Bro. Smith: It is nearly two years since I started in the cause of Christ. I thought I was getting along very well, until last Spring Bro. Wellcome came here with some other brethren to labor, and I saw I was not living where it was my privilege to live, that there was more for me to enjoy. I saw that the blood of Christ could cleanse from all sin as well as a part. I then went to Jesus just as I was. I could not make myself any better, but went to him saying, Here Lord, I give myself entirely to thee, and trust thee for all things; by thy grace assisting me I will do every duty, come life or death I will serve thee while I live. Then I could claim the promise, In the day thou seekest me with all thy heart I will be found of thee; and O, what peace flowed into my soul! Then I could say, The Lord is mine and I am his. I praise God that there is a highway of holiness cast up for the redeemed of the Lord to walk in, that no unclean thing can walk there. It is a strait and narrow way. It does not admit of pride, or the fashions of the world, nor wrath, malice, or any such thing. O, I want nothing in my heart but love to God and all mankind, and to live more and more like my blessed Saviour from day to day. We are to be presented before the throne of God without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, and O, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation!
Dear brethren and sisters, are you living in that way that you can say that Jesus saves you now, saves you from all sin? While I am writing my heart is filled with the love of God. I feel that my path grows brighter and brighter. There is a fullness in Jesus; praised be the name of the Lord! It is our privilege to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. I praise God that we can. I can say with the Psalmist, "Great peace have they that love thy law." Glory be to God for the way of life and salvation!
I would say to those who have not the privilege of meeting with brethren and sisters on the Sabbath, that when we meet we remember you in our prayers. Be not discouraged. Put your trust in God and he will meet with you at your homes; and by and by if we prove faithful we shall meet where parting will be no more, and God himself shall wipe all tears from off our faces.
Bro. Steward lectured here last winter. In hearing his lectures my father and mother and two sisters were convinced that all the commandments are binding as well as a part, and we commenced keeping them. We belonged to the Baptist church, and they excluded us. They said they did not exclude us for breaking the commandments of God, for they believed we kept them; but for breaking the rules of the Baptist church. We had rather break the rules of the Baptist church than the commandments of God. I want to live so that my name may never be blotted out of the book of heaven.
Yours striving to be an overcomer.
L. M. Wright.
Portage City, Wis.
LETTERS.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Sister Shaw.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I can say that goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life. It is now about three months since myself and husband were permitted to hear Bro. Sanborn lecture upon present truth, and it seems, if I may so speak, to prove the crowning blessing of our lives. Relying upon God for help, we are striving to make a wise improvement upon what we then heard. We are trying to keep all the commandments. We find peace in believing, and great joy in obeying. I can say of a truth, the yoke of Christ is easy and his burden light. Although we meet with some opposition, yet I feel to rejoice when I think it is for Christ's sake; for of a truth we can say, If we are of God the world will hate us, for the world but loves its own. But the frown of the world, how small when compared to the smile of our heavenly Father! As the lesser lights of heaven sink into obscurity at the approach of the sun, so all the troubles and trials of this life fall into the shade at the approach of divine approbation.
Dear friends, I have this approbation; it is this that makes me free; and I feel to stand fast, looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith.
It is now about three years since I made a public profession of religion, and at times I have enjoyed much of the love of God; but not standing upon the commandments, or the entire word of God I often found myself in the fog; but in strict obedience to all the commandments I find I have the sure possession as well as profession. I can say, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. I had for a long time noticed the abounding of iniquity, and in spirit I had sighed for the examples of Christianity of the time of my childhood. We then did not see Christians aiming for the height of fashion, however ridiculous, neither were our ministers joined hand in hand with the world, but in a great degree did they strive to keep themselves unspotted from the world. Now it verily seems that clergy and laymen have nearly all gone astray, they have hewn to themselves broken cisterns which will hold no water. There is, as they think, such improvement, such high cultivation at present, that it makes the meek and humble principles of Christ look most too humble; they must color and paint them before they will do.
But I must leave this, with a prayer that God may show them that the Bible and its doctrines, which is in and of itself pure, is not to be improved upon by fallen man. May we all remember that we are to enter the fold by the door, and that whosoever climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber; and being such can in no wise enter through those pearly gates. Only the righteous nation who has feared God and kept his law will enter there. While I write a sense of my own unworthiness arises before me; but Christ is worthy; he is my Friend, my Mediator. Pray for me, dear friends, that I may be made worthy, that I may keep myself unspotted from the world, and adorn my profession with a well ordered life and a godly conversation. Christian friends, let us go forward, forgetting all things earthly, and with our hearts and hopes in heaven.
Seeking fellowship with his sufferings,
Following him through weal or wo,
We are citizens of heaven—
Forward, brethren, let us go.
In his love, which is unbounded,
May we love each other now,
Watching for his bright appearing.
Forward, brethren, let us go.
FRANCES A. SHAW.
Roxbury, Wis.
OBITUARY.
By Jabez B. Frisbie
DIED at Convis, Mich., on the 24th of March, Mary Smith, aged seventeen years. She kept the Sabbath with her parents. Funeral attended on the 25th, where a large audience were gathered, many of whom were young people. Mary was beloved by all who were acquainted with her. No pains were spared on the part of friends for her recovery, but to no avail. Death came and took its victim. She falls in the hands of a good and merciful God.
J. B. FRISBIE.
Determined to Go Through
Sister A. E. Buckland writes from Carlton, N. Y.: “I still feel an increasing desire in my heart to serve the Lord and walk in obedience to all his divine commands. I do not feel at all discouraged, but when I realize the narrowness of the way, and that none but those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall see God, I often cry out within myself, who then can be saved ? I realize that God's grace is sufficient for us, if we will gird on the whole armor, and put our trust in him. He will lead us safely through. I have no desire to turn back, my face is Zionward, and I am determined to go through. I long to get home. If in this life only we had hope, we should indeed be miserable. I realized when I set out in this good way, that it would take all to buy the kingdom; and I feel for one willing to give up the world, and all worldly associates, to deny self, and have my name cast out as evil if need be, and bear the cross through evil, as well as through good report, if I may but reign with Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. I see that it is a great thing to have our words, acts, and our conversation right in the sight of God. O for holiness of heart. I have some hungering and thirstings after righteousness, and desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Alone in Keeping the Sabbath
Sister B. Stiles writes from Gilmantown, Wis.: "My companion and myself are the only ones in this vicinity that keep the Sabbath. I have seen but one Sabbath-keeper since April 1858, but thank God I am resolved to go through and enter into the city of his holiness, and have right to the tree of life."
Sanctification Through the Truth
Bro. C. Colby writes from Hillsborough, N. H.: "I feel unworthy to have a part with the people of God here, and much more unworthy to have a part in what they anticipate, even an eternal inheritance. I believe the last note of warning is being given to this world. I have been one of the so-called '54' people, but I am fully persuaded that they have no part nor lot in this third angel's message, nor can they have till they embrace and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They will then see that the '54' move acted no part in the fulfillment of either of the three angels' messages.
"O how I have labored for sanctification out of the order of God; but what may we expect in the order of God but the accomplishment of his work, even our sanctification through his truth. It certainly will be accomplished; it cannot fail. His word is true from the beginning. It will not return unto him void; it will accomplish the thing whereunto it is sent. O how sure we are that we have something that will stand. O then let us not cast away our confidence which hath great recompense of reward; for in a very little while he that shall come will come. O then let us live as seeing him who is invisible, and having this hope in us, purify ourselves, even as he (Christ) is pure. The conflict, although severe, is short; and through Christ the victory is certain, and then, O, how happy the conquerors' song."
Extracts from Letters.
Sister Rachel C. Goodwin writes from Marcellon, Wis.: ‐One year ago Bro. Steward came to this vicinity and delivered a course of lectures. I had not been to meeting for two years. I was told he was a seventh-day man, and I must not go to hear him. But I went, and I shall always have reason to bless God that I did. Then Elder Welcome came and labored with us. My companion, myself and four daughters gave our hearts to God. It was something I never before experienced, to be willing to give all for Christ, turn my back upon the world, and keep the commandments of God. I was happy, and I feel to-day that if Christ should come, he would know who are his. Bless God for this heart-felt religion. O my brethren, you who came fifty miles to preach Jesus to us, remember you resemble our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who went about doing good. Pray on, brethren and sisters, soon Jesus will come. We have some good Brn. and sisters in this place, who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. May we watch over one another in love. We are trying to live moment Christians; our hearts are all united in love. I have faith in the promises of God, and if there is more for me to enjoy, I want to enjoy it. Pray that I may overcome.‐
Meetings in Marion, Iowa.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: My meetings in this place are now fairly under way. I have given five discourses. The number of hearers has steadily increased from one hundred to three hundred and fifty. Notwithstanding
the busy season and the short nights, wagon loads of farmers come from two to four miles. One man said this was what he had wanted to hear for years, and he must come every night if he had to sleep in the day time. The Christians (Disciples) have kindly opened their house, which is the largest here, and it is lighted, bell rung and all in order, without my having the least care. This is favorable, for I was much worn down, having but little rest for ten weeks. I find many intelligent and kind friends here, and many who are much interested in the truth. There are calls now in several important places, but I must positively refuse to give another course of lectures before tent season commences. I must go back and see how the brethren do in the different places where I have labored, and try to set things in order among them.
Since writing the above I have given three discourses. The interest is rising fast. The house is more and more crowded. Last night was rainy, with thunder and lightning, and there were two other meetings in town, but notwithstanding all, there were at least four hundred and fifty out to hear. The people have been fed on the popular, dry preaching of the day so long that they are almost starved to death. When I go to the meeting-house and see the people streaming in from every quarter, and then step in and look over that large room and behold a perfect sea of heads, all anxiously waiting to catch the first word spoken, my heart is affected, and I can say truly the Spirit of the Lord is moving among the people.
If some of those dear brethren east who have been long sacrificing and waiting to see the cause advance, could witness the interest here, O how it would rejoice their hearts. The husbandman waiteth with long patience till he recive the early and latter rain. Brethren, I believe the latter rain is coming. The Lord is giving power to his truth more and more. The great work is before us. O may we be ready.
M. E. CORNELL.
Hints to Careless Writers.
By Editor
We long since concluded to cease taking up any labor with those correspondents who forget, when writing to this Office on business, to give the name of their post office, or that of their State, or even their own name, and many other things necessary to the removal of address from one P. O. to another, or the appropriation of money. We have noticed that every paper with which we have any acquaintance experiences similar troubles, and settling down into the conclusion that there were some who had always written in the above loose manner, and probably always would, we determined to cultivate our guessing faculty the best we could, and say nothing. But as a specimen of the perplexities to which we are sometimes subjected, and to show a very fruitful source of the mistakes which are incident to all offices of publication, we give the following from the N. Y. Independent, every item of which has occurred in our own experience:
We never attempt to cover up the blunders of negligent postmasters of which we have ample and costly experience. But we have also too much occasion to realize how stupidly the writers of letters often blunder, and themselves occasion the losses and perplexities of which they are so ready to complain. Many of these mistakes and omissions would be ludicrous in the extreme if they did not occasion so much waste of time to us, and so much disappointment to others. A few instances will be given as a specimen, taken from about two hundred letters received one day last week.
Our publisher's name is given several times in every copy of the Independent, JOSEPH H. RICHARDS, yet we have letters addressed, "J. H. Richards," "J. E. Richards," "J. M. Richards," "H. S. Richards," "Jacob H. Richards," "J. H. Beckman," "J. Ricard," and any quantity directed to J. H. Ladd, although it is more than a year and a half since Mr. Ladd left the paper.
Great numbers send money without the name of the subscriber, or without the name of their post-office. One sends $2 to pay for "a neighbor of mine," but omits the name of his neighbor. No doubt he knows the name "just as easy," and if he had told it to us, we should have known whom to credit with the money.
Mr. A. Slosson says he inclosed money to us in September, "in presence of the postmaster," but forgets to tell us at what post-office.
Another subscriber has moved to Tanktown, Ohio, and doubtless knows the name of the place he removed from, but not having told us, we cannot change the direction as requested.
J. E. Peck wishes the paper sent to Montpelier, Vt., but with the same omission.
A friend sends us four new names at "Springfield," but without naming the State, and as nearly every State in the Union has a Springfield, we know not how to direct the papers.
Another sends the name of a new subscriber at Washington, without saying which Washington, and does not even sign his own name.
Another sends $2 inclosed in one of our printed circulars, without any direction whatever.
Mr. John H——n, a true friend of our paper, has sent us money, and sent three letters of inquiry concerning it, to each of which a respectful reply has been written, addressed as his letter is dated, "Franklin, Badax Co., Wis." We have no such name on our list at that post-office, as we have repeatedly informed him. We are as sorry as he can be for any mistake in the matter, and do not know where the error is, or what is the remedy.
Since Jan. 1st, 1858, we have received 153 cash letters of this description (to say nothing of those not cash), of which 25 have been cleared up.
Business Department.
Business Notes.
R. Sawyer : To what P. O. does Mrs. A. Cain's INSTRUCTOR go?
E. B. Saunders : The article was received.
C. Woodman : Your remittance was handed to Bro. W. as per direction. That only is receipted which belongs to the Office.
J. Sanders : You will find your $2 receipted in No. 2, present volume.
Letters
Under this head will be found a full list of those from whom letters are received from week to week. If any do not find their letters thus acknowledged, they may know they have not come to hand.
E A Averill, R Sawyer, F F Camp, A H Huntley, J F Carman, A L Wilkinson, B Clark, A S Hutchins, H N, E Bliss, J W Blake, M Roberts, M M Lunger, B F Brockway, N Holloway, J E Hool, F V Bogues, D Morrison, J A Griggs, E B Saunders, Wm Gulick, E Hutchins, G King, J Smith, D Olmstead, F D Kishler, H Sandford, B F Snook, J Bates, M B Czechowski, A Jacobs, A E Wright, M E Cornell, L B Richmond, B Wittmeyer, D A Babcock, S Elmer, H Hiestand, A G Carter, E L Barr, C Woodman, R C Wellman, J Sanders, A Barnard, B M Adams, D Upson, D Williams, I C Snow, E M Davis, B McCormic, A Coventry, M Hull, F Dentler, S Treat, E Wick, J Spaulding, I Sanborn, Geo Wright, J S Farnsworth, J B Frisbie, A P Patten.
Receipts.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
C Smith 2,00,xvi,1. C Smith (for T Smith) 1,40,xvi,1. J S Day 1,40,xv,16. J E Hool 2,00,xvii,1. B F Brockway, 1,54,xvi,15. Mrs E A Averill 1,28,xvi,1. Mrs E A Averill (for Mrs. G P Averill) 1,00,xviii,1. R Sawyer 3,00,xvii,1. B Clarke 0,51,xvi,10. J F Carman 1,00,xvii,1. M M Lunger 2,50,xvi,16. Wm Gulick 2,00,xvi,2. M Hutchins 1,00,xvi,14. E B Saunders 1,00,xvi,22. W C Sutton 1,00,xvii,1. S M Swan 0,90,xvii,1. S Treat 2,00,xviii,1. J S Farnsworth 2,00,xvii,1. F D Kishler 1,00,xvii,1. J Smith (2 copies) 4,00,xviii,1. A Jacobs (2 copies) 2,00,xvi,1. A Coventry 1,00,xvi,1. H W Gordon 2,00,xvii,20. B Woodard 1,00,xiv,1. H Hiestand 1,00,xvi,9. S Gove 1,00,xvii,4. E Wick (for M Wick) 1,00,xvi,1. J T Fitzgerald 0,50,xvii,1. B M Adams 1,00,xvii,1. I C Snow 2,50,xvii,1. B McCormic 0,45,xvi,14. A G Carter 1,00,xvii,3. A P Patten 0,54,xvi,20.
APPOINTMENTS.
By M. E. Cornell
Conferences.
Providence favoring, there will be a Conference of Sabbath keepers, at Lisbon, Linn Co., Iowa, commencing on the evening of the Sabbath, May 5th, and held over two days.
Also, at Fairview, Jones Co., Iowa, over Sabbath and First day, of May 12th and 13th.
These meetings will be for the mutual encouragement of the saints, and for business connected with the Tent enterprise in this part of Iowa. It is expected that Bro. Wm. H. Brinkerhoof will be with, and assist us at these meetings. M. E. CORNELL.
Tent Meeting.
By M. Hull; B. F. Snook
PROVIDENCE permitting, the Southern Iowa Tent will be pitched in Fairfield, Jefferson Co., Iowa, May 10th. Brethren who desire to attend the meeting, will come the second week, and also be prepared to take care of themselves.
M. HULL.
B. F. SNOOK.
Appointment.
By R. F. C.
The next monthly meeting of the scattered brethren in Niagara, Orleans, and Monroe Co.'s, N. Y., is to be held at Olcott, on the second Sabbath in May. We hope there will be a general attendance. R. F. C.
Books Published at this Office.
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Book contains 352 pp., 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.—In Morocco 65 cents.
Supplement to the Advent and Sabbath Hymn Book, 100 pp. Price 25 cents.—In Muslin 35 cents.
Spiritual Gifts, or The Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, containing 224 pp. neatly bound in Morocco or Muslin. Price 50 cents.
Bible Tracts, Two Vols., 400 pp. each. Price 50 cts. each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pp. Price 15 cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. 148 pp. Price 15 cents
The Atonement.—196 pp. Price 15 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the law of God and Faith of Jesus.—Price 15 cents.
A Book for Everybody.The Kingdom of God. Price 15c.
The Prophecy of Daniel—the Four Kingdoms—the Sanctuary and 2300 days. Price 10 cents
The History of the Sabbath, and first day of the week, showing the manner in which the Sabbath has been supplanted by the heathen festival of the sun. pp. 100, price 10c.
Which?Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man. pp. 128, price 10c.
The Saints' Inheritance. Price 10 cents.
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency—an able exposure of the heresy.—Price 10 cents
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Perpetuity of the Royal Law. Price 5 cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath heresy. Price 5 cents.
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Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy. Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 15 cents.
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