Besides holding meetings in Northern Vermont and Canada East, agreeably to appointments in Review, in the months of March and April I spent six weeks among the churches and scattered brethren in the Southern part of this State. More than two months have elapsed since I closed this tour, and doubtless several have many a time ere this looked for a report from me. But my long delay in writing has not been owing to a lack of interest in me relative to the cause of truth; but existing circumstances in my affairs at home, and the great need that I had of rest, have prevented. Yet it may not be amiss for me to say a word, though at a late hour, about the state of the cause in Southern Vermont.
That part of the State had not been visited by any of our ministers for nearly three years; and the brethren deeply appreciated the labors we bestowed among them. All our meetings were interesting, and we had good success in every place.
From Stowe, where we held two meetings and were favored with the presence of Bro. and sister Hutchins, myself and wife went to Braintree, where we held in all, five meetings. The Sabbath keepers in this place had formerly belonged to the Roxbury church; but two years ago ten or more of the leading members of this church moved to the west, and the remaining ones were left in a disorganized and scattered condition. Yet they tried to keep up their meetings, and to carry out the plan of Systematic Benevolence. During our meetings eleven set down their figures on S. B. amounting to nearly $100.00, and we appointed a leader, clerk, and S. B. treasurer; took in pledges for three shares in the Health Institute, and some means for the Publishing Association.
From Braintree we spent three days in traveling ninety-one miles, and had to take our meals and lodge at hotels, till we reached Andover, where we found a pilgrim's home at the residence of Bro. Rodney Pierce. Here we found seven Sabbath keepers; held two meetings; organized S. B. amounting to $71.76; attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and received one into the church.
We then went to Jamaica, where we held six meetings. In examining the standing of the brethren and sisters here we found a church of eight members, and six or seven Sabbath-keepers that have moved into the place from Vernon. We were glad to see them quite active in the good work, and deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of the young among them. At a business meeting their figures on S. B. were increased to more than twice their former amount, and fourteen united with the church, eight of whom were young Sabbath-keepers and children. We also dwelt largely upon the idea of their building them a house of worship. Such a move would have a beneficial effect upon the church and their children, and also a gathering influence upon those without.
An outsider who attended our meetings, said that if I held a series of meetings in Jamaica he would board me five weeks and endeavor to attend all the meetings. I would gladly spend several weeks in Jamaica, in holding meetings, and assisting the brethren to build a new and commodious house of worship. Hope the way may open for me to do so after the next session of our State Conference next September.
On our way home we attended a Quarterly Meeting with the church at Wolcott, spoke three times, held a business meeting at which we arranged Systematic Benevolence for the present year, took three more shares for the Institute, and two united with the church.
On Sabbath and first-day, April 20 and 21, attended a Quarterly Meeting with the church at home which was truly interesting and profitable to all that were present.
Subsequent to that time I have spent eight weeks in laboring with my hands on account of not being able to get the help that I wanted to do my work. Although I have been led to grieve many a time on account of these things, yet I trust that my time while at home was not entirely lost to the cause of precious truth. Large churches like that at Enosburgh need more ministerial labor than smaller churches. I spoke to the church every Sabbath and met with them twice each week besides; arranged S. B. amounting to nearly $400.00; and took in from this church forty-two more shares for the Institute, besides raising nearly $50.00 to help Bro. A. S. Hutchins at the Health Institute. And on Sabbath, June 22, in the forenoon I preached on baptism to a large and attentive congregation, and at 2 P. M., we repaired to the side of a stream of water in our grass field, where I immersed our aged Bro. Eastman who has been in the truth only a short time; four young men and women, and our two little daughters, Sarah A. and Mary L. Bourdeau, one aged eleven years and the other nine.
At present we are out again in the field. Brethren pray for us.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Wolcott, Vt., July 16, 1867.
REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.
By John Norton Loughborough
It is now a long time since I have made any report through the Review. My last report was made during the protracted meeting here in Battle Creek. That series of meetings, I trust, was a benefit to the church here, and resulted in bringing others to make a start in the ways of the Lord. Our excellent Conference here has been spoken of by many others. Although this was a period of labor and some sadness to me, I trust it will not soon lose its influence upon my mind, and that as a people we may fully carry out the vows there formed. It was in the midst of that Conference that forebodings of the trials that were before me seemed to press with solemn weight upon my mind.
After our Conference business here was disposed of, I attended the three Western Conferences, as already reported by others through the Review. These Conferences were all somewhat thinly attended, owing to the backwardness of the season interfering with work. In Minnesota the heavy rains had so swollen the streams and softened the sloughs that, in some sections, they were actually impassable. Many of those who did come waded streams breast deep. The Lord met with these sacrificing ones in power in the Conference, and all seemed to feel amply paid for the pains taken in assembling. In all these Conferences the word spoken had free course, and there was unity of action in the business deliberations.
The brethren and sisters in the Ill., Wis., and Iowa Conferences are especially anxious that Bro. and sister White should meet with them in their Convocation Meetings. We hope they will comply with the request. It would doubtless be a matter of encouragement all around.
I returned home June 20, much exhausted, hoping to get some rest. On the 24th I was suddenly plunged into deep affliction by the death of my companion, as before noticed in the Review. I have the abiding witness in this time of trial that God is good, and believe he doeth all things well. The afflictions he permits to come upon us are designed for our good, and to bring us nearer to him, where we can consecrate our energies more and more to his service.
Since the loss of my companion I have been detained at home most of the time with my children, but have tried to make good improvement of the time in writing on the work on Physiology. This work, I expect, will be all ready for the printer in about three weeks.
Friends have been very kind to me during my affliction, and have my sincere thanks for their words of sympathy and acts of kindness. My brother has consented to come, with his family, and occupy my house and care for my children, which will, I trust, open up the way for me to go out again into the field. I hope by the blessing of God to be enabled so to spend my time that some good will result from the efforts made.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, July, 1867.
Heart Religion
By Schimmelpenninck
Religion is, in an eminent degree, the science of the heart, and he who does not receive it in his heart, studies it to very little purpose. Every Christian ought, therefore, to study with the heart as well as with the head; letting light and heat increase with an equal progression, and mutually assist each other.—Schimmelpenninck.
REPORT FROM BRO. ANDREWS.
By R. F. Andrews
SINCE our Conference, I have been engaged at home most of the time. I have been trying to build up the cause, and advance the truth what I could; and I think I can say that the cause of truth is onward, and that the brethren and sisters are trying to move with the body, and keep pace with the work of God.
At our weekly prayer meeting, July 2d, we concluded to set apart the 4th of July as a day of fasting and prayer. We notified our brethren and sisters that were not present, next day, and notwithstanding the shortness of the notice, we were glad to find the brethren and sisters willing to lay their work aside, and to meet together for the worship of God, and while some were feasting and carousing, and others performing their daily labor, we felt that it was our duty to humble ourselves and make an effort to draw near to the Lord. The Lord met with us, and our hearts were encouraged to strive on for the reward to be given to the faithful at the end of the race. None of the brethren and sisters regret the way that day was spent.
The previous Sabbath I spent with the church at Elkhorn Grove, Ill. The brethren there mean to be faithful, and endure to the end. God grant that they may.
I left home for Rockton, Ill., July the 9th, to join with Bro. Blanchard in laboring for the upbuilding of the cause within the limits of our Conference. I trust we shall have the prayers of the brethren, that we may have wisdom to walk in and out before the people of God, and to feed the flock so that they may grow up into Christ, their living head.
R. F. ANDREWS.*
MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By Isaac Sanborn
JULY 13, I met the little company of Sabbath keepers in Albany, Green Co., and continued labor among them for ten days; preached ten sermons, and baptized seven, and organized a church of fifteen, S. B. amounting to $115 00 per year. Bro. Halliday, formerly of Michigan, was ordained elder, and Bro. George Francis, deacon. This little company mostly embraced the Sabbath under Bro. William S. Ingraham's labors two years ago. We had good liberty in presenting to them and their neighbors the practical truths of this time, as they are shining upon us through the third angel's message. We had the privilege of using the meeting-house for most of our meetings, which was kindly opened to us by the trustees, as it is a house built by the public, in which we met on first-day afternoon at five o'clock to celebrate the death of our divine Lord. There, before a goodly number of the citizens, I had much freedom in showing how clear and plain the commandment and example of our Lord is that his disciples should wash one another's feet. John xiii, 1-18. After this, the brethren on one side of the house, and the sisters on the other, we put into practice the instruction given. While this ordinance was being performed the Lord gave me great liberty in describing the sufferings of our Saviour in the judgment hall, and on the cross, his resurrection, and his glorious ascension and triumphant entry into Heaven, and the fact that he was soon coming again to gather his faithful people who love to obey him and keep his Father's commandments, with all his dear saints who now sleep in the grave, to the mansions above.
While we spoke of these delightful themes tears in many eyes of the congregation declared, too plainly to be mistaken, their determination to be ready to meet the dear Saviour at his coming. Several that we talked with are almost persuaded to obey the truth. The church are now expecting that Brn. Andrews and Blanchard will visit them before long. I trust they will.
ISAAC SANBORN.
An Old Man’s Experience
I LOOKED to the world for enjoyment; it failed me. I looked to a prosperous business for wealth, balanced loss and profit, and I had nothing. I looked to my sons for support; they died. I looked to Jesus, and found comfort, support, enjoyment, riches, redemption, every thing. “Looking to Jesus,” I expect to reach Heaven for my last home, where I shall see him in his glory.—An Old Man’s Experience.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Sister Wescott.
Bro. Smith: For the encouragement of those who are interested in the Review and the Health Reform I would say there are two more who have commenced reading the paper of late, who take great interest in it. They say it teaches the truth as it is in Jesus. They were first led to read it by seeing a piece in one number that spoke of the Health Reform. It is encouraging to find now and then a neighbor or friend that is honest in heart and can be turned from error to truth, from darkness into God's marvelous light. I hope we shall soon see another appointment from some of our preachers for this place. I believe much good might be done here by the help of the Lord. We feel to sympathise with Bro. Loughborough in his late bereavement. I trust it is for some wise purpose. God's ways are not our ways. He knows what is for our good and does not afflict willingly. We are glad to hear that Bro. White's health is improving and hope he will soon be well. We are very much pleased with our beloved paper in its new form and enlargement. The sermons will more than pay the extra dollar, say nothing about the other departments it contains since it has been enlarged.
And now a word to those who are making an effort toward Health Reform. May God's especial blessing rest on those who are leading out in this part of the message. We believe it is of great importance to all who wish to enjoy the blessing of health. May God prepare the hearts of his children everywhere to engage107in reform. That is what we need, not only in dress, food, and drink, but in everything. We want to reform in all our ways, and conform to the ways of our beloved Lord and Master. The Lord is soon coming. Are we ready? Can we stand the trials that are just before us and be as a lamb dumb before his shearers? Remember Israel of old. I fear many would yearn for the flesh-pots of Egypt or the leeks and onions. Says our Saviour, Deny self. How much is contained in those two little words. Deny self! Oh! what a work we have before us! I shrink at the prospect; but then the thought comes to my aid, what a Helper! even Jesus, who says, I have overcome the world. Let us rally around the banner of truth, and may it wave over our heads in triumph. We can do all things if we have help from Him who says, I will never leave nor forsake those who put their trust in me.
H. L. WESCOTT.
Sauk Co., Wis.
WATCH
By R. M. Kilgore
ALL are more or less acquainted with the duties of a soldier. He not only must equip himself for the war, face the enemy on the battle field, endure hunger and cold, and be deprived of home and its associations, but he is called upon to watch, a duty which calls forth as much courage as any other, and when well performed, elicits praise and honor from his commanding officers; and very often he is rewarded by promotion and placed in higher positions of trust and responsibility; but when neglected, he brings upon himself shame and punishment.
The army camps for the night, the enemy is near, and watches are required. A soldier is detailed as sentinel and stationed in front. His orders are very strict. If the enemy advances, he must give the alarm. If a straggler approaches, he is arrested, and no one is permitted to pass by him without giving the countersign. He is thus left to pass the dreary hours of the night. If he is a good soldier, he is up and active; his eyes are always open to discover anything that may come near him, and his ear is quick to catch the sound of an approaching footstep; while with his voice he fearlessly calls, “Halt! who goes there?” He realizes that the safety of the camp is in his hands, the lives of his comrades are at stake, and that his own life is in jeopardy. He is never found sleeping upon his post.
On the other hand, the soldier who is careless, negligent concerning his orders, thoughtless about his own safety or that of his comrades, lazy, and indifferent about his character and the reputation he bears, is not left alone long upon his post until he becomes stupid; he sits down and folds his arms around his gun, and perhaps is soon asleep. The enemy comes and finds him thus, and takes him captive. He is a prisoner, and perhaps death is his portion. If not, the officer when he comes to relieve him finds him asleep, seizes him, strips him of his arms and equipments, and imprisons him. He is tried by court-martial, and is sentenced to be shot for sleeping upon his post.
Such is the law of any well-organized army, and its safety depends upon its enforcement, especially during times of war.
This well illustrates the warfare which the people of God are called upon to fight, so often brought to view in God’s word. We are enlisted to fight the battles of the Lord, and the time, till Christ comes, or we are taken prisoner by the enemy of souls, either to fight for him, or enclosed within the walls of his prison-house, the grave. Christ is our captain, and the commandments of God are the regulations which govern us. The organization of this army has been long and well established. No changes have been made by general or special orders; its rules are the same, and our Commander has never been superseded. We are often called upon to endure hardships as good soldiers. We are in the land of the enemy. We are compelled to meet the foe. But the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, they are spiritual, and mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. “Wherefore,” says the apostle Paul, “take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” The armor of God consists in having upon our loins the girdle of truth, upon our breast the breastplate of righteousness, our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” for a shield, faith; for a helmet, the hope of salvation; and for a sword, the word of God.
What a complete armor! How fully equipped is the soldier of the Lord! Who can but have faith in such a Commander who has thus provided so bountifully for those who will enlist under his banner.
What are we fighting against? Where is the enemy? With whom do we contend? In Eph. vi, 11, 12, Paul answers: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Our foe is strong. He has long been skilled in this warfare, and with what power he comes upon us in these last days; for he knows that his time is short. The battle is begun, the war raging. How necessary it is that we should keep our armor bright. Each soldier is called upon to act, to fight, and to stand guard. His Captain has gone to prepare other habitations. But he did not go without leaving orders to his subjects concerning their duty in his absence.
He promised them he would come again and receive them unto himself, that where he is, they might be also. He gave them commandment to watch for his return, to keep an eye on the prophecies, and see their fulfillment in the signs of the sun, moon and stars, the “distress of nations,” and “the sea and waves roaring.” Watch the signs of the times which tell that summer is nigh. “Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping, and what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch.” Mark xiii, 33–37.
The faithful soldier will heed his instructions; he will be at his post, alive, active and vigilant; ready to hail with joy the signs of his approaching Lord, whose reward is with him. To him he gives eternal life and an immortal crown, and a promotion to a seat at his right hand to reign with him. Another, when his Lord comes, is found careless and unconcerned, deriding, and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” and doubtless asleep upon his post. Others have heard the commandment, but are then found “smiting their fellow-servants,” “eating and drinking with the drunken.” They have violated the oath of their former allegiance, and are found fighting in the ranks of the enemy. They heed not the instructions of their former commander, and without doubt will be found sleeping upon their post.
They are arraigned, tried, and found guilty. The verdict is given, “Depart,” and the sentence of death rests upon them.
There are foes within we have to meet, against which we must keep watch: “The lust of the flesh,” “the pride of life,” and the love of this world. If we would escape these, we must be on the alert, awake, and vigilant. If we would be successful, we must station our strongest guard at our weakest point, for that is where the enemy will assault us. We must call loudly for a re-enforcement, for we are too weak of ourselves, if we would gain the victory. We have no time to sleep while such foes are so near us. We must be clothed upon with our armor, keep up a daily practice of prayer, that we may have strength to endure; and when the contest has ended, that we may come off victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of this world.” 1 John ii, 15, 16.
If we would escape the things that are coming upon the earth, we must watch. If we would avoid the snares of the enemy, and not be taken captive at his will, we must watch. Is it not high time we should awake out of sleep? “Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” 1 Thess. v, 6–10.
What great and precious promises have those faithful, waiting ones, who are obedient, and watching with longing desire for their Lord’s return. Those who have “fought the good fight,” who have “kept the faith,” and “have finished their course,” and are watchful and ready, a rich reward awaits them on the return of their Lord and Master. Though they pass through trials, afflictions, and great tribulations, these “which are but for a moment work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
When he comes, “every eye shall see him,” though they were asleep; they will awake when it is too late to watch. They will then know that their doom is sealed, and will cry to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” It is a life and death question. Solemn thought! to be found sleeping upon our post. It is wise for us that we heed the warning, be obedient and faithful, that we walk in the light, be sober and vigilant, and watch unto prayer. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke xxi, 34–36. “And what I say unto you, I say unto all, WATCH.” Mark xiii, 37.
R. M. KILGORE.
Clermont, Iowa, July 15, 1867.
THE WORLD TO COME.
AIR.—“They say the world is beautiful.”
THEY say there is a world to come,
More fair and bright than this,
Where storms and night are never known,
And all have perfect bliss:
That hill and plain, to either shore,
Are spread with changeless green,
And never, ’mid its lovely bowers,
A fading flower is seen.
They say that world is beautiful—
Too fair for mortal eyes—
That one eternal, glorious day,
Is on its soft blue skies.
And they are like the angels made,
Who gain that peaceful shore,
And never sigh or weep again,
And they shall die no more.
And through the long bright summer year,
Gay birds of silvery wing,
Are flitting through the balmy air,
And always sweetly sing;
And living streams, as crystal clear,
In tuneful murmurs flow,
And trees, whose leaves the nations heal,
Beside those waters grow.
And all the goodly things it bears,
They say for all are free—
That every ear its music hears,
And all its beauty see.
There none in loneliness shall pine,
Or strangers weary roam;
One family they gather there,
Within one happy home.
A glorious city, too, is there—
It hath not even’s pale lights,
Nor yet the sun’s bright golden ray
Gleams o’er its dazzling hights.
But One is there whose smile is light,
And glory gilds his brow;
And willing nations ’round his throne,
In love’s sweet homage bow.
But oh! they say that none shall be
In that bright “world to come”
But they, the pure and lowly ones,
Who here as pilgrims roam;
That only those who now endure
In meekness, grief, and shame,
Shall enter, through the gates of pearl,
“The New Jerusalem.”
E. E. STURGES
By E. E. Sturges
From Sister Sturges.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: Four years ago I felt the witness of the Spirit that I was a child of God. A short time after that, I had an opportunity of reading the Review, besides several books which led me to seriously consider the subject of the third angel's message. I praise God to-day I am a firm believer in present truth. And by the grace of God, will keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, that I may be raised to life immortal and stand among the redeemed on Mount Zion. Oh! the glory to be revealed at the second coming of Christ! Let us strive, dear brethren and sisters, to be among the remnant that will be prepared to meet him when he comes, and say, “This is our God; we have waited for him, he will save us.”
I have never heard the truth proclaimed only through the Review. Indeed I have never had an opportunity of conversing with but one Adventist; but with her I have taken sweet counsel. I feel very lonely and desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters of like precious faith. I look through the paper every week as soon as it reaches me to see if there is not some appointment in Connecticut. I am very anxious to be baptized. I hope an opportunity will present itself soon.
There are some here that have become deeply interested in my papers. There is here a wide field for usefulness, but the brethren are laboring so arduously in their different fields, I hardly dare ask any to come this way. As fast as the Scriptures are opened to my understanding I embrace them and love the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and will strive with renewed zeal to bring some to a knowledge of the truth. Remember me as one of the lonely ones striving for the crown promised to the finally faithful.
E. E. STURGES
Fairfield Co., Conn., July 14, 1867.
PHEBE TOWNSEND
By Phebe Townsend
From Sister Townsend.
BRO. SMITH: For the first time I bear my testimony in favor of present truth through the Review. I have often read the testimonies of the dear saints, which has been a source of comfort to me in my loneliness. I embraced present truth under the first angel's message, and I have ever since been trying, though in weakness, to live it out. I love this glorious truth; and the thoughts of soon seeing Jesus if faithful, and of being made like him, is truly a blessed hope to me. I am trying to rise with the third angel's message. I truly feel that we are living in a very solemn period of time.
My peace at times of late has been like a river. We have our meetings the first Sabbath in every month, and the good Spirit of the Lord is with us. I feel very thankful for the Review. It is a source of much comfort and consolation to me in my loneliness. I am trying to live out the Health Reform, and have received some benefit. It is my earnest prayer that God will prosper his cause and speed on the third angel's message until God's remnant people shine forth, “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as with an army with banners.” I often feel a longing desire for the glorious time to arrive when if faithful we shall have bodies that will be fashioned like unto Christ’s most glorious body, and inherit those mansions of rest where the inhabitants will no more say that they are sick. I long to walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem and to eat of the tree of life and drink of those streams that make glad the city of our God. In hope of eternal life at the appearing of Jesus.
PHEBE TOWNSEND
Macoupin Co., Ill
By A. M. Penniman
From Sister Penniman.
BRO. SMITH: We are among the lonely ones; and yet how beyond comparison are we privileged above those around us who have relationship in the nominal churches. We have this strong consolation, we know we have the truth. We are striving to keep all God's commands. When the Sabbath comes we hail it with delight, spend it in “searching the Scriptures,” learning a lesson in History of the Sabbath, reading the Sermon in the Review, and the reports and testimonies from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad; and while we see darkness closing in upon the world we feel that there is light ahead for God's people; and we are cheered even here, and feel that we never spent our Sabbaths more profitably.
At times we earnestly long for communion with those of like precious faith; but we joyfully look forward to that glorious time when the saints will all be gathered together, to be separated no more forever. With this event in view, we are striving to live; meanwhile purifying ourselves by obedience to the truth. We want to advance with the remnant people, be fully prepared for the outpouring of the Spirit, in the latter rain. At the same time we remember the wants of the cause, and pray the Lord to raise up more laborers. Truly the field is ripe unto the harvest. We are striving to live out the truth and find some favorable inquirers, and think if a preacher could come here good might be done. But we hope to be living epistles. Dear brethren and sisters, let us take hold of this matter more earnestly, and the Lord will hear and raise up laborers to proclaim the last warning to a perishing world. And while we pray, let us not forget the brethren at the Review Office. The paper comes to us each week richly laden with Bible truths, which are so necessary to nourish our souls in this time of moral darkness and corruption. It seems to me that they, more than all the rest, are heavily laden with the responsibilities of the cause. Let us stay up their hands with our prayers, that they may have divine direction in sending forth a paper which shall contain meat in due season, both to the scattered flock, and those unacquainted with the truth. Let us on the first-day of every week, especially, remember them at the mercy seat. I have been prompted to this by the constant good which I receive from the Review each week, and which is like a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.
As I said before, we are among the lonely ones, and know not if there are any near us, of like precious faith. We would like to say through the Review that we would be glad to know if there are any in this vicinity; or, if any are passing this way we would be glad to receive a call.
Our P. O. address is Woodburn, Macoupin Co., Ill., three miles from Bunker Hill, on T. H. and St. L. R. R., and six miles from Shipman, on Chicago and Alton R. R.
Yours striving to gain eternal life.
A. M. Penniman.
Macoupin Co., Ill
SYLVIA M. WILSON
By Sylvia M. Wilson
From Sister Wilson.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: As I was meditating on divine things this morning, my mind ran back to the many brethren and sisters with whom I was acquainted in Ill. and Wis., and I thought I would like to know how they were being prospered and what advance they were making in their heavenly journey; when the thought occurred to me that they might also wish to hear from us. I would therefore say that we are still striving to overcome our besetments, that we may joyfully meet you at Christ’s appearing, and dwell where there will be no more parting, trials, or death. We are trying to live out the Health Reform, to some extent, using no flesh meats, and principally graham flour, thinking it far superior to fine flour for health. I intend to adopt the reform dress, believing it to be beneficial. On the day set apart for fasting and prayer, the little company of Sabbath-keepers in this place assembled at our house, and we were blest in humbling ourselves before the Lord.
I love to read the cheering testimonies from the dear saints, and especially the lonely ones, who are left, as it were, to fight life’s battles alone. Let us be faithful a little longer, that we may meet where the ills of this life are all past, and we can praise our great Deliverer forevermore.
SYLVIA M. WILSON
Fairbault, Minn.
H. BARROWS
By H. Barrows
From Bro. Barrows:
BRO. SMITH: Of late I have been encouraged to press my way toward the heavenly city. I feel truly thankful to the Lord that he has been so merciful as to give me his Spirit, to guide my erring feet in the narrow way. I feel as though I was one of the weakest of his children; but still I am determined to live out this truth, that I may one day meet the finally faithful in the city of our God, where we can sing sweet songs of praise to him who has redeemed us from sin, and has made us clean through his blood. Let us be faithful a little while longer and struggle on through toil and strife; for it is those who endure to the end, that gain the crown. In hope of eternal life when the life giver shall appear.
H. BARROWS
Liberty, July 6, 1867.
Striving to Overcome
BRO. AND SISTER W. HOFF writes from Marion, Iowa: We are still striving to live out the truth of the third angel’s message. Although the enemy has pressed us hard, we are still striving to overcome that we may be prepared to meet Jesus in peace when he comes in his kingdom. We love the Review, and hail its weekly visits with joy. We love to read the cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters in different parts of the field. It cheers our hearts to see such interest manifested by the brethren and sisters. We mean to overcome and at last stand on Mount Zion with God’s remnant people.
Health Reform and Sabbath Witness
By Sister L. J. Waters
SISTER L. J. WATERS writes from Muskegon Co., Mich.: Surely we are living in solemn times, in the sifting time of God's people, in a time when the Lord is fitting up a people for his coming; and it behooves us to search our hearts daily for lurking sins and cherished idols. I believe the Health Reform is just what is needed in our ranks that the Lord may purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my heart that I may be fitted to stand when the wrath of God shall be poured out without mixture of mercy. Myself and husband are the only ones in this vicinity that keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We circulate the Review among our neighbors, praying that God's spirit may search out all the honest in heart and show them the necessity of keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
A Call for Preaching in Wisconsin
By L. A. Bowen
SISTER L. A. BOWEN writes from Vernon Co., Wis.: I am living in a lonely place, lonely because there are none here of the Advent faith. I hope and trust that the Lord will send some one here who will proclaim the truth to the people. There are some lonely ones scattered through here; and if some of the preachers could come and preach to them awhile I think there might be a little church raised up at Pine Grade or Reeds Town, Wis. It has always been my lot to be alone. I never have had the privilege of hearing any one of the messengers preach. The sermons in the Review are all the sermons that I ever hear on present truth. I read them with great pleasure and feel comforted with the blessed promises of the Lord to poor sinners. I am striving to gain an interest in the kingdom of Heaven.
The More You Read the Bible
I WILL answer for it, the longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it; and the more you get into the spirit of it, the more you get into the spirit of Christ.
An Expensive Luxury.
We see it stated in the papers that a pew in King's Chapel, Boston, was sold recently for $5,400. One must have an ample income to be able to worship God in that church! If the gospel is preached there, it certainly cannot be preached to the poor, for they are without the means to purchase the right to admission. If Christ would have those “who labor and are heavy laden” come unto him, he certainly cannot be found in a church where these are practically excluded. Shut the poor out and you shut Jesus out. These magnificent churches, with their costly seats, may afford an inviting place for the display of pride and fashion once a week; but for the promotion of the plain self-denying religion of the Bible, they are worse than useless. They corrupt more than they convert. They build up pride and religious aristocracy more than they edify the body of Christ. They send the masses away to spend their Sabbaths in the haunts of pleasure and vice, and predispose them to lend a favoring ear to the teachings of the subtle infidelity of the age. The gospel demands that the churches should be free. To sell or rent the pews is an abrogation of the right of the poor to hear the gospel preached. We could no more help sustain a pewed church than we could a lottery, or a gambling saloon. The traffic in pews is a plant that God never planted. It has no countenance in the word of God. It is based upon pride and covetousness. It is utterly repudiated by the gospel of Christ. Let us help root up the Antichristian system.