DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We still feel like trying to go forward in the strength of the Lord, and make our way through this wilderness, to that land of rest, which will be given to the saints when the earth is made new. We are living in very solemn times, and when I have a sense of it, (as I do sometimes a little,) I feel as though I ought to live soberly in this present evil world. When I think how much the Saviour has done for me, and then think how far short I come of imitating his example, I am led to exclaim. Shall I ever reflect his lovely image? Shall I ever be permitted to dwell with the redeemed of all ages, and with angels; and, above all, with the dear Saviour, who has given his life that I might live.
When I think of these things, it is too much. But my heart cries out, I want to go—my whole being says, I want to be there—I must be there; and by the grace of God I will try to be there! Heaven is worth striving for; 'tis worth sacrificing every thing else for; 'tis worth every thing. I have seen the importance of late more than ever, of living so before the Lord that, let us be called into any emergency, we can go before the Lord with confidence and ask for help.
ALONZO ABBEY
Hubbard's Corners, N. Y., Jan. 1854.
Progress of the Truth in New York
By G. W. Holt
From Bro. Holt.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I can safely say, that the truth is gaining ground, though slowly, in this part of the State. The brethren are growing stronger in the truth, and feel the importance of union and church order. The way is gradually opening into new places for the truth to be presented.
In Van Buren, I found some who love the Lord, and are willing to investigate the truth. In Peterboro we held several meetings at Bro. Hostler's, who has recently begun to obey God in the observance of the fourth precept of his law. Others became convinced of the truthfulness of our position, and intended to obey. Some are investigating, and wish the Review to aid them in the work, I trust they will soon be keeping the Sabbath of the Bible, instead of Pope's day, (Sunday.)
At Winfield, Herkimer Co., I found a light spot where the ark of the Lord has a resting place. Bro. Lawton is doing what he can to sustain the truth by distributing publications. Spiritualism has a strong hold here, as, also, in Peterboro. 'The Signs of the Times' is a powerful weapon against this delusion of satan.—I hope they will be faithfully circulated by the brethren. Now is the time to do what we can to speed the light and truth, and if possible, save some from the strong delusion of the devil.
I was in hope that Bro. Baker would visit several counties in this part of the State this Winter, and still hope the Lord will direct his steps this way. There are many places open for the truth to be presented.
As regards myself, I feel very unqualified for this great work of the Lord. I often think, Who is sufficient for these things? I regret that I have not been more humble and had more of the mind of Christ.
I still feel a great lack; but I am trying to overcome, and to get nearer the Lord, and live more to his glory. I have chosen the furnace of affliction, with tribulation, for my portion here; for I desire a better country. I want to be purified; and I see that I cannot be, out of the furnace. If I suffer with Jesus I have the promise of reigning with him. If I am like him, I shall have sorrow and grief; for he was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. I confess I am not worthy of such rich blessings as tribulation, temptation, affliction, suffering and grief.
I am sorry that I have not sympathized more with you in your trials, your prayers, and your tears. I regret that I have not always been in that humble attitude, as to weep with you and rejoice with you, and bear part of the burden. Dear Brother I ask your forgiveness, and if it was in my power, I would restore fourfold for all the injuries I have inflicted.
Your unworthy Brother, willing to suffer affliction until the voice of God turns the captivity of Zion.
G. W. HOLT.
Fly Creek, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 20th, 1854.
M. BRUDAGE
By M. Brudage
From Sister Brudage.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—Not having the privilege often to meet with those who, it is evident are the Salt of the earth, I write a few lines to the readers of the Review.
Brethren, can we for a moment doubt that we are living in the time alluded to by our Saviour when he said, "Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be." Do we not see in every thing around us a fulfillment of prophecy? So plain it is, that I hardly know how any one can fail to see.
Do we not see that the multitude have willingly closed their eyes against the light? choosing darkness rather than light, their hearts have become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, and the love of the world; and the praise of men, is, by most who profess godliness, better than the honor that comes from God only. Oh, in what an awful state is the world now standing! How unprepared for the time of reckoning which is near!
I feel truly thankful that ever my eyes were opened to see, and my heart to receive, the truth; and it is my desire to be sanctified through it. I feel assured that if I am one of the scattered remnant, I have the prayers of those who move the arm of God. He who once said, "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," is for us, and who shall be against us.
M. BRUDAGE
Hammondsport, N. Y., Jan. 15th, 1854.
The Last Fragments of Time
By William Camp
From Bro. Camp.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still striving for the kingdom. We believe we are living in the time of trial, when God's people will be tried, purified, and fitted to stand in that time of trouble that is just before us; and how much we need on the whole armor of God. Nothing but the truth will enable us to overcome, and we want the whole truth that we may be able to stand against all the wiles of the enemy, who has come down with great wrath, knowing that his time is short; but I rejoice that there is One stronger than the strong man armed, who will enable his children to stand amidst all the scoffs and opposition of this wicked world.
I believe we are living on the last fragments of time; when the work of our Great High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary is almost finished, when the last message of mercy will cease to fall upon the ear. Then he that is filthy will be filthy still, and he that is holy will be holy still.
I praise God that this world is not my home, and if faithful a few days longer, we shall be where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary soul will be at rest; and when our dear friends who sleep in Jesus will awake in his likeness, and come forth to everlasting life. I bless the Lord that I am permitted to be numbered with the remnant who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Yours in hope of the soon coming kingdom.
WM. CAMP.
Chelsea, Vt., Jan. 9th, 1854.
P. S. Our dearly beloved and only daughter, Fanny Ellen Camp, sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 9th, aged nine years, eight months and twelve days, after an illness of four days, with the typhoid fever.
She has ever manifested an interest in the truth, and a love for the Sabbath, and for those who observed it. Her funeral was attended on the 11th, by Bro. W. Morse, who spoke on the occasion from 1 Thess. iv, 14. "Even so also them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
Her death was very sudden and unexpected; and while we mourn the loss of one we much loved, we sorrow not as those who have no hope. We believe the time is not far distant when she will come from the enemy's land. Glory to Heaven's King! Separation will then be known no more.
Encouragement to Faithful Believers
By N. W. Rockwell
From Bro. Rockwell.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—In the love of the truth, I wish to say to the brethren and sisters who are striving to keep the commandments of the Father and of the Son, Fear not; ye are of more value than many sparrows. He knows his own and is known of them. Yes, his sheep hear his voice, and follow him; and a stranger they will not follow; and he giveth unto them eternal life; and none is able to pluck them out of his hand.
Let us cast our care on him; for he careth for us: he will surely bring us off victorious, if we believe and obey him.
I am now at Bro. Jarvis' in Melbourne, C. E. He and his family join with me in saying, May peace, love and truth, be multiplied to you all.
Still hoping to overcome, that we may inherit all things.
N. W. ROCKWELL.
Melbourne, C. E., Jan. 15th, 1854
Extract of Letters.
Bro. Loughborough writes from Milan, O., Jan. 16th, 1854:—"First-day, Jan. 1st, we spent in Smit's settlement, in the town of Clarksfield. While examining the subject of the two-horned beast, and his work, I spoke quite at length on the work of the rapping spirits. While quoting Rev. xvi, "spirits of devils working miracles," a medium was seized with the influence, and commenced to pound the desk, with her eyes fixed sternly upon me. The Lord rebuked the unholy influence, and I was enabled to go forward with the lecture. Some there I think will step out on the truth and aid in repairing the breach. Jan. 6th, we returned to Green Springs, to give our second course of lectures. Found seventeen in that vicinity keeping the Sabbath. Gave there eight lectures in a large Hall, to an audience of upwards of 200. Some more we trust will there see and embrace the truth of the third angel's message.
"Last Fifth-day we returned to Milan, held meeting with the brethren, Sabbath. Bro. Tillison came to the meeting and conveyed us to Oxford, where, to an attentive audience, we spoke five times. This Bro. Tillison was once a believer in the Advent doctrine; but the spirit manifestations found him with the scattered and torn flock. He has been for upwards of a year investigating their work, and became satisfied that there was a reality in spirit manifestations, but could not believe it to be the spirits of the dead, and made up his mind that he would have no more to do with it. Just then he obtained the work on the "Signs of the Times," giving an exposition of the spirit manifestations as a sign of the near coming of Jesus. It awakened an interest in his mind again, he is much interested with the third angel's message. The way is still opening here in every direction for the spread of the truth. All around us the call comes to us like that of the Macedonians, "Come over and help us." O Lord raise up quickly and send forth more laborers is our cry."
Bro. B. B. Brown.
By Editor
WE are happy to hear from this dear brother again, and that his faith is growing stronger in many important truths connected with the third message. He must excuse us for taking the following paragraphs from his kind letter, dated, Beloit, Wis., Jan. 20th.
"You will feel interested to know what progress I am making in the 'present truth'; and I am sorry I cannot give a better account of myself than I am able to do; or at least, an account that would be more cheering to you. For, most certainly, my heart is with you, and others who are giving this last message of mercy to a dying world.
"Many, and various have been the trials of my mind since I last wrote you. I have examined, and re-examined, many times, the Sabbath question, and other kindred points which stand connected in the 'third angel's message.' At one time, as you very well know, I was almost inclined to give up the Sabbath, and of course, other features of the same message; yet, as I never act hastily in my conclusions, nor without very clear evidence, I could not do it without reviewing the subject, and faithfully searching the whole Word for the truth. I thought the truth was what I desired, and yet I very well knew that my temporal interest, strongly inclined me to favor the No-Sabbath theory. By giving up the Sabbath, and paying homage to the First-day, I could gain both the friendship of this world, and more of this world's goods. The friendship, however, I could very easily give up. But there seemed a sort of necessity for my being in some lucrative business for the comfort of my family.
"These things, with many others that I might mention, have strongly inclined my mind to seek for truth in the opposite view. But still I am holding on to the Sabbath, and becoming more and more confirmed in other kindred doctrines contained in the present message. And it does seem to me that many of our Advent brethren, who now reject this subject, would see it as I do, if they could once get victory over their inclination to the other side. I love them as ever, and my 'desire and prayer to God is, that they may be saved.'"
"Here I am, an isolated individual, with no one around me of 'like precious faith,' with whom I can sympathize, in this hour of temptation. But in the Lord will I put my trust, and strive for the Kingdom of his dear Son."
"I ought not, and will not trouble you farther with my own trials, for I am aware that you have as many of your own as you can well bear. We are sure, however, that all these things will work for our good, if we love God and keep his commandments.—And soon 'We'll sing our trials ended.'"
"I sympathize deeply with you in your work of publishing the Review, and wish I were able to do more for you than I can, to help sustain it. It is truly a welcome messenger, and the devout and able documents which come from the hands of many of our brethren, are like 'Angel visits.' Yet I often think that in their anxiety to prove their points beyond being controverted, they throw in much Scripture as proof texts, which have no bearing on the subject. Whenever this is the case, it serves to weaken the evidence rather than strengthen it. Especially whenever it is clear that Scripture is misquoted. Opposers will not fail to lay hold of such texts, to their strong prejudice against the truth, while they fail entirely, to see the argument."
THE SABBATH.
'Suppose,' said one who was reasoning with a Sabbath-breaker, 'suppose I had been hard at work all the week, and had earned seven shillings; and suppose I met a man in need, and gave him six of them; what would you say to that?' 'Why that you were very kind, and the man ought to be very thankful.' 'Well suppose he was then to turn round and knock me down, and rob me of the other shilling.' 'He would be a wretch deserving only to be hanged.' 'Well,' said the other, 'this is just your case. God has freely given you six days of the week, and now, you are robbing him of the seventh.'
A Sabbathkeeping Band in Salem
By Almon Chaffee
From Bro. Chaffee.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I read the Review with pleasure. It is comforting and strengthening to me to hear from those of like precious faith. I praise my Heavenly Father for the light of his word, which brings his commandments to view, the holy Sabbath not excepted. And also that my mind has been called to review my former position concerning the no-Sabbath. I did not understand Paul, in Col ii, 16. I now understand him to be speaking of feast-days.
There is a little band of us here in Salem, sixteen in number, who are trying to keep all the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, that we may be of that happy number who shall have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. We have much opposition, and often hear the Dragon voice. We have meetings every Sabbath, and are often blessed with the Spirit of the Lord.
If any preaching brethren could make it convenient to come this way, we would be very glad, as we do not have much preaching. May God grant to assist his dear children every where to overcome through the blood of the Lamb is the prayer of your brother in Christ.
ALMON CHAFFEE.
Salem, Steuben Co. Ind., Jan, 12th, 1854.
NEW TRACTS.
By Editor
REVIEW OF OBJECTIONS TO THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH—16 pages. This is the candid review of the objections of Eld. D. I. R., which appeared in the last REVIEW, with extracts from Morton's Vindication of the True Sabbath. This is an excellent little work to circulate.
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK NOT THE SABBATH OF THE LORD—16 pages. This contains the most important part of our 32 page Tract, with the same title. It is published in this size that it may be sent with other 16 page tracts at the low rate of postage of 12 ounces for six cents. We can send our 16 page tracts in packages of 50, and pay the postage, for 50 cents.
SABBATH AND ADVENT MISCELLANY.—This is eight of our small Tracts bound in paper covers—price 9 cents—postage 1 cent.
Appointments.
By James White
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold meetings at Oswego, N. Y., Feb. 4th and 5th; Lorain, the 7th, at 1 and 6 o'clock, P. M.; at the Christian Meeting-house, near Bro. Ira Abbey's in Brookfield the 11th and 12th; Lincklaen, where Brn. may appoint, the 18th and 19th. It is expected that Bro. S. W. Rhodes will attend these meetings with us.
We shall take with us a quantity of publications, to save the Brethren the postage if sent by Mail. JAMES WHITE.
Letters.
N. W. Rockwell, J. M. Stephenson, H. Woodruff, E. Picket
Receipts.
L. J. Richmond, J. Whitmore, L. H. Prior, a Friend, (by E. Goodwin,) M. Brudage, D. R. Wood, a Friend, J. W. Stewart, Bro. Luddington, S. Nash, J. P. Weeks, each $1.
S. Sargent, F. M. Shimper, each $2. J. Rathbun $3. H. C. Crumb $4. L. Woodworth $4,75. B. B Brown, J. Harroun, each $1,75. L. O. Stowell, B. Darling, S. Chase, each $1,50. D. Kent $1,65. L. Chandler $0,50