Earlier text: The Coming of Christ—No. 7Moving to Battle Creek.
By George I. Butler
I HAVE just returned from an exercise to-day which has been of great interest to me, and which I trust will, in the providence of God, be the beginning of an important work among us. I refer to the lectures of Bro. Smith to the school on Bible subjects. It is expected he will lecture twice a week through this term to those forming the class. This now numbers twenty-four, and no doubt will increase. The school itself has upon its roll this term fifty-five names. It commenced last term with twelve. No appeal has been made to bring in our young people. On the contrary, many things have been said to discourage them from coming. And this has been necessary, from the fact that the state of things in Battle Creek has been such that it has not been safe to bring large numbers of young people here. But the fact that there has been such an increase in spite of these adverse circumstances, and the fact that many of our young people could and should attend such a school and these important lectures, which are designed to give them the instruction they need on the important truths for this time, but for the lack of men here at the heart of the work to care for its interests, shows how important it is that this lack should be supplied. I am astonished of late to see how the providence of God is opening the way before us, and how we as a people lag behind it. There is nothing in the world to hinder our having a large school, with even hundreds of pupils, but the fact that the right men are not here to guard it, to watch over its interests, and have an earnest watchcare for the ones who attend it. But without this, our young people better stay under their own home influences. Eternal salvation is the thing of the greatest importance. If there is any danger of this being put in jeopardy by coming under influences which lead in the wrong direction, or from lack of those leading in the right direction, we better never have a school. What we want is, earnest, faithful men and women who fear God and love his truth, who have judgment and discernment to see danger before it has enveloped its victims and destroyed their souls, who have love of precious souls for whom Christ died, to that extent that it will seem more important to them to guard and watch over young people who come here than to save dollars and cents a thousand-fold, and who will have courage and faithfulness to stand stiffly against wrong, let it come from any quarter. We are in crying need of such men and women at the heart of this work. Our institutions must be surrounded by such men. When such influences control here in Battle Creek, then it will be safe to have a large school established here, and not before. I honor Bro. White for raising his voice in this matter. He is a true friend of the cause to whom we look for counsel in these things. I believe, with him, that these influences have not been controlling here thus far. And I firmly believe that the only thing that will save our institutions from removal is the creation of such a state of things in this place. Our brethren throughout the field may just as well understand that this crisis must be met. We trust our brethren will realize that this is their cause. It don't belong to Bro. White or a few men whom you have put into office for a time, merely. It belongs to every believer of this precious truth throughout the field. And we want all to realize it. We cannot let this thing linger along much longer in the way it has for the last few years without meeting the frown of God. The Lord has spoken to us on this point. Common sense itself would teach us, if we will let it, that we must have quite a number of God-fearing, substantial, sound-headed, discerning men here where our most important institutions are planted, to care especially for their interests. Most important enterprises, which are all ready to move off with great benefit to the cause and which would result in giving it a special impetus, are stopped simply because this great want is not met. It may be asked, What is the General Conference Committee doing to meet this want? I will reply that we have been presenting this matter before our State Conferences during the past season, at least before some of them. We have called upon them to act in the premises and select such men as had the proper qualifications. Who are qualified to select as well as those who have from long acquaintance known the persons in different parts of the field? We have called upon them solemnly to do so, willing of course to give them the best counsel we could to help them. In a few instances selections have been made upon the spot. When the case seemed clear to the Conference, the persons were at once chosen. In other cases, it was referred to the State Committee to do this, nearly all present expressing a willingness to go at the call of the committee if selected. Here it seems we have gone about as far as we can in these cases. The great difficulty now seems to be to start the ones who have been selected, and to have these State Conferences select the proper men where it has been left to them. For my part, I feel that there is just as great a responsibility resting upon those who have been selected to move to Battle Creek, either by the open Conference or by the committee acting by their authority, as if they had been selected to fill the office of president or treasurer. What would be thought of men who were chosen to offices in the Conference if they should refuse to act, or should not proceed to act when important work was to be done? Unless they had some most important reason, we could not justify their conduct. We must accept the principle that when we are needed in the cause, our own wishes and business must be made secondary to that of the cause of God, or else we virtually take the position that our business is of more importance than God's work. When our people come together in Conference and in the fear of God select men for any charge, it must be regarded as an important indication of duty. So we call upon our brethren, whether selected by the Conference or its committee, to act promptly in this matter. And where Conferences have not made choice of any one yet, we call upon their State committees to act at once, and take this matter in hand. Counsel and pray over it. The General Conference Committee will be very glad to counsel with you in regard to this matter. Look over your States for the proper persons and let us begin to act as if we meant business. Twenty families are called for. Bro. White is away, feeling much discouraged that we do not take hold of this matter. Important interests are suffering, and have been a long time because of this very lack. Our school is not one quarter what it ought to be, and might be, if we had the right men here. We cannot call on our people to furnish means to put up proper buildings for its occupancy. Our young people are suffering for the lack of that instruction they might obtain in such a school. Bro. Smith has commenced lectures which scores should hear where one does now, if we only had the proper influences here. We must make room for the work of God to move forward by supplying this crying want. Shall we act in the matter? Will those who have been chosen come forward at the call? Will these Conference Committees begin to bestir themselves? These are questions of pressing importance. Our people will soon see that something must be done, and that we are altogether too slow in these things. May God help us to do our duty at the right moment. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. Gen. Conf. Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 11, 1872. To the Licentiates of the Michigan Conference. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16 DEAR BRETHREN: The burden and responsibility you have taken upon yourselves by, and with, the consent and counsel of your brethren are by no means light. It is of the utmost importance that a clear understanding be had of the length and breadth, the height and depth of the work and labor of a Christian minister. Its trials are more severe, its duties more pressing and perplexing, its temptations more varied and irresistible, than those of any other calling that may be followed. As proof of this, reference only need be made to the experience of all the most ardently zealous and true Christian workers who have already acted their part in the noble work of leading perishing souls to Christ. It is doubtless the earnest desire of all who have accepted the call to the ministry, not only to please God (this should indeed be the primary object), but also to prove their service acceptable to men; and, as we can show by our love to our fellow-men how much we love God, so may it be known, in a degree at least, by the effectiveness of preaching, how much it is pleasing to Him in whose name labor is bestowed. It is too much to expect that all who, by some means, obtain a license to improve their gift in publicly presenting the third angel’s message, and kindred truths, should make that work a success. Men in this, as well as other branches of labor, may mistake their calling, and those who have urged upon individuals their seemingly particular responsibility may not have weighed the matter as carefully as they ought. But, should this be the case, there is no need that a great length of time should elapse before the calling of each could be effectually proved. This assertion is therefore made and believed to be true, that there is no man who has a conscience void of offense toward God and man (and none other ought to apply), surrounding circumstances not being particularly against him, that cannot in one year make full proof of his ministry. It is the desire of the Conference to know the real worth of every minister, who, under God, is in its employ. If there are time servers among us, or those who engage in this work merely as a means of gaining a livelihood, there should be some means by which it may be known. If there are others who, though they have tried to labor, yet have accomplished nothing, after repeated effort and long forbearance on the part of brethren, it is certainly evident that the energies of such should be turned in a different channel. It is now proposed, as a means by which such knowledge may be obtained, to issue blanks which will be furnished to every minister to be filled by themselves, as to the time of commencement of labor, the place where bestowed, the aggregate of time spent in such labor and the results that followed; and if nothing is accomplished, the reasons that are apparent why the effort was fruitless. A number of such reports from the same individual would most clearly show the real value of the person so reporting to the Conference and to the work of the Lord. It is also the design of the Conference, after such blanks shall have been furnished, to require of every one in its employ a full report as the blanks indicate; and should any fail through neglect alone, they will certainly be liable to censure. It has been quite generally understood that no licentiate has any claims upon the Conference except in the event of successful labor. This is evidently a proper stipulation. If, therefore, there are any, and we fear that there are, who feel that they have just claims of a pecuniary nature for service, even though their labor has been almost, if not entirely, without result, it is far more than probable that they have too faint an appreciation of the worth of souls, too little regard for the sacrifice made by those whose hearts are in the work, by the poor widow and orphan whose mite has been consecrated by prayer, and, in many cases, doubtless, well wet down with tears. How great the responsibility of those to whom is committed so sacred a trust, and how careful should they be into whose hands has fallen this sanctified means to disburse. The testimonies are very explicit on this point, that God’s eye is upon the smallest sum that, at a sacrifice, is placed in his treasury. How blameworthy is it, then, that it should be put to an improper use. It is believed that there has been no reason for complaint on the part of any who have labored within the precincts of the Conference; for its disbursements, where true merit has been shown, have not only been cheerfully made, but have also been extremely liberal, considering its resources. Let those who think otherwise show the galls made by the harness and the sheaves they have gathered, and their cases will be considered. It will not be amiss now to say a few words that have a more immediate connection with the text at the head of this article. It must not be forgotten that associations must be formed with people, almost the whole current of whose thoughts is to be changed into a different channel if possible. Old and established beliefs will have to be attacked, undermined, and overthrown, prejudices worn away, and new truth, or old truth long hidden, brought out in all its comeliness and beauty, its perfection and glory. For the best manner of doing this work, it certainly requires the wisdom of the wisest to make known. If, however, the eyes of the understanding are open, experience will prove to be the most apt teacher. It is questionable whether the human heart, entrenched as it is in tradition and long established usage, with its outworks of policy or prejudice, can be forced to yield by logic alone. The shaft that does the work must be shaped by the hand of faith and love, dipped in the blood of Christ, and sent by the Spirit of God. How true are the words of an eminent Christian minister, that “there should be enough of Christ in every sermon to save any soul who will believe the testimony borne, and put their trust in him.” If it cannot be felt that the people are Judgment-bound and liable to suffer the pains of the second death, and that their blood will certainly be required at our hand, if the warning be not faithfully given, if the burden of soul is not apparently sufficient to sink poor humanity out of sight and cause it to exceedingly fear and tremble at the responsibility resting upon it, then there can be but little hope that real good will be accomplished. Watch the effect of the word spoken, even while speaking. By this means, it can be known upon what points to dwell. If meetings are held in the evening as the major part of them usually are, try, if possible, to have the house well lighted so that the faces of all can be seen. The expression of the countenance is the clearest indication of the state of the heart. But few have so schooled themselves that they will not, by this means, make apparent their true feelings. Notice the deeply drawn sigh, the tears, or the evidently troubled conscience, manifested in any way. Seek such out in the congregation. Meet them as they pass away, with a kind word, a friendly shake of the hand. Watch the very tones of your own voice, as you speak of the worth of the truth and the matchless love of the Saviour, and above all, be sure that your own heart is burning within you with the love of Christ. Then you can gently lead those who will trust to your integrity, and obtain hope through your words. That is a happy faculty, which, however, few naturally possess, of combining the pulpit with the fireside in preaching. It is believed that much is gained by following with private conversation and personal appeal the interest that may have been raised in the desk. And, oh! how great is the wisdom needed here. As the wisest of men that have ever lived, has said, “There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” so may the minister keep the door of his mouth, and know when he can speak with profit. In your visits at homes where friends may invite you, try to be never in the way. Render any assistance or service that you may be allowed to, with cheerfulness and grace, and be sure that you duly appreciate the favors received. Do not sit with the arms hanging over the back of your chair; it is an awkward position; or with the elbows on the knees with the head in the hands; it indicates laziness; or the feet on the back of the nearest chair; it savors too much of the bar-room. Watch, then, the position, the words, and actions, in their general and particular bearing, seeking earnestly the help of the Lord. And, finally, never leave your work until it is done. Much labor has been apparently entirely lost by leaving the work prematurely. Never leave a place until you know that it is God’s will; and as you would pray for the divine guidance to a productive field, just as earnestly pray that you may never go from it, until the work is finished. If any need that second grace enumerated by the apostle Peter, that courage and fortitude which beareth ALL things, endureth all things, it is the minister of God. The Judgment day alone will reveal what has been lost by a lack of the cultivation of this virtue, and the ears that have been closed and prejudice built up by fruitless efforts, made so only by an injudicious haste in closing the work, or lack of energy and zeal in its performance. May God pity and forgive for this lack in the past, and grant that future endeavor be of such a character that it may be crowned with success. How great the responsibility of those to whom it is committed to teach the oracles of God. “They watch for souls,” says the apostle, “as they that must give account.” How terrible the reckoning in its consequence, if sheaves are ungathered, or are wasting through negligence alone. How harrowing the thought that both shepherd and the people who might have been saved by faithfulness on his part, must all sink into irretrievable ruin because his orders have been set too lightly upon him! May the burden press you, as a cart beneath the sheaves is pressed, and true consecration mark every act and word. Could this be attained, and it can be, how enrapturing the thought that God has promised to cause such to shine as the stars forever and ever! When the sheaves are all gathered, the work all done, may your work abide, and you also find everlasting rest in the garner of the Lord. “O brother, be faithful, eternity’s years
Shall tell for thy faithfulness now,
When bright smiles of gladness shall scatter thy tears,
And a crown of glory be thine.
O brother, be faithful, the promise is sure
That waits for the faithful and tried,
To reign with the ransomed immortal and pure,
And ever with Jesus abide.” MICH. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. It is not a sufficient answer to this question for any Christian to say, “I was once converted.” Thousands were born ten years ago who are now in their coffins. There is a great difference between being “made alive,” and keeping alive afterward. Quite too many professors base their hope of being Christians—not on what they now are—but on some experience during a revival season in days gone by. Genuine conversion brings a man into a new state toward God. Old things have passed away; he is a new creature. But he must constantly encounter a strong undercurrent running like a mill-race toward the old state of corruption. No renewed heart will “keep sweet” without a great deal of salting with divine grace. No converted man will stay converted unless he takes care of himself, and the Master takes care of him. What is conversion? It is the turning of the heart to God; and unless that heart holds fast on God, and God holds fast to him, he will soon fall off into vain confidence, apathy, pride, self-indulgence, or any sin that “doth so easily beset” him. How long do you think that Paul would have been Paul if the power of God had not kept him—through faith? “Not I,” exclaims the modest old hero—“not I, but Christ that liveth in me.” “I live by faith on the Son of God.” Again he exclaims, “So fight I, not as one that striketh out into the air; but I keep my body under.” He uses a phrase drawn from the boxer’s contests, and the literal translation of it is—“I bruise my body—I give it a black eye—lest I myself should be a reprobate.” Paul had such a dread lest his evil propensities should get the better of him, that he constantly beats down with steady and sturdy blows the unruly appetites and passions. If such was the necessity laid upon the great apostle, who of us has a right to grow fool-hardy and self-confident? The moment a Christian begins to feel, “What do I care? let others be afraid—not I;” the moment a Christian feels so, he is as near to a disgraceful fall as boastful Peter was in Pilate’s hall. But granting that you were once made alive, kind reader, are you alive to-day? If so, how shall you keep alive? First of all comes prayer—the daily and hourly intercourse of the soul with God. Prayer is just as vital to my spiritual life as water is to the “monthly rose” whose leaves are now dripping from the refreshing of the pitcher. Prayer is the conduit-pipe between my soul and Heaven. It is the outlet upward for gratitude, and yearning desires for blessings; it is the inlet through which the supplies of grace pour downward into the heart. When the channel is allowed to freeze up, I am in the same condition with the housekeeper who inquires, “I wonder why the water does not run to-day? The plumber is sent for, and he soon explains the difficulty. ‘Your pipes are frozen up; the connection with the reservoir is stopped.’ Alas for the Christian who has broken his connection with Christ!” Prayer may be also likened to a telegraph with Heaven. Our messages go up with the lightning speed of thought. The mercies asked for often flow backward to us with the promptness and velocity of a divine love. Sometimes the blessing sought is ours at once. Sometimes the answer is delayed. Then we can only do our duty and wait. Sometimes the reply comes in the sudden shock of an unexpected trial; it comes like a death-message over the wires! But it is all right. God knows what answer to send. I must take what my Father chooses to give. If I put myself into connection with God, I am only responsible for this end of the celestial telegraph; not for the end that lies in the Infinite bosom of love. I must receive just what God sends. “Thy will be done.” But trying messages are not so dreadful as to have the telegraph of prayer utterly out of order through long disuse, and the soul cut off from communication with Jesus. Friend, is thy connection with the divine Hearer and Giver broken off? Then to your knees! To your knees! “Prayer was appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give;
Long as they live should Christians pray,
For only while they pray they live.” But with prayer the Master also coupled watchfulness. “I say unto all, Watch!” Never yet have I seen the Christian whose heart would not “bear watching.” The oversight must be close, constant, and wakeful. If you were set to keep a canary-bird on the open-palm of your hand, you would understand what is meant by “keeping the heart with all diligence.” You must not take off the spiritual eye for one instant. Have the arm of resolution ever ready to seize it the very first moment that it attempts to fly off into sin. “Wherefore I say unto all, Watch!” Watch the stealthy approaches of the tempter. Watch for old habits of sin that will steal back again though they have been driven off a hundred times “from the premises.” Watch over your soul’s nurseries in which the thoughts are cradled. Watch over an unruly tongue. Watch for opportunities to do good. Let the Mary side of your religion be ever at the feet of Jesus in humble devotion; let the Martha side of your piety be ever abounding in the work of the Lord. In these days we hear much about the “higher life.” But the best prescription that we know of for attaining it, is to use our knees for prayer, our eyes for watchfulness, our purses for liberal giving, our tongues for confessing Jesus, and both our hands in hard work to do Christ’s will, and to pull sinners out of the unquenchable fires.—Cuyler. An Astonishing Fact.
By George I. Butler
THE notorious Nathan Fuller, formerly of Wellsville, New York, has moved to Marion, Iowa, and has been received into the church of which H. E. Carver is elder, and of which the Hope of Israel is the organ, and is preaching for that church. As the Hope has been careful not to reveal this fact, and let its readers know the kind of man who teaches the leading church of their people, a decent regard for the honest and respectable among their membership requires that we should do it for them; and were it not for the hope that we might benefit some one, we would leave this wicked man without public notice, to receive the punishment his terrible crimes deserve at the hands of a just God. But when it comes to this, that a professedly Christian church receives such a man as a member, and permits him to occupy the pulpit as a Christian minister, which he has so terribly disgraced in the past, when its own leaders are acquainted with the facts concerning his record, it becomes somebody’s duty to make his case known. The facts which we shall state are obtained from his own confession after his crimes could no longer be concealed, and from the testimony of his victims, and as recorded in the public prints. The great difficulty connected with making a statement of them is, that they are of such a character as to be unfit to appear upon paper. Suffice it to say that this man Fuller, living near Wellsville, N. Y., a minister of the gospel, was in the habit, for years, of seducing females of his own flock, in one case even upon returning from the water where he had administered baptism to her, of training up young girls to habits of infamy, of trading wives for the time being with some of his own ilk, and finally attempting the ruin of the wife of his own son. This last case resulted in bringing his infamous crimes to light. I have the facts at my command which show his course in many cases. The way he succeeded so well in covering up his abominations was to profess great penitence, and declare it was the first instance in his life, and plead with many tears for forgiveness, and promise repentance and reformation. By thus adding lying to his other sins, he went on for years, escaping detection. As soon as his sins came to light, he was cast out of the denomination of which he was a member, his credentials taken from him, and he came near being summarily dealt with by an outraged community. Many of these facts can be obtained in the following papers: The Wellsville Free-press, of July 14, 1869. The Elmira Daily Gazette, of July 15, 1869. The Orleans Times and Freeman, of the same date, and other papers. They were also stated in the REVIEW AND HERALD, July, 1869. He sneaked away from the country where he was too well known, and after some months spent in wandering here and there, turned up in Macomb Co., Mich., where he worked himself into the good graces of the Methodists, so that they let him preach, and exhort, for them. After he had gained their confidence, they probably not knowing his former conduct, he took such a course among them that charges of a similar nature were soon preferred against him there, and he leaves for Marion, Iowa, and after a time is taken into the church as I stated in the beginning of this article, and preaches for the edification of our friends of the Hope of Israel. Now we know there are honorable and respectable people connected with that church. Some of them we are personally acquainted with and respect, and we have all charity to believe them ignorant of these terrible facts; and we believe they will thank us for thus opening their eyes to the true state of the case. We would advise all such that their leaders need watching. They were not ignorant of Fuller’s true character. They have been too close readers of the REVIEW the last few years to plead ignorance in reference to this man. What can we think of men in an influential position in a Christian church who will advise the reception of such a notorious character as Nathan Fuller as a member, and permit him to stand in their pulpit to teach them Christian ethics, and they knowing to such facts. It is almost too much to believe, and yet we have good authority for it. I pity honorable private members when led by such leaders. May these facts open their eyes. No plea of repentance on his part will do. He has declared in the most solemn manner, and with his eyes full of tears, his penitence over and over again to his victims; and yet the same trail of wickedness follows him so that he cannot be believed. If he had any sense of decency left, he would never appear in the pulpit again, but hide his head in oblivion. Had he done so, he would have saved us this notice. GEO. I. BUTLER. Rose, Mich.
By Albert Weeks
The meetings at this place are progressing very favorably. The whole community are stirred by the presentation of the truth, a few to bitter opposition; but the mass seem to hail it with joy, expressing great pleasure that they can hear the plain truth preached. I have already given six discourses on the Sabbath question, to large and increasing congregations. I thought it necessary to canvass this question quite fully, taking into consideration the interest manifested by the people as the matter was brought before them. Bro. Gurney was with me one week, gave one discourse, and in other ways assisted much in conducting the meetings. What the result of these meetings may be, of course, we cannot tell. However, it seems very probable, that where the people are so stirred, and so evidently the Spirit of the Lord is at work, that there will be good results. For this we pray, looking to the Lord for the increase. May God give his blessing. Hutchinson, Minn.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We took down our tent two weeks ago. Had a good Sabbath meeting in the tent, where many warm testimonies were borne for the truth. Sunday afternoon, we spoke on the fall of Babylon to a full tent, after which we went a few rods to a beautiful place on the river and baptized six souls into Christ. Nearly the whole village was out to view the beautiful scene. Our last sermon in the tent was on the use of tobacco, tea and coffee. This subject took well among the people, so that these idols are already mostly cleared out among us. I find it the best way to present this subject at least as early as this in the course of the lectures. The people generally receive it better than they do to wait until it is about time to organize the church. The use of tobacco we ought not to give any countenance to at all; and the sooner the people know this, the more readily they will give it up. Sabbath and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, our tent was pitched twelve miles from here, at Silver Lake, for the accommodation of a quarterly meeting, held by our first-day Adventist brethren, as there are several churches of them in this section of country. The weather was fine, and we enjoyed a very pleasant interview with them. Eld. Miller, son of father Miller, was present, and spoke several times. I was glad to form his acquaintance, and hear him preach. He seems to be a candid, honest Christian, and loves the blessed hope. We hope to have farther acquaintance with him while in the State. The friends here are very anxious for me to stay and give them a course of lectures; but I could not see my way clear to do it. We now have our meetings in the Methodist church. Last Sabbath we had a most precious season indeed. The Lord gave us freedom in speaking on the development and history of spiritual gifts among us. The friends receive it as a blessing from the Lord. We have a good Bible-class and Sabbath-school, in which all take part. Last evening we had a good prayer-meeting, in which many warm testimonies were given to the truth. Above forty are now keeping the Sabbath here, and others are coming in every week. I have just commenced a course of lectures four miles from here, in the country, where there are several families deeply interested, and a number keeping the Sabbath. In several places near by they are urgently and impatiently calling for labor; and I think we have reason to hope for good success in these places this fall and winter. It seems now that we shall have work enough here for several weeks or months to come. Bro. Grant has been with me, and I find him a great help indeed, just the man that is needed to follow up after a course of lectures has been given. The Lord is manifestly blessing his labors in the cause. We have now been in the State five months, although much of the time things have looked very dark, and the interest has been very small, yet on the whole, the Lord has given us as much fruit as we have generally had in other places in the same length of time. Sixty-five have embraced the truth, and are now keeping the Sabbath. Have sold $150 worth of books, have obtained 32 subscribers for the REVIEW, 35 for the Reformer, and several for the Instructor. We hope that our expenses will not be very heavy for the remainder of the year. As there are several laboring in the State it will be necessary for the friends of the cause to do all they can in raising means to support the work. We hope these friends who have lately embraced the truth will be able to help some also. We ask to be remembered in the prayers of the brethren. Hamilton Co., Iowa.
By R. M. Kilgore
On account of cold evenings, we were compelled to take the tent down on the 16th inst., and adjourn the meeting to the Hellen school-house. After storing the tent away safely in Bro. Ballard’s barn, near Hook’s Point, I began again on the 18th. The meetings at Batch Grove were held under very unfavorable circumstances; the weather was against us, being too cold for tent-meetings; the farmers were busy threshing and haying; and besides these a prejudice had been raised against us previous to our arrival, by the Methodist minister on that circuit. As a consequence, the attendance was very small; yet for the benefit of those who were interested, I labored on as best I could until Sunday, Sept. 30. While I was yet there, we were also favored with a discourse from the same source, who used the usual arguments (?) that are presented at such times to put down the plain and pointed truths of God’s word, because they are furnished with no better. He was not satisfied to vilify and misrepresent us, but with expletives both mean and vulgar, he made a raid upon God’s ancient memorial, thus putting no difference between the holy and profane, and closing his eyes while trying to blind those of his hearers against the Sabbath of the Lord. Eze. 22: 26. His effort evidently failed to accomplish what he desired; for instead of creating enemies, it made us many friends, verifying the words of the apostle, who said: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 2 Cor. 13: 8. Our meeting closed with a better interest than at any previous time, and a unanimous vote was taken, inviting me back again at my earliest convenience. Three have commenced to keep the Sabbath, while others are under conviction. I obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW, and sold a few books, and gave away some. Through the kindness and liberality of father Gensman and his son, we obtained a foothold here. When we were strangers, they took us in, and to their hospitality we were made welcome. These and others also have our thanks. Met last Sabbath with friends of present truth at Hook’s Point. Though a rainy day, a goodly number were out, with whom I enjoyed a good meeting. I am glad to report progress among these dear friends, I do not know of one who has given up the truth here or at Homer. Seven more signed the covenant, making in all forty-one. To God be all the praise, for he has wrought wondrously. This closed our labor in this county for the present, having been absent from home almost four months. I am now on my way home in company with my family, to prepare for the winter campaign. Swede Point, Boone Co., Iowa, Oct. 6, 1872. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By S. P.
I WANT to tell the friends of truth what the Lord is doing for us here. He is truly doing a great work, whereby many are made glad. A light has sprung up in this dark place, and is making manifest the errors of tradition, and showing that the foundations of the same are but quicksand and mire. I bless God that he sent Bro. W. here to tell us the “better way,” that if we would enter into life, we must keep the commandments. A few have started to keep the Sabbath of the Lord who have kept the first day, some forty, some fifty, some sixty years. And more are investigating the truth, while all agree that they never heard143 the Bible preached so plain before. Truly in this work “judgment commenced at the house of God,” and the cry, “Come out of her my people” was an alarm sounded by a true and faithful watchman. Pray for us, that the good work may go on, and we may overcome through the blood of the Lamb, and with the remnant be permitted to stand on Mount Zion. S. P. Pitcairn, St. Law. Co., N. Y. “I'M GROWING OLD.”
By R. F. C.
[TAKING shelter from a shower in a deserted log house, I found pasted upon a beam a paper containing the following verses (with a slight alteration) under the above heading. R. F. C.] I'm growing old—'tis surely so;
And yet how short it seems
Since I was but a sportive child,
Enjoying childish dreams. I cannot see the change that comes
With such an even pace;
I mark not when the wrinkles fall
Upon my fading face. I know I'm old; and yet my heart
Is just as young and gay
As e'er it was before my locks
Of bright brown turned to gray. I know these eyes to other eyes
Look not so bright and glad
As once they looked; and yet 'tis not
Because my heart's more sad. I never watched with purer joy
The glowing clouds and skies,
While glistening tears of rapture fill
These old and fading eyes. And when I mark the cheek where once
The bright rose used to glow,
It grieves me not to see instead
The almond crown my brow. I've seen the flower grow old and pale,
And withered more than I;
I've seen it lose its every charm,
Then droop away and die. And then I've seen it rise again,
Bright as the beaming sky,
And young and pure and beautiful—
And felt that so shall I. Then what if I am growing old—
My heart is changeless still,
And God has given me enough
This loving heart to fill. I love to see the sun go down,
And lengthening shadows throw
Along the ground, while o'er my head,
The clouds in crimson glow. I see, beyond those gorgeous clouds,
A country bright and fair,
Which needs no sun; God and the Lamb
Its light and beauty are. I seem to hear the wondrous song
Redeemed sinners sing;
And my heart leaps to join the throng
To praise the heavenly King. I seem to see three cherub boys,
As hand in hand they go,
With golden curls and snowy wings,
Whose eyes with rapture glow. When I was young, I called them mine—
Death claimed them as his prey;
But I shall claim my own again,
In that bright, coming day. Perhaps when met in Heaven above,
They'll know from every other,
The object of their earliest love,
And haste to call me mother. Oh! I am glad I'm growing old!
For every day I spend
Shall bring me one day nearer that
Bright day that has no end.