p. 117 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 15. (9/11/1866)

Earlier text: A Few Thoughts on the Covenants

The Papacy.

THE man of Sin is trembling within the Vatican. The great mother of harlots who has so long committed fornication with the kings of the earth, is beginning to experience the truthfulness of the prophecy that her power should be taken away, and that those who once supported her, should hate her and make her naked and desolate. More than two thousand years ago the word went forth that the dominion of this power should at a certain time be taken away to be consumed and destroyed unto the end, Dan. vii, 26, and that as its end drew near, it should plant the tabernacles of its palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain, Dan. xi, 45. The crisis of the papacy is evidently rapidly approaching; and if when compelled to move, the Pope should take up his residence in Jerusalem, where it is reported that a palace is already being built for him, would it not be a fulfillment of the prophecy last named, and afford us the surest index of the immediate coming of the great time of trouble such as never was, spoken of in the very next verse?

We shall watch events with interest; and time will soon determine this matter.

A writer from Rome to the London Herald, Aug. 3d, says:—

“The reports current in Rome, if not absolutely alarming, are such as to create considerable uneasiness. A letter is said to have reached the Pope within the last few days from the Emperor Napoleon, stating that in consequence of the progress of the revolution both at home and abroad, he should no longer be able to provide for the maintenance of the temporal power, and that the Pope must now prepare for the execution of the convention in December. The Pope received the intimation, it is said, with the greatest calmness, and said that he had long ceased to rely on the aid of man, and committed his cause and that of the church to God. Gen. Rufus King, the minister of the United States, subsequently waited on his holiness, and offered him the escort, if necessary, of the American squadron now cruising in the Mediterranean. The Pope declined the offer, with a strong expression of thanks, saying he had no intention of deserting his post, save in case of the most urgent necessity, or that the freedom of the church's action was coerced.”

Another says:—The crisis on the Roman question is near at hand. Napoleon has notified the Pope that the French troops will positively be withdrawn September 15th, and that consequently the Holy See will have to come to an understanding with the Italian government. That understanding will have to be reached when the Pope renounces his temporal power and Rome passes, as it will ere long, under the government of Victor Emanuel.”

A Boston paper has the following on the same subject:—THE DECLINE OF THE PAPAL POWER.—It is idle to suppose that the recent brief but decisive war in Europe will confine its results to the political condition of the nations which have engaged in it. While France has lost her dictatorship and sunk into one of the many co-ordinate powers, while Austria loses her influence in the west, and Russia suddenly finds a powerful nation between her and the rest of Europe, none of these has lost so much as the Papal power, which has suffered the greatest disaster of all. Not a single Catholic nation in Europe can be pointed out as a firm ally of the Pope. France, we have already shown in former articles, cares nothing for his temporal, and believes to-day more in the philosophy of Voltaire than the religion of St. Peter. Spain is orthodox, but the government is weak, and is governed by men who detest war for an abstract principle. Austria has lost her power on the Peninsular, and the sentiments of her Hungarian population will not allow her to exercise a temporal influence in spiritual matters; meanwhile the poor priests at Rome are left to depend on Heaven and Napoleon as their only protectors, while the former gives victory to the “infidels,” and the latter refuses to intervene and save the faithful.

In the future disposition of Italian affairs the voice of Prussia will be quite as potent as that of France has been. She will not forget the service which Italy has rendered her in absorbing the attention of a large part of the Austrian army, and it is not too much to expect that the Italians will be left to choose such a form of government as they may prefer. What then will become of the Pope and his temporal power? Italy can no longer contain him, for the recollection of Cardinal Antonelli and his despotic conduct is still fresh in the minds of that people, and there is no other part of Europe where the Pope, as a temporal potentate, would hardly be received, even as an exile. The only alternative for the Papal power is to ally itself with the democracy, and exist as it does in the United States. Then it will have nothing to hope or fear from kings, and it will have to depend on its own merits for support.

The latest correspondence from Europe informs us that the long expected crisis in the papal affairs is at hand. M. Drouyn de l’Huys has, it is said, addressed a dispatch to the Roman Government, informing them that the 15th of September was the date irrevocably fixed for the withdrawing of the troops from Rome, and that the Holy See would have to come to an understanding with the Italian Government on financial affairs and on the political situation; and the last foreign dispatches state that the negotiation is now going on.

A Great Fact Accomplished.

By Editor

The Western Health Reform Institute was opened for the reception of patients and boarders, at the time appointed, Sept. 5. The occasion was one of encouragement and good cheer. All felt that the Institution was and would be a complete success. The prospect for patients is all that could be asked. The greatest fear that the managers now have, is, that they will not be able to accommodate all who may wish to come. Let those who contemplate coming by all means first correspond in relation to the matter. All the conveniences contemplated are not yet completed, but the work will be carried forward, and the capacities of the Institution enlarged as fast as possible.

We have only to look back to our Conference in May last, less than four short months ago, for the time when this matter first begun to take practical shape among our people. Now we behold an elegant site secured, buildings ready for operation, a competent corps of assistants on the ground, two numbers of a Health Journal already issued, with a subscription list that has doubled within the past few weeks, a sum bordering on eleven thousand dollars already subscribed for stock in the enterprise, and the Institute opened and operations actually commenced. In no enterprise ever undertaken by this people, has the hand of the Lord been more evidently manifested than in this thing. And we here enter our record of gratitude for the great fact accomplished, the great step taken in the right direction.

But in this, as in other branches of this work, we may expect that the enemy will try with all his power to bring reverses, create hindrances, and block the wheels to its onward progress. But the Lord, whose the work is, is mightier than all his foes. And if we all so live that he can work with us, he will carry it through. We must consecrate ourselves to him as never before. In a few years at most, our work will be finished. The overcomer will reach his reward. The victory, the crown, the sweet rest after the weary toil, will be given to the faithful.

Sins in New Livery

Many a man shifts his sins as men do their clothes: they put off one, to put on another. This is but waiting upon the Devil in a new livery.

The scorner's seat stands next to hell's gate.

Report from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

At the close of my last report I was in Battle Creek, where I spent some two weeks very pleasantly, although much busied with cares during the time. Found the brethren here carrying out the words of the Lord to be diligent in business, as well as being fervent in spirit. The former seems to be a matter of necessity there just at present in order to be prepared to open the Health Institute at the time appointed. The Health Institute is a much larger enterprise than many of our brethren are aware. First, in addition to the buildings already on the eight acres purchased, a building had to be erected 20x36, two stories high. This building is arranged for packing room, bath room, dressing room, and a room to contain a tank of sufficient capacity to hold two hundred barrels of water. A tank had also to be constructed sufficient to contain twenty-five barrels of water with heating apparatus. This water is all forced 124 rods through an iron pipe by a force pump, carried by wind power, from one of the largest and purest wells of soft water in all Michigan. By chemical analysis this water is shown to be decidedly preferable to the purest filtered rain water, being softer, and more free from foreign substances. To prepare means to carry this water, first to the Institute from the well, 124 rods, and thence to carry off the surplus, and waste water from the Institute through a 6-inch cement pipe some 30 rods in length, and to place both of these some four feet in depth, so as to be secure from frost, is no small matter of labor. But, in addition to all this, preparing beds, bedding, and fixtures for the house itself, all make a great amount of labor. But with the blessing of God, and his prospering hand, the work goes bravely and rapidly on.

Right here I would say a word in response to the objections of some to the Institute. Says one, I should judge that your great object in starting this Institute is to make money. You greatly err here. If any money is to be made by it, as you claim, it is made by those who put in their means for shares, and not by any one person, or persons. As already set forth, the whole matters of the Institute are to be regulated by certain by-laws to be adopted by the vote of the shareholders. The managing physician and his corps of helpers will of course have such pay for their services, as will be adequate to their labors, responsibilities, and arduous cares; but even this will be decided from time to time by the vote of the yearly meetings of the corporation.

But, says one, your prices are enormous, from $8.00 to $14.00 per week. You will find, when you ascertain what is given at our Institute for $8.00, and compare it with the higher prices, and fare of other Institutions, that we do not charge a high price. But, you say, some are so poor they cannot afford to pay even your smallest price. Well, we shall do the best we can for them; but there is, as you see, no means to carry on the work of the Institute, except what is received for the cure of patients. The shares are to be invested in the real estate, furniture, and fixtures with which to operate the Institute.

At present, of course, while the financial management of the Institute is in the hands of Brn. Aldrich, Kellogg, and the General Conference Committee, it is not our province to take very great liberties with the means of share-holders; but we will do the best we can to satisfy the share-holders, and the wants of the really and worthy poor. Of course more could be done in that direction, if the Institute had been in operation longer. If it should be found, at the time of organizing the Corporation, that there are those who wish to have whatever dividend may accumulate on their shares, to remain in the hands of the Trustees of the Institute, as a sort of indigent fund to be used in treating those who are worthy poor, and really in want, it of course will be their privilege to leave it there for such purpose. But there are others, as before stated, who put their means into the Institute, who need at least a good interest on their means, to help them in supporting themselves and families. It is our design now, to so frame the by-laws of the Institute, that those wishing to contribute their dividend in the manner above specified, can do it. All will be left at their own option however, from year to year, to do as they please with their dividend.

Some are hesitating, I find, about taking stock, because they do not see how they could get their money again, should they get into cramped circumstances. We would say to such, that shares in the Institute can be sold the same as rail-road or bank stock, and when the Corporation stock is all taken up, others still will wish to invest means, and will gladly buy the shares of any who may then wish to sell. We confidently expect the blessing of God to follow this enterprise, for we believe it to be a part of the work of God incumbent upon us as a people. We view God's laws established in our being as of equal importance for us to observe, as his moral law of ten commandments, and expect his blessing to attend efforts made to honor his righteous laws.

Aug. 27, I left Battle Creek for the Convocation Meeting in Iowa, and arrived on the ground on the morning of the 29th, where the work of preparing for the meeting was going on. The large fifty-foot tent was pitched for meetings, and in the course of the afternoon ten other tents were pitched in the adjacent grove; one of these was twenty-four feet in diameter, and sufficient to accommodate several families. Other tents were of various sizes, sheltering from one to three families. These tents, together with the meeting-house, and a school-house near by, afforded sufficient room for several hundred brethren and sisters, who came with their children to enjoy this holy convocation. As those who came, brought provisions for themselves, they, with the church here, had naught to do but to enjoy this feast.

This Convocation Meeting, the first of the kind ever held among Seventh-day Adventists, has been a good one, and a meeting of great profit to the people and cause of God in Iowa. Twelve discourses, mostly of a close, practical character have been given, as this was thought most proper, in order that the advertised object of this meeting might be attained; namely the mutual religious improvement of God's people. The discourses seemed to sink with due weight into all hearts, both of those in the church and out, and a good religious interest is manifest here. The servants of God present all felt the importance of the occasion, and their duty to feed the flock. The Lord blessed greatly in preaching the truth. The preaching was divided as nearly as practicable, between Bro. Robert Andrews of Ill., the Brn. Bourdeau, and myself.

But the preaching was not the only interesting feature of the meeting. As this was not a meeting of business or a time of hurry, there was ample time for social meetings each day, till Sabbath, from nine till twelve o'clock A. M., and from five till six P. M. Seven social meetings in all were held. These meetings were characterized by deep feeling, hearty confessions, sobs and tears. On Sabbath and first-day there were three discourses each day, and social meetings besides. Such was the eagerness of the brethren and sisters to speak in these meetings that most of the time two and three were on their feet at once, wishing to speak and be refreshed. In this solemn assembly, the hearts of fathers were turned toward their children, several of whom made a start for the kingdom, and found the blessing of the Lord.

We feel and believe that this has been indeed a feast of fat things, and a good time to the Lord's people, not simply because of a happy flight of feeling, but because of the close, searching truths which were here brought out, and settled with weight on our hearts, and because the people seemed to go from the meeting with new resolutions for duty, and new determinations to live more consecrated to God. We trust this effort was not without effect, even upon those outside the church, many of whom were present, and manifested deep interest in the meeting, especially on first-day. A unanimous vote was passed to have the Advent Review enlarged, as proposed in No. 13 of the present volume. And not only did the brethren vote, but came forward to confirm their vote by raising their subscription to $2,50, and $3,00 per year.

The parting scene at the close of the meeting was truly refreshing and affecting, many even sobbing aloud, which showed that hearts were knit together as never before in this State. May the dear people of the Lord in Iowa, ever remember this precious convocation meeting. May we all be diligent in carrying out the resolutions formed here, and may we share in that more glorious meeting on Mount Zion at last. Amen.

J. N. Loughborough.

Pilot Grove, Iowa, Sept. 3, 1866.

Debate on the Ten Commandments

By I. D. Van Horn; R. J. Lawrence

From the Ohio Tent.

Since our last report, we have removed our tent from Bellville to Fredericktown, a distance of about ten miles. We left the cause in Bellville in a very good condition, though the work was not as clearly developed as we have seen it in other places. But we are so near by, that our work where we are now, is adding strength to the cause there. One of us attend their meeting every Sabbath, which is a great help to them. They have now a Sabbath School and Bible Class arranged, by which they are learning the truth quite readily.

A few days before we left Bellville, we received a challenge from Eld. Bulger, a United Brethren minister, who had been solicited by some of his friends to do so, to debate the following question: “Resolved, that the ten commandments, as given upon Mount Sinai, are binding upon Christians in the gospel dispensation.” After carefully considering what ought to be done, we concluded it would be far better for the cause of truth to enter into a discussion, than to refuse. We therefore sent word to the elder, that we were ready to meet him at any time he might set. Accordingly arrangements were made, and Wednesday evening, Aug. 22d, the debate commenced, and lasted till Friday evening, during which time we gave fifteen half-hour speeches apiece. I need not give the arguments that were brought forward to sustain the affirmative or negative of this question, for they are familiar to all the readers of the Review. Suffice it to say, that the elder admitted nine-tenths of the question, i. e., that nine of the commandments were binding, before the discussion closed, and then labored hard to prove by the teachings of men, that the first day of the week was the Christian Sabbath, which was not to the question; for if he had proved the first day to be the Christian Sabbath, it would not disprove the fourth commandment binding, hence it will be easy to see how the discussion closed.

The result of this debate was far better than we had anticipated; for some who were partly convinced before of their duty, came out and took a firm stand on the side of truth. A good impression was left on the minds of the unprejudiced, which leaves the way open for the truth to do its work in their hearts, that may induce them to begin sooner or later, to keep all the commandments of God. When I learned that the man I was to meet in discussion was an experienced

hand at it, and the one who had met Bro. Cornell in Portage some years ago, I had some fear as to the result. But the Lord helped, and we have good reasons to believe that much good was done, therefore the name of the Lord shall have all the praise.

Our meetings here in Fredericktown are prospering to the good of many. The truth is taking effect, and many are much interested. Yesterday, Sunday, was a good day with us. We had large congregations, and as we pointed out to them the testimony on the Mark of the Beast and Seal of God, and other subjects, we could plainly see that it was having the designed effect in the hearts of many. Pray for us that a good work may be done here in the name of the Lord. I. D. VAN HORN. R. J. LAWRENCE. Fredericktown, O.

Meetings in Midland Co., Mich.

By M. E. CORNELL

We decided not to pitch the tent at Midland City, for two reasons: 1st. On account of the sickness prevailing there; and 2d. We found that those who had called for help in Midland County, and whose papers were sent to Midland City, lived twenty-two miles north, that being their nearest Post Office. After due consultation, it was agreed that Bro. Waggoner and Guilford should take the tent to Holly, and commence meetings there, and that I should search out those who were taking the Review in Midland Co., and had called for help. Accordingly I took passage on a loaded lumber wagon, this being my only chance to ride in that direction. The roads were prodigiously bad, and it seemed as though I never could endure to get through. I was jolted and bruised over the rough roads, until I was so nearly exhausted that I had but little power to hold on. In this condition I was suddenly thrown off the wagon, between the wheels, into the mud and water. By the help of the driver I succeeded in re-mounting the load, and thus, chilled, bruised, and in great pain, I rode over four miles. At last I came to the hospitable home of Bro. and sister Marsh, where I was kindly cared for. And now, after one week, I have nearly recovered from the accident, and that long-to-be-remembered journey through the Hemlock woods.

I found here a little company of ten keeping the Sabbath, not one of whom had ever heard a sermon on the subject. They had read books and papers, and believed. I was with them five days, and held eight meetings. Five started in the service of the Lord, and ten were baptized. On the last evening more than half the audience voted for the Sabbath, and only one for the first-day, and he was a Catholic. I asked him if he had any scripture for it; and he explained that he only voted that it was Sunday. The question of more lectures came up, and the call for a course of lectures was sustained by a unanimous vote. Others here contemplate baptism. They request to be organized, and taken under the watch-care of the Conference. The brethren were ready to look after my expenses in a liberal manner, and brought me on my way forty-four miles to Saginaw, where I took the cars to this place, arriving last evening. Here I was glad to find the tent pitched, and a good interest commenced. The weather is unfavorable, but we hope for a change, and that our labors here will be crowned with success. We hope for the prayers of the faithful.

M. E. CORNELL.

Holly, Mich., Aug. 29, 1866.

Monthly Meeting in N. Y.

By Mary F. Maxson

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our Monthly Meeting which has just closed, was one of interest, and I trust, profit, to the church here and at Mannsville. Bro. Fuller was with us according to appointment, and we were glad to hear from his lips the words of life. Sabbath morning he gave a discourse from 2 Kings, x, 15. The Spirit of the Lord accompanied his words, and we felt to tremble as the question came to us, “Is thy heart right?” We felt that we had given up everything gladly for the truth’s sake, and had followed Jesus with a willing heart; yet as we looked into its depths, we feared there was much there that was not right in the sight of a pure and holy God, and in agony we cried, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” And as we gave ourselves anew to God, we felt the sweet assurance that the blood of Jesus would cleanse us from all sin, and that we should stand at last pure and white before our Father’s throne.

In the afternoon, we listened to an excellent sermon from 2 Tim. i, 7. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” Our hearts were stirred within us, as we followed the speaker, and we felt more determined than ever to reach out the hand of faith and grasp the blessings God is so willing to bestow. He “hath not given us the spirit of fear.” Ah no, for “fear hath torment.” Then let us cast it from us, and wrestle before God until we have “power” to prevail with him as did his people anciently, and until our hearts are filled to overflowing with such “love” as angels feel. In addition to these rich blessings, God wants us to have “a sound mind;” and how can we possess it without a sound body? And how can we have a healthy body, while we are continually transgressing the laws that govern our being? Bro. F. dwelt largely at this point, on the necessity of the health reform, and our hearts were made to rejoice as we listened to him. We are always glad to hear anything on this subject that will show our brethren its great importance, and encourage them to take hold of it with zeal and earnestness. We feel deeply on this subject, and would that all might see the important part God designs it to act in preparing us for translation. The reform is very dear to me, for I feel that it has saved me from an untimely grave; and instead of rapidly descending the steps to the dark tomb, as I formerly was, I am now “going up the hill,” and feel that I am daily taking hold of life with a stronger, firmer grasp. No wonder, then, that with a grateful heart I can exclaim, Thank God for the health reform.

In the evening, we enjoyed a sweet, solemn season, while celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house. And as we followed Bro. Fuller in prayer, our minds were carried back to that sad night in which the Lord of life and glory drank the cup of anguish for our sakes. So vividly were his sufferings portrayed, that we almost seemed to behold him with the natural eye, as he bowed beneath the weight of woe, “in sad Gethsemane.” We seemed to hear the groans, and the sad, mournful cry, “Oh my Father, if it be possi-ble let this cup pass from me.” We seemed to behold the tears, and the great drops of blood as they fell from his holy brow, and bedewed the ground on which he knelt. We followed him in imagination to the judgment-hall, and saw the crown of thorns as it was placed upon his sacred head, and heard the scourge, and cruel mockings; and as we followed him up Calvary’s rugged heights, and by faith saw him expire there, we could but exclaim, while feelings of mingled agony and love filled our souls,

“Were all the realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my heart, my life, my all.”

Sunday morning, we listened to an interesting discourse from those sweet, beautiful words, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” This is a favorite theme, and our hearts grew warm as we contemplated the love and care which the good Shepherd bestows upon his weary, afflicted flock. But let us remember that ’tis not those who hear his voice, but those alone who follow him, that at last will receive the priceless boon of eternal life. Oh let us ever heed that sweet voice which so gently calls us, patiently walk in the path that is pointed out to us, and thus, keeping close by the side of our gentle Shepherd, we shall be led through “this dreary, tangled, wild,” into green pastures, “where peaceful waters ever glide,” and where naught can ever harm or annoy.

In our social meetings many testimonies were given, in which the brethren and sisters expressed a determination to gird the armor more closely about them, and stand bravely upon the field of battle, until our enemies are all vanquished, and “victory turns on Zion’s side.” We trust that the holy, solemn influence of the meetings will linger around our hearts till Jesus comes; and that the precious seed sown has not fallen on stony ground, but that it will spring forth and bear fruit unto eternal life.

Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize the high, exalted character we must possess, the holiness of heart, and strong faith that must be ours, if we are prepared to stand in the time of trouble, and are ready for translation at Jesus’ appearing? Some of us do, I know, and are earnestly pleading for “clean hands and a pure heart.” But for others, I fear. O careless brother, sister, awake and see where you are standing. You are surely on dangerous ground. Would to God that I could say something to arouse you. I feel deeply for you, and my heart aches as I think of the possibility of your being lost. You, perhaps, have sacrificed for the truth’s sake, and at times have caught a glimpse of the joys that await the faithful. And now can you bear the thought of longer grieving the lovely Jesus, who follows you by night and by day, and patiently knocks at the door of your heart? Will you still refuse to listen to that sweet voice which so tenderly pleads, “Open to me my beloved; for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” Oh, I beseech of you to heed that dear voice, and from this hour resolve that you will put every idol from your hearts, cut loose from worldly influences, and love God with all your heart. Let not the things of time longer attract you.

“Stay not, oh stay not for earth’s vain allurements; See how its glory is passing away, Break the strong fetters the foe hath bound o’er thee, Heir of the Kingdom, turn, turn thee away.”

Oh, these are fearful times; times of peculiar trial and temptation. And shall we still slumber on all unconscious of our true condition? We have lulled ourselves too long already with the soothing song, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” We may make ourselves believe this, but we cannot deceive the faithful Witness, for he knows our works, and declares that we are poor, miserable, blind, and naked. And unless we heed his counsel, and buy of him gold, white raiment, and eye-salve, we shall surely be lost. But do you ask, How am I to obtain love that will stand the test of fire, righteousness that will cover me in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger, and the Holy Spirit which shall illumine my heart with light divine? These precious pearls of

heavenly hue are won by faith and prayer—by deep repentance, constant watchfulness, and untiring efforts to please God in all our words, thoughts, and actions. And let us not be discouraged, if, after earnest and continued effort, we do not have all the light, joy, and peace we could wish; but let us remember that every strain of heavenly music which is wafted o’er the troubled waters of life to our sad hearts, every ray of light that steals through the deepening gloom, every pang of godly sorrow, and every tear of penitential grief, are all bright evidences that our names are engraven on the breastplate of our great High Priest, and that we are not forgotten before our Father’s throne.

I fear we do not love one another as we should. If we did, all the little trials and dissensions which angels blush to view, would be forever banished from our midst, and we should esteem our brethren better than ourselves, and willingly yield our wishes to theirs. We are commanded to love one another with a pure heart, fervently, even as Christ has loved us. Oh, can we comprehend the hights and depths of this wondrous love? May the blessed Jesus help us to realize it, in a measure at least. And may this crowning grace of the Christian character rule supreme in our hearts, bringing all into subjection to its mild sway. Let us strive more earnestly to cultivate this flower of heavenly birth, of which only the tender bud may now appear in our souls. And let us remember that it cannot grow amid the rank weeds of pride, selfishness, covetousness, and worldly-mindedness. Ah, no! These must all be rooted out, and our hearts kept moist with tears of godly sorrow, and warm, by prayer and faith. If we thus nourish it, we shall see the tiny bud expanding into a beauteous flower, which angels shall ere long pluck to adorn the paradise of God. Yours in love,

MARY F. MAXSON.

Adams’ Center, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1866.

The River of Death.

By Vesta N. Cudworth

AIR: “Bury me not in the deep, deep sea.”

The “mystic river” with wavelets cold, Is dashing still on a mortal shore; While far o’er the stream, ’mid sands of gold, It kisses the flowers that fade no more. Though many have sunk in the dashing tide, And we felt them glide from our powerless hand, Yet we know they’ll rise on the other side, And gather the flowers of that fadeless strand.

Oh hush thy murmurs! thou greedy wave, Thy depths are wreath’d with our choicest gems; Our mothers dear, ’mid tears we gave, From our household sands to thy chilling arms; They passed away, and were seen no more; But a vision of beauty we may not tell, We saw o’er the wave on the starry shore, As we looked by faith through the misty veil.

And when the soft winds of evening sigh, Bringing memories of other days, A whispered hymn on the breeze floats by; We list, and yearn for those solemn lays. Oh, a hollow world is this world of pain, When mothers pray by the couch no more; And our hearts can never be green again, ’T till we greet them safe on the other shore.

And gray-haired fathers, with cold, blanched cheek, Have calmly entered thy Lethean wave, A smile of joy to the dying lip, We bowed in grief, but we could not save. And darling sisters, with jetty curls, Bright stars of our circle, and brothers fair, And little ones too, with laughing eyes And golden locks, they are all, all there.

VESTA N. CUDWORTH. Springfield, Mass.

Report from Bro. Bates.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. WHITE: My last report left me with the church in Woodhull, Shi. Co., Mich. From July 31 to Aug. 9, I held two meetings with them. About two-thirds of their members have moved away. Some families came several miles to the meeting and manifested some interest to hear our position.

Aug. 2d, Bro. Burlingham's team brought me to Locke, where I continued five days visiting the sick and feeble, and held eight meetings with the church. On first day quite a number of their friends and neighbors came in and listened attentively. By request we celebrated the ordinances at Bro. Brown's, whose companion had been very sick. She was very much revived and strengthened, as were the church, also.

Aug. 7, Bro. M. Avery brought me twenty-six miles to South Genoa, Liv. Co. I held five meetings with the church here, and baptized Bro. and Sr. Carpenter in a large lake on their own premises. Two others wished to go forward, but were unable for want of suitable arrangements. The brethren here were deeply interested to bring up their s. B. to the Bible standard, and receive the promised blessing. Mal. iii, 10. Our series of meetings closed with the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house, and the blessing of the Lord.

Aug. 14, Brn. Carpenter and Poss aided me on my way to Leslie to spend a few days with several families of Seventh-day Adventists in that place. Here I was attacked with the fever and ague for a few days, which prevented my attending my last appointment at Bunkerhill the 18th and 19th inst., some seven miles distant. After the Sabbath some of the brethren came to Leslie. They said that after some feeling over their disappointment they had a good, encouraging meeting. A number of the brethren and sisters on their way through Leslie to the Bunkerhill meeting stopped at Bro. A. J. Richmond's, where I was staying. Arrangements were soon made, and we had two good meetings with them in L. on the Sabbath.

I would here express my gratitude to God, for regarding the prayers of his people, and blessing the simple means used to break my fever; and also to Bro. and Sr. Richmond for the deep interest and kind care they had for me, and to Bro. J. E. Titus for the successful water treatment he gave me.

Monday, Aug. 21, on my way to Monterey, I stopped over night at Battle Creek. Here I learned that Bro. White and family had moved about one-quarter of a mile north from their former residence, more retired from the stir and business of the city, where we hope he will improve and overcome all his infirmities, and again resume his position in the good work of the Lord.

The church in Battle Creek continue to move forward in the great work of reform, looking for the blessed hope.

The brethren and sisters in the employ of the Publishing Association were all cheerfully working at their posts, sending forth the Review and Herald, Youth's Instructor, Health Reformer, books and pamphlets, all to aid, instruct, and enlighten the honest-hearted everywhere, who love the straight testimony of the Holy Bible, and its divine Author, and the soon-coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

About three minutes' walk directly north from the Publishing Office, is the 'Western Health-Reform Institute, situated on one of the most desirable and pleasant heights of all the surrounding country. In front of the buildings is a beautiful grove of second growth oak and hickory trees, for shady walks and resting places. Back of these are the fruit trees and gardens.

The Trustees, with Dr. Lay, and the mechanics and laborers were all cheerfully engaged in erecting and furnishing the necessary additional buildings to accommodate patients at the time set forth in the Review.

Sabbath, August 25, with the church at Monterey. How pleasant and gratifying to meet our brethren and sisters again, with whom we had covenanted to keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Our meetings were free and cheering. Praise the Lord.

Next morning, the 26th, some fourteen wagon loads of Sabbath-School youth and children, with their parents, in procession left Monterey for Allegan, a distance of five miles. Other teams from Watson and Otsego met with us at A., where we had an exhibition of the Allegan Co. Sabbath Schools, superintended by Bro. H. Kenyon of M. with superintendents of the other schools. The quiet and manly behavior of these children; the good report of their progress in their classes, their united, outspoken, and correct answers to Bible questions by their superintendent, their united rehearsal of the names of all the books in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and back to Genesis again, number of chapters and verses, books of Moses, definitions, &c., &c., were all deeply interesting.

A brother who has recently commenced keeping the Sabbath in A., uniting with others in addressing the children, said he was not only highly gratified at what he had witnessed, but was astonished to learn how they could remember so much, and repeat and answer so correctly.

Their singing under Bro. C. Russel, was harmonious and cheering. First altogether, then at intervals, three, four, and five sang before the audience. While four were singing the last select hymn, a citizen listening on the outside (as I was told), said that was the best thing he ever heard in all his life! The closing hymn by all united, was stirring and melodious. God bless the children who are trying to learn from the holy Bible the way of salvation and eternal life.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich.

P. S. The church in Monterey invite Bro. Loughborough to visit and hold meetings with them at his earliest convenience. J. B.

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