p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 34, No. 2. (7/6/1869)

Earlier text: THE WANTS OF THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

Obituary Notices.

By Alonzo H. Ennes; Benn Auten

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

DIED, June 6, 1869, my wife, Olive B. Ennes, daughter of Mary and James Bird; aged 41 years, 6 months, and 2 days. Eighteen years ago she embraced the leading doctrines of the Second-advent faith, and made a public profession of faith in Christ by being buried with him in baptism. About six years since, she became convinced of the truth concerning the Sabbath, and, together with myself, commenced its observance; since which time it has been her delight to keep all the commandments of God. She was an affectionate companion, and a careful and loving mother. An afflicted husband and seven children mourn her loss. ALONZO H. ENNES. Texas, Henry Co., Ohio.

DIED, near Knoxville, Iowa, June 12, 1869, of ulcerated mouth and stomach, our much-esteemed brother, Wm. Hornaday, aged 50 years. Bro. H. was converted in the reformation that followed the first message, and united with the Christian church; after which he embraced one Bible truth after another, until the tent was pitched near Eddyville, in 1862, when he embraced the Bible Sabbath. He had a generous heart, which was always prompting him to acts of kindness and mercy. The saints found a welcome home at his house. He believed that Jesus' coming was near, yet for some time had not expected to live until then. He calmly talked of dying, and called his family to his bedside, one by one, and gave them all good instruction and advice, desiring them to prepare to meet him in the kingdom. He leaves a companion, children, and many friends, to mourn their loss. Appropriate remarks on the 13th at our house of worship, by J. H. Morrison. BENN AUTEN.

Don't Delay.

By P. C. RODMAN

TO DELAY to do anything of importance is unwise, but to delay matters that concern our eternal interests is not only unwise but exceedingly presumptuous. How uncertain is life. To-day we are in health, with fair prospects of living many years; to-morrow we may be cold in death, and prepared for the tomb. Then our work will be done and our doom fixed.

Then what needs to be done to secure eternal life at the resurrection of the just, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest. Eccl. ix, 10.

The Bible never encourages delay in obeying God, but on the contrary, urges the importance of attending to the things of salvation first, and at once. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. vi, 23.

Do you fear to trust God and obey his word? It cannot be broken. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of the Lord shall not pass away. Then do not delay. “Behold now is the accepted time.” Again, “To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation.” The delay of the Israelites proved their ruin. Shall it prove the ruin of any that read these lines?

Dear reader, delay not another day, lest it be too late.

P. C. RODMAN.

Blakeville, N. H.

EMILY JANE PAINE

By Emily Jane Paine

From Sister Paine.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have long felt it duty to write a few lines, but, feeling my unworthiness, have delayed. I am thankful that we have a medium through which to communicate. It encourages me to press on in the narrow path to read of the progress of the cause of God in different parts. I think the way is fast narrowing up, and I am glad of it, for it is an indication that we are nearing our heavenly home. To those with whom I have held sweet counsel in New York, and whom I love in the Lord, I would say, I am striving earnestly to overcome and meet you in the better land. I thank God that he has shown me some of my errors, and has been aiding by his Spirit to overcome. Oh, that I could see myself as God sees me; and get right before it is forever too late. I see the necessity of pleading every day for wisdom and meekness, that I may be prepared to meet the coming struggle. I no longer look into the grave for rest, but feel an increasing desire and determination in my heart to be an overcomer, with this people pass through the time of trouble, and be at last translated into the kingdom of God. Oh! glorious hope. I must have eternal life. I cannot afford to lose it. It has cost too much. I believe it is for me if I will but strive earnestly to obtain it; and that I am determined to do with the help of God. I find it a constant warfare, requiring unwearied vigilance. I am often led to wonder at myself, why it is that a light or trifling word should ever escape the lips of one who believes without a doubt that we are living in the last, or morning watch; that soon Jesus will leave the “most holy,” be done pleading for guilty man; and every case be decided, for eternal life or eternal death.

Oh! may we arouse, to feel more deeply the necessity of being ready, that when he knocks, we may open to him immediately.

EMILY JANE PAINE

Hillsdale Co., Mich.

Reflections on Spiritual Rest

By S. C. Perry

From Bro. Perry.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It was my privilege to attend the tent meeting held in Orange, June 19 and 20, which to me was very interesting. Though there were no great demonstrations of the Spirit, occasioning happy flights of feeling, yet there were some very pointed truths spoken, which rest with no little weight upon my mind. The remarks of Bro. Littlejohn concerning the rest into which the people of God will enter, were clear and forcible. He clearly showed that only those who need rest will receive it; and those who need rest must be weary from labor. But the rest which is promised is a rest, not from physical labor merely, but from which a rest cannot be obtained here. Hence it must be from spiritual labor. Therefore only those will receive that rest who are weary and exhausted from toiling in the spiritual warfare.

As I examined myself in the light of these facts, I became fearful that I should fail of obtaining that rest, for I know that not a tithe of the time, since a knowledge of present truth has been entrusted to me, have I spent in its advancement, or for the good of my fellow-men! But as Bro. and Sr. White followed with earnest appeals for us to become more active, and work for the good of others, saying that the weakest mind could find enough to do, I became encouraged to try. I determined to do something in the cause of my Saviour. As I look about me, I am satisfied that if I come short of that rest, it will not be because there is nothing which I can do. I see more chance for spiritual development than I ever did before.

That the Lord will give me zeal according to knowledge, and willingness to work in the humble sphere allotted me, is my prayer. S. C. PERRY. Ionia Co., Mich.

MARY A. NOURSE

By Mary A. Nourse

From Sr. Nourse.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would, for the first time, say a few words through the REVIEW, to the friends of the present truth. In the providence of God it was my privilege to attend the New York Conference last fall, and listen to the preaching of the word from the lips of his servants. Truly this was a feast to me. My heart was stirred within me to the importance of obeying God's word, and striving to enter in at the strait gate. I am determined by the grace of God assisting me, to overcome all my sins, and live according to the laws of my being, that I may be prepared for the time of trouble just before us, and not come up to that time deceived. How thankful we should be for the gifts that are placed in the church to show us the way in these perilous times in which we live. Let us all be determined to profit by these great blessings, and secure the overcomer's reward.

MARY A. NOURSE

Madison Co., N. Y.

Longing for the New Earth

BRO. HEBNER writes from St. Clair Co., Mich: Truly it is a blessing that we have been permitted to see the light upon the commandments of God and his holy Sabbath, and the faith of our dear Saviour, Jesus Christ. This truth has been my shield and buckler in my lonely pilgrimage here, but, thank the Lord, there is a prospect, if faithful, of one day meeting all God's dear saints on the banks of deliverance. May God grant that I may be a perfect overcomer through Jesus, and with his dear people, stand on the New Earth. I feel determined that nothing shall separate me from the love of God, but with the remnant, I hope to go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The Review as Preaching

BRO. L. MARTIN writes from Bennington, N. H.: Through the tender mercy of our God, I am still numbered with the living, but on account of poor health I have not been out to meet with the dear brethren for a long time. The REVIEW is all the preaching we have. We prize it very highly. The Sermon Department is worth four times the cost of the paper.

May God bless all those who take part in preparing the paper for the remnant, and may we all be prepared to stand on Mount Zion.

Stability

By Mrs. H. B. Stowe

STABILITY.—Firmness is given to man as the very granite of life. Without it there would be nothing accomplished; all human plans would be as unstable as water on an inclined plane. In every well-sustained nature there must be a power of tenacity, a gift of perseverance, of will; and that man might not be without a foundation for so needful a property, the Creator has laid it in an animal faculty, which he possesses in common with the brutes.—Mrs. H. B. Stowe.

Appointments.

By P. C. RODMAN.

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

THE Monthly Meeting in Rhode Island for July will be with the Curtis Corners church, the 17th and 18th. Let every S. D. A. church and family in Rhode Island be represented at this meeting. Also the church at Dartmouth, Mass. Eld. S. N. Haskell will be there, and remain in Rhode Island for some time. P. C. RODMAN.

“Departing and Being with Christ.”

By W. C. G.

The Association has issued a tract with the above title, from the pen of Bro. Andrews. Its object is to refute the objection founded on Paul’s words in Phil. 1, 21–24, concerning his “desire to depart and be with Christ.” It is a complete and thorough exposition of the passage, and should be widely circulated. Our brethren should have a supply ready at hand to meet this commonly-used objection. Price $1.00 per 100.

W. C. G.

Visit to Alaledon, Mich.

By W. H. Littlejohn; Uriah Smith

A good work has been accomplished in this place by the labors of Bro. Matteson the past winter and spring. There is now quite a large company of believers here, apparently sound in the faith, and active in the service of God, where a few months ago, the light of present truth had not been presented.

But we have here as in most other places an illustration of the parable of the sower. Some seed fell upon stony ground, and because there was no depth of earth, immediately sprang up, and about as soon began to wither away. In other words, the truth was heard by some who received it with great alacrity, but having no root in themselves, now that persecution begins to arise, and reproach come, they are withering away. There are, however, but few such, and the separation of these is necessary to the spiritual prosperity of the healthy members of the body. The brethren have no cause to be discouraged.

The work here has now passed into its second stage, which is always a somewhat critical period. That is, its opponents have about learned the fact that it is useless to try to put this work down by the Bible; for the testimony of the Bible is all in its favor. They are therefore taking the best weapons they have left, namely, false reports and slanders of every description. Consequently all kinds of reports are now in circulation, stories of the most contemptible and miserable character, accusations of dishonesty, and everything by which the enemy can hope to bring the truth into disrepute. They are having an open verification of the Saviour's words: All manner of evil shall be spoken against you falsely for my sake. But the church and the community will soon learn to value these things at what they are worth; and the opposition will get tired and ashamed of them, if ever they recover their self-respect. But the church must guard against having their attention diverted by opposition and controversy, from the great truths they have received, and from the work of preparation so necessary for the soon-coming day of the Lord. In no way do we see that the enemies of the truth can work them any permanent injury, except by thus diverting their minds from these things.

We have enjoyed much, the privilege of making the acquaintance of those who have received the truth here; and we think our visit was timely. Four discourses have been given, and one social meeting held; and though the weather was quite unfavorable, yet we think we have seen some of the providence of the Lord in the meetings; and have enjoyed some of his blessing, and trust good will result.

We think it would be well for some minister to visit the brethren here, as soon as may be. They will greatly appreciate help of this kind at the present time. We learn of two who wish baptism. They are erecting a commodious house of worship, which they design to have ready for meetings this fall.

The brethren manifested a commendable zeal in circulating the appointment for meeting, and especially those in Bath, ten to fifteen miles distant, for the pains they took to be present. There appears to be a good field for labor open there. W. H. LITTLEJOHN, U. SMITH.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. xii, 11.

Business Notes.

The Post Office address of Wm. Merry is changed from St. Charles, Minn., to Tanhassen, Martin Co., Minn. P. C. K.: The 25c is received and appropriated as directed.

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. Jas Ferrell 35-1, M Radabaugh 35-1, N M Gray 35-17, Mary Harvin 34-1, A Prescott 35-1, Mrs H Archer 35-1, L Sisson 35-1, Mrs L C Worrell 35-1, Mrs B Styles 35-1, W L Saxby 34-1, C Lamberton 35-1, J C Passage 35-1, L Reynolds 35-1, I Cheesebro 35-1, M E Steward 35-1, T J Cross 35-1, Mrs N Warner 35-8. $2.00 each. A A Fairfield 36-1, C Herrick 34-1, J W Larned 36-1, W G Kendall 35-1, C Van Giesen 35-1, E Hurd 35-1, E P Holly 35-13, Geo H Pickett 33-1, H S Priest 36-1, L H Priest 36-1, J Pemberton 35-1, E E Newman 35-1, E Stone 36-2, J S Miller 36-1, E E Sturgis 35-18, A Morehouse 36-1, D Richmond 36-1, Mrs M Hale 37-1, Mary Coyle 36-1, G Sweet 33-1, J C Sutton 36-1. Miscellaneous. M T Olds $3.00 35-1, M E Todd 4.00 35-7, J Crandall 1.10 35-1, C Kelsey 1.64 34-11, E R Kelsey 3.00 35-6, A Ross 3.00 35-20, J Stillman 2.50 36-14, R Chesley 50c 35-1.

Books Sent by Mail.

Mary Holton $4.00, J N Loughborough $6.00, Abigail Larned 1.15, M E Todd 1.00, L Van Gieson 25c, A A Bradford 2.25, S B Gowell 1.62, J Pemberton 1.12, R A Hall 25c, C Kelsey 3.25, Wm Boynton 2.00, S Winslow 75c, Nason Hoyt 3.25, M S Kellogg 25c, G Bissell 2.00, E E Sturgis 1.12, A R Bennett 40c, A Morehouse 5.00, Jacob Berry 5.00.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

Mary Hale $3.00.

General Conference Missionary Fund.

Maggie A Stroud $2.00.

Foreign Missionary Fund.

Mary J Reed $1.00, Vena L Reed 10c, A A Bradford 3.00, Mary Bradford 1.50, A Friend 1.00, J M Ferguson 5.00, Rufus Ferguson 5.00.

Benevolent Fund.

W H Kynett $4.38, A A Fairfield 5.00.

Cash Received on Account.

A A Fairfield $3.00, C Kelsey 10.00.

Books Sent by Express.

Lewis Bean, St. Albans, Vt., $50.00.

Diminution of Stature.

THE book of Esdras represents the angel as speaking to him thus: “Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature than those that were before you. And so are they that come after you, less than ye, as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth.” 2 Esd. v, 54, 55.

This is a striking testimony to the physical degeneracy of the race, which had manifested itself plainly, even in the time of Esdras, about 500 years before Christ.

Justification.

How shall man be just with God? Or to speak still more definitely, how shall a sinner become just in God's sight? There is but one answer that can be returned to this. This is clearly the case of that class who are justified by faith without works. But how shall the man who is thus justified maintain his justification before God? By faith which produces good works. His justification is, therefore, maintained, as James insists, by faith and works. Paul describes the justification of the sinner as accomplished by faith only; and James that of the Christian bringing forth good works as the fruit of faith.

The gospel undertakes to create in men the righteous character which the law demands. When the gospel has finished its work it steps out, and all men pass into the hands of the law. Then the cases of all are examined to see if they are just in God's sight.

Now a second justification becomes necessary. If men are now what God's law demands, they are pronounced just; if they are not, they are condemned. Men are justified, therefore, in the Judgment by virtue of what they really are.

It is thus that the doers of the law are to be justified. God will save in his kingdom simply those who are just what his law demands that they should be. How great, then, the preparation for the Judgment.

“If Ye Do these Things Ye Shall never Fall.”

WHAT are the things here intended? The adding to what we already have of every Christian grace. This is the secret of final success. This is the infallible method of preventing apostasy. He who will every day add something, shall certainly enter the kingdom of God. No man ever did, or ever could, backslide who kept steadily at this work of adding. Nor is it a process involving rare and great deeds that only a few ever have opportunity to perform. It is all done in littles. Every act of resisting evil and overcoming it, adds to our virtue. Every effort to acquaint ourselves with our duty from God’s word, and to learn the mind of the Spirit of God adds to our knowledge. Every act of self-denial strengthens our Christian temperance and self-control. Every time we are able to rule our own spirit, we increase our patience. We become more like God as we keep our minds staid on him, and only study what shall please and honor him. We add to our brotherly kindness by acts of kindness and self-sacrifice to our brethren. And we love God and our brethren more and more by getting enlarged views of this holy principle, and in everything acting upon it. It is in our power to keep this work of addition in constant progress. If we do this, we shall never fall. We shall grow in grace, we shall progress steadily heavenward, and an abundant entrance shall be administered to us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Complete Meeting Appointments

A brother sends an appointment for a meeting, but omits the place and date—two very important particulars. The next mail brings a letter in which he says, “I forgot to give the time of the ——— meeting.” Then follows the appointment amended, with the place inserted but no date given this time. If he will try again perhaps he will succeed in making us understand when and where the meeting is to be held.

The Immortality of the Soul

The article in last week's REVIEW relative to the prevalence of the doctrine of the transmigration of souls, and the one in the present issue under the head, “The Immortality of the Soul not Universally Believed,” are well worth a careful perusal.

The Seventh-day Baptists.

By W. C. O.

WE are glad to notice on the part of our brethren of this denomination a reciprocal action in the matter of cultivating fraternal feelings between themselves and Seventh-day Adventists, these two denominations being the only Christian people on this broad continent who are honoring God by defending his law and Sabbath. The Sabbath Recorder in noticing the action of our recent Conference, touching this point, makes some feeling remarks, and takes occasion to copy from our reports some statistics concerning our growth and progress as a people.

Alluding to the liberality and benevolence manifested among us, it says, “By such vigor and liberality, the views of the Seventh-day Adventists are being widely and rapidly spread abroad.”

We are glad in this connection to chronicle what seems to us an increasing zeal and spirit of labor in behalf of the down-trodden law of God on the part of our Seventh-day Baptist brethren, as manifested especially in their publication department. We hope that the spirit of labor in our common cause may strengthen the bond of unity between us, and tend to a unity of sentiment and action. Most heartily do we join in the wish of the Recorder, “that the Lord of the Sabbath will so guide them and us as to free both from all error, and unite us in the work of honoring God and defending his law and his Sabbath.”

W. C. O.

Notice.

By Ivory Colcord

To THE brethren of the Illinois and Wisconsin Conference: The name of my P. O. is changed from Genesee Grove to Coleta, Whiteside Co., Ill. Those sending money orders will please draw them on the Sterling P. O.

N. B.—When you send money to me, please send by draft, money order, or registered package envelope. A draft is preferable.

IVORY COLCORD, Conf. Treas.