“I COULD see a few humble, poor ones, who were stinting themselves, and casting in their mite, like the poor widow. Every such offering is accounted of God as precious treasure. But those who are acquiring means, and adding to their possessions, are far behind. They do comparatively nothing to what they might. They are withholding and robbing God. They are fearful they shall come to want. They dare not trust God. This is one of the reasons that, as a people, we are so sickly, and so many are falling into their graves.”—Testimony, No. 16, p. 104.
If there is a wonderful thing in the universe, it is the forbearance and mercy of God. Here our duty is clearly made known; first, in the holy Bible, and now, eighteen special testimonies are given to make our duty clear; yet how few understand!
Sickness comes, wasting the health; yet the truth is not seen at all. Oh! this refers to some one else. I am almost perfect. God does not dislike my character. If all were as good as I am, so many testimonies would not be needed. Thus self-righteousness hardens the heart, and the precious page lies covered with dust, which, if heeded, might lead to glory and honor.
But time hastens on. Soon the work closes; then, alas! soon, too soon, the door of the holy place is shut, and probation ends. J. CLARKE.
Report and Call.
By H. A. St. John
On the last evening of January we commenced a series of meetings in the Gross School house, Mendon, Mercer Co., Ohio. Continued there four weeks. Interest increased till the close. At times the house would not hold the people. Eld. Warner came out against us with three discourses on the Sabbath question, and Eld. Cassel on the nature of man. The Lord gave liberty in reviewing, and the truth bore off the palm of victory. Several good souls have taken a firm stand on the side of truth, and are keeping the Sabbath. Many are convinced that we have the truth, and all around there is a very great interest to hear the “gospel of the kingdom;” and the object of the present writing is to call the attention of ministers, especially those who may labor in Ohio, to this field as a very favorable opening for the last message. Those already in the truth do most earnestly appeal for help. With outstretched arms they are crying, “Come over and help us.”
It is my judgment that a better opening for the tent could not be found in the State, and the people have assured me that they would liberally assist in defraying the expenses of a tent-meeting.
Brethren in Ohio, What can you do for the interest of the cause of present truth in Mendon? In behalf of that people I ask that their wants be remembered. May the Lord direct, and send by whomsoever he will. For further information address Bro. T. F. Emans, Mendon, Mercer Co., Ohio.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
Ransom Center, Mich., April, 1870.
From the Church in Lapeer.
By N. A. Lord
WHEREAS, It has been decided by the church of S. D. Adventists at large, that it is the duty of all members to report to their respective churches personally or by letter as often as once in three months, and,
Whereas, The church at Lapeer, Mich., did several months in the past adopt such resolution, requiring its members to report, which reports, in most cases, have not been made, therefore,
Resolved, That all members belonging to the Lapeer church, be notified again of said action immediately; and if they neglect further to comply with the requirements of the church, they will be held to censure; and if they still refuse to act, they may expect to be expelled from further fellowship of the church.
By order of the church.
N. A. LORD, Clerk pro tem.
Restore the Family Altar
We must have the hours of retirement and prayer and study, which the world shall not be allowed to touch, and compel ourselves to respect the wants of the intellectual and spiritual nature. Christians, restore the family altar in your homes! Time lost from worship is lost forever. Tremble to go into a perilous world unprotected by the Arm that prayer awakes for your defense. Realize how weak and worthless you are except as God works in you, and learn to be fervent in spirit, as well as diligent in business.
Books as Instructive Masters
Books are masters who instruct us without rods and ferules, without words or anger, without bread or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you seek them, they do not hide; if you blunder, they do not laugh.
Thou Shalt not Covet.
By Max. H. A. Crouch
To COVET, in the sense of the text, is earnestly to desire that which belongs to another. How many who learned the tenth commandment in childhood seem to have forgotten it in maturer years. Many a man, like Ahab, desires Naboth’s vineyard, because it is so near unto his house; and many a woman has an eye on her neighbor’s hired girl, notwithstanding the commandment says so particularly: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s . . . maid-servant,” “nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.” How exceeding broad the command! This does away with debt; for that must be an inordinate desire which would lead one to take goods or property from his neighbor when he has no equivalent to give; and contrary to the spirit of the commandment which says, “Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” “Who can tell how many times the dear children of God fail to receive the provident care, and miss seeing his miraculous dealings with them, because as soon as they come to be in straitened places, instead of trusting in the Lord, and giving him a chance to help them, they set about helping themselves; and that too in a way not wholly scriptural. What necessity would there be for God to send the ravens with bread and meat to those, who, in their need, choose rather to run up a bill at the bakery and meat market?”
I suppose St. Paul’s credit was good enough, and yet when his clothes became threadbare, or, what is more probable, quite worn out, he did not order a new suit and have them “charged,” for he tells us he served the Lord at times “in cold and nakedness.”
Cheer up, fellow-pilgrim on your way to Zion, and raise your voice still higher as you sing,
“The way the holy prophets went,” etc.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s gift. God made thee a foot, perhaps. What right hast thou, then, to envy the eye, and think because thou canst not see like it, far into the future, and prophesy of things to come, or cast thy keen glance through to the throne, that therefore thou hast cause to mourn? Be content to move in the dust. The body moves with thee.
So if thou canst not sing that sweet song of faith; if thou canst not lift thy hand and see the electric shock of God’s power come down, causing the door-posts to move, and the pillars to tremble; if thou canst not utter thy voice as the voice of God, or wear Moses’ shining face, the command is still the same. God does not say thou shalt be content with thy destitution and poverty, though he does say, “Thou shalt not covet.”
And there is no need, bless God!—we need not sin by coveting our neighbor’s blessing. There is just as much in store for us, waiting our asking—Heaven is full, and God never designed the angels should have it all, and his poor, buffeted, tempted children on this earth go destitute. No; bless his name! Hold your vessel to the fountain. Drink of the river of his pleasure. Yes, come and drink. The holy waters issue out from under the threshold of the sanctuary, and if we will follow the angel, he will take us down a thousand cubits, and we will find the waters to our ankles. If we will follow him, he will take us down another thousand, and bring us through. We shall find the waters to the knees. If we will follow him he will measure another thousand, and bring us through, and we shall find the waters risen; waters to swim in; a river that cannot be passed over. No; we need not covet. God says, “Thou shalt not covet.”—Max. H. A. CROUCH, in Earnest Christian.
Longing to Gather With the Saints
Do all sufficiently appreciate the blessing of health, the privilege of attending the assemblies of the children of God, and the use of all their powers of body and mind? A person deprived of them, feels their loss, and longs for their return. Let all make a faithful use of them while they have them. Bro. W. H. RILEY of Hamilton Co., Iowa, after a long affliction with typhoid fever, during which he was unconscious for sixty days, with returning health writes:
“How I long to hear again the voice of prayer and exhortation from the dear brethren, and to listen once more to the preaching of the word. I feel to say, Courage in the Lord. Let us follow his word and the counsel of his Spirit, which is given in this last time for the preparation of a people for translation. I mean so to live that I can with you enter the holy city, and pluck and eat of the immortal fruit of the tree of life,”
A Lonely Pilgrimage in the Truth
BRO. J. HEBNER writes from St. Clair Co., Mich.; I never felt stronger on the doctrine of the second coming of Christ as it is proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists than now. The truth truly is precious, and as the light increases may the people of the Lord see it, and live it out.
When I think of the privileges some enjoy of hearing God's word preached, and then think of my lonely pilgrimage, my heart exclaims, When shall we see Jesus and reign with him in his kingdom with the redeemed? But I can say that the Lord has been good to me in sending his truth to me, and giving me a heart to believe. To his name be all the praise. My prayer to the Lord of the harvest is that he may send some of his living messengers this way to preach the truth, and that the Lord will here raise up some who shall stand entire wanting nothing in the day of the Lord's coming.
A Testimony from Lafayette County
By M. Armitage
SR. M. ARMITAGE writes from Lafayette Co., Wis.: I am very thankful that I ever heard the warning of the third angel's message. Oh that all who profess to be looking for the soon coming of Jesus, might realize the solemnity of the time in which we live, and do all in their power to help carry on the work, that other precious souls may be brought to a knowledge of the truth.
Remembrance of the Lancaster Meeting
Sr. H. C. Wilkinson writes from Middlesex Co., Mass.: I often think of the Lancaster meeting which I enjoyed so much last August. It was the first Sabbath tent-meeting I ever attended; and it seems to me that I never shall forget it so long as life shall last. I know of only two or three in this place who are trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Pray for these.
Overcoming Idols at Seventy-One
By C. McCoy
SR. C. McCOY writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: I praise the Lord for giving me good health and strength at my present age, 71 years. Seven years ago I began to drop my idols, and have been overcoming them ever since. I bless the Lord that I was ever shown the third angel's message, and had a heart to believe it. I believe Jesus is soon coming.
To Correspondents.
J. H. WAGGONER: A request has been received from the church in Holly, Mich., that you visit them. If you can comply, they wish the appointment given in REVIEW.
J. B. INGALLS.—1. So far as we know, the general practice among the Sabbath-keepers is, to expressly stipulate, when buying wood of unbelievers, that none of it shall be delivered on the Sabbath. We think this could very properly be insisted on. 2. We can see no objection to taking a boarder who does not keep the Sabbath, provided he does his business away from his boarding place, and provided his presence causes no more extra labor on the Sabbath than would be necessary for an additional member of the family. 3. In regard to the keeping of hogs to perform their legitimate business, that of scavengers, we have heard brethren who would not tolerate them on their premises, say that they had no trouble in disposing of their kitchen refuse among other animals. 4. We do not know the address of M. S. Clyde.
G. W. SHELDON: We do not understand that the refreshing is to be bestowed in its full power, instantaneously, upon the people of God. The scripture, Hos. 6: 3, which speaks of the Lord’s visiting his people with the former and latter rain, says that his going forth is prepared as the morning. That is, the refreshing will be a gradual work, like the introduction of light at the opening of the day. First, we have the dim traces of the dawn, then the twilight, then the first rays of the sun, oblique, and almost powerless. But it continues to come up, its light growing stronger, as men become accustomed to the change, till it shines upon us in all its meridian splendor. From the darkness of night to the brightness of noonday, would be too great a transition for a moment of time; so a change from our ordinary experience to the full power of the refreshing, would be more than we could bear, if accomplished at once. The close of probation is to be marked, as we understand, by the proclamation of the message in great power. So near are we then to eternal scenes, that we receive the beginning of the refreshing, the commencement of the latter rain, the opening beams of the dawning day, as stated in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 186. And this is not to cease after a time, but to keep on increasing till our translation. See pp. 187, 188. So that the greatest power, and almost the whole period of the great refreshing being after the close of probation and the blotting out of sins, we think it proper to speak of it as a whole as occupying that period of time, as in the article in No. 18, present volume of REVIEW.
Special Notice.
By James White
We are losing hundreds of dollars each year from those who ask to be trusted for our publications. There are more than one thousand dollars now due in very small sums, and several thousands due including larger sums. Much of this never can be collected. We therefore adopt the plan to trust none only those ministers and agents with whom we make a special contract. Our friends must send cash with orders. If they have not the ready means, and are too poor to obtain it, we will send books to them, and charge to the book fund. Therefore let the cash accompany orders. Those who owe for our publications are requested to pay up immediately. JAMES WHITE.
Camp-Meetings.
By James White
It is expected that the brethren at each of our camp-meetings will meet the traveling and other necessary expenses of those preachers who visit them from other States.
We design to take a family tent with us to all our camp-meetings, and wish our brethren to provide for our company, board and bed-clothing for six. There should be at least one spring bed, and hair mattress, or their equivalent, for the worn and weary.
We shall have on the ground a good assortment of all our publications to sell, and to give, chargeable to the book fund. And those who have the Lord's money to put into this fund will have a good opportunity to do so at the camp-meetings.
We shall also expect to collect for the REVIEW AND HERALD, Health Reformer, and Youth's Instructor, all dues from those on the ground who owe for these periodicals. JAMES WHITE.
The Coming of the End.
By John Nevins Andrews
This great event lies before us. It is sure to come in due time. Nay, it is even certain to come in a brief season. Only a little time and we shall behold the Redeemer. The same One that was here to die, shall certainly come once more, and speedily. But, oh! how different the circumstances of these two advents! One was in lowliness and poverty; the other will be in infinite majesty and glory. One was to die for his enemies; the other will be to destroy all his enemies before him. We cannot be saved by his second advent if we have no part in the benefits of his death upon the cross. His glory shall be shared by all his people. Yet every one who shares in his triumph, shall be thus honored because he has shared in his humiliation. Reader, are you acquainted with the cross of Christ?
J. N. A.
Note from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
DEAR BRETHREN; Through a kind Providence I am relieved from my great distress that it did seem must end my life in a very few days. Though weak, I am very comfortable, and hope, with proper care and the blessing of God, to regain my usual strength.
May 13, 1870. J. BYINGTON.
A Misfortune.
Bro. Wm. Cottrell writes from Bowersville, O. May 4, 1870: On the 25th of April last, the house in which I resided, took fire from the stove, and burned to the ground. We saved only a small amount of our goods and clothing. It will take about $1000 to get us up as we were. But we are disposed to praise the Lord that it is no worse with us than it is. We want to get closer to the Lord and consecrate all to him. Then all will be safe. The Lord being our helper, we will try to serve him better than ever before.
Items.
Good deeds, prompted by good motives, daily and freely flowing, without any admixture of evil, are the proofs of genuine godliness.
A mere profession of piety, without the substance, rather tends to harden the heart.
The Christian is never happy except when he draws near to God. Having once tasted this happiness, earth's most gay and festive scenes seem like mockery, and make his heart more sad, heavy and mournful.
Innocence is fearless, because she is not conscious of deserving punishment, and, of course, she is thinking of something else. JOS. CLARKE.
Appointments.
By Minnesota Camp-Meeting Com.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
CHANGE OF PLACE.
After further consideration, the committee have decided to have the camp-meeting in Wasioja, where it was held last year. Brethren will come to this feast from all parts of the State, and also those from other places that can better be convened here. Come with your tents, and be on the ground in time to have every thing in readiness for the meeting. Teams will be at Kasson and Dodge Center on Thursday and Friday for the accommodation of those that come on the cars.
Feed and provisions can be obtained on the ground for those who desire it.
MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING COM.
Minnesota State Conference.
By Minnesota State Conf. Committee
ThE next annual session of the Minnesota State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will be held at Wasioja in connection with the Camp-meeting, June 23-28, 1870. We hope every Church which now belongs or wishes to belong to the Conference will be represented by delegates. They should come prepared to give written reports of their standing their loses and additions during the year, also the yearly amount of their s. B. fund. We hope all the churches will send in their arrearages on s. B. fund to the close of the Conference year, and also come prepared to meet camp-meeting expenses.
Minnesota State Conf. Committee.
Camp-Meeting Appointments.
General Camp-meetings of S. D. Adventists are to be held in the West as follows:—
Marion, Iowa, June 9—14.
Nora, Ill., “ 16—21.
Wasioja, Minn., “ 23—28.
Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, June 30, to July 5.
These meetings are designed to be occasions of a general rally of the Sabbath-keepers in their respective States. See more particular notice in previous REVIEWS.
ISAAC SANBORN
By ISAAC SANBORN
Providence permitting I will commence meetings with the church at Marquette, in Green Lake Co., Wis. commencing May 28 at 9 A. M. and continuing two days.
Also I will commence meetings near Fish Lake, as Bro. Thurston may arrange to commence Thursday evening June 2, at 6 P. M. and continue over Sabbath and first-day. Will Bro. Thurston meet me at Marquette with a team. I will also meet with the Brethren at Dell Prairie June 7, at 6 P. M. as Bro. George Tenney may arrange. Will he meet me with a team at Bro. Thurston's. I hope to meet all the lonely brethren at these meetings.
ISAAC SANBORN
S. N. HASKELL
By S. N. Haskell
Providence permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Dartmouth, Mass., May 28 and 29. Shall expect to see all the scattered friends of the cause in that vicinity at this meeting.
S. N. HASKELL
Quarterly Meeting at Oakland
By O. A. Olson
The next Quarterly Meeting for the churches at Little Prairie, Johnstown, and Oakland, Wis., will be held at Oakland, June 4 and 5. We hope for a good attendance.
O. A. OLSON.
Meeting at Clyde, Ohio
By I. D. Van Horn
No providence preventing, I will meet with the church in Clyde, Ohio, Sabbath and first-day, May 21 and 22. I would request the State Conference Committee to be at this meeting, as we wish to make arrangements for tent labor. I. D. VAN HORN.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. Louisa Chaffee 37-22, W G Bralliar 37-12, Jacob Baker 36-22, Albert Sweet 37-24, Maria Brayne 36-6, Dan Bowe 37-22, Geo Robinson 37-22, F D Green 37-22, Harriet Lombard 36-1, D L Daniels 36-22, G Covey 36-22, John Shepherd 34-19, John Bond 37-22, C I Grover 37-22, H H Booker 38-21, H W Gordon 38-1, M H Brown 38-21, A M Isham 37-22, T C Upham 38-1, L W Carr 36-17, I Kelley 36-18, Wm Stillman 35-12, Jane Shorey 36-1, L A Sprague 36-14, Laura M Davis 36-1, Lewis Bush 36-21, A Barnard 36-22.
$2.00 each. Jas A Palmer 37-15, B H Hallock 36-1, Isaac Whistler 37-11, W E Graham 37-18, J F Cooney 37-18, Cynthia McCoy 35-4, D M Stites 37-14, H Bill 36-1, Wm P Longmate 36-13, G W Strickland 37-21, S D Hall 37-1, S S Van Ornum 37-1, E Stafford 35-1, Ira Tubbs 37-1, H N Packard 36-1, I D Cramer 37-1, E P Holly 37-13, A M Potter 37-1, Jane E Moore 37-22, A Amburn 36-16, John King 37-13, Wm L Mosher 37-9, A M Rathbun 37-19, Geo Healdler 38-1, J M Baker 36-1.
Miscellaneous. Julia Artell 50c 36-11, M Demill $4.00 38-1, Deborah Evans 30c 38-1, Rebecca Hutchins 50c 36-1, Mrs O A Robinson 50c 34-23, Mrs Phebe Williams 25c 37-2, Mrs M E Williams 50c 36-13, J C Willcoxen 1.50 37-12.
Books Sent by Mail.
Mrs C W Cummings $1.00, M S Kellogg 17c, A T Oxley 50c, G Covey jr. 1.60, Daniel Hines 50c, J N Loughborough 12c, Mary L Care 12c, John O Champlin 12c, Abigail Rogers 17c, H McHarvey 50c, J C Bunch 1.00, Aaron Wenger 10c, Samuel J James 50c, Annie Jeys 32c, S N Mead 12c, Harriet I Joslin 20c, S S Searls 2.00, J C Cooper 18c, James M Foster 1.00, J N Loughborough 2.91, Frank Starr 80c, L A Bramhall 17c, D W More 1c, B Pennington 61c, Wm Evans 35c, W W Lockwood 50c, L Oederkirk 50c, H C McDearmon 10c, H F Spear 50c, Albert Kellogg 1.37, L Gotfredson 2.00, Wm Fenner 5.10, Anna Amthorn 25c, John Valentine 1.65, B P Bradbury 35c, N Staunton 3.25, S S Wylis 2.50, P M Devore 25c, O W Austin 1.00, L W Carr 48c, Jacob Kiehl 6 c.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Greenbush $20.00, C McCoy 2.00, Church at Allegan 75.00, Burlington 40.00, Wright 32.26, Newton 19.00, Parkville 15.00, Greenville 50.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Cynthia McCoy $1.00, Margaret Philis 5.00, Benj Armitage 20.00.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
N Whiteley $3.00.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
Lucy S Green $3.00, Wm Evans 6c, A M Potter 5.00, Edwin Royce 15.00.
Cash Received on Account.
John Matteson $9.56, S H Lane 10.00, O A Olson 5.00.