Earlier text: THE REASON FOR SECESSIONWe give in another column an article setting forth in few words the origin and progress, so far, of the civil war which the southern States have forced upon this country. We presume that most, if not all, of our readers are where they can keep themselves informed in regard to this exciting topic. If not it would be useless for us to copy from week to week from the floods of rumors, many of them inaccurate and some wholly unreliable, which the telegraph is daily transmitting all over the land. We may give from time to time articles written after the excitement and smoke of the scenes of which they treat, have passed away, and time has been given to ascertain the exact facts in the case, showing how this matter progresses. Meanwhile let us not suffer our minds to become too much absorbed in this controversy, nor be led away by any undue excitement. What we should ever keep before our minds is, that every new development of the signs of the times is a fresh evidence that the end of all things and the consummation of our glorious hope are right upon us. It should lead us to give ourselves more diligently and earnestly to the work of preparation. The true issue, after all, is between the King of kings and the powers of darkness; and the present turmoils will ere long culminate in the great battle of Armageddon when everlasting victory will perch upon the banners of the Lord of hosts. Let those who wish to be on his side then, make haste to marshal themselves into his service now. It is pleasant to look away beyond these scenes of commotion and strife to that time when all enemies shall have been put under the feet of Christ, all opposing rule put down, the last enemy, death, destroyed, and the kingdom under the whole heaven be given to the saints of the Most High to be possessed by them in peace and righteousness and joy forever and ever. REPORT FROM BRO. SNOOK.
By B. F. Snook
I ARRIVED at the Millersburg church on the 19th inst., and preached to a large and attentive audience. Sabbath we enjoyed good meetings. Sunday we held a business meeting, in which we transacted the following business: 1. Appointed two brethren to act as elders of the congregation until they prove themselves, and then they will be set apart by the laying on of hands. 2. The brethren adopted the plan of systematic benevolence. 3. Elder Graham's case was considered. The whole church recommended the following statement: "That Eld. Graham came among them as a brother of the same faith. They of course received and treated him as such; but very unhappily for them and the cause. Elder G. has proved to be a hypocrite, a willful liar. This they wish all to know, that no others may be deceived by him as they were. These brethren are holding their own, but I fear have not made much progress in the message. However they have done well considering their trials. It was a sorrow to my heart to see some who ought to set a better example, still using that most filthy and dirty weed, tobacco. I hear some of our brethren complain of "hard times," of "being in debt,"—"hard pressed to clothe their children." Yet these brethren must have their tobacco, coffee and tea. They however are so poor that they can give nothing to the Lord. May God help all such to cease applying his means in the Devil's cause—to reform themselves—to leave off all such filthiness of the flesh, and to love and serve the Lord. B. F. SNOOK. In the remarks of Bro. J. H. W. in No. 16 of Review, present volume, is some testimony which is timely and good, concerning a gift already in the church, a gift by a few long valued; but with most, I am pained to say it, undervalued, and, of course, neglected. Spiritual gifts, Vols. 1 and 2, and Testimony Nos. 1-6, are before us. Do we appreciate them? Has the word of God been promulgated, and the church been silent? Has the still, small voice been heard, in distinct reproof, and the reproved felt no compunctions? Must Sinai blaze with the forked lightnings, and the thunders shake its very foundations, and the trumpet sound in sublime and awful peals, before we wake? No, let us turn aside and see what means this burning bush, what sweet voice of mercy is this calling in tones of love, in low but decisive tones, to come up to the work. I have thought that if a friend should correspond with us, his last letter would be hailed with increasing interest, but how many refuse to have a recent letter, because it is not as old as the former ones. Is this reasonable; is it kind? O how cheering to see a proper value placed upon these works, not man's work, but a gift of God, all interwoven with present truth, and the third message. Is not this the testimony which is to shake the church? Has not this testimony been almost totally disregarded? Will those stand who treat it with inattention and neglect? Lord, help us to heed the straight testimony! The Illustrated London News of April 8, says: "There have prevailed rumors of war which were to break out in early spring of this year, in the face of which enterprise pauses, and the boldest merchant adventurer stays his hand. The threatening attitude which the armies of Austria and the new kingdom of Italy present on their respective frontiers gives rise to expectations that any morning may bring telegraphic accounts of a collision which can only end in regular warfare. In a remote and less genial region the differences between Denmark and Holstein, fomented by Prussia, augur ill for the preservation of peace between the German and Danish powers. In the meantime France, now as ever the military arbiter of Continental Europe, is in a state of completeness for warlike purposes which will tempt her towards an entrance into any quarrel which may ensue. It is difficult to suppose that France will leave her Sardinian protege to contend single-handed with Austria; but even if there should be no call for her armed intervention in such a contest, there is a more dangerous enticement to her interference in any armed struggle to which Prussia may be a party. It has been a theory that Louis Napoleon believes his mission to be that of avenging the humiliations which the greatest of his family, and France along with him, received at the hands of those allied powers which re-erected the throne of the Bourbons on the ruins of that of Napoleon I. Already a blow has been struck at Russia which has probably checked the march of her aggressive policy for a quarter of a century, at least. Austria has been defeated by France in a series of battles, and territory taken from her and disposed at the will of the present Emperor of the French which was ceded to her by the treaty which exiled the first Napoleon to St. Helena. Is it so much of an outrage to probability to suppose that the turn of Prussia will be the next, and that a disturbance of the general peace, caused, directly or indirectly, by the policy of that power, may not be availed of by France to carry out at once the idea of a retributive vengeance and a Rhenish frontier?" The European Times says the prevailing belief seems to be that war on the continent is imminent, and should it break out, it will probably involve the greatest part of Europe. All will depend on the policy of Austria. No doubt can exist that France is seriously preparing for it, and it is said that the leading provision merchants of Cork have been summoned to Paris, in order to contract with the French government for victualing its army and navy. Austria has concentrated an army of 200,000 men in the vicinity of the Quadrilateral. Hungary seems on the point of rushing to arms. While these signs are transpiring in Central Europe, there seems to be a wide-spreading combination in the East to rise in rebellion against Turkey. It is thus abroad as well as at home that the sword seems in the ascendant. THE CHILDREN.
By A. C. Hudson
My mind is burdened for the children. I have taught school so much, and studied their characters and seen their needs, that I feel their want of order and industry, to say nothing of heart-felt principle. Selfishness and all the evil passions are in the germ, ready to burst forth in the wildest luxuriance. I see the evils pouring forth from Pandora's box, and not even hope left behind. I have seen the lack of home training; impertinence treated as if becoming. But the parents see it not. One is to his farm, another to his merchandise, while the mother is looking after other wants. They do not dream of the power of habit. They hear it said and believe it, that when the children are older they will be ashamed of their waywardness and will reform themselves. Again, other parents correct their children in anger, or without judgment. I know that parental affection is a God-given principle. But it should be cultivated and enlightened like every other faculty we possess. I think sometimes had I the voice and tongue of an angel I would use them to their utmost to ward off evils and bring blessings to both parents and children. Yet I will try to bear all the burdens I can, and when that is not enough I will ask the Lord for more of his strength and more of his good Spirit. Give wholesome rules culled from the Bible or from any other book. Inasmuch as children differ nothing from servants, "not answering again" applies to them. Let each child do cheerfully and promptly what he is told without desiring some one else to perform his labor. Inasmuch as "no laborer of any race, color or nation, or age, labors without a stimulant," give them a stimulant. Some value to be received, some object of desire looming up in the distance stimulates the energies of every individual. Present that stimulant to the mind of the child. It may be a kiss, smile, pleasant word, or something useful. Fear, though not the most desirable stimulant, must sometimes be appealed to. The rod, or something withheld, will act sometimes when all others fail. When there is a scene, and the child sets his will in opposition to that of the parent, the child should not be permitted to dictate the terms of agreement. If he does thus dictate, parental government will become much like the present condition of the government of the United States.
A. C. HUDSON.
Allegan, Mich. COMMUNICATION FROM BRO. HASTINGS.
By W. Hastings
BRO. SMITH : I wish to say to the dear brethren and sisters that I am still trying to live out the truth. The farther I advance in it the more precious it looks, and the more conclusive the evidence appears that the hand of God is in it. When I consider the condition in which the present truth found me, and the effect it has had upon my mind up to the present time, I can find no words to express my gratitude to God for his unspeakable goodness, that after an anxious search of some thirty years for the right way, he has been pleased to present to my mind, through the labors of Bro. Frisbie, so precious a boon. I have thought much of late of the peculiar manner in which God is dealing with his people. I feel that this is in some degree at least the sifting time. God is bringing his people up step by step, one test after another is brought to bear upon them. Some stand one trial and fall at the next; but the progress of the church seems to be slowly and steadily upwards. The dark cloud that has hung over the people of God, as far at least as my knowledge extends, is in some degree breaking away, and the clear light of heaven begins to beam in upon us. The strong hold of the enemy is beginning to tremble, while the dross and chaff are in some degree being manifested. Thanks be to God for putting into our hands so efficient a means through which to purify ourselves. With what an immense condescension on the part of God have these blessings been proffered to us. Not only has God given his dear Son to come into this dark and wicked world to live a life of sorrow and privation, and to suffer all the scoffs and insults that wicked men and devils could inflict upon him, but has even delivered him up to death, the awful death of the cross to redeem us. And in addition to all this, how many agencies have been employed in every age of the world to save men! How many thousand holy angels are constantly engaged in watching the scenes of earth? With what intense interest do they weigh every movement? and with what sadness of heart do they record the fearful facts, as the poor self-deceived professor of truth turns away from so much goodness by refusing to obey some known obligation, rejects the light from heaven and clings to his idols, thereby placing himself in a condition in which it is impossible for the truth to save him. And so awfully delusive is the effect of his unhappy choice upon his mind, that while the strong foe is riveting his fetters upon him, he feels that all is safe, becomes self-confident, refuses to act in union with the body, and forms plans and schemes of his own through which to operate. And when the straight testimony is brought to bear upon his course, he becomes disaffected, leaves the church, and presses his way blindly and self-complacently downward to irretrievable ruin. And why this fearful apostasy? Where was the pivot upon which his destiny turned? By refusing to do at some point or place what he knew to be his duty, and by willfully persisting in his refusal. Brethren, God is doing a straight work in the church. This is no time to trifle with duty and to persist in our obstinacy and rebellion against God when some clearly defined obligation is brought to bear upon us. The time has been when God in his unspeakable love and mercy could bear long with the sinner, and for years surround him with every inducement which infinite wisdom and benevolence could consistently devise, in order to bring him into allegiance to his government; but those days of long-forbearance are in a great degree past. The time of the end is close upon us. What we do now must be done quickly. We have a great work to do, a work embracing a great number of specific acts and victories, leaving but a very short period198 of time for each. It becomes necessary for God to crowd the work fast upon us; and how unreasonable it is in us to nourish our selfishness by refusing to submit to the claims of God immediately, and thereby use up perhaps three times the amount of time in each advance we make which properly belongs to it. O that men would obey at the first sight of obligation. There is no time so easy as that. Every time we resist we harden our own hearts and greatly increase the obstacles that lie in our way. O that the claims of God could find their appropriate place in each of our hearts, and call forth a ready and joyful response to every presentation of duty. Then would our light break forth as the morning, our peace be like a river, and our righteousness as the waves of the sea. O how kind is our heavenly Father in bearing so long with us. My heart is broken down in view of so much tenderness and love. Wright, Mich., April, 1861. FANATICISM PERVERTS THE JUDGMENT.
BRO. SMITH: When I read qualified confessions from those who have been led away by the arts of Apollyon, I am forcibly reminded of some chapters in my own experience, some years since. Certainly there is no more abstruse, difficult science, than self-knowledge; and to no one is this so difficult, as to him who has been led away by Satan into fanaticism. How it is done, and how it is to be accounted for, let some one else explain; but it is certain that those thus entrapped, are very slow and cautious to return, although they (or we) were swift to depart. I had supposed myself proof against superstition and fanaticism, as much above it as possible, and supposed that snare peculiarly calculated for the ignorant and the inexperienced; but alas! pride must have its fall, and O how loth we are to part with this precious pet of our carnal hearts. Dear Pride, how we dote upon thee, as though thou wast a child of paradise, instead of a minister of Lucifer! How we love to be considered independent, high-spirited, and foremost. Yes, says Satan, you are just the person to stand forth and lead the host; and our school-boy lessons were strangely mixed with flattering and vain precepts and prospects of future greatness. Instead of being servants, we would reign as kings, and at the same time we are not aware of the existence of pride in the heart. Such is the power of the enemy to blind the mind. When a faithful brother branded my fanaticism as "all of the Devil," I yielded to his protest, but still thought it unjust to call it all of Satan. Certainly, thought I, a part of it is of God, and slowly receded from what I now see to have been an abomination in the sight of God; and months afterward, when another brother told me my judgment was perverted on this point, I was shocked that he should speak so harshly, as I then thought, but I had begun to suspect this; and I prayed God if this was so, to open my eyes, and from this time my recovery was more thorough; for I began to see that fanaticism had perverted my judgment, and I cried to God to restore my judgment, for what is more injurious to one's present and future prospects, than a perverted judgment? A perverted judgment! Sin perverts the judgment, so does error, and thus the race of man is led away from God; but is it so, that the sincere follower of Christ can be so misled, and his judgment perverted? Yes, it is even so. How is this? Will not God protect him? Yes, if he is watchful, prayerful and humble; but here is the difficulty; these duties are neglected, and the heart is not examined nor understood, and forthwith down comes the net, and Satan laughs with fiendish joy, while angels weep. I would say to those who have been caught in the net of fanaticism, do not give up to despair, neither set up your own wills. Your recovery will be gradual. It is a terrible disease; but you must have a good physician. Let him tell you how weak you are, and do not neglect his prescriptions. Christ can even restore the judgment. Use redoubled diligence, humility, watchfulness, self-examination and prayer, and distrust your own judgment, and often consult those of tried judgment and experience. If you say, How do you know this, Bro. Clarke? I will say, By sad experience of my own heart, I have learned to prize the advice of my superiors, and the gift that God has so kindly established in the church.
Jos. CLARKE. L E T T E R S.
By C. H. T. St. Clair
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Your testimonies in the Review from week to week encourage me to press on toward the kingdom of God. Therefore I feel it my duty to add my testimony in this good cause. I and my companion engaged in the service of Christ nearly one year ago. We have not yet grown tired of keeping the commandments of God nor weary in well doing. I enlisted under the banner of the cross to fight the battles of the Lord, and I can adopt the language of the poet, "Sure I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord;
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word." Let us be valiant soldiers, and gird on the whole armor of the Lord. I thank God that I have been permitted to live in these last days to hear the sound of the third angel's message, and to heed his warning. When Brn. Hull and Snook pitched the tent in Fairfield last spring, the people were much prejudiced against them. The cry was raised that they were Mormons, and that they were leading the people astray. My curiosity was somewhat excited, and I was anxious to go and hear them. I did so, and I bless God that he ever put it into their hearts to come to Fairfield to preach the word of the Lord. May the Lord richly reward them for their labors among this people. My prayer is that the blessings of God may follow them in this good work. I want to be a faithful servant that I may have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. I want to be a humble follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, that when he comes to call his ransomed people home I may be among that number, and stand on mount Zion and sing the song that no man can learn but the hundred and forty and four thousand which will be redeemed from the earth. I am but a pilgrim and stranger here in this world of sin, passing on to a better land than this, where there will be no more sorrow, sickness, pain or death. Dear brethren and sisters, it is there we will meet to part no more. Let us be faithful yet a little while. Jesus will soon come to call us home to his Father's house where he has prepared many mansions for his dear people. Let us try to realize where we are, and the time in which we live. Being in the day of atonement, let us confess all our sins while there is a moderator. Soon it will be too late. None but the pure in heart can inherit eternal life. After the decree goes forth, it is finished; he that is filthy will be filthy still, and he that is holy will be holy still. Yours in hope of eternal life. F. T. WALES
By F. T. Wales
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I realize that it is a great privilege that we as a body of christians enjoy, that we can comfort and exhort one another through the Review. My heart is made glad every week while reading the many sweet testimonies from my dear brethren and sisters. Although I am so weak, and often come far short of glorifying God as I ought, I feel it a privilege to say a few words through the Review to my dear brethren and sisters traveling on to mount Zion. It has been about a year and a half since I embraced the third message, and ever since I have been trying to keep God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. Though oftentimes I do not reflect the image of Jesus as at all times it is my heart's desire to do, yet my determination is to hold out unto the end. Brethren and sisters, while I consider how good the Lord has been to me and mine, and then think of the promises which I read in his word, it causes my heart to burst forth with acclamation and rejoicing. And then while I reflect a moment I am led to mourn because of my unthankfulness and my so little gratitude to Him who has done so much for me. I can say with the psalmist, My tongue shall speak of thy word, for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord, and thy law is my delight. Oftentimes while temptations and trials surround me and my own wicked heart to contend with, too, I am led to look away by the eye of faith to the land where there will be no more sin, no more tempting enemy to contend with, the land where the inhabitants will say no more they are sick. There will be the beautiful tree of life, and the river of life clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb; and there, too, we shall see God and the Lamb. There we shall see the angels which now administer to us, and there we shall see all of God's dear saints. There Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be present. There we shall meet to part no more. There we shall again greet our relatives, who have been dear and near to us through this life, but now sleep in the cold dust. There in that world of glory and beauty, they will greet us again to part no more. O yes, brethren, there (if we are faithful here) we shall go up to worship the Lord of hosts from year to year, and from one Sabbath to another, and from one new moon to another, saith the Lord. Then brethren and sisters, can we set our affections upon this poor old earth while having such a view of the new heavens and the new earth? Can we halt an hour, or a moment? Can we be laying up treasure here on this sin-stricken earth, and holding on to the things of the world, and grasping them with both hands while we know there are such mansions prepared for those who love God with all the heart? Certainly we cannot. O, my heart longs for that day when Jesus shall come and take his ransomed ones home. May God help you and me to be giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure. May we be living out pure and undefiled religion before the world. Let us be faithful in all points. Let us suffer on with our Master until he comes, and then we will be with him forevermore. I desire an interest in your prayers, dear brethren scattered abroad, that I may meet you on mount Zion with the Lamb and the 144000 to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. "We'll be there, we'll be there, in a little while,
We'll join the pure and the blest;
We'll have the palm, the robe, the crown,
And forever be at rest."
A Call for Present Truth
By Mary E. Weaver
Bro. SMITH: I would like to cast in my mite and try to say a few words in honor of my Master's cause. I can truly say that I love God, and I love to keep his commandments. I love his dear children. By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments; for this is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John v, 2, 3. I commenced keeping the seventh day about four years ago. I can look back on my path and see that I have erred many times. Satan has tried many ways to lead me from the path of duty. I have had many things to tempt and try me, and had it not been for the precious promises in God's holy word, I must have given up my hope; but I know that his promises are sure, and that he will save us if we put our trust in him. He has said he would have a tried people. Satan will deceive us if it is possible. I pray the Lord to give us strong faith that we may be able to resist all the influences that the Devil may throw around us. I have never heard a lecture on present truth. We would be very glad to have a messenger come among us and spend a few weeks. I think there are a few honest hearts here that would obey the truth if they could hear it proclaimed. There are four of us who are trying to obey God by keeping his commandments. We feel very thankful for the Review which we receive every week, bringing us cheering words from those of like precious faith. I am fully determined to serve the Lord, let come what will. We have but a short time to get ready for the coming of our blessed Master. We know that he that shall come will come and will not tarry. I want to be found with the wedding garment on, and my lamp trimmed and burning, and ready to go into the marriage supper of the Lamb. I would be glad if I could meet on the Sabbath with the dear brethren and sisters for prayer and praise; but if we are not permitted to mingle our voices together here in prayer, I pray that we may stand and shout victory together on mount Zion.
MARY E. WEAVER.
Weaversville, Newago Co., Mich. Convinced of the Sabbath
By Abigail Bailey
Bro. Smith: It is nearly ten months since Bro. Hull came here with the tent, and gave lectures on the third angel's message. It was the first I had ever heard. I had been a member of the Methodist church forty-two years, and had been seeking after truth, and striving to lead a christian life. When I came to hear the law subject investigated, the clearness of the Sabbath astonished me. I was convinced of its obligation, though I did not wish to acknowledge it. But I do thank God that I can now say with the psalmist, I thought upon my ways and turned my feet into thy testimonies; I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments. I do hope I shall ever be found with the rem-199nant. Pray for us here, dear brethreu and sisters, for with the rest of you we have mauy things to discourage us. We have not had preachiug here but twice within ten months. We do wish that some of the messengers would come this way. We will do all we cau for them. If you cannot on the ocean
Sail among the swiftest fleet,
Rocking on the highest billows,
Laughing at the storms you meet—
You can stand among the sailors,
Anchored yet within the bay;
You can lend a hand to help them,
When they launch their boats away. If you are too weak to journey
Up the mountains steep and high,
You can stand within the valley
While the multitudes go by:
You can chant in happy measures,
As they slowly pass along;
Though they may forget the singer,
They will not forget the song. If you have not gold or silver
Ever ready at command;
If you cannot toward the needy,
Reach an ever open hand;
You can visit the afflicted,
O'er the erring you can weep;
You can be a true disciple,
Sitting at the Saviour's feet. If you cannot, in the conflict,
Prove yourself a soldier true;
If, where fire and smoke are thickest,
There's no work for you to do;
When the battle-field is silent,
You can go with careful tread,
You can bear away the wounded,
You can cover up the dead. If you cannot, in the harvest,
Garner up the richest sheaves;
Many a grain, both ripe and golden,
Which the careless reaper leaves,
You can glean among the briars
Growing rank against the wall,
For it may be that their shadow
Hides the heaviest wheat of all. Do not, then, stand idly waiting
For some greater work to do;
Fortune is a lazy goddess,
She will never come to you.
Go and toil in any vineyard,
Do not fear to do or dare;
If you want a field of labor,
You can find it anywhere. Looking Forward to the New Earth
By A. Johnson
For the first time I take my pen to say a few words through the Review. I always want to be found on the Lord's side, striving to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. I have been a Sabbath-keeper for a few months. I feel it my duty to keep all the commandments of God. I have an earnest desire to press on to mount Zion with God's chosen people. When I behold this earth clothed with verdure and beauty, and realize that all must fade away and perish, with what joy do I then look forward to that new earth that is promised to the righteous, to be clothed with everlasting verdure, where blossoms never fade; where there is no more sorrow nor sin; where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. Though we have to suffer persecution here for Christ's sake, we have the cheering promise of our Saviour, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven." My parents are Sabbath-keepers. There are no others in this vicinity except a Seventh-day Baptist. It is my desire to have my work done and well done, that I may share in the welcome:—"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." I can adopt with my whole heart the words of the poet—
"The friends I love may turn from me,
Their words unkind may pierce me through;
But this my daily prayer shall be,
Forgive; they know not what they do."
Your unworthy sister.
A. JOHNSON.
Southampton, Peoria Co., Ills. Testimony from the Mauston Church
Sister Fanny Rogers writes from Mauston, Wis.: "While reading Testimony No. 6, I felt that it was just what the church needed. I can say I fully believe it has done me good, and I desire to further profit by it. If I know my own heart I want every wrong made right. While reading Causes of Discouragement, and the Testimony, the scales fell from my eyes, and also from my companion's. We felt that the Lord spoke to us in that Testimony. I would say to Bro. and sister White, You have many warm friends who sympathize with you. But above all, Jesus knows all the sorrow and anguish of your hearts, and the sacrifices you have made for him. A crown of glory awaits you if you hold out faithful a little longer. You are remembered by us when we bow around the family altar, and I love in secret to offer up my feeble petitions for the messengers who are proclaiming the last message of mercy, especially for those who are leading in the van of God's hosts, and are bearing the burden of the work. O may the Lord support, sustain and encourage you in all your arduous labors, is my prayer. What I have said of myself I think I can say of the Mauston church generally. There has been a great re-action here since the reign of wild fanaticism. Bro. and sister W. have their warmest sympathies and their prayers. We were sorely disappointed in not receiving a visit from them. It seems as though they might have done a great deal of good here. I think many hearts here are prepared to receive them with affection and love for their work's sake. I trust it will be all for the best." Unity and Christian Love
By Mary M. Osgood
BRO. SMITH: Permit me to say a few words to the "little flock" through the Review. I love those who can with filial confidence look up and say, "Our Father," who from the heart delight to honor and obey him. I want to be among those whom Jesus prayed might be one. All jealousies, faultfindings, and surmisings shall be rooted out of my heart, if He upon whom help is laid will help me. Dear brethren and sisters, shall we not at once arise and free ourselves from every fiber of these noxious weeds? Some of our dear friends are often forced to taste the wormwood and gall issuing from these plants of Satan's nourishing. Let us do what we can to turn away the bitter cup from such, and what cannot be turned away, let us sweeten with words and deeds of sympathy and love. May all the waiting ones be perfectly joined together, having one heart and one mind. We will rejoice that the way grows brighter as it grows narrower. Rays which have been scattered over much surface, and consequently shining with feebler light, seem now to be converging, and their united rays are beaming brightly on the path where the good Shepherd is leading the sheep and lambs. We'll follow on brethren, we'll follow on sisters, in the path of the just; for it shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Light from the Sun of Righteousness will, by causing gems of truth to sparkle, reveal them to us, and we may secure them to place among our treasures. O the glorious hope seems more precious as we view but a little way in the distance the glad fruition. "Jesus soon is coming, this is my song."
Cheers my heart when joys depart, and foes are pressing strong."
I feel it wrong to murmur at the trials by the way, or speak too oft of clouds or darkness. "There is light sown for the righteous;" and the servants of the Lord may reap. To walk in all the Lord's appointed ways shall henceforth be the study of my life. My companion and myself are again numbered among the lonely ones, and as such hope to be remembered by those who are looking for the Saviour. Our friends will please address us at Bronte, Holton Co., C. W. Overcoming Through Faithful Living
By H. St. John
Bro. Smith: As we are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, I trust I may ever feel willing to bear my testimony for the truth, and to perform every duty devolving upon me with cheerfulness and alacrity, in the fear of the Lord. I would say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that my heart is with you in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I am fully determined by the assisting grace of God, to walk humbly before the Lord, to have my face set as a flint Zionward, and to keep in view the prize that lies at the end of the Christian's race. Glorious prize! Precious boon of immortality to be conferred upon the finally faithful in the kingdom of God! No sickness, sorrow, pain or death will be there to mar the peace and happiness of its faithful, blessed and honored inhabitants. But the promise of eternal felicity is to those only who overcome. Then the question is left for us to decide whether we will have that life, and have it more abundantly, of which the Saviour speaks. May we choose life, and show to those around us that it is indeed a matter of choice with us, that we are pilgrims and strangers upon the earth, looking for a better country, that is, a heavenly. When I look upon my past life and see how unfaithful I have been, I feel that it is time to arise, to come up on higher ground, and to gird on the whole armor, or I shall not be able to stand in these perilous times. Yet I do not feel discouraged, but have an earnest desire to arise from my cold formality and lukewarmness and seek a closer walk with God. When the awful denunciations of Jehovah's wrath shall be poured upon a wicked world, where shall I be? Under the covering of the Almighty, in the secret of his pavilion, I humbly trust. The little band of believers at Ayersville are still holding on to the truth. All of them without any exception firmly believe in the gifts. We feel thankful for those already existing in the church. We do not endorse the article published in Review No. 21, from Ohio. We receive the name, Seventh-day Adventists, because of its appropriateness. It bears upon its front the leading features of our faith. We humbly hope that the dissention and secession that has seemingly been brooding in Ohio, may result in a firmer and closer union of God's people, that the message may arise and go forward with power, even in Ohio. Yours in love of truth.
H. St. John. P. S. We extend an invitation to Bro. Waggoner to visit us this spring. We are very anxious that some brother should come this way before tent season. We are willing to do what we can towards bearing his expenses.
H. S. J. Bro. J. C. Sutton writes from Osceola, Pa.: "It is a little over a year since I embraced the present truth, and I take no little satisfaction in trying to live it out before the world. I believe the time will soon come when instead of being scattered over the earth, we shall be gathered into one fold, and enjoy the society of the blessed, and be under the protection and care of the great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. We ask your prayers for the little branch here that we may be overcomers and finally meet in that everlasting kingdom." Coming Out From the World
Bro. M. Myers writes from Midlaud, Mich. : "I fee truly thankful that the Lord is raising up a people zealous of good works. I have long felt that there must be a coming out from the world. I have seen so much pride and popularity among the professed followers of our Lord, that it seemed that religion had become more a fashion than a reality. I have been striving by the grace of God for upwards of forty years to make my way to heaveu. I have had many a serious battle with the euemy; but the Lord has ever stood by to help in every time of need." Encouragement from the Convis Church
By S. A. Fitzgerald
Bro. S. A. Fitzgerald writes from Convis, Mich.: "Thank the Lord that we ever heard these glorious truths proclaimed. At times the path seems thorny, and dark clouds hover around. But if we press on in earnestness, the silvery tinge of sunshine soon appears; then we remember 'the darkest cloud has a silver lining.' The little church here in Convis are striving to have on the whole armor in order to be ready when the Lord shall appear. We were much encouraged and strengthened the past winter by the labors of Bro. Loughborough, and some others were led to obey the truth. Two more have taken a decided stand with the commandment-keepers, and have expressed their determination to take up the cross, and be found daily doing the Lord's will. May their strength be increased, and may they continue growing in all the christian graces, until with the remnant they reap the reward promised to the faithful, is my earnest prayer. Several are thoroughly convinced that we have the truth, though they have not yet decided to obey. May the Lord speed on his work, which is already fast being accomplished. Soon Jesus is coming. O that we may be watchful, lest he come and find us sleeping."