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Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 17.

The Year 1866
Earlier text: The Year 1866

"The Sabbath."

By JOS. CLARKE

THIS is the title of a work by Rev. James Gilfillan, of Stirling, Scotland. It is a well-bound volume of six hundred and thirty-five pages, published and extensively circulated by the American Tract Society, 150, Nassau Street, New York.
The author is evidently a man of learning, and of deep research, and of unwearied industry.
His work contains very many excellent sentiments, and in treating upon the Sabbatic institution, he is unexceptionable in a considerable part of his reasoning. Indeed you might imagine that he would certainly come out a true advocate of Jehovah's Rest Day; but it is painful to state, that with all his fine reasoning, and his excellent style, he does in a few sentences, overturn his best efforts for God and his holy law, and transfers to the enemy a book which might have been the means of an untold amount of good, but which will now do much against the observance of the true Sabbath. The error is more especially to be regretted in a work of so much ability and apparent candor.
JOS. CLARKE.
NOTE. We have a copy of the work to which Bro. C. refers above. In relation to the institution of the Sabbath, its observance by the patriarchs, its perpetuity and universal obligation, its necessity in a moral and physical point of view, &c., it reasons well, and we have long purposed to make some extracts from it on these points, in due time, for the Review. The book argues for a change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week, and urges the usual reasons with which Sabbath-keepers are so familiar. This is favorable; for this is the weakest view that exists on the Sabbath question. We therefore do not so much regret the circulation of this work; for if people can become well-instructed on the great principles which this book inculcates, when the agitation is brought to bear more directly upon them, we imagine it will not be a difficult matter to show them that the doctrine of a change of day is not known in the Bible. This being once accomplished, the question will lie with them between the doctrine of no Sabbath, and the true seventh-day Sabbath. But they cannot then take no-Sabbath ground, or even retain their Sunday theory, without abandoning more of the teachings of the book, than they would have to do, to embrace the true Sabbath. Thus it may turn out that in many cases Mr. G. will have unconsciously done more for the truth than against it.

Report from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

My last report closed with the Convocation Meeting in Iowa. After we had closed our meeting on first-day, as there were quite a number of Brn. and sisters who were to remain on the ground in their tents over night, they felt that it was their privilege to have another meeting. They held one some two or three hours in length; a powerful season, in which many hearty confessions were made, and some, who were on the background, started anew in the service of God.
The Brn. Bourdeau and myself spent the 3d of September at the kind and hospitable home of Bro. Henry Nicola, resting and writing. On the fourth we started on our way to Illinois. Tarrying over night at Davenport we arrived at noon of the 5th at Morrison, Ill., where we found Bro. Eli Wick with his carriage waiting to convey us to his own home in Clyde. Here we spent Thursday, resting, and on Friday the 7th, at 11 A. M., our meeting commenced with a goodly number of the church, and some from other places were present. But two meetings were held on sixth-day, but three on Sabbath and first-day besides social meetings each day. Eight discourses were given in all by the Brn. Bourdeau and myself. At this meeting quite a number came from Elkhorn and other places; one load from Princeville, Ill., 70 miles distant.
The brethren were in the midst of busy cares, so that all did not see the importance of spending the whole time appointed, in the meetings. There was a good waking up on Sabbath and first-day, and the meeting rose in interest. The Lord blessed his servants in speaking the truth, which seemed to fall with deep weight into the hearts of his people. A spirit of confession was there, and many who were comparatively on the back ground took their stand anew to work in the cause of the Lord. The meeting closed with the sweet blessing of God resting upon us.
Monday and Tuesday, although it was against storm and mud, we came on to Crane's Grove where we had a meeting at the house of Bro. Newton. The Lord gave us light and freedom as we tried to speak for an hour on the subject of Health, the Health Institute, &c. Several manifested an interest in these things by coming forward to pledge for stock. Wednesday we journeyed on to Monroe, Wisconsin, the place of the Convocation Meeting. On coming to this place we met with some discouragements. The rain had detained us from getting on the ground till it was past time for the meeting to commence. No great preparations had been made for the meeting. Perhaps no one is specially to blame for this. The church in Monroe supposed, from the notice given, that all were coming with tents, &c., to take care of themselves. The sudden change of the weather to cold and damp, rendered it impracticable to camp in tents, and it was even quite cold in the meeting tent, most of the time. Perhaps the Conf. Committee, who made the call for meeting, should have been on the ground in season to counsel with the Monroe church in reference to what arrangements should be made. We blame no one, but presume we all learned how we could better the matter another time.
At least 150 Brn. and sisters assembled at this meeting, some coming as far as 150 and even 300 miles. The lack of arrangements, with other things, had a discouraging effect in the former part of the meeting. We were sorry to learn that any suffered from lack of proper care. If such will forgive us, we will do better another time. At such meetings there should, at least, be a committee to see that all have homes to go to. Notwithstanding our discouragements and the elements against us, the meeting rose in interest to the end. Clouds seemed to be over us at first, but these broke away as the plain, practical truths of God's word were preached and began to find place in the hearts of God's people.
The Health Reform was set forth in its clearness, and as the church took their stand to obey nature's laws in their being, light broke in upon us. Our experience on this question at Monroe, leads us to think more and more, that it is of importance to heed light upon any subject while that light shines, and that the Lord blesses us just in proportion as we receive the light he gives us. All seemed to feel and realize the importance of making religion a daily practical work. Some new ones made a start at this meeting. May the Lord bless them.
In this meeting, as well as at Clyde, the brethren expressed strong desires that the proposed enlargement of the Review should be made, some paying as high as $4.00 and $5.00 for the next year to aid in this enterprise.
The Institute, Reformer, and Publishing Department were not forgotten at this meeting, as receipts in this week's Review will show.
The Association needs means to carry out its present plans in “devising liberal things” for the advance of the truth, and we trust that many will follow the example of these donors to the S. D. A. P. A. At the close of our Convocation all felt that our meeting would tell for the advancement of the cause, and had been a good time indeed.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Report from Ridgeway, N. Y.

By R. F. COTTRELL

THERE are favorable indications for the cause in Ridgeway and the adjoining towns. I am holding meetings at Jeddo on first-days at half past ten, and at our dwelling at four. The meetings are not large, but a goodly number of attentive hearers attend; and some speak very favorably of what they hear. We also keep up our Sabbath meeting at Shelby Basin.
The attendance from abroad at our Monthly Meeting just held here was small; a heavy rain on sixth-day preventing a number from coming. There were however about thirty Sabbath-keepers present; and I trust it was a meeting of profit. On first-day a considerable number of the neighbors came in to hear, and listened with marked attention. Some confessed the truth of what they heard.
We took incipient measures for the organization of a church in this place, adopting the covenant, organizing Systematic Benevolence and appointing a leader, so as to be prepared to ask admission to the N. Y. State Conference. Seventeen gave their names, and our s. b. amounts to $147.16. There are some six or eight more of the scattered Sabbath-keepers within the bounds of this church, who, we trust, will unite with us. In fact, I now think of enough already keeping the Sabbath, to increase our number to twenty-eight. I shall labor to get them into working order, and bring them together. And I am confident that others will be brought in. I see encouragement to labor in this and adjoining towns; and I trust God has guided me to the right place—a place where I can find openings to preach, and at the same time be where I can attend to my writing at home, where I can have access to my books. When the evenings become a little longer, I intend to have frequent evening meetings.
I thank God, and all his dear people who have kindly provided me a little place for a temporary home. I am well pleased with the place and situation. Hope I may use it as a gift from God, to aid me in my labors and preparation for a home in the world to come. And may I never be left to apostatize from the truth, and pervert the gift of God and the benevolent contributions of his people, by turning to fight against him and his cause. Brethren, pray for us, and for the success of the truth here.
R. F. COTTRELL.

“We’ll Wait Till Jesus Comes.”

By L. D. SANTEN

THE other evening as I was returning home wearied with the labors of the week, I caught the sound of distant music, and by listening intently I could catch the words,
“We’ll wait till Jesus comes, And we’ll be gathered home.”
As the music came to me borne gently on the evening air, it seemed to me that I had never heard any thing more beautiful.
In 1844 the Advent people were looking up and waiting for the coming of Jesus; but when the period passed without witnessing the fruition of their hopes, many, alas, laid aside the wedding garment, and in answer to the question, Watchman, what of the night? they now utter the cry of peace and safety, or like the evil servant say, My Lord delayeth his coming. Great will be their consternation when the Son of man cometh in the cloudy chariot, and finds them sleeping.
Previous to 1844 the Advent body were a unit, and when asked, What of the night, would reply joyfully, The morning cometh. To them the morning of the resurrection seemed just at hand; and when they thought of the glorious appearing of Jesus, they would cry earnestly, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. But the time came, and on the tenth day of the seventh month what a host of eager expectant faces looked heavenward. The day slowly wore away; and the heavens still presented their wonted appearance. How often during that day were Bibles searched and the prophecy found in Dan. viii, 14. How often was it studied. Unto two thousand and three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. And by reckoning from established chronological dates, this prophecy can be proved beyond a doubt to end in the autumn of 1844. But the time passed and then came bitter disappointment. Those that were not grounded in the faith fell by the wayside, and many that were foremost in the Advent movement were the first to pronounce the whole thing a delusion. They had the faith, but they lacked the patience of the saints. They never thought to question the position whether the earth was the sanctuary. A few however recognized the hand of the Lord in the movement; and they commenced a closer investigation to ascertain why Christ did not come at the expected time. By careful study they learned that there is a heavenly sanctuary, the cleansing of which commenced in 1844. We are still waiting for Jesus. The signs of his coming are in the past. We shall not have much longer to wait. He has tarried long, but now very soon, he that is to come will come and will not tarry. Even now we can almost see the heavens reflecting his glory. Be not faithless but believing. Even as the dawn foretells the morning so the glory is seen that foretells the rising of the Sun of righteousness with healing in his wings. The long weary night of waiting will soon give place to a glorious morning. Brethren and sisters let us “Wait till Jesus comes; and we’ll be gathered home.”
L. D. SANTEN. Gridley, Ill.

Response.

By John Norton Loughborough

BRO. SMITH: Many brethren who have learned that I was with Bro. White in Marion, Iowa, in July, 1865, have questioned me concerning a certain conversation at the house of H. E. Carver. In response to their inquiries I would say: I have read the statement of H. E. Carver concerning a conversation between himself and Bro. White, in July, 1865, concerning the shut door and the visions of sister White, in which he says Bro. White made the following statement: “Brother Carver, I will make an admission to you, I would not make to a sharp opponent. Considering her youthfulness at the time, and her faith in the shut-door doctrine, and her association with those of the same faith, it should not be considered singular if these things should give a coloring to the vision not warranted by what she really saw.” I do not say these are the exact words, but the substance of what he said. And I hereby certify that I was present at the same time, and listened with intense interest to the same conversation, and think I recollect quite distinctly what was said on that point.
Words were said somewhat similar to what is quoted, but what was said before and after those words, gives them quite a different bearing from what he gives them.
The question came up, that evening, whether sister White believed in the doctrine of the shut door after the time passed in 1844. Said Bro. White, in response to this question, “Bro. Carver, I will make an admission to you, which, of course, I would not make in public to a sharp opponent. She did believe it. And so, as you know, did nearly all the Advent people. In her visions, she had views of an open as well as a shut door; and she did not at first distinctly understand what this open door meant. Many brethren opposed her views, because she told them there was an open door.”
After speaking of the vision in which mention is made of the shut door, given at Exeter, Maine, which vision, at this point, was the topic of conversation, Bro. White said, “Considering her youthfulness, and her belief in the shut door, and the views of the Advent people, it would not have been considered very strange, if her vision had received a coloring, in writing it out.” I did not understand Bro. White, for a moment, to convey the idea that her views colored the vision, but that they did not; and that, for this reason: we had, in the same vision, what she saw about the open door, notwithstanding her vision of the open door was contrary to the faith of the Advent people at that time, and contrary to her own faith, before she had this vision.
Still further, Bro. White went on to show that it was the visions that led them out of the extreme view of the shut door. Immediately after this vision, they labored for some who had made no profession before 1844, which was directly contrary to the practice of those who held the extreme view on the shut door. This vision was repeated again, as he showed, at Oswego, N. Y., just before it was published in Saratoga; but instead of leading them to cease to labor for the unconverted, it led them to labor for those who are now Bro. and Sr. Patch of Minnesota.
And I will here state, that, so far as I can learn from those who were living where this vision was given, instead of its leading them to the extreme shut-door view, it had the opposite effect, to lead those who received it, out of it. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Mich. Tent Laid Up.

By J. H. Waggoner

ON account of the weather we have been compelled to take down the tent. Since first pitching it here the weather has been most unfavorable; both wet and cold. In truth we have seen but few days without rain since we left Battle Creek, Aug. 8th. Though much of the time uncomfortable, only one meeting was entirely broken up by storm—the evening of the 11th inst. The 14th we took down the tent, and removed to Music Hall. The hall was well filled that night; the removal seemed rather to help than hinder the interest.
It was very fortunate that we took down the tent when we did. That night we had a hard frost, and it has rained almost incessantly since, and is quite cold.
But few have been able to attend from the country, for which reason the general attendance has not been very large. Though circumstances have been against us, the Lord has been for us; we have felt to cast our care on him, and trust in him; and we have not been disappointed. There has been a growing interest in the truth. Last Sunday evening the hall was well filled, though it was very stormy; the subject of the Sabbath was presented, and over two-thirds of those present voted that they believed we have the truth on that point. Not one present would vote that they believed the Bible taught that the first day was the Sabbath. About fifteen expressed themselves fully decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are very favorable.
The hall being otherwise occupied, we omit three evenings. This we do not regret, as the weather is bad for meetings, and we need rest; though there is so much private labor needed that we know not how to find rest. The interest is now better than at any time previous. Much more labor is required here, and it will be necessary for one of us, at least, to return here after filling our published appointments. Brethren, pray for us.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Holly, Mich., Sept. 18.

The Present Truth,

By H. S. GURNEY

BRO. WHITE: I am fully determined to make God my refuge, and present truth my buckler and shield. I rejoice exceedingly that I have found a system of truth so clear and harmonious, that a flood of ungodly men cannot shake its foundation in the least. Every attempt against present truth, only brightens its luster. There is something extremely elevating in the firm reception of present truth. By faith it exalts to Heaven and views the promised inheritance with exceeding joy. If it be joy to contemplate such things, “what must it be to be there?” I feel so glad, viewing every evidence of our Lord’s return to earth, that I at once set about the work of preparing to receive him. What! to see Jesus in his glory, and the additional glory of his Father, and all the angels with him, and to be changed into his image, to share in his glory, and the inheritance forever! The thought is inconceivably glorious and incomprehensible.
If I did not believe it to be a sin to doubt such exceeding great and precious promises, I could easily doubt that they reached to one so entirely unworthy as myself. But seeing God has given his Son, will he not give all things. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.”
The thoughts now rush back from the reward to the work of overcoming. The word implies a great struggle, and much striving. To this work I must apply with all diligence, that my calling and election may be made sure. I believe there is no danger of committing ourselves too firmly upon the evidences that bring our Lord’s return near, even at the door. It should be a settled fact with us, and then duties involving a preparation naturally follow.
Did the Antediluvians believe Noah’s preaching? No; they went on and perished! Did the Sodomites believe Lot’s preaching? No; they went on and perished! Did the Jewish nation believe John’s message as the forerunner of Christ? No; so they shall likewise perish! Now God is giving a message to the world that the Lord is coming. Is it safe to believe? I do not guess in this, I know it is safe. I therefore believe, and it works well. It leads to a solemn inquiry, What shall I do to be saved? Then the third angel speaks with a loud voice and tells us plainly what not to do, and what to do. In all this, have we no reason to praise the Lord? Yea, we have reason to praise him with all our hearts.
H. S. GURNEY. Memphis, Mich.

Letters.

By E. F. Phippeny

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

From Sister Phippeny.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Some time has elapsed since I have contributed for the columns of our excellent paper; but it is not because I have lost my interest in it, or the cause of present truth. I love it as well as ever, though I feel almost discouraged sometimes. I find it a hard task, for me, to bear the trials and disappointments of this life, with the patience and resignation that I should. Alas! how prone to evil is the heart of man. I often fear that I may be a stumbling block to others, by giving way to language that is not meek nor charitable enough.
But oh, how earnestly do I desire to live a holy and consistent life, and how anxiously I look forward to the time when Christ, the mighty conqueror, shall appear! I long for the time to come, and yet how agonizing the thought that dearly loved ones may not be prepared for that great day. Surely, oh, how surely! that day will come, for the word of God plainly declares it.
It seems almost too much for me to bear to see the lethargy that is upon the world around, including dear friends and relatives, so little concerned about their eternal welfare, yet so intent upon the affairs of this life, which God can sweep away in a single hour. O God! be merciful to them is my prayer.
I feel the necessity of watching and praying constantly, lest I be found off my guard at the all-important hour. I feel that I must have eternal life. I cannot afford to have a foretaste only, of those eternal joys; and yet I feel that it would be an easy matter for me to lose all. I will trust in the mighty arm of the Lord, for he is able to save to the uttermost all that trust in him.
Oh, let us be careful, very careful, what we say and what we do in our every-day life, that we gather with Christ, and not scatter abroad. Oh, let us live out in our daily lives what we profess, and perhaps some one may be led to seek for a home in that better land.
We were much edified and strengthened, a short time ago, by hearing from the lips of Bro. Byington some excellent, and much needed advice and sound reasoning from the word of God. May God bless him in his labors of love, and reward him by giving him a home in his everlasting kingdom.
E. F. PHIPPENY.
Gratiot Co., Mich.

The Love of Jesus.

By MARY M. COOK

THE depths of his love mankind have ever failed to find language to express. Yet I enjoy much of the love that flows so freely for the healing of all nations. As long ago as I can remember, I often heard the still small voice calling me from sin’s tumultuous ways; and when I obeyed, how happy I was, enjoying the approbation of Jesus. And notwithstanding all my waywardness and short comings, he followed me with his love, and is still very precious to me, far dearer than all things else. In the trial of leaving the church, to settle in the wilds of the West, the Lord was with me. He is still with me; and my heart is warmed up toward the unbelievers around me. I love them and try to do them good. Oh that I could be the means in the hands of God, of winning even one soul to the great enjoyment of the love of Jesus.
That love I cannot live without. When for a little season he hides from me his smiles of approbation, I am lonely and unhappy. All around me is cheerless, until I am permitted again to lay my burdens at his feet, and lean for rest upon his compassionate breast; then the waves are calm, and all is well.
It is the great study of my life, to know how I may best please this dear Friend—this lovely One, and how I may obtain the most of his love in my unworthy heart, and become the nearest like him. Pray for me, that I may have the unspotted garment on, and be enabled to bear the glorious grandeur of the appearing of this loving Jesus—when he comes to take his tried ones home. I long to be one of his jewels. Oh, I long for that happy hour when the veil shall be removed, and we may view face to face, Him whom we so fondly love and adore. MARY M. COOK.

Be Firm.

By D. H. Lamson

Be firm, brother pilgrim, Though clouds intervene, The arm of thy Saviour, Uplifted is seen, Made bare for the conflict, And nerved for the fray; Take courage, then, brother, And watch, wait, and pray. The battle approaching will soon be o'erpast, And you with the ransomed be gathered at last.
What then if the danger Lies thick in the way, And hearts still divided, Will sink in dismay; What then if the storm-cloud, When seeking its prey, Swoops down from the mountain, And hurls them away? Thy defense is prepared, O brother, be true, There's rest in His shadow, a refuge for you.
The kingdom is coming, Oh glorious thought! All its beauty the blood, Of the Saviour has bought. Its walls all the glitter Of earth will outshine, All pearls from the ocean, Or gems from the mine. T'will settle in glory on Olivet's plain, And saints with the Saviour forever shall reign.
Be firm, then, though trials Shall here be thy lot; In that happy country They'll all be forgot. Thy sorrows all numbered, Temptations all o'er, And joys unalloyed fill Thy heart evermore. Be strong, then, my brother, for Jesus ere long, Will victory grant, then be strong, yea, be strong.
D. H. LAMSON.
Olivet, Mich.

Quarterly Meetings in Ill.

By L. D. Sawyer

Our Quarterly Meeting commenced pursuant to appointment, Sept. 7, on the evening of the Sabbath. Owing to the rain, very few attended our first meeting; but we enjoyed a season of prayer, and felt that the presence of the Lord was not confined to the crowded assembly. On Sabbath morning, at 11 o'clock, Bro. Blanchard preached on the Reward of the Righteous. In the evening after the Sabbath, he preached from Acts xx, 28. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves.” And as he faithfully set forth the dangers into which many of us had fallen, we felt that the reproof was well timed, and if heeded, would bring forth fruit unto life everlasting. May the Lord apply the truths that were spoken, to our hearts; and may the time be far distant when the scattering power of the enemy shall be felt among this people.
After preaching, we attended to the ordinances, and many earnest and cheering testimonies were given in favor of the truth. On Sunday, Bro. Blanchard preached on the Sabbath and Sealing; and although the multitude keep Sunday, we felt that we were accepting the seal of God in resting the Sabbath-day according to the commandment. Altogether, our meeting was a profitable one. May the Lord assist us to overcome every sin, to be sanctified through the truth, and to be fitted for translation when Jesus comes.
L. D. SAWYER.

Report from Bro. Ingraham.

By Wm. S. Ingraham

BRO. WHITE: I wish to submit a few lines for the Review, that the friends of the cause of truth may have some knowledge of our labors in this State. I have held meetings in the following places: Orinoco, Cherry Grove, Greenwood Prairie, and Pine Island.
Last Sabbath and first-day, I spent in Quarterly Meeting at Orinoco. The attendance of our brethren was quite large, and our meetings were excellent. One was baptized, and two received into the church.
I have spent most of my time at Pine Island. This is a new field; but the people were very bitter against us. Their prejudice is giving way, and a few have decided to obey the commandments of God. Others are interested, and will I think, obey the truth. Our meeting here was in the midst of a large wheat-harvest, and the people very busy; but we rejoice that we find some fruit of our labor. I should be very glad to be at the Convocation Meeting at Monroe; but it will be sooner than I expected, and I cannot leave this State until the first of October.
In hope.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.

I Know It Is My Duty—But

I KNOW it to be my duty—BUT.

Projected Overturn of Congress.

By Editor

THE last number of the Nation, in an editorial entitled “Steering for the Rocks,” enters at large into the question of the coup d’état projected, if not by the President, at least by his democratic advisers? That the danger is real, is obvious to every person who has had opportunities of knowing what is going on behind the scene of the political theatre,—who has conversed with representative men of the different factions which make up the opposition to Congress,—and who understands the significance of the legal arguments for the right of the States in rebellion to representation in the national legislature, made by discontented lawyers of eminent purchasable ability. But even outsiders can hardly have an excuse for being blind to the criminal designs of the supporters of “my policy,” unless a perverse shutting of the eyes may be considered an excuse for not seeing; for it has been openly avowed, in public address, by many indiscreet members of the conspiracy. Some Republicans who know or suspect the intention of the President or his advisers, think it unwise to make it the subject of general remark, on the ground that the way to produce the evil, is to diffuse the idea of its probability. We, on the contrary, think that the only method to prevent its occurrence is to circulate everywhere among the people the fact that there is great danger of its occurring.
The truth is, that, in all the loyal States, the simple question before the people in the approaching autumn elections will be this: “Are you for or against a new civil war?” To vote for the President’s party will be to vote for the overturn of Congress by armed force. It will be to place the loyal States in the condition of rebels to a Federal Government, of which all the powers must be usurped. There is no political villainy of which the dominant faction in Mr. Johnson’s party will not be capable, in case it succeeds in carrying a sufficient number of representative districts at the North to constitute, with the Southern representatives, a quorum. The sooner the people appreciate the gravity of the situation the better.

Obituary Notices.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; E. A. Sage; Mary S. Foster; C. S. Brockway

Died, in Portland, Me., Sept. 10, of diphtheria and dropsy, Walter Irving, son of S. B., and Emma Gowell, aged 6 years, 1 month and 2 days. Little Walter was sick six weeks. I was with him some of the time, and he manifested a very sweet, patient spirit. Toward the last he seemed to realize that he must die, and wished the Bible read to him often. We believe that he sleeps in Jesus, safe from the perils of this world. His parents mourn his death, but not as those without hope. Sermon by the writer from 1 Thess. iv, 18. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Died, in Rubicon, Dodge Co., Wis., of lung fever, Aug. 28, 1866, Mrs. E. A. Sage, aged 34 years. She embraced the truth under the labors of Bro. J. Goodenough, and lived a Christian till death. She leaves a husband and seven children to mourn her loss. We are striving to meet her at the first resurrection. E. A. SAGE.
Died, in Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., June 17, 1866, of dropsical consumption, Miss Ruth Ranney, my aunt, aged 76 years. She was a devoted follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Some time in 1840 she embraced the first angel’s message, and joined the church at Low Hampton, N. Y., where she heard the truth from the mouth of our beloved Wm. Miller. She loved the doctrine of the near coming of our Lord. As death drew near she welcomed it with joy, repeating, “Rock of ages cleft for me.” Then commending herself to her heavenly Father, she fell asleep, to rest till the bright morning of the resurrection. MARY S. FOSTER.
Died, Dec. 29, 1865, of consumption, my husband, Benj. T. Brockway. He died in the triumph of faith. Also, my son, G. F. Brockway died, Aug. 14, 1866, of consumption, aged 17 years. He was a reader of the Review and Instructor, from earliest childhood; but the truths they advocate were not received by him until about four months before his death, when the light dawned upon him, and he became a firm believer in the faith. He said he had but one desire to live and that was to honor and glorify God. He believed his sleep would be very short; for the Life-giver would soon come, and he would have a part in the first resurrection. With this belief we laid him in the tomb. C. S. BROCKWAY.

Z. F. BURT

By Z. F. Burt.

From Bro. Burt.

BRO. WHITE: I would like to tell the dear friends through the Review what the Lord is doing for his people in Knoxville, since the Brn. Bourdeau came this way and showed us the importance of overcoming. Their words were such as to revive the weary and many that had grown cold and indifferent, and had almost let these Heaven-born truths slip, are now awaking to their eternal interest, saying that by the help of God they will overcome. This is encouraging. We all look upon overcoming in a very different light from what we did.
I realize that we have a great work to perform before Jesus comes. We have long been looking for the time when God would pour out the last refreshing; when the message would go with power, and God's people would be prepared for translation; but I believe it is through our exertion in well doing, that we are to receive this blessed refreshing. When we have done the will of God, we shall see the message go with power.
At our last social meeting there were but few out on account of rain; but every one spoke to the glory of God and a good feeling was manifested by all. I hope we shall all remember our vows to perform them. I have been made to rejoice while hearing the cheering words of eternal life and the encouraging testimonies of the dear saints who are determined to overcome.
I am rejoiced in the belief that the truth is about to rise in Iowa. Despite all the opposition and rebellions that have rolled their dark waves over our thinned ranks, we have the blessed hope that ere long, if faithful, we shall be free from the Tempter.
Let us then, one and all, arise and gird on the whole armor and be prepared to stay up the hands of the messengers as they go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy to a perishing world, then when Jesus comes, he, with his own right hand, will crown us all as overcomers, and admit us all into the New Jerusalem.

Z. F. BURT

Knoxville, Iowa.

W. S. ERNST

By W. S. Ernst

From Bro. Ernst.

BRO. WHITE: I would like to tell the dear brethren at large, what the Lord is doing for his people in this place. My wife and myself embraced the third angel's message about five months since, and I am rejoicing to-day for what the Lord has done for us. He has taken my feet from the mire and clay and placed them on the Rock of ages. And yet I feel that there is a great work still to be done to fit a poor mortal for that glorious immortality that awaits all those who love his appearing.
We have meetings every Sabbath at the houses of the different brethren in this vicinity, in which we all take a part; and we feel that they are truly profitable to us all. Last Sabbath, we met with the church at Convis, at their Monthly Meeting. Bro. Byington spoke the words of truth to a goodly number, by which I trust all were profited. It was truly a blessing to me and my companion. We formed a friendship, I trust, with the brethren and sisters there that we became acquainted with, that will last through time.
I believe that God is fitting a people for his coming and kingdom, and I trust through his grace and mercy to be one of that number that shall overcome the flesh and the Devil, be washed in the blood of the Lamb, and be able to sing the new song with the hundred and forty-four thousand which shall be redeemed from the earth.
I pray that the Lord will open a way for some of the messengers to come this way. I believe that great good might be done in the salvation of precious souls.
In hope.

W. S. ERNST

Branch Co., Mich.

Present Truth and Holy Living

By D. T. SHIREMAN

From Bro. Shireman.

BRO. WHITE: Once more I would say a few words in favor of present truth. Never has the time been when the third angel's message looked more precious than it does now. I feel well satisfied that through its influence, there will be some waiting for the coming of the Lord.
We have just had one of the best meetings, at Pilot Grove, that we ever have had in this State. It does seem to me that I never heard the truth preached in so clear and pointed a manner as it has been at this meeting. It had a good effect on the side of truth. May the Lord help us to live out the precious truth that we have heard, and pay the vows to the Most High that we have made. The Psalmist says, “Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” This is worth living for. By being faithful to God, he will deliver us in the day of trouble, and we shall glorify him.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us be up and doing our Master's will. Our profession is good for nothing unless we reform in practice. Our leaving the world and a formal church, will make us no better unless we reform. Oh that we could realize that we are living in the time that the judgment is set, and that for every idle word we shall be brought into judgment. May we ever remember, “Thou God seest me.”
Let us awake to our duty, and vindicate the truth by a holy life and godly conversation. Gird on the whole armor. Strive harder to overcome. We shall thus gain an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. I believe we are abundantly able to go up and possess the goodly land. There is a company in Marion, who are fully in the truth of the third angel's message, and are striving to overcome. Marion, Iowa. D. T. SHIREMAN.

Look Up, Our Redemption Draws Near

Sister G. W. Pierce writes from Warsaw, Ind.: I am still striving to overcome, and hope to lay aside every weight, and the sins that would hinder my becoming one of the true Israel. I am here alone, and sometimes feel lonely; but Jesus is my refuge, and I hope for a home with God's dear people in the new earth. When I feel lonely, I think of others who are worse situated than I am, and my heart is drawn toward them, and I want to say, Dear brethren and sisters, let us all look up; for our redemption draweth nigh.
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