p. 32 | Review and Herald, Vol. 34, No. 4. (7/20/1869)

Earlier text: THOUGHTS ON HEBREWS III AND IV

MEETINGS IN NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN.

By R. J. Lawrence

I left Battle Creek May 27, arriving at Blendon the 28th. Spoke in the evening at Bro. Smith's. Sabbath, the 29th, walked three miles back from the river to a school-house, where a good congregation of brethren from Blendon, Allendale, and Wright, were assembled, to whom I spoke twice with freedom, and had a good social meeting. First-day spoke in Blendon, then baptized three from Allendale, then celebrated the ordinances. This church have mostly taken hold of the reforms.

Monday, May 31, I went to Allendale; spent four days, visiting, and preaching evenings.

Thursday, organized a church of eighteen members; baptized three; organized Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $100.54. Bro. Taylor was chosen elder.

Sabbath, June 5, attended the Monthly Meeting in Casnovia. A good delegation was present from Wright. First-day following met with the brethren at Wright in church meeting. Some matters of misunderstanding concerning their meeting house were quite satisfactorily adjusted.

June 15–20, visiting and holding meetings in Fulton. Baptized thirteen; organized a church of sixteen members; Systematic Benevolence $42.00. This church has taken hold of the reforms. Next came to Bay Co., where I spent two days, visiting and organizing a church of six. Systematic Benevolence $79.96.

Returned to Jay. No meeting on the Sabbath on account of rain. On first-day, friends came from Williams. I spoke in Jay on the Gospel Commission, afterward baptizing seven.

Then hastened home to superintend the pitching of the tent in Oakland, and make preparations for the tent meeting, which was held July 1–4. The Spirit of the Lord was present to help his servants in giving the straight testimony. The churches represented were aroused, and I trust that good was accomplished. May the blessing of the Lord attend this work and hasten it to its consummation.

R. J. LAWRENCE.

How I Prize my Review.

By Lucy H. Winslow

MY DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have taken the precious paper for ten years; have ever prized it next to my Bible. I have never had one leaf torn or destroyed since that time, but I have only two numbers in my house now. When I write to my friends, I always talk the present truth to them, and send them a paper. Some have gone to Florida, some to Maine, some to Massachusetts, some to Oregon, and the rest of them are scattered here and there.

I am yet one of the lonely ones striving to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. I love him as a Father. In vain will it be to profess to love him if we do not keep his commandments. Since I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, my path has been strewn with losses, disappointment, and trouble of many kinds, but God is good. I think I have needed all of these things to wean my affections from this world. I want to be led by God's own hand to a home in Heaven. Dear brethren and sisters, let us press on. The battle will soon be over. Oh! let us ever be found at the feet of our Saviour, holding communion with him in secret prayer, that we may be ready to go away to the mansions he has gone to prepare.

“Then I would clasp his hand in mine, And never murmur nor repine; Content whatever lot I see, Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.”

LUCY H. WINSLOW. Boone Co., Iowa.

P. C. RODMAN

By P. C. Rodman

From Bro. Rodman.

OUR meeting, June 19 and 20, was good. The most of those present spoke of being encouraged to press on in the work of overcoming, while a few that attended complained of being discouraged because of others’ faults. To those I would say, Instead of talking to others of the faults of your brethren, seek the Lord in deep humility for your own sins, and obtain pardon; then in meekness restore such as may be overtaken in fault, and in so doing you may help on the work, instead of helping to tear it down. Heb. vi, 1; James v, 19, 20. Satan and his host will do all that kind of work without Sabbath-keepers’ lending a hand. We are all faulty enough, but do not magnify each other’s faults by thinking them over and talking of them when it cannot possibly do good, but rather injury to yourselves and be a source of discouragement to others.

I would recommend the apostle’s counsel in Phil. iv, 8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

P. C. RODMAN

Ashaway, R. I.

MARY J. KEEFER

By Mary J. Keefer

From Sr. Keefer.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am trying to serve the Lord, so as to be prepared to meet him when he comes. I love the REVIEW, and I love to read the many cheering letters from the brethren and sisters. It is some time since my name has been in the columns of our paper, but it is not because my interest is abated in the least. No; it has the rather increased in the present truth.

I do sincerely believe that our cases will soon be decided; when he that is filthy will be filthy still, and he that is holy will be holy still. I hope to meet you all in the earth made new. Oh! what joy and gladness it brings to my heart to think we are almost home.

Pray for me that I may be able to stand against our adversary, the Devil, and hold out faithful to the end. Oh! that I may have strength to overcome everything that is wrong, and get right in the sight of God.

MARY J. KEEFER

Gratiot Co., Mich.

AUGUSTA MOOREHOUSE

By Augusta Moorehouse

From Sr. Moorehouse.

THROUGH the tender mercy of our God, I am still striving for the truth and for the kingdom of God. I rejoice in the Lord, and in the clear light which is shining over present truth. Praise the Lord for his goodness and kindness.

THE REVIEW is all the Advent preaching we have here. The sermons are cheering to my heart. May God bless all who take part in preparing the paper for the remnant, and may we all be found without spot, or wrinkle, that we may be prepared to stand on Mount Zion to share in the immortal glories of Heaven, and reign with Christ forever.

AUGUSTA MOOREHOUSE

CHAS. B. REYNOLDS

By Chas. B. Reynolds

From Bro. Reynolds.

MANY are interested in learning the result of my labors at Protection. The Lord has hearkened to the prayers of his faithful children, and blessed the endeavors made there. The Spirit of God is at work there, despite the great excitement of the first-day tent at Yorkshire Corners. I have had good attendance, and absorbing interest. One family has commenced to keep the Sabbath. Three young men who never cared to interest themselves about matters of religion, are studying the Bible, two of them now prayerfully. Several are convinced, and last Sunday a number declared that they would do no more work on Saturday, if they kept Sunday or not. Dear brethren, pray for the people at Protection, that they may, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, live out the truth as they receive it. And still continue, dear friends, to entreat that I may be humble, earnest, and devoted, keeping at the foot of the cross, every act and thought governed by the conviction of the soon coming of our Lord, to receive account of our stewardship.

Yours in that blessed hope,

CHAS. B. REYNOLDS

Wyoming Co., N. Y.

Life in Eternity

LIFE is a morsel of frankincense, burning in the hall of eternity.

Treasures in Heaven.

WE read of a philosopher, who, passing through a mart filled with articles of taste and luxury, made himself quite happy with this simple, yet sage, reflection: “How many things there are here that I do not want!” Now, this is just the reflection with which the earnest believer passes happily through the world. It is richly furnished with what is called good things. It has spots of honor and power to tempt the restless aspirants of ambition of every grade. It has gold and gems, houses and lands, for the covetous and ostentatious. It has innumerable bowers of taste and luxury, where self-indulgence may revel. But the Christian whose piety is deep-toned, and whose spiritual perceptions are clear, looks over the world and exclaims: “How much there is here that I do not want!” I have what is far better. My treasure is in Heaven.”

Passing By Injuries

CHRISTIANITY commands us to pass by injuries; policy, to let them pass by us.

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Providence permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Braintree or Roxbury, (as the church shall appoint,) the first Sabbath and first-day in August. We hope to see all of our brethren and friends in this section, on this occasion. Come, brethren, to get good, and do each other good. A. S. Hutchins.

The next Monthly Meeting of the Greenbush church, will be held at, or near, Bro. Seavy’s in Greenbush, the first Sabbath and first-day of August next. Will Bro. J. H. Waggoner meet with us, or use his influence to send some one else? The brethren of Duplain have united with us for the present. We hope to see many from sister churches. By order of the church. A. Hamilton.

The next Monthly Meeting of the Marion, Lisbon, and Anamosa churches, will be held at Anamosa, commencing July 30, at the setting of the sun, with prayer-meeting. W. V. Field.

Providence permitting, we will meet with the church in Charlotte, July 20, 21. Convis, Sabbath and first-day, July 24, 25. Joseph Bates.

The next Monthly Meeting for Jackson Co. will be held at Parma, August 7. Baptism will be administered. J. Byington.

To Correspondents.

By Editor

D. M. C.: We send your request to Eld. D. T. Taylor, as the person best prepared to give information on the point. We trust he may possess the means of giving a definite answer.

☞ We cannot publish anonymous contributions, but must always have the real name of the author. Hope our friends will bear this in mind.

☞ The permanent Post Office address of Elders D. T. Bourdeau and J. N. Loughborough, is Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., California.

How Long Will It Be?

By Jos. Clarke

“WHAT would you do if time should continue twenty years longer?” said an inquisitive person to an Adventist not long since. “I would still look for the coming of Christ more than ever,” said the Adventist, “for by that time, if time should continue so long, there would be far greater evidences of his coming than at present.”

The present movement, under the third message, loses none of its interest by the lapse of time; every month adds to its weight, and increases its strength and force; and like the unique march of Israel through the desert, it is best understood after its experience. In sullen silence, those strong men sat in their tents, week after week, month after month, protesting against the long delay, and cursing the hand that held them motionless and passive. Almost in sight of Canaan, and only a few days’ march from Egypt, with only a single day’s rations in advance, and dependent on a constant miracle for this, as well as for their clothing, with no opportunity for accumulating wealth, their detention was to them a mystery, a problem, a dark dispensation, a terrible misfortune.

But the facts rightly understood by those who walked in harmony with God’s providence, justified God in his dealings with Israel in the wilderness; and such men as Moses, and Joshua, and Caleb, had good employment in the wilderness, did not feel at all uneasy, nor accuse God, but improved their time, were grateful for manna, and lived to see the promised land.

Jos. Clarke.

The Cause of God.

We cannot overthrow the cause of God. That rests upon a foundation that is not capable of being moved. It has a divine protection that renders it invincible as the throne of God. It shall never fail. It must and will triumph at the last. He who has undertaken the work will carry it through to a successful issue. He will not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth. Isa. xlii, 4.

But though the cause of Christ shall triumph, many who have connected themselves with it will meet with disastrous failure. The crowns of life which they might have had shall pass to others. The places which they might have filled, others shall occupy.

We cannot destroy the cause of God, but we can destroy souls for whom Christ died. We cannot prevent the salvation of the final overcomers, but we can prevent some from overcoming. We cannot cause the ruin of the work of God as a whole, but we may be the means of ruining many souls, who, but for our evil example and influence, would have gained eternal life. How awful the thought that we may cause the ruin of others! Our Lord tells us that it were better that a mill-stone were hanged about the neck and that we be cast into the sea, than that we cause one of the least to offend. How this solemn warning should cause us to fear and tremble, and to walk with the utmost circumspection before God.

Quarterly Reports.

THESE are continually falling due from the ministers of the several Conferences, and from the officers of the various churches. Will these brethren look after this matter, and see if they have been prompt in the fulfilment of this duty? Our State Conferences will, no doubt, be convened in connection with our proposed camp-meetings. They will, therefore, very soon begin to be held. How many of those who have accepted responsibilities in the business of their Conference, will be found faithful when the Conference shall assemble? One very important matter, is that of quarterly reports. These should be made by the ministers and by the church clerks or treasurers to the Conference secretary. If he has all your reports, it will be an easy thing to transact the financial business of the Conference. Those who are on the background can at least partially redeem the past by now making out their reports. Brethren, will you not attend to this thing at once? You can save many hours of valuable time in the Conference if you will discharge this simple duty. You have been honored with a place in the Lord's work. Will you not show at least one excellent qualification for the place, viz., promptness?

Systematic Benevolence.

THIS should be paid with strict regularity. Why not every family have a box of their own, and on each first-day every one pay his weekly offering into the treasury of the Lord? The money is then ready for the call of the church treasurer. The apostle certainly recognizes this offering as coming due each week. 1 Cor. xvi, 2. With such an uncertainty to human life, is it best to let week after week elapse, and our tithes remain unpaid? See Mal. iii, 8-10.

The Celebration of the Ordinances.

A CORRESPONDENT inquires whether it is best to omit the ordinances, because of the existence of trials in the church.

No absolute rule can be given. Much must depend upon the character of the existing troubles. Probably it would in most cases be best to maintain the regular observance of these sacred memorials. Frequently these will be found the means of leading those who are in trial with their brethren to seek reconciliation with them, and to confess their wrongs with brokenness of heart.

Notice.

THE General Conference Committee request the following brethren to act as Camp-meeting Committee in the state of N. Y.:

J. M. Lindsay, W. B. Prentiss, J. B. Lamson, P. Z. Kinne, Ira Abbey, S. N. Walsworth, Henry Hilliard.

Camp-meetings in New York.

By John Nevins Andrews

TO THE BRETHREN IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK: Shall we have a camp-meeting this season in our State? You have seen by the last REVIEW that such a meeting may be held in the State of New York, immediately after the one in New Hampshire, if the brethren are interested to have it. This meeting is greatly needed, and should certainly be secured by us. We can also hold our State Conference at the same time. If we have such a meeting several things are needed:

1. We must purchase one large tent, of the size used for tent meetings.

2. We ought also to secure from some other State a second tent of the same size, to be used during the meeting.

3. We need an efficient camp-meeting committee. This committee would need to take responsibility in advancing means to purchase the large tent. But the brethren would at the camp-meeting raise the money and refund it to the committee. This committee must also attend to the selection and preparation of the ground, and to the general wants of the meeting.

The meeting should be held at some central point, and in the vicinity of a railroad station, so that those who come on the cars need not be compelled to hire conveyance to the ground. Arrangements should be made for supplying provisions on the ground for such as wish to purchase them. Let us by all means have the camp-meeting. J. N. ANDREWS.

P. S. If any wish to purchase tents ready made they can be obtained of Mr. James Field, of Rochester, at the following prices: Tents 24 ft. by 30 ft., $145. Tents 19 by 24, $92. Tents 12 by 17, $54. Tents 9 by 12, $35. J. N. A.

To the Churches in Ohio.

By JOS. CLARKE

AS THE close of the conference year in Ohio, the first of August, is close at hand, we request the treasurers of the churches to immediately collect in their s. B. funds now due, and send them to Bro. John Mears, of Bowling Green, Wood Co. We also request the clerks of the churches to make out all the quarterly reports due, and the financial and church reports for the year, and send them by mail to me at Portage, Wood Co.

By so doing, we may keep the affairs of our State Conferences in order, even if the Conference does not convene at just the close of the conference year. But by letting the close of the year slip by unheeded, confusion ensues. When the reports are received, we can make out our general reports, and have them ready for conference at whatever time or place it may be held.

JOS. CLARKE, Ohio Conf. Sec.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. xii, 11.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

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Miscellaneous. L Edmunds $4.00 37-1, A Damon 80c 33-6, H Crosby 3.00 32-1, E Dalgrien 50c 37-1, W H Slown 4.00 33-14, C M Chamberlain (one year) 3.00 36-1, W D Sharpe 3.00 35-1, J W Blake 1.38 35-17, Mrs D F Chase 2.50 35-7, O D Washburn 37c 36-1, T T Brown 1.75 35-3, Ruth E Hamilton 5.00 36-1.

Review to poor $1.00

Books Sent by Mail.

W Lawton 10c, A Damon $1.37, J R Corson 1c, Mary E Trowbridge 3.00, G L Holliday 1.00, G W Bennett 12c, Mrs A White 60c, H B Lindeton 25c, P L Cornell 25c, H Thurl 25c, Dr J Grover 10c, J W Blake 1.62, Mrs D F Chase 70c, H D Cory 25c, A Fay 25c, O D Washburn 1.75, S W Randall 50c, L Hall 50c, S O Perry 25c.

Cash Received on Account.

Reuben Griggs (deceased) for J N Loughborough $8.73, S N Haskell 35.48, T M Steward 14.00.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

S W Randall $1.00.

Received on New Michigan Tent.

Dan R Paliner $26.00, S J Gardner 50c.

Foreign Missionary Fund.

Mary Rasmussen $5.00, Willie Nichols 20c, Mrs M J Shattuck 25c, From a Friend 5.00, Daniel Gould 5.00, Mary Mace 5.00, Worcester Ball 5.00, Sarah F Nichols 2.00, Alden Green 1.00, Carrie Nichols 5.00, L A Dodge 10c, E Richardson 10c, M M Osgood 38c.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Church at Orleans $22.00.

General Conference Missionary Fund.

Mrs Mary Shattuck 50c, Church at Orleans $72.00, Church at Washington, N. H., $1.25, Church at Peterboro, N. H., $1.00, Church at Newport, N. H., $3.12, Church at S. Lancaster, Mass., 20.50.