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Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 19

THE RESURRECTION OF THE WICKED DEAD.
Earlier text: THE RESURRECTION OF THE WICKED DEAD.

OUR EXCELLENT CONVOCATION MEETING.

By GEO. I. BUTLER.

The Convocation Meeting held at Pilot Grove, Iowa, Sept. 26-30 will be long remembered by those who were fortunate enough to attend it, as one of the best meetings ever enjoyed. It was probably the largest meeting of Seventh-day Adventists ever held in the State. We were favored with the presence of Bro. and sister White, Bro. Smith and Bro. Aldrich of the Office, Brn. Maynard and Olmstead of Northern Mich., as well as Bro. and sister Bourdeau who have been among us for some time past.
The presence of Bro. and sister White no doubt brought some to the meeting who would not otherwise have been present. Their labors with us in the past in times of great trial and peril to the cause here, have endeared them especially to many in Iowa.
Never will some in the State forget the memorable meeting at Pilot Grove in July 1865. The threatening aspect of affairs at that time, both of our ministers in the State holding the highest positions in the Conference, scattering doubt, distraction and falsehoods, as they have since confessed, thus alienating the hearts of many of the foremost, truest friends of the cause, because of their confidence in the ministers among us, needs to be understood by the readers of the Review if they would appreciate the real service and assistance the cause received by the coming of Bro. and sister White among us at that time. We have always felt their coming at that particular time was especially ordered of the Lord. No one can tell what the condition of things would have been a few months after, had they not come as they did. We well remember the labors of that meeting, the anxiety to help the honest and save all who could be helped, the final victory which the Lord gave his servants, the surrender of the opposers and their confessions which have been such a hindrance ever since to their gaining an influence with the truly honest. All these things are fresh in our minds as though they happened yesterday.
Then the paralytic shock, and the long, weary weeks and months of pain and sleepless nights, and anxious suspense, whether this illness was to be temporary or whether prove fatal, and how far our difficulties here were the cause of this attack, have been the cause of much anxious solicitude among friends far away here among the prairies of Iowa. And as we have heard of late that Bro. White was coming up in health and strength, and as we have read his encouraging reports through the Review, and finally the appointment of the Convocation Meeting, we have been rejoiced in the hope of seeing him again even at the former battle field at Pilot Grove.
We rejoice that we have had this privilege, not that we are man-worshipers, but because we desire to be found among those who “esteem very highly” the tried friends of the cause, who have come up with it and suffered for it, for their works' sake. Those of us who had seen Bro. W. since his prostration were very happily surprised to see him looking so well, to see so much evidence that he was rapidly coming up in body and mind, while those who had not seen him since he was here in 1865 were astonished to see how changed he was in appearance, and how old he had grown in two short years. May God still strengthen and raise to full health and vigor.
It is not my purpose to give anything like a full report of this meeting. This has been done by abler writers. But we believe none of those who attended were sorry they had taken the pains they had taken, though many had come over one hundred miles by private conveyance. The instructions we received from Bro. and sister White and Bro. Bourdeau, and the solemn vows we have made to God that we would consecrate ourselves anew to him we trust will be remembered long, and lived out by all. If this is done the result of this meeting will be enduring. Many resolved to start anew for the kingdom and by their tears showed their sincerity. Many of the scattered brethren were present who are not connected with churches, and enjoyed the rich blessing of the meeting.
Our dear Bro. Bourdeau gave us his farewell discourse, as he was about leaving the State to return to his friends and kindred in Vermont, to recruit during winter and be better prepared for the labors and trials through which the preacher must pass. He has been with us during the last sixteen months laboring faithfully to build up the cause of present truth, many times through much weakness of body, and great care and mental anxiety. We believe the Lord has assisted and blessed his labors and made him instrumental in accomplishing much good. May the Lord bless him abundantly the coming winter and prepare him for still greater usefulness. We shall miss him much here, and should not have consented to have him leave the State in its present destitute condition as regards laborers, had we not been satisfied he needed rest to build up physically. The prayers and love of the true friends of the cause in the State will follow him to his home among the green hills of Vermont.
Our excellent meeting has closed. The friends who came together from different churches have gone to their several homes. Those who have ministered to us in word and doctrine, and those who met with us from distant States have returned to their labors and duties. We look back to this gathering with pleasure, and hope we may see other gatherings of equal interest in the future; for they may be made a great blessing to the cause; and above all we hope to meet with many who assembled there on Mount Zion, when all our labors and trials are over, and where partings never come.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Waukon, Iowa, Oct. 13, 1867.

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

Our tent meeting closed in this place yesterday, Oct. 6. We have had a very favorable time for such a meeting in this part of the country, and the result of it can only be known in the great day of accounts. Individuals, from six to fifteen miles away in every direction, have been out to hear us from time to time, and what they have heard has left a favorable impression on their minds. A large field of labor has been opened in this part of the State; sufficient, at least, to keep two active ministers at work for a year. We have had numerous calls to go out into different neighborhoods near by this place to hold meetings. Instead of our work here creating prejudice in the minds of neighboring communities, it has made them more anxious to hear. We shall do all we can to satisfy the demands of the people by visiting from place to place and opening the truth to them.
The past week has been a season of interest to all in this place by a discussion taking place between Bro. Waggoner and Eld. Moore, a Disciple minister. The Disciple society is the principal one of the place, and soon after we pitched our tent here it was declared among them that “we would have to debate or back out.” The people demanded a discussion, and we felt, from the surrounding circumstances, that it was needed to meet their expectation, and to further on the cause of truth. We therefore made known our willingness to debate, and invited them to bring on their man. They did not succeed, however, in getting one of their choice till the very last of September. He came and sent seven propositions for us to affirm; but we could not get him to affirm anything at all!! Six of them we accepted.
He also utterly refused to debate unless we would preface the propositions thus: “The following are articles of Christian faith, the belief of which is essential to salvation.” This we considered utterly unprecedented and unfair, and we were inclined to believe that they thought we would reject it; but we were not willing to give them any possible chance to report that the failure rested with us, so we accepted it. The subjects were, the Kingdom, Law and Sabbath, Gifts, Coming of Christ, Judgment of the Saints, and the Destruction of the Wicked. He proposed that it continue from day to day till the parties were satisfied. The debate commenced Monday, Sept. 30, morning and afternoon session, and continued five days. As Bro. W. was on the affirmative it became his privilege to make the time on each proposition. As we were anxious to have the Law question fairly set before the people, he left the subject of the kingdom early on Tuesday, and filled the remainder of the week on the Law, which was very thoroughly canvassed. As Mr. Moore said he could remain no longer, the remaining subjects were put off for an indefinite time.
Thus the discussion closed, leaving a favorable impression on the minds of the people in regard to our views, and some were convinced of the truth. Truth is ever triumphant, and those who embrace it have no reason to fear when it is assailed by its enemies.
The result of the meeting is good. About twenty-five are keeping the Sabbath, and there are many more undecided as yet, who are very favorable. We have sold over $75.00 worth of Office publications, which shows that the people have a mind to read as well as hear, that they may know the whole truth. May the Lord bless the work already commenced here, that much good may be done to the glory of his name.
I. D. VAN HORN. Bowersville, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1867.

THE WORK STILL ONWARD.

From witnessing the good work of the Lord in the meetings in Wisconsin and Iowa, hearing a testimony borne adapted to the present wants of the remnant, and seeing it joyfully received by those who heard, we have returned to witness a good work for the church in this place.
We were gratified, as we saw the beneficial effects of the labors of Bro. and Sr. White here, Sept. 14, that they proposed to hold further meetings with us on their return from the West; and we have had still more reason to be gratified as we have seen the progress of the meetings themselves. They commenced Friday, Oct. 11, and up to the present writing, twelve meetings have been held. We believe substantial progress has been made. The work has moved slow, perhaps too much so; but there has not been anything which has seemed to be excited and flashy, but a calm and candid consideration of wrongs which have led to spiritual declension, and an earnest and persistent purpose to put them away.
It is a time of close self-examination, and deep searching of heart with many. Some good confessions have been made, good positions taken, and resolutions formed. There is a pressing together on the part of the church. We desire to discover and put away all the evils of which we have been guilty, and get into a place where we can stand by those who are called to lead out in this great work, and stay up their hands.
We rejoice in the plain and searching testimony, so necessary for these times. We believe there is no desire on the part of any to have sins covered up, or that the “hurt of the daughter of my people” should be “healed slightly.” It is owing to the lack of such testimony and such a work in the popular churches of the land that we see them morally dead, and given up to every species of worldliness and pride. That these meetings, involving an investigation of various matters over which misunderstandings and wrong feelings have existed, will result in a better understanding of the position we should occupy, and strong and impregnable union for the future, we fully believe.
The Lord is restoring Bro. White, and giving both him and Sr. White a testimony for his people richer in experience and stronger in power, than ever before. With this blessing vouchsafed to his cause, we also confidently expect another; namely the revival of his work in all parts of the field.

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau; George I. Butler

The day following the close of our meeting at Laporte, we journeyed to Marion. The friends of the cause at Anamosa and Lisbon assembled with the brethren at that place, at the house of Bro. Hare, upon the Sabbath.
We had two discourses and a social meeting of good interest. Quite a number were present of those who formerly believed with us in all the present truth, and gave good attention to the word spoken. We trust the friends of the cause felt strengthened by the meeting.
From Marion we went to Knoxville to meet our appointments. Found a good congregation present Sabbath morning at the house of worship. We tried to bring forth from the storehouse those truths which were adapted to their condition, and trust God's blessing may attend their efforts to advance in the way of holiness. Owing to many discouragements in the past this church has not made that advancement which they might have made had everything been managed with wisdom and judgment in years gone by. But we trust a goodly number from Knoxville may stand on Mount Zion with the remnant people of God.
On our arrival at the place we learned that Elder Brinkerhoff was there, and had been holding meetings, the principal object of which was to draw away all he could from among us, though he had said if we would live up to the doctrines we profess, we should be saved. We learned also that he intended to challenge us to a discussion on the points of difference between us. Accordingly Sabbath afternoon he handed in a written challenge for a discussion. And as he had said much in regard to the matter beforehand in the community, we thought it best to notice the challenge in public. Therefore Sunday in the forenoon, we took it up before a fair-sized congregation. After reading the challenge, we read the resolution upon debating in the General Conf. report which advises S. D. Adventist ministers not to engage in discussions unless the interests of the cause plainly demand the same, which resolution Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff voted for in General Conf. May, 1865. We declined to accept his challenge.
1. There was not a sufficient reason for any discussion. None of the friends of the cause in Knoxville and vicinity desired any, and only those who make it their business to war against us, or those who sympathized with them, have any such desire. We hardly felt duty to stop our work to satisfy such a spirit.
2. The matters of difference between us, have been discussed once already. At Pilot Grove, Iowa, in the summer of 1865, Elders White and Loughborough being present, and Elders S. and B. also. After preliminaries had been arranged the discussion went on as long as S. and B. desired, and would have gone further had they chosen. Many who were present expected and desired to hear the discussion on the visions, and Bro. and sister White stood ready on their part, but Elders S. and B. did not wish it then. Why should they now?
This discussion was a very peculiar one on some accounts. Not only did some of those who came to that meeting strongly sympathizing with them, upon hearing Bro. White's powerful testimony, change their opinions, and become warm friends of the truth, but Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff themselves made humble confessions of their wrong course and asked the forgiveness of Bro. and sister White, and others, and after having full time to deliberate wrote out confessions for the Review, in which they confessed they had been led by Satan, and warned their brethren from following their example, and stated they believed the testimonies &c. These confessions may be found in Review of July 25th, 1865. We believe they were well qualified to give good advice in the premises, for who is better prepared to warn others than those who have been in Satan's hands, and for the time being been released? We trust all will heed the warning. And now they have returned to what they themselves have confessed was the snare of Satan. Under the circumstances, therefore, we thought there had been all the discussion that was called for from the hands of S. D. Adventist, to say nothing of the propriety of waiting to see where Elders S. and B. will turn up: for at first they only thought they should give up the visions, but now they have come out against ten or a dozen important points of the truth! All this in the space of two years. Where will they be in two years more?
3. Again, all the arguments are within reach of those who desire to investigate further the differences between us. Our publications in which our views are expressed are scattered over the land. Also Elders S. and B. have published their views on these same subjects. Bro. Smith has taken up many of their objections to the visions. Their arguments on the two-horned beast have also been noticed publicly through the Review. So any person can post himself for a few cents upon all points in the controversy. By this we showed there was no need of our time being taken up in entering into any public discussion upon these subjects.
4. We did not admit for a moment that our ministers were under obligation to discuss with those who have withdrawn from us every time they may choose to come in our way. Messrs. Stephenson and Hall, Shortridge and Hull, and Snook and Brinkerhoff, have chosen to go out from us. We cannot admit the possession of any right on their part, to take up the time of our ministers in endless discussion where there is no call for them. We think we have more important business to attend to.
5. We tried to show the spirit with which Elder B. regarded our people, reading from his writings that they were the most “bigoted, self-conceited” people in existence, and that some of our leaders were guilty of wilful “deception,” &c., and with other hard sayings showing forth his feelings toward the people he formerly mingled with. As we were reading these passages from his writings he bowed his assent from his seat. We contrasted these feelings with his course in coming to our weak brethren and professing sympathy and love for us, making it to appear there was not much difference between us after all; that we were agreed upon the Sabbath and Advent doctrine &c., but before getting through, leading away their minds from the visions and casting doubt and darkness over their minds. We desire all our brethren to understand this matter as it is, and realize that he has no real feeling of sympathy for us, but makes it his main object to tear down and destroy. We told all, that when they understood the course of these men, and knew their object, all who desired to go with them, could do so, and welcome.
6. Finally, we called attention to one important point which fully reveals the nature of the work Elders B. and S. are engaged in. While they tell our brethren where they go that if the S. D. Advent people live up to the doctrines they profess they will be saved at the Lord's coming, and while they are teaching that Christ is coming in a year or two, yet they are making a mighty effort to tear us down while the whole world is lying in wickedness at our very doors. Surely such a course shows for itself who are engaged in the Lord's work.
At the close of the meeting, we held a business meeting with the church. Three were disfellowshipped for breaking the Sabbath, and two for manifesting no interest in meetings, and for other reasons. Though living within a short distance they had not attended meetings for many months. Two more were censured for similar reasons.
Our esteemed brother, Benn Auten, was duly ordained as elder of the church by the laying on of hands, and the Lord witnessed to the same by the outpouring of his blessed Spirit. May the Good Shepherd help our dear brother to be faithful in his charge as an under shepherd, till the Master shall return and bestow a glorious reward upon his faithful people.
As our meeting closed in Knoxville, we felt encouraged to hope that there were better times before that church. And although we are in the shaking time, and some are being shaken out, yet we expect to meet some in the kingdom, from Knoxville.
From K. we journeyed to Sandyville, and commenced our meetings Thursday evening. Gave three discourses and hold one social and one business meeting there. As this church is passing through a deciding time with many, and as former trials have not lost all their unpleasant influences, and as there is too much worldliness, and too little consecration, our meetings were not so interesting as we could desire. We hope, however, some good was accomplished. In our business meeting several were disfellowshipped, and others censured for various reasons. Two were admitted as members of the church. Resolutions were passed requesting absent members to report as often as once in three months, and expressing the mind of the church that absence from the meetings for a month without good reason was proper cause for labor, &c.
We hope to see a stronger effort made to take hold more earnestly in the great work of overcoming, by the members of the church. We believe God has some jewels in Sandyville. May the Lord help them to make a mighty effort to get into the work for these last days, and be prepared and fitted for the coming kingdom of God.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
GEO. I. BUTLER.

“COURAGE IN THE LORD, BRETHREN.”

By Simon Patten

Yes, brethren, I repeat it, “Courage in the Lord.” How these words sounded when spoken by Bro. White at our late Convocation Meeting. And when he told how, on a certain occasion, they encouraged his heart as he was near desponding, it sent a thrill of joy through my heart, and I felt to renew my courage in the Lord. Brethren and sisters, you who are weak and desponding, how I wish these words might sound in your ears—“Courage in the Lord, Brethren!” Don’t, when you see your weakness, get discouraged, but look to the Lord and take courage; yes, take courage in the God and Rock of our salvation. If you know your sinfulness, and realize your inability in your own strength to keep the commandments, it is as it should be; but, instead of causing discouragement, it should lead you to trust in the Lord, knowing your weakness if you cease to rely on him, and in his strength be courageous.
Jesus has left his Holy Spirit to comfort our hearts; angels of God are around us, and if we trust in God they will deliver from the power of Satan and all his evil host. “More are they that are for us than they which be against us.” If the eyes of those in discouragement could but be opened, they would see angels which excel in strength watching over them and trying to direct their minds upward, desiring them to have courage in the Lord, and go forward in the path of duty. And besides these heavenly aids, your brethren are interested in your case. How it pains my heart to see any one discouraged. Oh! that I might say something that would enable such to take a new start with the people of God.
And here I would direct your minds to the Health Reform, and the work it will do for you in this matter. It will give you clearness of mind and buoyancy of spirit which you cannot have without it. Many of you, no doubt, know by experience that when the body is oppressed by sickness, or in a state of exhaustion from any cause, then is the time you are troubled most with desponding thoughts. Is it not then a duty you owe to God and to yourself, to use every means in your power to keep the body in as healthful conditions as possible? And if, while living up to all the light you have on this subject, you pray much and fervently for divine aid, the Lord will help you to rise above your depressing feelings, and to have “courage in the Lord.”
SIMON PATTEN.
Germania, Wis.

THE LATTER RAIN: WHAT IS IT?

By H. F. PHELPS

In Scripture we find the terms “early” and “latter,” used in reference to the falling of rain; the former in seed time, the latter to ripen the grain. We often hear these terms used in reference to an especial outpouring of the Spirit of God upon his people. James uses this as an illustration, and says: “Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” Chap. v, 7. In the next verse he locates the patient waiting here illustrated down near the coming of the Lord, or near the great harvest. “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” And again, “Behold the Judge standeth at the door.” Verse 9. As we are exhorted to patience in expectation of the fruit of the earth, surely the early rain must have fallen. Jesus says, “My Father is the husbandman,” Jno. xv, 1; and he says that the Son of man is the one who sowed the seed. Matt. xiii, 37. Then the early rain must have fallen when the seed was sown, or in other words, when the plan of salvation was completed by the death and resurrection of our Lord. When Jesus gave the commission to preach the gospel, he says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. xxviii, 20. But the presence of Jesus being vouchsafed to them is not enough. They must wait till they are baptized anew into the work, receive a double portion of that good Spirit. “But tarry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke xxiv, 49. These were the words of Christ just before he left his sorrowing disciples, and were in effect as follows: “Do not be hasty, as your zeal may lead you to be. The Comforter shall be sent. I have called you to preach, but have not yet sent you; you must be baptized with the Holy Ghost, receive power from on high, and then you can preach. ”
Fifty days this side of the ascension of Jesus, we find the disciples all together, of one accord, in one place. Acts ii. And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, “and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” An immense number of laborers, suddenly rose up to preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And, as if to leave no chance of doubt as to whether this speaking with tongues was genuine or a mere gibberish, or effect of excitement, there happened to be at that time, “dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven,” “and every man heard them speak in his own language.” And what was the effect of all this? Why, “the same day were added unto them about three thousand souls.” And why was it thus? The seed was watered by the Spirit, and it was taking root. Jesus sowed the good seed, it was watered by the good Spirit, and God gave the increase. Here was the ‘early rain.’
The ‘latter rain’ just precedes the harvest; the harvest is the end of the world. And just so sure as the early rain fell in his season, so sure the latter rain will not fail in his appointed time. The harvest of earth is nearly ripe; it only requires the gentle rain of the Spirit of God upon his people, the aid of his hand to accomplish the work. As the Spirit fell upon the apostles, it qualified them for the work: they “spake as the Spirit gave them utterance.” So, methinks it will be in the end, when the refreshing Spirit of God falls upon his people, like dew upon the grass; it will prepare them for the work. Men whom he has called, will then be qualified, and will open their mouths boldly in defence of truth. Then will be answered the prayer to the “Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers.” Do we realize it? Are we not praying for the latter rain, when we offer that prayer? It seems so to me.
Let us awake; sleep no longer. The Judge standeth at the door. Let us do what God requires of us, in order to receive the blessing of his Spirit, “Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” Get ready for the work that is before us. Let us walk in the light while we have it. The blessing is ready and waiting, but we are not ready. Shall we miss of the blessing? I pray we may not.
H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.

THE CONVOCATION MEETING AT PILOT GROVE, IOWA.

By Henry Nicola

ALTHOUGH this good meeting is numbered with the things that are in the past, yet it is pleasant to let our mind revert to the privileges and blessings we then enjoyed. I think this was truly as a green spot in the desert to many a worn pilgrim.
What a privilege to meet so many of our brethren and sisters that we had not seen for many months, and some that we never saw before, and join with them in the worship of the true God.
Especially did we esteem it a great privilege to meet those worn and tried servants whom God has placed at the head of this good work, and to have them at our own houses, under our own roofs, and mingle our voices with theirs around our own family altar. If these things are appreciated as privileges, what will it be to see our blessed Saviour and to meet good old Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the good of all ages around our Father's throne in the kingdom? Shall we be there?
The discourses given at this meeting were well received by those that came in to hear. One of my neighbors, a Methodist, told me that he had offered his minister one dollar if he would unravel Eld. White's discourse on the Law and Gospel. This man said he heard Bro. W. when he was here two years ago. He said that although his personal appearance indicated that he had been sick, yet his mental powers seemed so strong and active, that it appeared to him that he had just retired from his public labors for a time, and had been posting himself, and has now come forth a more powerful man than ever.
It is truly gratifying to us to know that although the hand of affliction has been heavy upon Bro. White, yet God loves him, and is still using him as an humble instrument to lead in this work.
How many are convinced of the truth, and yet how few are willing to obey! Dear brethren and sisters, let me appeal to you who heard those stirring testimonies and earnest appeals from the servants of God. Shall we like the masses, be hearers of the word only? I can say from the good testimonies given in our meeting on last Sabbath, that the brethren and sisters of this church mean to be doers of the work.
We feel greatly encouraged, and also to some degree, the new responsibilities that are rolled upon us. May these precious truths that we heard at this good meeting, have a large place in all our hearts, and we finally be overcomers, and be permitted to meet on Mount Zion.
HENRY NICOLA.
Pilot Grove, Iowa.

Conference Department.

By J. S. Miller

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 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.

From Bro. Miller.

BRO. SMITH: I again avail myself of the privilege offered in the Conference department of the Review of speaking freely of my personal experience in connection with the present truth. The privilege of communicating with one another through the Review is a blessing which I fear is not sufficiently prized by those who take the paper. Brethren and sisters, let us speak often to one another. Recently my circle of acquaintances has been much enlarged, and since it is not possible to see them all as often as I would, how convenient it is to just drop a few lines to the Review and talk to them all at once just as I would if we were all gathered together around the fireside in some New England home, with our hearts all aglow with the love of God, and, as Sister Cudworth has it,
“Our anchor in Heaven, Our hearts in the work.”
To one and all let me say, I have no desire to be one of those who draw back unto perdition, but I do desire to be one of those that believe to the saving of the soul. It is not always smooth water with me, nor do I expect to arrive at a place this side of the New Jerusalem where I shall be free from trial and temptation; yet, as I look at my little trials, and then compare them with the “blessed hope that is set before us, which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail,” I am led, like Paul, to exclaim, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Oh, what pleasure do I take in my lonely moments thinking of those with whom I have from time to time become acquainted—thinking of the blessed seasons I have enjoyed with them, and wonder if they still think of me and pray for me, and then I am reminded of the promises that were interchanged to remember each other at the throne of grace.
I can now understand the Saviour’s remarks to his disciples when he told them that every one who had forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or fathers, or mothers, or wife, or children, or lands, for his name’s sake, should receive an hundred fold, and inherit everlasting life. I once could not understand how I could have a large number of fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters; but now, as I think of mother A., and father B., and brother C., and sister D., &c., scattered here and there over a large extent of territory, and to whom I am attached by ties of love stronger than any known in nature, I am truly led to feel that the Lord’s words are fulfilled in my own case; for although I have not yet been called on to make the sacrifices he spoke of to his disciples, yet I have been blessed an hundred fold in fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, and the hope of everlasting life is beaming bright. Oh! that I were worthy the blessings I receive.
But I am extending my letter to an unreasonable length. Pray for me, one and all, that I may endure to the end, and meet you in the kingdom.
J. S. Miller. Ashaway, R. I., Oct. 10, 1867,

THE CHILD-LIKE SPIRIT.

By E. P. Willard

We hold the words of Jesus true, All men of each degree, Who see His kingdom, enter through A child's humility.
And every saintly life, which shines Like Heaven's crystal sea, Begins where round the heart entwines A child's humility.
O great of earth! would ye but know Where Heaven's portals be? They arch the lowly paths which show A child's humility.
O mountain-climbers! ye will fail The starry stairs to see, For Heaven lies nearest that sweet vale— A child's humility.
O spirit proud! O men who move In self-sufficiency! God only hears the prayers which prove A child's humility.
O Christians! bearing His dear name Who bore the painful tree, Bear ye his lowliness, and claim A child's humility.
From lofty ways of self come down; Kneel at His feet, and see What love, what tearful joy will crown A child's humility.
Strive, Christian, strive for childlikeness; Him serve who says to thee, “Thy highest service must be this— A child's humility.”
—E. P. Willard.
Continue reading: The Fate of the Papacy.