A NASHVILLE correspondent who recently had a conversation with an influential citizen of Tennessee, writes as follows:
I asked him if he felt willing to tell me frankly what he thought of the future of slavery in Tennessee?
“Certainly,” he replied, “I have no concealment to make upon that or any other public question.”
“Do you believe there is any possible prospect for its restoration in this State?” I inquired.
“That,” said he, “is still an open question. I consider it no more settled that we shall not again have slavery in Tennessee, than it is whether the institution shall be abolished in Kentucky.”
“Is there any considerable number of the people who would favor such restoration?”
“A large majority would, if all were allowed to express themselves.”
“Would you?”
“Unquestionably I would.”
“But as your amended Constitution forever prohibits it, why is not the question settled?”
“Why,” said he, “even a legal Constitution is not a finality; and of course you are aware that many of us regard the March amendments to the Constitution of Tennessee as utterly illegal and void. Were it not for the presence of military force, the matter would have been brought ere this before the courts, and I doubt not their decision would have confirmed our opinion.”
“But,” said I, “even if the Courts should decide as you say, would it not be impossible to restore the institution on account of the resistance which the blacks would everywhere make to it?”
“Of course,” he replied, “we could not reinstate our authority immediately over the whole of them—perhaps not over one-half of them. But there are many sections of the State where the blacks are not aware that slavery has been abolished at all. Some of these sections are in West Tennessee, where the colored population is most numerous. In other quarters there are many families which the blacks have never attempted to leave, and where the quiet resumption of the masters’ authority would be at once acquiesced in, gradually all resistance would cease, and the colored people, in many cases disgusted with their new found freedom, so different from what they had anticipated, would voluntarily return to bondage, or accept as destiny what they could easily be persuaded was unavoidable. What it required a great army to destroy can easily be restored by the people when that army is removed.—New York Sun.
Letters.
By Editor
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
From Sister Burgess.
Bro. White: Of the many that have come out in present truth, none have more reason to give thanks to God, the author of every good and perfect gift, than I. I was sent, at an early age, by my parents, to Sunday school, and from the instructions I there received, there was formed a love for good; and I became quite thoughtful. But, too soon these thoughts gave place to those of pleasure, and for a while I engaged in them. At length, my attention was again called to the subject of religion, and I resolved to spend the remainder of my time in trying to do the will of my Creator, and soon after united with the M. E. church. I had never heard more than the name of Seventh-day Adventists, until the summer of 1860, when Bro. Frisbie visited this county. I then heard two discourses, by which I became convinced of the Sabbath. But this was soon confused by those arguments generally given for that purpose. Thus I was, as I thought, set right again, thinking that what I had heard was delusory.
It was but a few weeks after I became settled in mind again, that I heard something said about the “Sleep of the dead,” which awakened curiosity in my mind, and I began to inquire about it. That I might understand it perfectly, a book entitled “Man not Immortal” was given to me for perusal. I read; but before I had read far, I found what I thought could not possibly be true. What! man in this state not possessing an immortal soul, an undying principle! What absurdity! But when the Scripture came, my mind began to waver. Can it be possible that the Bible will prove any doctrine, that book which was given by divine inspiration? I strove earnestly for light, but there seemed to be none. In this state of mind, days lengthened into weeks, but no relief came, until I came to the conclusion that I would think no more upon the subject. But the good seed was sown and could not be eradicated; for now as my mind had become comparatively calm, and I continued to read the words “which are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith,” the more apparent did it become that if we would have eternal life, we must seek for immortality, as we do not now possess it. It was with joy that I received intelligence
of the tent being at Ithaca last summer; for I felt that I should receive light on what was then dark; and so it was. Although I could not attend the whole course of lectures, I could read the books on the different subjects, by which I found what my duty was and soon with my mother, commenced keeping the Sabbath. We feel that the day which the Lord has set apart as his Sabbath, is indeed a delight, and we are striving with those of like faith, to overcome that we may be ready and waiting when the Son of man shall appear upon the white cloud with power and great glory.
As a church, we feel that our Sabbath meetings are profitable, and we are striving to “put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” Pray for us that we be not overcome, but that we may at last rise triumphant, to be forever with the Lord.
In hope,
Julia A. Burgess.
Ithaca, Mich.
A Minister’s Earnest Desire
By A. S. Hutchins
From Bro. Hutchins.
Bro. WHITE: I still feel that my interest, sympathy, and love, are with the people of God. Through grace, I hope to be able to suffer with the saints, to overcome with them, and with them to reign in the kingdom of our soon coming King.
The most earnest desire of my heart for months past has been, that I might know, and do the will of my heavenly Master at all times. With David, I can say, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good: lead me into the land of uprightness.”
Such have more especially been my feelings since our last annual Conference. This was a Conference long to be remembered. The Spirit and power of the Lord were present to guide in our deliberations, and to aid in the presentation of the truth.
The discourses of Bro. J. N. Andrews, on the call of ministers to their solemn, and all-important work, and their duty to the people, has led my mind, I hope, to profitable reflection, meditation, and prayer, on this subject.
The more I dwell upon this absorbing theme, the more I desire to be nearer to the great Head of the church, and learn of him in all things. I desire to be wholly sanctified, spirit, soul, and body.
“Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” Oh, how true is this of the servant of God! Ye can do nothing. Oh, weighty words, and full of solemn truth which will be realized in the judgment, if not before! May we be enabled to realize these things now; to abide in Christ, and have his words abide in us, and bear much fruit.
My heart pants after a closer walk with God. I shall not, I cannot be satisfied till I know more of a Saviour's love in my soul; till I feel more for the salvation of others, and until I can labor more effectually for their good.
“My God, my God, to thee I cry;
Thee only would I know;
Thy purifying blood apply,
And wash me white as snow.”
A. S. HuTcHINS.
Wolcott, Vt., July 28, 1865.
Thanks for the Review Subscription
Sister F. Freeman writes from Oshkosh, Wis.: I wish to express my thanks to the kind friends who have paid for the Review for me. It has cheered many a lonely hour. May the time soon come when the scattered ones shall be gathered into the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ. May I meet you there.
The Lord’s Work in Iowa
Bro. D. T. Shireman writes from Marion, Iowa: The truths of the third angel's message look more precious to me than ever. I feel like cherishing and living them out in my daily walk more than I ever have done.
When I look back upon the past six weeks and see the wonderful work the Lord has done for his people in Iowa, I can say with all my heart, Praise the Lord for his goodness and mercies that he has shown toward us. I am well satisfied that the Lord has been in the great work that has been done here. The Lord is leading this people, and if we put our trust in him he will bring us off more than conquerors. He will lead us safely through into the promised land. Oh let us put our trust in him.
Obituary Notices.
By Joseph Bates
DIED of consumption, in Monterey, June 16th, 1865, Frances, wife of Orrin McUmber, aged thirty-nine years and five months. She embraced the present truth about nine years since, and ever continued with the church in Monterey. She bore her lingering sickness with patient resignation, and died in the triumphs of faith, and a well grounded hope that she should live again in the everlasting kingdom of God at the resurrection of the just.
JOSEPH BATES.
Monterey, Mich., July, 28, 1865.
New Tract on the Advent.
By Editor
THE articles from Bro. Wm. C. Gage, entitled, "Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections against the Second Advent Faith," which have just appeared in the Review, are now issued in tract form. To the readers of the paper, we need not speak particularly concerning these articles, as they have already spoken for themselves. We bespeak for this tract an extensive circulation. There are multitudes who have entrenched themselves behind some trivial objection, in whose cases just such a work as this is needed to take away their imaginary defenses, and awaken an interest in this great subject. "Cast up the highway," says the prophet, and "gather out the stones." Objections are stones of stumbling to many people. Let some of the most common ones against the Advent faith be gathered out by a wide spread of this tract. Price, single, 4cts., postage 2cts. Twenty-five for $1, post-paid.
Note from the Mich. Tent.
By I. D. Van Horn, D. M. Canright
BRo. WHITE : We have given fourteen discourses in this place. The interest is good, and is still rising. This is a small country village, but well settled around. Sunday, our congregations averaged over two hundred and fifty. We have had good liberty in presenting the truth.
We have had two Sabbath meetings with the brethren and sisters at Vassar, since the tent left there. They are becoming firm and zealous in the truth, although the opposition is bitter.
Brethren, pray for us that God may give us wisdom, discretion, and energy, in presenting these solemn truths to the people.
I. D. VAN HORN,
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Watrousville, Mich.
A Caution.
Bro. WHITE: I wish to give notice through the Review of a man calling his name Collins. He claims to be a Sabbath-keeper; but we consider him the worst kind of an impostor. I have learned that his real name is Peck. When here, he was selling recipes for curing corns and bunions. We advise Sabbath-keepers to beware of him.
E. D. PLACE.
Chicago, Ill.
NOTE. This is an age of impostors. Men will profess to be anything and everything for the sake of a little advantage. We know of no way for Sabbath-keepers to prevent being imposed upon by cases of this kind, except by requiring of every itinerant professed Sabbath-keeper, a letter of recommendation from some church. Let all our scattered brethren find their place in some church, which, in most cases, can doubtless be done, and when they travel, take a letter showing their standing with the church. We hope the time will soon come, when a letter will invariably be required of strangers.—ED.
Sabbath-Day's Journey.
By John Nevins Andrews
"The Sabbath-day's journey [Acts i, 12] was about seven-eighths of a mile; and the term denoted the distance which Jewish tradition said one might travel without a violation of the law. Ex. xvi, 29. It is supposed that this distance extended, first from the tabernacle to the remotest section of the camp, and afterward from the temple to the remotest part of the holy city.
"The term a day's journey [Num. xi, 31; Luke ii, 44] probably indicated no certain distance, but was taken to be the ordinary distance which a person travels on foot in the prosecution of a journey, perhaps twenty miles." Union Bible Dictionary, Art. Measures.
The above is not presented for the purpose of defining the distance that we may travel on the Sabbath; for as this quotation indicates, the whole thing was only a matter of Jewish tradition, which is no sufficient authority or guide in any religious observance.
But there is one idea set forth that will be of some value perhaps to a certain class. Those who pray that they may "make a Sabbath-day's journey toward the heavenly city," as though this was an unusual degree of progress, should understand that this is the shortest of all journeys. When we pray we should do it with the spirit and "with the understanding ALSO." 1 Cor. xiv, 15.
J. N. A.
Meetings in Mich.
By John Byington
Bro. White: July 1st and 2nd, I was with the church in Tompkins. The church in Jackson, and brethren from Leslie met with us. We had the ordinances on the Sabbath, and on first-day two were baptized. We felt blest with this people. Some have recently decided on obeying the truth, who live near sister Henry's. This is the fruit of some meetings held there by Bro. Van Horn last winter.
Sabbath the 8th, I was at home. The 15th, I was at Burlington. We had a social meeting. I came to Ransom Center the 21st, where I found a comfortable home in the family of Bro. Emans. Here we have had meetings on Sabbath and first-day, and have organized a church of twenty-four members. Systematic Benevolence was arranged which amounts to $120, per year, which they pledged to the Conference fund.
We had the ordinances at the close of our meeting on first-day, and truly the Holy Spirit did rest upon us. Five of the youth and children gave in their names for membership when baptized. For this the way did not seem fully prepared; as the parents thought them not fully dead to sin. Oh may parents and children do all their duty.
This meeting has been a good one. The church at Ransom Center request to be united to the Mich. Conference at their next session, and till then to be under the care of the Conference Committee.
John Byington.
Ransom Center, July 25, 1865.
Report from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. WHITE: My last report closed with a series of meetings held in Orleans. From thence July 5th, I came to Vergennes, where the Lowell church hold their meetings, and labored with them from the 5th to the 11th, holding six meetings. The brethren felt much encouraged to see the interest their neighbors manifested in attending our Sunday meetings.
July 11th to 16th I spent visiting the members of the church in Bowne, and holding meetings on the Sabbath. In celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house here, and also in Vergennes, the brethren were encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.
Sabbath July 22nd, according to appointment, I met with the church in Monterey. I felt glad to meet and mingle our voices once more in prayer and praise, with those with whom we have so often united to worship the God of our fathers, through our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our meetings were interesting, and I trust some good was done in the name of Jesus. Some of the soldiers recently returned home from the war are interested to hear.
JOSEPH BATES.
Monterey, Mich., July 28, 1865.
Corrections.
By A. C. Bourdeau
Bro. White: At the Vermont State Conference the credentials of Elder A. S. Hutchins were renewed for the present Conference year. But by some means in the Report of the Conference published in the Review No. 6, present volume, his name was overlooked among the ministers whose credentials were renewed.
In Review No. 7, in Business Department. For Bro. Bourdeau. "H. Ruiter, $5,00." Should read, H. Everts $5,00. A. C. Bourdeau.
The Exercise of Prayer
PRAYER is an exercise which has the property of incorporating itself with every other, not only not impeding it, but advancing it. There is no crevice so small at which devotion may not slip in.
Two Classes of Religious Thinkers
The late Mrs. Browning, remarked to a friend that, so far as she could see, modern thought in religious matters was developing two great classes of thinkers, "those who tolerate everybody, because they believed nothing, and those who tolerated nobody because they believed something."
Prepayment of Postage Required
People should remember that the postal law requires the prepayment of postage by stamps, and the letters deposited in the post-office without stamps are sent to the Dead Letter Office, where fifteen thousand such are received daily.
Atheism
ATHEISM.—"An atheist is not only a devil in religion, but a monster in nature."—Donne.
Appointments.
By John Norton Loughborough
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will hold meetings at Knoxville, Iowa, Aug. 19 and 20. Two meetings each day.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Business Department.
By Editor
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
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Michigan Conference Fund.
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Books Sent By Mail.
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To Pay Expenses on Draft Publications.
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General Conference Missionary Fund.
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