SHALL we have the 30,000 new subscribers for The Voice of Truth and Health Reformer including the Advent Tidende. At present about one-third of this number that have obtained, and this to a great extent has been accomplished by a few of the Conference Tract Societies. Some of the Conferences speak very encouragingly about this work, while others are silent. Some have more than half filled the number suggested to their Conference, while others have done comparatively nothing. One State Tract Society has sent in but twenty-five names on this call; another, twenty-nine. I know no excuse for this only a lack of interest, as one of these Conferences has nearly a thousand dollars pledged that can be used to pay for them.
Much has been said about obtaining paying subscribers or those who would donate something toward sustaining these periodicals, as this would secure an interest on the part of the subscriber to read them. There are thousands who would consider it a privilege to donate something, from enough to pay the postage to the full price of the periodical. Experience has proved this to be so. And no doubt there are thousands who would read these periodicals with profit, who under present circumstances, would not feel free to pay anything. All such should have them. We want interested readers, men and women of moral worth, pay or no pay. There are men and women in each Conference who have five hundred and even a thousand dollars to give to an enterprise like this when they see the work move forward in a judicious manner. Then sums all the way down to the pennies from children would be freely donated.
The truth is to find its way into every dark corner of the land and in every part of the civilized world, and now is the time to labor. We cannot all preach. Neither is it at all proper to enter into boisterous discussions or conversations in stores, cars, or street-corners, or other public places, to call the attention of the people to the truth; but quietly get the truth before those who have some sense of sin by placing the reading matter in their families, and in all such places where it will be read with interest. The truth accompanied by God’s Spirit will work its own way to the heart.
We have encouraging words and encouraging results from those Conferences who have taken hold of this work with faith and courage. One sister in Minnesota who had three small children obtained as the result of a few days’ labor in her own neighborhood forty paying subscribers for The Voice of Truth. Cities, towns, villages, and neighborhoods, should be canvassed by the proper persons, families prayed with, and in a judicious manner have the attention of the people called to these solemn truths. Then to present a copy of our periodicals one or both of them, is one successful way of removing prejudice and obtaining subscribers. It should be done in faith and in the fear of God. There are thousands among us who could in this manner procure from five to fifty names of those who would rejoice to read upon present truth, and this could be done within less than a month’s time, did our brethren and sisters feel the burden of this work.
The following are among the encouraging words received from some of those Conferences that are taking an active part in this work. Eld. Grant, President of the Minnesota Conference and Tract Society says, “A little more time and we shall fill our quota. Only a few districts are behind.” Elder Olsen, head of the Wisconsin Tract Society, backed up by his directors, says, “The names will be furnished in due time.” No doubt is expressed by the brethren in New York. The president of the Conference assures us, “You may depend on us.”
New England reports, “No difficulty here, only a little more time.” Michigan, which voted to furnish 10,000 new subscribers for the periodicals, has some districts which have nearly filled their quota, while others report scarcely anything done in this direction. But the officers, at their late quarterly meeting at St. Charles, backed up by the brethren and sisters present, determined to make a new strike in this direction. Vermont is making a stir in the right direction. The Indiana division is in the field. But how is it with Illinois, Maine, Ohio, and other Conferences? A few weeks more and the busy season will have come. Shall we not have these names before that time?
Who upon reading these lines will immediately fall into line and procure twenty-five names of those who will read with interest The Voice of Truth or the Reformer for one year? How many will obtain fifteen names? How many will consider themselves good for ten interested readers? Who will enter the ranks for five? And will there be a single member of any or all of the Tract Societies that will not at least procure one name for the Reformer and one for The Voice of Truth? We appeal to the officers of the Tract Societies in every Conference to call their force into line and make one general rally. First visit your closet and seek the Spirit of God. Then with a heart full of tenderness visit your neighbors and work for God.
Let not your zeal in the cause of Christ abate nor your ardor lose its fervor. Press the battle to the gate of the enemy, and with the blessing of God the victory is ours. The day of Judgment is upon us. God’s providence is preparing the way before us. His spirit bids us move. And now is the time to lay up a good foundation against the time to come that you may lay hold upon eternal life. Send a list of your names to your director and he will see that they are forwarded to the Office through your State secretary of your Tract Society.
S. N. HASKELL.
Eternal Life.
By R. F. Cottrell
“THE gift of God is eternal life.” “There shall be no more death.”
Without life there can be no enjoyment. All other good would exist in vain to us, unless we had life. Hence the promise of eternal life is intended to include all good—perfect happiness, and that for eternity. No other term could express so much as this. It comprehends all that is desirable.
Death deprives of all enjoyment. But there might be exemption from death and still be pain and trouble. Hence to the promise that there shall be no more death, it is added, “neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Thus all unhappiness is excluded forever.
What could be added to the “exceeding great and precious promises” of God? What motive could be set before us to “escape the corruption that is in the world,” if the hope of a life that shall run parallel with the future eternity of God, and the consideration of that love which has purchased it at so great a cost, should fail? It is even to be made “partakers of the divine nature,” and “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” What more could be promised?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” What wondrous love! What an infinite sacrifice by Him “who gave himself for us!” and how transcendent the gift bestowed!
It is for us. We may have the gift on condition of overcoming sin and self—on condition of following our self-denying Lord. Our names are in the book of life; but there is danger of their being blotted out. Rev. 3:5. Shall we not choose to follow Christ, and live?
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Promises Are to the Victor.
By R. F. Cottrell
DIFFICULTIES and obstacles are in our way; and so it will continue to be. It will never be smooth, and easy sailing Heaven-ward. It is not an easy task for human nature to overcome all the obstacles in the way of its perfection and salvation. But he that overcometh shall inherit all the promises. It is never to be expected that the difficulties will take themselves out of the way; but they must be met and conquered. The conqueror will be rewarded. If there was nothing to overcome, there would be no propriety in a promise to the overcomer.
If we would labor in the Lord’s vineyard, we find a multitude of hindrances; and it is a grief that we cannot do all that we would. But it is useless and vain to mourn over these things. If we would meet the approval of Heaven, instead of lamenting that we cannot do more, we should earnestly labor to do what we can.
“She hath done what she could,” was the highest commendation possible. None can expect more. He will be a conqueror or overcomer who does what he can. Then let us do all that we can, despite the hindering obstacles, and He who judges by the prompting motives, and not by the apparent amount accomplished, will say, Well done.
Courage in the Lord! In a little while the victors will be crowned. We can conquer in the strength which will be given. By faith lay hold on the help from above, do what we can, and we shall be accounted victors at last. How sweet the approving welcome, “Come ye blessed,” when the conflict is past and the labor is done. There is resting by-and-by. Thank God for the hope of victory.
R. F. Cottrell.
The Sunshine of Good Temper
Good temper is like a sunny day; it sheds a brightness over everything; it is the sweetener of toil and the smoother of disquietude.
An Appeal
By H. Nicola
TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN IOWA AND NEBRASKA.
WHEN it was decided to publish The Voice of Truth as a pioneer paper of our cause, I understood it was on the supposition that the friends of the cause throughout the wide field would obtain a sufficient number of subscribers, either paying for it themselves or to be paid by the T. & M. Society at half price to warrant its publication, whereupon the Conferences had allotted to them what was thought to be their proportion of names together with an equal number of subscribers for the Health Reformer. I am informed that the Conferences are generally coming up nobly in this work, while our Conference has not yet sent in one-fourth of their quota of names. I am sorry that we are less forward than others in so good an enterprise as this, and the object of this appeal is to let you all know how the matter stands and how anxious I feel that we may make a renewed effort to come up in this work.
The season for successful canvassing is almost past for this year, and what is to be done must be done quickly. Are there not those in every church with some natural qualifications for canvassing who can give a few days for this noble work before the busy season? In many places there are sisters who are well adapted to this work. And cannot every one find some friends that would like to read so good a paper at so reasonable an offer? Doubtless there are scores of persons all through the State who have never heard the sound of this precious truth which has so often made our hearts glad, who would rejoice if some one would bring them the light.
Dear friends, can we be clear if souls go down to ruin whom we might have enlightened had we been awake to this high privilege. Will God be pleased with us for settling down in a state of indifference, willing to enjoy the good things he has given us, while souls all around us are perishing for the same blessings? May the Lord roll upon us a burden for souls, and give us more of a missionary spirit.
Will not the directors and librarians, especially interest themselves to see that all are trying to do what they can in this noble and very important work? We do not recommend gathering names indiscriminately; but may there be a forward move in our Conference according to knowledge and sanctified judgment.
Let each district forward the names and addresses through their secretary or director to the State secretary, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa, and your business will be attended to promptly.
H. Nicola, Pres.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
M. L.: For our views on the tree of life, the disposition of the wicked when Christ comes, and an explanation of such texts as Mark 9:44, see Thoughts on Revelation, and Man’s Nature and Destiny.
F. R. Richmond: The word man is frequently used in a general sense; but in Mark 2:27, reference is made to the time when the Sabbath was made, when there was but one man in existence, hence it seems proper to give the article in that case its full office, and let it designate the man, Adam. Again, the next verse speaks of Christ as the son of the man: not the son of the human race generally, but called so in reference to his position as the second Adam. In reference to Josh. 10:13, we think there was a miracle wrought, probably by a retraction of the rays of the sun and moon, so that they appeared not to go down. Verses 12–15, seem to be thrown in parenthetically, out of their chronological order.
ARTICLES DECLINED. “Great Contrast.” Would require more labor to prepare it for the press than we are able to bestow upon it.—Review of 106 Important Facts on Sabbath Question. Further study will convince the writer that he has yet much to learn on this subject. “The Longed-for Home,” and “The Wanderer’s Reform.” Defective in rhyme and measure.
To the Tract Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
To those ordering the “Hand-book of Health” we would say that there are about 400 copies in the hands of the binder which we expect will be ready in a few days. Then all orders received will be promptly attended to. Therefore we say, Let the orders come in.
EXPLANATION.
When the liberal offer was made to the Tract Societies to furnish the Reformer for one-half the subscription price when furnished by them to new subscribers, the question of the postage came up, as the law requires a prepayment of it. The following plan was suggested in the True Missionary to be adopted the present season. The publishers of the Reformer would furnish the “Hand-book of Health” for one-half the retail price (which was 60 cents), and the hygienic book fund would pay one-half of that, bringing it to the Tract Societies for the small sum of fifteen cents. This book the missionary workers would offer as a premium to those who had never taken the Reformer and would pay one dollar for it. Twenty-five cents of the one dollar thus received would be retained by the Tract Society to pay for the book, and the seventy-five cents would go to the publishers. Thus the twenty-five cents extra more than the fifty cents sent to the Office, would help pay the postage on the fifty-cent subscribers furnished by the Tract Societies.
It was expected that other health works would be published before the next fall campaign, adapted to the wants of every family, which might be used as a premium in canvassing. Then some permanent arrangement would be entered into between the Tract Societies and the publishers.
We have been much encouraged to see that this plan, which was only an experiment, works so well. It has thus far exceeded our expectations. But only a portion of the Tract Societies have taken hold of it. Where they have, it has been the universal testimony so far as we have heard that many more full-paying subscribers could be obtained by offering the “Hand-book” as a premium than could be by those subscribing and paying only a small sum as a donation. To the brethren and sisters we say, Go on in the good work. We recommend the foregoing plan to those Tract Societies that have not tried it. Let the light shine. Our object is to spread the truth. Our interest is to see the good work prosper. S. N. HASKELL.
Indiana Church Organizations and Meetings Report
By S. H. Lane
Indiana.
Although there has been no report of labor from this State for some time, the good work has been progressing. In October, returned to my home in Michigan and remained until after the Biblical Institute, then commenced labor in this State again.
Jan. 12-17, held meetings with the church at North Liberty. Those living near came in and we enjoyed some good meetings.
Jan. 18-21, labored with the friends who embraced the truth at Rochester while the tent was in their midst last summer. While with them organized a church of seventeen members. Enjoyed some precious meetings with them. At the last meeting attended to the ordination of the church officers. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us, and as one after another testified of their love for the truth nearly all in the house were moved to tears and some wept aloud.
Jan. 22-28, met with those who embraced the truth at Bunker Hill, where we finished tent labor in the fall. Found the friends still faithful, and had made quite rapid progress in living out the truth.
Through the kindness of friends we procured a fine new church to hold meetings in. Each evening we held meetings which were well attended, and some seemed deeply interested. In the afternoon of four days held meetings and introduced the subject of organization. We organized a church of fourteen members. The social meetings were excellent. They all gave in their testimonies in quick succession, and as they were stating their love for the truth, and their gratitude to God for the privilege of having heard it, and we witnessed the tearful eye and realized that a few months since some were making no profession, and quite a number using tobacco, and hurtful articles of diet, and that now these things are discontinued and they are praying in their families and engaging earnestly in the social meetings, we could but thank the Lord for the power of present truth.
Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, spent with the church of Ervin in Howard Co. The brethren and sisters from the Alto church came in and we enjoyed some good meetings. Sunday, Jan. 31, preached the funeral sermon of sister Geo. White, who fell asleep in Jesus last August. She was an active member of the church, and her loss is deeply felt.
Held a business meeting and introduced the subject of building a meeting-house for the use of our people in the county. The idea was received with favor, and a committee of five were appointed to take the matter into consideration.
Feb. 3-13, labored with the friends at Bourbon. Through the kindness of the trustees of the United Brethren church we obtained their house of worship to hold meetings in. The people turned out well, considering the very cold weather. Spoke each evening, and during the daytime introduced the subject of organization, and organized a church of eight members. Several more will soon unite. Quite an interest was awakened and some took a decided stand to live out the truth. We labored at this place with the tent last summer. These three newly organized churches pledged s. b. to the amount of $215 per year.
Feb. 14, commenced a course of lectures at Leesburg, Kosciusko Co. Have the use of the Christian church. It is a fine, large house. The congregations thus far have ranged from seventy-five to two hundred. Hope through the blessing of the Lord a good work will be accomplished.
S. H. LANE.
Feb. 18, 1875.
Langdon, N. H.
By Wm. C. Gage
I have recently given a course of lectures in the town of Langdon, eight miles from Walpole. As a field of labor the place was not especially promising, there being no village, and the population rather scattering. Yet for the sake of certain individuals, who had previously become interested, I decided to go there. The interest, on the part of a few, has been very good, and the attendance quite constant, considering the severity of the weather. The intense cold, frequent storms, and deep snow, have conspired to keep away many who would otherwise have been glad to attend, as well as to interrupt the regularity of the meetings, and prolong my stay in the place. The traveling at length became so badly obstructed that I deemed it expedient to suspend meetings until some future time. As the result of the labor thus far expended some ten or a dozen have expressed their determination to keep all of the commandments, and eight or nine have fully committed themselves to the Sabbath truth. Since leaving there I hear that they have met on the Sabbath, and have good meetings.
I am now at home, looking after my temporal affairs, and working at my trade for a few weeks, intending soon to go into the field again. The intensity of the cold the present winter has been a serious drawback to meetings among the bleak hills of New Hampshire, and the labor seems almost unrequited; yet I am rejoiced that even a few have seen the truth in its purity.
I intend to return to Langdon soon for a brief season of labor, and purpose to go thence into a new field. If any brother or sister has in view a favorable opening for the truth, will they please to correspond with me at once, addressing me at Manchester, N. H. There are several places to which I have been invited, but I wish to move where the prospect for doing good is the most promising.
I am glad to be able to report a very favorable condition of affairs at Walpole. The little company there are persevering and advancing in the truth, and seem to be growing in grace. Since my last report, a worthy brother has taken his stand upon the truth, and been elected leader, which has done much to strengthen the cause there. His influence in the community is good, and his experience and counsel will be valuable to the believers.
The brethren and sisters are united in love for the truth and for each other, and if nothing occurs to mar their unity, will become a tower of strength. They are giving up their idols and advancing in the reforms. One brother gave up his tobacco after using it fifty years, while tea and coffee are being quite generally abandoned. May the Lord help them all to move forward in all the truth. WM. C. GAGE.
Manchester, N. H.
The Work among the Swedes.
By James Sawyer
From our Swedish paper, the Svensk Advent Harold, Bro. James Sawyer has made a translation of the following interesting items for the REVIEW:—
The following accounts which we extract from letters, show that the Lord’s word which he has sent out shall not be in vain nor return unto him void:—
A sister in Minnesota writes: “Now I know that the Lord hears our prayers, and that he works in union with his people. Under a feeling of compassion for my neighbors, I have gone around in the city and visited different families, in order that they might be given the opportunity to examine the present truth.
“In one family where I left the Harold and a few tracts they said they would examine, and see what foolishness they could find therein. Last week the wife visited me with joy beaming in her countenance, and informed me that the spirit of the truth filled her heart with such joy as she had never before experienced. The whole family rejoice now in the holy Sabbath of the Lord, and with warm hearts reach out after their countrymen.
“A man who opposed Adventism to the utmost, and found his greatest delight in a game of cards, has become so interested in the truth by reading the Harold that he now chooses to walk in the way of the Lord, and says he has no more use for the pack of cards. Blessed be the great name of the Lord for the light and power of the truth.”
A brother from Wisconsin writes: “I can no longer withstand the truth of the Lord. I have been a leader in a society here for many years, and my house has been opened for worship. God has now by his abundant grace opened my eyes to the holy Sabbath of the Lord, and the soon coming of Jesus, and I rejoice in the Lord for it although I am shut out of the church and forsaken by my former brethren. May God make me steadfast.”
FROM IOWA.
“The truth finds its way to the upright. I have just visited brother H. He has attended a Baptist church for many years, but is now separated from its membership because he accepts the last message of mercy. Yet it appears that many of his former friends have a heart opened to the truth. We wish Bro. Lee could visit us, that the Lord’s work might still go on among our people.”
Another brother in Iowa writes: “I labored three years in Sweden as missionary among the Baptists. The doctrine of eternity as held by the Baptists appeared to me at the same time to be in accordance with the Scriptures. By reading the Harold light has sprung up in my mind. I have thereby found a better way to search the Scriptures. The Sabbath which the Adventists keep is the Sabbath of the Bible. Blessed be God who allows his truth to be revealed and to shine out in these last days.”
FROM KANSAS.
“I have read the Harold for some time. I must acknowledge that I now, contrary to my former custom, observe the holy Sabbath of the Lord. Many around me are interested in the forward-spreading work of God, and with eagerness read the writings of the Adventists.”
FROM SWEDEN.
“My dear Bro. L.:—We cannot find words to express our thanks to you as proof of the love we have for sending us writings which are based on the words of Scripture. The Harold leads us into the treasure chamber of the word of the Lord. Forget us not in the future.”
There are testimonies we might produce from other States expressing the joy of those who are readers of the Harold. In Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, there are warm hearts which respond to the work of the third angel’s message. The Harold is now finding its way into twenty-one States and Territories. It is erecting beacon lights to the lone pilgrim Swede, from Maine to California, and from Minnesota to Texas. It is quietly visiting about seventy families in Sweden. It offers its blessings to the king upon his throne and to the peasant in his humble cottage. These seventy-three silent messengers are there telling a wonderful story. It is awakening the attention of the people. As they learn that “here is the patience of the saints,” and “here are they who keep the commandments of God,” and that Jesus is soon coming, they begin to look around them and give the alarm to others. The warning leads the people to exclaim, “Why has not this news reached us before?”
The north and interior of Europe is being lighted up with the truth of the third angel’s message. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24: 14.
It seems that God will also hasten this work; and soon, not only from Asia, but from Africa, South America, and the isles of the sea, shall be sent up anthems of praise; and the whole world will be illuminated by the power and glory that attends the third angel’s message, heralding the return of our Lord and Saviour in the clouds of heaven.
It must rejoice the hearts of those who responded about a year ago to the call for means for the purpose of placing this work among the Swedes on a sure footing, to know that their liberality has helped to send the Harold to many who were hungering for the truth, but who had no means of obtaining it.
From Texas we have requests something like this: “We have read the Harold the last year. We wish to have it continued. We are poor and are sorry to come in this way; but if you will keep sending it to us we will pay for it as soon as we can. Some of our neighbors like to read it.”
From Kansas one writes: “We have been here about five years trying to serve the Lord. The Harold is a welcome messenger, and we wish to have it continued. Our crops have been such that we have barely made a living. We will pay for it as soon as we can. Some of our neighbors79are interested in the truths which it teaches. There is a large settlement of Swedes here, and we could do good if we had some tracts. Can you send us a few?”
Other letters from Minnesota and Iowa state that the grasshoppers have left them destitute and they cannot pay for the paper, but wish to have it continued.
The gospel of Christ is for the poor. Come unto me and buy wine and milk without money, says the Master. Now if the liberality of our brethren has been the means of furnishing these hungry souls with the bread of life, this has made them co-workers with Christ; and in that day when he makes up the reckoning to every man, he will say: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.”
JAMES SAWYER.
Battle Creek, Mich.
A BRIGHTER WORLD.
THERE is a brighter world than this,
Beyond the vaulted sky,
Where death nor sin shall enter in,
And none shall weep nor sigh;
Where angels now our coming wait,
To guide us through the golden gate.
THERE is a better life than this,
From pain and sorrow free,
And which, if thou art homeward bound,
Will sweetly dawn for thee;
When in his glory Christ shall come,
And angels bear thee to thy home.
THEN let us do our duty here,
And let us nobly live,
That, when our pilgrimage is o’er,
Our Father’s love may give
This brighter world, so pure and blest,
This better life of perfect rest. —Sel.
Timberville, Dodge Co., Neb
By Chas. L. Boyd
Nebraska.
On my return to this State from the Biblical Institute, visited and held meetings with the friends of the cause in Polk Co. Though receiving much opposition, found them generally not only standing firm, but making advancement in present truth. It is encouraging to see those who have lately first heard the third angel’s message laying aside those things which defile the “temple of God,” and which are forbidden in his word.
The last of January, commenced a series of meetings in a country school-house in Dodge Co. Have a small but intelligent congregation. The meetings still continue. Hope there may be souls added to the church of such as shall be saved.
Last Sabbath, met with the friends near Hooper. We felt that the Lord was with us, and we had a good meeting. Oh! that the brethren here would live up to the light God has let shine upon their pathway. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Timberville, Dodge Co., Neb
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By H. H. Wilcox
I HAVE held some meetings this winter in the town of Macomb. As the result, two have commenced keeping the Sabbath, others are deeply interested, and many are quite thoroughly investigating the truths we advocate. Have visited families, and scattered reading matter a distance of seven miles. Twelve are reading The Voice of Truth or the Reformer; four have subscribed for the Instructor.
Met with some opposition. A minister replying to us twice on the Sabbath question, claimed that the Sabbath was all right at creation, in the wilderness of Sin, and until we come to Christ. He then attempted to show from the New Testament that there was a change. This failing to convince all, he next told us that Constantine and the bishops of Rome effected a change, thus confirming previous statements of ours. Lastly he brought forward Barnabas and other spurious writers of the first and second centuries. We reviewed him with good freedom, the Lord helping. We think favorable impressions were made for the truth. Pray for us.
H. H. WILCOX.
East Dover, Me., Feb. 21, 1875
By J. H. Goodrich
Maine.
Since my last report, Dec. 2, 1874, I have labored in the following places: Deering, Brunswick, Richmond, Woodstock, Jay, Somerset Mills, Canaan, Norridgewock, Cornville, Athens, and Hartland.
The weather has been very unfavorable for holding meetings in Maine this winter, and but few could get out the most of the time, but the few that came together seemed to be encouraged. We reorganized Systematic Benevolence where they could get out, and it was encouraging to see the readiness manifested on the part of the most of our people to take hold of this branch of the work. Our brethren and sisters at Somerset Mills were ready of themselves to take hold of the tithing system, to help forward the work and cause of present truth. We hope for better days in Maine. I have often thought of the language of the psalmist: “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say on the Lord.” J. H. GOODRICH.
East Dover, Me., Feb. 21, 1875
Partello, Mich., Feb. 21, 1875
By H. M. Kenyon
Michigan.
Jan. 8, I went to Brookfield, Eaton Co., to assist sister Roby Tuttle in a series of meetings at that place; but there not being sufficient interest to demand my stay, by the request of the brethren at Partello, Calhoun Co., I commenced meetings at that place Jan. 14. Have held thirty-eight meetings with them up to the present time. I have enjoyed excellent freedom while presenting the truth, and there has been a good interest to hear on the part of the people. I trust the Lord has helped me in my feeble efforts to advance his cause in this place.
These meetings have been a source of encouragement to the brethren here. Six persons, all adults, have united with them to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and others are deeply interested, and we have reason to believe will unite with them soon. I am now holding meetings at the Duck Lake school-house, with some interest. My health and courage are good, and my desire is to be entirely consecrated to the work of God. H. M. Kenyon.
Partello, Mich., Feb. 21, 1875
Obituary Notices.
By Wm. C. Gage; Uriah Smith
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, in West Wilton, N. H., Feb. 8, 1875, of pneumonia, sister Rebekah Smith; aged 80 years and four months. Sister Smith was the mother of the editor of the Review, and of Annie R. Smith, whose name will be remembered by the older friends of the cause in connection with her writings and labors in the interests of the work in its earlier days.
Sister S. was an ardent lover of the present truth, having been connected with it many years, and was possessed of a deep and valuable experience in the things of God. Her poetic and other contributions to the Review have ever breathed a spirit of love for God’s commandments, and her life was in accordance therewith. Her last illness was brief and comparatively free from pain. Just one week previous to her own burial she attended the funeral of a friend, and on her return home contracted a violent cold, from which she never recovered. Her last hours were calm and peaceful, and she fell asleep in hope of a blessed resurrection. The funeral was held in the Baptist meeting-house, and a discourse was given by the writer on the Christian’s hope in affliction. Wm. C. Gage.
I esteem it a privilege to add a word to the foregoing notice of my mother’s death. Henceforth the hallowed associations that cluster around the name of mother are not to us a living possession, but a buried treasure. But the treasure is in safe keeping, and will soon be restored to us again crowned with the additional glory of immortality. The earliest recollections we have of mother, were her efforts to interest her children (my sister, now sleeping as noticed above, two brothers still living, and myself) in the Bible as the word of God. And we have never known her other than as an active, earnest worker in the Lord’s service. Possessed of fervent charity and unbounded philanthropy, all whose circumstances made them subjects for human sympathy ever found in her an unfailing friend; and in her, many, besides her own children, have lost a mother, who will rise up and call her blessed.
“Mother is dead!”
Such the brief words the telegraph said.
Starting a thousand miles away,
Flashing on swift as the light of day,
Bearing their burden of sadness and grief,
Oh! what a burden of words so brief!
Over the throbbing wires they sped—
“Mother is dead!”
“Mother is dead!”
What words e’er could be written or said,
Stirring more deeply the filial breast,
Wakening memories so pure and blest,
Calling up tokens of love she has given,
Next to that of our Father in Heaven.
Memory’s blessings encircle her head,
While she is dead.
Mother is dead;
But with the righteous she makes her bed.
Hope lingers radiant over her grave;
For she was His who is mighty to save.
Waiting till Heaven should bring her reward,
Well has she kept the dear faith of her Lord.
Death gained small victory when it was said,
“Mother is dead.”
Mother is dead;
But she is safe with our Conquering Head.
Registered for the life to come,
Short will her slumber be in the tomb.
Soon will the darkness all flee away,
In the bright light of an endless day.
Then nevermore will the sad words be said,
“Mother is dead.”
U. Smith.
Everlasting Joy.
By A. K. Clark
How vast the distinction between earthly and heavenly joy. One is temporal; the other, eternal. One can never satisfy; the other will be the fullness of delight to the saints forever and ever.
“The pleasures of earth we can see fade away, / They bloom for a season, but soon they decay.”
Not so with the pleasures in store for the child of God. His pleasures here are interwoven with pain and sorrow, yet every sad occurrence shall be forgotten, and all tears wiped away in the day when Christ shall make up his jewels.
Sorrow and sighing then are exchanged for gladness that is eternal. The ransomed of the Lord shall be delivered from a sorrowing world to a joyful Zion; from mortality to immortality; from a world of hate to a world of love. There the songs of joy shall never end. There no evil shall enter; for none but those who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall be there; nothing that defileth or maketh a lie. Oh! what glory. Oh! what joy. Reader, do you not desire to be a partaker thereof?
Are you not willing to let the perishing things of this earth go from your grasp, that you may obtain a more enduring substance? Can you conceive anything in the world that is worthy of a comparison with everlasting joy? Worldly joys give no solid, abiding peace. Why, then, seek their charms? There is yet room in the fold, and the good Shepherd will kindly watch over and care for you. There you may rest in peace without fear. There is joy not to be purchased with money. It is obtained by a pure heart and clear conscience before God.
Then seek the Lord without delay, and make sure of the glory that is soon to dawn upon the righteous. Let us act the good part in the life which now is, that we may share in the life which is to come. For soon, as Isaiah declares, the dead men shall live again; they that dwell in the dust will awake and sing; for their dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out her dead. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert; and an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called, The way of holiness; the redeemed shall walk there; and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35: 5-10.
Let us walk in the light as he is in the light, that we may have fellowship one with another, be cleansed from all sin, and be ready for the coming of our Lord.