Earlier text: The SermonS. S. BARTLETT
By S. S. BARTLETT
“WERE THERE NOT TEN CLEANSED? YET WHERE ARE THE NINE?” While reading in No. 1, current Vol. of Review, a few remarks from Bro. Waggoner on the Health Reform, I was forcibly reminded of my own remissness in giving God the glory for the great benefits I have received in living out this important truth. I accordingly send an account of my own experience in this respect, hoping that it may incite others to go and do likewise. Two years ago we were an afflicted family. We had disposed of our home in Wis. and removed to Iowa, but were not permanently located there. At the time of our leaving Wis. I had just recovered from a severe illness which left me so feeble that I could hardly get about the house. My health had been very poor for many years, and this last illness had completely prostrated my strength. My journey invigorated me somewhat, but I still remained feeble, and seemed slowly sinking to the grave. My little girl, three years of age, was also very delicate. She had always been subject to attacks of croup and ulcerated sore throat, and her last attack had left her with an exhausting diarrhea. I used simple remedies until my skill was exhausted, but all to no purpose. I watched her slowly fading away, and felt myself utterly powerless to arrest the disease. At length it assumed an alarming type. She sank rapidly. I was in great perplexity. I had long before lost all confidence in drugs, and the laws of Hygiene as applied to disease I understood but very imperfectly. One day I noticed a change had come over her. In alarm I hastened to my nearest neighbor; she advised me to send for a physician. I did so, and hastened home. As I entered, little Florence was sitting in her father's arms, her head sunk upon her breast, her eyes nearly closed, the death look already settling upon her pallid face. I spoke to her but she answered me not. I tried to arouse her but in vain. Hastily we applied water remedies and she revived, but only to sink again. Soon the physician came. He encouraged us to hope, and administered remedies, but could not come again as he was going to leave next morning for a distant city. She remained all night in a death-like slumber. The next morning we were again perplexed. The medicine did not have the desired effect. Anxiously we watched over her during the day until toward night she sank apparently into the arms of death. We dispatched a messenger for a physician who lived several miles away. He sent us word that it would be in vain for him to come as the child would probably be dead before he could arrive. Oh, the anguish197 of my heart then! She was all that I had, and without her, oh, how dark the world would be. My spirits were greatly depressed by feeble health and constant care and anxiety, and at this time we were without a home and in a land of strangers. How many times during that eventful night did I pour out my burdened soul to Him who “slumbereth not nor sleepeth.” How many times did I go out and look up to the tranquil sky and peacefully shining stars, while oh, what a tempest was in my soul. At length I grew calm. Sweet, holy, peace settled down into my heart. I knelt by the cradle of my child; gazed fondly upon the little wasted form, the marble face, the upturned half-closed eyes, and there I consecrated myself anew to God. I gave him my child; I gave him myself, praying that he would take me and mould me into his image. How I longed to become pure and holy. But how could I become thus? We had kept the Sabbath for more than three years, yet with regard to the other truths connected with the third angel's message, we were almost wholly in the dark. We knew but little of the S. D. Adventist people, yet we believed they were the people of God. We had heard that Bro. and sister White were at the head of this work, and we accordingly resolved that as soon as our child was laid away to rest we would go to Battle Creek and there become acquainted with the truth. But with the morning came a change. Our child revived. God gave us back our treasure from the grasp of the destroyer. How we blessed the glorious Giver! For a little time she seemed better, and then again she sank. Thus for several weeks she vibrated between life and death. We employed two physicians but all in vain. In the mean time my husband was taken ill with neuralgia in the eyes, and was almost blind for weeks. At length we resolved that we would go to the Health Institute at Dansville, N. Y., and there endeavor to regain our health. We did so, going to Battle Creek on our way. To our great disappointment Bro. and sister White were absent, but we found a home and kind friends at Bro. U. Smith's. Here we obtained books and pursued our journey to D. Arrived there the physicians gave us but little hope with regard to our child. But I was not disheartened. I trusted in God. I believed that in answer to our prayers he had directed us hither, and he had never said “seek ye in vain.” We put her on two meals a day, and those of the simplest kind. Graham biscuit, Graham pudding, fruits and vegetables, rice, a little milk and sugar, very little salt, constituted our principal food. We bathed her two or three times a week, every day at noon undressed and put her to bed for an hour and a half, and took her out daily in the open air. Under this treatment she gained rapidly, soon was able to run all about, but in proportion as she gained, I failed until I had hardly strength to stand or walk. Mrs. Dr. York encouraged me to persevere; said that changes for the better were going on in my system and I should soon grow better, and so I did. The next spring (we went to D. in October) little Florence was taken very ill. Nature was making an effort to throw off disease and drugs with which her system was filled. She had a high fever with symptoms of convulsions, sore throat, coughed badly, her face at times unnaturally swollen, and vomited matter which was perfectly black. At this time we were living in the village three-quarters of a mile from the Cure. In great perplexity we sent to the Cure for advice. They deemed her symptoms alarming, said they could not possibly attend to her so far away, and advised us to put her under the care of a Homeopathic physician. Mrs. Y. however gave us some general directions if we preferred to trust to nature's remedies. With a deep sense of my weakness, I went to my heavenly Father, claiming the promise, If any lack wisdom let him ask of God, &c., I felt strengthened and resolved to trust to God and nature. We gave her packs to reduce the fever, frequent enemas to cleanse the stomach and bowels and subdue inflammation, kept her head constantly wet in cold water, had her bed and room well aired every day, and when the weather was fine we wrapped her up and took her out daily in the open air. At length nature gained the victory and she recovered to the surprise of all. To God I gave all the glory. The next summer nature again rallied for a final conflict with disease and drugs which still lurked in her system. She was taken ill with bloody dysentery which was then raging fearfully in the village. Again in the arms of faith I carried her to the great Physician. She was very ill and wasted rapidly. I relied wholly on nature's remedies, air, water, sunlight, rest. Whenever I was in doubt or perplexity I went to God, praying for guidance, and, blessed be his name, my prayers were abundantly answered. Back to my arms again she came from the power of the enemy; and now her system seemed entirely renovated. Since that time she has been almost uniformly healthy, her tendency to croup and sore throat has passed, and she is now in full health and vigor, a living witness to the triumphs of the Health Reform. I might speak of its good effects upon myself and husband, which though less marked, were none the less real; but fear I have lengthened this article too much already. With tearful eyes I look around;
Life seems a dark and stormy sea,
Yet midst the gloom I hear a sound,
A heavenly whisper, Come to me. It tells me of a place of rest,
It tells me where my soul may flee,
Oh! to the weary, faint, opprest,
How sweet the bidding, Come to me. When nature shudders, loth to part
With earth's enjoyments that I see,
When a faint chill steals o'er my heart,
How sweet that voice, Come unto me. Come for all else must fade and die,
Earth is no resting place for thee,
Heavenward direct thy weeping eye,
I am thy portion, Come to me. Oh! voice of mercy, voice of love,
In conflict, grief, and agony,
Support me, cheer me, from above,
And daily whisper, Come to me. The Commentary.
By Wm. C. Gage
Tell me the meaning of Scriptures. One gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.—M'Cheyne. Brief Exposition of Isa. XXXIV and XXXV.
This prophecy contains a description of the punishment and desolation of Idumea, and its subsequent occupation by the redeemed of God. Let us briefly consider the time of these events. Those who endeavor to prove all the prophecies of God’s word fulfilled in the past, apply this one to the literal land of Idumea and its present desolated condition. This cannot be true for several reasons. It is highly improbable that such fearful consequences should accrue from the desolation of ancient Idumea, which was only a strip of mountainous region, about a hundred miles in length by fifteen or twenty in width. Again, it takes place in “the day of the Lord’s vengeance” (chapter XXXIV, 8), when his “indignation is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies,” verse 2, and when “the Heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll,” and their hosts fall down “as a falling fig from the fig-tree.” Verse 4. By reference to Rev. vi, 13–17, we see that these events are located in close connection with the awful scenes of the great day of final accounts. From these evidences, and from further proof brought to view in the prophecy, we are compelled to believe that it refers to the time when the Lord arises “to shake terribly the earth,” and the great Day of Judgment dawns upon a guilty world, while Idumea signifies the earth, or some portion of it, which is to receive the judgments of God when the nations are gathered to the “battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Rev. xvi, 14. In the thirty-fifth chapter, we have a vivid picture of the awful desolation of the earth while the righteous are absent from it, reigning with Christ a thousand years, as priests of God and of Christ. Rev. xx, 4, 6. But “the ransomed of the Lord shall RETURN, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads;” verse 10; and when the people of God come into possession of the earth it will no longer remain a wilderness, but, as described by the prophet in verses 7 and 9, “the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water;” “No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there.” In view of this we cannot wonder that the prophet should say: “Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.” Verses 3 and 4. May it be our happy lot to be among the redeemed when “they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away;” verse 10; which will take place when “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. xxi, 4. WM. C. GAGE.
Manchester, N.H. “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”
By E. LANPHEAR
God said, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” God thus addressed himself to Adam, after placing him in the garden, soon after his creation. Did God mean what he said? The serpent contradicts this saying by telling the woman, “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know, that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened: and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Now the question arises, Which shall we believe? God or the serpent? Our orthodox, or professedly orthodox, friends say, that Adam did not die the day he ate thereof, consequently they decide that God was mistaken, and the Devil told the truth; and notwithstanding the plain teachings of the Bible, that “the soul that sinneth, it shall die,” they say, “the soul can never die.” It seems to me that if they really believe what they teach, to be consistent they should not profess to worship God, while they preach the doctrine of the Devil. What did God send his Son into the world for? Was it not that sinners might through him be saved from death, the penalty of sin? Paul says, Rom. vi, 22, 23, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Shall we believe Paul? or shall we believe modern orthodoxy? Shall we believe the Bible, and that it is God’s truth and will concerning men? I have no reason to disbelieve it, but would rather say, “Let God be true and every man a liar.” But men claim that if the righteous live through an endless existence in happiness, the wicked must necessarily have an endless existence in misery, or torment. To such I would ask, Is the gift of eternal life promised only to those that believe? Now if all men have eternal life in themselves, as you hold, how can it be a gift to them that believe? If we profess to take the word of God for the man of our counsel, let us be consistent with the teachings of that Word. The gospel plainly teaches that by the death and resurrection of our Saviour there is to be a final resurrection of all men, when all shall receive reward according to the deeds done here in the body, whether they are good or bad. “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Many take it for granted that because the word everlasting is applied to both classes here they must necessarily exist equally as to time. I acknowledge that if there were no other terms applied to the righteous, you would have the argument, for the word everlasting in and of itself does not define any length of time in particular. This I think all Hebrew scholars will admit.
By this and similar words, doubtless many are deceived, taking the word to mean endless time, while the word itself means no such thing, but derives its meaning as to time from the thing it is applied to. The Scriptures plainly teach us of a second death. Is this term applicable to the righteous? Certainly not, “for on such the second death hath no power.” Well then, if the righteous receive eternal life as a gift of God through Jesus Christ, and the second death can have no power over them, and there is no other provision made for that life to come, then it is self-evident that there will be no end to their existence. But how of the wicked? Is there any provision made for their existence after the second death has passed upon them? I have searched and found it not. But we find further evidence for the endless existence of the righteous; for they shall put on immortality. Is this term ever applied to the wicked? I think it cannot be found. I wait for light rather than disbelieve God’s word. E. LANPHEAR.
Nile, N. Y. IS IT SLANDER?
By E. G. Rust
Some who do not fully believe in the truths of the “third angel’s message,” Rev. xiv, 9-14, gain the impression upon reading the Review that the writers therein are very uncharitable, if not even slanderous, in their articles. My attention was lately re-called to this subject by a letter from an esteemed friend in which he stated that he liked the Review very well, but “thought they slandered too much.” In meditating upon this I was led to ask myself the question, Is this really so, or does it only appear so to him? According to Webster, to slander is to censure falsely; to defame; and we hope and believe that none of the writers for the Review do this. We know that very “strong meat” is found in its columns, but we think it is meat in due season. To such as are accustomed to hearing sins glossed over and made to appear like righteousness, and who seldom if ever hear the exceeding sinfulness of sin pointed out, it may seem harsh and uncharitable when the plain cutting truths of the Bible are declared. Let us bear in mind that the mission of the Review is to “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” It is appointed to herald the last message of mercy to a dying world—to cry aloud, and spare not; to lift up its voice like a trumpet, and show God’s people their transgressions. Like the faithful watchman, it is set as a defense for the people, to rebuke sin upon them, and to warn them of coming danger; and it is impossible to preach the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” without cutting across the track of many, when the people have so far departed from the holy law of God. God’s people must be warned of their approaching danger, Rev. vi, 12-17, or his ministers and servants have failed to do their duty. Ezek. xxxiii, 1-20. And when we speak of God’s people in this sense, we mean all the honest-hearted to whom the “last message” shall come, whether they are in the world, or in the bosom of the fable-loving churches. To be prepared to meet our blessed Saviour when he comes in the clouds of heaven, is a great work, and it is only by heeding the plain, cutting truths of the Bible that we shall be prepared. When contrasting the mission and course of God’s ministers and servants under the last warning message, with the “smooth things,” which are spoken from the popular pulpits of these last days, we do not wonder that those who do not know the truth think it pretty strong meat; but our prayer is that such may have a teachable and investigating spirit, and that they may earnestly desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby, and eventually be led into all truth, and to implicit obedience to all the commandments of God. We hope that all who read it may give heed to its reproofs, be warned in season, be encouraged and strengthened by its exhortations, leave error and embrace right doctrine, and thus be enabled to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to stand amid the perils of the last days, and to meet the Saviour at his appearing. One of the marvels of this age of marvels is the rage for pleasure. If a love for pleasure was to be a characteristic of the last days, who cannot see that it is most strikingly exhibited before us? But alas! the rush for carnal gratification is so insane, and so almost all-pervading, that but few minds find opportunity to note this, or any other of the numerous and startling signs of this time. And what is not a little singular is that almost all the devices framed to meet the demands of this pleasure-loving age, make ample provision for eating and drinking. Wherever men or women are, there must be immediate and unceasing provision for them to eat and drink. The demands of a vitiated, perverted and stimulated appetite are imperious, and must everywhere be met. Thus was it in the days of Noah. It was to be so according to the Saviour's words, in the days when the Son of man was about to appear at the end of the world. And it is so at the present day. Surely, no one need go amiss in drawing the conclusion. We lately saw a notice of a new car just built for the Michigan Central R. R., to be run as an excursion car for pleasure parties, and in the description of its rooms, consisting of parlors magnificently furnished, dressing-room, washing-room, &c., prominent mention was made of the dining-room and cooking arrangements. And the enthusiastic describer dwelt in glowing terms on the convenience of having all the luxuries of the table right at hand, served up in modern style, while the parties could use the parlors for games of cards and other amusements. Thus, even upon the road, the delicate viands, the rich, costly, and unwholesome articles of food and drink must be furnished to a diseased appetite, and pampered stomach. It is bad enough for the world to follow such a course. It is bad enough for those who make no pretensions to being followers of God, and seekers after a future and higher life, to give themselves wholly up to the flesh, to make provision to fulfill the lusts thereof. But what shall we say when the professed followers of the cross-bearing, self-denying Saviour join in such a course? And do we find them there? Yes; and not only there, but taking the lead, and directing the current in all these things. And if church members will join in these sensual and worldly scenes, is it not bad enough for them to do it in places where secular amusements are to be expected? What shall we say, then, when they take these things into houses dedicated to the worship of God, and not only so, but build such houses with special reference to these worldly accompaniments? And are they doing this? Look at the following facts. The Methodists have raised the past year millions of dollars as a centenary fund, to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of their existence as a denomination, and to provide means to build churches, and further promulgate Methodism in this country. Among other things, they have just built a large church in Chicago, called “The Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church.” A writer in the Chicago Tribune, giving a description of the edifice, states some facts to which we call the reader's special attention. He says:— “The ground floor is divided into lecture room, library room, hall leading from the vestibule to the lecture room; two parlors, one on each side of this hall, 26x28 each. These open into the lecture room by heavy, folding doors. One parlor is to be used for a Bible-class room, the other for an infant-class room,
“The interior appointments are complete. They equal, if not surpass, anything we have seen in the West. Beneath the vestibule and parlors is a basement, consisting of a large dining hall, furnished with table accommodations for one hundred and fifty persons; a kitchen, with cooking apparatus, sinks, closets, dressing-rooms, &c.”
Speaking of the advantages of these arrangements and appurtenances, which must strike one as somewhat singular to be provided in a church, the writer further says: “The basement, under the vestibule and parlors, secures some desirable advantages; the social gatherings can be made agreeable and pleasant without introducing the refreshments into the lecture room or parlors.”
This church may be taken as an index, not only of Methodism, but of the popular Christianity of the present day. It has come to this that “refreshments” are as essential to the church as the gospel, and provision must be made even in the house of God by means of cooking apparatus, dining hall, and all other culinary arrangements, that they may feast away the closing hours of time, eat, drink, and be merry, while destruction is coming on the wings of the wind. Reader, how does the idea strike you? THE BATTLE CREEK CHURCH.
By James White
THIS people have nobly stood in defense of the truth and cause of God. They have set examples of benevolence and sacrifice worthy of imitation by all our churches. They have consequently grown in numbers and strength, and in favor with God and man. It has been our pleasure, whether at home or abroad, to speak of their worthy deeds. Here at Battle Creek has also been the place of our severe trials and afflictions. Yet we have always had at least a few warm friends. In our poverty they stood by us as faithfully as in our days of prosperity. This is also as true of many brethren abroad. Brethren coming from all parts of the field to our General Conferences, have not at such times had a good opportunity to judge as to the consecration and works of the members of this church, as their time and strength is, on such occasions, taxed to the utmost in waiting upon the crowd, giving them but little time for family and public devotions. And while it has been their privilege to care for the comfort of their numerous visiting brethren, and to watch them for their good, it has been the misfortune of some visitors to watch this church, in the hope of finding something to report against it, and thus kindle everywhere, if possible, the fire of jealousy and rebellion against the movement of things at Battle Creek. Probably the largest meeting will be assembled in May next that ever has been held at this place; consequently the brethren will be more engaged in caring for the crowd than on former occasions. And then will be opened the new and commodious house of worship. And here, too, is the Health Institution, with all its expense. Those who come with jealousy in their hearts, will be almost sure to injure themselves and their brethren with magnified ideas of expense, popularity, &c, &c. But those who have real faith in the cause of truth, will have confidence in those whom God has placed at the head of the work. God and truth are infallible, while even the best of men may err. But when the unerring Disposer of events takes hold of men and places them at the head of human agencies below, those who are to be led, rather than to lead, should be submissive, and content with the rank and file of the army of the Lord. Bible history of the times of the Old and New Testaments is sufficient to teach this to any well-informed, humble disciple. And those who cannot learn by our history for the past fifteen years, never will learn. During the past four months of our more active labor, it has been our privilege to speak in the strongest terms in behalf of our people, and do all in our power to correct many impressions as to this church. We do not leave this city because we have not friends here, but to go where our gifts are newer, and where we can do more good; where our brethren have less ministerial labor, and are better able to assist us. And lest a wrong impression may go out by those who love to make mischief, we choose to speak freely. And if it be said that we have in any way joined others in speaking against the Battle Creek church, let them say when we did it, and where we have done it, and report us to this church, or to the Conference to which we belong, and to whom we hold ourselves amenable. That some good-meaning brethren and sisters may have fallen under wrong influences and have grieved us, we do not deny. But we ever have believed, and still believe, this to be the most devoted and most prudent people in the things of the Lord that there is anywhere. We have borne a pointed testimony against the love of money by the rich, and their worldly spirit. We have struck hard at this root of all evil, and those who do not receive our testimony will try to injure our influence, and we might expect that they would play over the old game that hundreds have, in trying to get in between us and our brethren in this place. We may be allowed to suggest that those who come to Conference will expect to find this church acting in regard to diet and dress in harmony with the teachings of the Health Reformer, the Health Institution, and the Testimony to the Church. It may be said that the diet at the Institute is for the sick. Well, if that be good in making the sick well, will it not be equally good in keeping others well? We admit there are some dyspeptics who can not take all kinds of food which are good for a well man. In our own case, we do not eat vegetables, nor but three kinds of fruit. But the tables set at the Institute are for the physicians, the helpers, visitors, and for those patients whose digestive powers are strong. For our people to widely vary from these tables might injure both the Institution and the church, and stand greatly in the way of reform. Nearly the same may be said in regard to reform in dress. Those coming to Conference will expect to see harmony between the dress at the Health Institution, and that worn by the sisters of the Battle Creek church, and also to see it accord with the Testimonies, in regard to length. Many of our sisters in this State are dressing in harmony with the Institution, and they will, of course, expect to see a good example set by those living at the center of the great work of reform. Those who put their money in here will expect to see harmony. But it may be said that the short dress is for our very feeble female friends. To this we reply, if it be good in helping the sick to recover, it will be equally good in keeping others from getting sick. The influence of Spiritualism has been greatly in the way of the Dress Reform, it being worn by some women of that ism who lacked purity of morals. The public generally conclude that no pure and prudent woman would be seen wearing such a dress. And shall we let the Health Institution bear this odium, and be in danger of suffering for want of patronage? No! Let all our people adopt this dress which is modest, healthful and convenient, and public opinion will be changed; for that people who conscientiously teach and keep the moral law, stand the highest in point of morals. Taking this view of the subject, the reform in dress becomes a duty of no small importance. We were much pleased with the prudent remarks of our dear Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, in a recent Review, in regard to extremes. Some incautious, zealous ones get the idea that we are driving people into reform, and they get a driving spirit, and cut and slash and refer to Battle Creek as their authority. But we are doing no such work. Hark! “My sheep,” says the Leader, not driver, of his people, “hear my voice, and they follow.” Let the voice of entreaty be heard everywhere, and let those who should bear responsibilities, bear them cheerfully. And let not those who see the extremes in some excuse themselves in not moving at all. To be two years in leaving off meat and tea, and still use them when they please, is not reforming. Two hours may be long enough for a well person to leave off tea, and two months a sufficient time to leave meat, and change to a healthful diet. May this church live to outride the storm. And may all who have their names inscribed upon its records have them still remain written in Heaven, and may we all meet in the kingdom to sing the song of victory when the war is over. CUSTOM: A reason for irrational things, and an excuse for inexcusable ones. SATAN is well pleased to have us always reforming in the future. FUTURE ENLARGEMENT OF THE REVIEW.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
My silence on this subject has not arisen from a lack of interest in it, or in the prosperity of the Review. Since my connection with the cause of present truth, I have ever viewed the Review as a mighty and indispensable means of advancing the last message of mercy, and am highly pleased with it in its present improved and enlarged form. It now presents advantages as to space, matter and arrangement, which it could not before its enlargement. Evidently the cause would have been hindered in its progress, had the Review remained as it was. For it could not, with its limited space, meet the wants of the message, and did not correspond with the magnitude of this work. And according to my judgment, the same reasons which were urged for the past enlargement of the Review, will soon demand an addition of four more pages to its present size. The additional expense will be but a trifle when compared with the benefits resulting from such a move, and will be readily met by those who have manifested a willingness to sanction and sustain the past enlargement, as well as by new subscribers. Money is insignificant when compared with the prosperity of the cause; and those who have the cause at heart will cheerfully sacrifice of their means to advance it. We should bear in mind the magnitude of this work, and what it is destined to accomplish. The numbers of believers are increasing and will doubtless greatly multiply until hundreds of thousands will embrace the message. For though there will be but 144,000 who will eventually be sealed by the message; yet I think that from the nature of the work thus far, we may safely conclude that a much greater number than this will receive the truth; but some of them will fall by the way. In this large company there will be men and women of intellect, learning and experience, who will be an ornament to the cause. As the message arises in power and holy influence, a class of minds will be reached, which require the living and burning testimony, and a mighty influence—all the benefits and advantages of the message—to wrench them from the influences that keep them away from the truth; and they will eagerly take hold of the message. This is what we may reasonably infer. It will take more power to move some than others, according to the difference in their surroundings. Then will the history of the acts of the apostles be acted over by the church; and then will many of the priests, or preachers, be obedient to the faith; and others who are filling important stations in this government will also believe the truth; though, as Paul says, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” These will be a few in number in comparison with the rest of the believers; yet they will be numerous when compared with the wise and mighty who have embraced the truth in the past. The number of ministers will multiply. And all these will deem it a privilege and a duty to speak to us through the Review by sermons, reports, historical facts, facts for the times (showing the signs of the times, which will increase as we near the end), etc., as their minds and calling will lead them. We will all be happy to hear from such, especially as they search out the honest, even to the isles of the sea, and to the remotest parts of the inhabitable world. How thrilling with interest to the sacrificing people of God to hear from such; and to also grant those who come out on the truth under their labors, room to give us their rich experiences through the Review; that, though absent from each other, and, perhaps, not permitted to see one another in this life, we may be made near by the truth and the blood of Christ. But such cannot be free to carry out their convictions in this respect, and must necessarily be cramped, unless the Review is previously enlarged; for even now as the editor informs us, and as the reflective mind can easily discover, we are troubled for want of room in the Review. There is talent among us which ought to bring rich productions for its columns, and which would do this had we more room. And besides all this, truth is progressing and we need more space to bring it out in all its comprehensiveness and importance. What shall we say, beloved brethren and sisters? Shall we have the Review enlarged, that it may have more influence and holy attraction, to help mightily in bringing about the work which I have alluded to, and to better accommodate us now? Methinks I hear you say, as with one mind and with one voice, “The Review will be enlarged.” In many respects, the Review and our works have a pre-eminence over the living preacher. They speak to more than any preacher can personally. They can be sent where we cannot send preachers, and can say more in time than one preacher would say. While all cannot hear from every one of our ministers, all can read the productions of our active preachers, in the Review, especially if we enlarge it. Some would not go and hear the living preacher, who would read the Review and our works, if they were wisely introduced to them. Some of the believers cannot hear the living preacher regularly; but all can read from our ministers every week, in the Review. How many have embraced the truth from reading it; and how many have been enabled to keep pace with the message by light received from it. A good work is started in Michigan or elsewhere; and in one or two weeks the sound of it goes with the heavenly endorsement all through the field; and glorious results are immediately seen in the advancement of the churches, and of the lonely ones in the way of holiness. I would say in conclusion, I am confident that the Review will be enlarged. All that each one should be anxious about is, having the privilege and honor of encouraging and sustaining the anticipated enlargement by their means, by their pens, or by getting new subscribers, or by all of these means. This work will surely proceed; for the Lord is in it.
D. T. BOURDEAU. REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By J. H. WAGGONER
I intended before this time to say a few words more in regard to the meetings in Wright. I continued the lectures there until Sunday evening March 10th, and then considered it my duty to stop, though I would have been pleased to present some more subjects there. The weather was unfavorable; it was raining, and becoming quite muddy; the labors of sugar-making were upon them; and they had so many meetings there that it was impossible for some to do any justice to their temporal matters and be profited by the meetings. Nine arose at the last meeting to request membership with the church. Monday, 11th, I preached a funeral sermon, and on Tuesday seven were baptized. On Wednesday I left for Lapeer. I felt pleased and encouraged over the prospects of the church in Wright. The ‘Testimony’ delivered to them in January has been of incalculable advantage, and they realized it, and rejoice in the benefit. I feel like praising God for the gift of his Spirit, which is fulfilling its work according to the Scripture, for “the perfecting of the saints;” and while scoffers mock and deride, the meek, the faithful, the waiting children of God may well plead with our heavenly Father to yet bear with us in our weakness, and not withdraw his favor from the remnant. May the Lord confirm the testimony of Jesus yet more and more among those who are waiting for his Son from Heaven. 1 Cor 1, 5, 8, Rev. xix, 10. The general interest which Bro. Cornell reported at Lapeer had subsided when I went there. A special effort had been made to counteract the influence of the meetings which led to an expectation of a discussion. Many apparently fell back on this expectation, and as I fear is often the case, let curiosity take the place of interest. But a good work has been done in Lapeer; the number of commandment keepers is increased and the church is confirmed in the faith. I have felt deeply over the condition of this church ever since my visit there last summer, and now rejoice to see them breaking away from bondage and rising into light. Long-standing difficulties are being removed, and I believe there is a bright future before this church if all will walk fully up to the Testimony of the Spirit given for them. On Sabbath and first-day, 16, 17 inst., I tried to add my testimony to that of Bro. Cornell, and we all rejoiced together in the truth. Tuesday morning Bro. C. started for Saginaw Co., and I intended to leave at the same time for Oakland, but duty seemed to direct otherwise. The meeting of that evening was a time of reviving to all, and the next evening we had a good social meeting. Thursday the 21st, I came to Oakland; found Bro. Lawrence confined to his home by sickness in his family. Of the meetings I will speak hereafter. I expect to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Oakland church, April 6, 7. Rochester, Mich., March 26.