Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, at my father's residence, near Afton, Union County, Iowa, May 19, 1869, my eldest brother, George W. Bonifield, in the twentieth year of his age. George had a strong hold on life, but after thirteen days' incessant suffering, death claimed him as its victim. He was a noble-hearted young man, loved and respected by all who knew him. He gave evidence of his acceptance with God and rejoiced even in his affliction. H. J. BONIFIELD.
DIED, at her father's residence, near Woodburn, Clark Co., Iowa, March 29, 1869, of consumption, Sr. Sarah Neal, daughter of J. B. and Anna Neal, in her 26th year. Sister S. embraced the present truth about nine years ago, and stood firm through the many discouragements of the past, and died in the blessed hope of having part in the first resurrection. She has been an invalid for about twelve years, and especially has she been an extreme sufferer for the last year, but the Christian's hope has ever buoyed her up, and been a source of comfort in her hours of suffering; and she leaves us with the blessed hope that if we live as worthily as she, we soon shall meet her where parting will be no more. MAHLON W. NEAL.
DIED, in Walton, Mich., June 4, 1869, of spinal meningitis, Leo Delance, son of David H. and Elizabeth L. Lamson, aged 5 years and 4 months. Funeral discourse Sabbath, June 5, to a large concourse of sympathizing friends, from Jer. xxxi, 15-17. WM. C. GAGE.
DIED, in Olcott, N. Y., May 31, 1869, our little Luther, aged three years, four months, and fourteen days. ELIJAH & MARY GASKILL.
“GOING ONCE JUST TO SEE!”
By H. C. MILLER.
The apostle Peter sets forth the duty of Christ’s children in the following conclusion drawn from his previous remarks: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts, in your ignorance.” 1 Peter i, 13, 14. Again he says in chapter iv, 1-3: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. * For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries.”
Satan is on hand at all seasons of the year with his devices to draw attention from holy things. Time was when those who professed the name of Jesus, would no more be seen at a theater, or circus, or any other sinful show, than in the company of Satan himself. They knew these things, knew what they savored of, and they shunned them as they would any other evil association. But Satan has been studying how to entrap those whom he could, and has finally adopted the “sugar-coating plan.” He heralds his snares abroad as “unobjectionable scenes,” “highly instructive exhibitions,” “moral entertainments,” so exceedingly pure, says he, that even “the most fastidious Christian” cannot fail to be delighted. “Come one, come all, and see the greatest, and the most moral exhibition ever presented to the public.” Though the covering is tissue, yet it is sufficient to hide the deformity from the victims. How easily they are led on.
It is wonderful, yes, astonishing, how flimsy a reason, or excuse, will satisfy the minds of some who profess the name of Christ. Said a brother who attended a circus with his wife, “I never went to one before, my wife never went to one before, and I don’t see any harm in going once, just to see what is in the world.” Said another, “I supposed that it was only a menagerie, but soon after I got there they commenced the circus performance, and as I had got so far I thought I might as well stay and see the whole.” He went blindly into Satan’s trap, and could not see the necessity of flight even when he found it was the Devil’s own. He forgot that the man of God should “flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” “But we never had seen a circus, so we thought we would go once just to see what is in the world.” And Eve tasted just once to see, and in that “just once” lay all the mischief. When we plead we want to see what is in the world, forgotten is the word speaking on this wise: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,” &c., “is not of the Father.” Just to go once to see what is in the world! Fatal delusion! Adopt such a rule in all things and where will it not lead us? See this brothel! We have never been in one. Let us go just once to see what’s there. Here is a gambling hell. Let us enter just once and see what is here. Over there is a dance-house, and hark! there is music, too. Oh! let us go in, just once, and see what is there. You know we have never been in such a place before. Here is destruction before us, and we have never entered therein. Let us go to destruction just once, and see.
“One precious boon, O Lord, I seek,
While tossed upon life’s billowy sea;
To hear a voice within me speak,
Thy Saviour is well pleased with thee.”
“Let me but know where’er I roam
That I am doing Jesus’ will;
And though I’ve neither friends nor home
My heart shall glow with gladness still.”
Thus sings the professor, and then hies to the circus to “see just once.” Consistent, very.
H. C. MILLER.
H. NICOLA
By H. Nicola
From Bro. Nicola.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would say that the General Conference that I have just had the privilege of attending has been of great benefit to me. Bro. White's morning lectures, to say nothing of the many other good things that were said, were very interesting and profitable. As he portrayed to our minds the manner in which the third angel's message began, and the simplicity which characterized the work then, and contrasted it with our present condition, I could but think we have departed far from the Lord. But when I see a disposition on the part of those standing foremost in the work and bearing great responsibilities to correct past mistakes, and to seek for the old paths, it encourages my heart, and I am led to ask myself, Shall I have any part in this great work? Shall I be willing to endure the suffering part in the work, as a good soldier? Oh! I feel more like giving myself more fully to the Lord than ever I have done hitherto, and like consecrating all to him. May God's blessing rest upon those that bear the chief responsibility in this work, and may he give them heavenly wisdom that they may move fully in his counsel, and may he help all his dear people to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, is my prayer.
H. NICOLA
Pilot Grove, Iowa.
MARTHA M. HARRIS
By Martha M. Harris
From Sister Harris.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: May I be permitted, through the REVIEW, to express my heartfelt thanks to those dear friends who sent me the paper, and other works on the subject of present truth; and to inform them that the Lord has greatly blessed me and my companion, and that we have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus for the last three months; and we hope, through the power of our Heavenly Father to be overcomers!
The Lord has greatly loved us, and we hope by his grace to return his love by presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in his sight; which is our reasonable service.
MARTHA M. HARRIS
Lamoille Co., Vt.
Economy in Dress.
The elegant and accomplished Miss D., a lady of property, called at the shop and inquired for cambrics, dimity, and other articles of the finest texture. Mrs. W. observed, “I have not any of that quality, but I have such as is good enough for you, my dear Miss D., or for any queen in Europe. I will show them to you and tell you what you can do; you can take them, and I will state what a superior quality will cost, and you can give the balance to the poor.”
She immediately acceded to the proposal, and in about two hours returned with a poor little girl, and told her to look at the cheap calicoes and make her choice. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with an eloquence beyond words, and not really knowing whether to thank Miss D., or the lady of the shop, made two courtesies, and took a heavy bundle with a light heart. Miss D. smiled with ineffable sweetness, and thanked Mrs. W. for her advice, saying, “It has stamped a value on my wardrobe I never shall forget. I think I never shall be extravagant again.” She became a constant customer, and her retrenchments in dress, though hardly visible, I doubt not, gave bread to the hungry, and clothing to the poor.—Tract Magazine, 1826.
Fashions.
“Be clothed with humility,” and have “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
This is the most graceful, becoming, and at the same time, useful, costume that has ever solicited public attention. The mantle is of the most exquisite hue and delicate texture; tastefully decorated with the above-mentioned brilliants; and will be found to unite every advantage of utility and elegance. This dress is suitable to all seasons, and is considered equally becoming in the young and the old. It possesses extraordinary durability, is less liable to take a soil than any other material, and retains its freshness and novelty to the last. It falls over the person in the most graceful folds, and is so adjusted as to veil every blemish, and set off the least favorable figure to the best possible advantage. The color usually preferred for this costume is invisible green, which casts the most delicate shade upon the whole form, and produces an effect indescribably agreeable and possessing. Nothing can be more tastefully imagined, than the ornament with which this mantle is finished, and although this jewel is pronounced by the best judges to be of immense value, it may be obtained upon very reasonable terms. It is so delicate in its hue, and so chaste and simple in its workmanship, that it has been mistaken by unskilful observers, for an ordinary pebble, but connoisseurs instantly recognize it and allow it to be “more precious than rubies.” Notwithstanding the recommendation it possesses, this dress has never become common although universally approved. It was once worn as a royal robe, and has ever since been held in the high estimation and general use amongst the subjects of the great Prince who first introduced it.—Tract Magazine, 1826.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Tent Meeting at Orange, Ionia Co., Mich., June 18-20. We want a general rally July 2-4. Where shall it be? JAMES WHITE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, the next general meeting of the churches of Tittabawassee, Chesaning and St. Charles, will be held Sabbath and first-day, July 3 and 4, at St. Charles. We hope to see a good representation from our sister churches. D. A. WETMORE, Clerk.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Pastors. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. A Wilbur 35-9, D P Mintun 34-8, C McKinnis 35-1, Mrs J Shearer 35-1, W Pepper 34-21, P Luke 35-1, E M Kimball 34-1, J W Snider 35-1, E Bracket 35-1.
$2.00 each. A Chase 35-1, L A George 35-1, H J Hornfield 33-1, J S Smith 36-1, H M Kilgore 36-21, W W Wilson 34-1, Mrs O Chandler 35-1, A Hoff 36-1, James Whitehall 35-1, J S Hight 35-18.
Miscellaneous. M S Lathrop 50c, 35-3, L Wilfitz $2.50, 34-1, L M Gates 3.00, 37-1, E Dayton 3.50, 36-3.
Books Sent by Mail.
J N Loughborough, Healdsburg, Cal., $41.25, S A Pratt 13c, A O Bourdeau 3.25, S A Rowland 1.50, Wm V Field 2.50, P Hainer 2.50, M H Chalker 1.65, H Calkins 25c, H Abbott 1.75, Mrs S. Lathrop 25c, W Vancil 3.00, D Akins 25c, J S Wheelock 1.65, Julia E Green 1.82, Edward Litzman 1.00, H M Kilgore 3.66, E M Kimball 1.74, J T Terrell 25c, J. Freeman 25c, Frank W Mace 3.35, A Rogers 1.62, W Boynton 1.88.
Shares in Publishing Association.
E M Kimball $3.26.
Benevolent Fund.
Wm Caviness Jr. $10.00, E M Kimball 3.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Church at Greenbush, Mich., $12.50.
Cash Received on Account.
D M Canright $5.00, R F Andrews 2.00.
Books Sent by Express.
Elder T M Stewart, Rockton, Ill., $30.00, Jesse B T Nichols, Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, 12.00, J N Loughborough, Petaluma, Cal., 271.87, Geo I Butler, Washington, Iowa, 119.41.
Accident.
By Wm. H. Graham.
BRO. WARREN E. LANDON of Chaplin, Ct., while engaged in chopping, March 28, 1869, was crushed beneath a falling tree, and nearly killed. His son, a lad of sixteen, was with him, and had to cut the log before he could get it off him. Bro. L. thought he could not live, as did also the physician who was called. Several days and nights we watched over him not knowing how it would turn. In the kind providence of God, however, he is now slowly recovering, although he will probably not be able to work for six months or a year, and perhaps will never again be sound. It is a heavy stroke for Bro. and Sr. Landon as they have a large family dependent upon his daily labor (blacksmithing) for support. If any of the brethren would esteem it a privilege to help them a little in this time of affliction it will be gratefully received. His address is Chaplin, Conn.
WM. H. GRAHAM.
Mansfield Center, Conn., May 18, 1869.
Grove Meeting at Johnstown, Mich.
By request of the church in Johnstown, Bro. and Sr. White appointed to meet with them Sabbath and first-day, June 12 and 13. A large portion of the Battle Creek church attended this meeting. In consequence of rain, the meetings were much interrupted; but they were seasons of interest and profit. The subjects presented were the duties now devolving upon us, and the great work of preparation for the Judgment. We trust a lasting impression for good was made on many minds.
The Personality of God.
WE should speak of the existence of the infinite Creator with profound reverence, and with deep self-abasement. God is a Spirit. John iv, 24. This does not reduce him to a mere unreal or unsubstantial being. Beyond all doubt he has a personal existence in the highest sense of the term. The Son of God is the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. Heb. i, 1–3. It is proper to point out the great error of those who represent God as an impersonal being, diffused as a subtle fluid everywhere through space. Yet in combating this mischievous error we should not inadvertently use language that can be handled in a sense utterly unlike that intended. To speak of God as an “organized being” may be the occasion for men to say that we hold God to have had an organizer, i. e., that he is himself a created being.
“In Weariness and Painfulness.”
IN Paul's enumeration of his labors and sufferings (2 Cor. xi, 23-28) he makes use of the above expressive phrase. It is a light thing to labor with a buoyant spirit, and with the vigor and energy of full strength. Labor, under such circumstances, is a pleasure. But when the strength is exhausted with long-continued effort, and the heart saddened by the small measure of good accomplished, and when the elasticity of the spirits are gone and nothing but anguish remains, it requires the most perfect devotion and singleness of purpose to still labor with persevering effort for Christ and his cause. This spirit Paul possessed. This we should possess if we also were true soldiers of the cross. This is the spirit of steadfast, active obedience, that never tires and never loses sight of the grand result. Christians that only labor when they feel like it have no acquaintance with this kind of undeviating activity in the service of Christ.
General Conference Funds.
By John Norton Loughborough; James White
The treasurer's report of Gen. Conf. funds was inadvertently omitted from the report in No. 22. The following figures show the present standing of the fund:
THE TREASURER'S REPORT
Of the financial standing of the General Conference, for the year ending May 1, 1869.
RECEIPTS.
Amount on hand May 1, 1868, $880 35
Received during the year, 2,146 24
Total, $3,026 59
EXPENDITURES.
Paid out during the year, $2,834 64
Cash on hand to balance, 191 95
Total, $3,026 59
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Treasurer.
Since the above report was made out, $127.46 have been received, and $2126.80 have been paid out, leaving the Gen. Conf. in debt $1807.39. State Conferences, churches, and scattered brethren should see that this amount is paid in immediately.
JAMES WHITE.
The Proper Use of Time
TIME never sits heavily upon us but when it is badly employed.
The Hymn Book.
By James White
We have had four binders at work on the Hymn Book, and yet are not able to fill all orders. In February we stated:—
“A few hundreds may be furnished by the time of the General Conference. After that for several months they will be furnished to only those who send cash with orders at retail prices.”
We are not ready for large orders at wholesale prices. We have not the books to fill such orders at present. We can send very small lots, with orders for other books, at retail prices. When we can furnish large lots at discount, we will give notice in REVIEW.
JAMES WHITE.
Book Fund Report.
By James White
This report is now ready. We wish it to be circulated to all the friends of the cause. We shall send out a few copies to some who have liberally donated, and wait for orders from others. The last leaves of this little pamphlet are devoted to a pointed essay on giving. All the friends of the cause should read this report. Send postage with your orders. Ministers are invited to take special interest in the circulation of this report, the collection of pledges, and obtaining donations from all. Let the work move on.
JAMES WHITE.
Note to the Churches of Iowa.
By Geo. I. Butler
As it has been thought best to dispense with our State Conference this spring, I wish to say a word in reference to our financial condition. It has been customary for the delegates to bring quite a portion of the yearly funds to the yearly meeting. As there is no such meeting this spring, we hope each church treasurer in the State will make some effort to collect the S. B. funds for the past Conference year, if they have not yet been paid, and forward them at once to the State treasurer, Bro. R. M. Kilgore, Washington, Iowa.
As the tent is expected to start very soon, some funds will be needed at once.
In reference to the subscription for the new tent, I would say that nearly all that has not been paid, say from one-half to two-thirds of the entire subscription, was to be paid at the Conference. We hope the officers in each church will make some effort to collect this, and send it at once to Bro. Kilgore, as the Conference Committee will be under the necessity of borrowing funds to pay for the new tent on its delivery. If the brethren will be prompt in reference to these suggestions, they will save us from some embarrassment.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Iowa, June 7, 1869.
Meetings in Steuben Co., N. Y.
By John Lindsey
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have read your cheering testimonies from time to time in the REVIEW, and while the Lord has blessed you and added to your numbers he has not forgotten us. Some have been added to our numbers, I trust such as will be saved. Our labor have been blessed in other places. We held meetings last winter at Pleasant Valley, 32 miles from here. My wife spoke 23 times to good congregations on the signs of the times, prophecies, and near-coming of Christ. Some confessed the truth, others were interested, and the wrath of the dragon was stirred up against us.
Two weeks ago last Sabbath evening, we commenced meetings in West Union, Steuben Co., N. Y. Wife has spoken six times, and Bro. W. Stebbins twice. The people seemed interested and anxious to hear. We intend to continue meetings there.
We feel like spending our time and strength in the harvest-field, feeling that what is done for the salvation of our fellow-men must be done quickly. Our prayer is that the Lord will guide us by his counsel, and afterward receive us to glory.
JOHN LINDSEY.
Ulysses, Pa.
Why Abraham Lincoln was not a Church Member.
I HAVE, said he, found difficulty in giving my assent, without mental reservation, to the long, complicated statements of Christian doctrine which characterize their articles of belief, and confessions of faith. When any church will inscribe over its altar, as its sole qualification for membership, the Saviour’s condensed statement of both law and gospel, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself,” that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul.—F. B. Carpenter’s Life of Abraham Lincoln.
Sympathy in a Sixpence
A poor woman can see more sympathy in a sixpence than in streams of tears.
What Affliction Teaches
than in screams or tears.
If you would not have affliction to visit you twice, listen at once to what it teaches.
The Consoler of Broken Hearts
hasten at once to what it teaches.
The best consoler of human hearts may bear broken hearts in their own bosoms.
Feelings of the Moment
feelings in their own bosoms. WHAT is said from the feeling of a moment, should excite but the feeling of a moment.
