p. 150 | Review and Herald, Vol. 16, No. 19. (9/25/1860)

INDECISION.

By A. S. Hutchins

"How long halt ye between two opinions?" 1 Kings xviii, 21.

To be almost persuaded to be a Christian, and stop here, will never secure to one an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Were it possible to be almost a Christian, and be almost saved with the ransomed of the Lord, we should then come short of salvation, should lose heaven, should lose all.

How ought this solemn and weighty consideration to lead us to "give all diligence" to make our calling and election sure. To "strive to enter in at the strait gate. To consecrate ourselves fully and unreservedly with all we possess to our heavenly Master; for God requires the whole heart. It is but just and reasonable that he should have it. And then, O then, how small and poor the sacrifice we make!

But how large the number that profess godliness at present, who reserve most of the heart for self, for the world and worldly interests! Present the evidences of the near coming of the dear Redeemer to most people who profess devout love for him, teach the claims of the fourth commandment of the decalogue, and how soon the fact reveals itself that they have but a little relish for those precious truths so clearly taught in the sacred volume of inspiration.

But at this time our mind rests more particularly upon those professors who have heard and read on our position for months and perhaps years, and manifest a tender, affectionate spirit towards us, love our meetings, speak of the good spirit which characterizes them, &c., yet do not take a stand with God's people in favor of the unpopular truths we believe and advocate. The observance of God's holy Sabbath seems too great a cross for them, though they claim not the least argument for Sunday-keeping, but contrarywise, admit that the seventh day is the Sabbath. At times they seem almost persuaded to keep it, almost on the point

of stepping out upon the light and truth of this precept.

Dear reader, is this your position? If so, the matter stands thus: You profess to be God's servant. He instructs you to keep his commandments, if you would enter into life. Matt. xix, 17. One of those commandments is, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." Ex. xx, 8. He informs you that "the seventh day is the Sabbath." The light shines upon your pathway; you know your duty, but do it not. Still you expect salvation—salvation in disobedience!

Hearken to the word of God: "And that servant which knew his Lord's will and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes." Luke xii, 47. See also Matt. v, 19. And again: "Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." John ix, 41.

With such declarations from the volume of truth standing out against you, is there no cause of fear? Do you feel safe and secure? Your preacher, your friend, your neighbor may whisper safety in your ear. Your companion, your children and relatives may stand in your way; but will this excuse you in the judgment? What will be your plea then?

"And, what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?" Isa. x, 3. What then will ye do when "God riseth up?" and when he visiteth what will you answer him? Stop! consider well here! Decide now. Decide to-day. Let your decision be in favor of the truth. Let it be to obey God. Let your choice be for heaven, for life, for eternal life. "If the Lord be God follow him."

To-day the sweet voice of mercy invites you. To-day Jesus intercedes with the Father for you. And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." To-day the gospel is preached, and the light shines from the pages of inspiration.

But soon the scene will change! The warning notes of mercy are heard no longer. The mediation of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary closes. A voice is heard out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "IT IS DONE."

"And now there is pardon, Sweet pardon, no more."

Dear reader, are you living without an abiding and satisfactory evidence of your acceptance with God? I beseech of you to secure an interest in the atoning blood of the compassionate Redeemer now. Exercise "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." And remember that,

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. xxviii, 9.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

TENT-MEETING AT LODI, WIS.

By John Norton Loughborough; T. M. Steward

This meeting which commenced Aug. 10th, continued over four Sabbaths, and was one of interest. The first week of the meeting our congregations were rather thin because people were still busy with their harvests, and because there was much prejudice in the minds of some on account of false reports which were circulated against us. But as the people came in to hear, this prejudice to a great extent gave way, and we had much freedom in talking the truth to the people. We sold $30.00 worth of books in the place; and when we left there were over twenty who had decided to keep the Sabbath. We expect others will take a stand upon the truth, and that the cause will still move on in Lodi.

We are now in Cherry Grove, Ills. Have given eight discourses. The interest is good, and we have hope to see something accomplished here, with the Lord's blessing upon the effort.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. T. M. STEWARD.

Cherry Grove, Ills., Sept. 18, 1860.

GRACE THROUGH UNRIGHTEOUNNESS.

By E. Goodrich

As is the tree, such is the fruit that it bears. A wrong course can never end in the right place; and it is no matter of wonder that those who begin by affirming that the law of God is abolished, are found in the end teaching a doctrine equivalent to the one found in the above heading.

Those who thus begin and thus end may be honest; they may, indeed, think that it is necessary to remove the law of God in order that the light of divine grace may shine out more brilliantly. But, nevertheless, the very opposite of this is true; because mercy is the compassion that is shown to those who are guilty. It is the forbearance that is manifested to those who are convinced of crime, heresy or indebtedness. And when we take away the law by which is the knowledge of sin, if we do not destroy the necessity of mercy, we at least take away the means by which the favor of God is reflected in the face of his Son.

First the cause, and then the cure; the disease and then the remedy. A man can only properly appreciate a favor or deliverance, by understanding his wretchedness or want. The skill of the physician is known by the nature and extent of the disease cured.

Again, to destroy evidence of indebtedness would not manifest the mercy of the creditor. On the contrary it would place him in a condition where he could neither exhibit mercy, nor collect his honest dues.

Example. The promissory note that A. holds against B. is evidence of his indebtedness. To destroy this, although it would favor B., would be injustice to A., and at best would only be an exhibition of grace reigning through unrighteousness. But if A., while in the possession of B.'s evidence of indebtedness, should say to B., Inasmuch as I have a right to do with that which I will with my own, and inasmuch as thou canst not pay, I will therefore freely forgive you. Here would be grace reigning through righteousness.

And so it is with the law of God: it is holy (it defies no one), is just (it demands no more than is due) it is good (it seeks the highest lasting good of all), and it cannot be set aside for the purpose of favoring man, without doing injustice to its Author. And as all creature rights are founded on the rights of the Creator who has formed them, to deny God's right or to attempt to build up man at the expense of justice, and the rights of his Maker would be to set on foot a system of action which would in the end take from man that which belongs to him. And it is but logical to conclude that those who knowingly transgress a commandment that requires us to pay homage to God, would under like provocation and circumstances, transgress those commandments that are given to guard man in the rights that God has conferred upon him. In fact the two ideas (God's rights and man's rights) are inseparably connected; and the one cannot be violated without violating the other.

And again, to destroy the law of God can be of no real benefit to man, because the disease is in man, not in the law; and to destroy the law neither changes his creature relations, his wicked heart, nor his corrupt nature. No, the remedy that God has provided cannot consist in denying the disease nor in destroying the evidence of its malignity. But it consists in the employment of those active virtues whereby man is completely purged from his sins and all corruption and made a new creature. The liberty wherewith Christ makes us free consists in making man free from sin, not free to sin. It consists in destroying the law of sin and death that reigns in man's mortal body, and not in denying those obligations that grow out of moral relations sustained to God. This doctrine is clearly and fully set forth in the epistle to the Romans, in which the apostle Paul portrays man's condition both while unconverted, and when converted.

In the first place, he presents man in his natural and unconverted state, showing that while in this state and condition he is an enemy to God, because he is the subject of sin, and in him reigns all those passions and promptings that manifest themselves in every species of sin and disloyalty, showing that the carnal or natural mind is enmity against God, is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So that those that are in the flesh, or the possession of the carnal mind, cannot please God, showing that as the law of sin and death reigns in our natural bodies, unless we are freed from its dominion here, we cannot expect to live hereafter, hence the need of a remedy: and hence the doctrine of conversion, or that the old man of the flesh, the body of sin, should be crucified with all his affections and lusts.

In the meantime, or second place, he presents us with the law of God, by which is the knowledge of sin, by which God's claims are vindicated, and sin painted in its own native colors, and magnified to its own hateful dimensions. The law is not sin, neither does it make sinners; these exist where the law is not revealed. The same moral corruption and deep-seated depravity exists in the hearts of those who never heard the law, as in the minds of those who know its claims and yet remain unconverted. The design of the law is to make known the nature, extent and dread consequences of sin. This is done by showing that God is our Creator and his law is holy, just and good, and all that comes in contact with it must perish forever. When these things are known, and not till then, can the grace of God in our salvation be estimated or shine forth in its own divine glory.

As an illustration, a cure may be genuine, thorough and great; and yet if the persons or parties upon whom the cure is effected be ignorant of the nature, extent, and malignity of the disease, they will be quite as ignorant of the skill of the physician, or the cost by which they are cured. The above sentiment is expressed by the apostle [Rom. v, 20, 21] in the following language: "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." And lest some should misinterpret the language and feel somewhat free to sin, he anticipates them by asking, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" He then answers the question with the strongest possible negative: "God forbid." And not being content with only a negation he immediately begins to argue the question (whether a man may sin after he is converted or not) and in the seventh and eighth chapters he has given a complete exposition of the whole matter, showing that the Christian is one that has become dead to sin, has been crucified with Christ, and has arisen to walk in newness of life, or to live a new life. He is one whose old man is put off and the body of sin destroyed and his members are no longer yielded to commit sin, but are instruments of righteousness unto holiness.

Showing in the third place the remedy which consists in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus by which we are made free, not from the law of God, but from the law of sin and death. This is the liberty wherewith Christ makes free: a deliverance from the dominion of lust and sin. This kind of remedy is genuine and thorough, because it begins with the root of the matter and aims at a complete change of nature. The necessity, consistency and beauty of such a reformation as this, is the better seen and realized when we remember that a dying nature and a sinful nature are identical. To be delivered from one is to be freed from the other. This sentiment is expressed by the apostle, [Rom. vi, 6], when he says, Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him; for in that he died he died unto sin once, but in that he liveth he liveth unto God. Died unto sin: not that Christ ever sinned, or that guile was ever found in his mouth; but as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, and he also likewise took part of the same, he inherited a part of our nature, subject as it was to the law of sin and death. And having inherited our nature with its sinful susceptibilities and promptings, he could feel the power of the tempter, yea, be in all points tempted as we are. And having been tempted, he could sympathize with and succor those that are tempted, and thus be a merciful and faithful High Priest. But when he died he was put to death in the flesh, but raised by the Spirit, the power, and glory, of the Father, and placed infinitely above the power of temptation, the dominion of sin or death. Now, according to the apostle's reasoning and language, as Christ died unto sin, and as when we are baptized we are baptized into his death, to carry out the figure and doctrine, as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, and lives a new life, so we, having died unto sin, should live the rest of our time to God.

The above and foregoing is in brief the doctrine of the Bible from beginning to end; and how any one who has read the Scriptures, who has learned the reason why man fell, the purpose for which the Son of God was manifested, and who professedly has been converted,—how any such can for a moment believe that the moral law of God ceased by limitation, or was abolished by the death and mediation of Christ, is a mystery—a mystery that seems only to be explained by the deception of the human heart and the enormity of the carnal mind. E. GOODRICH. Edinboro, Pa.

MICHIGAN TENT.

By R. J. Lawrence; J. B. Frisbie

BRO. SMITH: We commenced our meetings in Ray, Macomb Co., on the evening of Sept. 1st, and closed the evening of the 16th.

The first week we had a very good attendance, all things considered. The Methodists had a grove meeting about four miles distant, which called off some on first-day. The next first-day there was a Methodist quarterly meeting about the same distance, which also called off some.

The second week it was wet and rainy, so that we were obliged to leave the tent and resort to the Baptist meeting house near by, for the privilege of using which we were thankful.

The evenings were too wet and cold to hold meetings in the tent, until Friday evening. The last first-day we had a good congregation all day and evening; and the meeting closed up with some interest.

Nearly a hundred arose to manifest that they believed we had the truth on the Sabbath question. A few have decided to keep it. As the evenings were damp and cold, and a number had taken cold by being out, we concluded to close up for the season.

On the whole we judge that it has been a profitable meeting, as many are investigating the truth. We left an appointment at the Baptist meeting house for meeting next Sabbath, and expect that Bro. Lawrence will attend, as he lives about twelve miles from the place.

We might add that the excitement on politics is now so high that there is but little use in holding meetings much more in these parts for the present.

Yours in Christ.

R. J. LAWRENCE. J. B. FRISBIE.

Oakland, Oakland Co., Mich.

BREVITIES.

By J. Clarke

SOME are fond of attending conferences, and of hearing celebrated preachers; but the prayer-meeting has no charms for them. Such have an ear for truth, but no heart in it.

He who does not reflect upon the past, and search out his sins and errors, will at last find justice overtake him when mercy is out of sight; as the man who cares not to pay his debts, will finally be obliged to satisfy other claims than the original ones.

Parents who do not subdue their children while they are young, will be incapable of doing it when bad habits become fixed. It is much pleasanter and more creditable for parents to govern their children than for children to govern their parents.

There is no real wealth below; those only are rich who have taken stock above. Those who still clutch at earth, resemble those mariners on board the burning ship Kent, who, taking advantage of the circumstances, were so intent on the acquisition of the costly treasures and liquors below deck, that they slighted the command of Capt. Cobb, to embark on board the ship which lay near for their rescue, so were blown up with the burning ship, while their sober comrades escaped.

The Adventists and Sabbath-keepers are caricatured in the public journals of the day. So when we were boys, we have often seen a group of rude lads making sport for the school over some studious pupil, who was so diligent in his studies that he had no inclination nor time to join them in their lawless enterprises. The studious sober lad lived to see his boyish persecutors either in prison, or on the gallows, or on the town, or begging at his door. Truth will float while error sinks.

The will controls the mind, and grace gets the reins by taking the will into its grasp; and he whose will is not sanctified, is not sanctified at all. The will is emperor of the mind. Subdue the will first: here is the grand mistake we have made, in trying, when we should have willed.

J. CLARKE.

LETTER FROM BRO. CZECHOWSKI.

By M. B. Czechowski

DEAR BRO. SMITH: Sunday, the 9th inst., we held a church meeting in Brooklyn, N. Y., for the purpose of examining the wants of the cause. We felt anxious to send a delegate to the general conference at Battle Creek, but we concluded that we could not under our present circumstances. Howbeit we felt it duty to say through the Review that we have increasing confidence in the cause in which we have enlisted; that we believe that he who has taken care of the cause from its rise till the present time, will watch over it to the end; and that we will pray the Lord to lead his servants to adopt such plans as will conduce to the happiness and prosperity of Zion. At this meeting we were happy to see the brethren willing to help defray the expenses of our place of worship for the present month.

In my last report, I said that I had rented a chapel for $200 a year. I should have remarked that I pay $200 a year for a large saloon which we use as a place of public worship, and a room adjoining it in which we reside. I was compelled to sell my house last Spring. The rail-road company built a new road which crossed my lot; and they paid me for my house and lot and gave me about $100 besides. For the time being I was left without a home. I searched for a dwelling-place, but found that a house for myself and family would cost me about $150 a year. Finally after many prayers and after consulting the brethren, I found the house that I now occupy, which, in my opinion, is cheap and indispensable.

According to previous appointment I spent last Sabbath and first day with the brethren in Montgomery. On the Sabbath I held four meetings in English for the benefit of several American brethren who had come from Berkshire, Richford and Johnson; and on first day I spoke to the French. Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau were present and assisted in presenting the word. I found the little church in this place united, and trying to learn in the school of Christ. May the Lord help them to keep together, and to so direct their steps that others may fall in love with the truth. I believe there are many honest souls in Montgomery who will yet embrace the third angel's message.

Bro. D. T. Bourdeau will accompany me to Chazy.

M. B. CZECHOWSKI.

TO THE YOUNG.

By M. H. LYON.

THERE is a question I would like to ask the youthful readers of the Review: Are you as much engaged in the cause of present truth as it is your duty and privilege to be? In imagination I hear the ready response in the negative. I beg leave to ask, Why are you not? Do you think to drift along on a smooth sea to the harbor of everlasting repose,

While others fought to win the prize And sailed through bloody seas?

Oh! no; but we do not like to be too forward, we would rather see young persons too backward. We have heard of elder brethren and sisters being tried with the forwardness of those younger than themselves, either in years or in knowledge of the truth; therefore we prefer to behave with becoming modesty in the house of God, which according to our ideas is—to be seen—not heard.

My dear young friends, do you think that such excuses can avail anything with the heart-searching God, who seeth not as man seeth? Can you really think that the true, honest Christian, whose heart burns with zeal for the honor and glory of his Master's cause, who mourns over the lack of faithfulness in God's house, could possibly be tried if his dear children, for instance, for whom he has prayed with strong crying and tears, should in some of our social meetings by the grace of God break loose from the shackles with which the great enemy of souls would fain bind them down from rising with his people, and cry aloud to God for help from the sanctuary to rise above the powers of darkness without waiting for all those who usually take part in the public services?

God is emphatically the God of order, and has commanded that all things pertaining to his public service, should be done with decency and in order, and has set us the example of appointing holy men, approved of God, to have the charge and oversight of his spiritual house. So it is proper that there should be certain ones upon whom should rest the responsibility of conducting, even a social meeting, appointed for prayer and praise; but after it is thus opened all are invited by the great Master of assemblies to partake of its rich privileges, the young as well as the old, children as well as the parents. Now can you not, dear young friends, be persuaded to arouse yourself from the fatal sleep of the enchanted ground by exhorting each other and so much the more as you see the day approaching?

Oh! what an impetus it would give to the cause of the third angel's message if all the youth in our midst would commence with one heart and voice to cry aloud and spare not, showing each other their sins and transgressions. Depend upon it, none would be "tried" but those who will not stand the trial of their faith, but will be spued out of the mouth of Him who warns us to be zealous and repent, for he cometh quickly.

M. H. LYON.

Battle Creek, Mich.

HOLINESS OF HEART.

By A. S. H.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: It is a matter of deep satisfaction to me, that there exists at the present time so much feeling with our brethren and sisters, on the subject of entire consecration to God. The church in the East as well as the West, are waking up to this important work.

The fervent prayer of my heart is that the Spirit of God may guide each of us in our efforts to attain unto holiness of heart, and lives, free from sin, and that this good work may move on understandingly and in God's order. For I distinctly see we have lacked wisdom in the past in our efforts to get right.

The "old man with his deeds," must be "put off," and the "new man" put on. We must attain unto that state where "Christ is all and in all."

Of the one hundred and forty-four thousand it is said, "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." Rev. xiv, 5. And do we expect to be found with this pure and spotless company, without a closer walk with God? Without greater watchfulness, more fervent prayer, more gentleness, meekness, and more of the love which characterized the compassionate Redeemer?

Oh it is to be feared that many who for years past have lost rather than grown in grace, will yet be spued out of the mouth of the faithful and true Witness. Nothing can save us from it but heeding his counsel. Of Enoch it is said, "For before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God." Dear brethren and sisters, can we obtain this testimony any too soon.

A. S. H.

CHEAP SACRIFICES.

By A.

"And the king [David] said unto Araunah, Nay, but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing" 2 Sam. xxiv, 24.

Dear brethren and sisters, is not here something for our instruction? How is it with us? Are we anxious to have what we offer to the Lord cost us something? or do we find we have a disposition to give that to God's cause, or his poor, that we do not feel? Let us examine our hearts, and look well to our motives, realizing God's eye is upon us; and let us be careful and not feel that the blessing pronounced upon the liberal soul is ours, if only the inferior wheat, wood, &c., finds its way from our granary and forest to the abode of the needy saint, while the grain of a superior quality is held for a higher market price, and an abundance of timber stands to testify to those ungodly neighbors that we do not believe the Lord is soon coming.

Perhaps these may be thought small things; but is it not the little foxes that spoil the vines? and is not God as often dishonored by the selling of a pint of milk or a pound of butter as in disposing of crops of grain or a farm? We cannot be too cautious, especially in our dealings with the world. They are watching us to see if another than the Master we profess to follow rules our hearts. Let us be careful and give full weight and measure, and in transactions of greater importance, let not our names be found where they will have even the appearance of evil. A.

Parma, Mich.

SUNRISE.

By L. C. Hutchins

He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good. Matt. v, 45.

SLOWLY up the orb of day, Showers blessings on his way, Comes to shine upon the poor, On the good and evil doer.

All alike the blessings share, Hindoo devotee at prayer, Christian in his home of love, Atheist scorning all above.

Jesuit chanting Greek at mass, Priest-deluded "lower class," Moslem at the crescent shrine— For the whole the sun doth shine.

Princess in her palace fair, Beggar-boy with uncombed hair, Saint and sinner, all the same, Share the sunshine and the rain.

Hill, and dell, and forest tree, River, lake, and boundless sea,— Crowded mart and prairie fair, All alike the blessing share.

Summer's stream and winter's snow, In the sunbeam sparkle, glow; Beast and bird and humble flower, Join to praise their Maker's power.

Let us from the rising sun, Learn the Christian race to run, Scatter blessings in the way, As we labor day by day.

Labor meekly for the poor, Mercy show the evil doer, Old, or young, or middle age, Peasant, yeoman, child or sage.

Mendicant with stooping form, And maniac we may not scorn, For the sunshine and the rain, Fall on all mankind the same.

Lo! the God that reigns above, On his throne enshrined in love, Looks upon thee all the while, Works of love will meet his smile.

Falls the sparrow to the ground? Quick his ear discerns the sound, Bread upon the waters cast, Shall be gathered at the last.

Never effort made for good, But this promise sure has stood: Thy reward a glad well done, With at last a heavenly home.

Toiler sad with downcast eyes, Hope for thee shall soon arise, Sun of righteousness who brings, Blessed healing in his wings. L. C. HUTCHINS. Ganges, Mich.

KNOXVILLE, IOWA, SABBATH-SCHOOL.

By E. S. Walker

BRO. SMITH: Having seen reports from several Sabbath-schools which were quite interesting to me, and thinking that a report from us might interest others, I herewith transmit a brief report of our school, together with our plan of conducting it.

The subject of a Sabbath-school had been the theme of conversation among the brethren frequently since the church had been organized in our place (which was in the fall of 1859), some of the brethren being fearful that we could not keep up an interest, urging as a reason that we could not get suitable books for the children to read at their homes, as the books published for the use of Sunday-schools were objectionable on account of the doctrines inculcated in them—the truth being mixed with the traditions of men; and they were fearful that unless we had some suitable books for the children to read during the week, we should not be able to keep up the interest.

Others again thought that the study of the Holy Scriptures alone, could be made interesting to all, both young and old, and we finally determined to make the trial, trusting that God would impart his assisting grace, and that we might be enabled so to conduct our school that it might be both interesting and profitable to all who should attend it.

We accordingly organized a Sabbath-school, which now numbers about seventy scholars, and is divided into about ten classes, which are classed with reference to age and qualifications, each class being superintended by a teacher, whose duty it is to select the lesson for the class, ask questions upon it, and be fully prepared to expound the scripture contained in the lesson to the comprehension and understanding of the pupils. Before dismissal, the lesson for the succeeding Sabbath is chosen, and the pupils urged to study it thoroughly through the week.

The object of the school is not to have the pupils read a great many chapters over, without any apparent interest or instruction, but the great object is to search and study the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation. The children also are requested and encouraged to commit to memory portions of Scripture during the week, which they recite to their teachers upon the Sabbath.

We meet in the morning at half past nine o'clock. The school is opened by reading a lesson from the word of God, and with singing and prayer, after which the teachers take charge of their several classes. Each class selects the subjects of their own lesson. Most of the brethren and sisters attend the school, and many of them participate in the exercises, finding that they can spend the time both pleasantly and profitably in receiving and imparting instruction to their brethren and sisters. The children, as far as I have been able to learn, like to attend the school, and appear to be very much interested; and they generally attend punctually.

Our school has now been in operation about two months, and up to this time we have had no cause to regret the steps we have taken, but on the other hand, we have had cause to rejoice that our efforts thus far have been blessed of God, and that in the discharge of our duties his good Spirit has attended us. The school appears to grow in interest, and is growing in numbers. After having fully tested it, we feel assured and do testify that the study of the Holy Scriptures when properly conducted is both interesting and profitable to both young and old, and that the Bible and the Bible alone is not only sufficient for our rule of faith and practice, but that it is the Book of books, and contains meat for all classes—for the youth as well as for the adult, under any and all circumstances.

E. S. WALKER, Superintendent.

MR. SEL. IN THE FIELD AGAIN.

By F. Gould

INASMUCH as there are sentiments which we hold in common with some of almost every denomination, there are occasionally to be found stirring and well-written selections involving no disputed points, and which we can all freely endorse. To a limited amount of choice selections of this kind, enough to fill some "small corner," there could perhaps be no objection. Still our paper ought to be, with but slight, if any, exception, an original paper; for selections are not likely to be found treating upon those points which are of most peculiar interest to us as commandment-keeping Adventists under the last message of mercy. We should therefore be glad if we had no occasion for selections of any kind, and hence can second, in the main, the appeal of the following article.—Ed.

I have noticed of late that Mr. Sel. has occupied a conspicuous place in the Review. Now I have nothing against Mr. Sel. as a strictly moral man and a good citizen; and I believe he is trying to do much good in the world; but it is evident that as a general thing his standard of piety and knowledge of present truth falls far short of the Bible standard.

Brethren and sisters, my appeal is to you. Shall we suffer Mr. Sel. and his constituents to occupy from one to three pages of the Review? There seems to be a lack somewhere; and upon whom does it rest? We cannot believe it rests upon Bro. Smith; for his task is a laborious one; and we cannot expect him to perform all the labor assigned him in the Office, and then be obliged to fill the columns of the Review with editorial matter. Our corresponding editors, are men whom God has called out into the field to labor in word and doctrine; hence they cannot devote so much of their time to this object as they could perhaps, under other circumstances.

Where then, I ask again, shall we look for the obviation of this wrong? I answer, to the remnant church. We believe the Review to be the organ of the remnant, and that the Office is the property of the church, and that we should co-operate together temporally, intellectually and spiritually, in carrying forward the last crowning truth the world will ever hear. We are to bear one another's burdens in this respect and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We profess to be a law-abiding people. The times in which we live call for the united efforts of every lover of present truth to cast in his mite for the advancement of this glorious cause.

Brethren and sisters, may we be stirred up to diligence and duty. I know of some within the circle of my acquaintance who profess the third message, of sound minds and giant intellects who do little or nothing in this department of the work. May the Lord stir up the five talents, break up the great deep of their hearts, and may they throw their whole being into the scale of present truth. And we of the one talent, should not neglect our duty. God requires his own with usury. May the Lord help us each to exercise the gift that is within us, so that the Review may be, for the future, as it has been in the past, a means of giving meat in due season to the household of faith. By this means Mr. Sel. would be obliged to retreat into a small corner of the Review or compelled to leave the ground. Says Jesus, "Feed my sheep."

F. GOULD.

E. Brookfield, Vt.

LETTERS.

By H. M. Wilkerson

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Sister Wilkerson.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is almost nine years since I first experienced religion, and began to look for and love the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since that time I have made many crooked paths; sometimes entirely backsliding, and at other times trying to live for God.

Not quite two years ago, by conversing with some of my friends who were Sabbath-keepers, I was strongly convicted that the Sabbath was binding, and the first Sabbath after my friends left my house, where they were then visiting, as I was about my work as usual, I seemed to hear a voice saying, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." I tried to silence it, by thinking I would study into the matter as I had leisure; and finally tried to think that the law was done away. Still, when thinking on the subject, my mind was not fully satisfied that this was the case. A little over a year ago I attended a tent meeting of Sabbath-keepers at Fitchburg, Mass., where I heard a sermon on the Sabbath, by Bro. A. S. Hutchins, which tended to convince my mind on the subject. From that time I commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God, and I still feel a determination to press my way onward, knowing that in keeping the commandments there is great reward.

There are only two Sabbath-keepers in this place besides myself. There are a number of Adventists here, however, but they have been in a backslidden state for some time past. During the camp-meeting here last month, one young man was converted to God, and came out strong in the liberty of the gospel. Since that, there have been prayer-meetings here, and some have been awakened, backsliders are returning, and sinners are being converted. One more has been, as we humbly trust, converted to God. O may the Lord show them the whole truth, and help them to realize the solemnity of the third angel's message: the last message of mercy to a dying world.

Dear brethren and sisters, we are living in a solemn time. O that we might realize the responsibility resting upon us who profess to be keeping all the commandments of God, and to have faith of Jesus. May God help us to let our light so shine that those around us may take knowledge of us, and own that we have learned of Christ.

Your sister in the hope of eternal life. H. M. WILKERSON. Westford, Mass.

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. H. W. Lawrence writes from West Bangor, N. Y.: 'As a people we fall or rise on an experience of holiness. I mean, we fall without that true Spirit of Jesus, or endure with it. Most of the Seventh-day observers in Northern N. Y. are convicted of the need of a deeper work of grace at heart. Some have tasted of the powers of the world to come in the other messages and now desire a fullness in the third. I trust most realize that without the Spirit of Christ we are none of his.'

OBITUARY.

By A. A. Marks

Bro. SMITH: It becomes my painful duty to announce the death of my mother, Betsey Marks, who died at her residence in Spring Arbor, Aug. 31, 1860, in the 74th year of her age. Her death was caused by a fall, which dislocated her hip, causing her severe suffering. She survived but two days and about five hours. But she rests from pain to wait until Jesus shall awake the dead.

A. A. MARKS.

Jackson, Mich.

New York State Conference

By R. F. Cottrell

PROVIDENCE permitting there will be a State conference for N. Y. convened with the church at Kirkville, Onondaga Co., on Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 13 and 14, for the purpose of taking into consideration tent operations for next summer in this State. The first meeting on Sabbath evening.

Bro. White is invited to attend.

We hope that there will be a good representation from the several localities, and that those who come will ascertain, and be able to report to the conference, how much the brethren in different places will do towards sending out the tent, providing it shall be decided to send it out. Prompt and early action seems necessary in order to secure laborers, and make arrangements, so that we may know what to depend upon, and not come up to the tent season unprepared.

Kirkville is a station on the N. Y. Central R. R., about twelve miles east of Syracuse, at which the express trains do not stop. It will therefore be necessary for those who come on such trains, either to change to the mail or accommodation train before reaching the place, or to get off at Manlius Station, two miles west of Kirkville.

In behalf of the church. R. F. COTTRELL. F. WHEELER.

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