THE fourth commandment requires the weekly observance of the seventh day of the week as a rest-day unto the Lord; but the carnal heart is not subject to that law of which this command is a living precept, and it not unfrequently happens that members of the same family are divided in respect to the manner in which this divine injunction should be treated. It is often the case that the children of a family wish to honor the Lord by having respect to all his commandments, and esteeming his Sabbath a delight, while the parents, reeling under the effects of a deleterious influence brought to view in Rev. xvii, 2, insist upon their observance of the counterfeit Sabbath, instead of the true, either by positive command, or by every influence and artifice which a popish bigotry can devise.
And what is the authority by which they would enforce upon their offspring disobedience to the fourth commandment? It is no less than another commandment of the same code. It is even the next following; the one which commands children to honor their father and their mother. Here, say they, you violate this precept unless you have respect unto our wishes and feelings; and, be careful that you do not break the fifth commandment, in your zeal for the fourth. Thus, they would make the fifth commandment a breastwork from behind which to deal death and destruction upon the fourth. But will the Bible sustain them in any such impious work? Let us see.
It would be a far more serious reflection than we would dare to cast upon the wisdom of the divine Lawgiver, to take a position from which even an intimation might be drawn, that he had given a law, one precept of which could under any circumstances conflict with another. Do our opponents perceive the blasphemy of this their position?
How much then does the fifth commandment call upon us to perform? and under what circumstances may we depart from its letter without infringing its spirit? The New Testament furnishes some very opportune and unmistakable comments upon passages of scripture, which bigotry and error (the former of which usually accompanies the latter) might be tempted to distort into their service. The fifth commandment is a passage in point. Paul in Eph. vi, 2, thus comments on this precept: "Children, obey your parents." Does he stop here? No. This is not left as an absolute and unqualified command. It must be modified. And what is the modifier? It consists of only three small but very important words which read as follows: "In the Lord." The apostolic injunction, then, stands thus: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord;" and as authority for this position, the apostle follows right in with a quotation of the fifth commandment.
A very serious limitation, this, for superstitious and inquisitorial parents. They are to be obeyed in the Lord, and within the limits of this restriction only. Farther than this we are not commanded to accord to their wishes or authority, either indulgence or respect. It is only when their commands are in accordance with the commands of God that we are to do them reverence. God, his word, his authority and his commands, are first and foremost in all things.
The authority of the parent is only delegated. He derives it from God, and the moment he attempts to exercise authority or issue commands which conflict with the great constitution of that Being from whom he derives all his powers, that moment he becomes a traitor and usurper, and forfeits all claims to authority and respect. The parental rule then degenerates to papal tyranny, and should be regarded and treated as such. Parents, in this case, need not be surprised to see their children acting for themselves, according to the dictates of their own consciences. It is not in violation of the fifth commandment that they do this, nor from any want of filial affection; but they are only moving straight along in obedience to that higher law against which their parents have rebelled. And if such parents feel disturbed and grieved at their course, and complain that their gray hairs will be brought down with sorrow to the grave, let them blame themselves for their distress, and understand that the source of all their troubles is their own sins.
But is it right to take a course to cause trouble and division in families? Ask the Saviour. Did he come to send peace on earth, or a sword? Did he not say that there should be divisions on his account, brother against brother, and friend against friend? Did he not say that a man's foes should be they of his own household? and that if a man would not leave father, mother, brothers and sisters to follow him, he was not worthy of him?
And finally, to those who may yet be disposed to attach great weight to the caution not to break the fifth commandment out of zeal for the fourth, we also will give a caution: Be careful and not break the first commandment out of zeal for the fifth. You are to obey your parents in the Lord, but not before the Lord. In religious matters what God requires comes first; all else is but secondary.
IS THERE ANY LACK?
By James White
WHEN we introduce the wants of the cause, we are often met with this question, "Is there any lack?" Many perhaps think there is no lack. Their minds are shut up to their farms and home interests, where there is but little or no lack, and have no time or interest to inquire into the wants of our preachers and of the cause generally.
We have been in Iowa three weeks, and have had eighteen meetings, and no one has said a word to us about our expenses, or given us a dime, excepting $2,00 given by a sister to Mrs. W. Our expenses up to this date have been $27,00. And yet the question comes up, "Is there any lack?" But we do not wish to be understood as speaking in our own behalf, but for those who do suffer lack, and for the holy cause of Bible truth.
1. Our poor preachers in the West often lack suitable clothes to make them comfortable, and appear decent. At the time of the deepest mud a few weeks since, Bro. Cornell wore rubbers with holes in the bottoms of them, and has faced the piercing prairie winds with a scanty amount of clothing, much of it thread-bare, darned and mended. He had received only $5,00 in money since he left the tent last fall. And yet wealthy brethren ask the question, "Is there any lack?" We gave Bro. C. $20,00 of missionary funds, told him to throw away his old rubbers, and be sure and not allow himself to suffer for anything that money would buy.
But it may be said that some of our preachers do not always lay out money judiciously. This has evidently been true in some cases, and has had a bad influence on the cause in certain localities; but while other evils are being corrected, we may hope that this also will be put away. In no way can a preacher sooner hurt his influence, and dry up his support, than to make a bad appropriation of means put into his hands, or to feed out to dogs (lazy persons) that bread given to feed his children.
2. The cause needs much means at this time to push forward the work. Read Bro. Morse's communication149in REVIEW No. 17, and open your ears, brethren, to the Macedonian cry which comes down from Minnesota, "Come over and help us." We say, let Bro. Ingraham, or Sanborn, or Stewart, have $100 worth of books, and the Wisconsin tent, and go over in the name of the Lord and help those dear brethren in Minnesota. After $100 is raised for this mission, then the brethren may inquire, "Is there any lack?"
We are glad to see by Bro. Ingraham's letter that Wisconsin is waking up. Hope the brethren there will get the new tent, and send it out into that State on to new ground. There are some half a dozen preachers in Wisconsin, crippled with home cares, and poverty, yet brethren do not see it, and inquire, "Is there any lack?"
Bro. Brinkerhoof of this State turned aside from pleading law to plead the law of God and the faith of Jesus; but last season was a farmer in order to obtain an honest living. "Is there any lack?" If not, why are God's messengers farming? Why do we not hear the cry go up to the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers? Is it not because those already in the field are not sustained as they should be? Let these be placed where they can labor to best advantage, then with a good grace can the church send up the cry for more laborers.
Brethren in the West, come up to the help of the Lord, and take a start in the cause of Bible truth. Come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. And while a special effort is being made by the land-poor and moneyless brethren in the West, we are sure that the eastern brethren will also come up to the help of the Lord, and continue to drop into the missionary treasury their liberal free-will offerings. O God, open the hearts of thy people, and bless the means to the rapid progress of the cause of Bible truth, and speed the time when it may be said, There is no lack.
J. W.
The Axe and the Tree
By Curtis
REFORMERS are always digging away at the same old story. Precisely. It is just what the old tree says to the axe: Don't keep hitting in the same place. But the axe says to the tree, How else shall I get you down?—Curtis.
A QUESTION ANSWERED.
By J. H. W.
[An idea has obtained with some that the smiting of the Image of Dan. ii could not take place till after the 1000 years of Rev. xx, as the gold, silver, brass and iron are to be broken in pieces together, which in their mind would involve a general resurrection of all the wicked nations which composed those different divisions of the image. It is in reply to a question touching this point that the following remarks are made.—Ed.]
Bro. C.: Permit me to notice your question in this manner, as it may thereby aid others who may have come to the same conclusion with you. An answer to part of your difficulty may be found in Review No. 23, Vol. xi, of date April 22, 1858, in an article headed "Smiting of the Image."
A comparison of Dan. ii and vii, must settle this point. The identity of the dream of chap. ii, and the vision of chap. vii, will not be denied by any. What is stated of one will apply to the other. The gold is the same as the lion; the silver the same as the bear; the brass the same as the leopard; and the iron the same as the dreadful and terrible beast. The toes of the image are, of course, the same as the horns of the beast. Chap. vii, after speaking of the destruction of the fourth beast, says: "As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and time." This means that their lives were prolonged after their dominion was taken away; for, according to chap. ii, 35, they are broken in pieces together, and of course the life of one is not prolonged beyond the life of the other. Will the fourth beast be destroyed at the coming of Christ? I think all must allow that it will; but the others will be destroyed at the same time. The difficulty on this question must arise from not considering the fact that the lives of those powers continue beyond the period of their dominion; but as this is the declaration of the scripture, a resurrection of the nations is not necessary to fulfill the prophecy.
You appear to think that Nebuchadnezzar must be raised from the dead, to be destroyed with the other parts of the image, as he is called the head of gold. But he was the head of gold only as the representative of the empire. The statement of chap. vii, 12 would not apply to him as an individual; for the second part of the image was not developed till "Darius the Median took the kingdom," some time after the death of Nebuchadnezzar. You will perceive that the opposite view would make it necessary for his life to be prolonged after the dominion passed to the Medes and Persians. The scripture shows, not a resurrection from the dead for the destruction, but a prolongation of life till the destruction.
An argument equally conclusive may be drawn from Revelation, and 2 Thess. ii, but the foregoing I deem sufficient.
I do not think that the events referred to in the parable of Luke xix, 11-27, take place after the 1000 years of Rev. xx. Surely Christ, represented by the nobleman, receives the kingdom before his second advent, to which the "return" evidently refers, as his servants are rewarded at his return. But they will be rewarded "at the resurrection of the just."
The way to arrive at the truth, is to compare the various parts of Scripture. Where there is harmony there is truth. May the Spirit of the Lord guide us into it, and sanctify us by it.
J. H. W.
REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE my last report I have held meetings in Ionia, Owasso, Lapeer and North Branch. At Ionia but few came in to hear, probably owing to the fact that the people had become wearied by attending protracted meetings for nearly two months. We had an interesting time however with the church, and some interest was manifested towards the last by the community; but I was obliged to stop for rest, as I had given some forty lectures in about thirty days, and could go no further without rest. I trust the labor in Ionia will not be lost. Some said they should henceforth keep the Sabbath.
At Owasso, or rather about six miles south of Owasso, I gave sixteen lectures in a new place, and a few came out on the truth. But I could accomplish no very great things there from the fact that the most of the people are Universalists. Perhaps they thought if a man was to be saved any way, it did not make much difference whether he obeyed or not. We had some interesting Sabbath meetings with the brethren and sisters in this vicinity. Here we saw a brother Jones (cousin of Bro. V. Jones of Monterey), who had lately renounced Infidelity and commenced to serve the Lord and keep the Sabbath.
At North Branch we gave five discourses. A few listened with attention, and we trust profit, and those who were in the way seemed encouraged to press on. It was unfavorable for a large meeting for three reasons: 1. Just after we got there, the people had one of the best runs of sap ever known in the country; and as they were mostly poor, they had to improve the time night and day to take care of the sap, that the sugar crop might not be lost. 2. The mud was so deep that it was almost impossible for the people to get out to night meetings; and 3. The only convenient place of meeting, viz., the new Baptist meeting-house, which stands on Bro. Sanborn's land was closed against us. Yet with all these discouraging prospects, and with small congregations, we feel that the visit was not in vain. I am now in Lapeer, where I held a few meetings on my way up to North Branch. I was glad to find that five had come out on the truth since the conference here. I expect to be with the church here over Sabbath and first-day next. I shall then begin to work towards home, where I hope to arrive about the first of May.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Lapeer, Mich., March 22, 1860.
MEETINGS IN WESTERN MICH.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith: My last report referred to our labor with the church in Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich. We preached to them five Sabbaths, commencing with the last Sabbath in January. Although a great portion of them live three, five, and some ten, miles from their meeting-house, it was cheering to see how punctual they were to be at their place of worship on the Sabbath morning to hear the preached word, and also the interest they manifested to be established in the present truth, and order of the gospel.
They have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, and besides their evening prayer-meeting in the week, they meet the first day of every month for prayer and conference, and to set things in order in the church, Sabbath-school, &c. The church selected two150of their brethren for deacons, who were ordained for that office at the close of our meetings. At our last meeting we were blessed with the privilege of uniting in the ordinances of the Lord's house.
During the week some of the brethren were interested in opening new places to hold meetings in. In three of these places we gave some twenty-five lectures. Some came ten or eleven miles from these places to attend meetings in Wright, and declared their determination to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and go with them to the kingdom; others admitted the Sabbath question was right, and also the near coming of the Lord.
In Lisbon, our last place of labor, several families had become much interested in our series of meetings, but were troubled about getting to meeting on account of the roads' becoming almost impassable for teams. We were disappointed in having to close our meetings at this point of time, but it seemed unavoidable. On our return home we traveled double our distance to reach Monterey by passable roads.
Joseph Bates.
Monterey, March 19th, 1860.
TO THE PUBLISHING COMMITTEE.
By James White
DEAR BRETHREN: We see in the late numbers of the REVIEW only about seventy or eighty dollars received each week, only a little more than the weekly expenditures. And, this too, after the appeal in the last "Good Samaritan," and after sending out bills to the amount of near nineteen hundred dollars due on the REVIEW. We did expect that one thousand dollars would be sent in immediately.
We have a free list of 400, and a half price list of about the same number; and besides this tax upon the office there is due about eighteen hundred dollars.
We have used our influence to induce hands in the office to work on for reduced wages with the hope that our increased list of paying subscribers would enable the office to pay full wages. But a large list of delinquent subscribers will sink any office rapidly in debt, and we wish to state frankly that we see no better prospect for the poor printers while acting upon our present plan. We therefore cannot, in justice to our own conscience, and to those who have been associated with us in the publishing department, any longer plead for reduced wages. This has been done with the vain hope that an increased list of paying subscribers would very soon enable the office to raise the wages, and make up in part for the past reduction. But we see no improvement, and hope no longer for improvement on our present plan.
We therefore recommend the strict advance pay system. Take no subscriptions for less than one year, and if it be not renewed at the end of the year, discontinue the paper until it is renewed. This plan will not prevent sending the REVIEW free to some, or at half price to the poor, or those who take it a year to investigate. And those who will not report themselves once a year, or seek to be reported to the office once a year we cannot expect to benefit. This plan will save appeals and bills to delinquents, and enable the office to pay full wages, and honest debts.
J. W.
MEETINGS IN KNOXVILLE, IOWA.
By M. Hull
BRO. SMITH: I commenced meetings in Knoxville on the 7th inst., expecting Bro. and sister White to be here on the 9th. We were very much disappointed in not seeing them; but the wound was partly healed by the arrival of Brn. Snooks and Brinkerhoof, who preached two discourses each, which had a good effect upon the hearers. The brethren were greatly strengthened, and others resolved to go with the commandment-keepers to the city. On the 11th inst. we retired to where there was "much water," and twenty-four obedient souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. Others would have obeyed the Lord, but were prevented by those who had the jurisdiction over them. How I tremble for those husbands in the coming day, who exercise the authority over their wives that cruel tyrant masters do over their defenceless slaves. May the Lord cause husbands, fathers and mothers to see that it is not their prerogative to lord it over the conscience of those who are under their care.
At night, after baptism, about eighty of us assembled at Bro. Walker's to attend to the ordinances. The Lord gave us a rich time. Praise his name!
I thank the Lord that the third angel's message is doing a work which nothing else can do. When I see persons coming in from every part of Babylon, and all speak the same things, and with one mind and mouth glorify God without one discordant note among them, I must say "this is the Lord's doing, and is marvelous in our eyes." How thankful I am that this message has ever saluted my ears. When I see the poor, miserable, sick and blind theories that oppose the truth, my heart is raised in gratitude to God that I was not given up to oppose these precious truths.
Brethren I am yet determined not to give up the struggle until I see the inside of the city. I may fall by the way; but if I do, I shall ever be thankful that the city is cheap enough for those who obtain it. Amen. M. HULL.
Encouragement to the Little Remnant
By W. J. Hardy
From Bro. Hardy.
Bro. Smith: My heart is often cheered by the comforting exhortations of the brethren and sisters scattered abroad; and I wish to add my humble mite to the testimony that the Lord is good. I feel that the message has done great things for me and mine, whereof I am glad; but I see greater victories to gain and more to overcome. I feel thankful to God that I have been enabled to overcome some of my besetments and sins. I do not feel like giving up the struggle till the victory is mine.
The little vine in Caledonia and Gaines is not entirely withered yet. Although we have had some sore trials, we see now that they were for our good. Some think the narrow way is too narrow. Others see a great light in the Age-to-Come, no-Sabbath doctrine, &c. But, thank the Lord, there are a few who yet hold on to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They appear to be rising. Their hearts are becoming united, yea, knit together. Characters are being developed, and we thank the Lord for it. O for self-examination among this little remnant, that we may each be of that happy number of whom the Saviour will not be ashamed when he comes.
W. J. Hardy.
Note. The unreasonable and unscriptural views called the "Age-to-Come," are thoroughly shown up and refuted in Bro. Waggoner's late work, entitled, "Kingdom of God," &c.—Ed.
TO THE BRETHREN IN OHIO.
By J. Clarke
Dear Brethren and Sisters: The season for active operations with the tent is close at hand, and you all, no doubt, are desiring, and praying, that success may attend the labors of the brethren with the tent, during the coming tent season.
But it is necessary to inform you that an effort will be necessary in order to carry forward the work, by way of raising the funds required for the enterprise. The old tent is unfit for further use, and a new one must be bought for the coming season. Seven hundred dollars have been subscribed for the enterprise, and but little of this has been paid as yet; indeed, it has not been necessary; but it will be very important to raise a good part of this money soon, in order to have the tent and its fixtures in readiness in time for action, so soon as the season will admit. Bro. Waggoner kindly volunteers to labor in Ohio with the tent this season, and he will, if God permit, visit the churches soon, and will receive all funds which may be ready to be paid on subscription.
Dear brethren, shall the tent committee be crippled? Shall the work lag for want of means already pledged? True, it may be urged the money is not now due; but what if it is not? That was perhaps an oversight on the part of the writer of the subscription. If we send for a tent at all this season, it certainly should be procured soon; also a good supply of books should be on hand, and paid for, and funds are needed to carry forward the work even now. I would urge the brethren who have subscribed for the cause, to be ready soon to pay their subscriptions; and when Bro. Waggoner visits you (within a week or two of this date, March 19), have what you can ready; if you cannot raise the whole, have a part to pay in now.
I am informed that some three or four hundred dollars will be necessary in order to start the tent, and pay up present indebtedness, and relieve the committee, and those who have labored in the cause. It must be borne in mind that the labors of the committee are entirely gratuitous, and it would be unjust indeed, if they should be obliged to borrow funds for present use, at their own risk, and the necessity and proposal to do so, has prompted this line to you. I feel confident that an earnest effort on the part of the church will relieve the committee, and encourage our dearly beloved Bro. Waggoner. He will go forward with zeal, when he sees the church are truly alive in the times; and I will venture to say that most of us would be very sorry to confine our expenses to the limits that most of the messengers are obliged to do.
Now in order to insure the blessing of God upon the labors of Bro. Waggoner with the tent, let us not only pray for the influences of the Spirit, but bring all the tithes into the storehouse. Thus may we hope, with good reason, for a glorious harvest of souls. Thus we may all have courage to exercise faith in supplicating the mercy of God.
Your unworthy brother.
J. Clarke.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. M. W. Porter writes from Mantorville, Minn.: "We are beginning to see the truth work in our country, and we are resolved to keep pace with it. O brother Smith, how glad I feel for the truth. If we love and obey it, it makes us free; it makes us love one another so well. As one of those who embraced the truth here a short time since said, He wished the members of the church of which he had been a member, knew just how well Adventists loved each other. How much good the love that was manifested last fall by the brethren and sisters has done me! It speaks louder than words. It tells the pleasing story that the God of Israel is in the camp of his people. It seems as though we all belong to our Father's family. I think we know the meaning of the apostle when he says, 'Love one another with pure hearts fervently.'"
Sister L. I. Belnap writes from Iriquois, Ills.: "In the year 1845 I commenced to serve the Lord. The time of the great expectation of the Lord's coming and judgment being past, and our hopes not realized, I, with others, began to wander from my faith, and soon the cares of life wore off all my enjoyment. I found no peace again until the Sabbath truth came up. As soon as I was convinced that it was the true Sabbath, I commenced observing it as the same. In this I again found peace and enjoyment, such as the world knows not of. Since that time I have been striving to get the victory, and trust I am now on my journey to the city above, and I am determined to conquer though I die. I have had great crosses to bear, even in the congregation of those that profess to be followers of Christ, but by their daily walk and conversation and dress deny him. I am satisfied that God cannot do any more for the churches until they humble themselves and take his laws and commandments for their rule of faith and practice. Their preaching and laboring for the salvation of immortal souls, as they call them, is useless in the condition they are now in. I attended a protracted meeting held by the Methodists, last week, which continued over two weeks. There were no conversions, but seven were taken in on trial. The minister said if they could not get religion in the church, they could not out of it. Oh how much they need the eye-salve, the white raiment, and the gold, before they can accomplish anything in the honor and glory of God. My prayer is, Lord open their eyes that they may see themselves speedily."
The Lonely Christian
Sister P. D. Lawrence writes from Falmouth, Mass.: "If we bring all our tithes into the storehouse God has promised a blessing till there shall not be room enough to contain it. So saith Jehovah. I pray that he may not curse our blessings, and say as in Malachi, Yea I have cursed them already.
"I love to hear from the poor despised ones. They make many rich; for we read, The lips of the righteous feed many; but I am not blest with the sound of their voices either in prayer or praise oftener than once a year. I often think of the poor Jews who hung their harps upon the willows and sat down by the cold streams of Babylon and there wept when they remembered Zion. How could they sing one of the Lord's songs in a strange land. I do not wonder that they could not. 'If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning: if I do not remember151thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.'
"I am striving to overcome every besetment, and hope God will extract every remaining vestige of the old man, and clothe me with the new man Christ Jesus. I long to be more like him, that I may reign with him. And to be ready, I must suffer with him, and patiently, too. Those who have the privilege of enjoying the company of God's children, do, I hope, realize and know how to appreciate it, and pity the lonely."
Mission to Canadian Churches
By Michael Belina Czechowski
FROM BRO. CZECHOWSKI.
SINCE I returned from Vt., I have visited several districts in this vicinity, in Chazy, Mooers, and Champlain, and closed my mission by a general conference in Chazy, last Sabbath and first-day. I feel that I have discharged my duty to the Canadian people in this region. My conscience is clear, and I believe the church is free. My prayer is that the good seed which has been sown may bring forth some fruit unto eternal life. I am much obliged to you for forwarding to me the letter from my sister in Poland. That letter informed me of the death of my parents. My father died seven years ago, my mother three years. How these two trees have fallen, is known only to God. How great is the responsibility of the people here, who hear the voice of God, and will not obey the gospel, or appreciate the present truth! I fear the position of this people, who are now rejecting the light of present truth, will be far worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah, in that day when all shall be rewarded according to their works, because they reject so much greater light. But I fear more for those Sabbath-keepers who have only a form of godliness, but are destitute of the power thereof. For the half-hearted Sabbath-keeper I cherish hope; but what shall I say of those who have known the way and renounced it? "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire.
Your brother rejoicing in hope of eternal life.
M. B. CZECHOWSKI.
Rejoicing in the Truth
Bro. M. O. Butler writes from E. Thetford, Mich. :
"We have the truth; and my prayer to God is, "Sanctify us through thy truth, thy word is truth." I rejoice in the truth, for the truth will make us free if we obey from the heart that form of doctrine delivered us. Being thereby made free from sin, we become the servants of righteousness. Rom. vi, 17, 18. I know by patient continuance in well doing we are to seek for glory honor and immortality and eternal life. Like one of old I can say, When I am weak then am I strong. I put my trust in the living God. He being my helper I can "run through a troop and leap over a wall." We have had all sorts of teachers among us. The Protestant Methodists are holding a meeting here, and they think it strange that we do not run to the same excess with them. They cry union, and because we cannot join with them, they say we have a sectarian devil with us. They want us to help them, but we must leave that holy, just and good law at home. I feel to thank God for the truth. The law of God is my delight. Pray for us."
A Field Open in Minnesota
Bro. J. Demming Jr. writes from Travers de Sioux, Minn.: "I would like to say through the paper that there is a large field open here in Minnesota, and that any one of the messengers carrying the third angel's message will find a welcome at my house while there may be a prospect of doing good. I would like to see one of the messengers once more. It has been almost three years since I have had the privilege of meeting with any of like faith. My place of residence is twelve miles west of St. Peters, on the old Ft. Ridgly road, near the north end of Middle Lake."
Death of E. G. Greenfield
Mrs. A. C. Greenfield writes from Stockton, California, Jan. 1860: “MR. SMITH, Sir, the Review, through the agency of a kind friend, found its way to our distant abode, and was a very welcome visitor, and great source of comfort to my husband; but he has need of it no longer. He was a believer in its doctrines. It cheered many an hour that would otherwise have been gloomy during his long illness. Mr. E. G. Greenfield (many of your readers will know the name) died the 12th of Nov. last, aged 59 years. His disease was consumption. He was a very great sufferer for nearly six years, being confined to the house most of the time. For about three years he was a resident of New York.”
The Way Grows Brighter
Sister F. A. Cooper writes from Bath, N. Y.: ‐The way grows brighter and brighter, and as the kingdom draws nearer my soul expands with hope. Praise the Lord! the land is nearing. The kingdom is about to be set up and the saints are about to be gathered home. There is rest for the weary and there is rest for me.”
The Cause Advancing in Iowa
Bro. H. Bonifield writes from Clark Co., Iowa; “The cause is onward in this part of the West, especially in our church. We all feel encouraged since Bro. M. Hull was here last month. We have our meetings regularly at 11 o'clock, and have a good time trying to encourage each other.
Meetings in Black River County
Bro. T. M. Steward writes from Wis.: "I have just returned from Black River Co., where I held meetings about five weeks. I felt much blessed in presenting the truth, and I trust some were blessed in hearing; but how many will be blessed in obeying, I cannot tell; neither is it for me to know. I leave it in the hands of the Lord who "doeth all things well." But may God bless his truth to the saving of many souls, is my prayer."
Conviction and Obedience to Truth
Bro. L. Sheldon writes from Marquette Co., Wis.:
“I am becoming more convinced of the truthfulness of the position we occupy. My prayer is that God will speed the message onward, and that I may be more willing and obedient to the truth; that I may be found doing all I can for the spread of this great work.”
Sabbath Work in West Union
Bro. E. P. Wilkins writes from West Union, Fayette, Co., Iowa: “I have been in this place about three years. The Review has been a welcome messenger. I have visited from house to house with the paper in my hand, endeavoring to do what little good I could by reading and praying with and for the people, and God has blessed my endeavors. Some have been re-claimed from a backslidden state, and embraced the Sabbath. The subject of the Sabbath and immortality are being publicly discussed, and great excitement seems to pervade the community. The ministers are trying every means to lull their people with the cry of peace and safety, saying that all things continue as they were from the beginning. Nevertheless there are a goodly number in this section who are investigating. I wish some of the traveling brethren could come this way. The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Cannot Bro. Hull come? If any one should come, come to West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa. Inquire there for brother Lippincott.”
Expelled for Teaching Bible Truth
By M. M. Hall
Bro. M. M. Hall writes from Hunter's Creek, Mich.:
“Bro. Smith : I was interested in J. Avenell’s letter from Lindon, Wis., published in Review No. 9, present volume. More than a year ago I was in his situation, and acted as you have suggested. I was Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School at Hunter's Creek. The Superintendent had disposed of the questions of washing feet, and the Sabbath, pretty much to his liking. Next came the state of the dead. I had long before made up my mind what the testimony was on that point, and resolved that the Bible evidences should be exhibited. I had charge of the Bible Class, and referred to the wonders of Spiritualism, remarking that that brought us to the subject before the School for the day, found in Job xiv, 10. 'Man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?' I read texts from the sayings of Christ and Peter, showing that they were not in heaven; also from Peter, that they were not in hell fire: at which point I was interrupted. The doctrines, sentiments or texts were pronounced not orthodox; and I was forthwith requested to resign my place. Not choosing to do so, I was expelled.”
Healed Through Prayer and Anointing
Sister Laura R. Hall writes from Perrysburg, Ohio:
“I want to say a few words through the Review for the encouragement of others who may be afflicted as I have been. The Lord laid heavily his afflicting hand upon me until I was near the grave, and I saw that all earthly aid had failed. It was then I saw that I was not prepared to die, although the grim monster stared me in the face. I could not think of leaving this world unprepared; for as the tree falls so it must lie. I then requested my parents to lay my case before the church at Lovett's Grove. They did so, and one Sabbath after meeting several of the brethren and sisters came in and prayed over me, anointing me with oil in the name of the Lord, according to the apostle's direction; and while they were praying the pain left me, and I was made happy in the Saviour. For the first time I could exclaim, Glory to God! In a few days I was able to do my work. Praise the Lord's holy name for his wonderful works to the children of men! I am determined to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
Sister Austin’s Conversion and Sabbath Keeping
Sister C. Austin writes from Cambria, Wis.: "I have been thinking for some time that it would be a privilege to tell what great things the Lord has done for me. He has taken my feet from the miry clay of sin and placed them upon the Rock of Ages. It has been about a year since I commenced keeping the Sabbath. Last December I was at Mackford and heard Bro. Sanborn preach. Under his preaching I determined to give my heart entirely to God, to submit myself entirely to him, to give up the world and the things of the world, and take Christ for my portion. My companion and myself were buried with Christ in baptism by Bro. S. There are but three Sabbath-keepers here; but we meet every Sabbath evening for prayer-meeting, and the Lord is with us and blesses us. It seems strange that there are so few who are willing to live entirely for Christ. Some can give up all but Sunday-keeping, some all but tobacco."