It has been thought proper to report from time to time to the friends of the cause concerning matters connected with the Office, and those which come under its immediate knowledge. In pursuance of this design we submit the following statement of the condition of our affairs at the present time.
The subscription list of the REVIEW presents an encouraging aspect. There has been a gain in all parts of the field. The precise number of additions received, since this volume commenced, and from what locality, may be seen by the following figures:
From the New England States we have received new subscribers, 41
Stoppages from those States, 32
Leaving a net gain of 9
From New York and Pennsylvania we have received 51
Stoppages from ditto, 28
Leaving a net gain of 23
From the West, including Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, we have received 62
Stoppages, 20
Leaving a net gain of 42
From Michigan and Ohio we have received 208
Stoppages, 50
Leaving a net gain of 158
It will be seen by this that the whole number of new subscribers received since the commencement of the present volume is three hundred and sixty-two; whole number of stoppages, one hundred and thirty; which leaves a gain throughout, of two hundred and thirty-two. About thirty of these are among those who have been receiving the paper on trial for three months, whose time is now expired without our hearing from them. These names will be erased. We shall therefore commence volume eleven with two hundred more subscribers than we had at the commencement of volume ten. This is a fact of no small encouragement. Let no efforts be spared, brethren, and this number can be doubled before the commencement of volume twelve.
The receipts of the current volume have been for the paper, 915.88
From other sources, 79.44
We have borrowed, 400.00
$1395.32
The Expenses have been, for paper, ink, and incidentals, 585.06
For work on the various departments of the paper, 609.10
There is now owing for work, 95.53
$1289.69
It will thus be seen that the receipts have fallen short of expenses $294.37
There is enough due on the paper to cover this and enable us to meet the expense of $170 worth of stock just ordered, and pay up what is borrowed. It should be sent in at once.
BOOK FUND. The amount of sales of books, since they became the property of the church, Apr. 9th, 1856, has reached $1287.91
Of this sum the amount not paid is 344.35
Leaving the sum paid of $943.56
The expenses of the Fund in the publication of late works, &c., amount to 849.77
Ballance in Treasury, $93.79
MICHIGAN TENT. There have been received to this date to meet the expenses of the Michigan Tent, $239.86
Its expenses have been 260.47
Which leaves a deficiency in the receipts, as compared with expenses, of $20.61
Those who have not yet paid their pledges on this enterprise, will please see to this.
TALK AND LIVE YOUR FAITH.
By J. H. W.
GOD has heard your profession; he also hears all your words, and sees all your actions in reference to it. The conversation and business calculations of many Sabbath-keepers have a destructive influence over their children and the world. A professed reverence for all the ten commandments is not unpopular—it is the profession of the church and the world; but the keeping of them will meet with opposition from every carnal mind. The profession alone is worthless. Noah might have preached the coming flood till the waters rose over his own dwelling; but he would not have condemned the world, nor saved himself, if he had not built the ark.
The Lord directed the children of Israel, concerning his commandments Deut. xi, 19:
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
If this course was pursued among us; if the morning conversation with our children was on the nature and obligation of the law of God; and if as we returned from our labors, this was the prominent theme, and the subject of evening instruction and explanation, we would see a different state of things in the families of Sabbath-keepers from that now205seen. And this is what God requires; and we may pray in vain for God to bless our children, unless we discharge our duty to him and them. There is a responsibility in this respect that we cannot throw off. Would that we all realized it.
But there is no point wherein most of us come so short of living and conversing our faith as in the soon coming of the Lord. When the servants of God have conversed with the children of those who profess the faith of the Third Angel's Message, on the coming of Christ, the evidences of its being near, and the necessity of immediate preparation for that event, often are their hearts made sad by hearing the parents proceed to unfold their business calculations concerning the improvement of their lands, building of houses, &c.; laying out the work of a life time, without any reference to the shortness of time. Can the children of such parents believe the present truth?
We sometimes hear a brother tell his neighbor that such a village is destined to become the most important one in that part of the country; or that such a location will be valuable in course of time when the country gets improved, or perhaps a railroad built near it; or that it will take many years for the country to outgrow the effects of the money panic, and so on. In such cases we next expect to hear him lament that his neighbors will not receive the evidences of the signs of the times, and the near coming of the Saviour. But how can they? His light is darkness, and he is living down the truth before their eyes.
We would particularly call the attention of those parents to this subject who are giving their children a collegiate education. Knowledge is truly desirable, but we would recommend the book of Proverbs to the parents on that subject.
If it is a characteristic of the wicked that "God is not in all his thoughts," some of us would do well to look to our standing.
Keep Close to the Lamp
By Editor
MANY thanks to friends who have given us words of sympathy and encouragement, and who have also contributed to the interest of the columns of the REVIEW during the volume that is closed. We bespeak their earnest efforts for the next. While the torch of truth is blazing as never before upon our pathway, let us prove ourselves equal to every opportunity; let us be up with every privilege; or, in other words, as every privilege has its duty, let us do every duty. Success can but attend sincere and earnest efforts put forth in the direction of divine truth.
Let us adhere closely to present truth; inquiring what truth, and what duty particularly concerns us now. Speculations concerning the future are but of secondary importance. The sure word of prophecy is compared to a lamp in a dark place. But a lamp does not at once light a person from the beginning to the end of his journey; it sheds its light about him where he is, as much as is necessary, and as he advances the way is gradually lighted up before him. So with the prophetic word; and he who would, to the neglect of the light that shines more immediately upon him, direct his gaze all absorbingly upon events to come, will doubtless err in his calculations of the future and stumble over the duties of the present. Let us keep close to the lamp. Those who get far ahead of it are as sure to get into the dark as those who fall behind it. Let us endeavor to advance as that advances; no faster and no slower.
We trust that the REVIEW will, for the future, through the co-operation of all its friends, be a paper full of interest, and of sterling value to every one who is striving in meekness and humility, to know and walk in the way to eternal life; such an one as every one will love who loves truth and a bold and unflinching advocacy of everything that is pure and right, opposed to sin, and allied to holiness of heart; and such as those only will hate, who hate truth and its accompanying graces. May we count upon your efforts, reader, to attain this end? Happy will it be for those of whom it can be said in the final reckoning, They have done what they could.
"Who may Abide the Day of His Coming?"
By George Washington Amadon
MANY hundred years since, the prophet Malachi while dwelling upon the dreadful scenes of the judgment penned this momentous question. With the sure spirit of prophecy he saw the people of the last age abandoned to infidelity and every form of unbelief; and with their senses steeped in the enjoyments of carnal delights, they were nearly impervious to every religious influence.
Most evidently he viewed the testing message now going forth. He saw the proud churches resisting the clear light of present truth till their cup of iniquity was full; he saw the love of many waxing cold; he saw the narrowness of the way and the straitness of the gate; and in full gaze of the investigative judgment—the great day of atonement—he exclaimed, "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap."
As the fervent heat of the refiner's fire brings the precious metal to solution and the dross is separated, and like as the fuller's soap, by its detersive qualities, cleanses the soiled and filthy garment, so our great High Priest, by the merit of his own blood "will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purge the sons of Levi, and purify them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."
But the question, "Who may abide the day of His coming," supposes in itself a fearful test, and perilous times. What was to be the condition of the last times? Ans. "As it was in the days of Noah, and before the flood." How was it then? "The earth also was corrupt before God; and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth and behold it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." This is the type—a world of corruption, voluptuousness, and crimes of every hue; but mark its antitype. "In the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Such dear brethren is the prophetic delineation of OUR DAY, and this is the society, and these are the sins to which we are exposed. Our time is a God-hating and a sin-loving time! We are in the very midst of a "crooked and perverse" generation, and we may expect that it will "wax worse and worse" till all the world will go one way—and that down the broad way to destruction.
God grant that in view of these things we may all ask with the Prophet, "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?" and from a timely apprehension of coming danger, inseparably unite our dearest interests with God's cause; seek protection of his Omnipotent arm; then we shall abide the coming day, and with all the redeemed, partake of those living waters which "make glad the city of our God." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
G. W. AMADON.
Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 1857.
DRESS.
By Joseph Clarke
If any one would like to see the subject of dress as an ornament, clearly set forth, let such an one read the third chapter of Isaiah from the 16th to the 26th verse. Those holy prophets had a disregard to the sickly, effeminate delicacy of fashionable tastes, which was, and is still very grating upon carnal preferences.
Dress was first introduced, in consequence of transgression, and the loss of innocence. Little did mother Eve, or father Adam think, that their sons and daughters would wear this badge of disgrace as a decoration, and the present rage for fine clothing is as clear an evidence of depravity as could be furnished.
There are three points to be attained in dress; decency, comfort and convenience; and to put on clothing for display is evidently a device of Satan, beneath the dignity of right reason, not to speak of its criminality and guilt, in the sight of God. Contemplate for a moment a modern bonnet, an ingenious airy fabric, just on the point of sliding backwards from the back part of the head, leaving the face and a great part of the head exposed to sun and wind and rain. Can any one tell the use of such an article?
Again consider for a moment a fashionable dress, with so much cloth in the skirt as to leave a very scant portion for the sleeves &c., Can any one tell the origin of such senseless, indecent arrangements? Yes! to please the goddess of fashion! and I fully believe that Satan is very active inventing new fashions.
Then with regard to jewelry, rings, necklaces with all the trinkets of ancient or modern name, I ask, who is warmed or fed or clothed by them? A distinguished merchant of N. Y. says, that the money paid by our people for these baubles, is absolutely past belief; and that it might better be cast into the ocean. Certainly no godly person of the present age, can countenance the use of such trifles for one moment.
A dress clean and neat, and warm or cool to suit the season, worn with regard to God, whose jealous eye watches over our motives; a dress purchased not for its beauty, but with regard to prudence and humility, so that it shall waken no sensation of vanity in ourselves, or of envy in others, such a dress may be to us a standing memorial of our present state of bondage and of peril.
Always bear in mind in using our Lord's time and money, that all things are his, and that souls are constantly perishing for lack of knowledge. O let us not make the darkness more dark, but let our light shine, and prove in all things that we are strangers and pilgrims here. JOSEPH CLARKE.
Portage, Wood Co., Ohio.
Note From Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith: For the benefit of my brethren who may wish to know my whereabouts I will just say that I arrived home from the West a few days since.
My daughter's health is improving slowly. My son arrived home from the Pacific a few days before me, and has in part recovered from a serious injury received by being thrown from his boat by a whale. The little company of Sabbath-keepers here are still striving for the kingdom.
Next Sabbath I am expecting to meet with the church and friends in Dartmouth, and by request, preach in the Christian meeting-house in New Boston on First-day.
My post office address for the present will be Fairhaven, Mass. Joseph Bates.
Note from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
I WOULD say to Brn. Buck, Hilliard, Lawrence, Taylor and all others in northern N. Y., that I have not forgotten them, but I am praying for them and the cause of truth where they reside.
I have had good seasons for some two months past in trying to present the truth to the church and people in different parts of Michigan. I find the best way to rise above trials, is to keep doing.
I am sorry for my want of faithfulness to Him, who to save me, has been obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. I think I will be zealous and repent. I think the church is rising in Mich. Come brethren, let us go forward.
JOHN BYINGTON.
Battle Creek, Oct. 19th, 1857.
CONFERENCE AT BERLIN Ct.
By E. L. Barr
This Conference was one of interest and, we trust of lasting benefit to the saints.
A goodly number assembled from different parts of the State together with some from N. Y. Some were cast down by trials and the buffetings of Satan; but not destroyed. The message to the Laodiceans has had a salutary effect upon many, while others were not conscious of their wretched condition.
Much liberty and freedom of spirit was given to preach the Word. Bro. Smith gave a discourse on the Faith of Jesus which was highly appreciated and was indeed a portion of meat in due season. Many hearts were made to feel that faith without works is dead, and resolved for the future to show their faith by their works.
Our meeting of business on First-day was solemn and profitable, and passed off harmoniously, graced by the presence of the sweet, melting, heavenly Spirit of our compassionate Redeemer. We were satisfied that this effort was made in the right direction, and was owned and blessed of God.
In conclusion, let me say to the saints scattered abroad, that now is the time, and the only time if you would inherit eternal life, to learn for yourselves what it is to keep the Faith of Jesus, with the Commandments of God. O be zealous in the work; we are approaching that fearful moment when the lukewarm will be spued out and left to perish. Arise and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before it is too late, and all is lost forever.
E. L. BARR.
South Hardwick, Vt., Oct. 15th, 1857.
D. D.'s UNCHRISTIAN.
By James White
Bro. Cowles, editor of the Oberlin Evangelist, says, and well he may, “We have stubborn misgivings about this entire system of honorary degrees on the ground that it conflicts with the spirit of Christ's admonition, [Matt. xxiii, 8,] ‘Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.’”—Golden Rule.
The Scripture says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” The Oberlin Evangelist now before us has on its first page as follows, “Rev. Henry Cowles, Editor.” The only place in the Bible where the word reverend occurs is Ps. cxi, 9, and refers to the name of God. To accept the title of D. D. is vain, but to take that of Reverend is presumptuous. J. H. W.
To the Wise.
By Jesse Dorcas
FAMILY WORSHIP. O, how important, and, to the truly wise, delightful duty is this! May I speak a word, and say to those who believe in "present truth," let us not neglect this present duty.
Perilous times have come, and trouble is coming, is near! let us therefore do all to stand. The two-horned beast's decree will soon go forth, requiring us to receive the mark of the beast; in plain words, to keep Sunday. Have we a martyr spirit? if not, let us get it without delay.
Take, for example, David. He prayed, kneeling down, three times a day. His God whom he continually served, delivered him." See Dan. vi, 10-16.
We have reason also to believe, that, on the account of David's punctuality in his private and social duties, God honored, and delivered him, in his public walks. See Ps. lv, 17, 18.
The Elias of these days of peril has come, and it will soon be seen who are following the Lord, and who Baal. The fallen down altars must be erected, family devotion must be seen again in the earth. See Mal. iv, 5, 6; Luke i, 16, 17.
TOBACCO. My very soul is grieved to see those who make loud professions of faith in every thing that is right, wallowing in this filthy habit. I can no longer bear it without speaking out with all that abhorrence that it deserves, which I am allowed by the great Apostle. See Rom. xii, 9. "Abhor that which is evil." Parents sometimes are grieved to see their girls get the vain trinkets that the devil is pleased with; and some, at the same time have their mouth filled with a plug of filthy tobacco, or a pipe!
"I feel very jealous for the Lord God of hosts;" and for "Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, nor rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as a lamp that burneth."
"Nought is an evil, though it lay
Thy dearest idol low,
Until contending with the dart,
Thy proud and unsubmissive heart
Decides to make it so."
Jesse Dorcas.
Gilboa, Ohio, Sept. 28th, 1857.
Buy and Sell.
By A. J. Richmond
THE counsel of the faithful and true Witness, is to buy of him gold tried in the fire, that we may be rich; and white raiment, that we may be clothed, and that the shame of our nakedness do not appear; and to anoint our eyes with eye-salve, that we may see. Rev. iii, 18. The anointing all may have who humbly ask in faith, believing; for says this same Witness, Our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God. Who hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. i, 21, 22; also 1 John ii, 20-27.
It seems evident to me that this anointing is the "Spirit of truth," the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, which was to teach us all things. John xiv, 17-26. If the teachings of this Spirit had been followed, we should not have found ourselves "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked," in a fit condition to be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. But hear him in tones of pity and compassion, pleading with his erring children still. One more opportunity is offered to be saved; but remember it is the last call to the last church. To the last state of the church this language is addressed. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne," &c.
Dear brethren and sisters, here are great and precious promises to them that overcome. But remember, there is something for us to do. These precious treasures are not to fall upon us at our wish, but are to be bought. Yes, bought! And don't be surprised if in following the counsel of this Witness, and of the Holy Spirit in buying them, you are called to part with all you have in this world.
"What saith the Scriptures?" "How readest thou?" Hear the Saviour. Matt. vi, 19-21. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." If any wish to know how to lay up treasure in heaven, read with care Matt. xix, 21, 22. How many are trying to lay it up and become perfect, some other way.
A true witness will not counsel us to buy gold without telling us how to do it, unless he has given the needed information before. He has given it. Luke xii, 32. "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. But says one, he is to give us the kingdom. What would you prove by this? Please read the next verses and see. Believe it also. "Sell that ye have and give alms: provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth; for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord when he shall return from the wedding."
Then according to this Witness in order to have a treasure in heaven we must sell that we have (not a part of it, or give of our income) and give alms. These are the commands of him who spake as never man spoke. He says, If ye love me keep my commandments. How many are ready and anxious to obey him, and buy the gold, white raiment or salve?
Says the Third Angel, Here are they that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Where are they, brethren? Search diligently, how many of them you can find. Compare them with the rest of the New Testament, which embraces every lesson; all its requirements are obeyed. How many are acting as though they expected to be judged by this word in the last day? But so it is, and if we have not obeyed all its requirements according to the best of our knowledge, I see not how we can stand in the Judgment, be acquitted by a just God and hear the welcome applaudit, Well done, good and faithful servants!
You say that all is on the altar, a sacrifice to the Lord; (and we don't like to doubt your word;) that you are giving largely to advance the cause, &c.; and yet your property is increasing from year to year. There must be a mistake somewhere; for, according to the law and testimony, a thing sacrificed to the Lord always consumes. I was reading of one last evening, where the altar which was made of twelve stones, the dust, and twelve barrels of water that had been poured upon it were all consumed. What would become of our houses and lands on such an altar as this?
The true Witness says, Sell that ye have and give alms. But says one, That does not mean me. What! not mean you? are you not one of his "disciples?" of the little flock? and of those that are waiting for the Lord to return from the wedding? Luke xii, 22-37. If you are, it means you. If you are not, don't be a hypocrite any longer. You keep the Sabbath, profess to believe the present truth, and the world point to you as one who professes to be looking for the Lord. Do your works agree with your faith? Remember that a dead faith will do us no good, amid the awful scenes that are soon to burst upon the world.
Is there not here something to repent of? And is it not time to be zealous about it? O brethren, wake up, and look about yourselves before it is forever too late. Obey the Saviour. Sell that ye have, and buy the gold tried in the fire. Hear and obey the voice of the true Witness. You will get an hundred fold in this life, and in the world to come life everlasting. Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die, O house of Israel. Return unto me and I will return unto you and heal all your backslidings, saith the Lord. Is it not enough? What more can be said? What more can be done? We have had the warning. It has been faithfully given. Our wretched condition has been pointed out. Who but ourselves will be to blame if we are not saved?
We have seen that our affections were placed on this world, (unless peradventure the god of this world has blinded our minds so that we cannot see) shall we let them remain there, and slumber on till destruction overtakes us? or shall we embrace the last opportunity of obtaining eternal life and a seat on the throne of Jesus?
We believe that we are living in the time of the Judgment; that all that is done for the world and ourselves must be done quickly; and yet many of us are being lulled to sleep on enchanted ground, yet unwilling to hear the voice of the blessed Saviour; to tear the world from our embrace, open our hearts and let him in, that he may sup with us and be with him. Do not think there will be time enough by and by. Now is the accepted time, now, the day of salvation. Be zealous therefore and repent. Bring forth fruits answerable to a life of faith. And may our lives be such that shall condemn the world, be approved of heaven, and have administered unto us an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
A. J. RICHMOND.
A Word to the Messengers.
By C. F. Worthen
"THEN answered Peter and said unto him. Behold we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters or father, or mother, or wife, or chil-207dren, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matt. xix, 27-29.
This is a blessed promise, and we know that it is sure, "for all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us." O, ye faithful messengers, although your pathway be strewed with thorns here below, and the raging billows of opposition may roll around you, be not troubled, nor dismayed; for he who called you into the field to labor, will prepare the way before you. Be faithful a little longer, and soon you will reap a glorious and everlasting reward. Go on, dear brethren; my heart and hand is in the work, and while you are laboring to declare the truth, with the help of the Lord I will labor with my hands to sustain the cause.
At present the laborers are few; but I believe that there are others that will be called out to proclaim the truth to this ungodly generation. Be not therefore discouraged, for God will bring in the honest ones into his fold, "and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd." And when these shall have been brought in, then Christ will come and set up his kingdom, "whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." And this blessed time hastens on; for after the Third Angel's Message has been proclaimed with a loud voice, then he saith, "And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according to his work shall be." "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Your unworthy brother.
Charleston, Vt. C. F. WORTHEN.
WE MOURN.
By Mrs. R. Smith
We mourn our follies past,
Our vanity and pride,
And that we aught should know,
Save Jesus crucified.
We mourn the want of faith,
That faith that works by love;
We mourn we e'er should lack
True wisdom from above.
We mourn thine absence, Lord,
The hiding of thy face,
And hate indeed those sins
That hinder thy free grace.
In our infirmity,
We'll glory, and in God,
And thank him, while we mourn,
We're sons beneath the rod.
The promise stands secure
To those who mourn aright;
They shall be comforted;
In God shall they delight.
'Tis comfort most we need,
When mourning and oppressed;
And O! what joy to know
In God we may be blest!
We'll mourn as Jesus mourned;
He groaned, he wept, he prayed;
But we can ne'er repay—
The debt we owe, he paid.
Though in humility,
We're called to suffer here,
None will be found to mourn
In yon celestial sphere.
No sorrow there! we read,
All tears are wiped away;
But O! the glory'll be,
With Christ our Lord to stay.
Not for a fleeting day,
As here our visits are;
But evermore shall we
Eternal glories share.
Mrs. R. Smith.
West Wilton, N. H.
LETTERS
By R. Rockwood
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Rockwood.
BRO. SMITH: I take pleasure in addressing you for the first time by letter to inform you that I listened to the lectures of Brn. Bates and Waggoner while the tent was here; and am happy to say that I believe those lectures left a deep impression on the community. I know that there was a strong opposition on the part of the Baptists, Methodists and Spiritualists, but truth is mighty and must prevail. Since the tent left, eight or ten have made up their minds to keep the Sabbath, though they meet with opposition on every hand.
I feel interested in this subject, as it seems to be so closely connected with the Third Angel's Message. I have always felt a deep interest for the truth. As regards the doctrine of the second advent of Christ, I have believed and said often, in public and private, that if I lived to old age I should see him coming in the clouds of heaven.
On the subject of immortality in this life, I never believed we had it here. I was brought up by Methodist parents, but never believed in creeds, nor the doctrine of the trinity. When I came from the State of New York I was twenty years of age. I came to Ohio, and after two or three years joined the Huron Christian Conference, was ordained by that body, and preached in Ohio six years. I came to this place two years ago this Fall.
As regards this Sabbath question, I believe that every truth is adapted to its time, and so is this; and now when God requires, and circumstances demand that there should be a separation, O how few there are that are willing to stand out and be tried by the truth. I am glad that this last message to the world brings men to this test. Truth cries, Come out of her my people. The woman on the scarlet-colored beast has made all nations drunk with the wine of her fornication, and now in this last warning, we must know who are her daughters, and who they are that keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Let separation come, and with it the Saviour, that he may find some planted on the rock.
I believe if you could send some competent man here to preach a few more sermons, it would result in good. Where is Bro. Waggoner or Bro. White? Will not they or some one else come over and help us? We have a large school-house here, and some are desirous to hear again.
Yours in hope of heaven.
R. ROCKWOOD.
Burr Oak, Mich., Oct. 15th, 1857.
Extracts from Letters.
SISTER Lucy Button writes from Leonardsville, N. Y., Oct. 11th, 1857: "Bro. Smith: I feel united to the little flock in ties that are stronger than death. With them I am willing to have my name cast out as evil for the truth's sake. With them
'I am willing to pass through
All earthly tribulation
And count it my just due.'
"Myself and companion are very thankful for a view of our Laodicean condition, by which we find ourselves very miserable and destitute, compared with what we might have possessed had we lived every moment at the feet of Jesus. We have been trying to buy the gold tried in the fire, or what to us seems similar, that faith which was once delivered to the saints, such as Daniel possessed in the lion's den, and which enabled the three worthies to pass through the fire unhurt, and commanded the form of the fourth which was like unto the Son of God.
"We have been striving to do right in the sight of God, that we may be clothed with a garment of righteousness, that the shame of our nakedness may not appear. We have also been striving to anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may have a discernment of spirits, that we may discern the first approach of sin in any or all of its phases and may watch against the wiles of the enemy, and be enabled to flee in season to Christ who will enable us to overcome through his own most precious blood.
"O how thankful we are that the Saviour has not left us yet. He might justly have spued us out of his mouth, but he still seems to be waiting to be gracious. O what a compassionate Saviour! How precious when the Saviour will condescend for one moment to come into our hearts and sup with us, and allow us to sup with him! We intend never to give up the cause; we mean to overcome that we may have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. Pray for us."
Courage While Standing Alone
By Luther Ashley
From Bro. Ashley.
BRO. SMITH: The Review is a welcome messenger every week. I love the cause it advocates. I embraced the Sabbath about five years ago, and before that, believed that Sunday was no better than other days of the week. Since I have kept the seventh day the Lord has blessed me in so doing. I am striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony; to buy gold tried in the fire, and white raiment to put on, and eye-salve that I may see clearly; and to be zealous and repent, and open the door of my heart and let the Saviour in.
I believe the three messages in Rev. xiv, are from the Lord, and were given in the right time. I have some trials to pass through, and sometimes get almost discouraged, being alone; and then I consider that my strength is in the Lord, and take courage and press my way on again, and thank God that my situation is no worse. Bless the Lord.
Your waiting for redemption.
LUTHER ASHLEY.
Ellington, Oct., 1857.
E. LINCOLN
By E. Lincoln
From Bro. Lincoln.
BRO. SMITH: It is about three months since I first heard the Third Angel's Message, through the preaching of Brn. Holt and Cornell. I do rejoice that the light ever shone to guide my feet in the way of righteousness to eternal life. I feel my weakness, but still I feel that it is my duty to give my testimony to the faith that I have embraced. My desire is that I may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, and be clothed with the whole armor, that I may be able to stand in the time of trouble that is coming on the earth. I feel the necessity of watchfulness and prayer at all times, and being on our guard against the temptations and deceptions of Satan, lest we be ensnared in a moment when we think not. I rejoice that I have the privilege of worshiping God on his holy Sabbath-day that I once trampled under foot; but his mercy is great, he has shown me a way that I knew not of, and I will praise his holy name.
Brethren and sisters, let us be faithful and overcome, that we may have right to the tree of life and enter into the holy city. O let us be ready, for our Redeemer comes, and unless we are well prepared we shall not be able to stand. May we all meet him in the clouds of heaven, and forever be with the Lord.
In hope of eternal life.
E. LINCOLN
Green Spring, Ohio, Oct. 12th, 1857.
P. S. I rejoice in the principles and truths advocated in the Review. May God grant it a wide circulation.
E. L.
The Laodicean Testimony
By Sister Cray
From Sister Cray.
Bro. Smith: I have been permitted over seven years to read the columns of the Review, which has been an interesting and cheering privilege to me in my loneliness. In the communications of others I have many times read my own feelings and experience, and often have I exclaimed, This people is my people, their God is my God, and I hope their home will be my home. I feel that it will be a great thing to gain eternal life. My daily prayer is that God would make me pure and holy.
When the cutting testimony to the Laodiceans came out, it seemed to search me through and through. It seemed to me like a case of life and death. I felt rebuked, and wanted to be zealous and repent. I prayed and wept for deliverance, but sometimes when I read my Bible it seemed that every word condemned me; then again it was so sweet, and contained such glorious and precious promises that I would clasp it to my heart and praise God for his revealed will to man; but I truly felt poor and wretched, miserable, and blind, and naked.
Elizabeth Cray’s Conference Experience
By Elizabeth Cray
Through the kind care of some of the dear brethren, I was permitted to attend the conference at Monterey, which was a blessed time to me; and while listening to the thrilling testimonies of Bro. and Sr. White my heart praised God that we could have the gospel preached in its purity. O may I ever be willing to be hewn by the prophets and squared by the words of God's mouth.
In hope. ELIZABETH CRAY.
Allegan, Mich., Oct 19th, 1857.
Giving to the Cause
Sister A. T. Lawton writes from West Winfield, N. Y., Oct. 18th, 1857: "Can it be possible after all the light that is shining on present truth, that any can believe themselves to be in the message, who are holding on with both hands to the goods which God has lent them? Be not deceived. I had rather trust God for daily bread than to defraud the suffering cause by withholding. It would be sweet even to beg my bread for Jesus' sake, if he so required.
"Brethren and sisters, we must make a covenant with God by sacrifice. Every moment of delay takes something from the value of the sacrifice. Those who turn many to righteousness have the promise of shining as the stars forever and ever. Who would not be willing to labor for such a consideration? But the consciousness of having been the means of saving one poor soul is a sufficient reward for all we can do or suffer here. Do not lose the blessing in imparting by doing it grudgingly. Give timely, freely, liberally, and God will give accordingly.
"Never did I more feel the need of meekness and simplicity in all our acts than at present. I ardently pray that I may not only feel the need, but experience its blessed fruits."
Books Sent Since Sept. 20
BOOKS SENT SINCE SEPT. 20.—P R Chamberlain, N Y. S W Willey, Vt. H Davis, Me. J E Titus, Mich. E Hill, Mich. D. McNair, Mich. Saml Horr, Wis. L Morris, Wis. E S Deaker, N Y. C M, Iowa. Geo Cobb, Me. (twice.) W W Miller, N Y. T E Thorp, Wis. J W Raymond, N Y. Mary Armstrong, Mich. B Hall, Mich. H L Wetherbee, Mich. Wm Gould, Ind. H W Lawrence, N Y. C G Cramer, Mich. H K W Eastman, Mass. E Sanford, Ashland, M T.