p. 176 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 22. (10/30/1866)

Report from Bro. Matteson.

By JOHN MATTESON; N. FULLER

August 13, I left Whitewater where I had labored in connection with Bro. Sanborn. There was but little demand for truth in this place, yet the Lord had a few honest souls desiring salvation. Four embraced the commandments of God, and I learn that they are still firm in the truth. With others the good seed is left, and we trust that some of them will yet flee from the wrath to come.

Worked at home till the 18th and held meetings with the brethren. The 19th went to Whitewater to review the Methodist Elder whom I had reviewed twice before on the subject of immortality. This time he preached on the form of departed souls, which he assured us was just like the human body, and tried to prove this from the great multitude that stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, Rev. vii. He said a great deal about Grecian, Roman and Indian heroes who went abroad after they were dead, according to the sayings of their people. With many other fables he tickled the itching ears of people. And such stuff, delivered with fashionable eloquence and handkerchief-preaching was pronounced sound doctrine. It is astonishing how people will swallow down the grossest inconsistencies and mere sayings of men, without even looking into their Bibles to see whether these things are so. And this they call progressing toward the glorious millennium, when all will be good and love the Lord. What disposition such doctrines cultivate in the people was clearly shown on this occasion. They would not give our Advent brethren seats in their house, before we requested them to do so, and then it was done reluctantly. The next day I learned that some lewd fellows of the baser sort, were waiting at the entrance to kick us out of the house, but as we went out through a side-door we did not happen to meet them. Truly, the love of many has waxed cold.

Next evening I reviewed the sermon with good freedom, and suggested that whether this or that theory should prove correct, some of us would certainly have to undergo a change in disposition before we could live peaceably together in the kingdom.

Let us remember, dear brethren, that we must all have the mind that was in Christ Jesus, or a disposition such as he had, in order to enter the kingdom of God.

Next day we had a friendly discussion with three Norwegian Methodist ministers, and left in the afternoon by rail-road, for Minnesota. The bridges through northern Iowa were all broken down by the late freshet, which delayed the journey some, and when I left the stage I had still 18 miles to travel on foot. I forded Turtle creek where the water was up to my breast and the current so swift that it was quite difficult to stand against it. As I traveled on and the satchel grew heavy on my shoulders, the words of Jesus came with cheer to my mind. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

After crossing several sloughs, and meditating undisturbed in the moonlight on the wide extended prairie, where only now and then a lonely settler could be seen, I arrived at the humble cabin of a brother, at 11 o’clock, in the night. Next morning we went ten miles to meeting. Our meeting-house was a cellar, as they call it, or a house dug in the side of a hill, with turf on the roof, and clay floor. Here God met with us and our souls were refreshed in the Lord.

There is a Danish church here of nineteen members who embraced the message last winter, and to my great joy I found them growing in grace. I stayed with them two weeks, in which time the Lord was very good to us, and as he revived his work in our hearts, we were made to rejoice. They are all united truly and heartily into the health reform, and have confidence in the testimonies of sister White. Some others have commenced to keep the Sabbath and meet with the brethren.

Among these brethren I find these truths illustrated; that the real necessities of life are very few; that God will pour out his rich blessings in a humble dwelling on poor souls; that we can enjoy the peace of God in our hearts without having many conveniences of this world; that such individuals are much happier with all their toil and labor than many who are surrounded with the rich comforts of life; and that when brethren are poor, if they are only willing, they can do much for the cause of God.

Sabbath, Sept. 8 we attended the ordinances and had a solemn and heart-searching time. On first-day we went to the river side where four willing souls were buried with Christ in baptism. Then we parted and I went on my journey the same night.

May God bless his little flock in Riceland, and help you dear brethren to cling close to Jesus until you with God’s remnant people may gain the victory, and in the kingdom forever praise the Lamb that was slain.

From here I went to the Convocation Meeting in Monroe, Wis., where we enjoyed some profitable seasons. Here I listened to the best preaching I have ever heard from S. D. Adventists. It looks to me like moving in the right direction. Practical and heartfelt religion is what we need. A mere theory cannot save us. All the glorious truths which we believe must be made practical. We must so preach and believe, that our hearts will be filled more with love to God and our fellow men, and this love acted out in our every-day life. My experience is that in general, Americans make more pretensions and show, even in religion, than foreigners. But we are all carnally minded by nature, and must all come down to the simplicity of children if we would inherit the kingdom of God. And Jesus is mighty to save from all sin, all that come unto him.

Sept. 19. to Oct. 11, I worked at home and had many good meetings with the brethren. On the 29th and 30th we had Quarterly Meeting. A number of brethren came from Little-Prairie, but not as many as we expected. The blessing of God rested upon us. We had a heart-searching time. Peace and union prevailed. Two brethren united with the church. On first-day we went to a beautiful lake where three willing candidates were buried with Christ in baptism.

God helped us in these meetings. We can see more life and spirituality in the church. They have commenced to sustain two weekly prayer-meetings. And especially among those who are trying most to conform to the laws of our being can we see new interest at every meeting.

The brethren in Oakland have faithfully helped me to build a home for myself and family, for which I desire to express my heartfelt thanks. It is now finished and I can leave my family comparatively well cared for. I bless the Lord for his fatherly kindness in this respect, and desire to serve him while I live.

October 11th I went to Poy Sippi, and attended Quarterly Meeting with Bro. Andrews. Some brethren and sisters, who lived about a hundred miles off, came to this meeting. The Lord was with us and we rejoiced in him. One sister was baptized, and united with the church. May the Lord also here prosper his cause and bless his people.

JOHN MATTESON. Poy Sippi, Oct. 15, 1866.

Death of Bro. Lanphear.

DIED, in Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1866, Bro. Avery Lanphear, in the 51st year of his age.

Bro. L. was journeying to the State Conference on the 26th of Sept., when he was thrown from his sulky, and at the same time his horse kicked him and broke one of his legs below the knee. He fell upon his face in the road, no doubt injuring him more than could be seen. He was taken to a house near by, and, although among strangers, had the best of care as long as he lived, which was nine days. Fever set in, and as he was in a feeble state of health, nature soon gave way.

Bro. L. was converted at the age of thirteen, and united with the first Seventh-day Baptist church of Alfred, Allegany Co., N. Y., where he continued a faithful member until he removed to Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y. He then united with the S. D. B. church, of Friendship, of which he was made deacon, in 1851, and served in that office until 1858. He then united with the S. D. Adventists; was first made deacon, and, in 1863, local elder, of the church of Allegany. In 1864, he became a licentiate for the ministry. He served two years as President of the N. Y. and Pa. State Conference of S. D. Adventists, and was on his way to fill the Chair at our late Conference, when he met the accident that resulted in his death.

He leaves a wife and four children to mourn the loss of a faithful husband and a kind father; a widowed mother, who feels that she has lost a dutiful son; also two brothers and four sisters.

Another of our faithful men sleeps. His work is done, and he now waits for his reward. He, like Paul, has fought the good fight, finished his course, and there is henceforth laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give him at “that day,” as we humbly trust, and earnestly believe.

We feel his loss in the church very deeply; but we will remember that though he is dead, “he yet speaketh.” His prayers and exhortations are recorded in Heaven, and will be a swift witness against the careless who have been warned by them, and do not take heed. We tried to speak a few words of comfort, on the occasion, from Rev. xiv, 13.

N. FULLER.

Who Shall Wear the Crown?

By L. E. MILLNE.

Oh who shall wear a starry crown, In that auspicious day, When all the nations here shall own, Messiah's glorious sway? When all the tribes of earth shall wail, For rocks and mountains call, To hide them from the wrath of him, Who comes the Judge of all.

Who shall be clothed in raiment white, In spotless robes shall stand, When Jesus comes to gather home, His little remnant band? Oh who of all this mighty host, That walk the earth to-day, Shall wear a bright, a starry crown, When earth shall pass away?

O grant, dear Lord, by thy rich grace, That I may overcome, And see my Saviour face to face, In that bright, heavenly home. Then shall I wear a starry crown, And garments fair and bright; My King in beauty I shall see, And dwell with him in light.

L. E. MILLNE.

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. J. F. Hammond writes from Providence, R. I.: My heart is getting more and more warmed with the truth of the third angel's message. As I read the different publications that are at war against the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, my heart feels to praise the living God for the light that is shining upon the pathway of the servants of God. May the day speedily roll on, when God's people will see eye to eye in all the truth. I attended the meeting in Abington, Conn. It was a very good meeting. Truth will soon bear away the victory, and God's people shout in triumph.

Bro. Wm. Pepper writes from Medina, N. Y.: I feel resolved more than ever to walk in the light that has been given me. I thank God that I was permitted to hear the truth as it was preached to us here last winter, and while some have rejected it, I feel thankful for a heart willing to acknowledge and obey it. I have been a Sabbath-keeper since last winter, keeping it alone thus far in our family; but now I am happy to say that my sister has just come out, and with me is striving to keep all the commandments of God.

Bro. A. Bisbee writes from E. Cleveland, Ohio: I am still firm in the truth, though I have trials, as well as all others. By the grace of God I hope to overcome all temptations that are thrown in my path by the evil One. I have not been blessed with hearing a messenger or attending a meeting, for nearly two years. Bro. Sweet has called at my house on two Sabbaths, and we had good seasons of prayer.

If any Sabbath-keepers should chance to be in this part of the country, I would be pleased to have them call. I live half a mile from McElrath's hotel, in East Cleveland, Ohio.

Sister A. M. Martin writes from Tama Co., Iowa: About a year ago I first became acquainted with some of the Advent people. I read their books and the Review, and saw that I was not keeping all of God's commandments. I have been a member of the M. E. church for seven years. The Lord was pleased to show me new light, and I now rejoice in keeping all the commandments. I am the only one here that keeps the Sabbath, and I feel rather lonely; but I have a Friend that is ever near in the heat of trial. There are a number here anxious to read and hear the truth. I pray that they may some day see the true light.

Sister L. M. Davis writes from Niagara Co., N. Y.: I would say to the brethren and sisters that I love to read their cheering words as they come from week to week in the Review. I can say, Blessed be God for his goodness in showing me the right way. It is my daily prayer that I may ever keep in the straight and narrow way, and at last have an inheritance with God's dear children in the earth made new.

Bro. W. S. Foote writes from Ohio: The Bible commands us to "avoid the very appearance of evil." As a people we profess to be separate from the world, its follies, and fashions. Then let as many as are so, "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage." Holy eyes are looking down upon us. Angels are carrying a record of our thoughts, words, and deeds, up to Heaven. The gay and fashionable world is also watching us. "The end of all things is at hand." It will soon be said, "He that is holy, let him be holy still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still."

Sister P. L. Cornell writes from North Brownville, Mich.: Present truth I love with all my heart, and believe that a little way from this God will have a people purified and prepared for the coming of our Lord, and through the riches of grace in Christ, I mean to stand with that dear people.

Obituary Notices.

Deep affliction rests upon the family of Bro. A. Ross, of Roosevelt, N. Y. After an illness of ten days, the wife and mother fell asleep in death, Sept. 15, 1866, aged 66 years. Although she made no outward profession of religion, yet among those capable of knowing, she had a reputation for good works becoming to Christian character. Her husband states that since the time of a reformation in the church last winter, there was a decided change in her as she became more in favor with the cause of present truth. In her last illness she stated to her friends that she believed in prayer—that her trust was in the Saviour. In times of large gatherings for religious meeting, and whenever an opportunity afforded, she was attentive to the comforts of all who shared their hospitality, and the mourners, we trust, will accept the assurance given by our Saviour, that those who bestow even a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, shall in no wise lose their reward.

A discourse was given to a large audience of sympathizing friends by Eld. F. Wheeler, from the words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jno. iii, 16. A. P. VAN HORN. Meridian, N. Y.

DIED, Sept. 22, 1866, at No. 82, School Street, Chicago, Sr. R. M. Place, wife of Bro. E. D. Place, aged 46 years and 3 days.

Sr. Place was loved by all who knew her, and died in hope of the life to come. She leaves a husband and only son to mourn the loss of a kind mother and beloved companion. WILLIAM RUSSELL.

DIED, at West Windsor, Sept. 15, 1866, of whooping cough, Alma M., our youngest daughter, aged 7 months and 21 days. At the funeral, Bro. Newman made some very appropriate remarks on the resurrection of the dead. J. F. & M. L. CARMAN.

DIED, in Jamaica, Vermont, Aug. 23, 1866, of heart disease and dry mortification, my beloved brother, Jared A. Wilder, aged 21 years, 9 months and 21 days. He left a bright hope of a glorious resurrection when the Lifegiver comes, to call forth the sleeping dead from their dusty beds.

“In the resurrection morning, When our Saviour Christ appears, We’ll again embrace our brother, In a land that’s free from tears.” DAVID F. WILDER.

DIED, of congestion of the lungs, in Watrousville, Tuscola Co., Mich., Ada J., daughter of C. A. and R. E. Wilbur, aged three years and twelve days. May this affliction lead the dear parents to labor, more fervently for a part in the first Resurrection. J. BYINGTON.

Meetings in Southern Michigan.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. WHITE: My last report was from Hanover, Jackson, Co. From thence Bro. W. Carpenter conveyed me in his carriage nearly to Hillsdale. From thence Bro. H. Moore conveyed me to Ransom Center, where I held six interesting meetings from Sep. 26 to Oct. 2d. On first-day eleven were buried with Christ by baptism into death; four of them youth of the Sabbath School. The scene was solemn, peaceful, and deeply interesting. From thence the church repaired to Bro. A. J. Emans' dwelling, where eleven were added to their number, and all joined in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house. On first-day and evening a large school-house was well filled with attentive hearers. The Lord strengthened and encouraged his people.

October 2d, Bro. A. Wilber conveyed me to Hillsdale, where I continued until the 8th. Here I held nine meetings and baptized four youth of the Sabbath school from fifteen to twenty years of age. Five others offered themselves for membership. Thus nine were added to the church and enjoyed sweet communion and fellowship together around the table of the Lord. Our Sabbath and first-day meetings were very encouraging to the church and congregation.

Evening of Oct. 8th, had a meeting, and pleasant interview with some four families at the dwelling-house of Bro. J. D. Morton, in Coldwater.

October 9th, and 10, held four meetings with the Colon church at Burr Oak by request, to accommodate brethren living at Burr Oak, and Coldwater. These Brethren were strengthened, and testified their determination to press forward and live out the straight truths of the third angel's message. In celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house they were further strengthened and blessed of the Lord. From thence we left to visit the churches in Northern Indiana.

JOSEPH BATES.

South Bend, Oct. 16, 1866.

Appointments.

No PROVIDENCE preventing, Nov. 15, 1866, I shall return to Vermont; and on Sabbath, the 17th, will meet with the brethren and sisters of Franklin Co., at West Enosburg, Vt. It will be cheering to me to see a large gathering at this meeting. A. C. BOURDEAU.

I INTEND holding meetings with the churches in Southern Iowa as follows: Sandyville, Nov. 17, 18. Vernon, " 24, 25. Fairfield, Wednesday, at 10 A. M. " 28. Mt. Pleasant, " Dec. 1, 2. The meeting at Mt. Pleasant will answer for the Quarterly Meeting of the church in that place. It is expected that Mrs. Bourdeau will be with us at the above meetings. D. T. BOURDEAU.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will attend the Monthly Meeting at Newton, Mich., Sabbath and first-day Nov. 10th and 11th. Meeting each day at 10½ A. M. This meeting is postponed one week from its regular time. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

PROVIDENCE favoring, I will be at Ithaca, Gratiot, Co., the second Sabbath in November. Will Bro. Richmond, or some other one, meet me at St. Johns, Thursday, Nov. 8th? By advice of the Committee, I may spend several weeks in Gratiot Co. Brethren from other places will please meet and confer with me at Ithaca. J. H. WAGGONER.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the friends at Holly, Sabbath, November 3, 1866. M. E. CORNELL.

THE next Quarterly Meeting for the Churches of Monroe, and McConnell's Grove will be held at Monroe, Green Co., Wis., Sabbath and first-day Nov. 10, and 11. For Avon, Rockton, and Crane's Grove, at Crane's Grove, Stephenson Co., Ill., Sabbath and first-day Nov. 17 and 18. For Clyde and Elkhorn, at Elkhorn, Carroll Co. Ill., Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 24, and 25. All the above meetings will commence Sabbath evening. We hope the brethren and sisters will make a special effort to attend the above meetings. Let no trifling excuse prevent your assembling with the people of God. Come praying that God may meet with us and that we may have a refreshing from his presence. ISAAC SANBORN. R. F. ANDREWS.

P. S. As there are but a few Sabbath-keepers at Crane's Grove, some might think it would be burdening the brethren if they should come. Let none feel so. The brethren there are situated so that they can take care of a great many, and there are five Sabbath keeping families in the place. We will warrant all that love the truth a hearty reception at this meeting. I. S. R. F. A.

A Voice from the Scaffold.

ALLEN P. EGGLESTON, who was hanged on the 28th of September last, at Newport, Ky., for the murder of Capt. Almon P. Mentor, made a speech from the Scaffold just previous to his execution, from which we extract the following solemn words of counsel to parents and children. Parents, take warning from this instance, and do not leave your religion in the church, nor fail to instruct your children in the doctrines of the Bible. Children, take warning, and do not show disrespect to your parents, nor associate with bad company.

“And now I want to say to all these people to respect their parents. When we throw all parental authority aside, we commence a course of sin. It is terrible to be disobedient to parents. Sabbath breaking, and lying, too, are awful things. There are many here that have children. I want to state to them that it is their great duty to God and their children, to guard them well in their youth, and give them good influences to surround them; to take their children into their confidence more, and make home inviting and happy to children, and talk to them more. My father was a church-member, and so was my mother; but they never gave me any advice. They went to their church every Sunday, but they left their religion at the church. They never explained to us the doctrines of the Bible. All parents should see that their children have a love for God, and they should let them know what the Bible is. A great many children are running around in the streets, and they get them in the jails, and that only makes them worse. We should make home happy, and a blessing for them. It is a duty that God devolves upon us.”

Take Notice.

By J. M. A.

Our brethren will please bear in mind, that all business pertaining to the Health Reformer should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Health Institute, Battle Creek, Mich.

Many are in the habit of sending such business to this Office, in connection with business for the Review and Instructor. This is wrong. Confusion, mistakes, and delay, are caused thereby.

Let it be borne in mind that the Reformer business is done by persons at the Health Institute, and not at this Office.

By a strict observance of the above facts, we shall not only be saved much trouble, but our friends will thereby insure the prompt transaction of their own business. J. M. A.

Notice.

By R. BARTLEY

AT a regular business meeting of the S. D. A. church of Memphis, Mich., the following preamble and resolution was unanimously passed.

Whereas, R. Bertenshaw has betrayed the confidence of this church since we voted him a letter of commendation, and has exerted an influence against present truth, by uniting with those who trample under foot the fourth commandment, and also proved unfaithful in matters left with him in trust; and as he is still considered a member of this church; therefore,

Resolved, That we no longer regard him worthy of our fellowship, and do believe he is deceiving himself and also those with whom he has recently united.

Resolved, That the above be published in the Review.

R. BARTLEY, Ch. Clerk. Memphis, Mich.

Sawyer Seeks Employment

Bro. L. Kenfield of Brady, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., would like to get the situation of running a saw mill for, or in connection with, some brother, he being a sawyer by trade.

Business Department.

Business Notes.

Mrs. L. A. Marsh: The hymn books sent, are the best and only kind we have on hand. We apply $1.00 of the money on your Review. Is it right?

R. F. C.: Call the hymn book trade even.

B. Graham: M. A. Chamberlain's Review has been mailed regularly to Middletown, Ct.

L. Chesley: We are sending your Review to Belgrade Mills, Me.

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