Earlier text: THE ATONING BLOOD OF CHRIST“NO TRUST.”
By M. E. Cornell
WHEREVER we go, all over the land, the words, “no trust,” are prominently posted up. When we enter stores, mechanics’ shops, or mills, generally the first thing that greets our eye is the significant words, “No Trust.” But what a commentary is this upon the character of the times! Men will solemnly promise to pay at a certain time, and then as though the obligation was discharged, have no more care about it! This kind of lying has fashionable. It has become a “matter of course.” Nearly all confidence in fellow-man is gone. There are so few honest people, that business men have decided to have but one rule, namely, “Deal with an honest man as you would with a rogue;” or in other words, “Take it for granted that all men are rogues, and treat them accordingly.” To distrust men is now so common that it is no longer attended with embarrassment; and the cards of “No Trust,” “No Trust,” “No Trust,” all around the premises have become fashionable ornaments. This then is now so prominent a characteristic that it is no wonder if it be a matter of prophecy and a sign of the times. Most religious people admit, theoretically, that we are living in the last days. Be it so, the apostle Paul speaking of these days, [2 Tim. iii, 1-4,] says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, unthankful, truce-breakers, traitors,” &c. But while there is “no trust” for fellow man, there is but little confidence in God. Behold that meeting-house! They have professedly dedicated it to God. The eloquent minister prayed that God would preserve the house they had built for his name, and there meet with his people. But as if there was doubt whether the prayer was heard, forth-with a lightning-rod is raised above the very summit of the sky-piercing steeple; and, as though there was still doubt whether the dedication prayers and the lightning-rod were sufficient to preserve the Lord’s property, they go and have it insured by the most reliable insurance company known. In some instances the lightning has overleaped their rods, and the steeple has been shivered to atoms. And one case is reported where a very high steeple, which a spirit of strife had run up about twenty-five feet higher than any other in “town” was wrung off and hurled upward by a furious whirlwind; and when it came down, as if directed by an avenging power, some point first, driving the twenty-five feet of their superiority through the roof to be admired only by themselves.37 Thus for once that monumental pile of pride, vain show, and aristocracy, which they professed was to represent their “upward tendency,” was suddenly reversed, and made to represent the facts in the case. This happening on the night before their day of worship, they were compelled to assemble and silently view their boasted twenty-five feet, as a solemn index, faithfully pointing whither they with all their pride and superiority were fast hastening. But the day is soon coming when the Lord will aim his fury at all the high towers of Babylon, when the buildings and builders shall perish together. “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low. And upon every high tower,” &c. Isa. ii, 12, 15. The prophet also speaks of “the day of the great slaughter when the towers shall fall.” Isa. xxx, 25. And Ezekiel in describing the same, says, “The mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places (towers, margin) shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.” Eze. xxxviii, 20. The prophecy of Amos (chap. vi) undoubtedly has reference more or less to the present time, and how truly applicable such as the following: “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion,” “Ye that put far away the evil day.” “That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David. That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph.” “Ye which rejoice in a thing of naught, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our strength.” How often do we hear the churches, in referring to their boasted progress, say, “We now count our spires (horns) by thousands.” These steeples, spires, or towers, are now the pride and glory of the daughters of Babylon, and it is no wonder that God should single them out as the especial objects of his vengeance in the day of his wrath. See Amos iii, 13, 14. There is one church in Detroit, Mich., that has (altogether large and small) about thirty of these. They stand out before the world as an extra number of the real emblems of pride and vanity. The proud king of Babylon said, “Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?” Dan. iv, 30. To transpose this so as to represent the haughtiness and pride manifested by some of the latter day ministers, when they have gathered their flock, and superintended the building of the highest steeple in the city, it would read somewhat as follows: “Is not this the high steeple that I have built for the house of my church, by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?” A popular minister in Mich. might say, as he enters his pulpit on Sunday morning, and casts his eyes upon the gold-covered Bible before him, “Is not this the great golden Bible that took the premium at the World's Fair, and cost three hundred dollars, which my church has purchased for the honor of our majesty?” But the time is coming when they will say of the great God as did king Nebuchadnezzar, “those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Oh! how much of haughtiness, pride and love of popularity, and how little of Christ-like simplicity and humility, and “trust” in God, do we see in the churches of the present day. The present general rush after the world, heaping up treasures on the earth, with the pretense of “preparing against a rainy day,” the lightning-rods and insurances on churches, together with the cold, formal prayers of the age, all, all are signifying with sad and fearful certainty that on these premises there is “No Trust.” “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?” Wakeman, O., Dec., 13th, 1858. EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
Our long silence has not been because we have had nothing of interest to say to the readers of the REVIEW; but because we have not had time to write what we wished to say. In company with Bro. Loughborough we held conferences at Rochester, Roosevelt, Brookfield, Mannsville, Buck's Bridge, and Rouse's Point, N. Y.; Wolcott, Vt.; Washington, N. H.; Clinton and Boston, Mass., and Portland, Me. In all these places we were happily disappointed. Our meetings were free, spiritual, and interesting. The brethren east all stand firm. There has been some increase of numbers, with an advance in unity and spirituality. Be it known throughout the western field, that the old friends in the East are still the warm friends of the cause of Bible truth. We sold about $300 worth of books. Our wants were all cared for, our traveling expenses met, and we received the most affectionate and courteous attention. We reached home the 14th in good spirits, but much worn with constant labor. We are happy to be again in the midst of this dear people, who have advanced in spirituality, and have had several additions, in our absence, of those who had never before professed faith in Christ. Here we must remain most of the time for four months. Further account of Eastern Tour hereafter. Did Jesus Wash the Disciples' Feet before, or after, the Institution of the Supper ?
By R. F. C.
SOME think the washing took place after the supper was eaten. They come to this conclusion from the words, “Supper being ended.” Dr. Clarke in his commentary, gives the following rendering of this passage: “While supper was preparing.” And on verse 4 he remarks, “He riseth from supper. Not from eating, as Bishop Pearce has well observed; but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper.” The following is from the notes in the Cottage Bible: “Supper being ended—rather come! So Drs. Hammond, Doddridge, Guise, and Jennings; but Campbell reads ‘while they were at supper,’ which is to the same effect.” Judas was present at the time of the washing of feet, therefore Jesus said, “Ye are not all clean.” After this Jesus sat down again, or as Campbell expresses it, “replaced himself at the table.” And it is evident that they were reclining at table, and John was leaning on Jesus’ breast, when the inquiry went around, who it was that should betray him. To point out the traitor, Jesus (while yet at table) dipped the sop and gave it to Judas. “He then, having received the sop went immediately out.” After this, they sung an hymn and went out. These things carefully considered, make it clearly evident that the washing of feet preceded the eating of the supper.
R. F. C. CHARITY AT HOME.
By Moses Hull
IN looking over the Review I see that Bro. Cornell has favored us with a discourse on the text, "Charity begins at home." I have long seen and felt the necessity of an exposition of that text. Since I have been trying to proclaim the truth, I have received over $1000 per year in "God bless you," "Praise the Lord for sending Bro. Hull this way," &c., and at the same time those who were thus lavishing their benedictions upon me, would do nothing towards helping me, or those who are dependent upon me for support. I do not know of any brother or sister who cannot see my duty. "O yes, Bro. Hull, it is your duty to go with the message; let come what will, you must be in the field." So I think. But I can see your duty, too. It is just as much your duty to spread the message as it is mine. "But I don't feel that I have a call," says one. But I feel, see and hear a call to you, which is, to hold up the hands of the messengers, by administering to their temporal necessities. The messengers and their families must have something to eat, drink, and wear, and if it is their duty to administer spiritual things to you, it certainly is your duty to administer to their temporal necessities. I once asked a rich brother to lend me money to pay my expenses to an appointment. Said he, "I can lend you the money, Bro. Hull; but I think it is your duty to go out without purse or scrip." Well, it might have been, as the poor brother only had one farm of 160 acres, with two tenants upon it, besides a store, village-house and lot, two span of horses, one yoke of oxen, and three or four cows! But the poor man has learned "the deceitfulness of riches," and that they "that will be rich fall into divers temptations." He has concluded to try to climb up some other way. Brethren, shall we try to awake and cast off the works of darkness? We all have a duty to do. When it shall be said, "Go to now ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you," when your gold and silver begins to "eat your flesh as it were fire," then you will be glad to give up some of your wealth. But, alas for you! your sacrifices will not be accepted. May the Lord root covetousness out from among us.
M. HULL.
Russiaville, Ind., Nov. 20th, 1858. Meetings in Mich.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith : After leaving Lapeer, Nov. 22d, we held two meetings by appointment in Orion, a district where our position had not, before been given. Although it stormed both evenings, it did not prevent the people from coming out to hear, and giving good attention to the word proclaimed. One of the congregation stated at the close of the meeting that he heard this same Advent doctrine proclaimed in his country (Sweden), when he was nine years old. Gladly would we have staid longer; but we had an appointment for the next evening some thirty miles distant. We hope Bro. Lawrence will visit them soon, and spread the present truth before them. Nov. 24th, we commenced a series of meetings in a very commodious school-house in Hartland, Livingston Co., and continued until Dec. 1st. Brn. Lockwood and Stone were the only families of Sabbath-keepers in the place. They were much refreshed and cheered to see the general attention their neighbors gave to the explanation of our position, and their increasing desire to be at the meetings, until the Methodist minister in charge came to preach, the seventh evening after we had commenced. He lived some distance from this district, and had not attended any of our meetings. The only time he came to preach to his flock, I was told, was once in four weeks, on First-days. From the tenor of his preaching it was evident he had learned with respect to the subjects we had been preaching to his hearers, for he endeavored to cover up, and smooth over so that they might not be troubled about present truth. He said some people were curious to pry into the prophecies, which was not necessary, &c. His preaching seemed to operate on the majority of his hearers much like an opiate administered to a person in distress, to relieve pain and procure rest. However, we trust that our labor was not all lost. Four were baptized in obedience to their Lord and Master, after which the church assembled at Bro. I. Cornell's, at Tyrone, and were made happy in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. Sabbath, Dec. 4th, we spent with the church in Jackson. It was a refreshing season from the presence of the Lord. Both speaker and hearers enjoyed freedom of spirit from the Lord. Thanks to his holy and blessed name.
JOSEPH BATES.
Battle Creek, Dec, 1859. Letter from Wisconsin.
By W. Phelps
Bro. Smith : It is with thankfulness to my heavenly Father that I write to let the friends know that the Lord is still blessing us here in Koskonong. The leaven of the Third Angel's Message is still working here, and the truth is separating the precious from the vile, and purifying a peculiar people, zealous of good works. This has been a stronghold of the Future-age doctrine; but the Lord has been overturning things in some measure here, and I pray that he may continue to work, and overturn, and overturn, till he shall gather the last jewel from among the rubbish. We have been receiving a few drops of the latter rain recently, and I pray God that we may all be prepared to share in the great refreshing when it comes. Joel ii, 28, 29; Acts ii, 16-18. I know not how to praise God enough for his goodness to me, in saving me from the delusions of the Future-age belief before I had gone so far that I could not be helped. I believe that doctrine is the best calculated to deceive the unwary of any that the Devil has ever invented. There is nothing about it that will lead to a close walk with God; but on the contrary, it has led many so far away from God that they have rejected his Commandments and the Faith of Jesus, and are left with a theory in the head, and nothing to affect the heart, or reform the life. The Third Angel's Message never looked more precious to me than it does now. I long for the time to come when it shall go with power. Then the servants of God will be sealed in their foreheads, and prepared to stand on mount Zion with the Lamb. I feel that there is a necessity of our humbling ourselves before the Lord, and getting into a position where he can own, and pour out his holy Spirit upon us. Then he can use us in his glorious cause. We cannot do too much. There must be an entire consecration. It will take all to buy the field, and it will be cheap enough in the end. Some even now begin to realize it. May the Lord still work for his people. Ft. Atkinson, Wis., Nov. 28th 1858. ISRAEL had sinned and become corrupt; had strayed far from their God; had forgotten his law, and turned aside to idolatry. Even the priests of the Lord's house had departed from God, for the sons of Eli, the high priest, had made themselves vile, and yet Eli was mild with them, and did not restrain them. Bad as they were, there were those who valued the word of God. It was precious because there was no open vision. Yes, low as Eli had fallen, he was ready to receive the word of the Lord, even though given first to a little boy. But now, O how different! Hand to your brother Methodist, or Baptist, or Presbyterian, or to almost any of the members of the so-called churches, a vision, and they will probably say, "This is all humbug." How fallen! if that vile age of Eli was so far in advance of this, Alas! it is just so. Here we are. We cannot deny it. Here are signs of the last days. The prophecies, like rich clusters of grapes just ripe, hang directly over us, within reach. Every day the clusters drop at our feet, and yet the noble, the wise, the gifted, trample them under foot, and mix the sweet juice with the dust. A few despised ones pick up these grapes, and find them life-giving and refreshing, and then the Lord of the vineyard causes other clusters to shoot forth, unexpectedly and kindly, and then these despised ones reach forth and pluck them, and are inspirited anew, and as they travel onward their steps are quicker and more firm, for there is life in the clusters. They are just what they need, "meat in due season," and so they thank God and take courage to ask for more.
J. CLARKE. Nor Charged God Foolishly. Job i, 22.
By J. Clarke
JOB had endured great trials; his children torn from him suddenly, and to aggravate his calamity, the treasures of a life of care and industry were swept away in a moment; then he was smitten with sore boils from head to foot, while his three friends reproached him as some vile criminal which the earth was too good to bear up. In all this sea of calamity, Job retained his uprightness, and continued to put his confidence in God. Though it was inexplicable to him why he should be the object of such severe rebukes, he expresses his unshaken hope in God, saying, “Though he slay me yet will I trust in him.” Though he wept and groaned in intensest agony of body and mind, bereaved of every earthly blessing except his wife, (and it may be doubted whether she was a blessing, for she exhorted him to curse God and die,) suspected by his friends of hidden crime, and left by God in a degree to Satan, truly his situation was deplorable; but through it all he saw the gleam of hope, for faith lighted up the gloom. By thus enduring his trials with patience and composure, and thus exercising faith in adverse times, he pleased God, and came forth from the furnace seven times purified, purged from the dross of the world, and so was fitted for far greater happiness and usefulness. The child of God who murmurs and frets under trials, does thus entirely frustrate the object designed, and thus renders necessary severer tests, and more excruciating pains, to cause the image of the Redeemer to shine forth; for faith must be exercised in the darkest night of trial; then it is most needed, and then it shines brightest, and it is then the strongest assurance and liveliest hope is experienced. A. H. DANIELS
By A. H. Daniels
BRO. SMITH : Since I last wrote to you I have been called to attend a funeral, where I endeavored to show the Bible view of the mortality of man, and the resurrection from the dead. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection : on such the second death hath no power. Rev. xx, 6. I have held a few meetings, and four have decided to keep God's holy Sabbath, while others are investigating. They are, I believe, honest in heart, and if so they will not long resist the truth. The ire of the dragon can be seen in this part of the land ; but God has had his hand to the work, and the Third Angel's Message will go on. Thank the Lord for his goodness towards us ! He is good, and will deliver all them that put their trust in him. I feel like going on. The Third Angel's Message is all to me. The only hope I have of escaping the mark of the beast or his image, is in keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I believe the time has come that God's people should work. I acknowledge I have been too slack, but I am resolved to commence anew and remove every stumbling-stone out of the way, where it is in my power to do so. The time is short, and the night cometh when no man can work. I need the prayers of God's dear children to sustain me in this place. There are others that want to hear, and I intend to visit them as soon as I can. The four which I spoke of have started prayer-meetings on the Sabbath. I have met with them once or twice, but it is too far ; so we have to keep the Sabbath where no eye can see, and no ear hear but his who made heaven and earth. How truly is this message calling the honest out of Babylon. I wish Bro. Phelps would come out here. I know he can do a great deal of good, and there are some here that have become dead to the law, and want to be buried with Christ by baptism. If Bro. Phelps will come we will try and do what is right, if we can get anything to do with ; and if he can come I wish he would send me word when. As I do not want to move too fast, I dare not take the privilege of baptizing yet. My prayer is that we may all wake up, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, looking for him who is coming to free us from this corruption, and bring us to that glorious land, where "No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more."
Sumner, Wis., Dec. 4th, 1858. LYDIA M. LOCKE
By Lydia M. Locke
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have for some time felt it my duty to address a few lines to you, for my heart is often made glad when I read the communications from you in the Review. I do rejoice that I have been permitted to hear the Third Angel's Message, and also the message of the faithful and true Witness to the Laodiceans; and truly I feel more and more the importance of being pure and holy in heart, that every thought, word and action may be in accordance with the will of God. When I think of the great goodness of God toward us, in giving us the Scriptures of eternal truth, to show unto us the way of life and salvation through the merits of our blessed Redeemer, and how he has enabled us to see many of the precious truths of his word, that have long been covered up by tradition, and also the beauties of his law, my heart is filled with wonder and admiration; and I feel to say as did the beloved disciple, God is love. O my dear brethren and sisters, let us be faithful, watch and pray always, for we are indeed living in perilous times. But the grace of God is sufficient in every time of need. Therefore let us keep our hearts39with all diligence, looking earnestly unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, that we may finally come off conquerors through him that loved us. Salem, Ind., Nov. 25th, 1858. All around thee, fair with flowers
Fields of beauty sleeping lie;
All around thee, clarion voices
Call to duty stern and high. Be thou thankful, and rejoice in
All the beauty God has given;
But beware, it does not win thee
From the work ordained of heaven. To remove the wide-spread darkness,
That the light of truth may shine;
And recall the child of error,
To Jehovah's holy shrine. To encourage suffering virtue,
Lest despairing, it shall die,
And the light of hope re-kindle
In the darkened, vacant eye. Cheerfully of thine abundance
To the sick and poor impart;
Thus the weight of sorrow lifting
From the crushed and wounded heart. Now, to-day, and not to-morrow,
Work, O work, with all thy might.
Lest the wretched faint and perish
In the coming, stormy night. Now, to-day, and not to-morrow,
Lest, ere to-morrow's setting sun,
Thou too, mournfully departing,
Shalt have left thy work undone.—Sel. Crown Him Lord of All.
By C. Monroe
For your encouragement, dear brethren and sisters, permit me to relate to you, in few words, a little of this morning's experience. It is that precious day we are taught to remember and keep holy. Having of late been more than usual engaged in secular business, I have been induced, in a few instances, to neglect, or abreviate, my regular, private devotions: a thing for which I always lament, but never apologize. The over-action and exposure produced a temporary illness and depression of spirits, that seemed to unfit me for that sweet employment. However, I retired as usual this morning to my closet, and as a rebuke to my delinquency, expected little favor, but was happily disappointed; for in the sequel, was permitted, as 't were, to approach the cross, and take from that sacred head the thorny crown of shameful honor, placed there by wicked hands, and substitute therefor the royal diadem of love supreme, set with pearls of heavenly hue, and price untold! Besides, the amaranth, the rose of Sharon, the lilly of the valley, and every sweet thing was there. This crown, I need not say, was placed upon that brow of majestic sweetness with willing hands and swimming eyes. No coronation of an earthly prince, methinks, was ever attended with deeper devotion, or warmer enthusiasm! All for love so amazing! O for this love, let rocks and hills, floods and fields, their lasting honors pay! "Were the whole realm of nature mine,
And could I call the stars my own,
This were a present far too small:
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my heart, my life, my all." Dear brethren and sisters, do you at times feel like this? Then lift up your heads and look up! Behold your coming King, robed in majesty and loveliness "fairer than all the fair who fill the heavenly train," and wipe your weeping eyes. Soon, soon, Jesus will come, in power and great glory, to take his waiting children home, and to be crowned by countless hosts, with one acclaim, saying, "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb, Lord of all, Lord of all! Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly." C. MONROE.
Waldo, Me., Nov. 20th, 1858. Ugly Forgiveness.—There is a kind of ugly forgiveness in this world—a kind of hedge-hog forgiveness, shot out like quils. Men take one who has offended, and set him down before the blowpipe of their indignation, and scorch him, and burn his fault into him; and when they have kneaded him sufficiently with their fiery fists, then—they forgive him. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.” Bro. Smith: Thirteen or fourteen years ago when I was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, while meditating on the plan of salvation, and searching the Scriptures, I was led to wonder why we were keeping the first day of the week as a Sabbath. But our preachers would say, It is the Christian Sabbath. I could not find the proof in the Bible; yet I supposed the preachers knew, probably better than I. Besides, they said that the law was nailed to the cross, and we must expect salvation through faith alone; also that the seventh day was the Jewish Sabbath, and came to an end with their dispensation. So I was lulled to sleep again on that subject. Yet I had my doubts about this repealing and re-enacting a part of God's holy law. About two years ago Bro. Lathrop (formerly of N. Y.) gave me a short lecture on the Sabbath question, and I could not show any fight against his arguments, because he had all the Bible on his side. Soon after, I was invited to go and hear Bro. White, at Clyde. I went, and was confirmed in my belief in respect to the Sabbath, and the immutability of God's holy law. I then began to visit and receive visits from the dear brethren and sisters of like precious faith. O how cheering for those who fear the Lord to speak often one to another, knowing that there is a book written for them, and that they will be the Lord's when he makes up his jewels, and he will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. After a while Bro. Loughborough came here, and gave a full course of lectures on the prophecies, the Sabbath, and the state of the dead, mortality and immortality, &c. He labored faithfully, and was "valiant for the truth," and well received by the "little flock," but violently opposed by Babylon and her daughters. "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." When I first heard that there was a strange kind of people come from the East, (Brn. Everts, Hart, &c.,) who taught that we had no immortal souls, I shuddered at the thought; but said I, I will give the subject an impartial investigation by the standard. So I took my Bible, and other helps, and soon found that God was true, and that some, yea many men were liars; and that they were blind guides, and dishonored the great Father "who so loved the world that he gave his dear Son to die for them that they might have eternal life (immortality) through him:" but not so as to make void God's holy law through faith. God forbid! And now, dear brethren and sisters, I can say, O how love I thy law, the commandments, the statutes and the faith of Jesus, and also the remnant, or little flock! How reasonable the plan of salvation looks to me now; yea, how glorious! The attributes of God all seem to harmonize; and his law is holy, just and good, although it slew me. But being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Genesee, Ills., Dec., 1858. Bro. SMITH: I can say that the Lord is working for his people in this place. He is pleased to meet with us by his good Spirit when we assemble for his worship. Two have recently been added to our number, and a healthy state of things seems to exist. Bro. Rhodes tarried with us a short time on his way to Battle Creek. The Lord gave him much of his Spirit, and his labors here have been instrumental in accomplishing much good, and will prove, I trust, a lasting blessing to us all. I think I never saw the necessity any more than I do now of making untiring efforts to secure eternal life. I feel determined by God's assisting grace to make my calling and election sure, and to stand with the redeemed on mount Zion. Yours striving to overcome. Allegan, Mich., Dec. 9th, 1858. A Lonely Believer Awaits Fellowship
By Lucinda W. Sims
Bro. Smith: I cheerfully improve this opportunity to say to you and to those scattered abroad, how dearly I prize the little, welcome sheet, (Review and Herald) which makes its weekly visits at our humble home, away in these western wilds, so remote from the noble, self-sacrificing band who are laboring to keep all the commandments, and to "teach men so." I learn through the columns of the Review that there are a goodly number of the brethren about fifty miles from us, in Mauston. It is cheering indeed to know that truth is spreading so rapidly, and is nearing this section of country. We would not ask a richer soil, a milder climate, more fertile plains or lovelier vales; but we are not quite contented. We would that the lot of some of the ministering brethren might be cast among us awhile, that the word may be spoken among this people also. Many a lonely hour have I experienced during the five years that I have been striving to keep all the commandments of God. And as I wend my way alone, yes, alone, save One, often does my faith seem to wane. But the week wears away, the holy Sabbath is ushered in, then this comforting and enlightening messenger of truth and salvation is brought to us. It cheers and encourages us to go onward, knowing it will not be long ere He will come whose right it is to reign, and will not tarry. I feel that the chariot wheels of time are carrying us rapidly onward. Soon, very soon will the last sands have run out, and earth have performed her last revolutions. O then that we may be ready for the great day of the Lord, is my prayer. May we be kept in the faith and so escape the seven last plagues. Melrose, Wis., Dec. 5th, 1858. C. L. ROGERS
By C. L. Rogers
BRO. SMITH: I have been for about seven or eight months past trying to keep all the commandments of God. When Bro. Waggoner was here last Spring I heard him with great interest, determined if he had the truth to present I would hear it; but when I first heard him I must acknowledge that I thought it was very singular that he should believe the seventh day was the day to keep as the Sabbath at this enlightened age of the world; neither could I believe that the Jewish laws were binding upon the Gentiles. I thought on this point I was firm as the hills, having the Bible to sustain me; but when I heard him the second night after he came back to our place with Bro. M. Welcome, I found my strong tower tottering and about to fall, because the foundation was sandy. I praise God that I was awakened to a sense of my situation, and I determined to seek the truth as revealed in the Bible, which I began to read more carefully, and more prayerfully, too, with my mind open to conviction, determined to know for myself; and I could scarcely open it but my eyes would meet some passage about the Sabbath or the law; indeed I almost despaired of finding anything to justify First-day-keeping, till after a while I thought I had found something in Galatians with regard to the law that was enough to satisfy me. But after examining it carefully, I became convinced on that Scripture also, and yielded the point. Then light and liberty broke in upon my mind, and I began keeping the Sabbath of the Lord; and although I met with some opposition, yet, praise the Lord, I feel that my way is onward and upward. I am endeavoring to live by faith on the Son of God. My companion is also striving with me to keep the commandments of God, but it was hard work for her to give up the traditions of men for the Lord's Sabbath. After a while she saw the truth of God as revealed in his word, renounced her former opinions, and is now striving to live in the light of the truth. Our brethren and sisters in the Christian church here in this place have almost all disowned us, and tell us we are a poor, deluded set, seeking to be justified by the deeds of the law. But we believe that by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin; and whosoever is justified by the deeds of the law is fallen from grace. Our little band of Sabbath-keepers are living by faith, and striving to be ready for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that it may be said when he appears, Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have some very interesting meetings on the Sabbath, and the prayer-meetings at Bro. P. S. Thurston's on Sabbath eve are generally attended with much interest. The Lord is good and gracious unto me, and I feel that I am willing to endure all for his sake. Brethren, pray for me, that my faith fail not. Yours in hope of a glorious life beyond the grave. Deerfield, Wis., Dec., 1858. A Pilgrim in Fox Lake
By Rufus Baker
Bro. Smith: It has been about eight months since I first embraced the Advent doctrine, and have been trying to keep all the commandments of God. Since that time, until within about three weeks I have been favored with the privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath with those of my brethren at Mackford who are of like precious faith, for the purpose of worshiping God. The Lord has met with us and we have had many precious seasons, for which I feel very thankful. I would to God that I could enjoy them now; but I have removed to Fox Lake, a distance of about twelve miles, where I am surrounded by those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. I do not know that there is a single person nearer than Mackford, with the exception of myself, who is in the present truth. I feel that I am truly a pilgrim and a stranger, that here I have no continuing city; yet I seek one to come. I am looking for that city which Abraham looked for, which hath foundations, a permanent and enduring city. I am willing to labor and toil, and even to suffer with Christ if I may be permitted to reign in his kingdom. O how precious the truth looks to me, and how thankful I feel for the Third Angel's Message, the last saving truth which this world is ever to hear. How kind our heavenly Father has been to us in giving us a warning against the worship of the beast and his image, that we may be enabled to flee from the storm which is gathering over the world, and lay hold on eternal life. Rufus Baker. Fox Lake, Wis., Dec., 1858. Standing Alone in Pulaski
By Matilda A. Streeter
Bro. Smith: I am sorry to say that I still stand alone in this place; no one to converse with of like precious faith. Sometimes a brother and sister call on us, and it seems almost like angels' visits. I get refreshed and strengthened. O, how I have longed and prayed for some messenger to come this way and present the truth before the people. It does seem to me there are some honest ones in Pulaski. Remember, dear brethren, that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance; and O how my drooping spirits would be refreshed to hear a Second Advent preacher once more! I have not heard one for several years, or been to any meeting. I have many dark hours, and am sometimes tempted to give up the truth. Satan says the way is so hard, but the blessed Saviour beckons me onward, and I must go. I am bound for that city above, and none shall stop me as long as I have the Saviour for my friend. I often think of the words of sister White, that if we ever get to heaven our afflictions here will not be worth naming; heaven will be cheap enough, even if we lose this life to gain it. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me. I do desire to so live that I may meet you all at the great feast, when the blessed Saviour will gird himself and serve his saints. My heart has been encouraged since I have been writing. My way is onward and upward. Yours waiting for the coming of our Lord and Saviour. Matilda A. Streeter. Pulaski, N. Y., Dec. 1st, 1858. Emptiness Preparing for Fulness
By Spurgeon
The river of God is full of water; but there is not one drop of it that takes its rise iu earthly springs. God will have no strength used in his own battles but the strength which he himself imparts: and I would not have you that are now distressed in the least discouraged by it. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled; and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up.—Spurgeon.