The immediate causes of discontent are numberless. Some of those who seem to have all that earth can bestow—wealth, station, education, friends, and talent, are the least satisfied. Trifles disconcert them. A wet day, an ill-fitting garment, a broken engagement, a slight disappointment, are sufficient to destroy their peace of mind, and render them slaves to vexation and chagrin. The main cause of discontent, however, is always to be found within. It has its origin in selfishness. Directly we forget ourselves in our efforts for others, we strike at the very root of all discontent. The truly benevolent, loving man is seldom tormented by vain regrets at his own circumstances, and he who inwardly repines and chafes at his situation, and who is harrassed by the spirit of discontent, can in no surer way free himself from the chains that enslave him, than by turning his thoughts and energies to some good work for others. There are no blessings, however rich, that discontent will not convert into evils, and no trials, however severe, that serenity and virtue may not transform into blessings.
Straining at a Gnat.
“Ye pay tithe of mint, and anise, and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” Matt. 23: 23.
Two noted Greek pirates were once captured and condemned to death at Malta. It was observed that the beef and anchovies among the stores of a captured English ship had alone remained untouched. They were asked the cause of this singular procedure, and replied that it was the time of the great fast of their Church. They would not commit such a sin as tasting of fish or flesh. They were plundering and murdering men, women, and helpless children, but they would not transgress the canons of their church by eating meat upon a fast day. They looked to their strict observance of these things as a merit, for which God would grant them success in their infamous work.
A man came down from the hills to a Neapolitan priest to confess a sin which lay heavy upon his conscience. In the busy season of Lent, while engaged in making cheese, some of the whey had fallen upon his lips, and miserable man that he was, he had swallowed it.
“Free my distressed conscience,” he besought, “from its agonies by absolving me from my guilt.”
“Have you no other sins to confess?” asked the priest.
“No, I do not know that I have committed any other.”
“We often hear of robberies and murders committed in your mountains. Have you never been concerned in these?”
“Yes, but all of us do these things. We never account them as crimes needing confession and absolution.”
We may smile at such a type of conscientiousness, but if we search strictly our own hearts, may we not find there some similar “straining at a gnat,” which, with our greater light, is far more inexcusable? Are we not all tempted to think more of a strict outward observance of our religious duties, than of deep, inward, hourly communion with Jesus?
Obituary Notices.
By D. B. Welch
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Wellsville, Sept. 27, 1871, of consumption, sister Esther, wife of Bro. Daniel Oviatt, aged 48 years and 8 months. Sister Oviatt came into the truth in 1860, since which time she sustained a good, Christian character to the time of her death. She was formerly a S. D. Baptist. Sermon by Eld. A. H. Lewis, from Psalms 90, part of the 9th and the whole of the 10th verse.
D. B. WELCH.
Good Temper and Good Health
GOOD TEMPER is, with people, dependent upon good health, good health upon good digestion, good digestion upon wholesome, well-prepared food, eaten in peace and pleasantness. A person of sensitive physique may be nursed into settled hypochondria by living in close rooms, where the sweet, fresh air and sunshine are determinedly shut out, and the foul air as determinedly shut in.
Looking out for Slights.
THERE are some people always looking out for slights. They cannot pay a visit, they cannot receive a friend, they cannot carry on the daily intercourse of the family, without suspecting some offense is designed. They are as touchy as hair triggers. If they meet an acquaintance in the street who happens to be preoccupied with business, they attribute his abstraction to some motive personal to themselves, and take umbrage accordingly. They lay on others the fault of their own irritability. A fit of indigestion makes them see impertinence in everybody they come in contact with. Innocent persons, who never dreamed of giving offense, are astonished to find some unfortunate word, or some momentary taciturnity, mistaken for an insult.
To say the least, the habit is unfortunate. It is far wiser to take the more charitable view of our fellow-beings, and not suppose a slight intended, unless the neglect is open and direct. After all, too, life takes its hue, in a great degree, from the color of our own minds. If we are frank and generous, the world treats us kindly. If, on the contrary, we are suspicious, men learn to be cold and cautious to us. Let a person get the reputation of being touchy, and everybody is under more or less restraint; and in this way the chances of an imaginary offense are vastly increased. Young people who fire up easily, miss a deal of happiness. Their jaundiced tempers destroy their own comfort, as well as that of their friends. They have forever some fancied slight to brood over. The sunny serene contentment of less selfish dispositions never visits them.—Sel.
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RECEIPTS
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Review to the Poor.
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News From Around the World
Rome, Oct. 13. It is asserted that many congregations of Roman Catholic Orders are about to leave this city and go to England and America, where they propose to found convents.
A German mass-meeting in favor of the rightful observance of the Lord's day was held in Cleveland, O., September 7. It was large in numbers, and represented the better German population of the city. Resolutions of a very positive character were passed.
The grand jury in Salt Lake City have adjourned till Tuesday. There were exciting rumors on Saturday of high dignitaries of the Mormon church to be indicted. People at Salt Lake generally think there is a crisis. The Mormons laugh and keep their own counsel.
The Ku Klux prisoners in Raleigh, N. C., having been convicted of an assault, were sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000 each; and the others, to terms ranging from six months to five years, with fines in proportion. Five members of the Ku Klux confessed their guilt.
Four men have been arrested for committing Ku Klux outrages near Burnsville, Miss., last week. Other members of the gang are in jail at Corinth.
London, Oct. 10.—Later advices from Teheran show that Persia is still suffering from famine and pestilence. Formidable insurrections have broken out in various quarters. The government troops have been driven from Shiraz, the capital town, which is now held by the rebels.
Accounts from every part of the coasts of South Carolina report immense damage to the cotton and rice crops from the recent heavy rains and gales. Reports from the interior, on the other hand, represent cotton and corn to be suffering from the protracted drought.
Relating our misfortunes may not increase their size or number, but greatly increases their weight.
Receipt of Money for the Missouri and Kansas Tent.
By J. A. Rogers; J. H. Mallory
As THOSE who have paid on the tent would like to know whether their money has been received, we will report $164.75 paid up to the present date, Oct. 10, as follows:—J. M. Gallemore, $20.00, Wm. Evans, 25.00, H. Winters, 10.00, D. Brackett, 5.00, F. M. Davis, 5.00, C. R. Rice, 5.00, and 5.00 reported sent to Bro. White, D. Hildreth, 10.00, S. A. Ledsworth, 1.00, J. C. Rowland, 5.00, S. A. Snyder, 1.25, James Collins, 2.50, Samuel Leach, reported to have sent 1.00, not received, A. Hamilton and wife, 5.00, Jacob Yates and wife, 5.00, H. H. Elder, 5.00, S. E. Elder, 5.00, Wm. S. Lewis, 1.00, J. H. Lewis, 1.00, Frederick Rosseau, 5.00, J. F. Klostermyer, 3.00, B. F. and Harriet Hicks, 1.00, J. H. Cook, 5.00, Amos Vansyoc, 5.00, L. H. Hunting and son, 5.00, M. W. Kornes, 5.00, Bro. Rathbun, 2.00.
Of the amount pledged, there is $231.50 unpaid, making in all $396.25. Of course some of this we hardly expect to get, as is usually the case.
We have about enough to buy a tent, but let us act on Bro. Cook's suggestion and raise all we can, for we shall need it as a tent fund to carry forward the enterprise. It is true there is but little in the treasury; but if we all try, we shall have a tent and means to support it.
As we design buying between this and spring, let all remember who have not paid to raise their pledges in due time. It was thought best to let the large tent Bro. White sent us pass from our hands, as we could not raise the money this season to pay for it, and buy one not so large at less cost; for we can order one without stakes, irons, &c., and appropriate those of the old Iowa tent (as they donated them to us). By so doing we shall save some expense. We think that about a fifty-two feet tent is large enough for us.
J. A. ROGERS, Tent
J. H. MALLORY. Committee.
To Correspondents.
J. B. INGALLS: We understand the generation which “shall not pass away,” Matt. 24:34, to be that generation of men who live when the three great signs in the sun, moon and stars can be presented as fulfilled, and as signs of the great day. The shaking of the powers of heaven we understand to be the unprecedented commotion among the heavenly bodies that compose our solar system, which will take place in connection with the voice of God and appearing of Christ, as brought to view in Joel 3:14–16. U. S.
A CORRESPONDENT calls for an explanation of Micah 4: 3, with respect particularly to the question whether the language expresses what the “many nations” spoken of in the verse before shall say, or whether it describes what will actually exist in the eternal state. It seems to us that there is an objection to applying it to the eternal state, inasmuch as there will be no swords nor spears there to be worked over into pruning hooks and ploughshares. We therefore incline to the view usually taken among Adventists, that this chapter, down to the sixth verse is parallel with Isa. 2, and expresses what the people shall say in the last days. U. S.
Michigan Railroad Monthly.
By Uriah Smith
This is the title of a monthly magazine, issued by S. E. Rogers, Jackson, Mich. It contains 48 pages, and gives the latest railroad intelligence. What will make it of especial value to all Michigan readers is the fact that it gives the time table of every railroad in the State, corrected up to the date of publication. Those who have occasion to avail themselves of railroad facilities for travel or the transportation of goods will appreciate and support such a publication. The last number contains a railroad map of the lower peninsula of Michigan, showing that this State is fast acquiring a railroad system equal to that of any State in the Union. U. S.
Encouragement for the Good Work
By Uriah Smith
E. A. S. has thanks for a package of extracts for Review, and for the encouraging declaration, “My interest in this good work is not abating, but rather increasing.” We would that ten thousand S. D. Adventists were able to say from the heart the same thing. U. S.
English Bibles.
By Editor
We have on hand a good supply of English Bibles which we offer, post paid, at the following prices:
Some time ago, the money in full for the Illinois tent was receipted in the Review; and in the Appeal to the Brethren in Illinois in No. 17, it is stated that there are thirty dollars still due. The explanation is, that the appeal was written and sent to the Office some two weeks before the money was paid, but was not published till after the money was paid and acknowledged in the Review.
R. F. ANDREWS
A Storm of Fire.
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 15.—Later accounts from northern Wisconsin confirm all previous reports and rumors. The loss of life in the neighborhood of the burned district of Peshtigo will reach over 1,800, and 15 per cent of those injured cannot recover. The fire tornado was heard at a distance like the roaring of the sea. Balls of fire were soon observed to fall like meteors in different parts of the town, igniting whatever they touched. People rushed with their children in their arms for a place of safety, but the storm of fire was upon them, and enveloped them in flames, smoke, and cinders, and those unable to reach the river were suffocated and roasted alive. This terrible scene happened on Sunday night, the 8th of October, already made famous by the Chicago horror. A member of the Relief Committee, sent from Milwaukee with supplies, says the only survivors were those who were fortunate enough to reach the water, many throwing themselves into the mill pond and clinging to floating logs. A number of these were drowned by being thrown from logs by maddened horses and cattle that rushed into the water. The fiery cyclone swept over a tract of country eight or ten miles wide. Every building, fence, and all the timber, were licked up clean by the tongue of fire. The town of Peshtigo numbered 2,000 inhabitants, one-third of whom perished in that fearful night.
Reports from the east shore of Green Bay, places the loss of life full as high as at Peshtigo. The same account states that the immediate wants of the people are supplied, but large amounts of clothing and provisions will be required for the coming winter. Mayor Ludington, of Milwaukee, publishes the following appeal for aid:
“MILWAUKEE, Oct. 14.
“The calamities which have befallen our State, and some neighboring States, are truly appalling. Over 1,500 men, women, and children have been burned to death in Wisconsin alone. Their houses and farms are, to a large extent, entirely destroyed, the very soil having been burned, and all their autumn and root crops destroyed. They are utterly destitute, and will require full support at least until another season. Seven counties in our own State are thus in a great part utterly desolated. Whole regions of country in Western Michigan are in the same condition.”
The Michigan Sufferers—Proclamation by Governor Baldwin.
On Monday Gov. Baldwin issued the following proclamation:
DETROIT, Oct. 16, 1871.
To the People of Michigan:
While you have been occupied in the noble work of furnishing relief to the sorely afflicted people of the neighboring City of Chicago, large sections of our own State were being devastated by the same terrible scourge of fire.
Several counties have been almost entirely ruined; thriving cities, towns, and villages have been reduced to ashes; mills giving employment and support to hundreds of families, whole townships of valuable timber, dwellings, barns, crops, and property of every description have been totally destroyed. The destruction of both life and property has been appalling; thousands of our citizens have been rendered houseless and homeless, and are destitute of the absolute necessaries of life.
The calamity which has befallen our people, terrible as it would be at any time, is doubly so, at the commencement of the approaching inclement season of the year, and calls most earnestly upon every citizen of the State, who has escaped this sad disaster, to contribute promptly and liberally toward the relief of these, our suffering fellow-citizens.
While contributions for the afflicted people of Michigan have been, and probably will continue to be made from other States, such cannot be depended upon. Reliance must be placed mainly upon the people of our own commonwealth.
I therefore appeal to the people of Michigan to meet the emergency with a promptness and liberality measured only by the urgent necessities of the case.
In order that contributions may be distributed judiciously and wisely, it has been deemed best to appoint two “State Relief Committees,” one of these located in the city of Detroit, and composed of the following named persons:
C. M. Garrison, Chairman.
Charles Kellogg, Treasurer.
Wm. G. Thompson.
George McMillan.
The other in the city of Grand Rapids, composed of the following named persons:
Hon. Thomas D. Gilbert.
Hon. Wm. A. Howard.
Hon. N. L. Avery.
Hon. Henry Fralick.
Capt. Robert Collins.
It is requested that money, clothing, food or bedding be forwarded to one or the other of the committees, as may be most convenient to the donors. The State committees will appoint one or more persons in the several counties, to whom contributions from the townships may be sent, and by whom they will be transmitted to one of the State committees.
Let us remember “That it is more blessed to give than to receive.” HENRY P. BALDWIN.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Johnstown, Sabbath, Oct. 28.
Stephen Pierce.
Granville, Vt., the first Sabbath and first-day in Nov. We hope for a general turn-out of the friends in surrounding towns. It is expected the ordinance of baptism will be administered.
A. S. Hutchins.
Quarterly meeting of the Greenbush church, Nov. 11 and 12 at the Colony school-house, in Duplain, Clinton Co., Mich. All who are interested in the cause of present truth are invited to attend, especially those connected with the church. Come with a resolution to put away every sin, that good may be done. Will some messenger meet with us to help us on the way.
O. B. Sevy, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting of Seventh-day Adventists of Burlington, Newton, and Covert, at Burlington, Mich., the first Sabbath and first-day in November next. We hope there will be a general turn-out at these meetings. Eld. S. Pierce will be present.
C. Z. June, Clerk.
St. Charles, Oct. 28, 29.
Two days' meeting in Oakland, Nov. 4 and 5. The churches of Lapeer and Memphis are invited to attend. Come prepared to work for your children and neighbors.
R. J. Lawrence.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, &c.,
ISSUED BY THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
Hymn Book. This is a book of 320 pp. of Hymns, and 96 pp. of Music. In plain morocco, $1.00; in extra binding, $1.50.
Thoughts on the Revelation, critical and practical. By Uriah Smith. This is a work of 328 pp., of great value to the student of prophecy. $1.00.
History of the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week. By J. N. Andrews. 342 pp., $1.00.
Life Incidents, in connection with the great Advent Movement. By Eld. James White. 373 pp., $1.00.
The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. By Ellen G. White; 416 pp. Vol. II, will be ready soon. Each $1.00.
Autobiography of Eld. Joseph Bates, embracing a long life on shipboard, &c., with a brief account of the author's experience in the great Advent Movement of 1840–44, with author's portrait. 318 pp., $1.00.
How to Live; comprising a series of articles on Health, and how to preserve it, with various recipes for cooking healthful food, &c. 400 pp., $1.00.
Sabbath Readings; or Moral and Religious Reading for Youth and Children. 400 pp., 60 cts. The same in five pamphlets, 50 cts.
Appeal to Youth; Address at the Funeral of Henry N. White; also a brief narrative of his life, experience, and last sickness, with his mother's letters, &c. 96 pp., muslin, 40 cts. Paper covers, 10 cts.
The Game of Life Illustrated, with Explanatory Notes, and Introduction by Eld. James White. This is one of the most instructive and impressive little works ever published. It has three illustrations, 5x6 inches each, representing Satan playing with man for his soul; 1. The game in progress; 2. The game lost; 3. The game won. In board, 50 cts.; in paper, 30 cts.
The Advent Keepsake; comprising a text of Scripture for each day of the year, on the Second Advent, the Resurrection, &c. Muslin, 25 cts.; do., gilt, 40 cts.
A Solemn Appeal relative to Solitary Vice, and the Abuses and Excesses of the Marriage Relation. Edited by Eld. James White. Muslin, 50 cts.; paper, 30 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law; embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6000 years, and a refutation of the Sunday-seventh-day theories of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 30 cts.
Our Faith and Hope, No. 1. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. No. 2 will be ready soon. 20 cts. each.
The Atonement; an Examination of a Remedial System in the light of Nature and Revelation. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Bible from Heaven; or, a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity. 25 cts.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. By D. M. Canright. 25 cts.
Review of Objections to the Visions. 20 cts.
Discussion on the Sabbath Question, between Elds. Grant and Cornell. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels; and the Origin, History, and Destiny, of Satan. By D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
Which? Mortal or Immortal? an Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. By Uriah Smith. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Seventh Part of Time; a Sermon on the Sabbath Question. By W. H. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Truth Found; the Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
Review of Giffillan, and other authors, on the Sabbath. By T. B. Brown. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By J. W. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9; an Explanation of the Commandment to Restore and Build Jerusalem. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets; an Exposition of Rev. 8 and 9. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-Four; a full Exposition of the chapter. By James White. 10 cts.
Key to Prophetic Chart. The symbols of Daniel and John explained, and the periods determined. 10 cts.
The Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel's Message. By W. H. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
An Appeal to the Baptists, from the Seventh-day Baptists, for the Restoration of the Bible Sabbath. 5 cts.
Milton on the State of the Dead. 5 cts.
Three-Cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Millennium—The Law and the Gospel—The Seventh Part of Time—Much in Little—The Sin of Witchcraft—Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts—Celestial Railroad—Scripture References.
Two-Cent Tracts: The Sufferings of Christ—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Sabbath by Elihu—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Institution of the Sabbath—Popular Objections to the Resurrection of the Body—Positive Institutions.
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