A SUFFICIENT reason for occupying a space on this subject at the present time, will be found in the following remarks from a brother in this State. He says—
"Conversing lately with a brother on the subject of Faith, I found that we differed greatly in our views, he holding that the word of God was faith, or in other words that the Bible was all the faith we have or can have; while I am of the opinion that faith is ours to exercise, being begotten in us by the Holy Spirit, and nourished by the promises of God. And as we could not come into the 'unity of the faith' on the subject, (and there are others of the same belief with this brother,) we concluded to write to you, that you might yourself, or some of your corresponding Editors, or some one who is capable, collect the testimony on this subject and present it through the REVIEW."
It is not with any feelings of special capability that we now attempt to offer a few thoughts concerning this subject; but we will endeavor to throw what light we can upon it from the teaching of the New Testament, as far as the briefness to which we are compelled will admit.
The word, faith, has different significations. Its first and primary signification, according to the definition of both the English and Greek word, is, belief, the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity without other evidence. Says Robinson, "In the N. T., pistis (faith) is used specially in reference to God and divine things, to Christ and his gospel, and thus becomes in some sense a technical word, particularly in the writings of Paul; denoting that faith, that confiding belief, which is the essential trait of Christian life and character, i. e., gospel faith, Christian faith. Rom. iii, 22. Sq."
"The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Saviour.—Dwight."
"Faith is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God."—Hawes.
"Faith is a firm cordial belief in the veracity of God, and all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them."—Woods.
That these definitions are drawn from, and are in accordance with the use of the word in the New Testament will be seen, when we come to notice the manner in which it is there used.
Third. It is used for the promises, or truth and faithfulness of God. Rom. iii, 3. "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
It may mean, fourthly, a belief in the lawfulness of things indifferent. Rom. xiv, 22. "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God."
These second, third, and fourth definitions of the word may be called exceptions to its general usage; but even in these we see that it cannot mean the word of God, or the Scriptures. Can it have this meaning in the remaining instances? We answer. If there is any difference between the Scriptures themselves, and a belief in the Scriptures, there is a difference between faith and the word.
If faith means the word of God, then we may substitute this expression for that word in the instances where it occurs. This is often a very good way to test such questions. Let us try a few examples: Matt. viii, 10. When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed. Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great word of God, no, not in Israel. Chap. ix, 2. And Jesus seeing their word of God, said unto the sick of the palsy, . . . thy sins be forgiven thee. Verse 22. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort, thy scriptures have made thee whole. Matt. xv, 28. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy Bible.
But enough of this. Who will adopt such a reading as this? But the word faith occurs in the New Testament two hundred and forty-four times, and in nearly every case it would be as obviously absurd to substitute word of God or Scriptures for it, as in the instances we have noticed. How many times do we meet with such expressions as these: If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed—if ye have faith and doubt not—when Jesus saw their faith—how is it that ye have no faith—thy faith hath made thee whole—have faith in God—where is your faith—increase our faith—shall he find faith on the earth, &c. &c., in which we can only understand a belief and confidence exercised in the power and promises of God.
Perhaps we ought not to pass by Paul's illustration of this subject in Heb. xi, though we can now do but little more than to call attention to it. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for," says he, "the evidence of things not seen." That is, to account those things which are proper objects of our hope and desire, as sure and certain as though they were already here, as though we had their substance within our hands, or looked upon them with our eyes,—this is faith. The ancient worthies were persuaded of the promises. By faith Abraham went out from his native country not knowing whither he went; for he looked for a city whose builder and maker is God, and he counted it just as certain and sure as though he had already looked upon its gorgeous foundations, and entered through its pearly gates into its streets of gold. O that we might have more of this same faith, that we might indeed count ourselves to be but pilgrims and strangers on the earth; that we also might look upon that city as sure and as certain as though we already beheld it descending from God out of heaven, and thus be enabled to transfer our affections from the fading things of earth, to those treasures of heaven, which shall measure their existence with the great white throne. If Abraham and those who believed with him had occasion to rejoice as they beheld the promises, though they were afar off, we have more; for the better thing which God has provided for us, (Heb. xi, 40,) decrees that they without us shall not be made perfect. No sooner will he enter upon the eternal inheritance of the righteous than we. There is a consistency in the view that all the righteous from first to last will enter upon their reward together. Will we not then be willing to cast in our lot with faithful Abraham? If his hope was good, so is ours; for it is the same, it looks to the true end. Be this our prayer, Lord increase our faith.
We are counseled by the faithful and true Witness to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. This must include faith; but it cannot be that we are counseled to buy the word of God, as we should be if all the faith there is, is the word of God. That word we have already, and it is able to make us wise unto salvation, and thoroughly furnish us unto all good works. We want the eye-salve that we may understand it fully.
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and it seems to us it would be as proper to call hearing the word of God, as to call faith so.
No: faith is that confidence in the power and promises of God which enables us—Reader you may set anything you please to this blank; for all things are possible to him that believeth.
REPORT OF MEETINGS!
By James White
We had the pleasure of attending the Conference at Caledonia, Mich., Oct. 3d and 4th, appointed by Bro. Frisbie. Brethren came in from Bowne, Grand Rapids, Monterey, &c., so that a large school-house was filled on the Sabbath. In this place are about fifty Sabbath-keepers, who have come out during the last six or eight months under the labors of Bro. J. B. Frisbie. We were happy to meet them, and preach to them the word of the Lord. There was good freedom at this meeting. There was an ear to hear, and we are glad to learn that some others are joining the ranks. Bro. Frisbie has labored faithfully with this people, and we trust they will faithfully help sustain him in his labors. He needs help now in order to be able to leave his good family and labor still in new fields, and must have it. Brethren, know the wants of those who cheerfully labor among you, and leave them not to want and discouragement.
From Caledonia we went to Monterey, where on the evening of the 8th inst. there was a meeting in the school-house near Bro. George Lay's, and an expectation to hear preaching. We went to the house feeling that we had nothing for the people. We told brethren on the way that we could not decide on any subject, and wished them to select. We sung a hymn, and had great freedom in prayer; sung again, but felt perplexed as to duty. In this state of mind, knowing not what to do, we gave liberty to others to use the time, when Mrs. W. arose and spoke with much freedom. The place was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Some rejoiced, others wept. All felt that the Lord was drawing very near. How sacred the place. Those present will never forget that meeting. When seated, Mrs. W. began to praise the Lord, and continued rising higher and higher in perfect triumph in the Lord, till her voice changed, and the deep, clear shouts of Glory! Hallelujah! thrilled every heart. She was in vision.
Unknown to us there was a poor, discouraged brother present, who had thrown his armor down, in consequence, in part, at least, of neglect by his wealthy brethren, and was returning to strong habits which threatened the happiness of himself and family. A most touching and encouraging message was given for him. By the grace of God he raised his head that very evening, and he and his good wife are again happy in hope. Monterey church will never forget that evening. At least they never should.
Sabbath, the 10th, the place of worship was filled at an early hour, mostly with believers in that vicinity. We presented a most comforting and cheering subject in the forenoon, [Rev. xxii, 17.] but with little liberty. We became satisfied that the condition of that wealthy church called for the plainest testimony in regard to present duty. God's cause suffers in many respects for want of means, and these wants could all be supplied with a very little of the abundance in the hands of his professed people. We venture to say that one fourth of the actual increase of property yearly in the hands of the brethren in this State would more than sustain the cause in this State in all its departments. Yet those who hold this property talk of having all upon the altar for God. Does a sacrifice increase? Nay, a sacrifice consumes. The Lord and good angels are tired, grieved, and disgusted with this talk about a sacrifice on the altar which increases, while the cause of Bible truth in many places lies bleeding for want of means.
In the afternoon the Lord's Supper was partaken by the believing assembly. But while in prayer at the commencement of the meeting, awful solemnity rested down upon the place. Most all wept, several aloud. The scenes of Calvary came vividly up, and we all felt that it was good to weep before the Lord. O what a privilege to fall at the foot of the cross and kiss the very dust. The nature and object of the197precious institution was explained, and the season was a precious one.
Sabbath, the 17th, we spent with the church at Battle Creek, and enjoyed freedom and a blessed season in speaking upon the unity of the church of Christ and perpetuity of the Gifts. We gave it as our opinion that instead of undervaluing what Gifts are manifested among us, it would be better to thank God for what we have, and pray for more.
J. W.
A LETTER TO A FRIEND,
By J. N. Loughborough
ON THE MARK OF THE BEAST.
DEAR W.—You ask me in your letter what I think of the position taken by some, that the mark of the beast in the forehead or hand, is the sign of the cross made by Catholics in their ceremonies, which is made in their forehead, or hand, on Ash Wednesdays, &c.? I think in short, that we shall see by looking carefully, that it cannot be claimed with much plausibility that the mark of the beast is the sign of the cross as used by Catholics. I am aware that the position of which you have spoken is the one taken by many on the subject of the mark of the beast, and I will therefore assign some reasons for dissenting from that position.
You seem to express satisfaction in regard to the position we have taken respecting the two-horned beast, as we think every one will, who carefully weighs the argument. But, if our view of the two-horned beast is correct, this government is the power that is to enforce the mark of the beast. As you have noticed in our writings on this subject, the beast and two-horned beast are two distinct powers. Catholics enforcing their peculiar forms on the members of their church, cannot be claimed to be fulfilling the work of the two-horned beast; but for the fulfillment of that work, we must find another power which enforces some of the beast's sentiments by law. We shall object to the position referred to on the mark of the beast, for the following reasons.
1. If the mark of the beast is the sign of the cross made by Catholics, then this government must yet enforce upon its subjects the sign of the cross, and that under penalty of death; for the two-horned beast is thus to enforce the mark of the beast. Rev. xiii. 15. But this you see at once we cannot expect. The religion of this government is Protestant. Protestants do not believe in the sign of the cross. This two-horned beast in its profession is a different power from the first beast. Its religion is professedly different, although in some points it occupies Catholic ground; but it does not on the sign of the cross. You may say, "Perhaps the Catholics will establish their religion here." That would not be an image to the first beast. The first beast was the Catholic church clothed with civil power. It would look more like an image to that power to put Protestants in a position where they can sustain and enforce their peculiar tenets by law. An image to anything is not the thing itself, but something that is like the thing. So an image to the first beast is not the Catholic church established by law, but another church established in a similar manner.
2. This mark of the beast which is to be enforced by the image-beast, is something that is contrary to God's Commandments, because after the Third Angel's Message of Rev. xiv, warns against the mark of the beast, it says, "Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, &c," thus showing that those who are not in unison with that message, and are subject to the mark of the beast, are not keeping all of God's Commandments. I know of no commandment that forbids a man's making a sign of a cross on his forehead, yet I look upon it as a useless ceremony.
3. The mark of the beast, if received, will incur "the wine of the wrath of God" without mixture of mercy, the same as the worship of the beast. But is the mere making of the sign of the cross upon a person, of sufficient importance to call down the wrath of God without mercy? But as it has been, and can be clearly shown that Sunday-keeping as a Sabbath is purely of Papal origin, and as such clear light is shining forth upon this subject. I can see a consistency in the position that the judgments of God will fall on a class of people that shall reject the clear light of his Commandments, and understandingly persist in keeping an institution of the beast—Papacy.
The mark of the beast, if it is to be enforced by Protestants, must be something which Protestants regard. What do they and Catholics agree in that leads them to break one of God's Commandments? I answer, they are agreed in neglecting the fourth Commandment and in substituting Sunday-keeping in place of the Sabbath. That they have done this, you have already seen from the arguments upon this subject.
The mark of the beast is called (Rev. xiv, 11) "The mark of his name," or title as the word is frequently said to mean. It is of the same import as the word in chap. xi. 13. The Roman power has assumed high sounding titles. "Christ's vicar on earth," in other words, a substitute for Christ. The Pope has not only assumed the position of law-maker, but he has changed the institutions of the Lord, and unblushingly acknowledges that it is by the authority of the Papal church that the keeping of Sunday as a Sabbath has been brought in. When asked for their authority for making laws, they point you to Sunday-keeping as a mark or sign of their right to make laws.
As we read in one of their Catechisms, entitled "Abridgement of Christian Doctrine," the question is asked, "How prove you that the church hath power to command feasts and holy days?" This is certainly calling for the mark of the name of the Catholic church, or in other words, for the sign of their royalty, or assumed power. Mark the answer, "By the very act of changing Sabbath into Sunday." Here they have plainly and frankly admitted that Sunday is the mark of their name.
There is another reason that might be assigned here for calling Sunday the mark of their name or royalty. That is this—this substitute sabbath of the Pope has taken the place that was formerly occupied by the sign (seal or mark) of the living God. We see by reading Ex. xxxi, 13, 17, and Eze. xx, 12, 20, that the Sabbath is the sign of the living God. Sign and seal are synonymous terms in the Bible. We read of Abraham, that "he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised." Rom. iv, 11. A seal of any law-making power, is a sign between them and their subjects, that they may be shielded from imposition. Then whatever is given as a sign between God and his subjects, that they may know him is his seal. The four texts we have quoted above show conclusively that the Sabbath occupies that place. God's Law evidently has a seal to it, and the power that has "thought to change it," (Dan. vii, 25.) could not effect a complete change without removing the seal of God; this they have done by mutilating the fourth commandment, and throwing away that part of it which enforces what the Bible recognizes as the seal of God. God's Law has a seal and should be taught now as a sealed Law.
A testimony is found in Isaiah viii, 16, which shows that in this dispensation God's Law will have a seal to it. This text is the only Old Testament scripture in which the word, disciple, occurs. A disciple is a learner of Jesus. The text says, "Bind up the testimony, seal the Law among my disciples." But when is this to be? The connection shows it is when they say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits," &c.
We have in this dispensation come to just such a time. The call is going forth for us to seek to spirits, but in this time God calls upon us to "seal the Law." We see there is occasion for such a work. Papacy has torn the seal from God's Law, and placed the sign of its own power in the place of it. Sunday-keeping has taken the place of God's seal or mark, and for the reasons assigned within, we hesitate not to call it "the mark of the beast." And as you see from the work you read on the two-horned beast, steps are being taken in this government that begin to look towards a rigid enforcing of this Sunday institution of the Papal church by Protestants.
From these considerations we have come to the conclusion we have in regard to the "mark of the beast," and we confidently expect Protestants will go on with their efforts to enforce this Sunday institution. The Lord help us to search for his truth as for hid treasures, practice his Commandments, and prepare for the coming conflict.
Your brother in hope of life.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Waukon, Iowa, Oct. 6th, 1857.
PLANETS AND THEIR PROBABLE DESTINY.
By Editor
[Bro. J. Clarke of Ohio sends us the following account, copied, he says, from E. H. Burritt's Geography of the Heavens, p. 40.]
"Two hundred and fifty years ago, a bright star shone 50 deg. N. N. E. of Caph., where now is a dark void!
"On the 8th of Nov., 1572, Tycho Brahe and Cornelius Gemma saw a star in the constellation of Cassiopea, which became all at once, so brilliant, that it surpassed the splendor of the brightest planets, and might be seen even at noon-day! Gradually this great brilliancy diminished, until the 15th of March, 1573, when, without moving from its place, it became utterly extinct.
"Its color, during this time, exhibited all the phenomena of a prodigious flame—first it was of a dazzling white, then of a reddish yellow, and lastly of an ashy paleness, in which light it expired. It is impossible, says Mrs. Somerville, to imagine anything more tremendous than a conflagration that could be visible at such a distance. It was seen for sixteen months.
"Some astronomers imagined that it would reappear after 150 years; but it has never been discovered since. This phenomenon alarmed all the astronomers of the age who beheld it; and many of them wrote dissertations concerning it.
"Rev. Prof. Vince, one of the most learned and pious astronomers of the age, has this remark:—'The disappearance of some stars may be the destruction of that system at the time appointed by the Deity for the probation of its inhabitants; and the appearance of new stars may be the formation of new systems for new races of beings then called into existence, to adore the works of their Creator.'
"Thus we may conceive the Deity to have been employed from all eternity, and thus he may continue to be employed for endless ages; forming new systems of beings to adore him, and transplanting beings already formed into happier regions, who will continue to rise higher and higher in their enjoyments, and go on to contemplate system after system through the boundless universe.
"La Place says, 'As to those stars which suddenly shine forth with a very vivid light, and then immediately disappear, it is extremely probable that great conflagrations produced by extraordinary causes, take place on their surface.' 'This conjecture,' continues he, 'is confirmed by their change of color, which is analogous to that presented to us on the earth by those bodies which are set on fire, and then gradually extinguished.'
"The late eminent Dr. Good, also observes, that worlds and systems of worlds are not only perpetually creating, but also perpetually disappearing. It is an extraordinary fact, that within the period of the last century not less than thirteen stars, in different constellations seem to have totally perished, and ten new ones to have been created. In many instances it is unquestionable, that the stars themselves, the supposed habitations of other kinds or orders of intelligent beings, together with the different planets, by which it is probable they were surrounded, have utterly vanished, and the spots which they occupied in the heavens, have become blanks! What has befallen other systems, will assuredly befall our own. Of the time and manner we know nothing, but the fact is incontrovertible; it is foretold by revelation; it is inscribed in the heavens; it is felt through the earth. Such is the awful and daily text; what then ought to be the comment?"
LETTERS
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Herald.
Bro. Smith: I believe we are having the third and last message of mercy to the world; and my prayer is that the Lord would help me to live in accordance with this belief. By the grace of God assisting me I am determined to endure to the end, for the promise is to such that they shall be saved.
May the Lord help us so to live that we shall not get overcharged with the cares of this life. The enemy of all good is trying in every possible way to allure us into worldly business, and there so entangle us that we may forget God and become an easy prey; but if we seek to God for wisdom to escape all his snares and devices, we shall obtain it and he will lead us safely through. I feel like putting my trust in God, knowing that he will give me strength in the time of need.
Dear brethren let us be patient, for we know by the glorious flood of divine light that shines upon our pathway from God's word that we have not followed cunningly devised fables in embracing the doctrine of the speedy coming of our Lord; but we have for a foundation whereon to rest our hope, the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
May the Lord in mercy help us as a people to feel the importance of now making diligent use of the day and means of grace, that we may by yielding submissively to the purifying process of the truth be sanctified through it. We have great reason to thank our heavenly Father for the truth he has caused to shine into our hearts amid the delusions of these last days, and let us diligently strive to honor and glorify Him who has done so much for us. I have been much encouraged of late by hearing of the prosperity of the cause in this State (Ohio,) and my heart's desire and earnest prayer to God is that it may still arise; that the time may speedily come when all God's dear children will be gathered into the unity of the faith, and be found walking in accordance with divine requirements.
Yours striving for the kingdom
WILLIAM HERALD.
Green Spring, Ohio Sept. 4th, 1857.
Meetings at Plainfield
By Frederick Wheeler
From Bro. Wheeler.
Bro. SMITH: I improve this opportunity, to say that I spent the last Sabbath with the little church in this place. The Lord was pleased to meet with us by his Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage our hearts. There seemed to be a desire among the little company to get deeper into the work of the Lord, to get lower in the vale of humility, that God might exalt them in due time. Evening after the Sabbath, and First-day, I held meetings in Plainfield, in a neighborhood where the present truth had never been presented. The congregations were not large; but good attention was given to the word spoken; and it appeared evident that the truth was making impression on the minds of some.
I have an appointment at the same place this evening, and hope that some jewels may be gathered out from among the rubbish. I feel encouraged to labor on in this cause, expecting soon to witness the mighty effect of the loud voice of the Third Angel. O Lord arouse thy people and hasten on the time is my prayer.
Yours for the truth. F. WHEELER.
West Winfield, N. Y., Oct 12th, 1857.
The Bible and the Immortal Soul
By R. L. Daniels
From Sister Daniels.
The Bible should be our only standard of faith, for its teachings cannot fail to lead us in the right way. If we will follow its teaching and if we are children of God we shall be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Yes thoroughly furnished; for the Bible says so, and who will doubt it? I will not. If then, man has an immortal soul or spirit that can exist without a body, we shall be thoroughly furnished with proof from the word of inspiration; and if not, we shall have proof enough to show that. But some one may say he has an immortal soul, and bring Rev. xxii. 9 to prove it. He says that this proves plainly that he has an immortal soul; but if it proves any such thing I fail to see it. I know when John was about to fall at the feet of the Angel to worship, he says, "See that thou do it not; for I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren the prophets." It seems from the reading of the passage that the Angel was John's servant and had been a servant of the prophets. He did not say that he was the immortal soul of one of the prophets that had died and gone to heaven as it would have to read if it favored the immortality of the soul.
Verse 2 says that he was about to fall before the feet of the Angel. Now I would ask if an immortal soul has feet. It seems that the angel had, but some say that a new body was given it after it went to heaven; but we can find no proof of any such thing in the Bible, consequently we do not believe it. I think the text referred to, fails to prove the immortality of the soul.
I think the Bible teaches us that we have no immortality in our present condition; and we are commanded to seek for it by patient continuance in well doing. Rom. ii, 7.
Again the Psalmist says, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish." Then if he is immortal, he is destitute of thoughts; "for his thoughts perish."
Again, "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence;" so the most holy departed soul does not praise the Lord, if he has gone to heaven. Psalms cxv. 17; cxli. 3, 4.
Many more texts could be brought to prove that we have not got immortality, but I think this is sufficient for the present. R. L. DANIELS.
Ulysses, Pa., Sept. 28th 1857.
The Work Is Moving Forward
By S. G. Butler
From Sister Butler.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I praise God for his great goodness to me of late. While reading the warm, spirited letters in the Review from the brethren and sisters in Vermont and other places, my poor heart has been much comforted. I rejoice in the Lord that his truth is being spread far and wide, and that while the dear messengers are going from place to place, Jesus, who when he was in the world, said to his sorrowing disciples, "Lo I am with you always even to the end," is faithful to fulfill his word to them. They will ere long receive their wages and gather fruit unto eternal life.
The work is moving forward, and all the powers of darkness cannot overthrow it. It is my daily prayer that the Lord would raise up more faithful laborers199to labor in his vineyard; for truly "the harvest is great but the laborers are few." I felt to praise the Lord, when I read in the Review that our Vermont brethren were coming into this great Western field with the Tent, to labor for precious souls who have not rejected such an amount of light as they have in that region; and I believe that the good Shepherd is with them and will direct them. I pray if it is the will of God that they may come to this place, for there is a hearing ear here, and I do long to see souls embracing this last, solemn truth which is destined to triumph.
For some time past I have endeavored to heed the counsel to the Laodiceans, to be zealous and repent. I have had a great desire of late to be just right in the sight of God, to live every day as though it were my last. My brethren and sisters, do we realize the solemn time in which we are living? I feel there is great danger of having our hearts overcharged with the cares and anxieties of this life, and that day come upon us unawares. O let us heed the exhortation of the dear Saviour, and daily seek strength and wisdom from him, that we may be kept in this perilous hour. This poor, perishing world is soon to be destroyed, but there remaineth a rest for the suffering saints, who are now struggling for life; and that glorious rest is very near. I expect if faithful to the end to enjoy it with the dear saints of all ages. Those who are sleeping in the dust of earth will soon awake. I want to see the prophets and apostles and martyrs that have laid down their lives for Jesus. "What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." Let us be diligent that we may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. Brother White's address to Sabbath-keeper's children is to the point; and also Bro. Cottrell's on pride. May we profit by them.
Yours striving to overcome. S. G. BUTLER.
WORK FOR HEAVEN.
If thou hast thrown a glorious thought
Upon life's common ways,
Should other men the gain have caught,
Fret not to lose the praise.
Great thinker, often shalt thou find,
While folly plunders fame,
To thy rich store the crowd is blind,
Nor knows thy very name.
What matter that, if thou uncoil
The soul that God has given;
Not in the world's mean eye to toil,
But in the sight of heaven.
If thou art true, yet in thee lurks
For fame a human sigh,
To nature go and see how works
That handmaid of the sky.
Her own deep bounty she forgets,
Is full of germs and seeds;
Nor glorifies herself, nor sets
Her flowers above her weeds.
She hides the modest leaves between,
She loves untrodden roads;
Her richest treasures are not seen
By any eye but God's.
Accept the lesson. Look not for
Reward; from out thee chase
All selfish ends, and ask no more
Than to fulfill thy place.—Sel.
Faithfulness While Alone
By H. S. Giddings
From Bro. Giddings.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Situated as we are where we have no one to meet with on the Sabbath, the Bible and the Review are all we have to cheer us on our way through this dark world. But amid all the darkness of error and superstition, the light of divine truth shines as a lamp to our feet, to light up the path to heaven. Never did sin appear so exceeding sinful, nor heaven so glorious as since the message to the Laodiceans came to us. The testimony, as a mirror on every side, reflects my imperfections. I have been trying to get rid of them, and through grace I mean to be an overcomer. I want to live so as to escape the things that are coming on the earth, and to stand before the Son of man, acquitted of all my transgressions.
I would say to those who are alone as we are, be faithful, watch a little longer, for the last lingering hours of the long, dark night of time are almost gone, and the bright morning of immortality is ready to dawn upon us. And you who have the privilege of meeting on the Sabbath, be dutiful to God, and faithful to each other. Great is your privilege if rightly viewed; for the psalmist said "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." Pray for us.
From your unworthy brother.
H. S. GIDDINGS.
Warren, Ills., Oct 4th, 1857.
HICKMAN MILLER
By Hickman Miller
From Bro. Miller.
Bro. Smith: Though a stranger, I write to let you know that I am a lover of the truths advocated in the Review. There are a few of us here who have kept the Sabbath of the fourth commandment since last Spring. We were first moved to search for the truth of the Bible on this point by conversing with brother West from Illinois. In searching the Scriptures, we found that keeping the first day of the week for the Sabbath had no foundation in the word of God; and if we ever expected to be saved, we must keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.
This appears to be a dark corner of the earth, for the world and the popular church go hand in hand against the Sabbath of the Lord, and those who keep it; but we read in the word of God, Matt. v. 11, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake;" and in 2 Tim. iii. 12, "Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." These and other passages are great encouragement for us to bear persecution. How great and precious are the promises contained in the word of God. It is meat indeed, and drink indeed to every hungry, thirsty soul. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. O that we may be zealous and repent of all our sins, that we may at last have a right to the tree of life.
I would say that we have never heard any of the preaching brethren that are proclaiming the Third Angel's Message to the human family. We would be glad if some of the brethren would come this way and more fully explain to us this message, for I believe that there are some here that are almost persuaded to keep the Sabbath. There are also some that are keeping the Sabbath who are waiting to go forward in the ordinance of baptism if some one would come this way to administer it.
What a different book the Bible is to me to what it used to be. How plain its truths that teach the weary pilgrim the way that he must walk in, that he may finally stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. Yours in hope of eternal life.
HICKMAN MILLER
Oneida, Ohio, Oct. 13th, 1857
Longing for the Saviour’s Return
By Mary Armstrong
From Sister Armstrong.
Bro. Smith: Your little sheet is a welcome visitor to me. I love the rich principles it advocates, although I have been a reader of its pages but a short time. I still love the truth, and am trying to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. O what a kind and merciful Father we have; one in whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning; one who cares for his children, and is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life. And the Son himself said: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go away, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also." Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and he will come again and receive us unto himself that where he is there we may be also. O how I long to be where my Saviour is, and be free from this world of sin and death. Do we love Jesus? Then let us so live that all men may know that we are his disciples; let us all wake up, and gird on the armor, have our lamps trimmed and burning, and be as men waiting for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding. We have line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, and there will be much required of us.
We have been passing through severe trials here of late. The truth is manifesting those who are determined to buy "gold tried in the fire," though it may take all they have in this world; while others appear as though they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. Saith the Apostle "Faith without works is dead, being alone." "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" May the Lord help each and every one of us to be in earnest, to be zealous and repent. May we feel the responsibility that rests upon each one of us, and realize that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Our thoughts and meditations should be holy, our whole bodies should be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
The ardent desire of my heart is, that the saints of God may, as one, arise and put on strength. Now is the time to be very humble, to get rid of pride, and everything that is offensive in the sight of God.