From Oakland I went, Jan. 10, to Holly; and as I was somewhat wearied with constant labor, I had no meeting till the morning of Sabbath, Jan. 12. The few who had embraced the truth in Holly, with several of the brethren and sisters from Tyrone and Linden, attended the meeting. I gave two discourses in the day time of the Sabbath, on the subject of Bible order. In the evening, we met at the house of Bro. William Lockwood, to take some steps in our organization. It was decided that the most proper way to proceed, as Holly was as easy of access as any locality to members in the church, and, as the elder and several members of the Tyrone church were living in Holly, to change the name of the church from Tyrone to Holly, and then give those who were in the truth in Holly an opportunity to unite with the church. A resolution was accordingly passed by the church:
“Resolved, That we, the church of Tyrone, request the Michigan State Conference to allow us the privilege of changing our name to church of Holly.”
Eight members were voted into the church. All who had embraced the truth were not present at this meeting, as some were sick, and others detained in consequence. Others who have recently embraced the truth will undoubtedly unite with the church soon. Bro. Riley Rathbun was chosen and ordained deacon of the church. Systematic Benevolence was re-organized, and the figures were raised over $50.00. On first-day morning we had another business meeting, to complete the work of organizing the church. In the afternoon and evening I gave two discourses in the place, to some interested hearers; but as there had been quite a violent snow storm the night before, it was difficult for a great many to get out to the meeting. I remained in the place till Thursday afternoon, Jan. 17, attending to my writing. On the evening of the 16th, I attended a discourse of a Mr. Melligan on the subject of the immortality of the soul, as referred to by Bro. Cornell in Review No. 11. I will simply say that the speaker dealt quite largely in slurs, in his first discourse. He heard a man preach on this subject in Indiana once, who was so ignorant that he pronounced shew the same as shoe. Therefore he concluded that the believers in this doctrine were a set of ignoramuses, at any rate. Not so fast. They who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Wrong pronunciation is not always a sign of profound ignorance. But Mr. M. thought it a great pity that such “ignorant fools” had not some shame, &c. There was not much in his argument that was new, or very weighty. The man spoke the next evening on the Christian Sabbath. Meanwhile Bro. Cornell came, and as I had to leave to fill other appointments, I left with him the notes I had taken, and he was to attend the second discourse, and review them both, which he has already reported.
The few who have embraced the truth in Holly are mostly sisters, some of whom do not get much encouragement from their families; yet all seemed firm and desirous of pressing on with the body of God’s people. May the Lord prosper them in every effort to obey the truth.
Thursday, Jan. 17, I went by railroad from Holly to Ionia, where I met Bro. King, who carried me to his own home in Orleans. From Friday evening to first-day afternoon, I spoke five times in the Orleans meeting house, to brethren and sisters from Fair Plains, Orleans, Vergennes, &c. A goodly number of the neighbors came in, although there was a protracted meeting under way near by. There was good interest manifested to hear the truth, especially in the two discourses we gave on first-day on the Health Reform. The Lord gave us some freedom in trying to speak the truth. At the close of the meeting on first-day, Bro. Brink of Orleans was chosen and set apart to act as deacon of the Orleans church.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, Feb., 1867.
Movements in Iowa.
By D. T. Bourdeau
LAST Sabbath and first-day we held meetings with the church at Marion, pursuant to appointment, and enjoyed a good degree of strength and freedom in speaking on the national troubles that must soon come upon us, in harmony with the sure word of prophecy, on the state of preparation requisite to meet these troubles, and on our duty to the children.
We endeavored to show the state of our nation; that they had not learned the lessons God wished to have them learn from their past conflict; that there was no more genuine love and humanity shown to the colored race by the southern people, than there was before the war; that the people of our nation had not humbled themselves under the late scourge of the Almighty; that they had only acted like children, who, when overtaken in a fault and corrected for it, by their parents, act as though they were sorry, and promise to do better, not because they have genuinely repented, but because they want to escape the punishment which they are receiving. This has been proved by the sins and pride of this nation since God has, for the time being, partly withdrawn his afflicting hand from them. The United States never were as proud as they now are; and from the word of the Lord we may expect that they will yet be humbled in the dust; though they boast of their prospects of future aggrandizement and prosperity, saying that they will see no sorrow. If we understand the word of the Lord, others will reward unto them double; and we expect foreign intervention, not very far hence, in addition to our own internal troubles. There is great danger of God's people overlooking these solemn truths. Are we preparing for these evils? Do we realize the magnitude of these calamities—how they will necessarily bring us into most trying circumstances, try our faith, and shake all that can be shaken? Do we realize that we shall yet be called upon to take up arms in defense of this country? Are we preparing our children and youth to meet these trials?
At the close of our discourse on our duty to the children, we read important extracts from Testimonies to the church on this subject, which were highly appreciated, as the many hearty confessions which followed evinced. Some confessed that they had not read the testimonies to the church as much as they should, and said that they would read them more.
On first-day we dwelt on the power and benefits of living faith, showing that faith is strengthened as well as made perfect by works; that if we would believe more we should act more in accordance with the faith we already have; that faith follows the channel of revealed truth; that consequently we manifest more genuine faith by professing that we have reached the termination of all prophetic periods, and the latter part of the last generation, and by living accordingly in coming up to all those practical truths adapted to prepare a people for Christ’s coming, including the truths pertaining to the Health Reform, than we should if we were bent to have the Lord come on time, when there is no prophetic period reaching to Christ’s coming, and yet overlooked the real work of preparation to meet the Saviour in peace, and the truths relating thereto. We also showed that it is by faith, which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, that the promises of God’s word are made near and precious to us.
At the close of our remarks we refreshed the minds of our brethren on the Health Reform, and our present duty with reference to enlarging our buildings and increasing our accommodations at the Health Institute, showing that our design was not to draw out means from those who were not in circumstances to give, yet the burden of lifting in this noble enterprise did not simply rest upon the wealthy; but that inasmuch as this work was a part of the message, and benefitted all, it was general in its nature, and solicited aid even from those who were in moderate circumstances, and from enterprising young men among us, who could take at least one share; promising a reasonable dividend to the shareholders, and a special reward in the world to come for having helped in forwarding the glorious cause of the last message of mercy. The result of this effort was, that fourteen took stock in the Health Institute, amounting in all to $400, payable within one year, and within six months if possible. This speaks well for the faith of brethren in poor or moderate circumstances, living near the heart of the rebellion. We expect that other churches will come up accordingly as we pass through the State. Brethren shall our expectations be realized? Will Iowa come up nobly in this good work also?
Tuesday, the 12th, we came to Iowa City and spoke to the few in that place from these words: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke xii, 32. Wednesday morning as we awoke, we discovered that nearly all the snow had left us, and that it would not be safe to fill our appointment at Palestine. We therefore started for Pilot Grove, as this would bring us nearer the place of our next meeting; but when we reached Man’s Creek, we found it very high, covering half a mile in width; and we could go no further. And after traveling about five miles we stopped at Bro. E. Green’s, in Union, where we have been for three days. We are about to leave, hoping that our agreeable stay with Bro. and sister Green have not been in vain.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Union, Iowa, Feb. 15, 1867.
Report of Meetings in Licking Co., Ohio.
By I. D. VAN HORN
BRO. LAWRENCE commenced meetings at the little town of Appleton, Wednesday, Dec. 26th, for the purpose of giving a full course of lectures. I joined him about three weeks afterward. Bro. Crous, who lives here, gave us a hearty welcome to his hospitable home while we were engaged in the meeting. He had previously made arrangements with the trustees and the resident minister of the Christian denomination for the use of their house of worship, which they cheerfully granted to us. Bro. Crous offered to hire the house of them for two months, but they said, “No, you can have it free as long as you want it except at the time of our regular appointments.” Under these considerations Bro. L. commenced opening the light of present truth to the people. He had not gone far when the interest to hear the word of life began to manifest itself, and the shepherds of their respective flocks began to fear lest some of them should stray from their folds and accept the truth. They went about warning the people of their danger, as they supposed, if they continued to attend the meeting. Their work in this way was not effectual enough, so they repented of their liberal offer to us in the beginning and put in an appointment for a protracted meeting ahead of us. Their meeting continued for a week and then closed for want of help to carry it on. This showed that their effort was only a design, as most of the people believe, to shut us out140of their house. We are more than ever convinced that, in these last days, it is unsafe to put confidence in what men say even though they make a profession of religion. After their house was closed against us, we went to a school house some two miles away where we continued our meetings, but the interest was very much reduced on the account of its being inconvenient for the most of our former congregation to attend. Soon after we moved to the school house, Bro. Lawrence received news that his wife was very sick, and he started immediately for home. I tried to carry on the meeting as best I could up to the 10th inst. Some eight or ten have taken hold of the truth, and there are others much interested. With Bro. Crous, who is a tried friend of the cause, to lead them, I feel assured that there will be some that will remain firm. I shall visit them again before leaving the State, if the Lord wills, when I hope to help them on further in the truth. They took quite freely of our publications, which shows they have a mind to investigate, which if they will do, their minds will become enlightened in the word of truth as they have never experienced before. Dear friends in Appleton, you who have become interested in the things you have heard, still continue to seek for light and truth, that you may see your duty clear, and that by doing the same you may be saved. Do not think the road to the heavenly city is all the way strown with flowers. You will have many difficulties to encounter, but through the grace of God you can overcome. Live just as well as you can every day, and continue to ask God to make you better. May his blessing rest upon you all.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Mansfield, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1867.
A Confession.
By John Norton Loughborough
PAUL in writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, says: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear unto all.” 1 Tim. iv, 14, 15. Timothy had been set apart to the most solemn work of acting as an ambassador for Christ,—to speak to the nations of the earth in behalf of the Kingdom of the Son of God. It was a work which could not be carelessly done, or done at the halves, therefore he says, “Give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear unto all.” As much as to say, This work is of such character that it will not admit of a dividing of the interests and efforts. Time is needed to study the truth of God, and to study the condition of the hearers, so that the truth may be applied to them to fit their condition, and applied in such a manner that it may rouse them to a sense of their condition, and may accomplish a work for them which will make the profiting of the minister appear unto all. Not that they will praise the minister, but they will see and know, that he is devoted to the work and properly selects and adapts his subjects to the wants of the congregation; as Paul expressed in his second letter to Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. ii, 15.
The minister of Christ needs, constantly, to have a realizing sense that he is acting as an ambassador for the God of Heaven. That the closest application is necessary on his part, that the work be not marred in his hands. The same injunction, in different words was made to the priests who served in the sanctuary of the past dispensation. In order that they might be faithful and preserve in their mind a constant sense of the sacredness of the work, it was required of them to have no inheritance among the children of Israel.—“And the Lord spake unto Aaron, thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thy inheritance among the children of Israel. And behold I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Num. xviii, 20, 21.
While meditating upon the scriptures, of late, I have been led to ask myself the question, Can ministers of Christ, in these last days, when Satan’s power is so great, and there is so much need of wisdom and energy to bring the truth to bear upon the minds of God’s people in an effective manner, tangle themselves with the affairs of this life, and be faithful to Him who has called them to be soldiers? I have also read with great interest the Testimony of Sr. White in No. 11, on the subject of the ministry, and I can speak from experience concerning some things there mentioned. I speak not as an innocent one; for I verily am guilty of some of the things there mentioned. I regret that I have not given myself more fully to the work of the message. I thought I had a good reason for engaging in peddling to some extent. I thought I would not have my brethren called upon again to help me to means, but, would help myself to make my home more healthy and convenient. I thought I would sell useful articles to my able brethren as I went from place to place, to attend meetings. Sometimes I have exposed them for sale at the place of meeting. My excuses for this course do not justify it. My course was wrong. I will transgress no more upon this point. It is my duty to labor wholly in the cause of God, and God has ordained that those who preach the gospel, should live of the gospel.
I would say to my brethren in New York, that I deeply regret that I carried any merchandise with me to your Conferences. To you, and all my brethren, in other places where I have carried merchandise I would say, Forgive me for this digression from the work. I will try to redeem the past by more devotion and consecration to the work in the future. I did not realize how much these things were dividing my mind, till since I have abandoned the traffic. I am now determined to throw my whole energies into this cause as never before. God has blessed me since coming to this conclusion. May he help me ever to be faithful as an ambassador in this last solemn work.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
—The distress in New Foundland, caused by the failure of the fisheries and the potato crop, is increased by the prevalence of a bad form of the scarlet fever, which is sweeping off whole families in some places, and very sad stories are told of the scenes of suffering and want witnessed on every hand.
South America. The war of Brazil against Paraguay has been recommenced with spirit. The Brazilian fleet has bombarded Curupaity, and then sailed northward to attack the strongest of the Paraguayan fortresses, Humaita.
France. The speech of the French Emperor, deserves attention as an unmistakable proof of the decline of the Empire. Instead of vainglorification as in former speeches, we, this year, find complaints and efforts to explain away undeniable disasters. The discontent with the new army bill throughout France, augurs to the Empire for the coming year at least as great a want of success as during the year preceding.
Great Fall of Meteorites.—It is reported that a remarkable fall of meteoric rocks and stones, from a perfectly serene sky, took place at Kniahynia, Hungary, between four and five o'clock, p. m., on the 9th of June, 1866. With a detonation like that of a hundred cannon, a gray cloud-like body passed in view, seeming enveloped in smoke, but not luminous; and within two or three minutes a noise like the rattling fall of a multitude of stones was heard, continuing (its echoes doubtless included) ten or fifteen minutes. About sixty of the smaller stones were picked up quite hot. The largest, weighing 550 lbs., was broken in two by the shock, and buried itself eleven feet in the earth. Eye witnesses twelve miles to the west of the place (between the phenomenon and the sun) describe the meteor as of a luminous yellow and orange, followed by a train of a blue tint.—Scientific American.
Europe.—“The boundless preparations that are going on from one end of Europe to the other are proving a heavy burden to all shoulders and pockets. But these preparations are one of the great characteristics of the new year. On the New-Year's Day of 1866 Europe presented the appearance of a peaceful workshop; but on the New-Year's Day of 1867 it looks for all the world like a vast arsenal. When the year comes to an end, Europe will be nothing but one immense system of barracks; and the citizens will no more have a home, but military quarters. A year ago disarmament was the universal talk, and philanthropists were dreaming of a universal peace. What will they be dreaming about a year from now? Europe is arming itself as if a new Mogul host stood on its frontiers. This arming is not like that of the Great Republic, which, in a single night, converted the sword and the other implements of war into peaceful machines and the plough and the spade.”—Allgemeine Zeitung.141
Prussia.—The commercial marine of Prussia, which one year ago consisted of 1,665 vessels, now numbers 10,202 ships. The tonnage of France is 985,535, while Prussia boasts some 1,293,138 tons; thus it will be seen that, in Europe, Prussia is the second commercial power.
Meetings in the Western District, Mich.
By Joseph Bates
My last report was from Matherton, Ionia Co., where I had been taken by Bro. Kellogg from the railroad station. Here on the 15th and 16th of January I held three profitable meetings, two of them in the district school-house, with good attention. Since the leading brethren of North Plains changed their location, their meetings have been held in Matherton where the elder and a part of the church reside.
Bro. N. S. Brigham and F. Howe were with us, and with them I came to Orange, some fourteen miles. Here from the 17th to the 21st we held seven interesting meetings, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. Some of the leading brethren here are deeply interested in the Health Reform, and are striving to be overcomers.
Bro. F. Howe took me seven miles to Ionia, from thence by railroad I came to Lowell, where I found Bro. E. Vandensen waiting to convey me to his home and place of our meeting. Here we held two good meetings with the friends on the 23d instant. Bro. Kenaday took us to his home, and from thence on the 24th, some ten miles further, to Greenville, Montcalm Co. Here we had the pleasure of meeting Bro. Loughborough from Cato on his way to Wright. After visiting some of the brethren and sisters here, we commenced our meetings on the Sabbath, Jan. 26, in Fair Plains. Owing to the violent snow storm, the brethren from Bushnell and Orleans did not come. I held five good meetings with the church Sabbath and first-day, and was strengthened and encouraged in attending to the ordinances. From thence Bro J. Wilson brought Bro. Philip Strong and myself to Bushnell. Here we held a good meeting on Health Reform, also one the next evening. The church is not yet organized, but we hope they will be, and grow stronger and stronger in the whole truth. Bro. Tyler took me from thence to Orleans. Here I had the pleasure of meeting with Bro. and sister White who came some nine miles, to join in the Orleans meeting of Feb. 2, 3. On Sabbath morning Bro. White gave us a solemn and stirring discourse on robbing God, from Malachi. Sister W. followed him, and in the afternoon gave an interesting discourse to an attentive audience, on Health Reform. Sunday morning they came again, when Bro. White gave us another interesting discourse on meats and drinks, dress and Health Reform. Sister White occupied the afternoon in a pressing discourse on Health and dress reform. The people seemed much interested to hear the preaching.
During our series of meetings, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and were blessed of the Lord. Bro. and sister White rode a distance of nine miles each way on both days of our meeting. His countenance indicates an improving state of health, and we are glad to state that he is gaining in health and strength. The Lord continue to bless and strengthen him is our prayer.
Bro. P. Strong was with us also. From thence he started for Montcalm Center, to commence a course of lectures in that place.
JOSEPH BATES.
Bowne, Feb. 13, 1867.
There remaineth a rest.
District Labor in Mich.
By John Byington
I WROTE last from Tompkins. The next evening I met with the church at Bunker Hill. It was very cold and but few at the meeting. Bro. A. Richmond accompanied us from this place to Genoa, where, on Sabbath and first-day, the 19th and 20th, we had four meetings and the ordinances. The number is not large here. It was the first time we ever met with them; and we felt well paid for riding some eighty miles in the cold with our own team to this place. The Holy Spirit rested upon us. Bro. and sister Carpenter are trying to have their house and family and all for the Lord. They went with us to Milford, where we had two meetings. Here some had moved away, and the few left were somewhat discouraged. Brethren should keep up their meetings on the Sabbath though their number is small. They agreed to hold Monthly Meetings with brethren in Genoa.
The 26th and 27th we were at Tyrone. Had two meetings. It was the severest storm we have had this winter. But few could get to meeting. On our way from this place to Locke we called on a friendly family of United Brethren to warm. After calling, we were soon asked if we would smoke, and then a rich dish of pork was soon preparing for dinner. But as it was not our dinner time, we went along. It made us think how it was once with ourselves. The 29th and 30th we had two meetings in Locke.
Feb. 2nd and 3d we had three meetings in Windsor. Brethren were here from Charlotte and Oneida, and I trust good was done.
According to appointment a goodly number from Convis and Burlington met with the church in Newton for Monthly Meeting, Feb. 9. Bro. Waggoner was with us and preached from Eph. ii, 5: "By grace ye are saved." Perhaps it was new to some that to attend in a right and proper manner to Health Reform will be a means of great grace to the people of God. The subject was made quite plain, and I trust much good was done.
The next Monthly Meeting for Calhoun Co. will be held at Convis the second Sabbath in March.
J. BYINGTON.
Newton, Feb. 1867.
The Devil’s Golden Chains
The chains with which the devil binds and holds many of his subjects are made of gold.
Religious Gambling and Church Fairs.
Every sort of device is employed these days to delude people with the hope that they may obtain that for which they give no adequate equivalent. Lotteries, gift books, gift concerts, art unions, and a host of other “gift enterprises,” hold out their seductive inducements on every side. Every kind of benevolent undertaking, with some honorable exceptions, must have its raffle to dispose of some article to somebody, for a hundredth part of its value, for the benefit of something or somebody. And, provided only that the object be a good one, it is no matter if a taste for gambling be implanted in the minds of fifty young men who shall afterward turn harpies and make mankind their prey.
There are a few old-fashion people in the world who are sorry to see the church degrade herself to receive the spoils of this sort of gain. How often have the hearts of the pious been pained at the account of a large sum of money raised at a church fair by means of a raffle. And how many good people are kept aloof from all these expedients to raise money because the gambling leprosy has tainted them.
How is it possible for a rector of a church to stand up on the Lord’s day and rebuke sin, when he receives for his hire the wages of sin, or some ornament or decoration of his church, in full view of his congregation, is purchased with the reward of unrighteousness?
Is it not the most natural thing in the world for young men to go away from the pious gambling at a church fair, and take part in the impious gambling in one of the “hells?” And is it any wonder that his moral sense becomes befogged in endeavoring to draw the distinction between an innocent raffle for a ladies’ patched quilt, and standing up square at a faro table and “fighting the tiger?”
The Legislatures of nearly every State in the Union have exhausted their wisdom in devising laws to check this evil, whilst the churches have been devising schemes to evade the law, and foster it, so that we have the strange spectacle of the civil legislation of the country arrayed on one side of a great evil to check it, and the churches, many of them, arrayed on the other to promote it.
This may be thought strong language, but it can scarcely be thought untrue. We consider it time that something be done to call the serious attention of Christians to this important subject. And as, in order to prescribe a proper remedy, it is always necessary to make a diagnosis first, so in this case we would look for the cause with a view to seeking a cure.
The cause of this, we apprehend, springs from wrong views of Christian duty as to giving.
Giving is a religious duty, and should be performed as an act of solemn worship to Almighty God—the worshiper laying on God’s altar according as God hath prospered him. Did any one ever hear of a church where the people gave according to their ability, that had to resort to church fairs? The fairs are all wrong, even when conducted on honorable principles, for the reason that they discredit giving as a religious duty.
They are also unwise as a financial measure. Nothing is surer than that in the long run, less money is raised in this way than by direct giving. For, in the first place, the habit of giving is destroyed; in the second, the religious obligation to give is weakened; and in the third place, men will say—when money is wanted for any purpose—Oh, let the ladies get up a fair, and they will get it out of the community in general, without any body in particular giving very much. So that in point of worldly wisdom, even, without considering religious duty at all, it is plain to be seen that it is unwise and an evil.
The remedy we would propose is this: Never use for religious purposes, money obtained by any one of these countless devices. Let the plain, Bible duty of giving be insisted on. Let it be proclaimed from the pulpit, insisted on by church officers, inculcated by heads of families. Under the darkness of the Mosaic dispensation, one-tenth of income was solemnly set apart for religious purposes. Surely, under the greater light of the gospel, a joyful obedience would not stop at the bare boundary of a legal demand. Duty demands one-tenth. Christian love and liberality know no bound but inability. But it may be replied to this, we are already giving all that we are able, and yet we must have more.
In reply to this we have to say, we don’t believe it, and neither do you; but even if it were true, it does not follow that you ought to resort to any of these make-shifts. No, having given all that an enlightened conscience and a glowing heart prompt, trust God for the remainder, and if you ought to have it, it will come. The just shall live by faith.
H. S. GURNEY
By H. S. Gurney
From Bro. Gurney.
BRO. SMITH: And still we strive to live. If it was to live in this mortal state, our courage would fail, for all is vanity and vexation. But we strive for life eternal, which bears an exceeding and eternal weight in our minds, and causes us to rejoice much, when we by faith look into the holy city prepared above, and there see Jesus, who has, as a man, in this dark world, overcome, and is seated at the right hand of God. Shall we see him there, and behold and admire the preparation of mansions to receive his people, who are to be the guests at the marriage supper? Glorious thought indeed! But to find it so at last, will be still more glorious. Descriptions of the immortal state will be as real as were the events recorded in the history of Christ's earthly mission.
We, as a people, are acting an important part in the history of this world. We are acting before the world one of the circumstantial evidences of Christ's second coming. No less so are the opposers of the truths we advocate. The glory will come to the faithful advocate of truth who takes the position which condemns the world, and secures the life to come. The road to life being straight and narrow, we should seek it with the greatest care and concern. No turning and twisting to shun crosses or evade duties in the religious course; but with a resolute and firm step move on, determined to conquer or die at our post. Such will get the prize. But many start with a half determination, always shirking from duty, never ready for any forward move, never feeling that any particular responsibility is required of them. Such must find themselves, sooner or later, in a sad state. No firm hold upon the things that belong to godliness, their hope so small it can hardly be seen or even felt. Not so with him who will not be satisfied without the vital spark of eternal life burning in his heart. He will not rest on a ray of hope; he must have a hope that is big with immortality and eternal life, or you will find him in distress and anxiety for his safety. There is too much at risk to be careless in these matters, or “at ease in Zion.”
I have not found any middle ground in religious matters, unless it be the imperceptible condition of the Laodicean state. I have not learned any other way than to walk square up to all the light that strikes upon my path. More than twenty years ago, by a thorough examination of the testimonies of sister White, so far as then revealed, her Christian character and all the circumstances connected, I became well convinced that her visions were of God. And all the weapons of warfare in their various forms, from that time to this, have never in the least changed my mind. It was evidence which I could not resist that convinced me that they were of God, therefore I knew that the whole crusade against them was from the Devil. This position gives a perfect confidence in the third angel's message. There is no possible room to doubt. Hence we say, The Lord is soon coming. He is at the door; therefore get ready. Drink into all the reform movements, and be prepared for the time of trouble such as never was, and, having passed through it, you may be a sharer in the kingdom of God.
“Oh! that will be joyful,
when we meet to part no more.”
H. S. GURNEY
Memphis, Mich.
Testimonies on Conversion and Health Reform
Bro. B. F. Bradbury writes from Green Lake Co., Wis.: It has been some over two years since I commenced to keep the commandments of God, and I can say that my heart now beats in unison with God's remnant people that are keeping his commandments and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. I often feel my unworthiness and wonder that the Lord has been so good as to call after me; but since he has shown me the right path, I am determined, through his assisting grace, and the prayers of his dear children, which I hope to have, to walk in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. How important it is that we examine our hearts in these perilous times, to see whether we are in the faith.
I feel thankful for the light that is being given on the Health Question. I believe it is timely. There seems to be a great work to do in this direction to prepare a people for the coming of the Saviour. I believe the Lord has a hand in this work. I feel the importance of living out these great principles, that I may not be cut down by the destroying angel.
May the Lord help us all to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.
Sister J. McDowell writes from Hebron: We are alone in this place, and the people look upon us as being very peculiar; but we are trying to let our light shine by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and we want to live in such a way that when Christ comes we shall be found without spot and blameless.
Sister M. H. Collins writes from Dartmouth, Mass.: The harvest is great, but the laborers are few, and many need to hear the word preached, to strengthen, confirm, and encourage them to press their way through the deep waters of affliction and trial that are in these times of peril and danger, when every evil that the enemy can devise is abroad in the land to draw away from the truth and to deceive, if possible, the very elect. But there is One that is strong, and in His strength his people can prevail. His promises are sure. It is blessed to know these things, and more so to do and obey all the requirements of Him who has thus promised that at last we may inherit the reward offered by Him who said, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Sister E. J. Eastman writes from Poy Sippi, Wis.: I feel to praise the Lord for the light which has come forth on the subject of correct living. I would not be induced to return to my former habits again. I enjoy such health as I never did in my life before. When I compare my present health with what it was ten years142since, I feel that I have the greatest of reasons to praise God. Then I was brought to the borders of the grave with consumption, but the Lord raised me up in answer to prayer; and as I have endeavored to follow his teachings he has blessed me more than all my anticipations. I can now look forward with bright expectation of living to see my dear Saviour who has done so much for me, coming in the clouds of heaven, to gather his elect from one end of heaven to the other, and to awake those that are sleeping in the dust of the earth. Then I expect to behold those dear ones that are asleep in Jesus, raised to immortality and eternal life, and “we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” and caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Oh! blessed hope! Oh! cheering thought! as we are called to lay our friends away in the cold and silent grave, that those loved ones shall be brought again from the land of the enemy.
Amid the trials and cares of this life my heart is cheered with the thought that we are not always to live where so much iniquity abounds. Truly we are living in perilous times, and I have great fears for the children of this generation. May they be kept from the tempter's cruel power.
The Lord is merciful to us and has verified his promise to us in this place. He has heard the prayers and cries of his people, and has revived his work among us. I never saw the work of God prosper and his power manifested as it has been here for a few weeks past. Truly the Lord is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God.
Sister D. B. Welch writes from Portageville, N. Y.: Myself and companion are still trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Review is the only preaching we have. It comforts and cheers us lonely ones. I never have heard a Sabbath-keeper preach, and have not yet even seen one. I believe there are many that would embrace the truth if some brother could hold some meetings in this section. I was willingly blind for some time, but now I am striving to overcome and gain the everlasting kingdom.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.