I was very much surprised and pained to hear, a short time since, a professed Adventist very pointedly remark that he could not see as Seventh-day Adventists were any better than any other people, or that they enjoyed any more spiritual life than any other class of professed Christians.
The remark being made as it was in connection with the subject we were discussing, started in my mind a train of thought something like the following: Ought S. D. Adventists to enjoy a greater degree of spiritual life than the cold, formal professors of the present day, and are they any in advance of the surrounding nominal churches?
They ought to be for the following reasons, which are but a few of the many that can be adduced: They profess to honor and obey that law which the great Jehovah gave amidst the thunderings' peal and lightning's gleam, on Sinai's rugged top, in the hearing of all the people; that law which the Psalmist declares is perfect, and in the keeping of which there is great reward. Ps. xix. 7–11; that which he declares is an everlasting righteousness. Ps. cxix, 142; the same law which the Man of Sin should think to change, and enemies of God are striving to destroy; but which stands as immutable as the pillars of the throne of Omnipotence; that law which is the leading characteristic of the redeemed remnant. Rev. xiv. 12; xxii, 14.
They are looking and waiting for the second appearing of the Just One, who is soon coming to redeem his tried and trusting church and free them from all their perplexing trials, and forever banish sin and sorrow and sighing; Rev. xxi, 4; and death itself shall be vanquished! 1 Cor. xv, 26, and he that hath the power of death shall be destroyed. Heb. ii, 14. And while they are thus anxiously and yearningly waiting, there is to be a time of ecclesiastical oppression, and wicked men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, which will lead them to shun perdition's road and cleave nearer and nearer to the straight rule of truth.
There is no principle of truth that calls into action faith, spirituality, and all the humble Christian graces as the earnest, sincere belief of the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and those who teach this elevating doctrine, should be very careful to ordain their conduct by a well-ordered life and godly conversation; to abstain from all appearance of evil and strive to imitate the humble example of our meek and quiet pattern.
Certainly a class of people who honestly believe the foregoing principles, ought to be more spiritual minded than the formal religionists of these degenerate last days.
They are in advance of the modern class of professors for the following reasons: They hold sacred the Lord's holy Sabbath day, the only definite weekly Sabbath brought to view in the word of God; while professed Christians around them join hands with the mocker and scoffer in spurning this great and holy law and casting contumely on this high and holy institution, the sanctified rest day of the infinite Creator. They are striving to repair the breach in God's law, and with Paul, delight in it. Here they are far in advance of these unfaithful shepherds who are lulling the flock to sleep, and turning their eyes away from this important question. Again, they are heeding the warning given in Rev. xviii, 1, and separating themselves from the giddy, fashionable, pleasure-loving throng who have the form of godliness but deny the power. 2 Tim iii, 1–5. They have erected the standard of holiness which has so long trailed in the dust, upon a high and holy platform, and are earnestly calling the sincere and honest to awake and come up to the work, and occupy a position where a pure, just and holy God can own them as his, and work in them and through them to the honor and glory of his great name.
And while the world is asleep, with regard to the very important subject of true Bible sanctification, or the ideas which they do present are vague, indefinite and inconsistent, S. D. Adventists are striving to follow the injunction of the apostle 2 Cor. vii, 1, and are, with the help of God, cleansing themselves from all their impurities, which has given rise to the glorious Health Reform in all its beauty and perfection; and in connection with the sacred word through which the children of God are to be sanctified, will finally put on the finishing stroke in preparing a righteous nation to inherit the promised possession.
The foregoing are some of the characteristics which conclusively prove that the S. D. Adventist people ought to be in advance of the cold and formal religionists of these last days of sin and peril; and while these holy, solemn truths are emblazoned on our uplifted banner, exposed to the gaze of a criticising world, oh! how careful ought we to be that we live with a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men.
To conclude. Where may we expect to find the true people of God? Answer. Among that class who reverence and obey his holy and righteous law; who are striving to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit and place themselves in a position where God through his word can sanctify them wholly, body, soul, and spirit; who are the scoff and scorn of a ridiculing world; who take the Bible and the Bible only as their book of creeds and man of their counsel, and who labor in faith, believing. I think that S. D. Adventists answer this description more fully than any other class; therefore I feel like joining myself with them. May the Lord guide us into still purer light, purge us from every kind of dross, refine us until we shall perfectly reflect the lovely image of Jesus, and finally usher us triumphant, into his everlasting kingdom. C. H. ROGERS.
Durand, Wis.
"WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST?"
By M. F. M. Fish
Bro. Smith: I send you the following lines, which I copy for the Review, from “The Sabbath at Home.”
M. F. M. Fish.
Thoughts of Christ! oh! treasures golden!
Hidden deep from mortal sight,
In my heart of hearts enfolden,
Far from earth's cold touch or blight;
Oft I sit in deepening twilight,
When the day's stern toil is o'er,
Counting up the priceless riches
Of this precious, hoarded store.
Thoughts of Christ! the Lord eternal;
Christ, the lowly Nazarene;
Christ, our God in mortal garments;
Standing me and death between;
Thoughts of tears, and blood, and anguish,
All endured to ransom me,
And to win my soul to love him,
Christ, the Lamb of Calvary.
Thoughts of Christ! in mercy calling,
Seeking for his wandering child,
And with matchless pardon folding
To his heart the sin-defiled;
Thoughts of all his loving kindness,
Constant as the morning light,
And his peace forever falling,
Gentle as the dews of night.
Thoughts of Christ! oh! blest assurance,
That upon the other shore,
Where no earth-born shadows follow,
Where my soul shall sin no more,
I shall kiss those wounds of healing,
Pierced on Calvary's cross of yore,
And in one sweet thought of Jesus
Spend the blissful evermore.
The Arrows of Affliction
By Mackenzie
It is from the remembrance of joys we have lost that the arrows of affliction are pointed.—Mackenzie.
Corrupting the Rising Generation
He who, by his principles or practice, corrupts the manners and morals of the rising generation, will reap a terrible harvest of woe! Better for such a man had he never been born!
COME, LORD JESUS.
With such appropriate words does the volume of inspiration close. Who cannot fervently respond to this beautiful petition of the apostle? Who that has ever tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, does not feel less and less desire that this state of evil should continue, and more and more desire that the reign of righteousness should be brought in.
In what a world do we live! Iniquity abounds, sin reigns, evil prevails, pain racks almost every frame, hopes are disappointed, prospects are blighted, sorrow fills every heart! Who is contented? Who is satisfied? Who has more joy than sorrow? who more good than evil? Truly when we take into comparison the good and ill, the joy and sorrow, the pleasure and pain that exist in this world, one is lost sight of in the prevalence of the other. The joy and pleasure can scarcely be found for the evil and distress that everywhere prevails. It is not a false charge when it is said, that this world is indeed a world of sorrow.
Then here is Death plying his cruel task. Closely has he followed the race from Eden down. Six thousand years have nearly rolled away, but scarcely a human being can date the commencement of his existence back a hundred years. Thus stand the race a thin line skirting the borders of eternity, driven like a flock before the relentless destroyer; and the path over which they have traveled is stained with blood and filled with graves. And Death is not content simply with making clean work in the past. Thickly his fatal shafts fly amid the living throng. The young, the innocent, the gay, the sad, the weak, the strong, from all ranks and all classes, fall continually into the silent tomb. Each hour numbers its hundreds, each day its thousands.
The prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus,” looks to an end of all this. Who, then, cannot utter it with sincere heart and fervent lips? Come, Lord Jesus, come, and stay the ravages of the destroyer. Come and put an end to sin. Come and arrest these floods of evil that sweep over the world. Come and put an end to these scenes of suffering, lamentation, and woe. Come and let the transgression of thy Father's law, and the blasphemy of thy dear name, forever cease. Come and let nations learn war no more, but peace spread her bright wings over the world, and righteousness reign. Come and let the expectations of thy long-waiting, yet still hopeful church be fulfilled. Let the heavenly vision, the reflected light of which has lighted up their pathway through long years of toil and darkness, open in all its glorious reality upon their longing sight. Yes, come Lord Jesus, come quickly.
But shall the Lord come, and mankind be no more thoroughly warned? Shall the proclamation of the near coming of the great day be so limited in extent? Shall not the cry be made to ring in every ear, “Behold the plan of salvation draws to its conclusion? The great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly! The Judge of all is about to arise and shake terribly the earth!” But where are the men who will take the weight of these great truths fully into their hearts, and go forth to warn their fellows? In every county, town, and village, almost, the way is open for the truth to be spread. Church of God! see ye the fields already white to the harvest? and do ye remember the direction of the great Head of the church, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest?” God will be inquired of by his people in this respect.
It is in his purpose that the warning should be proclaimed. The great Jehovah from his shining throne above, has sent forth a message to call out a people and make them ready for the coming of his Son. He has noted it in his prophetic word. His power is pledged to sustain it, and cause it to accomplish that whereto it is sent. But that does not release us from responsibility and action in the matter. We are not to argue, because God's word is sure, and will certainly be fulfilled, that we can therefore settle down in inactivity and ease, and feel no responsibility in the work.
The prophet Daniel did not do thus. When the seventy years' captivity drew to their close, he understood by books, referring to the prophecy of Jeremiah, that that period of the desolation of Jerusalem was accomplished, and that consequently the time had come for the Lord to begin the restoration of his people to their own land. But he did not sit down and say, Well, this will surely be accomplished; for the Lord has pledged his word for it, therefore I will leave it all to him, and give myself no thought or concern in the matter. Far from it. Rather he set his face to seek the Lord with all his heart, even with fasting and sackcloth and ashes; and he said, “Now, therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary which is desolate, for the Lord's sake.”
So with us. We must rise into communion and sympathy with the plans and work of the Lord, and show it by offering up our petitions to him in accordance with his will. He has workmen whom he can thrust forth into his harvest; but the church must first see the need of their labors. He can and will supply the wants of his cause; but his people must first feel them. Then, only, we can appreciate and thus make a right use of his blessings.
Brethren, look at these things, and let fervency take the place of lukewarmness, and indifference give place to zeal. Pray, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, and then give efficiency to your prayers by engaging heartily in the work which devolves upon us first to do.
OUR MEETING ON THE FOURTH.
According to appointment in last week's Review, the church in this place observed Thursday, the 4th inst., as a day of fasting and prayer. We felt it good thus to do for two reasons: 1. It seemed proper that, at a time when the people of the world were devoting themselves to hilarity and glee, those whose minds have been enlightened by a knowledge of the prophetic word, and who behold the scenes of trouble that are impending, as precursors of the revelation of the Lord from Heaven, should give themselves to a contemplation of these great truths, sobriety, searching of heart, and an effort to make some advancement in the work of preparation for the scenes before us. 2. We felt it good to give outward expression of the sympathy we feel for our brethren in various circumstances in all parts of the field. A spirit of prayer was given for our brethren in Minnesota in this their special time of need, also for the lonely ones scattered here and there throughout the wide field, that their faith fail not, that they be not swallowed up by the opposition around them, but that they may be able to stand as pillars amidst the surging tide of evil in these last days, and let the powerful influence of a consistent Christian life tell on hearts around them; and we were thankful that “Though sundered far, we all could meet,
Around one common mercy-seat.”
Services were held in our house of worship from eleven A. M., to two, P. M. There were not so many present, as we should have been glad to see. Some thought they could not afford to lose the time. Such may be in need of a kind of experience which has fallen to the lot of not a few, showing that whatever is given in sacrifice to God, is not lost; and that there is “a withholding which tendeth to poverty.”
Bro. Loughborough occupied a portion of time examining some scriptures which set forth our duty upon such occasions, and showing that no fast can be acceptable to God, in which we seek our own pleasure, or exact all our labors, Isa. lviii, 3; but when we reach a position where all our service, our fasts as well as other things, are acceptable to him, then, according to the promise, our health shall spring forth speedily, we shall call and God will answer, and say, Here I am; and he will guide us continually, and satisfy us in drouth; and we shall be like a watered garden whose waters fail not. A number of testimonies were then borne, and the meeting closed with a general season of prayer on the part of the church, in which many fervent petitions were offered up in behalf of the objects before us.
We felt the refreshing approbation of God upon our meeting; and at the same time, as if in verification of the promise, “While they are yet speaking I will hear,” a copious yet gentle shower fell without, to revive and refresh the drooping face of nature, which was beginning to suffer from long-continued drouth.
On Sabbath, the 6th inst., the church enjoyed an interesting and encouraging scene of baptism. Bro. Loughborough administered the ordinance to five patients from the Health Institute. One of these had been waiting a number of years to receive baptism and become a member of a neighboring church, but the state of her health had been such that she had not been able to take this step in the path of duty. Since coming to the Institute her health has so far improved that she was able to accomplish the desire of her heart, and receive the ordinance, joyful in the Lord. To him be the praise. The other four joined the church in this place, and will receive letters when their stay at the Institute is accomplished, and they return to their homes.
We believe the Lord is working for his people. What powerful agencies, hidden from our mortal sight, he even now has at work in behalf of his truth, we know not; but we feel confident that his cause will ere long see a wider sphere of action, and better days.
REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
SABBATH, JUNE 29, the churches at Fairplains and Orleans met in Monthly Meeting at Fairplains. There were also brethren in from Bushnell, Vergennes, and Greenbush. I spoke to the congregation one hour and a half upon the subject of baptism.
In the afternoon I spoke forty minutes from the text “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall be also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. vi, 6, 7. Mrs. W. followed for one hour, and then followed one of the best social meetings we ever enjoyed. This meeting lasted three hours.
This morning, the 30th, we all assembled at 7 A. M. in the grove upon the bank of the lake, where I immersed four precious souls. The scenery was delightful. We drove our carriages to within a few rods of the water, which was just beyond and all around the place of baptizing decorated with the white pond-lily. Here we used our baptizing dress for the first time in nearly four years. Bro. King stepped into the water with me, but I found that I needed no assistance.
The four baptized were as follows: Our own dear son, Willie C. White, Bro. Sevy, of Greenbush, and two sisters. Bro. Sevy has long been waiting at the pool, feeling unfit. But this constituted the best evidence of fitness. But few of the brethren knew him. One brother who knew him, also his wife, were anxious he should go forward. I had never seen him before and could not take the responsibility upon myself to baptize him, so submitted his case to the brethren and sisters standing upon the shore, and got a unanimous vote that he should be baptized. Still he hesitated, and said he could not point to any particular time when he met with a change, yet he had set his heart to keep the commandments of God and do right. He did not know but he should wait till he experienced some change. I told him his heart was set right now and we did not want him changed, for a change from right would be bad. Finally he gave me his hand, and slowly we went down into the lake where he found a watery grave. When he arose, he smiled and said, “Thank God.” He joined with us in the ordinances of washing the saints’ feet and the Lord’s supper, at 11 A. M. He and his good wife will return a happy couple.
This afternoon we have a meeting at two P. M.,57which will close this precious Monthly Convocation.
The proposed meeting on the 4th of July is given up, as the masons will not be out of the way. On that day, Providence permitting, we start for Wright.
Again we must express our gratitude to God for sustaining grace and strength. Fifth and sixth days I was able to prepare a farm-wagon with wooden springs, go to town for lumber, to the woods for wood, and on sixth-day P. M. was one of two to handle nearly three thousand feet of heavy lumber just from the river. I stood upon my feet handling this lumber more than two hours in the hot sun. I was just tired enough to sleep well all night and feel well the next morning. To God be all the praise.
We shall soon go out prepared to hold meetings, Providence permitting, where the way opens. We find it quite easy speaking and singing even in the absence of teeth.
JAMES WHITE.
Greenville, Mich., June 30, 1867.
MEETINGS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT, MICH.
By Joseph Bates
SABBATH and first-day, June 15 and 16, I held five interesting meetings with the church and people of Oakland, Oak., Co., also one meeting in Rochester. Many of them are striving to live out their faith in the good cause of the Lord.
The 19th, Bro. H. Fenner brought me on my way some sixteen miles to Romeo where I took the stage for Memphis. Here on Sabbath and first-day, June 22 and 23, I held six meetings and one funeral service with the church and people. The dress and health reform is progressing and both churches are moving more understandingly in this matter than ever they have done.
Our good friends in Memphis brought me half the way, and other good friends brought me the other half of thirty-eight miles, to Lapeer, where on the Sabbath and first-day I held seven meetings and attended to all the ordinances of God’s house. Three were added to the church. Sister Day came fifteen miles to hear advent preaching for the first time. She has been studying books from the Publishing Association, and the Review; believed and was baptized, put on Christ and returned on her way home rejoicing, walking in newness of life.
Washing “one another’s feet” and partaking of the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, singing and solemn testimonies from many brethren and sisters present, was a blessed privilege we enjoyed together after the holy Sabbath of the Lord. We felt new courage and were strengthened to press our way onward in the glorious message of the third angel, now ripening off the harvest of the earth.
At the close of our first meeting the news from Battle Creek of sister Loughborough’s sudden death, and the deep affliction of the lonely and bereaved husband and children, made our hearts to feel sad. Our prayer is, O Lord, sanctify this afflictive dispensation of thy providence to our much-esteemed Bro. Loughborough and his deeply-afflicted friends, that it may work together for his and their good.
Whatever amount of dividend growing out of stock I hold in the Health Reform Institute at Battle Creek is coming to me, I wish the directors to apply to the charitable fund until otherwise directed.
JOSEPH BATES.
Lapeer, July 1, 1867.
THE CAUSE IN MAINE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
After an absence of three months, in the good providence of God we returned to Norridgewock, Me. It seemed very much like getting home after a long journey. We found the brethren and sisters steadfast in the truth, and earnestly trying to live it out. We felt that we were indeed among our friends again. The Bible class and Sabbath School were doing well under the superintendence of Eld. Putman. His labors here have been of great service to this church, and are appreciated by them. The interest to hear is still good with many in the community. The only discouraging thing here is that they do not take hold of the Health Reform as they ought to; but we hope that this will not remain so long.
We have obtained rooms in the house of Bro. George Barker a few rods south of the village. We think that it is the most lovely situation in all this section. It overlooks the village which lies in the valley below, and furnishes a grand prospect of the mountains in the west and north as they tower up in the distance. There are two families of Sabbath keepers within a few minutes' walk of our home. We are much pleased with the situation, and feel contented to labor here as long as the Lord wills.
Sabbath and first-day, June 22 and 23, we attended the Monthly Meeting at Hartland. Here we met all the ministers, and above two hundred brethren and sisters from the surrounding churches. It was a very pleasant season to us indeed. The meeting was held in a large barn, fitted up for the occasion. On Sunday there were about five or six hundred present, who listened with interest to the word of life. We think that the result of this meeting will be good. We enjoyed some sweet seasons of prayer and social meeting. From this place we scatter over the field to meet the wants of the cause. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Cornville, Me.
REPORT FROM BRO. SANBORN.
By I. Sanborn
AFTER returning from the General Conference, much refreshed by the good meetings there and the good rest I had at the Health Institute during the two weeks I spent there, I attended the Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference refreshed in mind and body. This was another good meeting. Many important decisions were made, and many important resolutions formed, which I hope to be able to carry out, by the grace of God assisting me, especially to humble myself under the hand of the Lord, that I may have more of his grace to help me in this time of great need; and I believe I shall have it.
I have just held a few meetings at Monroe and Avon. The church at Monroe is still seeking for greater attainments in the divine life, and I think they are improving. There also seems to be a growing interest among unbelievers to know more about these things. It will be well for the brethren and sisters to remember that much of the success of the cause among their neighbours depends upon their faithfulness in the practical living out of the truth before them, which they have promised the Lord they will do.
I also held three meetings with the church at Avon. This church has been much weakened by removals to other parts of the country, the land around Avon being very poor. The church at present only numbers about twenty members, and they are poor and very much scattered, therefore do not get to meeting as often as they ought in order to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth. Yet they are striving to be faithful.
Sister Preston from McHenry county, Ill., was at these meetings, also sister Osterheart from Davistown. These are among the lonely and tried ones who are still striving for the kingdom. We pray that they may be faithful to the end.
From Avon we came to Johnstown Center to attend the Quarterly Meeting. Here we met Bro. Matteson and H. C. Blanchard. We also expected Bro. R. F. Andrews, but were disappointed. We had a good meeting and some freedom in preaching the word. All our brethren and sisters who have taken hold of the subject of the Health Reform, and live it out, as well as they have understood it, are growing in grace and the knowledge of the truth; while those who hold back are becoming lukewarm and are therefore in danger. We hope that all such will yet wake up before the lukewarm are rejected of the Lord.
Bro. Matteson goes to Poy Sippi, Bro. Blanchard has gone to Mackford, and I go to Little Prairie next Sabbath to attend their Quarterly Meeting. On the 11th of July, I go to Albany, Green Co., Wis., to labor two or three weeks, or as long as the interest may demand. When I am through there, the Lord willing, I will go to Tafton, Grant Co. I intend to have but one appointment at a time, that I may not be called away from an interest to meet an appointment. I trust the Lord will direct.
I. SANBORN.
TWO MEALS A DAY.
By Henry F. Phelps
I HAVE for some time felt as though I would like to say a few words upon this branch of the Health Reform, and also give my experience in the matter. There is much prejudice against this, as well as other parts of the Reform, but honest people, those who are not such slaves to a perverted appetite, as to be unable to see anything in a clearer light, only need to be enlightened, to lose this prejudice, and be induced to take hold of these reforms, although unpopular, and live them out in such a way as to be an honor to the cause.
I am convinced that a few testimonies from those who have tried it, would have a great influence in inducing others to try it also. And after trying it faithfully, few would be willing to return to the old style again. If they should, it would merely happen to them according to the true proverb.
It is sneeringly said of us, that it is because we are tight, stingy &c.; but any individual has only to try the system a little, to put this argument—if indeed it may be called such,—forever out of their reach. I am satisfied that it is no saving of food to eat but two meals a day; for a person always has an appetite for each meal, and can eat it with a good relish; which is not always the case with those who eat three. It is a well known fact, that if man were to work continually, with scarcely any relaxation, his system would soon give way; disease or perhaps death would be the result. Just so it is with the stomach. By partaking of three meals a day, breakfasting at an early hour, and generally eating supper after the day’s work is completed, the stomach is crowded to overlabor, and as digestion goes on but slowly during sleep, it furnishes plenty of work for the stomach the most of the night, so that it gets but little rest.
This is the principal cause of so much poor appetite for the morning meal, and also the cause of so many restless and weary nights, disturbed by such frightful dreams; and we might say, and that truly, that it is the cause of a great many of those diseases about which we hear so many complaints. Were we to search the Bible for examples in this matter, we should find no example for three meals, breakfast never being named, only dinner and supper. We are informed by history that the Jews were in the habit of eating but two meals; the supper, which was the heaviest meal, was usually taken about noon, or sometimes after the heat of the day was passed; but in either case we see it must have been several hours before retiring to rest. This might be an objection to some, lest they should be called “Jews.” Well, what if we are called Jews? that does not make us so. And if the Jews were more physiological than we are, surely we should not be loath to reform, even though we might follow some of their customs.
But I was going to give my experience in regard to this two-meal-a-day arrangement. In the early part of the winter of 1865–6, (this I think is the best season of the year to begin with such a change,) I began to live upon two meals a day, resolved, if possible, to keep it up through the long days of summer. I found it possible, and have kept it up to this time, and have experienced no bad result. On the contrary, I think I am benefited by it. But if no other benefit could be derived from it, I should feel amply paid by seeing my companion find more time for reading and rest, and not making herself a perpetual slave to our appetites. This I take to be a great item. My labor has been hard work most of the time. I did, once in a while vary from the rule, and yield to a feeling which I concluded was a call for food, and take a bite at night, but always to my discomfort through the night, feeling restless, and being disturbed by dreams. This convinced me that this feeling was not a call for food but for rest, for by resting it would soon pass away, and my sleep would be quiet and sweet. But it may be thought strange by some, that one would be more disturbed by an occasional third meal, than by its continued use. To this I would say, it is because as we become obedient to the laws of our being, nature is more sensitive, and resents those insults which we offer much quicker than when we continually abuse her laws. Truly.
“Nature as a mistress, is gentle and holy.”
I cannot close without first giving my advice to all my brethren, that if they love their wives as we are commanded to do, they as soon as possible adopt the “Two-meals-a-day system;” for as the poet says: “This three meals a day is the curse of their lives.”
HENRY F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.
DOING GOOD
The roots of plants are hid under ground, so that they themselves are not seen; but they appear in their branches, flowers and fruit, which argue there is a root and life in them. Thus the graces of the Spirit planted in the soul, though themselves invisible, yet discover their being and life in the track of a Christian's life, his words, his actions, and the frame of his carriage.—Leighton.59
DOING GOOD.
A BROTHER who sent the Review to a friend, has received the following response, which for the encouragement of others, we take the liberty to lay before the reader:—
“DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER IN CHRIST: I write to thank you for sending the Review to my poor afflicted brother. He being blind, I have the pleasure of reading them to him; and as I live quite a distance from meeting, I find that the Review is indeed a welcome messenger to our home. My eyes have been opened to very many portions of scriptures, which before I saw the Review seemed dark and mysterious.
“At the age of fourteen, seventeen years ago, I sought and found the Lord; and I have ever tried to obey all the commandments; but I see as I examine my heart that I have come far short of doing the will of my heavenly Father; but I am resolved through grace to be at last one of that happy number that shall have come up through great tribulations and have had their robes washed in the blood of Christ.
“Though I am called to suffer deep afflictions, yet I can say in the midst of trials I am exceeding joyful, and hope to meet in the morning of the resurrection with dear departed friends, and unite my voice with theirs in ascribing glory and honor to God and the Lamb forever. I believe there will be a bright star in your crown of rejoicing for sending the Review to my brother. We lend them to others so that they too may see the precious truths that are found therein.”
MRS. A. S.
Princeton, Wis.
ANDERSONVILLE.
By T. L. Waters
BRO. SMITH: Permit me through the columns of the Review to correct a few inaccuracies in the article, in No. 21, vol. xxix, of Review, in regard to Andersonville. Having been a prisoner of war there ten months, and among the last who left it, I have a practical knowledge of the place.
1. It is not located in South Carolina, but in Georgia, 60 miles south of Macon, on the Atlanta and Albany R. R. It contained fifteen acres of ground, three or four of which were swamp, and was surrounded by a stockade of hewn timber twenty-five feet long, set five feet in the ground, thus leaving the stockade twenty feet high. A brook ran through this place or pen (I cannot call it an encampment). Above this pen, and on this brook, was the cook house, the filth of which was thrown into the stream. There were also camped above the cook house, three regiments of guards, the filth of which washed into the stream. Besides it was very small and entirely inadequate for the thousands crowded together there. The ground on one side was sandy, on the other hand, red clay, in which wells were dug from fifty to sixty feet, with little water, not with tin cups, but rebel spades furnished by the Quartermaster. On the sandy side, which was the side I stayed on, we had a number of wells from twelve to twenty feet deep, with plenty of soft water. These were, however, very dangerous on account of caving in, and as there was a great deal of scurvy, and no person would lend his cup to another to drink, and there being but few cups, the suffering for good water was great.
I was taken out to the hospital the last of July, sick with scurvy, and cannot say whether the spring Bro. Clarke speaks of broke out during the terrible storm of the 9th of Aug. or not. Suffice it to say the spring I found there on my return, between the dead line and stockade, having broken out of the solid clay where there was no more the appearance of water than in the middle of any dry road. A hogshead was set in the ground inside the dead line, further down the hill, and a spout conveyed the water from the spring to the same, while a policeman, with club in hand, guarded it and caused those who came there to fall in line and to await each his turn.
It is needless to add that we considered it something like the smiting of the rock spoken of in the Bible; and I have often as I slaked my thirst with it, thought of that incident, and of God's goodness and mercy to us poor miserable mortals.