p. 143 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 18. (10/2/1866)

The Center of the Earth.

The theory very generally prevails that the center of this earth is a mass of liquid fire. The light that we get from Spiritual Gifts, does not confirm this idea, but brings to view vast deposits of combustible material such as coal and oil, which when the time comes for the earth and the elements to melt with fervent heat, will be ignited by the power of God, and be the agents used to accomplish this great change. Concerning other materials hid in the bowels of the earth, we read in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. iii, p. 78, as follows:

“The precious wood, stone, silver, and gold, that had made rich and adorned the world before the flood, which the inhabitants had idolized, were sunk beneath the surface of the earth. The waters which had broken forth with such great power, had moved earth and rocks and heaped them upon earth’s treasures, and in many instances formed mountains above them to hide them from the sight and search of men.”

In regard to what is said in Spiritual Gifts about the origin of coal beds, namely that they are the petrified remains of antediluvian vegetation, sister W. was entirely ignorant, previous to the view given her concerning them. She did not know that any attempt had ever been made to account for them on that ground. But scientific minds have been led in their investigations to come to the same conclusions, and hence greatly to confirm her testimony, as appears from evidence which has come out since the publication of the book above referred to.

So also it appears that persons are being led to the same conclusions given in that work, concerning the deposit of gold and the precious metals in the interior of the earth. In the Ladies’ Repository of August 1866, we find the following on this point:

“IS THE EARTH’S CENTER A MASS OF FIRE?—Mr. John Calvin Moss, of England, contests the much-vexed theory that the center of the earth is a mass of fire and molten rock, over which a crust has formed, proportionally a mere shell, on which we live.

“‘The idea that the interior of our globe is a vast fiery ocean, doubtless arose,’ says Mr. Moss, ‘from the idea that heat was a material substance, and would have to pass off into space before the earth could cool; whereas the more modern researches of science show that heat is no more a material substance than motion, gravitation, or magnetism, but that it is merely a condition of matter; and that, in the case in question, instead of passing off from the earth, it would only become, by a gradual chemical action, fixed or latent.’”

“‘But even supposing that cooling would or did take place, it is a well-known fact that all substances—water in the state of ice alone excepted—increase in density and weight as their heat is diminished, so that the cooler portions would be the first to sink from the surface toward the center. Is it not quite evident that those substances most difficult of fusion and possessing the greatest specific gravity, would therefore be the first to find their way to the center? Now gold, platinum, and a few of the precious metals possess these qualities in a high degree above all other known substances, and though we know them to be scarce on the surface of the earth, we have no assurance that they are not abundant in nature. I believe that the interior of the earth is abundantly supplied with, if not composed of them.’”

“‘The specific gravity of the earth has been variously calculated at 4.95, 5.44, 5.48, and 6.56, while that of platinum is 31.5, and gold 19.3. The specific gravity of the rocks which mainly compose the crust which is under our observation does not exceed 2.5; and supposing that the average density of all the constituents of the earth, except the metals named, is no higher, about one-fifth of the earth may be composed of gold and platinum—a globe four or five thousand miles thick. The value of such a deposit may be dimly imagined, when it is remembered that five million dollars will go in a box two and a half feet cube. Certainly no safer place for such a deposit could be found than the heart of the earth.’”

These precious metals which once enriched and beautified the surface of the earth, but which are now sunk into its lowest depths for the sins of its inhabitants, will of course be restored again to its surface in its renewed state.

Time Waits for None.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

How much depends upon the few remaining hours of probation! And whether improved, unimproved, or misimproved, time glides on and waits for none. Oh, my soul! hasten to do thy work, ere the night cometh wherein no man can work. Vastly great and momentous consequences hang upon the improvement of the present hour. If this hour passes without improvement, what cause is there to hope that the next, or any following, will be employed in the great work of preparation for the coming King. A man may be forever resolving for the future, and never accomplish anything for the present. We can do nothing for the future, nor for the past. Present duty must be done, or there is no hope for the future. Now is the time; if it is postponed, nothing is gained, no advancement made, but much is lost.

“In a little while the Coming One will say to the faithful, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Will he say this to me? He cannot lie. I must do well, or he will not say it to me. Oh, then, let me now be engaged in well-doing.”

But what can I do? What can one so weak accomplish? By prayer, by consecration, and by labor, each one can, by the help of promised grace, do the very work assigned by the Master. The strongest can do no more. Give God our hearts, our time, our strength, our wealth, our all, and no more is required. It is a good, a reasonable, a benevolent master that says to us, “Son, go labor today in my vineyard.” Whatever is right, he will give. How unreasonable to say, I go sir, and go not.

Now is the accepted time, to-day is the day of salvation. Let me engage at once. If I can see nothing to do to help others, my heart is not right, and I must prepare my own heart. If this work is still neglected, my time will all be wasted, and I shall be left without hope.

Then here is my heart, O Lord! what wilt thou have me to do? I will not lose time which should be used in laboring for others, waiting to get my heart right. I will engage at once to labor both for myself and others. O Lord, aid and bless. Then let time speed on and bring the glorious advent. The work which is assigned me shall be accomplished, and I shall hear him say, “Well done!”

R. F. COTTRELL.

Report from Iowa.

By A. C. Bourdeau; D. T. Bourdeau

BRO. WHITE: Since we wrote our report of the 27th ult, we have held meetings in Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and attended the large gatherings in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The meeting in Fairfield was not large on account of the rain, and muddy going; yet we were happy to find that all those who had tried in the past to abide in the faith, and to show their faith by corresponding works, were settled and established in the present truth. We hope, that while the chaff is being sifted out, those that remain will press toward sanctification, and go through to the kingdom with God's people.

We held four meetings in Mt. Pleasant. At the close of our second discourse, on the Sabbath, liberty was given to the brethren and sisters to speak. We sung twice, and nearly forty testimonies were given in thirty minutes. A few outsiders were present, among whom was a respectable Physician, who expressed a desire to possess the religion that was portrayed in the preaching. An effort has been made to draw some away from the church, but thus far the effort has proved a failure. We attribute this failure to the fact that this church are trying to live out the truth.

The Convocation Meeting which was held at Pilot Grove, Iowa, was one of the best meetings we ever attended. About three hundred Sabbath-keepers were present, and the manner in which they had provided to take care of themselves, evinced to all that they did not come for the loaves and fishes. They had a better object than this in view. They came to work for the Lord, expecting to get their spiritual strength renewed, and their expectation was fully realized. A good work was accomplished for those who had for some time been on the back ground, and for the children and youth. Several made a start in the good way of serving the Lord, and expressed their desire to share in the reward that awaits the righteous. The Lord gave good liberty to his servants while they tried to speak the word. Especially did we appreciate the faithful labors of Elders Loughborough and Andrews in this meeting. The remarks made by Bro. Loughborough on the prosperity of the cause, and relative to the Health Reform Institute, were cheering and encouraging to all.

At the meeting in Clyde, Ill., eight discourses were given on our position, business deal, the affections, Laodicean message, Health Reform, and Hope. The prayer and social meetings were interesting, and the brethren and sisters heartily responded to the truths spoken on all points. The church in Clyde is one of the largest churches in Ill., and comprises several enterprising young men and women, who are trying to show that their hearts are in the work by giving largely of their means to help advance the cause in all its departments.

The Convocation Meeting in Monroe, Wis., was held under rather unfavorable circumstances. The weather was cold and rainy, and we had to hold some of the meetings in the S. D. A. meeting-house in this place, which was too small to accommodate all that would have been glad to attend. About one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were present, which is not as many as would have attended if the weather had been warmer.

We had a peculiar experience in the first part of the meetings. Deep solemnity rested upon the preachers which led many to shed tears. But as the meetings progressed, several confessed in regard to their worldly-mindedness, and lukewarmness, and we thought we could account for the solemnity that we had felt. The meeting increased in interest till the close.

We are thankful for the privilege that we have had in forming new acquaintances with brethren and sisters, and with preachers in Ill. and Wis.; and having had a short respite from our arduous labors in Iowa, we again cheerfully resume our labors in that state, hoping still to be remembered in the prayers of God's people.

A. C. & D. T. BOURDEAU.

Freeport, Ill., Sept. 19, 1866.

A Sunday Movement. Conventions, &c.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS have long said that before the coming of Christ there would be strict Sunday laws enacted against them. Indications of this have been seen in different parts of the land of late. Within the last few weeks a movement has been started in Maine, which plainly points to that object. One year ago the tent was pitched in Norridgewock, Somerset Co., Me. The Lord wrought a great work. A meeting-house was built, and now scores gather there every Sabbath to worship the God of Heaven. On Sunday these persons are seen in their fields, shops, &c., at work. This influence is telling on the community. Many others who do not keep the seventh day as yet, feel that it is right, and are inclined to endorse it. The Sunday clergy saw all this, and were troubled. Something must be done. One zealous advocate of the traditions of the fathers, as he saw not only Adventists, but other persons “desecrating” the Sunday, had his spirit stirred within him. He made a solemn promise to devote all his energies to the work till this Sabbath desecration should be stopped. He stirred up his brother ministers to take hold with him. Reverend Drs. from abroad lectured on the obligations and duties of the Christian Sabbath. A convention was appointed at Skowhegan, five miles from Norridgewock, to further consider the subject. Delegates, composed of ministers and laymen from different parts representing the different orthodox churches, were present. To this body a minister from Norridgewock delivered a sermon in defence of the Christian Sabbath. The substance was this: Our object is to secure the better observance of the Christian Sabbath. The Sabbath is not a Jewish institution as it was given in Eden to the father of all races before there were any Jews. Jesus said that it was made for man. We need a Sabbath now as much as the Jews ever did. This is evident from the fact that no person can long continue to work seven days in the week, without breaking down. Many who have tried it say that they can not accomplish so much in a year by working seven days in a

week as they can by working six and resting one. Numerous pointed examples were cited to prove this. The body needs a day of rest. The mind needs a rest day. Those who keep no Sabbath soon become coarse, heathenish, ignorant, and immoral. Sabbath-breaking communities are generally noted for ignorance and immorality. The Sabbath brings us together, and makes us social beings, and cultivates a friendly intercourse in society. The Sabbath is the stronghold of religion. With it stands or falls true piety, &c. Many other arguments were used which were plain and forcible to every thinking mind. To all this every Sabbath-keeper could say, Amen.

In closing he said that a few words might be in place concerning the change of the Sabbath. We need a practical Sabbath. We have such a Sabbath now; our fathers had; where did it come from if not of divine origin? Who can tell? I wanted to say, Sir, I can tell you. The same reasoning would prove any heresy the Devil ever propagated. We hold this doctrine; our fathers hold it: therefore it is of God! So might the heathen and the Catholic prove his religion to be of God. What a monstrous position for a Protestant minister to take! Hear what God says about walking in the errors of our fathers:

‘Thus saith the Lord: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked.’ Amos ii, 4.

His argument for the change of the Sabbath was this: One seventh part of time fulfills the command. The spirit is above the letter. Any seventh day after six of labor is the Sabbath of the Lord. The change was made by Christ, not by any express command, but gradually and spontaneously! The first-day was the sealing day of redemption. [Paul contradicts this slightly by saying that the day of redemption is yet future. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph. iv, 30.] Every Christian’s heart is now drawn to the first-day. It is the Lord’s day. Jesus’ day. Well might John be in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, the first-day of the week. Rev. i, 10. Well might Paul preach on that day, and exhort the brethren to remember the poor on that day. God is blessing us now on that day. [He now became very positive that the first-day, and no other, was the Sabbath-day, forgetting his previous argument that any seventh part of time would do. Both positions of course can not be true. Error always contradicts itself. This reminds us of the man who was accused of borrowing a kettle, and then returning it broken. His defense was this: 1. The kettle was broken when I got it. 2. It was whole when I returned it. And, 3. I never had it. There, thought he, if one argument does not clear me another will. So with the Elder’s arguments for Sunday.] We must make this day here what it ought to be, kept by all classes. We hope to bring on the day when it shall be properly observed everywhere. Asks pardon of God for so long and so wickedly neglecting this divine institution, and promises to be more zealous in the good cause in the future.

The Convention pronounced this an able discourse in defence of the Christian Sabbath, and invited the Elder to deliver it to the different congregations throughout the county. Sept. 19, he delivered it in Norridgewock, at which time I heard it, and took the above notes. Neither in the discourse nor in the Convention was it directly said that this movement was meant to put down the Adventists. Probably they would disclaim any such object; but all can readily see that that is the primary object. Indeed, in all their speeches and resolutions no exceptions were made, but it was repeatedly declared that all classes must be brought to keep the Christian Sabbath. Yet they knew that there was a large class in their midst who were keeping the seventh day.

In the Convention at Skowhegan, the declared object was to promote the proper observance of the Christian Sabbath. What a spectacle! Here were ministers and laymen who had deliberately rejected the law of God, hid their eyes from his Sabbath, and

tried to hinder others from keeping it. These men now come together very solemnly, and with great pretensions of zeal for God’s commands, to do what? To enforce the keeping of a day of their own choosing, one that God had never required them to keep, never had blessed, or mentioned as a holy day. Very zealous for their own traditions, but despise the direct command of God.

The Convention was agreed that something must be done about this subject. Each one agreed to do all that he could. But that was not sufficient. Public men must be interested in this, or it would come to nothing. Our lawyers, judges, legislators, senators, &c., must be induced to take up the subject, and cast their influence in favor of it.

Resolutions were passed, embodying what they had said on the subject. These were printed in the Maine Farmer, with a request that other papers copy them. Thus we see that their object is to interest the civil authorities, and get the law to aid them. And we know that they will succeed.

Sept. 20, another Convention was called in Norridgewock. Court set here this week, and now will be the time to get the subject before members of the bar, judges, &c. I attended the Convention all through. As before, the object of the Convention was stated to be to prevent the desecration of the Christian Sabbath in this county. The first speaker confesses that they have all “been verily guilty before God in neglecting this holy day so long.” Promises now to do something. Is confident that God is in the movement. Wishes it to spread everywhere. Hopes to see the day when the Sabbath will be as strictly observed as God wants it to be. Several others spoke of the rapidly-increasing Sabbath desecration. All agreed that it was lamentable, and called upon every Christian to mourn. Sorry that they had no power to stop it. We must have the good old Puritan Sabbath restored. We must agitate the subject in every way. The ministers must preach more on it; the teachers must teach the children more about it, and especially must parents be more in earnest to teach their children the Christian Sabbath.

Many good things were said about the obligations and blessings of the Sabbath. If they only had the right day, their remarks would have been good. One thing was a little remarkable. They had come together to discuss the claims and obligations of the Christian Sabbath. Mark: the old Jewish Sabbath, as they call it, the seventh day, they utterly reject and despise. They oppose those who do keep it. Now of course we should expect to hear the law which enforces the keeping of the Christian Sabbath. Reader, do you suppose that we heard any one repeat that very important law? Not once, not once! Almost every speaker repeatedly quoted the law which enforced the keeping of the Jewish (?) Sabbath. How strange! Why not tell us where to find this new law for keeping the Christian Sabbath? Because they have no such law outside of the fourth command, which says that the seventh, not the first, day is the Sabbath.

This Convention was attended by ministers from several different denominations, laymen, lawyers at the bar, judges, &c. A former Chief Justice of Maine was also present, and spoke at some length, warmly approbating the object of the meeting, and encouraging them to go forward. A committee was appointed to arrange for future meetings. The discourse on the Sabbath is now being repeated through the county. Tracts on the subject are to be scattered among the people; and, in short, every effort is being put forth that can be to forward the object. Will they succeed? Yes, we know they will, ultimately, and we are not sorry to see the work begun, as it is another sign that we are nearing home.

In conclusion, the Secretary told them not to be discouraged, because they had a great work to do, and but few at present to do it. To encourage them he gave them this illustration: A good old deacon, many years ago, advocated the anti-slavery doctrine. His little flock of twelve men went with him in it. They nominated their man, and voted for him. The other parties remonstrated with them for this, saying, “You are throwing away your votes. These ‘scats’ don’t amount to anything. You had better join with us where your votes will tell.” The deacon told them that the day was coming when these “scats” would come in with enough others to make it tell. Now this is the leading party in the nation. So with this Convention. It looks small now; but the day is coming when it will have authority. I thought the illustration a good one, and believe that it will be true.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Portland, Me.

Is the M. E. Church Antinomian?

By John Harvey Waggoner

THIS is an age of changes, and we hardly know where to find any man or class of men. The Methodists, from their rise, were untiring in their opposition to Antinomianism, and Wesley uttered strong cautions against such as teach the Law is abolished. In enforcing the obligation of the Sabbath, we have always appealed confidently to their respect for the authority of the Ten Commandments.

In the discussion at Memphis, Mich., Mr. Kelly, a Methodist minister, argued the abolition of the Law, much to the astonishment of many Methodists, and of all who were not Methodists. Since coming to this place we received a letter from Memphis, stating that Mr. Kelly had been cited to appear before Conference and answer for positions taken in the discussion. For the honor and consistency of the M. E. Church, we hoped this might be true; but in the published proceedings of the Detroit Conference, held at Hudson, we noticed the statement by some one that Mr. Kelly had done much to put down Adventism in Memphis. Whether his course came up for examination did not appear; so, according to the report of the Conference, the church stands committed to Antinomianism. The tendency has been in that direction for some time, and hereafter we may expect to meet the question with Methodists on the abolition of the Ten Commandments. Be it so. There is no point on which the Scriptures more “thoroughly furnish” the man of God than on the perpetuity of the Law.

There seems to be a disagreement among them, however, in regard to the influence of the Memphis discussion. A Methodist minister recently stated, in Holly, that it was “best to let these men alone,” because a debate was lately held with one of them, much to the injury of “our cause.” So the advice prevails to “let it alone,—it will soon die out, of itself.” Doubtless they judge thus of our work from the well-known effects of their own revivals! But in this they under-estimate the power of God’s truth. “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

J. H. WAGGONER.

Holly, Mich., Sept. 21, 1866.

Talk About Health.

By Jos. Clarke

It is one of the beauties of God's works, that all his arrangements are well-timed. Thus, at every breath, as the lungs inhale the pure air from the atmosphere, the blood, which has become impure in its quality, having given off, in its travels over the animal system, its life-restoring elements, meets this pure air in the lungs, and appropriates to itself all that is good; and as the lungs throw off the air now worthless, the blood thus casts off its corrupt elements, and starts, refreshed and purified, on its mission of life. Every pulsation of the heart sends this vitiated blood into the lungs, nearly corresponding with the regular supplies of air inhaled from without.

We say that the work of God is all perfect. How all nature attests to this! And if man's physical system is so admirable in its working now that his existence is reduced to so short a period, and this embittered by disorder and pain, how noble, how admirable must he have been, when first from the hand of his Maker! As Adam inhaled the pure air of Eden, how he must have rejoiced in his perfection of health and strength!

We are told that the movement now being made in the direction of reform in diet, and all those matters relating to health, is a part of present truth; and as such it is gladly received. But as a matter of present utility it is exceedingly well-timed. At the present time fatal diseases are raging around us, and those who live out the principles of the health reform are exempt. They have health, while disease and death are dismaying the stoutest hearts around us. At this sickly season of the year, when agues and fevers rage, and a new and malignant form of flux is baffling medical skill, and carrying scores to the grave, the ranks of the health reformers are unbroken here. Not a case has happened among us, to my knowledge, of this disease, except one instance of one who varied from the rule, and this was a mild attack.

When the Lord warned Lot, the notice was timely. When he would have the children of Israel prepare to leave Egypt, he gave them timely notice, so that they might be prepared; and we notice in present truth a divine hand leading God's people, step by step, preparing them for the stirring scenes before them.

How it cheered us, some years since, to hear the ministers speak upon the plan of organization! Our souls were strengthened in staying up their hands in this matter. That has passed; and what a well-timed move was that, which placed us as a people in our true light before the world, as we passed, or met, the exigencies of the late war.

Now the health reform is doing much for us. And, if in so short a time it accomplishes so much for us, what will it effect in a few years, when impurities shall be still further expelled from the physical system, and the whole brain and nervous system be as it were renewed, and free from the effect of unwholesome food. And this, not one or two are accomplishing, but a whole people. Truly we have reason to praise the Lord.

JOS. CLARKE.

The Gift of God.

By A. JOHNSON

In the Sacred Writings many great and precious promises may be found. Some of them are special, for particular times and places, while others have a general application. I shall notice briefly one of the latter class.

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart.” Ps. xxxvii, 4.

1. To delight in the Lord is to do his will, and to love to meditate on the perfection of his character, and the truth, mercy, and justice of his ways. And this presupposes a willing heart; for although “man

looketh on the outward appearance, the Lord looketh on the heart.” We should show that we love the Lord by keeping our affections more on him than we do on any worldly object. Now if we “keep our hearts with all diligence,” we shall put in practice those two excellent precepts, “Pray without ceasing,” and, “In every thing give thanks.”

2. “He shall give thee.” It should be kept in mind that this is a free gift of God to fallen, sinful man, who loveth evil more than good, and of whom it is true, “that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart is only evil continually.” Gen. vi, 5. In regard to gifts, Christ asked the multitude, “If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him.” And when we read, that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” and that “the gift of God is eternal life,” we are prepared to believe that if we fully meet the requisition, to delight ourselves in the Lord, he will give us eternal life, for it is one of the greatest desires of our hearts.

3. When the Psalmist says, “the desires of thy heart,” he does not mean our light, uncertain, and unmeaning wishes, which are only retained for a moment, and then replaced by others no better. What he does mean is, those desires that are permanent, and dear to us, and have a place in our hearts. Yet many of our passing wishes will be gratified by our heavenly Father; for we know that he withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly and in his fear.

4. God will give us what our hearts desire. This is the second part of this promise, and the consummation of the whole. Truly this is a blessed promise; for if a man can claim it, what can he desire and not have? Does he lack understanding, knowledge, strength, or faith? Has he friends whom he wishes brought out from the darkness of sin to the marvelous light of the gospel? Let him claim this declaration of David, the servant of God, in faith believing, and the Lord will make the mountains smoke, and shake the earth terribly, before the least of his words shall fail. To him be the honor and glory.

A. JOHNSON.

Addison, Mich.

Shall I be There?

By L. E. MILLNE

SHALL I meet thee, blessed Saviour, On fair Beulah’s plains of light? Shall I range those fields of pleasure, Filled with love and sweet delight?

Shall I gain a blessed mansion, In the city of our King, Where is known no shade of sorrow, With the ransomed shall I sing?

Shall I stand complete in Jesus, Chiefest ’mong ten thousand fair, Clothed in garments pure and spotless, Shall I join the angel choir?

Tell me, O my Saviour, tell me, Is my name engraven there? Is my name, though poor, unworthy, ’Mong the blest in Eden fair?

Oh the bliss, the joy and rapture, That awaits the pilgrim band, Who through faith are overcomers, When in Heaven they victors stand!

O ye weary, wayworn pilgrims, Soon we’ll bid farewell to pain, Soon we’ll raise the song of triumph, Canaan’s heights we soon shall gain.

Cease my soul, thy sad complaining, Cheerful bear your trials here. Though the wicked now are scoffing, Soon their hate will turn to fear.

On, just yonder, Heaven’s portals, Shine with luster pure and bright; And our Saviour, soon returning, Scatters all the shades of night.

L. E. MILLNE. Shabbona, Ill.

Meetings in Michigan.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. WHITE: Bro. H. Miller's son and team took me, from the railroad depot in Marshall, some fifteen miles to Burlington, where, with the church, I held five interesting meetings on Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 15 and 16. I was much pleased to meet here a number of the church from Newton, Colon, and Coldwater, the largest congregation I have seen together in Burlington for years. One young convert was baptized into Christ's death. In celebrating the ordinances of God's house his people were further encouraged, strengthened, and blessed.

Bro. A. C. Gilbert, and team, brought me again to Marshall. From thence, on the 17th instant, I proceeded to Jackson, where Bro. E. P. Giles was waiting, and took me to Tompkins, where I held three meetings. The church in T. had been suffering spiritually, being in a tried state for several months in the past. But by united efforts, on their part, their chief difficulties were removed, and they again are cheerfully moving forward. The Lord grant them grace and wisdom to watch and overcome the wiles of the enemy.

Sept. 20, Bro. Weed took me to Jackson, where I had an interesting meeting at the house of Bro. D. R. Palmer. Brethren from Battle Creek and Leslie were present, and I trust the word spoken affected the hearts of those who heard.

Sept. 21, Bro. R. Hoag came for me to attend to my appointment at Hanover. Here I held five profitable meetings. Brethren from Parma united with them. Our present work and duty connected with the health-reform was listened to attentively, and our Sabbath meeting closed in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house. After this, at a meeting at the schoolhouse, the neighbors came and listened attentively to the Bible evidence of the soon coming of our blessed Lord. We hope that some here who have listened to the subject of present truth, so often, will yet embrace it, and long enjoy its blessings.

JOSEPH BATES.

Hanover, Mich., Sept. 25, 1866.

Letters.

By Mary M. Sarchit

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

From Sister Sarchit.

BRO. WHITE: How often I have been encouraged while reading the Review, and thought of the many promises to the faithful, and often thought, Shall I be one of that happy number? Yes, if I can only say at last, I have come up through much tribulation, and have washed my robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. I want to meet my dear friends who are near by the ties of nature, grace, or gratitude, on the earth made new. It often occurs to my mind, Shall we know each other there? How glorious, beautiful, and lovely, is the promised inheritance. Think of the privilege of knowing our friends, and walking the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, to bask in the sunshine of eternal bliss. Dark clouds often gather around me, and doubts arise in my mind; but this passage of scripture presents itself, “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Then why should we not press onward, try to overcome every trouble, trial, and temptation, and take hold of the promises by faith, saying, Thy will be done, O Lord? Only a few more days, and we shall be no more tossed by the storms and tempests of earth. It is some time since I have heard a sermon by one of our Advent ministers; but I hope soon to have the privilege. The Bible, the Review, and some Advent books, are my instructors. Pray for me, that I may be able to live a holy life, and set that example before my children that becometh a Christian mother.

Your sister, striving for the saints’ inheritance.

MARY M. SARCHIT.

Cook Co., Ill.

Extracts from Letters.

Sister J. Giles writes from Tompkins, Mich.: Of late, the church here have been striving to get right in the sight of God. In the providence of God our dear Bro. Bates came this way, and a good work has been accomplished. Confessions have been made, and union restored, which I trust will be lasting. Oh, the goodness of God to us in our lukewarm condition. How patiently he has waited for us, and not spued us out of his mouth, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come unto him and have life.

The work of overcoming is the great object of my life. The truth of God is ever dear to me. Though clouds and darkness sometimes obscure our pathway, yet there is light and glory ahead; and if we are faithful, Jesus has promised to bring us through.

We are trying to practice the health reform, believing it to be a part of the truth; and we think it necessary to have healthy bodies and sound minds in order to be enabled to glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are his, and be prepared for the great work that is before us. Let us all be faithful in these things, that finally we may share in that rest that remains for the people of God.

Sister C. Craig writes from Marshall, Iowa: I am trying to live up to the doctrine of what we believe to be the last message of mercy. I have for several years believed in the Advent doctrine. I did not know that there was another person on earth that believed as I did, until about two years ago, when I moved to Marshall, Henry Co., Iowa, where I became acquainted with Bro. and Sr. Livingston, who, though they were alone there in their faith, had heard a few sermons, and were taking the Review, which they let me have to read. I found it of great interest; and as from sickness and misfortune I had become unable to take it myself, they procured a copy for me which I still receive, and read with the greatest interest; as it is my only instructor. I have believed the seventh day to be the true Sabbath for many years; but according to my understanding of the Scriptures, I had settled down in the belief that Christ at his coming had abolished, at least, the sanctity of the Sabbath, so that it made little difference which day we kept, or how, provided we went to meeting, and did no extra work. But after reading the Review, I embraced the Sabbath, and am now trying to live the life of a Christian, surrounded with wickedness, and with no other instructor than the Review.

And now I am about to remove to a far distant land, the State of Kansas, where I shall probably be no less surrounded with wickedness than here in Iowa. Oh, that the Lord might send some messenger that way, to proclaim the truth.

Bro. A. S. Gillet writes from Elgin, Iowa: Is it best to have sermons in the Review? How many ways God has to encourage humble cast-down souls. I feel as though I wanted to ask all to whom Jesus has said, “Feed my sheep, Are you doing your whole duty?” You may say, Yes, I preach all that I am able to. But do you do it to the largest congregations you can get, and especially to the lonely ones some of whom never can get away from the trials and perplexities of home duties? Do you do it, while there is a single number of the paper that goes out from the office without a sermon in it? While the reports from the meetings are good, and the letters, and all the rest, some precious promises quoted with faithful admonitions, encouragements given from a heart full of love to Him who gave the great command, will reach a place in the hearts of the lonely tried ones that nothing else will.

Bro. E. G. Rust writes from Cato, Mich: Do we realize that the seventh day of each week is time that the Lord has set apart for himself and his own use? How do we use that time? If upon this holy time we let our minds and thoughts dwell upon things of this world, and our own business, are we not robbing God of his time, using it in our own service? If we are found behindhand when the Sabbath commences, are we not robbing God? Is it not better that we spend one half of every sixth-day in preparation, than to use five or ten minutes of holy time in our own service? Then let us try to spend the Sabbath aright, honoring God, not doing our own ways, nor finding our own pleasure, nor speaking our own words; that the Lord may more abundantly bless us.

Let us strictly adhere to all his commandments, be diligent and devoted in his service, strive to build up and strengthen each other in the faith, and we shall soon meet around the throne above to part no more.

J. C. Sutton writes from Farmington, Pa.: My greatest desire is that I may find grace to enable me to endure unto the end. I want to be one of that happy company that shall have their robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. I want to be cleansed from all sin, and with them find that rest that remains for the people of God.

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