Bro. Smith: I can say with the Psalmist, O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. I feel to rejoice and praise the Lord for all his goodness to me. "Draw near, all ye that fear the Lord, and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul." I have wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way, but the Lord has led me in a way that I knew not. He has gotten the victory in my case, over disease and death; to his name be all the glory.
My health has been very poor for a number of years. The last Winter and Spring I have been very sick; my lungs, heart, stomach and liver were all badly diseased, the nervous system was almost prostrated, and the whole system deranged. I suffered most intensely, far more than I can describe, and continued to grow worse every day until the first Sixth-day of last month, when I found that death was on my track and determined to have his prey; but I was not ready nor willing to go. I told my family there was no human arm that could save me, none but God himself could save in that hour. I called my father, and told him if he had any faith in God, he must pray immediately for him to spare my life a little longer; but I found I must take hold of the cable of faith which seemed to hang down before me. I did so, and cried to the Lord in my trouble, and he heard and delivered me from death, which would doubtless have been my lot in less than one hour, if the Lord had not interposed immediately and saved me. Our prayers, though feeble, were answered. Praise the Lord! My request was granted, my life was spared; but we had to exercise faith perseveringly, for distress and pain would come very often; but when we asked the Lord he would drive it all away.
I promised the Lord if he would raise me up I would do everything that I could to honor him; nothing should be too hard. I was perfectly satisfied that none but God could cure, or do me any good, so I refused to have any other physician. My husband also promised he would not oppose me in serving the Lord. I sent for Bro. Bates, he being an elder, as I believed that the Lord would hear and answer if we followed his book of directions. Bro. Bates and his wife came and followed the directions in James v, 15, and the Lord fulfilled his promises. Praise the Lord, O my soul! In his name I got up, dressed, and walked out into another room. My heart stopped its painful exertions, and I have since continued to gain strength, and expect still more from his bountiful hand. The change has been very great. I cannot find words to express all I wish to. I lived without eating food for twenty-four days before I was raised up, and six days after, before I had appetite for food. I took a little water occasionally to wet my mouth. It is a miracle to show all that are diseased that will come to him, how able and willing he is to help. O, ye afflicted, come to the great Physician, and ask, believe and receive that your joy may be full.
It is very plain to be seen already, though we had the promise of not being opposed in serving the Lord, that my path will be hedged up and filled with trials, principally because I must keep God's holy Sabbath; but I am determined to walk just where the Lord calls me, for by an eye of faith, I, like Elisha, see he that is for me is more than they that be against me. So I will praise the Lord, for he is a good friend in every time of need. I will not work on his holy Sabbath, the blessed day which he has sanctified and made holy.
I am thankful that I have been led to see and understand the time we are living in, and the truth that is meant for this age of the world. I want to have a part in that inheritance where holiness shall dwell. May the Lord grant it to all that may read this. You all may share a part if you will do his will.
Yours striving to overcome.
MARY P. SHAW.
Fairhaven, Mass., May 30th, 1858.
A. H. ROBINSON
By A. H. Robinson
From Bro. Robinson.
Bro. SMITH: I have thought the inquiry might at times arise in your mind, what is the church in Jefferson Co. doing? What fruit are they bearing? I would say, I think there is a rising in the church. Some are making an effort to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. Still I am satisfied that we are not moving fast enough, as a whole, would we keep in the light of the Third Angel.
While I read the embarrassing state of things at the Office it makes me feel bad, and I am satisfied that when we fully heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, you will hear from us in such a way as will make your heart glad. The calls through the paper will not pass by unheeded. I long to see the time when the remnant will not make so many excuses, and find so many ways for their means aside from the cause of present truth. It has seemed to me for some time that there should be an earnest pleading for the Lord to open the way before us, and accept our means to use it for his glory.
I want to express my gratitude to you and all connected with the Office, for sending me the paper. I love its weekly visits, and think I know how to prize it. I can remember you in my prayers. The cause of present truth lies near my heart, and I am struggling for victory, to share in the blessings that shall be given to those that finally overcome.
A. H. ROBINSON
Sandy Creek, N. Y., May, 1858.
Strengthening in the Sabbath Truth
By Seth Newton
From Bro. Newton.
Bro. Smith: Since the meetings held here by Brn Hart and Sperry, two have received the truth and say they want to keep all of God's Commandments and strive for the Faith of Jesus. I hope that God will give them grace to continue faithful till Jesus comes. We are a poor, despised company by the world. Some call us crazy, and mesmerized into this doctrine of the Sabbath. I tell them I want to take God at his word, and do his will, for I find no promise only unto such. I believe if I do the will of God I shall keep all of his commandments; for I read that all of his commandments are righteousness, and they stand fast forever and ever.
The more I look into the subject of the Sabbath, the stronger I feel.
Brethren, pray for me, that I may live so that the Lord will guide me by his Spirit through all the difficulties to come. I want grace that I may be able to stand fast in the faith and hope. I believe that we shall soon be delivered. Now is the time for us to get strength to stand when the hour of temptation comes.
Seth Newton.
Crane's Grove, Ills., May 17th, 1858.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. Dexter Daniels writes from New Boston, Mass.: "As there are a few in this vicinity who have embraced the Third Angel's Message, perhaps it is my duty to say to you that our sympathies are with the Review, and the doctrines that it teaches. There is but one, however, in this town, besides myself and wife, that keeps the Sabbath; but there is much said about the Sabbath. The ministers have something to do to quiet the people upon the subject. Quite a number of the church members acknowledge that there is nothing in the New Testament to sustain Sunday-keeping. The Baptist deacon acknowledged that they had no Scripture to sustain them in the practice. But, said he, what can I do? I cannot change the custom. I told him that I could not change the custom; but I could change myself. He thought that would be hard. So there is yet but one that belongs to this town besides myself and family that keep the Sabbath.
First-day afternoon five were baptized. The Lord was with us of a truth. I expect soon that God will be glorified in his saints when the wicked will bow at their feet and know that God has loved them. It appears to me that the time of refreshing is not far distant. Praise the Lord!
I am trying in my feeble way to do what I can in this place and vicinity to spread the light; but as I have felt somewhat bound for a year past I have not been out as much as I should. I feel determined to arise and shake off all the shackles and go out free in the name of the Lord and do what the Lord would have me.
The little church at Norfolk and Canaan would be glad to see Bro. and Sr. Hutchins again. Should they, or any other messengers come East, will they make it in their way to visit them. I look forward with joy to that day when the dear saints will meet to part no more; where there will be true love for one another; where there will be no oppression resting on the saints. I want to be among the saints of the Most High when they shall take the kingdom."
Bro. S. D. Covey writes from Wright, Mich., May 31st, 1858: "We have some dark times here, and then the light shines forth again brighter than before. We had a good meeting last Sabbath. Notwithstanding the rain, the house was well filled. We have Sabbath keepers added to our number, almost every week. May the Lord send some of his messengers this way, is the prayer of my heart."
A New Beginning in the Truth
By Mary Brackett
From Sister Brackett.
Bro. Smith: I feel truly thankful for the Review and the truths it advocates, also for the communications from the saints. I have felt it duty to throw in my testimony for some time, though the weakest of the weak. I have professed to be a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus for more than thirty years. One year last March, for the first time I heard the subject of the Lord's Sabbath brought out by Brn. Frisbie and Cornell. I fell in love with the truths they advanced. I saw that it was Bible, and yet I was tempted in many ways. The conflict was a hard one. I feel truly to thank the Lord that truth prevailed. I feel that heaven will be cheap enough by giving up all. The Lord has led me out in a way I knew not. I feel that I am but a babe in Christ; I am obliged to begin and learn all anew. The Bible appears like a new book. I need much wisdom. My daily prayer is that I may walk while the light is with me. There are but three of us that keep the Lord's Sabbath, but we meet occasionally. There are enough to claim the promise. We feel anxious to see our families walking in the truths of the Third Angel's Message. I have great need of patience and watchfulness and prayer, that the Holy Spirit may direct and lead me into all truth. I do feel like starting anew, since I came back from the conference. I want to go with the remnant to mount Zion.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
MARY BRACKETT.
Convis, Mich., May 29th, 1858.
DAVID UPSON
By David Upson
From Bro. Upson.
BRO. SMITH: My interest is still with those that keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. The church here in Catlin are giving heed to the faithful and true Witness, and are striving to get the gold, and eye-salve, and white raiment. May the Lord help us to open the door of our hearts to the Saviour.
Glory and eternal life are just before us, and within our reach, if we overcome our lukewarmness and get a living faith, a faith that works by love and purifies the heart, and makes us meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. The promise is to him that overcometh to sit down with Christ in his throne, even as he has overcome and is set down with his Father in his throne.
Your unworthy brother.
DAVID UPSON
Catlin, N. Y., May 22d, 1858.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review and Herald to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
R. M. Chaffee 4,00,xiv,1. Amos Lewis 2,00,xiii,1. R. Hitchcock 2,00,xii,1. A. Marvin 2,00,xii,12. S. Monroe 1,00,xiii,4. D. Upson 1,00,xi,1. M. C. S. (for L. Pettis) 0,50,xiii,1. J. Thomas 1,00,xiii,1. A. Barns 1,00,xiii,1. J. Freerbush 2,00,xiii,1. W. L. Saxby (for F. W. Andrews) 0,50,xiii,1. L. Martin 1,00,xiii,1. S. Martin 1,00,xiii,1. E. T. Hodge 1,00,xii,1. L. Harlow 1,00,xiii,1. B. Thomas 1,00,xiii,1. S. Slayton 1,00,xiii,1. E. Church-ill 1,00,xiii,1. S. D. Covey (for E. H. Root 0,50,xiii,3, for C. Dunning 0,50,xiii,1) 1,00. M. A. Eaton 1,39,xii,11. S. C. Perry 2,00,xii,1. W. D. Sharpe 2,00,xiii,15 Wm. Herald 2,00,xiii,15. J. Pemberton 1,00,xiii,1. D. Hewitt 1,00,xiii,1. Jas. Lane 2,75,xiv,1. L. Decker 1,00,xiii,4. P. Gibson 1,00,xiii,4. J. Bartholf 2,50,xiii,14. Capt. R. Reed 2,00,xi,1. M. W. Porter 2,00,xii,1. S. D. Covey 1,00,xiii,3.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR.—A sister $4,00.
FOR MICH. TENT.—D. R. Palmer $10.
Almost Home.
By A. S. Hutchins
How cheering and soul-inspiring is the reflection to the lonely pilgrim as he bends his footsteps towards Mt. Zion, that his journey is almost completed, that he is almost home.
"Not far from home! O blessed thought!
The traveler's lonely heart to cheer;
Which oft a healing balm has brought,
And dried the mourner's tear."
But a conflict, a trying struggle with the powers of darkness must be endured before we reach our happy home. "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. xii, 17. Now is the time for us to suffer with Christ. But soon if faithful we shall reign with him. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."
In view of the fiery trial to which the remnant are exposed, the Apostle drops the following comforting words: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." 1 Pet. iv, 12-14.
But we shall fall in the battle, and fail to reach the kingdom, except we have on the whole armor. It is our privilege to be strong in the Lord. And through watchfulness, faithfulness and obedience to the word of the Lord, we may be.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand." Eph. vi, 10-13.
Now our redemption draweth nigh. The adorable Redeemer is near, "EVEN AT THE DOORS." The sleeping saints will awake to life and immortality soon, and with the righteous living, be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. O, blessed thought! O, glorious moment! The end of sickness, pain and death, to this happy throng!
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. iv, 14-18.
O, brethren and sisters, do you comfort one another with this blessed hope? Do you exhort one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching? Is your conversation in heaven? Is your treasure there? Is your heart there? Or is the love of this poor fading world crippling your energies, and eating up your affections for the truth, and for heaven?
Awake! arouse! Bestir yourselves, I beseech you, and give to this world one overwhelming testimony, ere the sound of mercy dies away, that heaven is worth giving all for.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. v, 16. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." 1 Pet. ii, 15.
"Heir of the kingdom, O, why dost thou slumber;
Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?
Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,
Speed, for the moments are hurrying on."
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Battle Creek, Mich., June 6th, 1858.
Note from Bro. Buck.
By H. G. Buck
I have just returned from that portion of this county, where I have given fourteen discourses. A few have embraced some of the truth, and many others are looking and trying to get around the truth by some means. The most of the professors of religion having had the Sunday boat slipped out from under them, have jumped on to the no-Sabbath plank, and are laboring hard to "be of no esteem in the reign of heaven." But amidst the confusion of tongues in Babylon, the truth looks good. I have often heard it said that consistency is a jewel; but I think an honest man or woman is a jewel now-a-days.
Yours for present salvation. H. G. Buck.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
On being Ill Used.
SURELY I forget myself, and the place of my abode, else I should not take it in bad part to be ill used in such a world as this. Would I have at once the smiles of heaven and the caresses of the earth? It is very fair that I get through the enemy's country with life, though now and then I suffer loss. I must not be surprised that I suffer, though innocent, for none were ever so innocent as our blessed Lord, yet none suffered more than did the Prince of Innocence. "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household." Why am I astonished at any usage which my Lord not only met with himself, but assured all his disciples that they should experience. How is it that I have fallen into this fond delusion, dreaming that nothing should hurt me, while I was endeavouring to walk uprightly with him before whom are all my ways, and forgetting that often the saints have suffered for following after that which is good?—Solitude Sweetened.
TENT MEETING.
Providence permitting, there will be a course of lectures given in the Tent at Oxford, Oakland Co., Mich., commencing Friday evening, June 11th, and continuing as long as duty may require.
M. E. CORNELL.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Lectures in Richland
Bro. Jos. Bates commenced a course of lectures in Richland, Kalamazoo Co., the 8th inst.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco, 65 cents.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents.
Bible Student's Assistant. This is the title of a work of 36 pp. It has been prepared with much care, and considerable expense, and can be had at this Office for $4,00 per 100, or if sent by mail, post paid, 6 cents a copy.
A Brief Exposition of Daniel ii, vii, viii, ix, also the 2300 Days and the Sanctuary. Price, post paid, 10 cts.
Review of a Series of Discourses, delivered by N. Fillio, in Battle Creek, Mich., March 31st, to April 4th, 1857, on the Sabbath question. By J. H. Waggoner. Price 6 cents.
The Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, with remarks on the Great Apostasy and Perils of the Last Days. Price 6 cents. The same in German, 10 cents.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism—an able exposure of that heresy. 84 pp. 8 cents.
The Two-horned Beast of Rev. xiii, a Symbol of the United States. Price 10 cents.
The Sanctuary and 2300 days by J. N. A. Price 12½ cents.
A Refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, the History of the Sabbath, Price, 6 cents.
The Atonement. 196 pp. 18 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. 148 pp., 12½ cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young. Bound, 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S." Price 5 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works. Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad. Price 5 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii, Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c. Price 5 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented. Price 12½ cents.
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c., and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
POEMS.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.—Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.—Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 12½ cents.
Word for the Sabbath.—Price 5 cts.
☞ The above named books will be sent by Mail post-paid, at their respective prices.
When not sent by mail, liberal discount on packages of not less than $5 worth.
All orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash except they be from Agents or traveling preachers.
Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek, Mich.
Business Items.
By Editor
☞ The P. O. address of Joseph Bates is Battle Creek, Mich.
J. Graham:—Your present remittance for the INSTRUCTOR pays to the middle of Vol. vii.
W. L. Saxby:—We send the paper as you order to F. W. Andrews, but the other name we cannot make out. Please give it again.
S. D. Covey:—The REVIEW has been sent to E. H. Root for some months past.
I. Larkins:—Having none of the "Signs," we send other books in its place. We have not the work for which you inquire.
☞ Will some one give us the P. O. address of Editha H. Kellogg and Leroy Hall.
Appeal for Michigan Tent Funds
By James White
THE Michigan Tent Committee wish us to say that more means has been expended in past Tent operations than has been received. And that, as the Tent is already moving in the field, it will be necessary for the friends of the cause in this State to send in their free-will offerings as soon as possible. Direct to Uriah Smith, Battle Creek, Michigan. J. W.