p. 279 | Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 25. (12/15/1868)

Earlier text: TO THE WAITING AND TRIED ONES

WORK WHILE THE DAY LASTS.

By R. F. Cottrell

THE rest will soon be given to those who have labored; the prize will be awarded to those who have conquered—the crown, to those who have borne the cross—the kingdom, the inheritance, to those who have truly been pilgrims and strangers on the earth.

A little time is left in which to labor. “Work while the day is shining.” The night is coming. The day of labor will soon be closed. Shall we have our work done? Our Master is not a hard one. If we are faithful during this eleventh hour, we shall be accepted. He will say, Well done.

But he will not lie. Those who have not exerted themselves to improve their time, and have not labored unselfishly for the Master’s interests, for the good of his vineyard, cannot be accepted.

Awake, O my soul, to life and to duty. The time is almost past. What have I done? How can I redeem the time? I cannot recall the past. Let me improve the present. There is still work to do, and, if improved faithfully, there is still a chance that I may hear the Master say, Well done.

“There’s resting by and by;” but the rest comes after the labor. Brethren let us labor to enter into the rest.

R. F. COTTRELL.

“THE TESTIMONY.”

By H. C. Miller

It is a common view held by those who oppose the present manifestation of the gift of prophecy, that those gifts ceased with the apostolic church, that the church at subsequent periods had only the word of God, the Bible, as we now have it. But to the evidence showing the necessity for those gifts to the church in all time until the perfection and unity of the churches is completed, there is also added this testimony, which, to my mind, goes to show that the church had the gift of prophecy to a much later period. Rev. vi, 9, is admitted to refer to the martyrs slain by the Papacy. It reads: “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God [the Bible which they loved, read, and obeyed,] and for the testimony which they held.”

To my mind, this plainly shows that the manifestation of spiritual gifts was in that church and that this was one of the causes which aroused the ire of the old Dragon then, and which still stirs him up to war with the saints, and will until the last saint is perfected.

H. C. MILLER.

TIMOTHY BRYANT

By Timothy Bryant

From Bro. Bryant.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I think I feel thankful for the clear light of the present truth which shines upon my pathway; and especially do I feel to praise our kind Heavenly Father that the truth is finding the way to some hearts in this place and vicinity. One man in the prime of life with his companion has within a few months commenced to keep the Sabbath. He was brought to see the light through the influence of our publications, having never heard an Advent sermon until about a week since when Bro. and Sr. White were at Norridgewock, and through his influence in the use of the publications his sister living a few miles distant from here has resolved to keep the Sabbath, and last Sabbath another man, it seemed, had decided to try and keep all God's commandments, and go with the people of God.

I write these particulars for the encouragement of others. Let us circulate our books and tracts, and pray much and fervently for the divine blessing on our efforts, with our lives and example in accordance with our profession, and I believe the result will be good.

Yours in hope of eternal life,

TIMOTHY BRYANT

North Jay, Me.

Light Dawning in Geauga County

By H. C. Jewell

Bro. H. C. Jewell writes from Geauga Co., Ohio: I will once more try to add my testimony in favor of present truth. Light is beginning to dawn here. We were agreeably surprised by a visit from Bro. and Sr. Hutchinson, from Bloomfield church. Bro. H. spoke about one hour from the prophet Isaiah, 58th chapter, on the keeping of the Sabbath; also the duties of believers in present truth. After he closed we had a conference meeting. It was a good time, and it rejoiced our hearts to hear the determinations of believers to press forward in the path of duty, and inquirers to persevere till they find the truth. There is a spirit of inquiry now pervading this community. If some messenger of the truth could come we believe that much good could be done. The few Advent brethren have resolved to meet together for prayers and conference as often as their circumstances will permit.

We feel to thank God for putting it in the hearts of Bro. and Sr. Hutchinson to come and visit the lone ones, and offer the encouragement to continue in the path of duty; and we hope that God will bless them. Brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged, but put on the whole armor that we at last may come off conquerers through Him who hath loved us.

A Testimony from the Lonely

By P. Vosburgh

Sr. P. Vosburgh writes from Appanoose Co., Iowa: I received the truth eight years ago under the teachings of Bro. M. E. Cornell at Fairview, Iowa. I thought I believed then with all my heart, but still my faith increases. For the last two and a half years, I have been one of the lonely ones, and all the testimonies addressed to such have been duly appreciated by me. When we feel almost deprived of human sympathy, kind words are to us like cold water to a thirsty soul. I feel daily a spirit of gladness that the Lord has given me a desire and determination to follow after that which is good.

Light on the Fourth Commandment

SR. J. A. FEELER writes from Ohio: I bless God's holy name for the light given on the fourth commandment. I love to read the REVIEW. In its pages I see names of many whom I have never seen, yet their words seem to bring them near, and I hope, by grace divine, to see all those I have seen, and whose voices I have heard, praising the Lord in the city of God, beyond the reach of a tempting enemy, safe in Heaven where Jesus is.

The Flaming Sword of Reprehension

THE flaming sword of reprehension is but to keep us from the forbidden fruit of transgression.

Obituary Notices.

By S. B. Whitney

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, in Madrid, N. Y., at the house of her son-in-law, Bro. H. Hilliard, Sabbath, Oct. 7, 1865, in her seventy-fourth year, Sr. Anna Payne. She had been for many years a believer in the present truth and an observer of the Bible Sabbath; and in her closing experience gave her friends quite satisfactory evidence of being prepared for the great change. She expressed deep regret for past wrongs, both in general terms and in particular cases, and requested that her feelings be expressed to the people at her funeral. Her last expression, except to respond yes or no a few times, was, All is well; and she slowly sank into the embrace of death. Remarks were made to an attentive congregation at the house of prayer, from Heb. vii, 19.

S. B. WHITNEY.

Appointments.

By Jos. Clarke

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The Appointment for Ohio.

The Ohio Conference having been postponed on account of the detention of Bro. and Sr. White in the West in consequence of the urgent call for labor in that part of the field at that time, will now be held at Bowling Green on Dec. 25–28, 1868, at the time appointed for meetings at that place by Bro. and Sr. White. The churches in Ohio are earnestly requested to send delegates and full reports, up to Aug. 1, 1868, the close of our financial year, and, as far as possible, all dues on s. B. funds; and if in any case the delegate should not be sent, they will please to report immediately by mail, so that the Conference may have material for full State reports. Brethren and sisters are cordially invited to attend this meeting, as many as can do so. The church of Bowling Green will gladly welcome all to their hospitable homes. Those coming with teams will please bring blankets and buffalo robes, as it is winter, and we hope to see a large number of our people at this meeting. Teams will be at Tontogany, on the D. and Mich. R. R., on Thursday, the 24th, and Friday, the 25th, to convey brethren and sisters to the place of meeting, four miles from the railroad. Brethren, come, praying the Lord to meet with us, and bless us.

In behalf of the committee, JOS. CLARKE, Sec. of the Ohio Conference.

“The Wicked Dead.”

By Editor

A NEW edition of this excellent tract, revised by the author, has just been issued at this Office. It is addressed to the question, Are the wicked dead now being punished? and contains a full exposition of that, to many, perplexing parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The importance of the subject, and the manner in which it should be treated, is well set forth in the opening paragraph of the tract which we herewith transcribe:

“This is a question of awful solemnity, and should not be treated as a matter of speculation and idle curiosity. By far the larger part of mankind live in neglect of the great duties of religion, if not in open contempt of its most solemn commands. Such has ever been the fact with our fallen race. This vast throng of sinful men, for long ages have been pouring through the gates of death, and its dark portals hide them from our further view. What is the condition of this innumerable multitude of impenitent dead? Where are they, and what now is their real state?”

These important questions are fully and scripturally answered in the tract under notice. It is shown that there are but two instances in all the Bible which can be adduced to prove the present conscious suffering of the wicked; a fact of which but few persons may be aware. These instances are the Sodomites, Jude 7, and the Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke xvi, 19–31; and these cases are fully explained, showing that they give no countenance whatever to such a doctrine. In a concise and pointed manner, one of the greatest errors of the day is attacked and overthrown. Here is the difference between truth and error. Learned D. D’s find it necessary to write dollar and two dollar volumes, to sustain a doctrine which is here completely refuted in a penny tract; because in the latter case the Bible is allowed to speak for itself, and settle the question; while in the former, a laborious effort has to be made to explain it away. There ought to be no limit to the circulation of this tract. 16 pp ; price, $1.00 per hundred.

Books! Books!

By James White

I WOULD notify those who have pledged to help me circulate books, that 1868, the time in which those pledges were to be paid, will soon be passed. Please forward the amount of your subscriptions to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich., without delay. I shall issue a report of the book enterprise in pamphlet form in January, and give the names and amounts pledged, paid and unpaid. Friends, be prompt, and I shall mark you paid.

Those who have received books from me on trust, should pay up at once. JAMES WHITE.

THE CELESTIAL ARMY.

By M. C. C.

Whence came the armies of the skies, John saw in vision, bright? Whence came their palms, their robes, their crowns, Too pure for mortal sight?

Chorus.—They look like men in uniform, They look like men of war; They all are clad in armor bright, And conquering palms they bear.

Were these tried soldiers of the cross Victorious in the fight? Were these the trophies they had won, Reserved in worlds of light?

Cho.

They once were mourners here below, And poured out sighs and tears; They wrestled hard as we do now, With sins, and doubts, and fears.

Cho.

They saw the star of Bethlehem Arise in splendor bright; They followed long its guiding ray, Till beamed a clearer light.

Cho.

From desert waste, and cities full, From dungeon dark they've come, And now they claim their mansions fair, They've found their long-sought home.

Cho.

—Copied for Review by M. C. C.

Meetings at Blendon and Casnovia

By I. D. VAN HORN

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the friends in Blendon, Mich., Sabbath and first-day, Dec. 26, 27. I will also be at Casnovia Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 2, 3, 1869. I. D. VAN HORN.

Monthly Meeting at Marion

By D. T. Shireman

THE next Monthly Meeting of the Lisbon, Anamosa, and Marion, churches, will be held at Marion, Iowa, Jan. 2, 3, 1869. D. T. SHIREMAN.

E. VAN DEUSEN

By E. Van Deusen

THERE will be a meeting at Vergennes, Mich., the first Sabbath in January next. Brethren from Orleans, Fair Plains, Bushnell, Orange, and Bowne, are invited to come. Bring your blankets and robes, on account of barn room. Come in as large loads as convenient.

“Come, let us anew our journey pursue, Roll round with the year; And never stand still till the Master appear.”

E. VAN DEUSEN

An Excellent Book for a Christmas Present.

By John Nevins Andrews

Do you wish to make a present to any young person on the occasion of the coming Christmas? There are few things more suitable, or that could be more acceptable to the receiver, than the Autobiography of Joseph Bates. No young person can fail to be interested and even delighted with its perusal. It is a book of interest to persons of any age and calling of life. It is the truthful record of a well-spent life. It is also the record of a life full of events of thrilling interest. The reader can see what the principles of virtue, integrity, and truth, will do for those who strictly follow them.

The book has also an especial interest to those who love the Advent faith. It gives the earlier experience of the author in the great Advent movement, and many facts concerning that movement that are worthy of lasting remembrance. May our venerable brother Bates, who has so long stood at his post as a deeply-interested watcher for the coming One, be spared to witness that grand event which shall consummate the Christian’s hope. J. N. A.

An Exhortation.

By A. K. Crosby

Let us take heed to ourselves, lest at any time our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. Let us esteem our faithful ministers. They render us an essential service. They aid us in our duties, and they are in a certain degree responsible for our failures; for they watch for souls as those that must give an account. Let us sympathize with and support each other. We are soldiers in the same army, engaged in the same conflict. Let us mind the command, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Let us be patient under injuries and forgive as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. Let us rejoice in Christ Jesus. Let us never be lax in prayer. Let us be always on the guard, that we do not destroy our comfort by causing the divine Comforter to withdraw from us, as he certainly will if we indulge in carnal lusts, and mind earthly things. Let us ever be ready to hear the word of God, that we may have our mind stirred up to duty. Let us try all our principles by the word of God, and let us avoid even the appearance of evil; and that will be the surest way to keep our souls from real evil. May the God of peace sanctify us wholly, and enable us to obey his commandments, and do his will, so that we may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A. K. CROSBY.

Oakland Co., Mich.

Sing Away Your Troubles.

Oh, that we could put songs under our burdens! Oh, that we could extract the sense of sorrow by song! Then these things would not poison so much. Sing in the house. Teach your children to sing. When troubles come, go at them with songs. When griefs arise, sing them down. Lift the voice of praise against care. Praise God by singing; that will lift you above trials of every sort. Attempt it. They sing in Heaven; and among God's people upon earth, song is the appropriate language of Christian feeling.— Beecher.

Holly Monthly Meeting

By A. K. Crosby

The Seventh-day Adventist church of Holly, Oakland Co., Mich., will hold their next Monthly Meeting at Holly on the second Sabbath in January, 1869. Will some messenger come and help us? There are some anxious ones waiting to hear an investigation of the Sabbath question and some other truths. A. K. Crosby, Church Clerk.

BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.

A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.

FARM FOR SALE.—Bro. G. W. Staner, of Victoria, Missouri, has a farm for sale, adjoining the farm of Bro. J. H. Rogers. He would be glad to dispose of it to some brother who can give good references of acceptable standing with S. D. Adventists. Address G. W. Staner, Victoria, Daviess Co., Mo.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. xii, 11.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays, which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

$1.00 each. E Degarmo 34-1, J G Jones 35-1, W Pepper 33-21, E E Sanford 34-1, Mrs J House 31-1, Mrs R K Rogers 34-1, Emma G Hutchins 34-1, M A Haywood 34-1, F Kendall in full of acct.

$2.00 each. T H Starch 34-17, W Warren 35-1, A Green 33-2, R Griggs 34-9, W W Guilford 33-20, H S Woolsey 34-10, P A Gammon 35-1, J C Chaffee 35-8, G A Freeland 35-1, C L Munger 35-1, S Zollinger 34-20, A E Gridley 34-8, Ellen Robinson 34-1, H F Phelps 33-21, H W Dodge 34-9, Lucy Gardner 35-1, A Farrell Jr 35-1, A A Cross 35-1, S D Salisbury 34-1/2, H O Miller 34-14, M E Harris 35-19.

$3.00 each. Mrs E Temple 36-1, R Stansbury 33-9.

Miscellaneous. W Chinnock $2.50 34-9, C Green 1.40 34-1, J H Scott 50c 33-14, D Daniels 5.00 35-9, A Robinson 1.25 34-4, J Thomas 2.12 34-7.

Books Sent by Mail.

E Ireland 15c, J B Sweet $2.40, Mrs A E Heaton 1.00, E R Noyes 1.00, John Hanson 5.01, J H Scott 1.50, L D Sanborn 1.00, D L Chaffee 2.25, W Harris 1.12, E Stone 40c, Mrs C Paul 2.00, Mrs S Althous 1.12, J O Revell 1.63, S Treat 1.12, S W Francisco 1.12, A N Fisher 15c, J Nellyers 85c, W H Horr 1.02, S P Horr 1.02, H M Cochran 1.05, Harriet Everts 1.35, S D Salisbury 45c, M Stites 40c, J C Finn 40c, H C Miller 2.25.

Books Sent by Express.

B F Snook, Marion, Iowa, $9.38.

Cash Received on Account.

James White $44.00, A A Fairfield 1.75, A N Fisher for D Van Horn 1.10.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Church at Orange $30.00.

Receipts for Benevolent Fund.

B — $5.00, Wm Moshier 10.00, Susan McIntosh 2.00, A Friend 5.00, Mary E Harr $1.00, H W Cottrell 50c, Elizabeth I Cottrell 60c, J J Cottrell 60c, Wm Cottrell 2.50, Margaret Cottrell 1.00, Ellen W Searle 10.00, S J H Jersum 10.00, T Bryant 10.00, A R Haden 5.00, J E Allen 1.00, Ella Cranson 5.00.

For California Mission.

Wm Moshier $1.00, Margaret Cottrell 1.00, Wm Cottrell 2.50.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

Wm Moshier $1.00, P M Cross 96c.

General Conference Missionary Fund.

Oliver Hoffer $5.00, Juliana Hoffer 2.00, Dexter Daniels 10.00, Church at Washington, N. I., 35.00, New Ipswich 50.00, South Lancaster, Mass., 33.20.

Instructor to the Poor.

Mrs A Emerson 25c.