p. 55 | Review and Herald, Vol. 5, No. 7. (3/7/1854)

ELIZABETH H. FORD

By Elizabeth H. Ford

From Sister Ford.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Since the Stowe Conference, last Autumn which I attended, I have been striving to obey God in keeping all of his commandments. For months previous to that meeting, I was firmly convinced that the seventh day was the only Sabbath of the Bible; but still I could not make up my mind to bear the reproach of keeping it.

Perhaps it would not be out of place, to give you a brief history of my experience, and the manner of my coming to a knowledge of the truth. Nearly two years ago, I received intelligence that some relatives of mine, residing in Vermont, had changed their views in regard to the Sabbath, and instead of keeping the first, had commenced keeping the seventh-day. I was surprised, and could hardly credit the report; but yet I had a desire to know something about it. They were friends that I loved, and respected, and I thought that there must be some strong reasons for their embracing so strange a belief. I visited them shortly after, they pointed out the reasons of their faith, and asked me to read my Bible more, and see if their views and the word harmonized. I read my Bible, but with the expectation of finding sufficient proof to overthrow their belief. But I found myself sadly disappointed. It seemed to me that every word I read, went to prove that they were right. I left them, and returned to this place again; but I could not forget the poor, despised Sabbath-keepers. Up to this time I had never made a profession of religion; but I began to think of the importance of having a hope in Christ as never before. I commenced going to church, prayed to God for forgiveness of past sins, and thought that I experienced a change of heart. But I was not happy as I thought the young converts ought to be. When I read my Bible the commandments would come up, and I could not feel right. I was taken on trial in the Methodist church. I saw so much pride, popularity, and fashion among the professed christians, as to cause the inquiry sometimes to arise, Are they the true disciples of Jesus : I had always thought that religion, instead of making persons popular, would cause them to be more humble, meek, and lowly. I was truly desirous to become a true-hearted Christian : yet I felt so unhappy, that I doubted the sincerity of my own heart. I prayed to God to direct me aright, and thanks be to his name, he heard my prayer. I was called very suddenly to return to Vermont with a sister of mine who was dangerously ill. Once again amongst the Sabbath-keepers, I could not longer withstand the truth. The more I investigated the subject, the brighter the light shone on the Sabbath. I attended several meetings, all of which tended to strengthen my views especially the one at Stowe. What I there witnessed confirmed me in the truth of the position we occupy. I resolved by the grace of God assisting me, to strive to keep the commandments, that I might have a right to the tree of Life. And never have I regretted it, though I have met with temptations, and trials on every side. Friends have reproached and entreated, yet the grace of God has enabled me to stand. I know of no one of like faith in this place, and brethren and sisters, I claim your prayers; O when you kneel at the throne of grace forget not the Lambs of the flock. Remember their youth and inexperience, and pray the more earnestly for them.

From your sister striving for the Kingdom.

ELIZABETH H. FORD

Lowell, Mass., Feb. 19th, 1854.

M. E. CORNELL

By M. E. Cornell

From Bro. Cornell.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have been laboring in this Village a short time past with good result. There is a large congregation of seventh-day Baptists here. They kindly opened their meeting-house for lectures on the prophecies. There was a general attendance, and great interest manifested. Many are searching diligently. Some have already decided "that these things are so." I have not seen in any place a more general inquiry, and so many warm friends of truth, since I have been in the message. There has been calls for lectures in five different neighborhoods since I came here, not far from this place. When will all the present calls be supplied? O Lord speed the work! I expect to spend five or six weeks more in this State. I am now about starting northward in search of the lecturing brethren.

As ever, onward in the truth.

M. E. CORNELL

Milton, Wis., Feb. 20th, 1854.

Progress of the Cause in Potter County

By A. S. Hutchins

From Bro. Hutchins.

Dear Bro. White:—Since my last I have returned to Potter Co., Pa., and find that the cause of truth is still progressing here. The interest manifested by the friends to learn the evidences of our faith, when here before, appears to increase. Several requests for meetings have been sent us, where we have not yet had time to go. "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few." Our meetings last Sabbath and First-day were held here. The brethren came in from this vicinity, and our hearts were greatly encouraged on meeting with several of the dear brethren and sisters who have recently embraced the Sabbath truth. O may the Lord strengthen their hearts, and prepare them for a glorious and triumphant victory over the enemy of all righteousness. Quite a number of attentive hearers were also present.

Ten or twelve have already given their names for the Review, which I think is read with prayerful attention, and we have reason to believe is accomplishing much good.

Many of our publications (books and tracts) which you afford at so small an expense, are taken by those desirous to read on the subject of the message of the third angel.

I now dispose of more books than when gratuitously distributed, and I am confident with as great, if not greater satisfaction on the part of those who purchase them.

Bro. Ingraham I expect will be here this week.

Yours in hope. A. S. Hutchins.

Ulysses, Pa., Feb. 21st, 1854.

MARY BOVEE

By Mary Bovee

From Sister Bovee.

DEAR FRIEND:—I have enclosed one dollar, and wish you to continue sending the Review. I have taken the Advent papers from the first, until I came here which was six years since, and then I knew no way to get them. Last Fall, my beloved Neice, Urasa Bucklin, returning from the west, called on me, and said I should have them six months. They have come and the time is run out. It is nothing new that I believe we live in the last days. I can truly say, "Thy kingdom come." I believe the time is near when Christ will take his weary children home. I should be glad to say much, but age and infirmities prevent. You will defer all criticisms when I tell you I shall be eighty-five years of age, next May. I was eleven years old the dark day. I feel it will be a joyful day when Christ takes his redeemed children home. I have a strong hope I shall be one.

May the Lord strengthen his saints while here to do his will, is the prayer of your unworthy friend and well-wisher.

MARY BOVEE

Euclid, N. Y., March 1st, 1854.

FRANCES STRONG

By Frances Strong

From Sister Strong.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are living in a time when the enemy is on the alert, deceiving and drawing away God's children, just now in the sealing time, and all who are not found watching are liable to be drawn away, and to be taken captive by him at his will. Among the fables of the last days, the New-Time theory is presented before the weak and unwary, and they are falling a prey to the powerful deceptions of the adversary. But the Lord has promised that when the enemy comes in like a flood, that the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Yes, bless the Lord, he is soon going to say to the weak, Be strong, and to him that is of a fearful heart, Be of good courage; for his salvation is near to come, and his glory to be revealed, when the light of the moon shall be as the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven-fold.

Now brethren and sisters, let us gird on the whole armor, and be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. There is no time now to delay. It is no time now to be living at the halves. If Baal be god serve him; but if the Lord be God serve him. The separating work is now going on. The dividing line is being drawn between the righteous and the wicked, and between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

May the Lord set to his helping hand is the prayer of your unworthy servant.

FRANCES STRONG

Milton, N. Y., Feb. 27th, 1854.

Trying to Keep the Commandments

By Olive A. Wheeler

From Sister Wheeler.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—As I have been much comforted by reading the communications in the Review, I would like to say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, I am still trying to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And hope to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of my testimony.

Within the last year I have passed through some severe trials; but I feel to thank and praise our dear Heavenly Father that he has led me on thus far, and not forsaken me; and for the sweet peace I enjoy in trying to keep his commandments. And says the Apostle, by this we may know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. I do feel to rejoice that I know that I love the children of God; and that I have chosen to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. But I feel solemn, in view of the time in which we live. The third angel's message is sounding. The last message without any mixture of mercy. Our Great High Priest is finishing his work in the Sanctuary, and he will soon put off his priestly attire, and take his seat upon the white cloud; and then, O then is the solemn declaration, he, that is filthy let him be filthy still, and he that is holy let him be holy still. In view of what is before us, my heart cries out, shall I be able to stand. Blessed are the pure in heart (says our dear Saviour) for they shall see God. O praise the Lord for his sure promises. He will never leave nor forsake us. If we do his commandments, we may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

There is a little band of Sabbath-keepers in this place, who are striving to overcome and gain the kingdom. There has been much opposition and prejudice here, against our views; but I feel to rejoice that some are beginning to search to see if these things are so. Within a few weeks, four have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We were favored with the labors of Brn. Sperry and Buck, according to their appointment, and we trust their labors will not be in vain in this place. Prejudice appears to be removed, and we are satisfied that a number are convinced of the truth. It is a matter of great consolation that the Lord has set his hand to the work of gathering the remnant of his people, and I can truly say,

O how I long to see that day, When the redeemed shall come To Zion, clad in white array, Their blissful, happy home.

Yours striving for the kingdom. OLIVE. A. WHEELER. Eaton, C. E., Feb. 19th, 1854.

FOREIGN NEWS.

The Cunard steamship Europa arrived at New York about 7 o'clock on Saturday morning. She left Liverpool on Saturday, Feb. 11, at about 10 o'clock in the forenoon. She brings advices from London (by telegraph) and Liverpool of that date.

OPERATIONS ON THE DANUBE.—Two or three Americans (names not mentioned,) a Wallachian General, and several Swedish and French officers, had arrived at head-quarters to take service with the Porte. Considerable re-enforcements were on march from Sophia for Kalafat, where there is already assembled an army of 25,000 men, provided with a numerous and excellent train of artillery. Total Russian force at the present moment, both in the Principalities and in Bessarabia, 156,328 men, with 520 cannon, of which 72 are of large caliber. The allied fleets having taken on board fresh provisions, were to re-enter the Black Sea on the 28th January.

FRANCE.—From Vienna it is said that the Emperor Napoleon has, in an autograph letter, made a last appeal to the good sense of the Czar. Prince Napoleon, is said to be enthusiastically in favor of active land operations to support the Turks, in which event he would probably receive a command.

In every department of the public service warlike preparations go on unceasingly. At the military schools the troops are exercised in operations of attack, passage of rivers, &c. The recently enrolled recruits have extra drills twice a day, and the officers are put under examination by their superiors. The corps of artillery and cavalry are undergoing similar preparations. At L'Orient all the artificers of the arsenal, and carpenters are employed in making wooden cases for the new description of projectile called boulets asphyxiants,—hollow balls filled with a composition that stifles those among whom it falls. Admiral Bruat's squadron sailed from Brest, 6th instant, toward the coast of Africa. Letters state that he has orders to embark from Algeria a first division of 10,000 men who have already been organized by Gen. Pelissier.

The British contingent for the defense of Turkey will amount to 20,000 men with 40 guns; 250 picked men in each battalion are to be armed with Minie rifles, and brigade commands will be conferred on young colonels. The naval preparations are carried on with the greatest vigilance.

The period of forty days allotted by the Porte for the acceptance, by Russia, of the terms of adjustment proposed by the Four Powers and assented to by the Turkish Cabinet, expired on Thursday, Feb 8, and the Porte or its allies are fully justified in taking, without further notice, such measures as they may deem necessary in opposition to the Czar.

Advices from Constantinople state that the French and English Admirals had fixed the period of 15 days from the 27th of January, for the Russian vessels to return to their harbors in the Black Sea.

A camp for 40,000 men is being prepared at a place six miles from Constantinople, on the banks of the Sea of Marmora.

In Asia, Gen. Guyon had resumed offensive operations against the Russians.

Dates from Bucharest of Feb. 1, state that the Russians have 60,000 men before Kalafat, and that the Emperor has given orders to drive the Turks out of Lesser Wallachia without loss of time.

St. Petersburg, 3d.—Since Count Orloff's departure, great animation has prevailed, but matters wear a sombre and warlike aspect.

LONDON, Feb. 13.—It is confidently announced that a manifesto, signed by Nesselrode, is shortly expected at Vienna, in which Russia will announce to the world her final intentions.

THE EASTERN WAR.—A letter from Trebizond of the 14th, states that Shamyl, at the head of 10,000 Circassians was marching against Zakatila, an important military position of the Russians.

It is reported that Lord Raglan is to have the chief command of the allied forces, and that the duke of Cambridge, Earl of Cardigan, Generals Evans and Brotherton are to have appointments.

According to letters from Krajova, the bad weather has alone prevented the Russians from attacking Kalafat. The investing army has made a movement in advance, but active operations will not begin before March, when the fordage for crossing the Danube will be ready.

Three Russian regiments one of which is the Chasseurs of Odessa, have been so cut up that they must be completely reorganized before they can again take the field.

Up to the 27th the Russian corps had formed a semicircle, the extent of which was about 36 English miles, around the Turkish position at Kalafat.

The French Government continues its preparations with great activity, and orders have been dispatched from Paris for the Brest fleet to put to sea at once, and it is understood that the Admiral in command was under orders from the Minister of Marine to proceed to Toulon, Algiers, and Civita, Vecchia, for the purpose of embarking the troops which are to form the French expeditionary force to Turkey.

THE NEBRASKA BILL.—At the last session of Congress, a bill for the organization of the territory of Nebraska, passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming majority. This bill was based on the principle of excluding Slavery from the new territory. It was not taken up for consideration in the Senate, and consequently failed to become a law.

At the present session a new Nebraska bill has been reported by the Senate Committee on Territories, which, should it unhappily receive the sanction of Congress, will open all the unorganized territory of the Union to the ingress of Slavery.'

There was an act passed in 1820, called the Missouri Compromise, which forever prohibited Slavery from all the territory acquired from France north of 36 deg. 30 min. This bill declares that act repealed, and thus exposes the country to the admission of Slavery. It was thought that by the compromise of 1850, known as the 'Fugitive Slave Law,' the agitation of the slavery question was settled; but it is now revived again in its worst form. The greatest excitement prevails in regard to it, throughout the country. Politicians speak of it as an act which 'menaces the freedom of our institutions and the permanency of our Union.' They speak of it as 'well calculated to awaken the worst apprehensions, and the most fearful forbodings of future calamity.' They warn the people 'that the dearest interests of Freedom and the Union are in imminent peril.' Certain it is, that it is a question which will not be easily settled.

A GLORIOUS HOPE.

THERE is soon to be a great revolution on earth, and an everlasting kingdom set up, which the glory of the Lord shall cover as the waters cover the sea. As this kingdom will be universal, every one is deeply interested to know the character of the King. It has been demonstrated by the experience of six thousand years, that he only is great and good and wise. By the living energy of his will he can create, accomplish or destroy. He sees, originates, and decides the beginning and the end. He is perfect, changeless and holy—and love is the glory of his being. Justice and truth and mercy originate and unite in him, and his power is almighty and eternal. This is the Sovereign who is soon to appear in glory, to annihilate all earthly governments, and to establish his throne in righteousness. Then shall he fearfully destroy all those who will not have him to rule over them, who say in their hearts there is no God, or who now in contempt inquire, who is this coming Jesus, that we should obey him. Let us awake and understand our position; though many luke-warm and idle servants insist that the Lord delays his coming, we are persuaded by his Word, that his arrival is just at hand. Who then will be on the side of the King? All that are loyal at heart and love his appearing, will go forth bearing his reproach without the camp to meet him, and wait with joy the approach of his return, lest coming suddenly, he find us unprepared, and appoint us our portion with unbelievers!

DONATIONS FOR J. N. A.

J. C. Below $3.00; J. P. Kellogg $2.42; M. G. Kellogg $0.58; D. R. Palmer $3.00; O. Dickinson $1.00.

Appointments.

By Editor

PROVIDENCE permitting we will hold a series of meetings with the Brethren at Mill Grove, N. Y., to commence Sixth-day, March 17th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and hold over Sabbath and First-day.

We design holding meetings at Barre, Orangeport and Olcott before our return home. Particular notice will be given next week.—Ed.

☞ Bro. L. LEACH.—The money is received. What shall we do with it? Perhaps Bro. J. N. Loughborough may be obtained to labor with you, also at London, C. W. Address him at Milan, Erie Co. Ohio.

☞ The Post Office address of Bro. J. H. Waggoner is Baraboo, Sauk Co., Wis.

Publications.

By Editor

THE Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days—76 pages—price 7 cents—postage 1 cent.

Review of O. R. L. Crozier on the Sabbath—48 pages—price 5 cents—postage 1 cent.

A Refutation of the Claims of Sunday-keeping to Divine Authority; also, a lengthy extract from the History of the Sabbath—40 pages—price 4 cents—postage 1 cent.

Signs of the Times—124 pages—price 8 cents.

Our collection of Advent and Sabbath Hymns—144 pages—price 30 cents—postage 5 cents.

Time and Prophecy—a Poem—120 pages, well bound—price 25 cents—postage 5 cents.

A Word for the Sabbath—a Poem—price 6 cents.

The First Day of the Week Not the Sabbath—32 pages—price 3 cents—postage 1 cent.

Christian Experience and Views—price 6 cents.

Supplement to Experience and Views—price 6 cents.

Solemn Appeal—32 pages—price 2 cents—postage 1 cent.

True Picture—state of the Churches—16 pages.

The Sabbath by Elihu—16 pages.

Both Sides—on the Sabbath—16 pages.

The Sabbath by P. Miller Jr.—16 pages.

New Time Theory Reviewed—16 pages.

Volume I, II and III of the REVIEW, bound in paper covers—price 40 cents for Vol. I and II, and 80 cents for Vol. III.

Youth's Instructor, Vol. I, in paper covers—price 25 cents.

THE CHART—A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John and their Chronology—price $2.

Tracts of 16 pages each can be sent by mail for one half cent an ounce, in packages not less than 8 ounces. We will send 50 and pay the postage, to one address for 50 cents.

A G E N T S .

By Editor

THE following is a list of Agents whose duty it shall be to forward the names and address (in plain writing) of all who should receive the Review; also, to give information of such to whom it should be discontinued. And to receive the free-will offerings of their Brethren and Sisters for the support of the Review and other publications, and forward them to this Office. The traveling Brethren are also solicited to act as agents.

MAINE. N. N. Lunt, Portland. S. W. Flanders, Canaan. Cyprian Stevens, Paris. S. Howland, Topsham. W. T. Hanniford, Orrington. Wm. Bryant, Wilton. NEW HAMPSHIRE. J. Stowell, Washington. S. Bunnel, Claremont. MASSACHUSETTS. O. Nichols, Dorchester. O. Davis, N. Fairhaven. L. Paine, Ware. Wm. Saxby, Springfield. VERMONT. R. Loveland, Johnson. H. Bingham, Morristown. S. H. Peck, Wolcott. Lewis Bean, Hardwick. H. A. Churchill, Stowe. E. P. Butler, Waterbury. Josiah Hart, Northfield. R. G. Lockwood, Waitsfield. W. Morse, East Bethel. L. Titus, E. Charlston. Alonzo Lee, Derby Line. E. Everts, Vergennes. H. Gardner, Panton.

S. Willey, Wheelock. CONNECTICUT. E. L. Chamberlain, Md'town. A. Belden, Kensington. NEW YORK. J. Byington, Buck's Bridge. A. Ross, Caughdenoy. David Upson, Moreland. R. F. Cottrell, Mill Grove. John Wager, Orangeport. L. Carpenter, Oswego. A. H. Robinson, Sandy Creek. E. A. Poole, Lincklaen. J. A. Loughhead, Elmira. John Hamilton, Fredonia. MICHIGAN. Albert Avery, Locke. Ira Gardner, Vergennes. David Hewett, Battle Creek. C. S. Glover, Sylvan. A. B. Pearsall, Grand Rapids. A. A. Dodge, Jackson. Wm. M. Smith, " PENNSYLVANIA. M. L. Dean, Ulysses. RHODE ISLAND. Ransom Hicks, Providence. CANADA EAST. B. Hills, Melbourne.

Letters.

Wm. H. Graham, H. Barringer, R. F. Cottrell, S. Woodhull, F. Strong, H. Smiley, B. Loveland, J. N. Loughborough.

Receipts.

F. Wheeler, I. Millard, L. Harris, L. B. Hunt, R. Iden, Sr. Everts, L. Leach, H. C. Pierce, E. Nichols, M. Bovee, S. J. Gardner, J. Bezzo, each $1,00.

A. H. Daniels, E. Everts, W. I. Susk, E. Emery, T. Harris, each $2,00. A. Friend $3,00. A. R. Morse $4,00. J. Hebner, J. Prentice, O. A. Wheeler, W. J. Hart, N. M. Gray, J. S. Wright, each $1,50. W. Holcomb $2,50. J. H. Waggoner $1,85. A. R. Andrews $0,50. R. Stephenson, H. Bowen, each $0,75.

Prayer for Brother Andrews

By Editor

☞ We are sorry to learn that our beloved Bro. J. N. Andrews is suffering with feeble health, and unable to labor for the advancement of the cause of truth, for which he feels the warmest attachment. He is with kind friends in Vermont.

Our readers are more or less acquainted with his writings, and many of them have listened to his clear and forcible discourses. His labors have been too great for his constitution which is now much impaired. But we believe that the Lord will hear the prayers of his people and raise him up to enter the field again. This we believe without a doubt. Brethren and sisters, let us all unite in the prayer of faith for our dear Brother, that he may be restored to health.

Below is the acknowledgment of a few dollars sent to this Office for Bro. Andrews. Let others who would esteem it a pleasure, do likewise. What has been said in regard to forwarding means for the benefit of our dear Brother, we have said contrary to his wishes when we last parted. But as the "laborer is worthy of his hire," we have taken the liberty to mention his case to those who have been benefited by his incessant labors.

To Correspondents.

By Editor

1. In writing to this Office, let everything of a business nature be put on a part of the sheet by itself, or on a separate sheet, so as not to be mixed up with other matters.

2. Be careful to write all names of persons and places, plainly and distinctly.

3. In all cases give the name of the Post Office, County and State. When a Town or Village is called by one name, and the Post Office by another, be sure to give the name of the Post Office.

4. When the direction of a paper is to be changed, do not forget to name the Office to which it has been sent.

5. Let everything be stated explicitly, and in as few words as will express the writer's meaning.

6. In writing texts of scripture, be sure to copy from the Bible correctly. It is no small sin to carelessly mangle the Word of God, as some do.

If the above directions are complied with, we shall be saved much time and perplexity, and be less liable to mistakes in transacting the business of the Office.