A MOVEMENT has lately been inaugurated in New York, which will be of interest to all commandment-keepers. There is a growing tendency in the minds of some who occupy high places in Church and State toward the inauguration of a great national Sabbath to which all classes shall be amenable. In a late number of the N. Y. Independent, is an editorial on this subject, of which some paragraphs seem to be especially to the point. It opens as follows:
“The Sabbath question is on the way to be one of the most important moral questions of our times. That a whole people should agree to cease from secular industries, and open their hearts to truths of affection and of religion for one full day of every seven, is more than interesting, it is sublime. But how shall the inhabitants of this continent be brought to such a consent?”
The writer then speaks of a diversity of opinion and practice on this subject which should not exist, in the following language:
“While on one side of the street our children are, on Saturday, driving hoop, or playing boisterously, on the other side Jewish worshippers are chanting their services in their synagogue. On the morrow the Jew is at liberty, but the Christian is at church. But even on the Christian Sabbath there is no unity either of worship, opinion, or custom. The Lutheran Sabbath is not the New England Sunday. The Protestant day is not like the Roman Catholic day.
“Now we hold few things so important as the general and religious observance of the Sabbath-day. One of the most fatal blows at religion, and one of the most uncivilizing to society, would be that which destroyed the Sabbath-day. It would be peculiarly oppressive to the poor. It would make the yoke of labor yet harder, and the burden of care heavier. It would withdraw safeguards that now restrain pleasure from wantonness, and, leaving the popular mind without a regularly recurring moral influence, would soon demoralize it. Even if we regarded the question as one of health, there should be a physiological Sabbath;—as a matter of political economy, there should be one day in seven of productive rest.
“There are industrial, social, and moral reasons for a Continental Sabbath. Even if there were no authority in the Bible, there is authority in Nature for this day of rest. Even if the revelation of the letter had forgotten to ordain it, the revelation of creation did not forget; and, though the New Testament does not command the day, so neither does it command eating, sleeping, proper clothing, or any other act or course for which there is already a custom among men, and an organic necessity in nature.”
In arguing upon the methods by which this national Sabbath can be established, and its observance secured, the writer continues:
“What are the best methods of producing popular consent to the observance of the Sabbath? We cannot force the day upon people. It would not be desirable to do it if we could. It is not the American Christian way of dealing with men. Our civilization teaches us to take every man in society along with us. The poorest citizen is a general partner in this national concern. The American Sabbath must not be a class Sabbath; an ecclesiastical day; a peculiar church day. It must become the people's day. They must be led to adopt it; to love and revere it; to make it a delight and honorable! Then there will be a national Sabbath. But, in order to this, the Sabbath which we advocate must have in it some provision or allowance for the wants of every class and condition of men in our nation. It must be a day as humane to the poor as to the rich. Its observance must not be framed by the convenience of those who have ease and leisure, and without sympathy for those who all the week are ground and moiled with oppressive labor. If it is to be national it must be a people's Sabbath. If it is to be the people's, then it must be the Bible Sabbath. If it is to be the Bible Sabbath, it must, not alone in its general and remote intent, but in its details and working elements and observances, be thoroughly humane. It must be Christ's day.
“A course of sermons has been begun in New York, by such eminent and able ministers as Dr. Rice, Dr. Vinton, Dr. Wm. Adams, Dr. Hague, Dr. Ganse, and others fit to company with them. They will, without doubt, give the best scriptural view of the nature, authority, and benefit of this divine institution.”
From the expression, “it must be Christ's day,” it is not difficult to determine, in view of the popular belief on this subject, which day of the week will be taken as the national Sabbath. But, says one, you are expecting that what is denominated the Christian Sabbath will yet be enforced with severe penalties; and this writer says, “We cannot force the day upon the people.” Very well. This is the language which is just adapted to the present state of this question. This is the very language which we might expect while the enforcing element—the mass of the people—are yet to be molded upon this subject. But when all concur upon this question, except a few who conscientiously observe the fourth commandment; when those who stand out are only those whose godly lives are a standing condemnation of the formal course of an apostate and world-loving church, whose faithful warnings of approaching danger disturb their easy slumber, and their delusive dreams of peace and safety, whose very presence is as much of an annoyance to them as was that of Elijah to Ahab, and whose rejection of a false Sabbath is based upon their refusal to worship the beast, and his image, or receive his mark, how long before coercive measures would be adopted toward such a people? How long before their constancy would be attributed to obstinacy and bigotry? And how long before the sentence would go forth, as it did in the days of Pliny, that for this, if for nothing else, they deserved to be punished?
The course of sermons commenced by the five “eminent and able” doctors of divinity mentioned above, gives us something of an idea of the breadth and depth of the agitation upon this subject. We shall watch with interest the movement which is undoubtedly soon to be developed upon this question, believing it has a more intimate connection with the fulfillment of prophecy than its authors, though men of mighty intellects, and good intentions, are aware, or would be willing for a moment to admit.
THERE IS A PLACE OF REST.
By R. F. Cottrell
ALL those who receive a part of the Advent messages and reject a part, are troubled and find no rest. They are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. This is occasioned from the fact that the third message proves them transgressors of the law of God. Some have taken the position that that law has been abolished, and having said so, they are determined to have it so. They would abolish it, if they could; but it is out of their reach. It is safely housed in heaven, beneath the mercy-seat, and the throne of God. Rev. xi, 19. All those that will cease their rebellion, and turn their feet into God's testimonies, are invited to rest with us. We extend the invitation, because we have found rest. The Spirit and the bride say, Come; we have heard the invitation, and it is our privilege to say, Come.
But there are a few who do not object to the third message, but through its proclamation have turned their feet into the testimonies of God, and are striving to keep his commandments, and yet are troubled about the instrumentalities by which they have received it, and seem to tremble for the future safety of the ark. To such I would say, There is a place of rest. Trust wholly in the Lord, and try to fill some humble place in the body of Christ. The Lord does not call on you or me to correct the defects in his work in the past, or guide it in the future. He has called us in, that we might get humble and confiding enough to be saved.
The Lord has not entrusted this work to any man, or to any certain number of men. Yet he uses human instrumentalities, as he will, and every true member has a use and a place assigned it. God himself is pledged to direct and fulfill the work. Consequently there is no reason to fear in respect to its certain and harmonious fulfillment. But let every one beware how he gets in the way to hinder the work. The wheels will not stop, let who will get in the way.
But God always works with order. He has chosen some to bear a conspicuous part in his work. The chief Shepherd makes choice of under shepherds to take the oversight of the flock and watch for souls, as they that must give account; and we are instructed to obey them that have the rule over us, and to submit ourselves. Heb. xiii, 17. "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake; and be at peace among yourselves." 1 Thess. v, 12, 13.
The remnant of God's people are to keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus. Rev. xii, 17. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev. xix, 10. Then we may expect the Lord to work in a special manner in preparing the remnant of his people for translation. We may expect to see the gifts of the Spirit revived. We may expect to see all the members of the body in harmonious and healthy action. The hands will not try to pluck out the eyes because they see more than the hands can; but will willingly labor, and be glad to be directed by the eyes. The feet will be willing to tread the dust in obedience to the Head. To speak without a parable: Visions have accompanied the third message from its very rise. The work accomplished by this message we know is of God; for it leads men to keep his commandments; and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Now these visions are of God, or they are not. If they are not, why has God used them to advance his work? If any one wishes to know how they have aided in the rise of this message, let him read Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2; then let him answer the foregoing question. It is true, the visions have room for the doubter to doubt, and the quibbler to quibble. So does the Bible.
A noted attempt has been made to preach the third message and reject the visions. This signally failed. An independent paper was started for this very purpose, called, The Messenger of Truth. The paper was soon discontinued, and the people who supported it are now no people. Some of the most prominent leaders have forsaken the Sabbath, and are now fighting against it with all their powers. The vision said that God would suffer them but a little while. And so it was. In a very little while God removed them far away from his work, so that honest souls should not be deceived by them. The sheep's clothing is laid aside, and the wolf appears in his native ugliness and ferocity.
You that are troubled with doubts and fears, lay them aside and rest with us. Take a comprehensive view of the Advent movement, and especially of the evidences that the third message is the work of God. If it bears the divine impress, receive it; if not, reject it. If you deem the vessel sufficient to bear its burden safely over, embark—embark wholly. Do not stand with one foot on shore, and the other in the boat. Put all on board except your doubts and fears. Leave them behind. And if you have not skill to guide the vessel, you can obey orders and do what you can. Our Father is at the helm. God will take care of his cause, and if you are faithful he will take care of and save you. Each one bears his own responsibilities and not another's. We can trust God to guide, and that in his own chosen way. We can obey, and be at peace among ourselves. Let us throw off responsibilities that do not belong to us, and faithfully discharge those that rest upon us. There is a place of rest. It is in doing what we can, and leaving the rest with God. Here let us rest.
R. F. COTTRELL.
REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
I GAVE ten lectures at Paragon, Morgan Co., Ind. The attendance was not large. At Gosport there was a regiment of soldiers, and during the time I was in the neighborhood there were nearly one hundred cases of measles on an average; how many in all, I do not know. The regiment lost about twenty men there by117measles. The disease spread over the country, and all meetings were nearly broken up. Many wished to hear the lectures who could not attend. I did not feel it duty to continue under the circumstances. I spoke once in Stilesville, Hendricks Co., to an interested audience. I think that will yet be a good place for labor; but my mind was directed to Cloverdale, Putman Co., where I sent an appointment for Tuesday evening, Feb. 18, which was not given out. Next day Bro. Hull joined me, and as circumstances then were, we were somewhat perplexed to know what was duty. But as the citizens became acquainted with us they were urgent that we should hold meetings. Accordingly we announced for a course of lectures in the Disciple meeting-house, commencing on Thursday evening, 20th. The attendance was large, and the interest as good as we ever saw for the same length of time. But at the close of the third discourse we had a practical illustration of "the power of the keys," about which we have heard so much in the preaching of that church. Time was when they laughed to scorn other denominations because their
"Bolts and locks, turned orthodox;"
but by such means orthodoxy is now secured amongst them.
Efforts were made by the citizens to procure a suitable place to continue the meetings, but the best that could be obtained was too small, inconveniently situated, far from side walks, and the mud was increasing in depth; so we concluded it would be better to leave the matter as it was, trusting to the future, than to make a further effort which might prove abortive by reason of unfavorable circumstances. While waiting for the cars on Monday morning, many gathered around to converse, and we sold about two dollars' worth of books.
This has been an open winter; consequently a muddy one in Indiana. As soon as consistent with duty here we shall make our way northward where the country is sandy and the roads good.
The brethren may feel interested to learn respecting challenges received in this State; but as matters stand now we must reserve them for future notice.
J. H. WAGGONER.
MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By M. E. Cornell
Since last report good success has attended our efforts. I do not think it best to narrate all the difficulties we had to overcome, but suffice it to say we had a battle with the powers of darkness in nearly every place. The result is far better than we had even hoped.
Our next meeting was with the little company near Attica. They came out from the people called "Church of God." More than half of the church came out, and by mutual agreement each party has a key to the meeting-house, with equal rights and privileges. Here the impropriety of our taking the name, "Church of God," is fully manifest. As the object of a name is to distinguish persons and things in this world, which are really distinct in nature, it is necessary that the Sabbath-keepers there should take a name significant of their peculiar faith, or that the two churches so opposite in faith and practice should be called "Church of God, No. 1," and "Church of God, No. 2." They unanimously adopted the name, Seventh-day Adventists, and Bro. John Heabler was chosen elder. Bro. Oliver Hoffer was a public speaker in the old church, and has spoken occasionally since he embraced the Sabbath. He is fully established in all the present truth as far as he has heard, and is trying to some extent to hold it up in his vicinity.
Our next meetings were at Jackson, and Bro. Henry Hodgson was chosen elder. Their fears in regard to organization vanished, and sweet union seemed to prevail. Hope our efforts there will be an encouragement.
We next returned to Gilboa, and found them prepared for organization. Brn. Wm. S. Foote and Joseph Dudley were chosen elders, and Stillman Blodget, deacon. We hope now they will all take new courage. The brethren manifested a willingness to take up every stumbling-block that had been thrown in the way of T. J. B., and were grieved to see him so indifferent on his part. Whatever course he may pursue, they feel that they have done their duty.
Our next and last meeting was at Ayersville. Bro. Baker, of Wauseon, piloted our company through to the place, and faithfully witnessed to the truth spoken. We found this company had been greatly perplexed by unwise counsel, and some had been cruelly oppressed, but the burden was rolled where it belonged, and the oppressed went free. We were glad to find so many precious souls in that place. Our meetings there were free. Bro. David M. Stiles was chosen elder, and Bro. H. A. St. John, deacon. Here we parted with Brn. Baker, Hoffer, Fleming, and Bro. Wolfe, of Republic, who had brought us on a three days' journey with his easy carriage. He has our thanks. The morning we left, the brethren and sisters gathered at the house where we stopped, and we had a season of prayer. It was a precious, free time, and all appeared loth to leave the place.
Before closing this report I must refer to my report last fall, in which I made mention of an "officious informer's" going fifty miles to prejudice the mind of T. J. B. Upon learning all the circumstances I am convinced that he had no such intention, although it did have that effect. He came to Gilboa at the request of his brethren, and in justice to him I make this correction. His prejudice against organization has been removed, and he is now heartily with us.
We look back upon our labors with pleasure, believing that the cause in Ohio is now in a more prosperous state than ever before. There is more union existing. Eight churches have been organized on this tour. A general anxiety is manifested about tent operations in Ohio. They have a new sixty-foot tent, and are ready to support it in the field. Bro. Waggoner will no doubt be invited to go with it. May the Lord open the way and direct.
M. E. CORNELL.
ONE LESSON TOO MUCH.
By E. GOODRICH.
While in conversation with a near relative I was very much interested in hearing him narrate a few incidents of his life. Having hired himself out as a common brick-maker, for the season, he in company with a couple of fellow-laborers were fortunate enough to catch a swarm of bees as they were passing; and as my friend was quite a lover of bees, he bought of his fellows their interest and right to the swarm. Well, (as the narrative runs) in the fall of the year, when corn is fit for roasting and melons for picking, my friend, in company with his two fellows, sallied forth one night for the purpose of taking what they could find. And having taken what apples, corn and melons they wanted, they next came to neighbor T.'s bee stand, and taking a small hive therefrom, appropriated the honey to their own use. But what must have been the disappointment and chagrin of my friend on learning a few evenings afterward that his own swarm had been stolen, and that too by the same fellows with whom he had stolen neighbor T.'s? And I could not but exclaim, as he finished his story, Ah! you learned them one lesson too much.
The above is but a simple tale yet it illustrates a great moral truth, viz.: all sins are akin. We cannot therefore license men to commit one without preparing them for the commission of others.
As an instance, If we give our children liberty to disregard or live in open violation of the third and fourth commandments of the decalogue, we may rest assured that they will take the liberty and find a ready excuse for disregarding the fifth, yea, all the commandments. The mind is ever active, reaching forward after conclusions: and it is only necessary for us to teach the first principles of iniquity, to reap in those who receive our teaching the ripe fruits of high-hand-ed, heaven-daring sins. To the carnal mind, if we but give an inch, an unmeasurable distance will be taken. We cannot therefore be too careful of our influence and how we give men liberty to break even one of the least of God's commandments. And in Matt. v, 19, we have a very plain and pointed warning touching this very thing. The Saviour, after speaking in a very pointed manner of the perpetuity of both the law and the prophets, said, "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven." Can it be possible that those who indirectly and directly teach the abolition of the law of God realize the influence they exert upon those but too willing to escape all moral restraint? And can it be that Christ when he comes will say to such, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord? This cannot be.
E. GOODRICH.
Edinboro, Pa.
MEETINGS IN OAKLAND, CO., MICH.
By R. J. Lawrence
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I commenced meetings in a school-house about half a mile from the Baptist meeting-house in Oakland, and gave two lectures. Then I118was invited to the meeting-house, where I have given twelve lectures. After I had given some six lectures, there was an objection raised against our occupying the house any longer by some that were members of the church, and professed to be trustees of the society. But they were informed by the Clerk present that he was the only legal officer of the society, the time of the last-appointed trustees having run out last October. The next step was to demand the keys of the Clerk, which were refused. Then a clasp and padlock were put on the door, which were removed by some one, so that our meetings have continued unmolested.
There is some interest. Some are taking a stand on the truth. On account of a severe hoarseness and a cough, I have not been able to hold meetings only three evenings in the week, and twice on first-day and evening. The church in Shelby is rising. The Spirit of the Lord is present to assist in giving searching testimony, and it is received well by the church. Our meetings are well attended, though we are scattered over a territory of fifteen or twenty miles.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
ULTRAISM.
By J. H. Waggoner
ULTRA is a term hard to define, but more easy to illustrate. A striking illustration has just come under my notice. A discussion is to be held the present week in Hamilton Co., Ind., of the following questions:
1. The doctrine that the Son of God, Christ Jesus, was entirely unconscious in death, is, in the light of reason and revelation, infidelity.
2. The Scriptures teach that it is essential to the present and future salvation of man to believe that the kingdom of God will be set up—organized—at the second coming of Christ.
The 3d and 4th affirm that it is essential to salvation to believe that the dead are unconscious, and that the wicked will be destroyed. The 1st is affirmed by A. Walker, Disciple; and the other three by Wm. P. Shockey, Age-to-come.
Judging from the questions as stated, we should say both parties were "hard up" for something to do, or else they debate for the sake of debating. It is a pity that any holding to the truth of life and immortality only through Christ should stand in defense of propositions that are calculated only to bring the truth into reproach. If we cannot get an opponent to take a fair position, it were better to let him "pass by on the other side."
J. H. WAGGONER.
MEETINGS IN WIS.
By Isaac Sanborn
DEAR BRO. WHITE: After giving sixteen lectures in Geneva I was under the necessity of closing my labors there for the present on account of sickness in the place. I believe that my labor has not been in vain, as one sister who was in the message in 1844 has come out strong in the present truth, rejoicing that she has lived to see this day. Some others are almost persuaded to yield to the just claims of God's law. May the Lord help them, is my prayer. And may the Lord pity those men that are going about there and telling the people that the law is abolished, and the Sabbath is changed. Says the Lord by the prophet, "Her priests have violated my law, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." Eze. xxii, 26.
I am now on my way to Johnstown Center, where I expect to commence a course of lectures this week, and continue as long as the interest may demand. I also expect to meet Bro. and sister White at Little Prairie, March 22 and 23. ISAAC SANBORN.
NOTE FROM BRO COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
I HAVE have been laboring recently in Shelby, Orleans Co., N. Y. Have given fifteen discourses in a school-house; and though the meetings were not large, the interest was good. More attentive hearers I have never seen. Three have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and many others are convinced. I hope they will have a willingness to obey God, let the consequences be what they will. The prospect now is that a little church will be raised up in that place. I have had invitations to preach in three other places in the vicinity, which I intend to accept as soon as I am at liberty to do so. While the Macedonian cry is heard, may God help his servants to discharge their responsibilities, and help all the church to fulfill their part in sending out laborers into the harvest. When the plan of Systematic Benevolence is fully carried out, those servants approved of God and the church, will not be detained from the work by their secular affairs. May we all feel our individual responsibilities.
R. F. COTTRELL.
PATIENCE.
By E. Macomber
"For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Heb. x, 36.
Surely we need patience, dear brethren, in this day of trouble and perplexity. We are surrounded with temptations. The Devil himself lies in wait to deceive us. He has great power to attract our attention from the duties that devolve upon us. He puts God's children to great trouble, as he finds opportunity, and has been doing so ever since the days of our first parents. He has never failed to try all saints, from the first to this time, and will until the last servant of God is sealed. So we have need of patience as the apostle has said.
We are not left without example. We are referred to Job, the worthy saint of olden times. In all the sore troubles that he passed through, he through patience maintained his integrity, and died in full faith of one day seeing God in his flesh, and that he should stand upon the earth, and praise God with all the saints in light.
And that day is close upon us. It is soon to burst upon the heads of a gainsaying world, and find the great mass of mankind as in the days of Noah, in darkness, woe and despair. But the saints of God, from righteous Abel down to the last servant of God that will be sealed, will delight in the works of God in that great day of the overturning of the powers of darkness.
The saints of God have manifested a great degree of patience all the way through, and have endured affliction with the glorious prospect before them of gaining the promised inheritance that God our heavenly Father has promised unto such as prove faithful to the end. Those worthy saints endured sore trials and many afflictions, that they might attain unto eternal life and be among the regenerated in the new creation.
I often think, Could Moses, Job, and Daniel have lived in this day, they would count all troubles and trials that we have to endure, joy. We live in a grand and awful time, while the jots and tittles are being fulfilled, and the saints are being tried, and the servants of God are being sealed. The child of God beholds the hand of the Almighty arranging the nations for the final conflict. He bows humbly before him, feeling himself nothing. He beholds Jehovah, making ready through Jesus Christ our Lord, to restore all things spoken of by the holy prophets, and with patience he waits until all things are ready, knowing this, that the trying of his faith worketh patience. Also knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Dear brethren, God is for us. He is sifting out the wheat. The testimony to the church is good. Let us desire the gifts of the Spirit. Let us not despise prophesyings, but prove all things, and hold fast the good. God has promised good concerning Israel. Victory, victory will turn on Zion's side. The blessed Redeemer will come and put down all the enemies of righteousness. The saints shall possess the kingdom and dominion under the whole heavens. The time is close upon us; let us hold on whereunto we have attained, and press forward. The Lord will help.
E. MACOMBEER.
Newport, R. I.
SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By Uriah Smith
THERE are some things which look well in theory; there are other things which are shown to be good by practice. And when a subject is of such a nature that it can be tested by practice, and is shown by such a test to be good and effectual, it arms itself with an argument which cannot be gainsayed nor resisted. Such a subject is Systematic Benevolence, as the following testimony from Bro. A. N. Curtis, of Camden, N. Y., shows.
U. S.
"I was about to write to the Office, when Review No. 10 came to hand, stating the call upon the Treasurer for deposits; and as I have some of the Lord's money on hand, the fruits of Systematic Benevolence, I hasten to respond to the call.
"The subject of Systematic Benevolence, as a system for all to act upon, I dearly love. It is reasonable and scriptural, and thus well calculated to meet the demand for which it was instituted. I am satisfied that without a systematic course in this thing, we are liable to think we are doing considerable when the fact is we are far below the line of duty, doing far less than God requires at our hands. I rejoice that there seems to be a coming up to duty on this all-important subject."
LETTERS.
By J. W. Landes
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Landes.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: Though a stranger to many of its readers, I wish to say through the Review to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am striving to overcome. It has been about nineteen months since I embraced this present truth. I feel to praise the Lord for sparing my life to hear this last message of mercy, and for giving me a heart to receive it. The sincere desire of my heart is to be an overcomer, and have a humble position among the children of God. I believe this is the Lord's cause, and there is danger of bringing a reproach upon it by our actions and conversation. May the Lord help us to separate ourselves from everything that is evil in his sight. Let us try to live more humble and devoted in this good work. O for a will to submit to all truth!
I love to read the letters in the Review from those of like faith. They encourage me to press on. I love the Review and the truth it advocates. It is all the preaching we have. There are but few of us here, but we long for a more thorough organization. May the Lord help us to live worthy to be united with his children. We need the prayers of the faithful. I intend, by the assisting grace of God, to go on in this good work, and try to gain an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom. Pray for me that I may live faithful, and at last meet you where parting will be no more.
Your brother striving to overcome.
J. W. LANDES.
Fairfield, Iowa.
TRIFLE NOT.
By E. W. Darling
Trifle not, O brother pilgrim,
Speak no vain nor-idle word;
Never once let foolish jesting,
From a Christian's lips be heard.
Trifle not; for from the fullness
Of the heart the mouth doth speak,
And from clear and rock-bound fountains
Never will foul waters break.
Trifle not, for danger thickens
Round our path on every hand,
Rather let our footsteps quicken,
While we cross enchanted land.
Trifle not while earth in sadness,
Warns us of the final hour;
Nature, robed no more in gladness,
Groans beneath the tempter's power.
Trifle not, while the great harvest
Of your Father waiting stands,
For each precious moment wasted,
He'll require at your hands.
He that reaps receiveth wages,
Gathering fruit to endless life;
They'll have joy though ceaseless ages,
Who are earnest in the strife.
E. W. DARLING.
Beaver, Minn.
TO BRO. LANDES, FAIRFIELD, IOWA.
By Moses Hull
J. H. Waggoner
Your letter to Bro. White respecting matters in Fairfield has been referred to us inasmuch as we were better acquainted with the circumstances. We regard your letter as containing a fair statement of facts; but to avoid filling the columns of the Review with local matters, we will briefly give our judgment on the several facts that have transpired:
1. We hold that a vote to give a letter to a person who is a Sabbath-breaker, or who does not walk with the church, or whose walk is not according to the truth, is itself disorderly, calculated to engender strife, and weaken the influence of the church and of the truth.
2. We hold that the course of Bro. Bartlett was disorderly in attending the meetings of, and preaching for, a body which had rejected both the name and faith of the Seventh-day Adventists, thereby giving countenance to their action before the world.
3. We hold that the further course of Brn. Bartlett, D. W. Hull, and others, is disorderly in receiving them, or making efforts to have them or any of them, received into fellowship, without their making a proper confession, or taking such steps as shall effectually remove the reproach from the cause of truth which they have willfully brought upon it.
We think these points embrace all that it is necessary for us to speak of; but if anything more is demanded for the good of the cause in Iowa (which has been put to shame by the course pursued by some in Fairfield), we may give facts from our own knowledge which will satisfy all in regard to the spirit that has been manifested by some in that place.
MOSES HULL.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Russiaville, Ind., March 3, 1862.
Preparing for the Day of the Lord
By Sarah Farrar
From Sister Farrar.
Dear Bro. White: It is now more than four years since we commenced to keep the Sabbath, and I can truly say that I have never regretted it. The Sabbath is a delight, holy of the Lord and honorable. I love to meet with God's dear children. I praise God that I have a place among his remnant people. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; and let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching." "For yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry."
I do want to be prepared for the great and terrible day of the Lord. I want a shelter from the storm that is fast gathering. Lord, hide me in thy pavilion till these calamities be overpast. Truly we are living in a grand and awful time. I want to realize more fully this time in which we are living.
"Budding fig-trees tell that summer
Dawns o'er the land;
Signs portend that Jesus' coming
Is near at hand."
Bro. Steward was at Marquette last Sabbath and first-day. He preached on the sanctuary, and the necessity of the gifts in the church. I want to confess all my sins before Jesus leaves the heavenly sanctuary, and come with God's people into the unity of the faith by means of those gifts he has set in the church.
Sarah Farrar.
Kingston, Wis.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. P. Cornell writes from Union Springs, N. Y.: "I am very well satisfied that the seventh day is the Sabbath according to the Scriptures of truth, and have commenced to keep it. I know of none about here that keep the Sabbath according to the Scriptures of truth. I am a lone one in these parts, but I desire to live out the blessed truth. I have read a few of the Advent books, and believe they advocate the truth. The few that I have read convince me that the Adventists are the nearest right of any society in their belief that I ever have read of. If I could live near such a class of people how cheering it would be to meet with them; but I will try to keep all the commandments, and live out this blessed truth. We are taught in the Scriptures of truth that if we love God we will keep his commandments, and through God's assisting grace I mean to prove faithful unto every known duty, and be prepared to meet my Lord in peace."
Bro. Wm. G. Kendall writes from Roxbury, Vt.: "Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bordeau, A. Stone, and A. S. Hutchins were here last Sabbath and first-day. We had a very profitable meeting. I believe much good will result from it. The Lord worked for us here. O how good the Lord is to his people! How long he has borne with us here! I think the meeting wound up with a better state of feeling in the church than there has been for a long time. I think I feel thankful for some tokens of good. It encourages my poor heart to still go forward. I feel very thankful for the instruction I have received from Bro. and sister White. I have no objection to the plan of organization given in the Review. I believe it to be just what is needed to bring God's people together, so we may know who is of us and who is not."
Bro. T. Harlow writes from Orinoco, Min.: "I have always, since embracing the truth, been particular to read all the publications from the Review Office, and the paper has been a welcome visitor weekly. I believe it is our privilege and duty to know our acceptance daily, and have a daily experience. I thank the Lord that I can say I have not grown cold, but have increased in love. I love God, his law, and his people, and I hope ever to take heed lest I fall. There are a few here striving for the kingdom, who are glad to hear the straight testimony, and I think are determined to live it."
Bro. D. Holloway writes from Marion, Iowa: "My heart is much encouraged when I read the cheering letters in the Review: It produces a stronger attachment for those that are waiting the return of their Lord. The subject of organization has been much agitated here. I endorse what has been said in its favor in the Review. Our little church at Marion is striving to get into the unity of the faith. There is a great work before us, and the time is short in which we have to perform it; therefore we feel that we must be up and doing. I am striving to live so that I may escape the things that are coming on the earth. I want to be found willing to do the Lord's will at all times. My heart beats in unison with the Lord's people, and I rejoice to learn though the Review that they are taking measures to come up on higher and holier ground in order to be prepared for translation when Jesus comes."
Bro. G. Castle writes from Reading, Mich.: "As we are not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, I wish to be found among those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, that do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. I expected Christ would come before this time; but I am not weary. No, the road brightens up and looks more plain. I am resolved to walk softly before God, keep the door of my mouth, and bridle my tongue, that I sin not with my lips. As I am all alone, I could not get along without the Review in these perilous times."
Bro. J. Baker writes from Cass, Ohio; "We, as a Church here in Cass, Ohio, do feel thankful to God that we have been organized taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists without a dissenting voice. There seems to be now but one determination to strive more earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints and to make a more thorough work and entire consecration to God. We most solemnly believe the time is short; and we thank God that his promises are sure to all them that put there trust in him. He has promised to never leave them nor forsake them; therefore we have a hope of eternal life when the conflicts of this world shall cease."