DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: My heart is full of love and gratitude to God, and I feel that I want to communicate to you, something of my thoughts and feelings. I do not know where to begin the song of praise to my heavenly Father, for his great goodness to me. It seems to me, that had I the tongue of an angel, I could not sufficiently speak forth his matchless goodness, and wondrous love.
Truly, "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Praise God, the "perfect day" is fast approaching, and I feel that our pathway does indeed grow brighter and brighter. The light of divine truth encircles it like a halo of glory, increasing in radiance and beauty at every advancing step.
And it cheers my heart as I hear from week to week through the Review, of the steady advancement of God's cause, and that precious souls are flocking to the glorious standard of truth. God is working for his people, praise to his holy name. And let us remember that "we are working together with him." And let us see to it that we ever have on the whole armor, and are standing at our post of duty.
I bless God for his precious trust. It seems to me that none have so great a reason to be thankful for it, as I. It found me a sad, long wanderer from the fold of God, and it unlocked the iron bar of despair in my heart, and bade faith and hope enter. And to-day, I look forward with joyful anticipation of soon wearing a victor's crown, and of standing upon the sea of glass and joining in the soul-thrilling song of victory, which none but the 144,000 can learn. I find that the Christian life is indeed a warfare. And many times I get almost weary "striving with my carnal foes." But the arm of divine love has ever been beneath me, upholding and sustaining me in every conflict and sorrow. Oh, I bless God for what he has done for me. Yet I feel deeply, painfully, that I am not what I should be. I long and pray for holiness, and entire consecration to God. The yearning cry of my heart is
Nearer, my God to thee,Nearer to thee;Ev'n though it be a crossThat raiseth me.
Gladly will I welcome the cross, if it will only entwine the tendrils of my heart more closely around the great, loving heart of him "who reigns in light above." Jesus' love is dearer to me than all earthly friends or treasures, and I feel willing to sacrifice everything if I may but gain his favor. Yea, I count not my life dear unto me, if I may but win the love of Him whom I adore.
I feel that I must be more engaged in my Master's cause. I want to be imbued with that sweet spirit of self-denial and devotion which my Saviour possessed. I want more faith, zeal and love. I want
A soul inured to pain,To hardship, grief and loss:Bold to take up, firm to sustain,The consecrated cross.
It is the greatest desire of my heart to live in such a manner, that the humble, gentle spirit of my Redeemer may shine forth in all my words and actions. But alas, I find too often, "that when I would do good evil is present with me;" and if it was not for the tender compassion of my Saviour, I should, in view of my many sins, sink in despair. But, glory to God, I expect, through the atoning merits of his blood, to be a joyful overcomer, to stand at last with the redeemed, before the dazzling throne of God.
At times I feel almost impatient for Jesus to come and take us home. I want to be free from temptation, sin and danger; and I hail, each day with joy, the setting of the sun, for I feel that I am one day nearer home; nearer
"To our Father's house on high—To the green fields and the fountains,
*Of the land beyond the sky."
Oh, I long to behold that radiant, happy land. I want to view the eternal mansions of our Father's house. Sometimes I look with the eye of faith upon that city fair, and in my imagination stand upon the crystal sea. I tread with joyful feet, the gold-paved streets of the New Jerusalem, and view with rapture, the harps, the robes, the palms, and the crowns. I drink the pure waters from the crystal stream of life, and cull the "never fading flowers" which grow upon its banks. And, there, seated upon his throne of glory, I behold my Saviour and my king. And in imagination I hear from his dear lips, the sweet words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
What holy rapture fills my soul, as I contemplate that blessed scene. Oh let us take courage, and, with renewed zeal urge our weary feet onward to the Celestial City. It will be but a little while before the joys of Heaven will be ours.
Some of us, I know, feel weak, trembling, and unworthy. But we need not be discouraged, though only the buds of grace appear in our souls. Let us plead with God to bedow them with drops from the "living fountain," to let the sunlight of his love shine upon them, and gradually they will expand into beautiful, perfect flowers of holiness and love.
Oh, let us awake, and consecrate ourselves anew to the service of God. Surely it is death to sleep now. We must watch, fight, and pray or we shall be shaken out.
"Finally, let us be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. And when He, who is our life shall appear, we shall have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming."
Yours in hope and love.
MARY F. MAXSON.
Adam's Center, N. Y.
“I am Debtor.”
By M' Cheney
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk the glorious sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er Life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall;
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own;
When I see Thee as thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When the praise of heaven I hear,
Loud as thunder to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know—
Something of how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight's gloomy shroud,
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When the flowery path I tread,
Oft by sin, I'm captive led,
Oft I fall—but still arise—
The Spirit comes—the tempter flies:
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.
Oft the nights of sorrow reign—
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But at night thine anger burns—
Morning comes and joy returns!
God of comforts! bid me show
To thy poor, how much I owe.
Letters.
By Editor
"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. Then they, says the prophet, that feared the Lord spake often one to another. We believe emphatically that we are living in that time. Therefore 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. Let this department be well filled with lively testimonies of the goodness of God, and the value of his truth.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. Charles S. Davis writes from Eddington, Me.: We have seen considerable of the fanatical spirit here, but by the grace of God we have overcome it. I was at Hartland and heard Bro. Loughborough, and was glad to hear from the word of the Lord, it being the first preaching that ever I heard on the present truth. It was there I obtained the first and second volume of Spiritual Gifts, a work that should be in every family.
I am striving every day to be made more and more an overcomer that I may stand with the faithful ones on mount Zion.
Sister C. M. Shepard writes from Trenton, Wis.: I feel that we have everything to encourage us to press on in the narrow way. Oh, how bright the light of truth is shining on our pathway. I believe that the loud cry of the third message will soon be heard through the length and breadth of the land, and all the honest and faithful will be gathered in to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. But the question comes home to my heart, shall I be among the faithful ones? I know there must be a great improvement in my heart and life before I can be prepared to stand before God. We read that as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Bro. I. D. Van Horn writes from Jackson, Mich., April 12: I have been having a few meetings of late in my own neighborhood, and the interest to hear is far greater than I expected. Thursday I start for Charlotte, to attend the meeting at West Windsor with Bro. Byington. I yet hope in the Lord, and love the truth.
Bro. P. Chaffee writes from Roosevelt, N. Y.: I will say a word of encouragement for the Roosevelt church. I believe the Lord is helping the church, and the church are trying to help themselves. Yesterday one expressed a desire to return. The prospects are good. Brn. Andrews and Taylor have benefited the church materially, and I hope much more good may be done in the name of the Lord. Remember us.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
H. G. Buxton. Your Review has been mailed regularly ever week, we will send again the missing numbers.
H. Starbuck. We were sending your Review to Central City, Colorado Territory, we now change to Salem, Oregon.
J. G. Saxon. We furnish the Review to those who send it to their friends, and to those who take it for the purpose of investigation, at $1,00 per year.
W. Sell. We can still furnish to new subscribers the back numbers containing the review of Elder Preble's articles on the Sabbath.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
T. M. Marsh 1,00,xxv,18. J. A. Davis 1,00,xxv,18. J. W. Davis 1,00,xxv,18. W. W. Davis 1,00,xxv,18. C. H. Cool 1,00,xxv,18. J. H. Reynolds 1,00,xxv,18. J. Lumbert 1,00,xxv,18. Margaret Trusler 1,00,xxiii,7. Geo. Starr 0,50,xxiv,14. E. H. Adams 2,00,xxvii,8. W. W. Caviness 1,85,xxv,1. T. P. McReynolds 0,50,xxiv,14. Jane Messersmith 1,00,xxv,14. A friend for Dolly Dadmun 1,00,xxv,14. Sarah Sargent 1,00,xxiv,14. P. Folsom 2,00,xxiv,1. A friend for Elder I. D. Stevens and C. H. Staples each 0,25,xxiv,1. D. W. Rice 2,00,xxvi,1. A. Leper 1,00,xxiii,16. T. Woody 2,00,xxv,18. Wm. Lea 2,00,xxv,18. R. T. Payne for I. Monfore 1,00,xxv,18. F. W. Morse 1,00,xxiv,1. E. H. Adams for Francis E. Adams 1,00,xxv,18, for J. Hyatt 0,50,xxiv,18, for Hester A. Dunkerson 0,50xxiv,14. E. Pratt for S. Barber 1,00,xxv,14. H. Keefer 1,00,xxiv,20. A. C. Sackrider 2,00,xxv,18. G. Smith 1,00,xxiv,1. Louisa Cook 2,00,xxv,16. A. L. Gravel for D. A. Crandall 0,50,xxiv,18. W. Bryant 1,00,xxv,14. David Hull 1,00,xxv,1. S. T. Belden 2,00,xxiv,1. J. Browhay 1,00,xxiii,20. L. W. Mason 1,00,xxv,18. A. Olson 2,00,xxvi,1. D. Griggs for A. Dingman 1,00,xxv,18. A friend for E. G. Wells 0,50,xxiv,18. J. B. Ingalls 1,25,xxiv,1. E. Morrow 2,00,xxvi,1. J. Countryman 1,00,xxv,18. S. E. Edwards 1,50,xxiv,8. W. B. Richards 1,00,xxiii,8. Smith Van Horn 1,00,xxv,18. D. Dutton 1,00,xxv,18. Catherine Tosh 1,00,xxv,14. S. Lyon 4,00,xxvi,1. A. S. Gillet for Elder G. Martingale 1,00,xxv,18. P. Chaffee 4,00,xxvi,1. A. A. Fairfield for J. Fairfield, Elder E. W. Humphrey, S. Williamson, E. Smith, Elder David Thompson and W. T. Jenkins each 1,00,xxv,18. T. B. Cowgill 1,00,xxvi,1. P. M. Bodley for P. S. Van Hougten 1,00,xxv,18. J. L. Locke 1,00,xxvi,1. W. E. Landon for Ava Hamlin 1,00,xxv,14. S. W. Todd 1,00,xxvi,14. J. Ayers 1,00,xxiii,1. F. Rosseau 2,00,xxv,17. J. Aldrich 2,00,xxiv,16. J. L. Kilgore for J. Kilgore 1,00,xxv,14. A. Ridgway for B. L. Tripp 0,50xxiv,18. A. C. Morton 0,50,xxi,14. C. G. Daniel for J. Daniel 1,00,xxv,14. Loretta Canright 2,00,xxiv,1. J. Reynolds 1,00,xxv,20. N. M. Gray 1,00,xxvii,1. L. M. Sheldon for Mrs. C. K. Rogers 2,00,xxv,14. E. Dayton 2,00,xxiv,16. H. M. Campbell 0,50,xxiv,18. Ira Day 3,00,xxiv,1. W. Towle 1,00,xxv,18. Mrs. Ann E. Dyer 1,00,xxv,18. G. A. Wright 1,00,xxv,18. M. A. Hiestand 2,00,xxvi,1. J. Hiestand for J. Bausman 1,00,xxv,18. E. B. Gaskill 2,00,xxv,17. E. B. Gaskill for Mrs. Charlotte Spencer 1,00,xxv,18. Mary Jane Daniels 1,00,xxv,18. H. Jaynes 1,00,xxv,18. Rusha Evans 2,00,xxvii,12. Jane Messersmith for J. A. Clark 1,00,xxv,14.
Books Sent By Mail.
J. B. Ingalls 75c. A. S. Gillet 60c. C. R. Cromwell $2,40. L. Schellhouse 25c. S. N. Haskell $1. L. H. Priest 50c. P. Alvord 50c. M. M. Jones 12c. M. J. Crosman 13c. Miss L. Russel 30c. Mrs. C. W. Stephens 20c. L. B. M. Laughlin 50c. W. R. Brown 25c. Wm. Sadden 22c. E. M. Prentiss 50c. H. Smith 35c. F. Burnham $1. D. Dutton $1. Mrs. S. E. Tosh 30c. G. W. Brown 30c. P. Chaffee $2,25. H. M. Campbell 34c. E. Dayton 25c. L. M. Sheldon 30c. A. A. Sevy 30c. J. Mullin 30c. J. Huber 15c. W. Harris $1. Mrs. J. Madison 75c. Polly Keyes 55c.
J. N. Loughborough $97,73. W. Morse $7. J. Clarke $5. B. F. Snook $62. H. C. Whitney for Benn Auten $40,20. R. F. Cottrell $20. A. Lanphear $1. I. C. Vaughan $1,50. H. Nicola $1,40.
For Bro. Snook.
John Kilgore $5. Esther Kilgore $2. Church at Palestine $6,30.
Appointments.
Elders J. N. Loughborough and J. N. Andrews will hold meetings with the church at Memphis, Mich., commencing in the evening of May 13th, and continuing over Sabbath and first-day.
They will probably hold meetings at different points in Michigan during the month of June.
GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE.
THE next quarterly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Hundred-Mile Grove Church, Wisconsin, will be held May 7 & 8, 1864. We hope to see a general attendance. Will the brethren, as far as may be, come prepared to pay their s. B. dues? Will the Ills. & Wis. State Conference committee send us a messenger to be present at this quarterly meeting?
N. M. JORDON.
THE next Quarterly Meeting for the church in Roxbury, will be holden at my house on Sabbath, the last day of April, 1864, and at the school-house near my residence on Sunday, the first day of May next. Brn. and sisters from sister churches, and scattered ones also, are invited to attend. Those who come on the day previous, from the west, will call at Bro. Kendall's. Those from the east, at Bro. Cram's. Those from the north or south, at my residence. The Brn. Bourdeau are expected.
STEPHEN PIERCE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren at Dayton, Green Co., Wis., April 30, and May 1, as Bro. Pratt may appoint.
I will also meet with the brethren in Quarterly Meetings as follows:
Oakland, May 7 and 8.
(Will some one meet me at Ft. Atkinson the 5th?)
Poy Sippi, Waushara Co., May 14 and 15.
(Will one of the brethren meet me at Berlin Station the 12th?)
Marquette, May 21 and 22.
Mackford, " 28 " 29.
All of the above meetings to commence at 7 o'clock Friday evening. Prayer-meeting at 9 A. M. Sabbath morning, and preaching at half-past 10.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Annual Meeting of the S. D. A. Publishing Association.
By Gen. Conf. Committee
ThE S. D. A. P. Association will hold its fourth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Friday, May 20, 1864, at 9 o'clock A. M.
At this meeting it is proposed to change Sec. 2, of Art. xii, of the By-laws relative to our Seal, as follows: In 6th line, after the words "to wit," strike out the remainder of the section, and in place thereof insert the following: "In the upper portion from left to right, the inscription, 'S. D. Adventist,' preceded and followed by an ornamental dash, and in the lower portion the words, 'Publishing Association.' In the upper portion of the central ground shall be the words, 'Incorporated May 3d, 1861,' and in the lower portion the words, 'Battle Creek, Mich.'"
JAMES WHITE,
GEO. W. AMADON,
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
WILLIAM HALL,
E. S. WALKER,
URIAH SMITH,
I. D. VAN HORN.
REMARKS. It is hoped that by appointing the business sessions of the Conferences and Association, so early in the week, all business pertaining to the interests of those meetings may be fully attended to before the Sabbath, so as to leave the Sabbath and first-day to be devoted exclusively to religious exercises. It will be necessary that delegates to the General Conference should arrive in Battle Creek, as soon as Tuesday or Tuesday night, delegates to the Mich. State Conference by Wednesday, members of the Association, Thursday, while those who come for the religious meetings exclusively, will be expected on Friday.
A committee of arrangements will be found at the Review Office, to provide homes for all who come.
Let all realize that these are important meetings. A great work is committed to us to spread abroad in the short time now left us, the last message of mercy to a perishing world. The demands of the times call for more than mortal zeal and energy, and the interests of the cause in all its departments is involved in the issue of these meetings. May those who come, come with hearts glowing with love to God and his precious truth, and prepared to do all that man can do to spread its heavenly light; and those who cannot come, can at least pray for us, that the Lord's counsels may be carried out, and his work finally accomplished gloriously in the earth.
GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE.
General Conference.
By Jno. Byington, J. N. Andrews, G. W. Amadon
The second Annual Meeting of the S. D. A. General Conference will be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday, May 18th, 1864, at 9 o'clock A. M. This Conference is composed of delegates from the various State Conferences. Where delegates are not already appointed, the different Conference Committees will see that they are appointed in season. Brethren in those localities where there is no State Conference can also represent themselves by delegates or letter at their discretion.
Jno. Byington,
J. N. Andrews,
G. W. Amadon, } Gen. Conf. Committee.
Michigan State Conference.
THE Michigan State Conference will hold its fourth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Thursday, May 19th, 1864, at 9 o'clock A. M.
All the churches belonging to this Conference, and those who wish to unite with it, are requested to represent themselves faithfully by delegate or letter. Delegates are to be chosen according to the following ratio: "Each church to the number of twenty members or under, shall be entitled to one delegate, and one delegate for every additional fifteen members." Delegates will bring letters showing their appointment. Churches will also be careful to act upon Sec. 2, of Art. iv, of our Constitution, as follows: "It shall be the duty of the churches in this Conference to send a written report to the regular meetings of the Conference of their standing, their losses and additions [of membership] during the year, also the amount of their s. B. fund." Ministers belonging to the Conference will also be prepared to present their individual reports of each week's labor, and expenses. These reports must state the number of meetings held, and where they were held, each week. Churches will also remember Sec. 3, of Art. iii, and notify the Executive Committee at or before the time of the Conference, of "the amount they will give each month during the Conference year for the support of ministers and tent operations, and for such other purposes as may be necessary for the advancement of the cause."
U. SMITH,
JNO. BYINGTON,
C. SMITH,
Mich. Conf. Committee.
New work.
“AN Appeal to Mothers, Relative to the Great Cause of the Physical, Mental, and Moral Ruin of many of the Children of our Time.” Such is the title of a new tract just written by Mrs. White, designed as a warning against one of the greatest and most insidious evils of this age. Parents, to whom pertains the training of children, should have it. The young should also have it, in order to fortify themselves in the ways of purity and right. It will be sent by mail, post-paid, for 15 cents. Eight for one dollar.
Note.
By John Norton Loughborough
I NOTICE in my report of meetings at Springfield, Mass., in speaking of the U. S. armory, my report says 8000 hands are employed. I thought I wrote it 3000. That is what it should have been. They now employ 3200.