Earlier text: A Good Word from OrthodoxyGood Testimony.
By A. S. Hutchins
Dr. A. Clarke, while speaking of the punishment of Nadab and Abihu, for offering incense with strange, that is, common fire, bears the following important testimony, as to the necessity of worshiping God as he prescribes, rather than departing to human institutions. He says: "God has here given us a full proof that he will not suffer human institutions to take the place of his own prescribed worship. It is true this is frequently done: for, by many, what is called natural religion, is put in the place of divine revelation, and God seems not to regard it; but though vengeance is not speedily executed on an evil work, and therefore the hearts of the children of men are set to do wickedness, yet God ceases not to be just, and those who have taken from or added to his words, or put their own inventions in their place, shall be reproved and found liars in the great day. His long-suffering leads to repentance; but if men will harden their hearts, and put their own ceremonies, rites, and creeds, in the place of divine ordinances and eternal truths, they must expect to give an awful account to Him who is shortly to judge the quick and the dead. "Were the religion of Christ stripped of all that state policy, fleshly interest, and gross superstition have added to it, how plain and simple, and may we not add, how amiable and glorious, would it appear! Well may we say of human inventions in divine worship, what one said of paintings on old Cathedral windows, Their principal tendency is to prevent the light from coming in." Who will say the above language is too strong? Who is able to affirm that God is less particular in the nineteenth century whether his written word be obeyed than he was as to his prescribed worship some fifteen hundred years before Christ? Is it safer now to take from his word or add thereunto, than to disobey him then? Let us again read and carefully consider Rev. xxii, 18, 19. On this point, too, our minds may be helped by considering the case of Saul in connection with the instruction which he received to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. 1 Sam. xv. It would almost seem that his mind was to do better even than the Lord required, by saving the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to him. But this only called down the displeasure of the Lord upon him. From circumstances of this kind we gather that it is not safe to go beyond or fall short of perfect obedience to God's revealed will. Let us not, then, trample his holy law under our feet, now that light is shining, now that the last call of mercy is sounding, now that his people are preparing to meet the King in his beauty. May his truth be our shield and buckler, and we each be found among that happy throng when it shall be said, "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in." Isa. xxiv, 2.
A. S. HUTCHINS. CONSCIOUSNESS IN DEATH, VS. RESURRECTION
By Eld. M. E. Cornell
Interesting Extracts. No. 12.
CONSCIOUSNESS IN DEATH, VS. RESURRECTION.
Archdeacon Blackburne says:— "If the promises of God may be depended upon, and if he is able to perform them, men may, and certainly will, be raised from the dead at the appointed time, whether the soul has, or has not, enjoyed its consciousness from the period of death to that of the resurrection. But on the other hand, if it may be demonstrated by philosophical principles, that there is one part of man which never dies, and which may be delighted or afflicted, rewarded or punished, by the means of its own peculiar feelings or sensations, in a state of separation from the other part, it is hardly credible that God should restore the other part to life, to accomplish a purpose which may be brought about without it." —Hist. of Controversy on Immortality, chap. xiv. UNCONSCIOUSNESS IN DEATH.
In chap. xxix, Blackburne says:— "I shall be of opinion, that not to think, and not to be conscious that we think, is one and the same thing." Locke is quoted on the same page, as follows, "We know certainly by experience that we sometimes think, and hence draw an infallible consequence, that there is something in us which has a power to think. But whether that substance perpetually thinks or no, we can be no further assured than experience informs us. For to say that actual thinking is essential to the soul, and inseparable from it, is to beg what is in question, and not to prove it by reason, which is necessary to be done, if it is not a self-evident proposition. The idea of duration arises from a succession of ideas, and by that succession, duration is measured in our minds. When that succession of ideas ceases, perception of duration ceases with it, which every one clearly experiments in himself, whilst he sleeps soundly, whether an hour, or a day, or a month, or a year, of which duration of things whilst he sleeps or thinks not, he has no perception at all, but it is quite lost to him, and the moment wherein he leaves off to think, till the moment he begins to think again, seems to him to have no distance." —Locke's Essays, b. ii, chap. xiv. In illustration of the above, Blackburne gives the following account from the Gazetteer, Sat., Sep. 28, 1771. "Yesterday, fortnight, the wife of a tradesman in May's building, St. Martin's lane, going to bed as usual, in good health, fell asleep, in which she continued till Tuesday morning, although several methods were taken to awake her, but without effect, till she awoke of herself, got up and went about her household business, and it was with difficulty she could be persuaded it was any other day but Saturday."173 EASTERN MARRIAGE CEREMONY.
The following is from "Ward's Views of the History of the Hindoos." "At a marriage, the procession of which I saw some years ago, the bridegroom came from a distance, and the bride lived at Serampore to which place the bridegroom was to come by water. After waiting two or three hours, at length, near midnight, it was announced, as if in the very words of scripture, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." All the persons employed now lighted their lamps, and ran with them in their hands to fill up their stations in the procession; some of them had lost their lights, and were unprepared, but it was then too late to seek them, and the cavalcade moved forward to the house of the bride, at which place the company entered a large and splendidly illuminated area, before the house, covered with an awning, where a great multitude of friends, dressed in their best apparel, were seated upon mats. The bridegroom was carried in the arms of a friend, and placed in a superb seat in the midst of the company where he sat a short time, and then went into the house, the door of which was immediately shut and guarded by Sepoys. I and others expostulated with the door-keepers, but in vain. Never was I so struck with our Lord's beautiful parable as at this moment:—and the door was shut." Slavery
By John Nevins Andrews
Is that great national sin whereby our country is distinguished from all other civilized lands. The existing wicked rebellion is that great national calamity by which the Most High makes our country an example and a warning to all the nations of the earth; and by which he admonishes mankind that punishment is inseparably connected with transgression. The crime of making merchandize of human beings, is one of the most atrocious in the catalogue of wicked deeds; involving in American slavery the commission of every foul and abominable act that absolute power in the hands of wicked men, over the helpless, and unfortunate might be expected to cause. Mr. Wesley, who witnessed the working of the institution in Georgia many years since, denominated it "the sum of all villainies." Those at the North, who justify and excuse this great iniquity, make themselves participants in the evil deeds of the oppressor, and cannot be less criminal than he, in the sight of Heaven. Whenever they speak on the subject, they begin by affirming that they are as "much opposed to slavery as any man," and then proceed to vindicate the institution by every argument that they are capable of framing. This shows that their opening statement should have been, "I am as much opposed to slavery as any man who is heartily in favor of it." How do such men expect to escape the fate of the oppressor when God shall bring him into judgment? By one of the most ingenious devices imaginable. This sin is snugly stowed away in a certain package which is labeled "Politics." They deny the right of their fellow men to condemn any of the favorite sins which they have placed in this bundle; and they evidently expect that any parcel bearing this label, will pass the final custom-house, i. e., the judgment of the great day—without being examined. Should the All-seeing Judge, however, inquire into their connection with this great iniquity, they suppose the following answer will be entirely satisfactory to him: "I am not at all censurable for any thing said or done by me in behalf of slavery; for O Lord, thou knowest, it was a part of my politics!" Will this plea be offered by any reader of this article? J. N. A. Letter from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: The last five weeks, has been a time of severe affliction with us. First I was taken down with fever which lasted about ten days. In answer to prayer the fever was instantly rebuked and I began to recover from that time. My wife, with feeble health, had been worn all out with caring for me, and while thus reduced, she was taken with the typhoid fever, which has now run twenty-seven days. She is now very low. Several days she lay, as all supposed, at the point of death. She has had no relish for any kind of nourishment since she was taken. By constant application of water on the head the fever was kept from settling on the brain. She was too weak in the beginning to endure a thorough course of water treatment, so we could not expect to break up the fever. We knew that to take the drugs of physicians would be in this case certain death. We therefore did what we could to supply conditions, and give nature a chance to throw off the disease. But our main dependence was the prayer of faith, and by the mercy of God, my dear wife is still spared. It was on the Sabbath, when we had given up all hopes of her recovery, there was suddenly a change for the better. I now learn by letter that this was the very day that our affliction was publicly made known to the church at Battle Creek, and their prayers requested in our behalf. Earnest prayer has prevailed. The Lord be praised. To be thus afflicted, over a thousand miles from relatives and old personal friends, among comparative strangers, has been a keen trial to us, but no doubt it is for our good. We are at the house of Bro. Stockbridge Howland. Friends here are very kind to us. We hope to appreciate the kindness and sympathy shown us at this Christian home. The words of sympathy we have received from several at Battle Creek have been a great comfort to us. We now think the crisis is passed. The fever is gradually abating, and her recovery does not appear so doubtful, though it will necessarily be very slow. Constant care and watching, has kept me quite feeble. I am still thirty pounds less than my usual weight. It will be some weeks before I shall be able to go out again into the hard labor of new fields. But I cannot be idle. Since our afflictions began, I have preached twelve times, and it is thought best that I should follow up the interest raised here by the tent meeting. Many are anxious to hear more. We want an interest in the prayers of the saints. The Lord is good. "Why art thou cast down, O, my soul. Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." We have been greatly cheered by a short visit with Bro. and Sr. White. They have gone on to their appointments, and we are praying for grace, that we may not murmur at our lot in being deprived of all their good meetings. Our address is Topsham, Maine. By last reports Sr. Cornell was considered out of danger.—Ed. The N. Y. Conference.
By Mary F. Maxson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our Conference has just closed, and, by request, I will try to give an account of the religious exercises. Meetings of worship commenced with the Sabbath. Bro. Fuller gave a discourse from the text, "Preach the word." His remarks were addressed, first, to those "who labor in word and doctrine," and then to us who are not called to stand upon the walls of Zion to sound the alarm, but to "preach the word" by our lives and conversation. His words were timely and heart-searching, and the Spirit of the Lord sent them home to our hearts with great power. Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize that by every word and act we unconsciously but surely preach the truth, or deny its sanctifying, saving power? May God help us to fully understand the responsible position we occupy. Sabbath morning we had a social meeting, and many glad testimonies were given in behalf of God and his precious truth. While listening to the prayers and exhortations of our dear brethren and sisters, we felt to praise God that the time was so near at hand, when
> "Hope shall change to glad fruition,
> Faith to sight, and prayer to praise!" After the conference meeting had closed, Bro. White gave a discourse upon the subject of sanctification. His remarks were founded upon 2 Pet. i, 1, 2. He dwelt particularly upon the necessity of being temperate in all things, in order to be sanctified, and fit for our Master's use. In the afternoon Bro. Andrews occupied a few moments in speaking upon the same subject, and sister White followed him with a very interesting and instructive testimony. She showed the importance of having a healthy body, if we would have a healthy, happy mind. May God bless and sustain our dear Bro. and sister White, in their endeavors to point out to us those things wherein we come short of the glory of God. And may God help us to begin a thorough reformation immediately. Let us not look at these things afar off, and resolve that at some future time we will reform; but let us, in the strength of God, commence now, remembering that we must work fast in order to overcome all our sins, and be prepared to meet the Lord when he shall come. The injunction, "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, so that day come upon you unawares," applies particularly to us, and may God help us to heed it. Sunday morning Bro. White gave a discourse from those ever-cheering and precious words, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Oh, how our hearts were cheered, as he portrayed to us the glories of the city of God. By faith we saw the pearly gates, the golden streets, the jewel-decked walls, and garnished foundations. We heard the joyful shout of victory from the ransomed throng, as the "everlasting doors" were lifted up, and they entered in glad triumph into the city prepared for them from the foundation of the world. For a moment we half imagined that "our tears were ended, and our sorrows all gone," and we were forever saved in the "glory-gilt" mansions of our Father's house. But "recollection at hand" soon hastened us back to this dark world, and we realized keenly that we were still pilgrims in a stranger land, and that many long weeks and months would elapse, ere the bright escort of angels would be sent to conduct us home. Oh, what heavenly rapture fills the soul as we contemplate the glorious reward so soon to be given to the faithful. And as I think of the "star-gemmed crowns" that will deck their brows, I am led to ask, Who, oh, who, would not yield cheerful obedience to the requirements of God? Who would not delight in his holy law, and keep all his commandments, that at last, when the heavens shall depart as a scroll, and the elements melt with a fervent heat, they may be found with the happy throng that shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God. In the afternoon, Bro. Andrews gave a deep and powerful discourse from Heb. xi, 13. He showed the relation the Sabbath sustains to creation, that it is a memorial of the great work of God in forming the world by his word. And those who disregard this holy day, though they profess to believe "that the things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear," virtually deny their faith, by refusing to keep the day which God has given as a memorial of that great event. After the discourse, sister White again gave her testimony, and oh, how exceedingly precious the Christian's hope looked to us as we listened to her words of heavenly comfort and cheer. She had great freedom in speaking, and the falling tear, the fervent "amen," and "glory to God," told plainly that the Spirit of the Lord accompanied her words with power. I bless God that I was permitted to hear that exhortation. The memory of it will be sweet and precious to me as long as life shall last. It was just what we needed, and it contained food for every hungry, fainting soul. We enjoyed the Conference more than words can express. But when the hour of parting with our dear brethren and sisters arrived, our hearts were filled with sadness; yet our sorrow was mitigated with the thought that
> "Beyond the parting and the meeting,
> We shall be soon;
> Beyond the farewell and the greeting,
> We shall be soon." Praise God for this blessed hope! As we gathered at the depot too early for the cars, we joined in singing that grand, and soul-thrilling hymn,
> "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
> And cast a wishful eye
> To Canaan's fair and happy land,
> Where my possessions lie." And as we sung the chorus,
> "We'll join the pilgrim band,
> And then to glory go.
> We're traveling to a better land,
> My home is not below,"
we felt like shouting praises to God that we had ever been permitted to join the despised band that are seeking a home "beyond the withering blast of time." And, glory to God, that beautiful home will soon be ours. We are almost there. Our meetings are over; but the memory of them will ever linger with us, and we shall love to look back upon them as one of the green spots of our toilsome journey. We love the cause of God, and rejoice to see it advancing in this State, as well as in other portions of the wide harvest-field. And we feel a deep anxiety that its progress should not be hindered for a lack of means to carry on the great work. May God help us174 to realize that time is short, and that thousands are starving for the truth, and will perish unless the bread of life is carried to their fainting souls. Oh, let us awake, and get our hearts fully engaged in our Master's service, and as we feel the Spirit of our divine Lord pervading our hearts, the arms of love will encircle poor sinners, and we shall feel that no self-denial, no sacrifice, is too great to make, in order to carry the precious truth to them. Let us give liberally, according as God hath prospered us; remembering that "he which soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully." Let us give "not grudgingly, or of necessity," but willingly "for God loveth the cheerful giver." Let us get our hearts where they should be, and then we will feel that it is a sacred pleasure to give back to the Lord that which he has entrusted to our keeping. May God bless and sustain those upon whom the burden of the work is laid. And let us, dear brethren and sisters, uphold them by our means, our prayers, and by living blameless before the world. And at last, when the angels shall be sent to gather the redeemed, God grant that we may be among the happy number that shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so be forever with the Saviour we adore. Yours in love.
MARY F. MAXSON.
Adams' Center, N. Y. Quarterly Meeting in Iowa.
By W. H. Brinkerhoff
BRO. WHITE: The Quarterly Meeting for the Lisbon district convened at Lisbon, Sept. 30. There was a goodly number from Marion and Fairview. The Lord blessed us, and we had a good and happy time. On first-day morning we repaired to the water's edge, where two were baptized. Two were added to the Lisbon church. The brethren seemed much strengthened, and expressed their firm determination to press on "till Jesus comes." My health is much better now than it has been for a long time, and I am trying again to hold up the glorious truths of God's holy word before the people. I see and feel the great necessity of living a godly life here, and shall ever try to help elevate these truths which we love so much. I am thankful that we have the "Testimony" in the church, and while reading volumes three and four, I was led to exclaim, Oh, how good the Lord is to us! I intend to profit by these things. W. H. BRINKERHOFF.
Lisbon, Iowa, Oct. 16, 1864. The Sabbath Among the Children.
By H. C. Miller
I HAVE often marked, and sometimes with pain, the different ways in which parents teach their children to observe the Sabbath. While visiting some of the brethren, last spring, I chanced to read an article in the Youth's Instructor about a little girl who was always so sorry when the Sabbath was past, and the reason was given by the writer why such was the case. This story was in such strong contrast with what I have seen enacted, that the impression then made upon my mind of the importance of rightly teaching young children to love and keep the holy Sabbath will never be removed. This little girl's mother, if I remember the story right, was very careful not to have the little one feel that the Sabbath was an unpleasant thing; but by having some interesting stories to read to her on that day; by furnishing some new toy, or other things to keep her mind occupied, to make it a delight, and something which she would look forward to with joyful anticipation, and regret when passed. I thought the plan a good one for the time being, and as the child grew older how easy to teach it the history of that day, and to impress upon its mind the true nature, and importance of observing, that day. But how have I seen it? As the Sabbath drew on work was stopped, prayers were said, and after they were over, the children were much against their wishes, sent to bed earlier than usual, with no loving "good night," no folding of the little hands while the mother taught them to pray to God; but in their place, heavy hearts and tears. In the morning the little ones were "up with the lark," and, as on other days, were eager to commence their noisy playing, not being of an age to understand why one day was different from another. But their childish glee, instead of being properly directed, was smothered by the mother's harsh "Hush! now, 'tis the Sabbath to-day." No telling the child why it was so, nor giving it one other reason why it should keep quiet. But the little ones were too merry-hearted to remain quiet long, and soon their noisy mirth would break out again only to be quelled in the same harsh manner, with the added threat of a whipping in case any more noise was heard from them; which threat was not executed, on the offence being repeated, as it was many times done that day; the result of which will surely be disrespect of all parental authority. Toward night the youngest, tired of being shut up so close in the house and curbed in its efforts to amuse himself began to ask; "Isn't the Sabbath over? Isn't the sun down? Oh, I wish the Sabbath was gone." And does any one wonder at the little one's anxiety to have that past and gone which was only pain to him? Older persons would have been as anxious as he, under similar circumstances. And when the day was passed, what a heavy load seemed to be lifted from their hearts. They shouted, laughed, and tore around like caged animals broken loose. Seriously I asked myself what the result of such training would be. And in fancy I saw those children in years to come, should time continue, leaving the home they disliked, and going out into the world to do battle in its busy walks, without those truths of Scripture firmly impressed upon their minds which would make them honest, virtuous, and righteous men; but on the contrary, with an intense hatred for that which they have been falsely led to believe was Christianity as taught in the Holy Bible. Then, parents, how important that you should heed the injunction of the wise man, to train up your children, not in a way for them to go; but in the way they should go, that they may be a blessing to you in your after years, instead of a thorn to torment you. Then, ere it is too late give the child such a regard for holy things as that he shall always obey the voice of God and walk in all His ways. Then let parents examine themselves in regard to the example they are giving to their children, that they may not be sorry God gave them into their charge. How can we claim to love God if we love not our own? And how can we say we love our own while we neglect their best interest? Then "if ye love me, keep my commandments." Feed my lambs, says the great Shepherd. And to feed the lambs with proper food, we must be ourselves fed by that bread which cometh from above.
H. C. MILLER. Third Annual Report of the N. Y. and Northern Pa. Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists.
At Adams' Center, N. Y., on Friday, Sept. 30th, 1864, the N. Y. and Pa. S. D. A. Conference, convened pursuant to notice of Conference committee. At 10 o'clock A. M. the President, A. Lanphear, called the meeting to order. Prayer by Bro. J. N. Andrews. Credentials were called for, and duly presented. All the churches of the Conference, with only one exception, were duly represented by delegates. Bro. White being present, was invited to take part in the business of the Conference. The Secretary's report of the last annual meeting was called for, read, and adopted. On motion the following committee was appointed by the chair, to nominate officers for the ensuing year; viz., Wm. Green, J. N. Andrews, N. Fuller, C. O. Taylor, and J. M. Aldrich. Meeting adjourned till 2 o'clock P. M. Afternoon session. Committee on nomination reported as follows: A. Lanphear, President; J. M. Aldrich, Secretary; W. S. Salisbury, Treasurer; A. Lanphear, C. O. Taylor, and J. N. Andrews, Executive Committee. Report accepted. The candidates, then on separate motions were duly elected as the officers of the Conference. In pursuance of a resolution of the Gen. Conf. recommending "the State Conferences to choose a committee of six to act with the Executive Committee in the settlement of accounts with ministers for the preceding year," the following committee was appointed for said purpose; viz., Wm. Green, H. Hilliard, Ira Abbey, W. S. Salisbury, J. G. Whipple, and H. S. Woolsey. The following churches having been organized since the last annual meeting, and being favorably reported, were now voted into the Conference; viz., Wheeler, N. Y., Farmington, Pa., McKean Co., Pa. Reports from the several churches were called for, and read by the Secretary. From this report it was ascertained that the Conference numbers about five hundred members, and that the entire s. b. fund is about $2000. The Treasurer J. B. Lamson, reported $892,79 as the whole amount received during the Conference year; paid out meantime $642,21 leaving a balance in his hands of $240,58. At this stage of the meeting Bro. White made some timely and appropriate remarks on Systematic Benevolence. The churches having failed—as shown by the Treasurer's report—to meet the necessary demands of the Conference, a committee of three was appointed to ascertain how much money was needed, and to devise a plan by which the same might be raised. J. M. Aldrich, Ira Abbey and H. Hilliard constituted this committee. In due time this committee reported that ninety per cent. of the entire s. b. fund was necessary to defray the current expenses of the year just closed: and presented accordingly an assessment on the s. b. fund of the several churches, showing the amount that each church had paid, and also the amount still due on each, to make up the ninety per cent. The report of the committee was adopted. It was then voted to excuse those churches that are not able to pay this percentage; and to invite other churches and individuals that are able so to do, to contribute to meet the deficiency. The ninety per cent was promptly paid in cash and pledges by the delegates from the several churches. Ministers' reports being called for, Eld. J. N. Andrews, Eld. N. Fuller, Eld. C. O. Taylor, Eld. R. F. Cottrell, and Eld. S. B. Whitney, gave in their respective reports of labor performed during the Conference year, also their receipts and expenditures during the same time; all of which were duly accepted by vote of the Conference. Voted, That the Executive Committee be authorized to appoint the delegates to the General Conference. Voted, That the Secretary be authorized to procure the publication of two hundred pamphlets containing the minutes of this Conference, and also the minutes of the two preceding Conferences. Voted, That Brn. Andrews, Fuller, Cottrell, Taylor, and Whitney, be considered as approved evangelical ministers of this Conference. Voted, That Bro. A. Lanphear be recognized by this Conference as a preacher, to labor in the cause as Providence may open the way. Voted, That it is the request of this Conference that the funds in charge of the General Conference Committee, which were raised for the purpose of securing a home for Bro. Andrews and family, may be appropriated toward the same as soon as convenient in some favorable locality in this State. Voted, That Bro. White be requested to write an article for the Review, on the subject of Systematic Benevolence. The following are the resolutions presented and adopted by the Conference. Resolved, That this Conference highly appreciate the labors of Bro. R. F. Cottrell in writing for the Review, and we hereby pledge ourselves to sustain him in this work, the same as though he were engaged in preaching. Resolved, That we highly appreciate the testimony of Bro. and Sr. White at this Conference; and that we are grateful to God for the gift of prophecy which he has placed in the church. Resolved, That all the churches of this Conference should arrange their Systematic Benevolence at the175 commencement of each Conference year, according to the plans set forth on the first page of our Systematic Benevolence blank books. Resolved, That our preachers, visiting the churches, should see that all the members of the same, properly engage in the plan of Systematic Benevolence. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Conference that the entire sums of Systematic Benevolence should be put into the State Conference treasury. Resolved, That we regard slavery as the great sin of our nation, and the prime cause of the existing rebellion; and that we regard Southern slave-holders, and Northern sympathizers with slavery, as alike guilty in this matter. Resolved, That in the present crisis of our national affairs, this Conference, though holding non-combatant views, deem it their duty to say that we are a thoroughly loyal, as well as anti-slavery people; and that our sympathies are with the national government in its struggle against this wicked rebellion. Resolved, That in view of the fact that the national administration is doing a great work toward the suppression of slavery, we consider it a criminal act to cast our votes for those whose business, we have reason to believe, would be to restore to slavery the many thousands already delivered therefrom. Voted, That the last three resolutions be published in the Review. Conference adjourned sine die. Prayer by brother White. A. LANPHEAR, Pres't.
J. M. ALDRICH, Sec'y. God's humble poor! who are they?
Where dwells this favored band?
In pomp, and princely splendor?
The honored of the land? Are they amid the mirthful?
Where Pleasure holds her sway?
Where Pride, and Fashion, dazzle,
With wild, bewildering ray? Or do they hold high stations,
And daily seek to share
The ends of vain ambitions,
A victor's crown to wear? No: these are not the number
Found in this holy band;
Scarce known on earth, they're seeking
A happier, goodlier land. We find them 'mid the mournful,
If sorrow's paths we seek:—
And laden with affliction;
Yet passionless and meek. In poverty abiding;
'Mid want, and pressing care,
Their earthly days are gliding
While Jesus hears their prayer. The crown they seek is heavenly,
The riches that endure,
The promise of our Saviour;
To all His humble poor.—Guardian. "Be of one Mind, Live in Peace."
By W. S. Foote
THE remnant of Jacob, are not only to keep the commandments of God, but the faith of Jesus also. In that faith there is no discord, or confusion. The watchmen are to see eye to eye, and the saints are to follow their leaders, to whom God has committed the last message of mercy. The great head of the church has promised "a good understanding to all who keep his commandments," and the way of holiness, and the path to the celestial city is marked out so plain, that no one of sane mind, can have any possible excuse for traveling in a forbidden way. It is to be feared that some professing to be "Seventh-day Adventists," by their irregular course are not exerting a good influence over the minds of their neighbors; we are watched; the doctrines of the church are known, and any departure from them is marked down in the minds of its enemies. Let us be careful lest while we profess to love the present truth, we hinder others from embracing it. To particularize: I should infer from reading the Review, that some who profess to love the present truth, have not thrown away their tobacco. If after reading the word of God, the testimony for the church, and the articles in the Review upon "Tobacco using," any among us are still addicted to the filthy habit of using tobacco, I am afraid that such are beyond the hope of amendment, and would say to such, I beg of you stand out of the way sinners, and do not hinder the work of God, the cause we love. By referring to page 45 of "Experience and Views," I find the following: "God is displeased with those who go to listen to error, when they are not obliged to; for unless he sends us to these meetings, where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, he will not keep us." After the evidence we have had, with regard to the truth of this assertion, it stands us in hand to look well to our ways. Sisters, do you follow the fashions of the world? especially the immodest ones of the day? I mean with regard to dress. I suppose you do not appear in the house of God in immodest costume; but when you are in company with the worldly-minded, if you dress like them, I would advise you to read Isa. iii, 15-25, and page 24 of "Testimony for the church, No. 7." W. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, Ohio. Whitney’s Testimony of Faith
By S. B. Whitney
BRO. WHITE: It is some time since the brethren and sisters have heard anything from me through the Review; but it is not because I have no interest in it, or the truths it advocates. Far from this. And now I wish to say to them, that, notwithstanding my long silence, although I have to regret many past errors and wrongs, and mourn over my great unfaithfulness; yet I have been striving to do the will of my Heavenly Father, and am still encouraged to press on, because of the "exceeding great and precious promises both for time and eternity, which are "yea and amen" to those that believe. Indeed, the "Lord is not slack concerning his promises," as we fully prove, when, by heartfelt obedience and faithfulness we fulfil the conditions upon which they are given. While, according to the best of my ability, I have presented the truth to others, exhorting them to obedience to the requirements of God, my own soul has often been watered, and my faith grown exceedingly as the evidences of our position have arrayed themselves before me in their clearness, and with increasing light and force. Certainly these evidences should be a cause of gratitude to us all, and every fresh token of the nearness of our redemption should cause hope and joy to spring up afresh in our hearts. But especially do I feel grateful for the light now shining upon the path of the "remnant," contained in Spiritual Gifts volumes three and four, which we so much need, as a people, at this time, particularly the portion referring to health. It seems to me, that none but those who are blinded by the evil workings of an unsubdued heart and will, can fail to see and appreciate the work that is now being done for us, as the dealings of a kind and merciful Heavenly Father. And when it is thus seen and appreciated, how easy it will be for us to co-operate, and how much more acceptable will be our service, when rendered with a healthy stomach, a clear head and a pure heart. With what avidity should we take hold of the work of self-purification, when it is shown to be so indispensable to our temporal and eternal welfare. How poor and mean appears the sacrifice we are required to make in this direction, which calls us to give up nothing but that which is decidedly a detriment to us, both physically and morally, when compared with the prize placed before us as the object of our aspirations and labor. Already do we as a family begin to experience the good result of self-denial, and our purpose is to "so run that we may obtain." May the good Lord strengthen and speed on you and yours in the good work, and help his people to walk in the light, and thus cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit and perfect holiness in his fear. Yours in hope of final and complete victory. Grass River, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1864. Minutes of the Ills. & Wis. Conference.
THE Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference of S. D. Adventists convened at Clyde, Ill., on the 7th of Oct., 1864. Eld. I. Sanborn in the chair. Prayer by Bro. R. F. Andrews. The reports from the several churches show the aggregate membership to be six hundred and twenty-two, an increase of two hundred and thirty-two over last year. The Systematic fund amounts to $2012,42, an increase of $492,20. Seventy-five per cent. of this amount is to be used as a Conference fund, amounting to $1509,30. Six churches were added to the Conference at this meeting. Officers for the present year. President, Eld. I. Sanborn; Vice President, Eld. Wm. S. Ingraham; Secretary, T. M. Steward; Treasurer, Ivory Colcord, Jr.; Executive Committee, I. Sanborn, Wm. S. Ingraham, and R. F. Andrews. Voted, That this Conference recommend to all our brethren and sisters within its limits to donate liberally to the S. D. Adventist Publishing Association to purchase paper that the Review and publications may be furnished at old prices. Voted, That the minutes of this Conference be written out in full by the Secretary and sent to each church respectively for their benefit. Voted, That a brief synopsis of this report be made out and sent to the Review Office for publication. Voted, That Elds. Sanborn, Ingraham, Steward and Andrews, receive credentials for the ensuing year. Voted, That Brn. John Matteson, H. C. Blanchard, Wm. Russell, and L. G. Bostwick, be licensed to preach. Wilt Thou be Saved?
By Bonar
THEN linger not in all the plain;
Flee for thy life, the mountain gain:
Look not behind, make no delay;
Oh speed thee, speed thee on thy way;
Haste, traveler, haste. Poor, lost, benighted soul, art thou
Willing to find salvation now?
There yet is hope, hear mercy's call—
Truth, life, light, way, in Christ is all.
Haste, traveler, haste.
—Bonar.