Earlier text: Every Idle Word“DESIGNED TO OVERTHROW.”
By Roswell F. Cottrell
In advertising a pamphlet on prophecy, the writer says, “This work is designed to overthrow the foundation of the application of the prophecy of the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii, 11–18, to the United States. Every writer has a design. Some have something to build up, others have no other object but to overthrow. The infidel writes to overthrow the Christian’s faith and hope, but he has nothing to build up to supply their place. It is his business to tear down, he has nothing to build up, nothing to give to supply the want of suffering humanity. If the believer in Divine Revelation is despoiled of his faith and hope, he wants something better to supply their place, something of real worth, to satisfy his craving after truth and right, and something of promise, equal, at least, to the hope which he surrenders. Nothing of this has the infidel to give. His “work is designed to overthrow,” and there is the end of it. It is necessary, however, to labor to overthrow error, that we may build up the truth, and thus save souls from the pernicious effects of error by giving the true faith and a hope that will not prove fallacious. For example, the doctrine of the conversion of the world and a Spiritual reign of Christ on the earth in its present state, is a dangerous error, as it serves to close men’s eyes to the important and stirring truth that the end of all things is at hand. While there is impending danger, it lulls men to sleep in false security. It would be right to labor to overthrow this error, by giving men the truth that will, if heeded, save their souls. Now, if the prophecy of the beast with two horns like a lamb, points out the perils of the true Christian in the United States, it is of real value to him to know it. It will save him from falling in the hour of fierce temptation. He will be prepared to see the force of the warning message, a most thrilling, important warning against the work of this second beast. This message (Rev. xiv, 9–12) is extremely important, and absolutely necessary now, if the work of the two-horned beast is about to be seen. But if this is all far in the past then the danger is over and we may rest secure. On the other hand, if the prophecy applies to our own time, to rest in a false security, believing that it relates to the far-distant past, will prove a fatal error, while the reality shall come upon the deluded soul like a thief, and take him suddenly as a snare. But this doctrine, which is well calculated to put men on their guard, is what the writer in question designed to overthrow. Has he any thing better to present? No; it is a peace-and-safety cry that the prophecy has had its fulfillment in the past. If his view should prove untrue, if the danger from the work of this beast should have its fulfillment in our own times, and in our own country—it will prove that the labor of the writer was to destroy souls—to deceive and mislead them to their destruction. But supposing our view that the danger is now imminent—that men are now to prepare themselves for the great trial of their faith—is incorrect; what harm will it do to be put on our guard? Nothing can put the Christian too much on his guard. It will not harm him to prepare for the worst. And should it finally appear that this danger is in the past, he will be no worse for preparing to meet it. But should he be disposed to sleep, looking for no trial or danger, he may awake to the truth when it is too late to escape. We have no doubt that the writer in question “designed to overthrow,” but has nothing of real value to build up instead.
R. F. COTTRELL. THE MOTHER.—As the infant begins to discriminate between the objects around, it soon discovers one countenance that ever smiles upon it with peculiar benignity. When it wakes from its sleep, there is one watchful form ever bent over its cradle. If startled by some unhappy dream, a guardian angel seems ever ready to soothe its fears. If cold, that ministering spirit brings warmth; if hungry she feeds it; if happy, she caresses it. In joy or in sorrow, in weal or woe, she is the first object of its thoughts. Her presence is heaven. The mother is the deity of infancy. The Dangers of Grape Juice
EURIPIDES was one of the very few men who have been choked to death by the seed of a grape, but a great many die every day from swallowing the juice. REPORT FROM BRO. TAYLOR.
By C. O. Taylor
May 2 and 3, I attended the Monthly Meeting in Jefferson Co., held at Mannsville. We were glad to meet a goodly number from the Adams Center church at this meeting. The meeting continued to increase in spirituality till it closed, with hardly an exception. All were thankful for the plain, straight testimony, and to see that the standard was being raised. They were glad to have the narrow way pointed out to them. Many of them expressed their love for it, by presenting their bodies a living sacrifice to God. I hope they will never forget the offering they have made, and never take it from the altar. There will be no danger if they renew it daily, which should be done. The painful feature of the meeting was to see some that had recently put their hand to the plow, looking back. That will never do in so good a cause as seeking eternal life. Onward, upward, should be the motto. 9th and 10th I attended the Monthly Meeting for Oswego Co., at Roosevelt. I had some freedom in speaking on the Sabbath. Some of the Spirit of God was in the prayer and conference meetings at the close of the Sabbath. Four were baptized on first-day. Others should go and do likewise; I hope they will soon. Some were present from West Monroe, which added to the interest of the meeting. While some in Roosevelt are daily seeking the Lord to know his will, that they may do it, others are hearers of the word, but not doers, and will not be prepared for the storm that is coming. They are not aware of the effort they will have to make; the agonizing and pleading; the resisting of the evil angels, &c., if they ever overcome. It is certain that darkness is settling down, and it requires more effort to resist it than it did a few years in the past; and those that make no move, are not making any advancement toward a preparation for the judgment, and the coming of Christ. It is time we all awake and put on strength; heed the sweet saying of Jesus, “Without me ye can do nothing;” open the door and let him in, that we may have strength to stand and endure the dangers of these last days. I expect soon to visit other churches that have expected my labors. Pray that Satan may not hinder. I will be at the Monthly Meeting for Jefferson Co., the first Sabbath in June, when the ordinance of baptism will be attended to. C. O. TAYLOR.
May 13, 1868. A Lonely Adventist Among Family
By L. M. Bartlett
BROTHERS OF THE REVIEW AND HERALD: I thank you for inserting my other letter last fall, also for the two letters respecting Sr. Hannah, which were truly excellent. I have seen a letter concerning her from Bro. Thompson in a Hartford paper. Thanks to Bro. and Sr. White for their kind intentions toward her, and to all other of our Advent friends, they did well that it was in their hearts. May they and we have a home in the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, peace, and joy forever. I hope sometime to get more of your publications for myself and neighbors to read; as the Testimonies &c. I am one of the lonely ones, the only Adventist in the family since sister's death, and different from others around here. Am one of the speckled birds of the heritage; all the birds of the forest are against her round about. All my six children are professors, mostly popular Methodists. Pray for my friends that they may be guided into all the truth. Some of them, I think, believe, but will not confess lest they should lose their standing and be disgraced, as they think I am. I do not mean they shall be ashamed of me in the kingdom to come on earth. “Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame,” and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. In all ages the truly good have been despised and rejected of men, nonconformists, and proscribed for their religion. They have been wanderers among the nations, hated and cast out for the truth's sake. Courage, then, brethren; if the Lord is with us we are well able to go in and possess the promised land. Your sister,
L. M. BARTLETT.
Tolland Co., Conn. MERAB K. OWEN
By Merab K. Owen
WITH humble gratitude I would acknowledge the goodness of God to me and mine. A little over three weeks ago my husband lay sick with a fever, and doctors pronounced him past cure; said he would not live forty-eight hours. One of them said to me, You will have to give him up. Said I, I will give him up into the hands of God; I think he is able to raise him up. The next day Dr. Kellogg arrived here from Battle Creek, and commenced water treatment. With the blessing of God, we soon began to see the fever abate, and after a few days it left him, and he has been slowly recovering. Though weak still, we praise God for the great work wrought in him. For some years we have been trying to keep the Sabbath, but we would humbly acknowledge that we have not lived so holy in the sight of God, as to be fully prepared to meet Jesus at his coming. As God has so greatly blessed us, we would most earnestly pray, and humbly hope that he will strengthen us by his grace, that we may be found the remainder of our days keeping the commandments of God and363 the faith of Jesus. For this we ask the prayers of the church; and for our children, that they, with us, may walk the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Barry Co., Mich., May 16, 1868. THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT.
In a napkin smooth and white,
Hidden from all mortal sight,
My one talent lies to-night. Mine to hoard, or mine to use,
Mine to keep, or mine to lose;
May I not do what I choose? Ah! the gift was only lent,
With the giver's known intent,
That it should be wisely spent. And I know he will demand
Every farthing at my hand,
When I in his presence stand. What will be my grief and shame,
When I hear my humble name,
And cannot repay his claim! One poor talent—nothing more!
All the years that have gone o'er,
Have not added to the store. Some will double what they hold,
Others add to it tenfold,
And pay back the shining gold. Would that I had toiled like them!
All my sloth I now condemn;
Guilty fears my soul o'erwhelm. Lord, oh, teach me what to do!
Make me faithful, make me true,
And the sacred trust renew. Help me, ere too late it be,
Something yet to do for thee,
Thou who hast done all for me. “The basest and meanest of all sins is theft.” “God give us men. A time like this demands
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor—men who will not lie.” What says our blessed Lord? “Woe unto you, Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers; therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Look at another case of theft, if possible, still more aggravating. An active member in a professedly evangelical church, borrowed a thousand dollars in gold, a widow’s dowry to support her declining years; and not long after this money was secured, the borrower (a wolf in sheep’s clothing!) placed the whole of his property in a position so as to prevent the poor widow from ever being able to collect a farthing of her money. Nor is this a solitary instance of barefaced iniquity in the same individual, who is living in a house richly furnished! “Let righteous laws for public good designed,
Chain up these wolves and tigers of mankind:
They have themselves no right to such employ,
To live like vultures—only to destroy.” Any one jewing another for the sake of obtaining an article for less than its real value (when able, at the same time, to pay the full price), is a thief. A faithful minister of the gospel, who keeps a boarding-house to sustain his family, informed us, a short time since, that a church-member, professing great sanctity, had defrauded him out of some hundreds of dollars by jewing and screwing him down every year in the price of board! And this same jewer and screwer is in affluent circumstances, wealthy—money enough and to spare. “Gold banished honor from the mind,
And only left the name behind.” “O man of God, flee these things.” —If not, do you ever expect to be? If so, when? If God should call you to your final account, what reason could you give for being impenitent? Might you be a Christian now? Delay not, then, to seek salvation now, lest you should put it off too late. Receive these questions kindly from one who may never meet you till the day of Judgment. Think of them seriously. Think now. Act now. Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10, 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I send these few lines, being prevented from coming in person, to enjoy a season of religious worship with the people of my choice. May you have an abundance of the spirit and grace of God in your deliberations, and in your religious exercises. How has my heart yearned to hear the gospel from those earnest, devoted brethren, who are battling for the truth, and who will be with you at this yearly gathering. Dear brethren, my convictions are unshaken and unwavering, that the truth is with you, and that you are God's people indeed, if you “follow on to know the Lord.” I bless God that I feel in union with the faith that is self-denying of all ungodliness, and purifying in its work, even to sanctification of the soul, and spirit, and body. Though far away, and unable to be with you in your gatherings, I still feel that I am one of you; therefore, brethren, pray for me also, that I may be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. This I trust will ever be the prayer of Your brother in Christ,
S. M. ABBOTT. From Sister Elmer.
By Susan Elmer
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am still striving for that inheritance so soon to be given. Many have been the trials I have been called to pass through. But blessed be the Lord who has not forsaken me. And I would say to those, who like myself have passed through trying scenes, let us take courage; and often let our fervent desires be raised to Heaven. Our Father knows each bitter pang, and marks each falling tear. And though some things may appear mysterious, that we may not now comprehend, we shall know hereafter. Then let us cast each care on him that careth for us; for he who goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again bringing his sheaves with him. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Only a few more storms will arise. A few more tempests at most will beat upon our frail bark, ere, if faithful to our trust, we shall, under the guidance of our Captain, anchor in the haven of eternal rest. Already through the dark mists is light sweetly breaking, and gentle voices whisper, Come. Oh! how I should like to meet with those of like precious faith; but have not at present the precious privilege. I am one of the lonely ones, ten of our number having moved away. But there are those here who are favorable at least to part of our views. I think if some of the messengers would come and give a course of lectures, good might be done. One of our neighbors is willing to open his doors for preaching. Shall expect them by and by. May the Lord direct. SUSAN ELMER.
Ashfield, Mass. From Sister Judson.
By Mary Judson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I desire to let you know that I love the Sabbath, and am still striving to keep it holy. It is now two years and a half since I attended a Sabbath meeting. The time seems long, but pray for me, that I may have patience to endure all these trials, and stand at last as a good soldier of the cross, having my robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Your sister in the hope of eternal life,
MARY JUDSON.
Medina Co., Ohio. C. B. SPAULDING
By C. B. Spaulding
BRO. SMITH: I write at this time to beg an interest in the prayers of the church. I am one of the lonely ones. I was one of those who believed that Christ would come in ’44, and was greatly disappointed; since that time have tried to hold fast, that no man take my crown. Although I have made many crooked paths, am striving to overcome, through the blood of the Lamb. I have endeavored to keep the Sabbath for the last 11 years; have had but few privileges; have seldom met with God’s people. Since the churches were organized I have not lived where I could unite with any church, partly on account of poor health, and partly on account of the distance. Eight years ago I had a stroke of the palsy; for five years was unable to dress myself; since that time have partially recovered. Have not fully lived out the health reform; have not been situated so that I could. I feel that my days are short; my health is very poor. I have a cancer on my breast that no earthly aid can reach. Pray for me, that I may be enabled to do and suffer all His righteous will. I would be so glad could some of the elders of the church come this way and pray with me. It has been some three or four years since I have seen one of like precious faith. I came from Vermont. Should any one pass through Bloomington, they can find my home two miles from the city, on the Springfield road. Mc. Lean Co., Ill., May 4, 1868. Longing for Heavenly Rest
By M. E. Johnson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: How the weary pilgrim, as he wanders through this world, sighs for that heavenly rest. Here there are trials and troubles for the children of God; here we have crosses to bear; but our Heavenly Father will not put upon his children greater crosses than they are able to carry. They are for our good, if we will only bear them with patience... It will not be long, fellow-pilgrim, that we shall have to endure the trials of this world. Soon Jesus will come to redeem the finally faithful. We are placed here on probation. How careful, then, we ought to be, to spend every moment right. Soon the hour of probation will close, soon Jesus will come. Are we ready to meet him? Oh! let us search our own hearts in the light of divine truth, to see whether we are right, and if we have sins yet to overcome, let us make haste to accomplish the work, for the coming of the Just One draweth nigh. I long for the appearing of Jesus. I long for a home in that city of rest. There will be no trials, no troubles there. Oh! glorious hope! Oh! blessed thought! My heart leaps for joy at the thought of soon seeing Jesus, of soon being released from this world of sin, of being permitted to enter into that glorious rest that remaineth for the people of God. “Zion! how glorious to behold!
We shall be there ere long;
Oh! let the glad news now be told,
And let the anthem roll.
“Sing, sing, ye pilgrims on your way,
Let joy fill every breast;
Our King will all our toils repay,
When we have gained our rest.” M. E. JOHNSON.
Chemung Co., N. Y. Preparing for the Coming Trial
By Ellen E. Walsworth
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt for the past few weeks, as never before, the great necessity of being thoroughly prepared, and wholly given to the Lord, and all that I have placed upon the altar, that I may have a hiding place beneath his pavilion when his wrath is poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth. It will require a firm faith in God and his promises, and a pure heart, to live upon the earth when there is no mediator between the wrath of God and fallen man, and unless our faith is in daily exercise now, I fear it will not stand the test. Oh! for a drawing near to God, and drinking of that fountain of which Jesus says, whosoever drinks it, it shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Time is short, and what we do must be done quickly, for the night cometh wherein no man can work. Our Saviour tells us to take heed to ourselves lest at any time our hearts are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. How important then, that we lay aside our worldly cares, and spend a while in reading, meditation, and prayer. And even while our hands are engaged in the business of life, should not our hearts be lifted up to God for strength to resist the enemy who is constantly upon our track? May the Lord help us to seek the kingdom of Heaven first, and let the things of this world come in secondarily. Through his love for us, the Lord has given us light upon the health reform, that we may know how to cleanse our bodies and have them in as healthy condition as possible, that we may glorify him in our bodies and spirits which are his. If we wish to escape the plagues that are surely coming, we must not make light of the counsel given us in God's word, to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. But after we have done all that is in our power to get right, it will be a miracle that the saints are kept in that fearful time. Solemn events are just before us, and the question arises, Shall I stand the test? I know I cannot in my lukewarm state, and therefore must be more in earnest. As I read in Testimony No. 13, that but a small portion who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved, my heart sunk within me. Ah, thought I, shall I be left behind? I could not endure the thought. I want to be saved when Jesus comes to gather home his faithful and tried ones; and have been trying to seek the Lord more earnestly, and believing that he is the rewarder of all those who diligently seek him. And I have found him precious to my soul. Many times do I feel the sweet influence of his Holy Spirit, and it serves to strengthen me in the divine path; and my prayer is that I may see all my faults, that I may repent and have forgiveness through Jesus' atoning blood. Oh! for a closer walk with God; a continual draught from the fountain of life. Oh! for more of a thirsting after righteousness, as the hart panteth after the water brooks. I feel to say in the words of David, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Heaven has greater attractions for me than this poor, dark world. Oh! for more meekness and humbleness of heart, that I may be more like my blessed Master. I am decided to share the trials, endure the toil, with the people of God, and I will leave my future welfare in the hands of the Lord, believing, as it is written, that it has not entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Your sister, in hope of eternal life at the coming of Jesus. ELLEN E. WALSWORTH. A Prayer for Her Companion
By Margaret E. Todd
SISTER MARGARET E. TODD writes from Linn County, Iowa: I thank my Heavenly Father that he was so kind as to spare my life to hear the third angel's message, and that I had a heart to receive it. I have not a personal friend who believes in the third angel's message. My companion keeps the Sabbath with me, but is not in union with the present truth. My daily prayer is that the Lord will spare him till he gives his heart to the Lord. NEVER employ yourself to discern the faults of others, but be careful to mind and prevent your own. From Bro. Hickoks.
By S. W. Hickoks
BRO. SMITH: I have often been refreshed while reading in the Conference Department of our precious paper the experience of many of God's dear people, and have thought it might not be out of place for me to say a few words, at least to acknowledge the goodness of God in bestowing such inestimable blessings and privileges on one so unworthy. How oft, while contemplating the amount of light we are receiving from the Review and other sources, I am led to exclaim, Who is like unto this people, and what people so responsible. Oh, that I might feel the burden more than ever, and that I may be able to consecrate my life, my all to the cause of my blessed Master. The little church in this place are struggling for victory. God, in his goodness, has seen fit to strengthen us by directing several precious souls hither to join us, which, we hope and trust, will be for our good; but we are compelled to drink the bitter with the sweet. The enemy, of course, must lay his claims here. Our dear Bro. Porter seems to be his special victim. Oh, how we have been pained to witness his assaults on this dear saint of God, as he roams about in despair, mourning his loss of eternal life, wringing his hands, casting himself upon the ground, pleading in anguish of soul that he might be delivered from the seven last plagues. At times, through prayer and pointing him to Jesus, we have been able to break up the clouds, and give him some peace of mind. We would earnestly solicit prayer in his behalf. We also have been tried some in the way of dress, &c., but we expect ere long to come out clear in that direction. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that we may be among those who overcome, and be found without spot, or wrinkle, before the throne. Yours, striving for the faith, S. W. HICKOKS. Dodge Co., Minn., May, 1868. Presenting Truth in Love
By Geo. A. Barker
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say that I appreciate the kindness of some dear friend in sending me the Review. I love the spirit it carries with it. I often remark to my friends that I find a sweeter spirit with those who keep the seventh day, than with any other professing Christians where I labor. I must say that I love to labor among them, although I do not yet see all they do; still I mean by the favor of my blessed Master to never show fight to anything but sin. I have learned, first, to examine what is brought forth from the word of God as truth, and if I find a harmony with the great chain, I ask God to apply it to my heart. And while I do not see as many do I cannot condemn them, from the fact I do not wish to be condemned by them, while I am honestly seeking the light they profess to have. But I sometimes find a disposition to press truths, to condemn those who do not immediately receive that which we believe. By experience I have learned a more excellent way. While the terrors of the penalty of the law bring men to think of Judgment, the love of Christ constrains them to obey. So I find in presenting the word of God, I need the love of God in my heart; I need to feel toward them as God feels toward them; to bear long, and if they do not see the light at first, I will “preach the word with all long-suffering and doctrine,” trying to win them to Christ and truth. Oh! how natural for man to want to crowd God’s word, and it always has a tendency to scatter those who do not see the light. May the Lord help us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” I wish to say that I have read Testimonies Nos. 12 and 13, and have been benefited in reading them. I do love to see a people (who profess what Adventists do), laboring for holiness of heart. I find this set forth in the Testimonies; and how any one can think that the writer, who seems to be devoted to the labor of saving men, (as the Testimonies plainly show the writer of them is), is under the influence of an evil spirit, is more than I can fathom, except it be through prejudice. My brethren, may the dear Lord bless and lead you into all truth, and grant that you may stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, is the prayer of one seeking for truth. ELD. GEO. A. BARKER. Connecticut. SOPHIA S. BUTLER
By Sophia S. Butler
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it duty as well as a privilege to address you through the columns of the Review. I have been encouraged by reading the testimonies of the brethren and sisters, and thought perhaps I might say something to encourage some one. I often long for the privilege of meeting with those who meet to worship God on his chosen day. I am living so far from any Sabbath-keepers that it is seldom that I can meet with them, but I hope and pray that God, in his goodness and mercy, may open the way, that the last warning message to sinful man will be proclaimed in this place, and that my husband, friends, and neighbors, may have willing hearts to hear and obey. I desire to serve God to the best of my ability, and be so happy as to meet him in peace. Your sister striving for eternal life, From Sister Hinds.
By C. Hinds
I AM often cheered by the encouraging words of those of like precious faith; I thought I might also encourage some one by writing a few words. I am the only Sabbath-keeper there is in this place or neighborhood. My only instructors are my Bible and the Review, and I highly prize them, and spend my Sabbath hours in trying to get instruction from them. I realize that time is short, that probation must soon close, and that I must prepare to meet the Lord. Oh! that I and my little family may be among those that shall have it said to them, “Come ye blessed of my Father.” Brethren, pray for me, that, although I am alone in this world, I may live so as to meet you on Mount Zion, where we shall be separated and scoffed at no more. Monthly Meeting at Curtis' Corners, R. I.
By J. S. Miller
The occurrence of the Monthly Meeting reminds us that another month has rolled away, and as I record the results of another of our monthly gatherings, my mind reaches forward with pleasing anticipations to the time when we shall, from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, go up to worship the Lord in the metropolis of the new earth. Our first meeting on Sabbath eve was small, but had, however, a good variety of gifts, Bro. Rodman and two other brethren from Ashaway, Bro. H. G. Buxton from Abington, Conn., and Bro. D. M. Canright, being present. One pleasing result of establishing a regular Monthly Meeting is, that our brethren from abroad are beginning to visit us. This is as it should be, only it should be more extensive. Let us become acquainted, brethren, and so be better prepared to engage in the work of proclaiming this last merciful message. The time was all well occupied on Sabbath eve, nearly all present taking part. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. A number of others would, undoubtedly, have been present but for the stormy appearance of the weather. On Sabbath morning, Bro. H. C. Winslow, of Topsham, Me., arrived, and united with us in the social exercises during the session. Our social meeting on Sabbath morning was attended by about fifty Sabbath-keepers. We had a sweet season of prayer, and afterward a number of testimonies were given, but not with that promptness that seems necessary in order to do the most good and secure the greatest blessing. At eleven, Bro. Canright spoke from John xv, 19. His remarks were very pointed, and in the spirit of love and kindness; yet with great plainness, we were shown what results must necessarily follow if we had been really chosen out of the world. It was clearly shown, that as we progress in the message, the distinction between God's people and the world will become more and more marked. Bro. Rodman followed365 with a brief exhortation, pressing home the truths we had heard. In the afternoon, Bro. Rodman spoke from Romans vii, 21,—a subject which seemed to naturally follow as a sequel to the morning discourse. In the evening, Bro. Canright spoke from Romans iii, and it is believed that some new light on the law was brought to the minds of many present. First-day morning, we had a business meeting, at which two members were united to the church, and other business transacted. At two, we had a social meeting, followed by preaching. At three, Bro. Canright spoke with much freedom from Amos iii, 7. There was a large congregation present at this meeting, about half of them friends outside the message. How they could listen to such a sermon as we had on this occasion, and not be convinced, is a mystery. To what extent conviction rested on their hearts, the day of the Lord alone can reveal. On Sunday evening we had a good gathering. Bro. Rodman spoke from the 7th of Daniel. This part of the message, though well-established in the minds of most of the Sabbath-keepers, is, nevertheless, one of those subjects that is ever interesting to those whose hearts are in the work. So closed another of our monthly feasts on the word of life. But let us remember, brethren and sisters, that after the feast comes the labor. If any man will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thess. iii, 10. And now may the brief period that intervenes between this and the Exeter meeting be occupied with earnest prayer and preparation of heart. Tower Hill, R. I., May 18. P. S. Correspondents will please address me until further notice, at Tower Hill, R. I. J. S. M. Note from Bro. Fuller.
By N. Fuller
NOTWITHSTANDING the long rain and muddy roads, that we had to encounter last week, our Monthly Meeting at this place was a success. We had a good representation from the different parts. The Lord blessed us exceedingly by his Spirit. Cold professors were awakened, backsliders reclaimed, and the church greatly strengthened. Perfect union prevailed throughout the entire meeting. Three were baptized, and four added to the church. God grant that all those good resolutions made at that meeting may be carried into effect. The next meeting will be held in Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., the third Sabbath in June; and the next Monthly Meeting for Allegany Co. will be held the first Sabbath and first-day in July. It was voted by the church to hold our meetings hereafter on the first Sabbath instead of the second. He that lives without prayer, or prays without life, hath not the Spirit of God. SIGNS OF THE END.
By G. W. A.
There are two articles in the news department of this issue, which will doubtless be read with thrilling interest. They are the pieces entitled, “Mauna Loa,” and “Appalling Floods of Fire, Water, and Earth.” We believe the words of Jesus in Luke xxi, 11, have an application to the times in immediate proximity with his second coming. Said he, “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights shall there be from heaven.” Mark his language: “GREAT earthquakes,” “FEARFUL sights,” and “GREAT signs.” It is something more than ordinary occurrences here referred to. And we think that the terrible eruption of Mauna Loa, is one of the events pointed out in the Saviour’s prediction. Says a secular paper, the Chicago Tribune, “No such demonstration has occurred within the knowledge of human history.” Says another paper, “The sight was one of the grandest, but most appalling ever witnessed, and almost defies description.” And that “the entire topographical appearance of the country has been so completely changed that even those who have lived in the desolated district all their lives, cannot recognize it, or point out locations with which they were formerly familiar.” The same account farther states, that “immense precipices, that have hitherto been a terror to all who have seen them, have been leveled to the earth, and where the ground was formerly smooth and unbroken for miles around, the earth has been rent asunder and upheaved, forming gigantic chasms and precipices.” Such statements are worthy of something more than a passing notice. They also shed light on such texts as Rev. vi, 16, and Rev. xvi, 20. The author of “Spiritual Gifts,” Vol. III, pp. 82, 83, has some very interesting statements which we believe refer to just such commotions as the recent eruption of Mauna Loa. She says: “In the day of the Lord, just before the coming of Christ, God will send lightnings from heaven in his wrath, which will unite with fire in the earth. The mountains will burn like a furnace, and will pour forth terrible streams of lava, destroying gardens and fields, villages and cities; and as they pour their heated ore, rocks, and heated mud, into the rivers, will cause them to boil like a pot, and send forth massive rocks, and scatter their broken fragments upon the land with indescribable violence. Whole rivers will be dried up. The earth will be convulsed, and there will be dreadful eruptions and earthquakes everywhere. God will plague the wicked inhabitants of the earth until they are destroyed from off it.” Let the trembling child of God behold these terrible tokens of coming deliverance with joy, for as the Psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” “CARRY ALL TO GOD IN PRAYER.”
By M. J. COTTERILL
There are times when our enemy, the great Tempter, comes to us wearing a garb of such glittering brightness as to dazzle our weak, mortal vision, and make us incapable of judging whether he be an angel of light, or only the form of one. At such times our only safety is in fleeing from the deluding presence, and crying to God for strength and wisdom. Yes, there are times when we must not stop to reason even with our own hearts; when our only safety is in fleeing to our closet, and pleading, Keep me, O my Father, keep me from falling. It is a precious, invaluable privilege that we have of “carrying all to God in prayer.” He sees the need of our poor, weak hearts, but he wants us to acknowledge that need, to come and lay our burden at his feet. He wants us to trust him, and in the darkness he will cause the light to shine. A Fair Trial of Practical Religion
If those who sneer at practical religion would only seek it for themselves, and make a fair trial of it, their lips would be sealed to scoffs, and only opened in grateful praise. I never heard of a sincere Christian who pronounced Christianity an imposture or a failure. Have you?