Tell me the meaning of Scriptures. One gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.—M'Cheyne.
Revelation, xxi, 16.
“THE length, and the breadth, and the height of it are equal.”
VITRINGA, following Grotius and some other interpreters, is of opinion that this means, “that the houses were like the Holy of Holies, a complete cube.” Each house in New Jerusalem was a complete cube, the form that indicated entire stability. Thus, it was not the immense city as a whole that had its hight equal to its length and breadth, but each mansion in it was so, and each mansion was so because each dwelling there is like the Holy of Holies.—Trench.
Lying Wonders
2 Thessalonians, ii. 11.
LYING wonders, not because in themselves mere illusions and juggling, but because they are wrought to support the kingdom of lies.—French.
Daniel’s Sealed Book
By Michelis
Daniel, xii, 4.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even unto the time of the end, when many shall give their sedulous attention to the understanding of these things, and knowledge shall be increased.—Michelis.
An Appeal to the Sabbath-Keepers in Maine.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN CHRIST AND THE PRESENT TRUTH: I have now labored among you for several months. I have been with you in your meetings and at your homes, and know personally almost every Sabbath-keeper in Maine, hence, I think I know pretty well what is needed here. At present, at least, all my interest is here and for you, and the prosperity of the cause in this State. I have already formed a strong attachment, and an unfeigned love for many here whom I believe to be saints of God. I now intend, if God wills, to visit every Sabbath-keeper in Maine once more during the winter.
Now, if you esteem me to be a servant of God, and one who is laboring to build up the truth which we all believe and hold, allow me to call your attention to a few things which I think to be of vital importance to the advancement of the cause in this State. I do hope that each one will consider this as addressed to himself, weigh it with candor, and act upon it in the fear of God.
1. The cause of God is one, East, West, North, and South. This proposition is self-evident. God loves a saint in Maine, just as much as one in Minnesota, and one in Michigan as much as one in Maine. So, every one who has the genuine love of God and the truth in him, has no sectional feelings in this matter, but is interested in the advancement of the cause of God, and rejoices in the conversion of souls in one State as much as in another. Especially should the minister feel so. To-day I am laboring here, next year I may be called to labor in Ohio, or some where else; and I am ready to go in the strength of Christ where I can do any good, even to another continent. Now why should I, or any of those who preach, or love, present truth, be partial to the cause in one section any more than in another? “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,” I am not, nor do I believe that my brethren here are.
We wish to see the truth firmly planted here, and standing on a solid foundation. We wish to see you come into order and system, so that you can work together to the best advantage. We have tried disorder till we were satisfied with it. We have, by experience, found a more excellent way. It seems to me that the time has now come for us to be united in pushing forward this great work. In order to do this, we must have order, system, organization. You love the Sabbath, the law, the third angel’s message, &c., and feel very thankful to God for them. Where did you get these precious truths? Why, brethren from the West have had to leave their homes, their friends, their families, and come away here among strangers and even foes, and labor and toil, day and night, many times under the most discouraging circumstances, for months and even years, to bring you the truths which are so dear to you. If it had not been for organization we could never have done this. To organization and Systematic Benevolence, under God, you owe the knowledge of the truth which you now have. In the past, some have felt an opposition to these things; but I am confident that they will not when they understand them. We have labored here cheerfully, thinking that the day would come when the people in Maine would appreciate the sacrifices that have been made for them, and would in their turn help forward the work not only among themselves but elsewhere. We still think so. Our brethren in the West have done nobly and acted unselfishly in sending both their ministers and their means here to sustain the work among you, when they needed both at home. They are just as much interested in the work here as they are at home. Now let us in Maine show that we also are interested in the general advancement of this work, by doing all we can to aid it. In the past, we in Maine have been looked upon as having little or no interest in the general work of this cause. To clear ourselves of this suspicion, and convince our brethren to the contrary, I propose that we immediately act upon the following points:
2. Sustaining the Review. Here is a paper that is entirely devoted to advocating, defending, sustaining, the Sabbath reform, third angel’s message, and kindred truths which we love. The arguments and reasons for these truths are here set forth in their most attractive and forcible form week after week. Its whole object is to sustain and advance these truths. No other paper will do this. On the contrary, several other papers are being scattered over the land by the thousands, which oppose this work with all the might they have. Now which shall we sustain, the one that defends the truth, or the one that opposes it? Yet I know of professed Sabbath-keepers in Maine, who take these papers that are fighting the truth, also political papers, who do not take the Review! They can give their money to help scatter error and darkness, but to aid those who are defending the truth, they have not a dollar! How can such men pray God to send out his truth and the light on the Sabbath? To such we say, Stop and think how inconsistent you are acting. Will you not be condemned in the last day for such a course? What would become of the cause if every one should do so? (Will some one who does take the Review show this to those who do not? Otherwise they will never see it.)
The Review has not a large circulation, it is printed on the best of paper and in the neatest style, hence it cannot be published as cheap as some other papers. Now let those who wish this paper success, pay a little more than the regular price. I know of many who could do it well enough, and give something besides as a free donation. Shall the brethren in Michigan, New York, and other States, do all this, and we have no interest in it? In other States, many of the friends, no abler than those in Maine, have donated their fives, tens, twenties, &c., to support this paper. Now we can do the same. Hundreds have become interested in the truth, and have finally embraced it, by simply reading the Review. Now have you not some friend to whom you can send it a year? Can you not risk $2.25 for that purpose? At least send it six months for $1.00. You are asking God to send out the truth and convert your friends. Now show that you mean what you say by aiding the work a little. When I get a subscriber for the Review, I feel as though I had done as much as to preach a sermon, if not more. Now even the sisters can preach that way as well as I can!
3. Writing for the Review. This is something that is of no small importance, and ought not to be forgotten. I know of many persons here who have ability to write, if they would apply themselves to it. At least we would like to see a letter from any of them occasionally. Let us let the friends abroad know that we are alive here in Maine, and that we love the truth and are trying to live it out as well as they. In the past, I have seen but few, if any, communications from the brethren and sisters in Maine. This looks like a lack of interest. Improve your privilege, and send in your communications.
4. Systematic Benevolence. This is very small in this State, many taking no part at all, and others paying but very little. It will fall far short of sustaining the cause. Other laborers are now coming in to labor systematically, and they must be sustained. You are all anxious to have labor among you. A new year is now about to begin, and a new arrangement of labor will be carried out for the future. So it would be well to re-arrange your s. b., and raise it as high as you can. Also let the scattered ones join in this with the nearest church to them. This they can do by letter. All have a duty in this matter, from which none ought to excuse themselves. Shall we be reproached with covetousness? Who ought to be liberal, if it is not S. D. Adventists? Yet there are those who profess to love these truths, who will take no part in the s. b. plan, nor give but very little in any way, though they are worth thousands of dollars. These men are deceiving themselves. They are covetous. They love the truth some, but the world much more. They will have to reform soon, or they will never enter the kingdom of God.
Again, I appeal to every Sabbath-keeper in Maine, to immediately do something to sustain the cause of God among you. The way to do this is to put down your figures on s. b. If any wish information about it, I am ready to inform them.
5. The Health Reform. Many of our brethren and sisters are taking some interest in this, but not half what they ought to do. Many more have no interest in it whatever. I feel that this is not right. This is a subject of importance to us. It is time for us to change our mode of living, in order to be prepared for what is coming. We are far behind our brethren in other places. Every family ought to have the Health Reformer. It only costs $1.00 per year. It is time for us to take more interest in this matter than we have.
Now brethren and sisters, do these things, and I confidently believe that the blessing of God will follow. We want to see something done in Maine this winter. We must begin to work and work in the right way, and together, if we do. The ministers are willing to do all that they can; now shall we have your co-operation! Your actions will answer the question.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Athens, Me., Nov. 28, 1866.
THE HEAVENLY COUNTRY.
By M. J. COTTRELL
They tell us of a country where sorrow ne’er can come;
Where flowers of fairest beauty eternally will bloom;
They say no chill of winter can blight beneath that sky,
No briny tears of sadness there dim the laughing eye.
They tell us that our loved ones, whom death has borne away,
Will greet us in that country; for death has there no sway.
They say sad words of parting will never there be given,
And silken ties of friendship by cold words ne’er be riven.
The music of that country they say is full and clear,
Harmonious, soul-enrapturing,—no discord pains the ear,—
And all will join the singing, no harp will silent be,
And from every note of anguish that choir is ever free.
And frowns, they say will never in that bright land have place,
How sweet to think that smiles, instead, will beam on every face.
Yes, they tell us peace, and purity, and love with gentle mein,
Shall in that beauteous country forever hold their reign.
There dread disease can never steal the bloom of health away,
Nor age, with stealthy, creeping hand, change sunny hair to gray.
Oh, can it be that this is true? Is it not fiction’s tale?
Is there indeed a land like this? Will not the promise fail?
Nay, trembling one, a voice responds, the promise stands secure,
’Twas made by the all-powerful ONE, whose word is ever sure.
But no one can that land obtain, unless first purified
From every stain of this sad world, of folly, lust, and pride.
And fast the moments glide away, and soon will all be gone;
And none but those who watch and pray, will have their work well done.
There is a wily, treacherous one, who knows he cannot share
That Heavenly home, and he would fain drag others to despair.
He’ll place around us, tinsel gay, before us, flattery’s smile,
A glittering crown of fame hold up, that he may thus beguile;
And if in this his project fails, he’ll try some other art,
He struggles hard before he yields, and well he knows his part.
But you and I can overcome this wily, dangerous foe,
If we but put our trust in God, and forth to battle go;
And when the victory we have gained o’er sin, and self as well,
Then we will to that country go, forever there to dwell.
M. J. COTTRELL.
Rochester, N. Y.
Comfort in Death
COMFORT IN DEATH.—A good man, when dying, once said: “Formerly death appeared to me like a river, but now it has dwindled to a little rill; and my comforts, which were as a rill, have become as the broad and deep river.”
THEORY ASKS, AND FACTS ANSWER.
By J. H. Waggoner; Dudley Marvin Canright
All who have heard of Pitcairn's Island, (and who has not?) have been interested in the accounts of the piety and simplicity of manners of the inhabitants. I have just been reading some pages in a work published by the American Tract Society, entitled, “Home of the Mariners,” and I copy a few extracts which will be interesting to the readers of the Review.
“The personal strength and activity of the men, as described by Captain Beechey, as he observed them in 1825, do not seem to be diminished at the present day.
“Two of the strongest on the Island, George Young and Edward Quintal, have each carried at one time, without inconvenience, a kedge anchor, two sledge hammers, and an armorer's anvil, amounting to upwards of six hundred weight. Quintal, at another time, carried a boat twenty-eight feet in length.
Lieut. Wood, of the English ship Pandora, describes as follows, in 1849:—
“A young woman, eighteen years of age, had been accustomed to carry on her shoulders a hundred pounds weight of yams over hills and precipitous places, and for a considerable distance, where one unaccustomed to such exercise would scarcely be able to scramble. A man, sixty years old, with ease carried the surgeon of the Pandora up a steep ascent from the landing place, which he had himself in vain attempted to mount, the ground being very slippery from recent rains; and the officer being a large man, six feet high, rendered it the more surprising. Indeed, Lieut. Wood said he was himself borne aloft in the arms of a damsel, and carried up the hill with the utmost facility.”
Such strength of body with such docility of disposition and evenness of temper, as were displayed among them, is truly remarkable. They never quarreled, and the least degree of petulance or irritability was very rarely seen. To what shall we ascribe these most remarkable results? Why do not the same teachings and the same faith bear the same fruits in other places? A few extracts regarding their habits may solve much of this mystery. The record says:—
“They have only two regular meals a day.
“Except once or twice a week, no fish, meat, or poultry, will be found to grace the board, but yams and sweet potatoes, and such humble fare as has been prepared by the females of the family.
“For the most part, pure water, but, now and then, tea, constitutes their drink. . . . The water which they use does not come from springs, (there are none in the island,) but from reservoirs, or tanks, neatly excavated, which collect the rain.
“They but seldom kill a pig, living mostly on fruits and vegetables. With this simple diet, early rising, and taking a great deal of exercise, they are subject to few diseases; and are certainly a finer and more athletic race than is usually found among the families of mankind.”
Now we are often asked if people can do as much work without meat as with, and eating but two meals a day. Will they be satisfied with the above for an answer? Other extracts might be given, from the same book, in regard to their strength of body, pureness of mind, and simplicity of life; but they all agree with the above. Rain water for drink; vegetables and fruits for food; two regular meals a day; and plenty of out-door exercise. The results: strong bodies; good health; quiet, even tempers, pure minds; steadfast confidence in God; and happy lives. O, ye doubters! who among you is ready to go and do likewise?
J. H. WAGGONER.
Grafton Co., Nov. 27, 1866.
MEETINGS AT CORNVILLE, ME.
We spent two Sabbaths at Cornville after the Monthly Meeting, trying to get the Sabbath-keepers in a condition to work. The result of these meetings was good and encouraging. Four began to keep the Sabbath. These were persons of sound minds and of good reputation in society, who had been investigating the subject for some time. We trust that they will be working members in the church. This church has been gradually increasing ever since Bro. Cornell first presented the truth here, till now there are above thirty Sabbath-keepers.
We tried to lay before these brethren and sisters faithfully what they must do in order to be prepared for translation. Some of them were in a sad condition, lukewarm, half-backslidden, and not bearing any burdens in the church. Some still practiced the uncleanly habit of using tobacco. None, however, that were in the church, did this. Some still used tea, and were making but little progress in the Health Reform. A number still belonged with other churches, and only a few took part in S. B. On all these points we labored to show them the wrong and pernicious effect of such a course. They saw and acknowledged this. Hearty confessions were made, and now we believe that things will be in a better condition than they have been. Four were received into the church. Several others we expect will be prepared to join soon. Their figures on S. B. were raised from about $60.00 to $126.00. We organized a Bible Class and Sabbath School of 41 members in all. A good interest is now manifested in this.
The last Sabbath that I was there, we enjoyed a very sweet season. My love and interest for this church has been much increased by my last visit among them. I feel sure that there are many precious souls here that God loves. I felt very much at home with Bro. and Sr. Stratton. They heartily adopt and live out all the truths that this people hold. May God bless and strengthen them for their work.
We all feel much encouraged about the work in this section. Here are several strong churches within a few miles of each other. In all, there has been added to these churches about 30 Sabbath-keepers within five weeks, and others are still coming in. Our Monthly Meetings have been a great blessing to us, and I hope that all will feel it a duty to sustain them. For all this we are thankful to God.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Athens, Me., Nov. 26, 1866.
"NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME."
By R. F. COTTRELL.
It has ever been true that the passing moment is all that could be claimed, that human life is brief, and that what is to be done, must be done quickly. But this is becoming more and more emphatically the case. The last generation is on the stage of action, and the last lingering moments of probation are fast passing away. Our High Priest still pleads before the throne of mercy, but soon his intercessions will be forever ended. Our life is passing with all the speed that human life has ever passed, and suddenly, in the midst of life, will our time of salvation close. How solemn the thought! and yet how true. No truth can be plainer to the believer of the Bible.
How precious then the hours of this accepted time! As the day of salvation is drawing to its close, and eternal consequences hang upon the few fleeting moments that remain, how important that they should all be well employed. Oh, for heavenly wisdom and divine guidance! Oh, for the refreshing from the presence of the Lord!
Shall all these precious moments pass unimproved? Shall they be lost and lost forever? Shall we who know the truth, judge ourselves unworthy of eternal life? Shall we thus undervalue the great ransom that has been paid for us? Forbid it Lord. Help us to appreciate the great salvation provided for us at the expense of the life's blood of the Son of God.
Oh, may these precious moments be so employed as to please God, benefit our fellow men and bring souls to the glory of that morning which is about to rise.
R. F. COTTRELL.
MEETINGS AT ATHENS, ME.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; Chas. Stratton
By the urgent request of a few scattered friends at this place, we went to hold a few meetings with them. A few lectures, at different times, had been given here before. We found “noble women, not a few,” one brother, and a few children trying to keep the Sabbath and worship God. In consequence of other meetings appointed ahead, we could only stay with them twelve days. So we tried to make the most of this by having meetings every evening and most of the time every day. A deep interest immediately appeared among the people. Though the weather was bad, yet we had a full house all the time. The result was that we gave fourteen lectures, obtained five subscribers for the Review, sold over $10.00 worth of books, and twelve came out clear on the Sabbath. Among these were husbands whose wives and children had been keeping the Sabbath, thus uniting the whole family. These men are also substantial persons, being the leading men in the community. Eld. Hathern, who has been a member of the Christian church for above forty years, also came out decided on the truth. We organized a Bible Class and Sabbath School of above forty members, established regular Sabbath meetings, and increased the interest of the prayer-meetings, &c. Two were baptized.
At the conclusion of the lectures, we met to consider church organization. After it was duly laid before them, they expressed themselves well pleased with it all, and thought it best to adopt it. But when we19considered what straight work it would make, and that many were just coming into the truth, we all thought it best to wait awhile and to give each one a chance to examine himself and put away his faults. It was plainly laid before them how particular they must be when they came to organize. Till that time, therefore, the following covenant was adopted and subscribed to by sixteen persons.
“We, the undersigned, desire to associate ourselves together as a body of Christians to watch over each other as brethren and sisters, to maintain the worship of God, to keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus, and to sustain prayer, and Sabbath meetings.”
About a dozen more, who were not present, will doubtless join this company.
All heartily approve of the plan of Systematic Benevolence. So we organized S. B. to amount to $96.20, nine tenths of which was voted to the N. E. mission.
As the most of these people are old professors and some of them have been in the truth some time, and as they have taken a decided stand and have taken hold so well together, we feel confident that they will prosper. We greatly desired to stay with them longer, but it was not consistent with other duties. We shall soon visit them again. Truly God was with us in this work and to him be all the glory. Amen.
D. M. CANRIGHT, CHAS. STRATTON.
A FALLEN CHURCH.
By Editor
The following article which we clip from a leading New York paper, shows a remarkable state of things existing in the church of England. Has not this condition of religious matters, some connection with the prophecies which represent that in the last days, all religious organizations except such as receive, love, and obey, the truth, will fall into disorganization and ungodliness. The article says:
“SINGULAR STATE OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH.
The established church of Great Britain shows signs of dissolution. It is losing its hold upon the people, and is divided into two or three factions, the most prominent of which are the ritualists, who really belong in the Roman Catholic church; the liberals, who are in fact Unitarians, and repeat the creed in a Pickwickian sense; and the spiritual churchmen, who hold to the creed and to the prescribed ritual, and reject all innovations from the two extreme factions. The Roman Catholic practice of confession is rapidly gaining ground among the ritualists, and Dr. Pusey, in a letter to the London Times, rejoices and boasts over it, thus: ‘The use of confession among us all—priests and people—is very large. It pervades every rank, from the peer to the artisan or the peasant. In the course of this quarter of a century (to instance my own experience, which I must know), I have been applied to, to receive confessions from persons in every rank, of every age, old as well as young, in every profession, even those which you would think least accessible to it—army, navy, medicine, law.’
“The mania for ecclesiastical regalia and other tom-foolery has invaded the colleges, and at Oxford, ‘strong young men with whiskers and big arms and fat calves, men who are also fond of taking an oar or a bat in their hands, actually go in with a girlish delight for dressing themselves up in the quaintest, the richest, the most expensive ecclesiastical garments. A sort of celestial bagman goes round on behalf of a celebrated millinery warehouse, touting for orders. A publisher has a secret and sacred corner in his shop, where every information on costume can be obtained. Young men walk about the High street with garments and head-dresses on, that give the initiated to understand that their wearers are as much priests as it is possible for young laymen to be. And, naturally, the appropriate theology prevails also. Under-graduate after under-graduate announces that he is restored to the bosom of the true church; and as under the modern system, Roman Catholics are allowed to be members of many colleges, a fervent young man can go over when he pleases, and yet pursue his university career. Some, however, still hesitate. Gambling on a scale previously unknown, is said to have come in with this queer parody of ritualism, and epigrammatists remark that it is either mass or unlimited loo.’
“In the same line of progress, the London Guardian, high church, pronounces against sermons, and insists that if the rectors will preach after divine service, the people should be permitted to leave the church if they choose. The Guardian says that, as there is no sacramental efficacy in sermons, there is no reason why cultured people should be annoyed and bored with platitudes. Archdeacon Dennison goes further and has organized an active movement in favor of allowing the laboring classes an opportunity to enjoy themselves at cricket and other athletic sports on Sunday afternoon, after the morning has been spent at church.”
TOUR IN NORTHERN MICH.
By J. H. Waggoner
On my way to Gratiot Co., I was met at St. Johns by Bro. Richmond, who took me to his home the evening of Nov. 8th, where, quite unexpectedly to me, the brethren and sisters came together, and I spoke to them on present truth. The state of the roads prevented going by private conveyance, and I took the stage the morning of the 9th, leaving everything behind but what I could put in a sachet, as it was not possible to carry baggage.
Sabbath morning I spoke to the church of Ithaca, on “Union with God;” and we had a pretty good social meeting. The latter part of the day was rainy, so that all were not out in the evening; this I regretted, as I spoke on the subject of health, and no subject was needed more than that.
On first-day, 11th, I spoke twice. On account of the badness of the roads it was not judged best to hold regular evening meetings; but I appointed for Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I had intended to do considerable visiting, but the first effort convinced me of the impossibility of doing much, as the brethren live much scattered, and to travel on foot through such a depth of mud and preach was rather more than I could endure. Tuesday evening I spoke on the Two Covenants, by request, much to the satisfaction of the church. Wednesday there was another heavy rain, but I succeeded in getting out two miles to visit. Next day I went two miles in another direction and visited with Bro. Sutherland. Returning to my appointment, I spoke on the Gifts, and Health, but not many were out. Friday, Bro. Squire took me to Bro. Nelson’s, near Alma, and went on Sabbath morning, the 24th, with me to the meeting. Here I enjoyed good freedom in speaking on our present position, the prophecies, the Sabbath, health, &c. Enjoyed a pretty good social meeting on Sabbath but much better on first-day. The church here were resting under some little discouragement, but all appeared well pleased to hear the truth, and determined to hold on in the good way. I had meetings in Alma also on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Being urged to hold a meeting or more in St. Louis before I left the County, I walked down there to view the prospect, and on consultation deemed it not advisable, as there were but a very few friends near, with no outside interest, and it being too muddy and the time unfavorable to raise any.
Thursday, Nov. 22, I went to Seville. No conveyance being at hand, I took my sachet and started on foot, determined not to miss any appointment. This trip went somewhat beyond all my previous experience in mud. I waded in mud within four inches of the tops of my boots, not knowing where the next step would take me, as about five inches of snow lay on the ground. Besides an excess of mud, the appointment had not been given by those to whom it had been entrusted, so that, in point of numbers, the meeting promised to be a failure. However the interest was good with those who attended, and the attendance was as large as could be expected under the circumstances. A special effort had been made on the part of the Disciples to destroy the work in that place, and I paid particular attention to their positions.
Monday, 26th, I held meeting at a private house, speaking to the few who attended, on the Health Reform, and baptized one. I designed to stay there a day or two longer; but I considered it prudent to take advantage of the state of the roads, so I walked to Alma on Tuesday morning, it having frozen enough the previous night to bear up a man. This proved fortunate, as the snow went off immediately with heavy rain. Wednesday evening, 28th, preached in the school-house at Alma, and next morning started for Ithaca in company with Bro. Nelson, who assisted in carrying my sachet to his house, where we took horses and rode to Ithaca. Here I improved the time before the Sabbath in writing some letters.
I preached four times and had one social meeting in Ithaca. I felt specially blessed in the closing meeting, though I spoke with considerable difficulty, as the labor and exposure had affected my health, and I was becoming quite hoarse, with pains in my left lung.
Monday morning, Dec. 3, I walked to Bro. Squire’s, and Bro. S. and self on horseback started for Bro. Richmond’s, the stage not running the last two weeks. It rained most of the day, but I considered it advisable to go on, as I feared the weather might be worse, and the roads would be impassable if it should freeze some. And here I am trying to throw off my cold and avert threatened sickness by resting, bathing, &c., having appointments here for Sabbath and first-day.
This trip has been made in a most unfavorable time, as it has rained much of the time, and the ground was almost flooded; every step taken was in the wet. The sun has not shone long enough since Nov. 9th to dry a spot on the highest ground, and all unite in saying the roads were never so bad since the county was settled. But it has not been destitute of interest and pleasure to me, and I pray it may be of lasting good to the cause. I have formed pleasant acquaintances, and greatly enjoyed the privilege of speaking the word to them.
I mostly regretted that the brethren in Gratiot Co. do not seem to appreciate their privileges, and thereby do themselves great injustice. The testimony borne to them by the servants of God on the subject of health had scarcely been considered; certainly its importance had not been realized. I have little hope that the cause will rise much above its present level in Gratiot, unless this subject is taken hold of with the decision and energy that every part of present truth demands. I found it quite a trial to return to bread made out of bolted flour, after living so long on bread of a better material. Some hesitate about adopting the reform for fear of the effect the change will have on them; but I would invite all to consider this: if it is so hard and afflicting to change from the unhealthy to the healthy; from the bad to the good; how must it effect the system to change from the healthy to the unhealthy; from the better to the worse? After living for a time on digestible bread, a person will soon be afflicted with indigestion, headache, &c., by changing back to the other. Brethren and sisters, remember that reform does not hurt anybody. I speak as much for the future as for the past. If you expect the messengers to do good, efficient, labor, and yourselves to be benefited by their labors, give them a chance to live as the Lord commands, and their health requires, and you live so that your minds may be free and clear, and your hearts tender to receive and appreciate the truth. God’s blessing is awaiting you if you will fit yourselves to receive it. May the Lord help us all to arise, and gird on the whole armor, and prepare for the conflict which will result in certain victory to the overcomer.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Greenbush, Mich., Dec. 5, 1866.
REPORT FROM BRO. SANBORN.
By Isaac Sanborn
My last report closed Nov. 19, at Crane’s Grove, where I continued to labor on till sixth-day, having several good meetings through the week, in which I spoke twice on the subject of Health Reform, to attentive hearers. I hope that our brethren there will take heed to at least one point, which is not to overwork themselves in the future as they have in the past, but give more of their time to the service of God, and thus try to pay more earnest heed to the exhortation of our Saviour, as given in Luke xxi, 34: “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. The greatest danger I see now with some of us is in being overcharged with cares, so that we can neither keep the Sabbath right, nor keep awake during preaching; and, of course, the least excuse will keep such away from the weekly prayer-meeting. Yet what interest such are apt to manifest in going quite a distance through storm and darkness to save a few dollars. This would not appear in so objectionable a light, if they were always just as much interested in the service of God. May God help us all to be more careful on this point; for I am satisfied if we do not, we shall fail of eternal life at last.
Bro. Seth Newton took his team and kindly carried me to the Elkhorn Quarterly Meeting, where I met Bro. Andrews, and many of the brethren from the Clyde church. The Lord gave us liberty in speaking his word. One was received into the church, and two were baptized. Here, on second-day, I again parted with Bro. Andrews, he going on to attend the Princeville and Gridley Quarterly Meetings, while I remained at Elkhorn till fifth-day, preaching each evening, with an increasing interest on the part of the hearers. Two more decided to obey the Lord.20
Having an appointment at Avon on Friday evening, the 20th, I stopped on the way, at Rookton, and preached on Thursday evening. Came next day to Avon, and found a good congregation assembled to hear. Preached four times, Sabbath and first-day, came home on Monday, and returned back to Avon, Thursday, to continue meetings till the 20th. The Lord willing, I expect to continue my labors in the vicinity of Avon, Monroe, Rookton, and Elkhorn, for some time, and I earnestly exhort the brethren and sisters to draw near to God, that they may be co-laborers with God and with me for the salvation of souls.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Johnstown Center, Wis., Dec. 4, 1866.
REPORT FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
AFTER my last report in the month of August, I attended the Quarterly Meeting at Irasburg, on the 18th and 19th. This was a refreshing season. On first-day, S. B. pledges were cheerfully and liberally renewed. At this time some alterations were made in regard to the places of holding their regular Sabbath meetings in this part of the State, which has proved a matter of encouragement to the scattered, lonely ones. May the Lord abundantly bless and comfort all these brethren and sisters. They are near and dear to us.
From here, I went to Sutton, where thirteen weeks ago I suffered almost instantaneous prostration of the nervous system. For weeks previous, I was aware that I was overdoing, and that my strength was failing me, but I did not realize how heavy the blow that was to fall upon me, or the deep mental anguish and dark despondency that I should suffer in consequence thereof.
I regret that I had not earlier taken more time for rest. But the penalty must be paid for violating kind nature's laws. Few or many stripes will certainly fall upon us if we do it. Yet it has been the most fervent desire of my heart that this affliction might be sanctified to my present and future good, that it might bring me nearer to my divine Master, and make me more like our heavenly Pattern, and better prepare me to do the little that I may yet do in his precious cause. I would gratefully and humbly acknowledge the sustaining grace of God in this affliction, and not forget the prayers and words of sympathy of the dear brethren and sisters.
In September, I was with the brethren in Roxbury and vicinity two Sabbaths. This privilege bound our hearts more closely to the dear children of God. We were much encouraged to see some returning to their Father's house. May the rich blessing of Heaven rest upon them at every step they take in God's order.
Since the first of October, I have been slowly, but gradually, improving, yet I can endure but little mentally. Writing is a severe tax upon me, therefore our friends, we trust, will excuse us if all their kind letters which we so highly appreciate, are not answered.