now if the saints of God go to heaven at death and receive their reward, the object is then accomplished for which Christ is coming, (viz., to give them their reward.) So by this sentiment his coming is superseded.
To illustrate. Suppose a man in London was owing you half a million of dollars that had fallen to you. He promises to meet you in New York city on a certain day, and pay you that sum, of course your mind will be fixed on the point of time when he is coming to New York. But if matters should so happen that you go to London and get the money before the day arrives, it entirely supersedes the necessity of the man's coming to New York, as the sole object for which he is coming has been accomplished in some other way.
The Scripture represents, as we have quoted above, that Christ is coming to reward his saints. But, if they go to him and get their reward, I fail to see the necessity of his coming to reward every man according to his work. It is no marvel, that professing christians of the present time see no force in the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, and manifest no more care in regard to that event; for they cherish a sentiment which robs the doctrine of Christ's coming of all its force and beauty. They claim that they have an immortal soul and shall have eternal life whether Christ comes or not. We would candidly ask such, if they should read these pages, to reflect on the testimony of Paul. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The Lord help us to realize it. Let us set rightly about the work of seeking for immortality, and patiently wait the return of our Lord, that we may receive a crown of life.
To be Continued.
I Hold Still.
By Julius Sturm
From the German of Julius Sturm.
Pain's furnace heat within me quivers,
God's breath upon the flame doth blow,
And all my heart in anguish shivers
And trembles at the fiery glow;
And yet I whisper—As God will!
And in his hottest fire, hold still,
He comes and lays my heart,—all heated,
On the hard anvil, minded so
Into His own fair shape to beat it,
With his great hammer, blow and blow;
And yet I whisper—As God will!
And, at his heaviest blows, hold still.
He takes my softened heart, and bears it,
The sparks fly off at every blow;
He turns it o'er and o'er, and heats it,
And lets it cool, and makes it glow;
And yet I whisper—as God will!
And, in His mighty hand, hold still.
Why should I murmur! for the sorrow
Thus only longer lived would be;
Its end may come, and will to-morrow,
When God has done his work in me;
So I say, trusting—As God will!
And, trusting to the end, hold still.
He kindles for my profit, purely,
Affliction's glowing, fiery brand,
And all his heaviest blows are, surely,
Inflicted by a Master's hand;
So I say, praying—As God will!
And hope in Him, and suffer still.
THE ADVENT REVIEW, AND SABBATH HERALD.
"Here is the Patience of the Saints; Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus."
VOL. VII. BATTLE CREEK, MICH., THIRD-DAY, DECEMBER, 4, 1855. No. 10.
Plans for Publishing the Review
By F. Wheeler; H. P. Wakefield
From New Hampshire.
DEAR BRETHREN:—In the Review of Oct. 16th is a request from you as a Committee to hear from brethren in different parts of the field relative to the manner of publishing the Review. We take this opportunity to say that we approve of the plan of a Committee to relieve the Editor of the burden of the financial department. We also approve of the plan you propose of having one resident Editor, and 4 or 6 Corresponding Editors. Two of them perhaps located near the Office, that they might be consulted more readily. The others located in different parts of the field.
It is our mind also (and that of the brethren generally, so far as we have conversed with them) that Bro. White still continue to have charge of the Review, if his health will admit.
We would also suggest the propriety of a Committee of three appointed, in whose care the Press shall be placed for the use of the Church, in publishing the light of present truth. We make this suggestion, not that we have any fears ourselves of a misuse of the Press; but it would cut off the opportunity of any who might in future (as some have done in time past) seek to create disaffection on this account.
We however submit the whole to the wisdom of the Brn. who may assemble in Conference—assuring them of our hearty co-operation in their efforts to publish the last message of mercy to a perishing world.
Your Brn. in hope of Eternal life.
F. WHEELER, Washington.
H. P. WAKEFIELD, Newport.
A. HART
By A. Hart
From Delhi, Mich.
The Church in Delhi called a meeting and appointed two delegates to attend the Conference, but there has been such a fall of rain that it will not be consistent to come. In respect to brethren to conduct the Office, they expressed their minds in favor of Bro. Waggoner for Editor. They think that Bro. White has received the scoffs of his enemies long enough.
Be assured, Brethren, that the Church here will be satisfied with any choice that the body may make.
A. HART
The Conference,
By Editor
HELD at the "House of Prayer," at Battle Creek, Nov. 16th-19th, was a Meeting of importance, and deep interest. Brn. Hart of Vt., Bates of Mass, Belden of Conn., and Waggoner, lately from Wis., and a goodly number from different parts of this State, were present. Nov. 16th was spent in transacting business expressed in the call for the Conference. Sabbath, 17th, in a most thorough examination and discussion of the time to commence the Sabbath; 18th, three discourses were given by Brn. Waggoner and Bates; 19th, in prayer, and remarks, and confessions relative to the evident departure of the remnant from the spirit of the message, and the humble, straight-forward course taken by those who first embraced it. Strong desires were expressed, and fervent prayers were offered to Heaven, for the return of the Spirit of consecration, sacrifice and holiness once enjoyed by the remnant. Our long-suffering, and tender Father in heaven smiled upon his waiting children, and manifested his power to their joy. The brethren separated greatly refreshed and encouraged.
It is proper here to state that the most perfect union prevails with the friends of the cause in regard to the manner of conducting the REVIEW. No one present at the Conference, or by letter, objected to the plan suggested in the REVIEW, and adopted by the Conference. We will here give short extracts of letters from different Churches, read before the Conference.
Report on Conducting the Review
By Obadiah Davis
From Massachusetts.
To the Brethren assembled in General Conference at Battle Creek Mich., Nov. 16th.
DEAR BRETHREN:—The Church of Fairhaven and Dartmouth having made choice of us, P. Collins, H. S. Gurney, and O. Davis, as a Committee to take into consideration the request made by the present Financial Committee, to send a statement of their views of the best plan to conduct the REVIEW, &c., we make the following report:—
Firstly. For the conducting of the Financial affairs of the Church, we would recommend that a Committee of three be chosen. That they hold in trust for the benefit of, and subject to the direction of the Church, all property belonging to it, as a body.
That the Committee report the state of the Financial affairs of the Church at such stated periods as the Conference shall direct, and cause the same to be published in the REVIEW.
Secondly. For the conducting of the Editorial department we recommend the plan suggested by the present Financial Committee: viz., a Resident Editor, with four or six (we recommend six) Corresponding Editors, and resident in different portions of the field. And we further recommend that those of the Corresponding Editors whom it is not necessary to have reside near the Resident Editor, be located in such portions of the field as shall give them as equal a distribution as possible,
Which was submitted to the Church.
(Signed,) OBADIAH DAVIS.
In Behalf of the Committee.
The above report was accepted by the Church, and I was directed to forward a copy of it to the care of Bro. Henry Lyon, for the Conference. And to add that it was the wish of the Church here that Bro. White should continue in connection with the paper as Resident Editor. And also that in connection with other Churches in this State, we send Bro. Joseph Bates as Delegate.
In behalf of the Church, your brother in Christ.
OBADIAH DAVIS.
North Fairhaven, Mass., Nov. 5th, 1855.
G. W. HOLT
By G. W. Holt
From Ohio.
DEAR BRN. OF THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE:— We have noticed your remarks published in the Review, in regard to establishing the Office at Battle Creek, and also a plan on which the Advent Review shall be conducted. We do not know as we could suggest a better plan. You, therefore have the co-operation of the Church in Ohio, as far as I have been able to learn their minds.
In behalf of those who keep the Commandments of God, in Northern Ohio.
G. W. HOLT
Freemont, Ohio, Nov. 7th, 1855.
New York Supports the Conference Plan
By Elias Goodwin
From New York.
Dear Brn. of the Committee:—It not being convenient to send a delegate to the Conference. I write in behalf of the Church in this place. We do not feel capable of suggesting any plan on which the Review should be conducted; but we feel like acting in concert with Brn. that have better judgment in the matter, and are more capable of devising a plan of conducting the paper. We feel confident that the Lord will give wisdom to his servants to arrange this matter aright. And we feel to say, the Lord helping us, we shall act in unison with the Conference.
Elias Goodwin.
Oswego, Nov. 4th, 1855.
Confidence in the Brethren’s Judgment
Bro. Elon Everts writes:—"I sympathize with you and the few Brn. who yoke with you in bearing the burthen and heat of the cause; and, while the burden of the cause rests on the few, I feel willing to say, that I am willing to confide in your judgment, in deciding upon the best course in managing the affairs of the cause. I would be glad to be at the meeting and take responsibility with you, but as I can't and the many either, therefore we ought to acquiesce in your deliberations."
A Lonesome Sabbath Keeper in the West
By James White
The following letter came without the writer's name. We will send the REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR if some one will give us the writer's name and address. J. W.
Dear Brother and Sister White:—I write you a few lines to let you know that I am striving to keep the law of God, here in the Western Country all alone. I have been here a year and a half, and have not seen a Sabbath-keeper since I have been here. I feel very lonesome, but my lot has been cast here, and I will trust in God that he will keep me from the snares of the world. I feel thankful that I have the privilege of keeping the Sabbath—you understand some of the trials I had in York State about getting to meeting, and have not been permitted to send for the paper yet. I had them until I came here.
Dear Bro. C. B. Preston and wife send me letters and pamphlets occasionally, and a few numbers of the Instructor which I am truly thankful for. They seem like cold water to a thirsty soul. I have received no opposition of late. Some dear friend sent me the Review, dated Oct. 16th. I feel to praise God that he has put it into the heart of any to send me another number. I have mourned a great deal this year or two past the loss of my paper, but I trust I shall have it again when I am permitted to send the pay. I shall write for it. The girls are quite interested in their little paper. I have sent them around to the neighbors, and they like to read them too. I hope that God will send some of his dear children into this place to hold meetings. We live near Fitz Henry P. O., Eagle Co., Ill.
A Contribution for the Poor
By S. W. Rhodes
From Bro. Rhodes.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am satisfied it is my duty to commence obedience to the command of the Lord by St. Paul, as recorded in 1 Cor. xvi, 2. I send two dollars for the Review to be sent to the poor. Dear Bro. my heart still beats in unison with yours in the work in which you have been engaged for more than twelve years, viz., in publishing to the world the message of Rev. xiv, 6-12 inclusive. I am still unable to speak publicly through weakness of the speaking organs. It is a sore trial to me to be compelled to cease from preaching the speedy coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I beg your prayers and the prayers of the Church that I may be fully delivered from every wrong influence that has in any way bound my testimony for a year or two past.
I now contemplate traveling West and South the coming Winter, hoping to improve my health by the journey.
Your unworthy brother, a weeping, living sacrifice, upon the Lord's altar. S. W. RHODES.
Brookfield, N. Y., Oct. 7th, 1855.
We recommend to all Christians a careful consideration of this text. It is evidently an individual work which "every one" should attend to in the fear of God. This text has nothing to say about Sunday-keeping, or public worship, as some vainly suppose, but teaches the private duty of every child of God. "Let every one of you," my dear brethren, attend to this duty, and the Lord's treasury would be full of means to advance the precious cause of truth. J. W.
JOSEPH BATES
By Joseph Bates
From Bro. Bates.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—According to appointment in the Review, our Tent-meeting was held in Haverhill, Mass., Oct. 6th and 7th. The Brn. from Boston and vicinity were present to aid us in sustaining the meetings. Some were disappointed because the meetings were not continued, as they wished to hear more with respect to our position. As Bro. Wheeler left for the South, we concluded to stop a few days, and hold meetings in the vicinity. Our meeting yesterday was in a convenient hall in the town, during which one person acknowledged the truth in relation to the Sabbath, and at the close of the meeting another one came out decided to keep it. Several others have furnished themselves with books to investigate the subject. The most of these began to hear at the Tent-meeting. We hope and pray that their investigations will result in a full and complete salvation from all sin.
JOSEPH BATES
Haverhill, Oct. 15th, 1855.
To the Friends of the Review.
By Uriah Smith
SINCE Bro. White's health renders it inconsistent for him longer to sustain the responsibilities he has borne, it has become necessary that these duties should devolve upon others; and as the Conference has seen fit that I should take charge of the Editorial department of the REVIEW AND HERALD, I would say a word to the friends of truth. I am aware that the position is one of responsibility, and I could by no means have consented to accept it, were it not that I expect, in this matter, the aid and co-operation of all my brethren. And above all things I shall endeavor so to conduct as to enjoy the blessing and approbation of God, without which we can do nothing.
I do not enter upon this position for ease, or comfort, or worldly profit; for I have seen by my connection with the REVIEW thus far, that neither of these were to be found here. But there are burdens to be borne, there are sacrifices to be made, and it becomes us each in the light of present truth, willingly and cheerfully to do what we can in the cause of God.
The world is swiftly rushing down the broad road to destruction; a cold and formal church, without eyes or ears, are raising the deceptive cry of peace and safety; the nations are becoming involved in difficulties and perplexities, and are beginning to be angry; the wine cup of God's fury which they must "certainly drink," [Jer. xxv,] and be moved and be mad, will soon be given them; the time of trouble such as never was, is even now almost visible in its swift approach; the plan of salvation is being finished in the heavenly Sanctuary; and it is only here and there from the gloom of earth that the cry comes up, Watchman, what of the night? All these things call loudly on every servant of God to be zealous in his Master's service; to be active in warning sinners of their doom, in proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world, and in pointing the anxious inquirers to the word of God, that they may see that the morning cometh, and also the night.
Let every brother and sister remember that they have a personal interest, and, in a measure, a personal influence in the REVIEW; for the life and interest of the paper is dependent in a great measure on the state of the cause abroad. If the cause is in a good condition; if the people of God are active; if they are living where they can enjoy the power of God, and the work is advancing; when these things are reported through the REVIEW, it imparts life and energy to all the rest; and thus the paper becomes a welcome messenger to God's people, and a blessing to his cause. But if there is little or no interest manifested abroad; if there are no cheering communications from brethren and sisters; if there are no accounts of the prosperity and the advancement of the truth, it is extremely discouraging to those connected with the Office; and the paper must lose its interest; and as the paper loses its interest, people lose their interest in the paper; and in this way they exert a mutual influence upon each other. Thus we see how we are all fellow-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord; then let us start anew in God's service, and proportion our efforts to the importance of the truths we profess, and the demands of the present time.
The friends of truth are earnestly requested to give the REVIEW a place in their prayers, that it may be conducted in a spirit of meekness and wisdom; that it may not take, in anything, a wrong and unchristian course; but that it may be adapted to the wants of the remnant, and go forth bearing meat in due season to the scattered flock; that it may be laden with such matter as will be indeed food to the soul, and aid God's peculiar people in the all-important work of preparing for that glorious translation which we soon expect.