Earlier text: CHRISTIANITY AN INTERNAL PRINCIPLESPEAKING of a time evidently not very remote from the present day, the Lord by the month of the prophet Zephaniah, says, "For then will I turn to the people a pure language." The Psalmist once exclaimed, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law." Is it not also time for the Lord to work for his law in another respect, and turn to the people a pure language when they speak in reference to it? The language of theology has become impure. A little has been taken from the vocabulary of heaven, and applied to an institution of earth. We see it in all places and at all times. At every turn we meet this theological plagiarism which has insinuated itself into almost all the channels of religious instruction. In sermons, in Advent papers, in religious papers of every kind, how many appointments do we hear and see, for how many Sabbaths. But what do they mean by the term Sabbath? They mean Sunday! What inference, what example, what warrant, what right have they for applying that term to that day? None at all. Is it the usage of heaven? It is not. If people are determined to elevate Sunday into the place of the Sabbath, still they have no right to thus pervert the name. There are two terms which we insist they have no warrant for thus using; and these are, Sabbath and Lord's day. Let them call their institution anything else they choose. We can think of a great many that would be very appropriate; but when they employ the ones referred to, they "steal the livery of heaven," &c.! Let the consistent Sabbath-keeper congratulate himself on his position in this respect. When he speaks of the Sabbath he does it understandingly. When he refers to that venerable and hallowed institution, he knows that he refers to an institution which is recognized of Heaven; and he uses the language which Heaven employs. Thank the Lord for beginning to turn to his people a pure language, in respect to his holy Sabbath. WESTERN TOUR.
By James White
SINCE last report we held one meeting with the church at Mauston. We spoke relative to order in the church of God. That in shunning Babylon (confusion) on the one hand, we should not run into a worse confusion on the other hand. That there is no state in which believers may be, however much of the Spirit, or even the gifts they may enjoy, that they can safely lay aside reason, and follow impulse. That the apostle Paul, in speaking of spiritual gifts in 1 Cor. xii, xiii, and xiv, says, "Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." Chap. xiv, 12. "Let all things be done unto edification." Verse 26. "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Verses 32, 33. "Let all things be done decently and in order." Verse 40. And let it be borne in mind that these cautions, admonitions and instructions are given for those under the influence of the choicest and most powerful gifts from heaven. But there is an uncontrollable, ungovernable, untamable spirit attending fanaticism which will run over and shout over these precious portions of the word. We also took up the doings of the Battle Creek Conference relative to holding our office of publication, and stated that it must be held either by one or more persons as their property, or by a legally organized publishing association. That we were the only legal owner of the office property. And should it still be left in our hands, doubtless a meaner cry of "speculation" would be raised than was heard under Stephenson and Hall's administration in this State six years since. That it was a matter of real necessity that something should be done, and the simple steps proposed to be taken were no more of Babylon than each brother securing his property by deed. We would here state that Bro. Steward is now on a journey to Madison, to secure by deed forty acres of school land on which he and two of the brethren have built them houses. If, then, to secure the office property is Babylon, Bro. Steward is taking a bad journey by the way of Babylon. We wonder if M. E. S. will see this matter branded with "Babylon," "fallen?" As to the visions among these reformers, we would say that we had a meeting of the church to investigate, from 9 o'clock A. M. to 3 P. M., and became perfectly satisfied that the Lord of heaven has nothing to do with them. Those who have them are conscious of all around them. Compare this with 2 Cor. xii, 1-7. And some things connected with them are too silly to be attributed to the arch-deceiver. They must partake very largely of human weakness. Obituary notices have been seen, with the date of the death of persons who have outlived the time set, and bid as fair to live as other people. This is now met with the reply, "That was a trial of faith." And it is now recollected that the name Jesus was not signed to the obituary. We have been informed that it has been seen how much room an article setting forth this work would occupy in the REVIEW, Nos. 24 or 25; but neither of these contain the article. This, too, must be a trial of faith! The most favorable thing in this unpleasant matter is, that the crisis came so soon, that it is being exploded before many became ensnared. It will doubtless prove a severe trial to some in Mauston, Marquette, and vicinity for a short time; but if they decide to go with the body instead of a faction, it will teach them a lesson of great benefit for time to come. What we have written upon this subject has been in the absence of brethren Ingraham and Sanborn, therefore their names are not signed to the reports. It may be gratifying to the friends in Wisconsin to have them speak out in relation to this fanaticism In company with brethren Sanborn and Ingraham, we reached Marquette sixth-day morning, Nov. 9th. We soon learned that the brethren had purchased, and were fitting up a brick building, formerly used in connection13 with the court. Marquette has been the county seat. This has been brought about in a busy season of the year, and money scarce, with a spirit of enterprise worthy of the friends of the cause in Marquette. With some alteration, and well seated, it will make a good, commodious place of worship. We were happy to find the young church at Marquette generally decided and strong in the truth. Many wished to be remembered to Bro. Loughborough, and expressed a hope of seeing him as soon as next spring. Our meetings were large, and there was good liberty in preaching and in the social meetings. As the friends had raised the cash to pay for their place of worship, they were justly excused from doing much for preachers present. However, they raised about a dozen dollars for Bro. Ingraham, to get him a new overcoat, which he much needed. In accordance with the request of many brethren in Wisconsin, it may be duty for Bro. Loughborough, self and Mrs. W., to hold a series of conferences in the State next April and May. Lord direct. Sabbath and First-day, Nov. 17 and 18, we had the pleasure of meeting at Monroe, Wis., with many of the brethren and sisters in that vicinity. At Monroe their number is small, some having died, others moved away, and some gone back, so that about the only reasons for holding a conference in that place are that it is central, and the court-house could be obtained. We spoke four times during the meeting with much difficulty, as a severe rheumatic affection in the neck and shoulders was a severe drawback. Sabbath morning we were obliged to call for help to arise from bed. Bro. Ingraham spoke three times. The social meetings were good. The brethren raised $14 for traveling expenses, besides $10 from the S. B. T. of our good brethren at Avon, which we handed back to the treasurer, stating that it would add one foot to the length of their contemplated meeting-house, which they design to build thirty by forty. Four feet added to the length would give them a better shape, and more room for general gatherings, which will be very beneficial twice a year. The brethren in that part of the State are not in the least affected with the fanatical extreme relative to consecration which infests the Northern part, and see the necessity of order in the church of God. We now design visiting Wisconsin in the Spring in company with Mrs. W., and it is the unanimous desire of the brethren in several places that Bro. Loughborough accompany us. First-day, after the afternoon discourse a few moments were spent in a business meeting. By a unanimous vote Bro. J. G. Wood of Brodhead, Green Co., Wis., and Bro. L. Lathrop, of Freeport, Ills., were chosen to solicit pledges for support of the tent next season. Each church and individual in Wisconsin and Illinois to pledge according to their ability and send their pledges to these brethren by the first of January, 1861, and half to be paid by the first of May, the other half by the first of September. Also, Bro. J. N. Loughborough was invited by a unanimous vote to labor in connection with the tent next season. Last evening we preached at this place (Crane's Grove, Ills.), and were in hopes to have one meeting in the place without disturbance and confusion. We therefore spoke till within five minutes of nine, and closed the meeting. But Mr. S. G. Clark, a no-law, age-to-come preacher, being present, commenced the usual harangue of that kind of men, and caused some confusion. The mantle of Eld. H. Collins (who is now denounced by those who have been his dupes as a very bad man), has seemed to fall on this Clark, and he fills his place well. Probably more brass, impudence and blackguardism cannot be found in any second-class minister than in this Clark. He challenged for a discussion, but we declined on the ground that to discuss with a man who had used our name and Mrs. W.'s as he had, even attacking character, would be a disgrace to us. We then inquired before the congregation if he knew anything against our characters, to which he replied that he knew nothing, but had heard. But he had stated that he was acquainted with us and knew those things to be true. We then stated that to attack character, and from hearsay use smut and blacking, as he had done, was doing Satan's dirtiest drudgery. The brethren at this place are firm. They are prudent, peaceable, quiet Christians, living in the midst of the meanest persecution we ever witnessed. We were happy to meet sister Golden who came out at the time of the discussion at this place some more than two years since. Also sister Newton who was at that time confirmed on the truth. We go from here to the Round Grove conference. May the Lord meet with us. AT HOME.—We reached Bro. Wick's, near Round Grove, the 22d, at 7 P. M. We had rode forty miles in an open buggy that day, about half the distance in a western prairie snow-storm. Happy indeed we were to meet a hearty reception, and sit down by a heated stove. But the scene changed. A telegraphic despatch was handed us, stating that our youngest child, ten weeks old, was at the point of death. Then came a struggle of mind to decide what to do. To leave for home immediately would prove a disappointment to the brethren who might assemble for conference according to appointment. And the thought of remaining over Sabbath and first-day, three full days, was painful. But as the storm would prevent the brethren from coming in from a distance, and Bro. Allen was to be at the meeting, we decided to return immediately to Battle Creek. At Mackford, Wis., while praying for our family at home, we had a presentment that our youngest child was very sick. The babe seemed lying before us with face and head dreadfully swollen. We wrote to Mrs. W. the 13th, from which we copy the following: "I fear that all is not well at home. I have had some impressions as to the babe." When we read the despatch at Bro. Wick's we were prepared for such news, and stated to those present that they would hear that the child's head and face were greatly affected. When we reached home we found the child alive, but suffering with erysipelas, the face and head swollen, and dreadfully inflamed. To-day (the 25th) the symptoms are favorable. We do not profess to be a prophet, or the son of a prophet; neither would we be influenced by every impression and image of the mind, but we do most solemnly believe that those who give themselves unreservedly to the work of God, may have an experience richly dotted with the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. WHAT DOES INFIDELITY PROPOSE TO DO?
By M. Hull
Or late I have learned a lesson by conversing with infidels. I once thought infidelity was a system, doctrine, creed or theory, adopted and set forth in due form. But this is not the case. It is not a system, it affirms nothing, believes nothing, promises nothing—is nothing. A negative can be prefixed to almost any truth and they will believe it. They believe in no-theory, no-creed, no-organization, no-principles, no-conditions of initiation into their fellowship, no-law, no-Bible, no-Devil, no-Saviour, no-God. It consists of negatives, it neglects all law, all system, all testimony and all promises. It builds up nothing, it ignores all authority and government, it does not regard consistency, morals, character or anything of the kind. Its object is to deny all truth. Every argument advocated by an opponent is met with, "I don't believe;" as though their unbelief would destroy all evidence! Infidels do not propose to build anything; their object is not to show "a more excellent way," "a high-way of holiness," but to turn us out of "the old paths." Their mission is to pull down. They never organize, but always disorganize. They come not to save, but to destroy. Their work is easily done, because it is all tearing down, disorganizing and deranging. The reason why they are so hard to discomfit is because they have nothing to defend. Their work is simply to stand off and throw fire-brands into the camp of the saints. They object to the Bible, 1. Because it teaches the immortality of the soul, and 2. Because it does not teach the immortality of the soul. Thus they fire in from every quarter. Their work is to spread destruction as wide as possible, and then tantalize the servant of God with "I can tear down faster than you can build up." This is true. "One sinner destroyeth much good." One incendiary can burn buildings faster than ten men can build them—tear up more Rail-Road track than one hundred men can put down. One enemy can sow more tares than twenty farmers can pull up. As before stated, their business is not to build up, but to pull down. They attack the Bible, the church, and consequently morals, peace, happiness &c. Their commission says, Go and make war upon the Bible and its truths, religion and its friends. There is no "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men," in their mission. Theirs is a message of hatred toward the Bible and all it contains. Their object is to spread desolation among other men's labors, and lay their work in ruins, leaving nothing but wrecks behind them. Their appeal is to the lukewarm, backslidden or apostate,—not to rescue him, but to bid him God-speed in his downward course. To destroy his confidence in his brethren, his religion, his Bible, and his GOD. To intimidate and discourage him from all good forever. Infidelity never has enlightened, civilized nor ennobled a nation or people in the world. That is not its business. Here I assert that it is impossible to point to any good that can possibly grow out of infidelity. Have infidels ever organized society, established peace and order, civil institutions, or a system of morals? Never. They deny everything, and prove nothing. They doubt this, dispute that, and don't believe the other, and in nine cases out of ten cannot give a reason for their doubts and fears. It requires no talent or learning to be an infidel; all that is required is to know how to deny everything. The most illiterate blockhead under the sun can deny as stoutly as the man of education and ability. I have heard persons who never read the Bible through in their lives (and I doubt whether some of them had ever read the Elementary Spelling-book), talk of inconsistencies, incongruities and absurdities in the Bible as learnedly as if they had committed the whole Bible to memory. Any blockhead can deny the Bible, and take a leap into the dark; but I cannot see what should cause him to do it. He risks all, loses everything, without the possibility of gaining anything in this world or the world to come. They do not pretend that the world would be any better for embracing their denials of truth than they would be for rejecting them. They say they oppose the Bible because it is a fable. But why do they not pitch into other fables? Uncle Tom's Cabin is a fictitious work which has an extensive circulation, why do not infidels spend a part of their time fighting it? "How can ye believe that receive honor one of another," is the true ground of infidel objections. But I cannot tell how they intend to benefit the world by their doctrines. M. HULL.
Fairfield, Iowa. Many entertain incorrect ideas of mercy. This mistake lies in viewing mercy as a separate attribute, when it should be coupled with truth and justice. "Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Ps. lxxxv, 10. A fact might be stated to several persons and they immediately decide that the course of another was not only unjust, but unmerciful, when if all the circumstances in the case were made known they would judge very differently. Many affirm that God is not a God of mercy because he has destroyed individuals and nations in the past. If we were perfectly acquainted with the condition of the nation or individual, if we understood all the circumstances of the case, then we could form some opinion of the reasonableness or unreasonableness of God's dealings, with them, but when we do not fully understand the nature of any case, it is unreasonable for us to give our decision. At the great day of accounts all will be made plain, and the justice and mercy of God made manifest. It is our duty to believe what the Lord has said. "The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works." Ps. cxlv, 9. Some may say that it was unjust for the Lord to strike Uzzah dead for merely touching the ark when he did it with a good intention. But is it right for us to judge in the matter when we do not understand it? David quite forgot himself on this occasion, and was14displeased with the Lord for doing this thing. 2 Sam. vi. The Lord knows the secrets of all hearts, and although he may not always give the reason why he does this or that, we may know that he is just. We will suppose a man has arrived at years of understanding. The Spirit of the Lord strives with him from time to time, but he refuses to yield. Friends exhort and admonish him to turn to the Lord, but he heeds not their counsel. Reason and conscience plead with him, but all in vain. He is rebellious and stiff-necked, and willfully persists in his wicked course. He becomes hardened in sin, his conscience is seared, he hates God and righteousness; in short, his case is hopeless and he is sealed for destruction. Still he is an accountable being, and knows that he will be punished for all his sins. The question now arises, Would it be merciful in God to put an end to his existence? Many would answer in the negative. But why not? Because, say they, it would deprive him of many years of happiness. But those who call the shadowy pleasures of earth happiness are strangers to the substantial happiness which arises from doing others good, spiritually as well as temporally—from a well-grounded hope—and from the communion of the Spirit. The empty pleasures of earth are so spoiled by a thousand accompanying evils that they amount to nothing at all. Finally, if a person did enjoy years of happiness and die without hope, his life would be a perfect blank, for his name is put out forever. Now let us examine the other scale. He keeps on committing one sin after another, for which he has got to suffer the pains of the second death. How quick earthly happiness vanishes when a person is attacked with bodily pain. A small amount of suffering is sufficient to overbalance any amount of pleasure or sensual gratification a person can enjoy. How then will it be when the whole being is tormented in the wrathful flames of gehenna? What will the happiness they have enjoyed amount to then? It will be as a dream forgotten. Again, a wicked man exerts a positive influence for evil. Having weighed the subject candidly we see that it would be merciful in God to deprive a person of life who had passed the bounds of hope. Some think the destruction of the antediluvians an unmerciful act. But they had become exceedingly wicked and corrupt [Gen. vi, 5], and experience has proved that when a nation or a world turn from the Lord and give themselves up to sin, reform is hopeless—they will grow worse and worse. If the old world had continued a thousand years longer, what would have been its condition? We should naturally suppose that righteousness, virtue and peace would have been exterminated, and wickedness and vice swept like a deluge over the earth. Why should whole generations of men and women be permitted to live on the earth for no purpose only to suffer the second death? Only one righteous family existed in Noah's day, and surely the prospect was that holiness would soon become extinct, and sin and suffering reign universally, and thus the purpose for which the earth was created be entirely frustrated. For reasons before stated it would be a mercy to that generation and to generations following for the race to be destroyed. Thus the Lord destroyed the wicked and preserved the righteous, giving to the world as it were a new start, again placing things in a favorable situation to carry out the plan of salvation. Since that time cities and nations have been destroyed, which was a mercy, not only to them, but to the human family as a whole. We have now reached a point of time when wickedness and crime have become so great that the Lord is going to destroy mankind from off the earth. But most people think it is too bad for the Lord to destroy the world now. The arts and sciences are in a rapid state of advancement, and it is just getting so that men can live easy and comfortable. Labor-saving machines have been invented, and by the aid of steam men can travel with great speed over every part of the earth. The most fertile parts of the earth are just beginning to be settled. In short, men are just getting ready to have a good time. It cannot be, say they, that the Lord is going to destroy all these things. But let us look at the subject candidly. What effect has the intellectual and physical improvements of the age had on its morals? Have they caused them to be more holy, to seek after God more? They have not. The mighty achievements of science have caused men to be proud and haughty, to forget and despise God, and trust in themselves. The Lord did not place men on the earth to do great things, but to develop holy characters, and prepare for a better state of existence. Their heaping together the treasures of earth has nothing to do with the purpose of God. The building of cities, ships, and railroads, does not produce moral happiness. Moral happiness does not result from riches and can be enjoyed by the poor as well as the rich. Although there are many that profess godliness at the present time, there are few that really possess it. No doubt there were many in Noah's day who professed religion and considered themselves full as good as the despised ark-builder. No doubt the six hundred thousand that came out of Egypt supposed themselves the true church, and expected of course to go into the promised land. The formal Pharisees supposed themselves even better than others, and whom should God favor if not the children of Abraham? But all these were destroyed in their pride and self-righteousness, and should serve as lively examples to us in the latter day. Judging from the past we might expect the time had about come for the Lord to overthrow the earth. There are many that profess to be good, but there are few that really do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God. Sin, suffering and disease prevail to such an extent, and holiness, happiness and peace are so nearly eradicated, that it would even be a mercy in God to close the scene. CLOSING THE SABBATH.
By D. Hildreth
I RECENTLY stopped over the Sabbath with a brother in Illinois, and was much pleased with his manner of closing the Sabbath. A few minutes before the setting of the sun, the family were called together, a hymn was sung, and all engaged in prayer. When the exercises closed, the Sabbath was past, and the first day of the week had come. It occurred to me that this was a good way to close the Sabbath. As the time draws near for the sun to set the mind is apt to recur to worldly things, and it requires considerable effort to keep the thoughts where they should be, especially when there is a press of business. And if it is cloudy there is danger of infringing on the closing moments of the Sabbath. We do not wish to have it so, of course, but it is sometimes the case, and here is a perfect remedy. A few minutes before the sun sets call the family together, sing a good hymn, and all engage in the worship of God. If the thoughts are kept on heavenly things, without wandering, as they should be, when the devotions are closed the Sabbath will be past and worldly things can be attended to. A satisfaction will be felt in closing the Sabbath in this manner. Business can then be attended to with a cheerful assurance that the Lord is well pleased with us. I can but recommend this plan to those who wish to keep the fourth commandment in "letter and in spirit too." Overcoming Idle Words
By Emily Richardson
Bro. SMITH: I feel it my duty to write a few lines and speak of the great goodness of God to poor unworthy me for a few months past. My attention was first arrested when reading the 12th chapter of Matthew, 36th and 37th verses. I felt condemned for speaking so many useless, idle words. I felt as though I must set out anew, and try to break off from every idle word, and as soon as I began to take myself up on this point it seemed as though the enemy rallied all his forces against me, and crowded every unhallowed thought into my mind, and I sometimes felt almost discouraged. I thought I never could go through. I began to call upon the Lord, believing he would help me to control my thoughts, and to overcome. After this I soon found peace of mind, felt as though I was making some advancement, although I felt there was a great work to be done. I began to feel the importance of holiness of heart. I felt that I must be holy, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, before I could enter the kingdom, and when I thought of these things I felt sometimes as though such a poor, weak, worm of the dust could never go through to the kingdom. I was led to call upon the Lord for help. I felt a desire to consecrate myself wholly to the Lord. I thought I would lay all on the altar daily, but still I did not feel the evidence that God accepted the consecration, and for weeks I struggled on in this way, and could not tell why I did not feel the evidence of my acceptance; but when I read Bro. B. F. Robbin's piece in Review No. 15, Vol. xvi, I could see what hindered my acceptance with God; it was self. I did believe that the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin, but I did not believe that it did now, and for me; but I can say with the poet, "I am the Lord's, and he is mine,
Our hearts, our hopes, our passions join;
Let not a motion nor a word,
Or thought arise to grieve my Lord."
Dear brethren and sisters, it will do us no good to have a theory of the third angel's message without a heart-felt experience. We must have our heart cleansed from every idol and from everything that is unlike Jesus, before he can come in and sup with us. We15 must rally around the high standard of holiness, and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. How important it is that we should watch and pray continually lest we enter into temptation. The Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above what we can bear if we keep hold of his strong arm. The work of holiness is an individual work, and it is what we must all have before we can meet the Saviour. Then let us see to it that we make sure work for the kingdom. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. Let us all try to form our character by the word of God, that we may all be found keeping his commandments and the faith of Jesus. Your unworthy sister, EMILY RICHARDSON. Stoddard, N. H., Nov. 7, 1860. TO THE LUKEWARM.
By A. L. Guilford
Heed the counsel of the Saviour,
Buy of me the gold that's tried;
Purify all thy behaviour,
For the flesh must be denied. In the furnace of affliction,
Thou wilt find the purest gold;
Rebel creatures need correction,
Ere they be of heavenly mould. Buy the raiment white and shining,
That thou mayest be clothed upon;
Righteousness thy heart entwining,
All thy shame will then be gone. Use the eye-salve by anointing,
That thou mayest clearly see,
Counsel of thy Lord's appointing,
Heed it thou and watchful be. Jesus says that he will chasten
And rebuke those whom he loves,
Be thou zealous therefore, hasten
And repent, for he reproves.
A. L. GUILFORD. "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." Bro. SMITH : Truly the Review is a welcome messenger to me. It is like bread to the hungry, or the pure spring water to the thirsty soul. The doctrines it advocates are truly the doctrines of the Bible, and its spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Although I am alone in this place, and feel I am a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth as all my forefathers were, yet when I take my Bible and read that God's people are a scattered and peeled people, and then take the Review and read the testimony of the little flock scattered to the four winds of the earth, I can truly rejoice with that joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, that soon, very soon his saints will be gathered to him, and so ever be with him. Praise his holy name. My desire is that I may be a holy man, a perfect overcomer, and share in the kingdom with the saints. Dear brethren and sisters, although I am a stranger to many of you that write those warm-hearted epistles in the Review, I trust I am not a stranger to the God you worship, or the Spirit you possess. My desire is that this medium, the paper, may be filled with warm-hearted testimonies, and we all be found keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus at his appearing and kingdom. May God abundantly bless this medium through which his people can communicate to each other, and to the world the truth contained in the word of God, the third and last message of mercy that is ever to be proclaimed to the world this side the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Although we may have trials and persecution, and cruel mockings for the word's sake, the apostle says that these light afflictions which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I desire to live a Christian, squared by the word of truth. Yours in the bonds of love and Christian affection, and in hope of eternal life at the appearing of Christ.
JOSIAH HEBNER. FELL asleep in Jesus, at Monroe, Wis., sister Esther, wife of Bro. John Lindsey, Nov. 12 1860, aged 42 years. Her disease was consumption. Sister Lindsey embraced the Advent faith in 1842, near Melbourne, C. E., where she received the Sabbath in 1850, when Bro. Bates first visited that place. Since that time she has been a firm and devoted believer in the third angel's message, as all will testify who have known her for the last ten years. Her sickness was protracted, which she bore with patience and true Christian fortitude. She fell sweetly asleep in Jesus in bright hope of a part in the first resurrection. She leaves her husband and daughter to mourn her loss. Bro. Allen providentially arrived in the place at the hour appointed for the funeral, and gave an appropriate discourse from Job xiv, 14. JAMES WHITE. Monroe, Wis., Nov. 16, 1860. Fell asleep, Sept. 21, 1860, sister Curtis, wife of M. E. Curtis, of Easton, Ionia Co., Mich. She came to her death very suddenly by an accident. While on the way to Ionia the horse took fright at some hogs that suddenly came in sight from among some hazelnut bushes. Both the reins broke and left the horse beyond Mr. Curtis' control. She was thrown violently out of the buggy, and lived but one hour after the accident. On the following first-day a large number congregated themselves together to her funeral which was attended by Eld. A. Cornell (Baptist), of Ionia. As near as we can learn she was happy in Jesus up to her death.
E. M. DAVIS. ELLEN E. TAYLOR
By Ellen E. Taylor
MR. EDITOR: I take the liberty to express something of my feelings and gratitude to God for sending his messengers to Lodi to proclaim the third angel's message, which proved a powerful eye-salve to open the eyes of my understanding, showing me that I was building my faith more upon the teachings and traditions of men than upon the word of God. I saw that I was breaking the Sabbath, and thus trampling upon God's law, which is holy, just and good, and which his holy Son came not to destroy, but to magnify and make honorable. Being convinced of this truth, I was condemned, of course, and what could be done? I saw no remedy only to turn my eyes to Jesus our great High Priest as my atonement, and at the same time turn my feet from off the Sabbath, from doing my pleasure upon that holy day. There were quite a number that covenanted to keep the Sabbath at the same time I did, at a social meeting in the tent, the last Sabbath the brethren were here, and I will say for their encouragement, that nearly all that then started are holding on, and going on their way rejoicing to mount Zion. The Lord has been very good to us since we received this message. For the last three weeks that have passed, surely with blessings we have been blessed. Bro. Sanborn has been with us the most of the time, laboring zealously in word and doctrine. During the time a table has been spread out before our craving souls, loaded with rich Bible truth, which we gladly feasted upon. We have also had the pleasure of listening to Bro. Ingraham two evenings, and hope to hear more from him on his return from the conference. I have long professed to be an ardent lover of my Bible, but I must admit I have seen it only as a dim light shining in a dark place in comparison to the glorious light I now see beaming from every page. With the Psalmist I feel to exclaim, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name," for such a Book, so full of beauty, so lovely, and so just and reasonable. And again I bless his name that my eyes have been opened to behold so much of its truths. God bless the labors of his messengers, and add to their number, for the harvest is great but the laborers few. Lodi, Wis., Nov. 4, 1860. A. O. THOMPSON
By A. O. Thompson
Bro. SMITH: I have this morning read the last No. of Vol. xvi, and I feel that I never laid out a dollar for a better purpose. I would much rather lose two meals of victuals a day than to do without the paper. I look for its weekly visits as I do a letter from a near friend. I feel myself a pilgrim and stranger on the earth, looking for a better country. Here I have no certain dwelling place. I regret my past unfaithfulness; and it is my prayer that God in his infinite mercy will have mercy on me. The past season has been one of toil and care, and I must confess that the world has had too much of a place in my heart; but I can truly say that the Lord is better to me than I deserve. I hope to hear from the dear saints that are scattered abroad, and I hope to meet them in the kingdom of God, where there will be no more parting of friends. I hope that the time is not far distant when I can meet with some of the dear saints. It is a privilege that I have not enjoyed in a great while. When I hear the calls for help through the Review, I regret that I cannot lend a helping hand. It is often said to me, Why do you not dress better and more fashionable? I tell them that the fashions of this world will soon pass away, and that my conscience will not allow me to do it. With much love for the cause of God, I remain, Your unworthy sister in Christ. Bro. M. Hull writes from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 19, 1860: "I am here in Mt. Pleasant, trying to preach the word of the Lord. There is great opposition here. A tremendous outside pressure is kept up to keep the people from hearing the word of the Lord. The Camp-bellites, notwithstanding all their boasting about free investigation, have shut me out of their meeting-house. But their minister (Eld. E. W. Shortridge) secured the Universalist house for me. Last night the house was crowded with attentive hearers while I gave a discourse of near two hours length on the two-horned beast. "Eld. McConnell is here from Marion. He would like to debate the points of difference between us. But he has reasons for refusing to debate with Brn. Cornell or Snook, and for certain reasons he will not debate with Shortridge or Hull, or any other man in or out of the State of Iowa. So upon the whole I guess we will not have a debate very soon. Bro. Shortridge has never fully believed our position on the Sabbath until he heard Eld. McConnell oppose it. But the Elder's discourse has left him (Shortridge) without a lingering doubt on that question." Sister M. Bean writes from E. Brookfield, Vt.: "I wish to say to the dear brethren and sisters of like precious faith, that I feel my heart glows with gratitude to my kind heavenly Father for his great goodness to me. I do truly feel that the dear Saviour does come in and sup with me and I with him. I can from experience say, Great peace have they who love God, and nothing shall offend them; and the soul is in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on God. Praise the Lord! O how good is he! I feel like going strait forward, neither turning to the right nor left, but making straight paths for my feet, that the lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be held. Every Sabbath when the weather is agreeable two or three come in and we are blest. Last Sabbath three came in, making five, with my husband and myself. The sweet Spirit rested down upon us, and I believe we all felt as if we had got a good day's journey towards the port of endless rest."