Earlier text: History of the SabbathLIST OF ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS THAT PRECEDED KING JAMES' VERSION.
By G. W. A.
I HAVE before me "The Paragraph Bible," published by the Religious Tract Society, London, England. It belongs to sister Fraser, of this place, and presents an entirely new selection of references to parallel passages, together with prefaces to the several books, and numerous notes. In the preface to Genesis is a list of the translations which preceded king James' version, which I here present, thinking it may be of account to the readers of the Review. To JOHN WICKLIFFE belongs the honor of first making a version of the whole Bible into English, which he probably completed about A. D. 1380; and although its circulation was greatly restricted, both by the extreme costliness of copies before the invention of printing, and by the severe punishments, amounting even to death, to which any person having it in his possession was liable, it became an engine of wonderful power, and contributed greatly to prepare the way for the happy changes which afterward took place. For the first printed copy of a portion of the Scriptures in English, we are indebted to WILLIAM TYNDALE. Unable to accomplish his purpose at home, he removed to Antwerp, where he made his version of the New Testament from the Greek: and it was published there, or at Hamburg, in 1526. Tyndale also translated the Pentateuch and the book of Jonah; but his labors were cut short by his being cruelly put to death at Antwerp, in 1536. After Tyndale's time there appeared, 1. Coverdale's Bible, printed at Zurich, and published in 1535, the first printed translation of the whole Bible in English. 2. Matthew's Bible, also printed abroad, in 1537, consisting of Tyndale's and Coverdale's text slightly altered. The name 'Matthew' was feigned: John Rogers, the first martyr in Mary's reign, having been the editor. 3. Cranmer's, or The Great Bible, 1539, published by authority, with a noble Preface by the Archbishop. 4. Taverner's Bible, in 1559, which was little more than a revision of Matthew's Bible. 5. The Geneva Bible, first printed in 1560. This was edited by several English divines, who took refuge at Geneva, during the persecutions of Queen Mary; at the head of whom was Whittingham. 6. The Bishop's Bible, 1568; so called because Archbishop Parker engaged several Bishops and other learned men to prepare it. It exhibits some material variations from former versions. 7. The Rheims and Douay Bible, made by the Romanists, who, finding themselves unable to stop the spread of the Scriptures, resolved to have a version of their own; the New Testament being printed at Rheims, in 1582, and the Old Testament at Douay, in 1610. 8. And finally, the present Authorised Version, which arose out of a recommendation made by Dr. Rainolds, one of the Puritan ministers present at the celebrated Hampton Court Conference, to king James I. By the king's command, it was executed by forty-seven learned men, who were divided into six companies, two of which sat at Westminster, two at Oxford, and two at Cambridge. According to their instructions, they followed the Bishop's Bible then in use, altering it as little as adherence to the original would permit. This work was commenced in 1607; and, after being revised by a committee of twelve, and then by Dr. Smith, who wrote the Preface, and by Dr. Bilson, it was printed in 1611. This translation is much admired by competent judges for its general fidelity, as well as for the simplicity, energy, and purity of the style. It would be too much to affirm that it is not susceptible of improvement; but, in attestation to its general excellence, it is worthy of remark that, with all the diversities of opinion on religious subjects, and the controversies which have been carried on between different denominations of Christians in our country, all have agreed in appealing to the same version, and none have in any matters of consequence objected to it. JUSTICE TO WHOM JUSTICE IS DUE.
By M. E. Cornell
IN Ohio and Michigan there has been a feeling with many that Bro. White’s reproof of Bro. R. F. C. was too sharp—that it was uncalled for; and I must confess that at first I had, to some extent, the same fears; but after visiting in several places in different States, and learning what a general distrust and fear of organization, had been caused by those articles of R. F. C.’s, I am perfectly satisfied that Bro. White’s remarks concerning them were just and proper. The Devil feared organization, and many were unconsciously leaning to his side of the question. Bro. White, after suffering for years from the want of order (bearing13burdens and suffering anguish of spirit, which is perhaps not yet appreciated, very cautiously and modestly introduced the subject for the consideration of the brethren. He simply asked that if any had objections to his suggestions, they should "write out a plan on which we as a people can act." How appropriate then for Bro. R. F. C., or any other one of our writers, to have suggested amendments, or to have written out an original plan to supply what he must have known was an absolute necessity. Under such circumstances how inappropriate and uncalled for were the articles in question. By them the feelings of opposition to organization already existing were kindled to a flame at once. When I have talked with them they have almost universally referred to those articles. While at Gilboa, Nov. 2 and 3, T. J. B. complained of the treatment Bro. C. had received, and vindicated his cause with as much zeal as if he was acquainted with all the circumstances, and had entered into a contract to defend that side of the question. I replied that I did not think that Bro. C. would thank him for any such defense. But it is said Bro. R. F. C. wrote in such a good spirit, and Bro. White used such sharpness. I answer, the circumstances are entirely different. Bro. White had occasion to use sharpness. The cause he loved, and for which he had suffered so much, had been wounded in the house of its friends. A spirit of rebellion had been kindled up against one of the most important steps ever taken in this great work. Bro. W. saw at once that such articles would do great damage, and therefore made decided efforts to counteract their influence. The load might have been more easy had more of the messengers been ready to put under a shoulder in so critical a moment. It was a desperate case, and required a repetition of the most effectual blows to save the cause. On the other hand, there was no occasion for even the mildest reproof. And of course where none was deserved none should be given. I am sorry for any that have suffered prejudice to blind their minds to that extent that they cannot see that entirely different circumstances govern the two cases. The fact that the articles under consideration were written in a mild style, is just what rendered them capable of doing the greater injury. Such a style is always the most deceptive, and with many it covers up what would otherwise be to them obnoxious sentiments. I fear that R. F. C. has never realized the extent of evil produced by those articles. Nearly all are now ready to acknowledge that organization is right, and the articles wrong. But still some few think Bro. White was too harsh. Let me say to such, I have good reasons for believing that if it had not been for the plain dealing and perseverance of Bro. W., the effort to organize would have been a failure. While about half, both of the messengers and lay brethren, stood opposed, or what was about as bad, stood non-committal, Bro. W. by God's help pushed the matter through; and we can all now rejoice in its complete success. That the machine works well, all agree. Why then find fault with the very means by which it was set in operation? This opposition to strait dealing in the church is alarming. Some still allow sympathy to sway their judgments, and their cry is, "Prophecy unto us smooth things." But if sharpness is wrong under any circumstances, of what use are the following scriptures: "Cry aloud, spare not," "Rebuke them sharply," "Rebuke with all authority," "If I come again I will not spare," "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head," &c. Some are so afraid that some brother is going to have his head broke, that they get right in the way, and perchance get hit themselves. We cannot have a greater enemy than the man that would ward off well-deserved blows which are for our good. It is my enemy that would seek to destroy the "excellent oil" a friend wishes to pour on my head. Human sympathy in such cases is a disguised enemy. It was this same spirit of sympathizing with those who are justly rebuked, that caused so many angels to be turned out of heaven. All who sympathized with Satan partook of his sin, and consequently shared the same fate. Let all beware on this point. The Lord will have a straight testimony in the church. May we all be prepared for the tests before us by crucifying self, and praying for the "spirit of a sound mind." MISCELLANEOUS.
By Joseph Clarke
The apostle James makes it clear that the tongue is as the helm of a ship; then let us beware lest Satan guide this helm, piloting for himself. Speak evil of no man. If we cannot muster courage to tell this scandalous report to the offending brother, let us be silent; or if a reporter suggests to us the failings of another, let us send him to the offender, or silence him with the Scripture above quoted. When one has seen the evil of a sin, and thoroughly repented of it, then he can warn others. Stop the leaks in a ship and the pumps will soon free her so that she will float; so an individual or church must cease to sin before they can arise. System is necessary in mechanics, agriculture, trade, &c. Wo to the individual or church who esteems it less so in religious matters. Are you afraid of an enemy? Pray as David did, "O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." 2 Sam. xv, 31. Our inward struggles turn the scale; the fountain supplies the rivulet. Satan can flatter us; God does not flatter, but slays the proud. Saul spared Agag, contrary to the command of Samuel, the prophet of God, and so Saul lost his kingdom. Perhaps he did not realize that it was as fatal to disobey the prophet Samuel as the prophet Moses. O, Lord, open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our hearts to feel. Brethren, have we no Agag here? Solemnity of mind, and thoughts of God and his majesty, tend to humility; while levity of mind tends to, or fosters pride. A man's pride shall bring him low. Prov. xxix, 23. Truly when we see the effect of extravagance, and its victim writhing in agony of want and disease, ordering the costliest coffin for a panacea of his wounded spirit, well has the wise man spoken. Error and truth are often so closely packed together, that to the mass of mankind they seem identically the same; but the experienced workman knows how to find the seams in his quarries; and although the gold may be hidden beneath much rubbish, yet the fire will discover it. So he who desires to know truth from error, has only to bring the lamp of truth close to his work, and he will see as through the glass of the word, which brings hidden things to light, and makes very clear what was before very obscure. Thus Daniel by fasting, prayer, and study of the word, was most remarkably illuminated. This glass brings distant things near, hidden things to view, and makes darkness light. The single eye makes the whole body full of light; that is, he who only desires to glorify God, he who has no self to gratify, no private ends to attain, no lusts to satiate, no character of his own to maintain, but who has given up all wholly to God. Such a person is always free, his spiritual sight is always clear, his ears always open, his garments always white, his purse is always heavy with fine gold. Charms. We hear in ancient heathen legends, of amulets, worn to ward off evil, said to possess certain singular powers, called charms, capable of performing wonders. These, had they been literally true, are infinitely outdone by the triplet of christian virtues, love, faith, and humility. These virtues when proportioned and exercised, protect, strengthen, and adorn the character, make enemies into friends, misfortunes are made into stepping-stones, and afflictions are transformed into a paved walk to glory. This triplet of virtues is a solver of doubts, an explainer of mysteries, a lantern in the dark, and a guide in every labyrinth of life; and the closer it is worn to the heart the surer and more certain its good effects. It is a casuist for the decision of doubtful questions; a discerner of right and wrong; it has tears for the mourner, and smiles for the gladsome heart, it gives ears to the deaf, sight to the blind, a staff to the lame, and a balm to every disease; it is a quencher of distrust, and a radical cure for jealousy. These are but a meager list of its virtues. The casuist is one who can correctly decide in difficult questions, as to right and wrong in human actions, such as often trouble the tender conscience; for in the varied walks of life there are multiplied instances in which circumstances are so linked, and right and wrong are so interwoven, that discernment is indispensable to a proper course, and an instantaneous decision is often called for; so that it is of the greatest importance that every Christian be a good casuist, in order to escape the wiles of the enemy; especially is this true, now, that the seductive influences of the world are more numerous than ever, forming as it were a net-work of error, so woven and spread, as to envelop the entire world, and he who would escape its meshes, must be a skillful casuist, and present truth is capable, with the Spirit's aid, of doing this. Even the simple may be made wise. Parents, do not speak before your children of their virtues. Keep your children humble; it will do them no harm. Extolling, or even relating their feats before strangers, in the presence of your children, has a bad effect upon them. Strangers see it, if you do not. A pert child is a nuisance to society. Such children had better not have been born. Let others note their virtues, you had better cure their faults. Or if you speak favorably of them, do it at a proper time, with the greatest caution. SPECIAL PLEASING.—"How can I," says Bro. Earthy, "be always just in time? To be sure, I generally put work a little before sundown, though the boys have some chores to do after that. Now the brethren have been at me about a little affair that happened a few weeks ago. I went to town to mill on Friday, and one thing hindered after another, the blacksmith broke his word and disappointed me, and how could I help it? I was, it is true, a little late home." Says Bro. Flint, "Suppose you should go to town on some very important errand, for instance, to save a dying man, would you stop to shoe your horse, or any thing else? would you not try your horse's feet on rough and smooth, wet and dry, to save the life of the poor man? Well, now, I keep from sin for eternal life; and if I can lead a holy life while I do live, it is of little consequence to me whether my present life is lengthened out or not. Then it is proved that I must lead a spotless life, at all hazards, but as to saving my present life, that is of little consequence, comparatively. O Bro. E., that you could see the awful gulf that opens just by your feet! But God alone can cure your blindness. I pray him to remove the veil that hides God from your sight." "It is impossible for me to live out such strict ways," says Bro. Earthy. "I have no time to lose," says Bro. Flint. "Choose for yourself. If the Lord be God, serve him; if you prefer your own way, take that, only say I am clear; say that I have done my duty, in faithfulness and love to you. I greatly desire your salvation, but I desire more to glorify God by clearing myself from your blood." Let us see, not who will be greatest, but who will love God the most, who will have most love to the brethren, who will give the most according to his ability, who will be most strictly honest, who will improve his talents to the greatest advantage; who will be wisest to win souls; for "he that winneth souls is wise," Prov. xi, 30, who will honor God the most by humility and the fear of the Lord. Joshua did not say, We will try to serve the Lord—but, We will serve him. O for a will to do right, a will sanctified and holy! There are various ways of defining "change of heart," but the best explanation I ever saw was this: "Christ came to change the current of our thoughts." Now look at yander river, and imagine that the current was changed and flowed up stream. Would you say the current was changed, if a part of the stream was running one way, and a part the other way? So of him who still gives place to sin and Satan. Can he suppose his heart is changed? Even if he has many good thoughts and ways, while all is mixed with sin, can he say his heart is changed? Is he not rather striving for this change? When we think we are well settled, it is very probable that we shall soon be unsettled: 'This is not your rest.' FROM "ELIJAH THE TISHBITE."
Ahaziah lies sick; but, alas, we behold in him the same state of mind on his sick bed as we perceive in many others who come within our own observation. Here is only another proof of the melancholy truth that the severest afflictions are ineffectual in themselves to soften the sinner's heart. . . . The idol at Ekron was supposed to give oracular answers, through the medium of its priests, respecting future events; and it had obtained such general credence, that it was resorted to from a considerable distance. That the predictions there uttered, and the prodigies there exhibited, were connected with infernal influence, can hardly be doubted. When, in the divine judgments upon Anti-christ and his kingdom, Satan shall suffer that signal defeat which is denounced against him in the word of God, it will be found that it was he who created and maintained the worship of idols, and that it was from his agency that the kingdom of darkness and falsehood received its principal support. . . . The idol at Ekron and his oracle was the first remedy that the sick king of Samaria could think of. He assembled his servants about him, and proceeded by their means to an act of impiety as great as could well be committed in Israel. "Go," said he, openly and shamelessly, "inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover of this disease." Conduct such as this of Ahaziah, cannot outwardly be imitated by ourselves, because gross idolatry exists no longer among us, and the polite world is too enlightened to consult the Devil in person, having long held Satan and hell to be merely the puerile notions of antiquity. Yet after all we find upon closer inspection that even our own philosophic age is full of that heathen leaven, though it is now molded into a more refined form; and experience shows that disbelief in the "sure word of prophecy" only leads into new superstition. It is true the presentiment of an invisible world, and the necessity of entering it, is indelibly impressed upon the human mind. But those who scorn to submit this feeling to the rule of Scripture, and to seek satisfaction in the divinely revealed record, are sure to sink under the dominion of darkness and imposture. As a counterpart to the oracle at Ekron and Endor, we have, in the present day, visionaries and somnambulists; instead of the Delphic tripod and the Dodonian oak, we have pretended prophets and fortune-tellers, whose numbers are greater among the people than is generally supposed; and if we are above believing these, still we have our forebodings, our presentiments, and our dreams, of which many are apt to make as much as of the divine oracles. The place of the ancient heathen mysteries is occupied by a multitude of covert associations, in whose mystic obscurities thousands seek those disclosures which they refuse to accept from the hand of the living God; and though they can smile with scorn at the magicians of antiquity, they do not think it beneath them to have recourse to amulets and charms, to which popular belief ascribes mysterious powers; or they endeavor to cure diseases by what are called sympathetic remedies. But suppose we are free from such superstitions, still, when we hear a mother entreating the physician to save her child, and when, upon any one's referring to the blessing of God for success, offense is taken at this reference, is not here the same spirit as we see in Ahaziah? Is not here a running after idols, an idolatry of means? Yet how common is this among us. How many are there who have never seriously thought of applying to the God of Israel, and who seem to know of no other God in their necessities and embarrassments, except the creature—dust and ashes! But wo unto those who give to idols the glory that belongs to God alone! That the Lord does not regard such conduct with indifference, the sequel of this narrative teaches us. Sr. L. B. Abbey writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y.: "It cheers my heart to read the columns of the Review, and it produces a stronger attachment and love for those who are watching and waiting for the return of their Lord. I feel a strong and increasing desire to lie low at the feet of the blessed Redeemer, and learn more perfectly the way in which I must walk to be made meet for that abode where angels dwell. O, how it becomes me to seek meekness, and continually cling to the bleeding side of the dear Saviour. 'The meek shall inherit the earth.' 'The meek will be guide in judgment.' My constant prayer is, O Lord, show me what there is still remaining about me that is not brought in subjection to thy holy and righteous will.15 "I feel truly to thank the name of the Lord that he still lengthens out my days and has not forsaken me, but visits me by his holy spirit, and breathes into my heart a spirit of praise to his excellent name. "Dear brethren and sisters scattered far and wide, lift up your heads, your redemption is near, and very soon the accuser of the brethren will be cast down. We are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. O for overcoming faith that will enable us to overcome the world, and gain the victory over our enemies. "Our enemies are strong. They boast themselves, but not in the name of the Lord, therefore they shall not prevail. Well may the children of God say with the servants of old, 'The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation,' and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.' "It is certain the Lord will save us from our enemies if we hold fast to his testimonies. Let us be of that number who shall take heed to our ways according to the word of the Lord; then shall we be cleansed from all unrighteousness; then we can boast ourselves in the Lord; then shall we rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks. Though we may be passing through the ordeal that is to purify us, yet we shall rejoice. I feel to praise the name of the Lord for all his mercies and goodness to me; that he has not yet left me to myself, nor in the hands of the enemy.' "Brethren, pray for me, that I may still watch, wait, and pray, until called for by the Master, who will say to all the faithful, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you." Bro. and Sr. Love write from Barkwoods, Wis.: "DEAR BRO. AND SR. WHITE: Although we have never seen you but once, yet we know your works and untiring labors of love; and we feel it a duty as well as a privilege to tell you how thankful we are for what you have endured. "It is a little over eight years since we commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and embraced, as we supposed, the third angel's message. We were ready to make any sacrifice for the truth, but we soon learned that our teachers were not in union with the Review, and this we saw increased until the Messenger party arose. We then felt like standing alone, and retiring from strife. In this, we now see, we did not do right. We should have stood firmly for God's truth and for his people; and we here wish to make a full acknowledgment to you before God, of our slowness of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. We have not regarded the gifts of the church in the important light that we should. "We are very thankful to you for your labors of love to your fellow mortals, especially the publishing of Spiritual Gifts. We cannot read in volume second without shedding tears of joy and grief. We are grieved at your trials, and glad that you have endured them so nobly, for by this we have been brought to see the light of present truth. And when you are wading through trials deep, remember that our prayers are daily rising to heaven for you. "As the subject of organization has been agitated, we wish to give a little of our experience in the matter. We embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. Phelps, and have made very slow progress, and feel unworthy, but we are still trying to overcome. When Bro. P. first came into Barkwoods, he came, I believe, in sincerity, and preached the third angel's message as he understood it. His labors seemed to be prospered, and there was a church raised up in this vicinity, which numbered about fifty. Our meetings were lively and spirited for a time. Bro. P. preached that the nominal churches were Babylon, and if we were organized into a church, we should become a part of it. This we generally believed. The different messengers in Wisconsin visited us frequently, and preached the same thing. Soon trials commenced, and there was an attempt to settle them, but with little profit. As trials became more prevalent, the old maxim held good, that what is everybody's business is nobody's. The messenger party came up, and many partook freely of its scattering influence. We were presently in a perfect Babylon ourselves. The interest died away in the meetings, preaching ceased, and the meetings were given up. Here we were in a confused state. We were like sheep turned into the wilderness without a shepherd. "Time passed on in this way until Bro. Sanborn came to Little Prairie, some ten miles from here. The subject of organization was presented, and we saw it was right. Bro. and Sr. Robbins and ourselves united with them in church fellowship. The straight testimony we consider meat in due season. We believe that the gifts of the church are absolutely necessary in these last days, to unite the people of God on a firm platform, that they might stand shoulder to shoulder to resist the fiery darts of the enemy. "Pray for us, that we may ever be found in the path of duty." Bro. A. G. Carter writes from Rubicon, Dodge Co., Wis.: "Dear Bro. White: I am much interested in the subject of Organization as presented by yourself and others through the columns of the Review. At the introduction of that subject, I was of the same mind as Bro. R. F. C. But after examining all the arguments in favor of legal organization, I am fully persuaded that you are right, and therefore endorse your views freely. I am also very much interested in the Conference Address, published in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 20; also the testimony in No. 21, under the heading of Organization, meets my mind. You have there plainly set forth the necessity of union in the churches. It reminds me of one Sabbath-keeper who said, 'I don't think we shall ever be of one mind and one heart while in this mortal state.' But such a view to my mind would make our Lord's prayer, John xvii, unavailable, and also the teachings of the apostles on that subject. See Rom. xii, 16; xv, 5; 2 Cor. xiii, 11; Phil. ii, 2; iii, 16; 1 Pet. iii, 8; 1 Cor. i, 10. If such passages of scripture as these do not teach that we should be of one heart and mind, then I know not what language can be made to teach it. "I have been a Sabbath-keeper for more than seven years, and a firm believer in the three angel's messages, and am fully persuaded that the Lord is leading out his people. "My heart rejoices when I read in the Review of measures being taken for more permanent organization, and for union in the churches. I pray that the time may soon come when we all shall be one as the Father and Son are one. See the Lord's prayer, in John xvii, especially verses 11 and 22. "I regard the law of the Lord as being perfect. Ps. xix, 7, like its great Author; and if we keep it we shall also be perfect. 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' Matt. v, 48. In comparing my life with the word of God and testimonies for the church, I have found myself imperfect, yet I am not discouraged, but mean to strive for it. The words of the apostle, Heb. vi, 1, are addressed to the followers of Christ: 'Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.' This shows that it is a progressive work, and our Saviour says, 'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.' John vi, 37. I am determined to come unto the Lord by taking heed unto all his testimonies, that I may not be cast out; but be perfected with all his saints, and share in the glorious inheritance. My heart beats in union with the Lord's people, and I rejoice to learn through the Review that they are taking measures to come up on higher and holier ground. I remain yours in much love for the whole truth." Sr. P. D. Lawrence writes from Falmouth, Mass., Nov. 19, 1861: "I attended an evening Methodist meeting in South Boston. They seemed full of the good Spirit, praising God, so much so that I felt tried with myself. The minister told them he hoped they would all work for God,—ever so little would call down the blessing. Remember, said he, those who by blowing the rams' horns brought down the walls of Jericho. "After he had finished speaking I arose and told him I was happy to hear that subject spoken of, for it was one I delighted in. But the walls did not fall at the blowing of the rams' horns only, but by obeying the command of God to follow the ark which contained the ten commandments which were still binding, and would be till heaven and earth passed away. And I was happy to hear so many praising God and the blessed Jesus, for every thing denoted his speedy coming in his kingdom to redeem us from the time of trouble so near. And that John said, this is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and they are not grievous, and by this we were to know when we loved the children of God, if we loved God and kept his commandments. What shall we do with this Scripture? "The minister said, 'Sit down! I don't want such subjects brought into this meeting. This is a social meeting.' I told him I would ask his forgiveness if I had offended him by presenting the Scriptures. He made many excuses because he disliked the views, &c. An old man arose and said the kingdom was set up in his heart. The minister responded, 'Amen! that is a good place for it.' But I thought it a narrow location for the saints of God. Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people truly, and yet so full of light and love. If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness. So saith Jesus." Sister E. E. Root writes from Victor, N. Y.: "I became interested in present truth by reading a few papers [the Review] lent me by a friend. Those lent me contained a piece called the Saints' Inheritance. I read them, and borrowed more. I had been a believer in the destruction of the wicked and unconsciousness of the dead, three years. I have received the Review weekly since March, 1860, through the kindness of friends, for which I am grateful. They will not lose their reward. It is all the meeting I have." Sister M. A. Streeter writes from Pulaski, N. Y.: "I still put my trust in the Lord, and my heart is full of gratitude for what the Lord is doing for his people in bringing them into order. I believe it is the work of the Lord. My prayer is that I may be a fit member of that church which is written in heaven." Bro. Wm. M. Allen writes from Cleveland, Min.: "There have five little churches been organized, according to the organization address, in Minnesota; and as far as I have been able to learn, they all acknowledge an increase of interest and confidence. May the Lord bless them in their onward course. May God grant that we may have a zeal according to knowledge, and that we may be one in deed and in truth. And my humble prayer is that those upon whom the care and burden of the churches has rested, may be sustained by the love and sympathy of their brethren, and the power of the Holy Spirit." Bro. L. Martin writes from Bennington, N. H.: "I still read the Review and Herald with pleasure, and I trust with profit. We have had many good meetings at Wilton and other places the past season. The brethren and sisters here in New Hampshire, as far as I know, are well united as regards organization. We believe the time has fully come when there should be order in the church. We sympathize with you and sister White in your arduous labors. May the Lord strengthen you and prepare you for what is yet before you. I do feel that we are living in a very solemn time. May the Lord help us all to be faithful to the end, that we may have everlasting life, is the prayer of your unworthy brother." I WOULD BE MEEK.
By E. W. Darling
I ASK not for renown;
I choose no upper seat,
Nor marked distinction shown,
To me: I would be meek;
For meekness is a heavenly grace,
Becoming to our sinful race, My weak, unworthy frame,
My past deep sinful life,
My living, but a name,
My path with dangers rife,
Combine to tell me that I owe
My all to God where'er I go. O may it never be
That such a worm as I,
Should boast, save, Lord, in thee,
Ruler of earth and sky;
Nor let me harbor once the thought,
That my own strength my deeds have wrought. But shouldst thou design to work
Through such a humble means,
Let not ambition lurk
Round one that on Thee leans;
But, humbly bowing to thy will,
Help me thy purpose to fulfill. And when this earthly strife,
And all its toil is o'er,
And evils of this life,
Shall vex my soul no more,
In the new earth I'll hope to have
Permission with the meek to live. Those who wish to squeeze the doctrine of endless torment out of the phrase, would do well to consider what we here state. Seven-tenths of the hard-hearted preachers of the day have not even a tolerable understanding of God's word. They do not study it—they are bent so much on shouting fire! that they have little time for anything else. When they read the Bible at all, it is only through their creeds, which pervert the sure testimony. Their creed being one of much fire, they see but little else when they read! Like the man who wears green glasses, everything he sees through them is green. If such men would ever get within hailing distance of reason, we would like to whisper in their ears to throw creeds to the winds and read God's word free and untrammelled. Then, only would they breathe the pure air of heaven and bask in the rays of that truth which maketh free indeed.—Sel. “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS : Such give me the privilege of calling you; for it is my desire to be numbered among the people of God. I have always believed, since I commenced to keep all the commandments of God, that this is no other than the true church, but believing this will not save me. I must live out my faith; for "faith without works is dead." I am trying once more to serve the Lord and keep all his commandments, that I may with you have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. Many of you have known of my giving up the Sabbath; but I feel heartily to repent of it. I often feel sad when I think I have broken that law which is so holy, just, and good. It was one year the first of this month since I gave it up, but not willingly. It seemed then that I was obliged to, but I did not keep any day in its stead. They thought me very wicked, where I was then, for not keeping Sunday. I gave them the reasons why I did not keep it. It is nearly three months since I commenced again to keep the Sabbath. At that time I was at Bro. Daniels' in Sandisfield, and many were the comforting words that were brought from the Scriptures, that enabled me to take hold by faith, and claim them mine. I believe Jesus does love me, or I should have been left to perish with the wicked. I am so thankful that I still love the truth, and I hope it will ever abide with me, and my faith grow stronger. Pray for me. And may I at last be so happy as to meet you in the kingdom, is my prayer.
H. N. PAYNE.
North Blanford, Mass. Nov. 24, 1861. Christ Chastens Willful Disobedience
Christ never chastises his children for what they cannot do, but only for what they will not do; he pities weakness, but chastens willfulness. Hope in the Resurrection
By Cornelia Rice
Dear Bro. White: It is cheering to my heart to open the Review and there find a letter from some former acquaintance, or loved one in the present truth; and I often feel sad because I do not oftener see such names; but shall I keep silence because they do? I think not. I have often heard it said in days gone by at conference meetings, "Let the most unworthy speak first." If this is the rule in speaking through the Review, then I may speak. But shall I speak of clouds, and doubts, and darkness, and of the many bitter things I could write against my own soul? or shall I speak of the goodness of God in leading me out to see and embrace the messages which are so rejected by the greater portion of christendom? The fables of the present day have no charms for me, although it seems that the doctrine of the immortality of the soul has an irresistible charm to many. They contrast their elysian fields with the cold and silent grave; therefore they say, Give us the doctrine of Socrates and Plato, but away with Jesus and the resurrection. It looks to me now as though these two doctrines coming in contact in the days of the apostles called down the bitterest ire of Pagan Rome, and the Jews had so far embraced this doctrine that the very priests were grieved with the apostles that they taught through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. But this is my hope. The Life-giver is coming. I hear him say, "I am he that liveth and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of hell and of death." O, I thank his name that I believe his coming draweth nigh. I want to be prepared and have the wedding garment on. I want to be among the wise that shall understand, and see the fulfillment of God's word in the events that are transpiring around us. I see God's preparation day has come,
With lightning speed the chariots run,
The fir-trees shaken are.
The earth decays and waxeth old,
In sin are sinners growing bold,
And haste their doom to share. The nations, too, are waking up,
To drink of God's avenging cup,
And spue, and reel, and fall;
And though the signs speak out so plain,
The watchmen blinded still remain,
And give no warning call. God hath a people, thank his name!
Who will the messages proclaim,
Though Israel will not hear.
Yet like true watchmen will they cry,
The day of wrath is drawing nigh,
The Judge will soon appear. Cornelia Rice.
Folsomdale, N. Y.