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Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 4.

CONVERSION
Earlier text: IS IT RIGHT FOR BELIEVERS TO MARRY UNBELIEVERS?

CONVOCATIONS

By James White

“Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year; it shall be a statute forever in your generations; ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.” Lev. xxiii, 39–41.
Whatever may be said of the typical or commemorative character of this feast, all will admit that it was celebrated for the spiritual good of the Jewish church. If such a convocation be good for Jews, why not as profitable for Christians?
Methodist campmeetings in the days of primitive Methodism, contributed much to the life and influence of that body. If such meetings be good for Methodists, why not be equally profitable for Adventists?
Second-Advent campmeetings in 1843 and 1844, were one of the grandest means of disseminating light relative to the Advent hope and faith, and imparted life and strength to the great Advent movement. If campmeetings were an efficient means of good during the first angel’s proclamation, why may they not prove as profitable under the proclamation of the third message?
The nominal Adventists of New England have annually held a mammoth campmeeting for several years past, at Wilbraham, Mass., where the various factions and fragments of nominal Adventists have assembled, and found strength to prosecute their cause. And may not those who hold the unit faith, and seek to be led by the one Spirit, receive great strength by similar means? Why not, then, Seventh-day Adventists hold a general campmeeting to continue a week or more?
The subject of a general campmeeting was taken up in our last General Conference, and referred to the Committee. As one of that Committee, I now call attention to the subject. At our annual Conference, usually held at Battle Creek, the business sessions of the General Conference, the Michigan Conference, the Publishing Association, and the Health Institute, occupy so much of the time and thought of the members, especially the ministers, as to greatly detract from the interest of the religious services. This is not a good time for a general gathering of our brethren and sisters to enjoy a spiritual feast. Not understanding this, many have come to our annual conferences, spent a week’s time, and gone home disappointed. They had no special interest in the business sessions, thought they occupied too much time, and concluded that their brethren were becoming formal and backslidden. In this they were mistaken. Meetings for transaction of business are necessary and right. Let those attend our annual meeting who have a part to act in them; and let those who have no special part to act in our general assemblies for the transaction of business, remain at home, instead of bringing their wives and children to such assemblies to burden the church that entertains them, for nearly or quite a week, they, meanwhile looking on, and getting tempted because there are no more religious exercises.
A general Convocation, free from business sessions, where ministers and people could devote their entire time and energies to the spiritual interests of the assembly, would exactly meet the wants of the cause. Such meetings should be very general. They can be held at a season of the year when with a little sacrifice there can be a general rally of men, women, and youth. These meetings should hold from four to eight days. At each of these assemblies there should be a large tent in which to hold the religious services in stormy weather. There should also be a sufficient number of small tents for the accommodation of all who would wish to stay upon the ground. Each church should have one or more, according to their numbers, on the ground. Each tent company could furnish their own provisions and bedding. Such meetings should be held in the vicinity of our largest churches, where, at the homes of the brethren, ministers, and others if necessary, could be entertained.
A general campmeeting of this kind should be held annually, probably somewhere in Michigan. This however should not take the place of convocations of the kind in other States. But it may not be possible to hold such a general meeting the present season. To meet the present wants of the cause, and preparatory to a general campmeeting next year, I suggest that three convocations be held in different parts of the State of Michigan, in August and September of the present year; one in the northwestern portion of the State, one in the northeastern, and one in the southern.
The church at Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., is large, situated near the Detroit and Milwaukee R. R., offering an opportunity for a general rally from the counties of Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Ionia, and Montcalm, from churches all along the line of that R. R., and from Wisconsin and Illinois. Berlin station is but four miles from the house of worship of the Wright church, and only about twenty miles from Grand Haven. Boats from Chicago and Milwaukee connect at Grand Haven, with trains on this road. This meeting will be easy of access from all points in Wisconsin and Illinois.
A second meeting could be held with the church at St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Mich. This place is situated on the railroad from Owasso to Bay City, and offers a good opportunity for brethren to attend situated along the lines of the Detroit and Milwaukee, Mich. Central, and Mich. Southern railroads, and the north and south railroad from Owasso to Adrian. It is also a central point for brethren to come by private conveyance from the counties of Gratiot, Saginaw, Tuscola, Lapeer, Oakland and Clinton.
A third convocation could be held in the south part of the State, about half way between Battle Creek, and the Ohio and Indiana State lines. This would afford a good opportunity for a general gathering from the three States. No doubt the labors of Eld. J. N. Andrews could be secured for these meetings.
I briefly set this matter before the church at Wright, July 4, and they unanimously voted in favor of such meetings. The time is short for proper consultations, preparations and appointments. Brethren shall we have these meetings? If so, please respond immediately. As to their time and places, I have only suggested. If they shall be holden this season, where? and at what time? Let every church get one tent or more. These will be just what will be wanted at the general campmeeting. Be in season. Be vigilant. Make liberal provisions. All turn out. Let us have a general rally. Leave your cares at home, and come up to these feasts, bag and baggage, to work for the Lord, and remain until they shall close. All interested in these meetings who have anything to say to the point, may address me at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.
JAMES WHITE.

CASTE IN RELIGION.

By James White

The American Encyclopedia says: “We speak of the spirit or the prerogatives and usurpations of a caste, to express particularly that unnatural constitution of society, which makes distinction dependent on the accidents of birth or fortune.” It also says, “It prevails principally in the East, where it has existed from the earliest times, and has become blended with the political condition of the people, because it favors despotism, which is the prevailing form of government.” Among the Hindoos and some other nations, it is carried to such an extent that members of the different castes may not eat with each other, or worship in the same temples. Thus by the spirit of caste their religion becomes a despotism of the worst form.
From the very nature of the Christian religion it is utterly impossible that it should become blended with the spirit of caste. We do not say that professors of Christianity do not have this spirit; we are well aware that they do; but the religion of such is a religion of their own heart; not Christianity itself, but a perversion of Christianity, destitute of the elements of genuine benevolence and humanity, which were so wondrously displayed in the teachings and actions of him whom the Christian professes to follow.
The teachings of the Saviour and of his gospel are sufficiently indicated by the following scriptures: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart.” Matt. xi, 29. “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” Luke xiv, 12, 13. “If there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” Jas. ii, 2–9. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come.” 1 Tim. vi, 17–19. “Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.” Jas. i, 9, 10.
With these agrees that remarkable description of the fast that God has chosen: “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” Isa. lviii, 7, 9, 10. The acts of the Saviour were always in harmony with these scriptures. He was often found preaching to the poor, and comforting the lowly and afflicted: but seldom with the rich, and there, always giving some faithful admonition. He himself had not where to lay his head; he became poor for our sakes; he took upon him the form of a servant; his life was eminently a pattern of humility; a pattern, too, to be followed, if we would be exalted in his heavenly kingdom.
Such being the spirit of the gospel, there is no surer evidence of a fallen state of the professed Christian church than to find there the spirit of caste—the spirit of self-exaltation. But this spirit, unfortunately for the interests of religion and morality, prevails to a very great extent in the Protestant churches. The wealth, the pride, and popularity of these churches, have become a proverb. It is neither disgraceful nor hurtful to be rich if riches are used for the glory of God; if the possessor feels his responsibility in the sight of God and is humble; if, as the Scripture says, he rejoices that he is made low—made on a level before God with the poorest of earth. But when riches are a man’s glory; when they feed his pride, and puff him up to look with disdain upon the poor, and especially the poor Christian, then they are an abomination in the sight of Heaven, and a burdensome stone to their possessor, ready to sink him in the gulf of perdition. It is to such that the apostle speaks when he says, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.” Jas. v, 1. Such are “the rich men,” that will call on the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the presence of their Judge. The description given by a popular writer, of a fashionable church, is no caricature; it is true to the life, wherein the wealthy devotees of mammon are preached into an easy, quiet frame of mind by a high-salaried minister, leading their hopes on to an “upper-ten Heaven.” Certainly a Heaven of the lowly poor can have no attractions for them. A reliable friend related to the writer a fact which transpired in the neighborhood of his own residence in the state of New York. A Baptist church was composed of all classes, including the richest and poorest in the community. Though the Baptists claim to be republican in their church arrangements, it was trying to the feelings of the wealthy to be obliged to sit in the next pew to a poor brother who was not able to clothe himself and family up to a fashionable standard. What was to be done? After much consultation the following plan was devised and acted upon. At the covenant meeting a motion was made to disband the church; the united influence of the wealthy carried it immediately. They then proceeded to organize a new Baptist church, admitting only the rich and fashionable part of the former congregation! We have no doubt that they would feel highly insulted if one were to intimate that that was not a Christian church.
But what is this to us? may be asked. Where such things pass for Christianity, and we have all been reared amid such influences and surroundings; while we are men of like passions, and human nature is everywhere the same, we cannot be beyond danger even in this matter. And with the increase of numbers our danger daily increases in this respect. The love of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the cares of this life, are subjects of special warnings for the last days. If we think that because we claim a knowledge of the present truth, and profess to be looking for the Lord, we are therefore beyond the power of temptation, we are self-deceived—wofully blinded by the enemy. Whoever it may be, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, high or low, that is exalted by the mere “accident of birth or fortune,” to lift himself up above the poorest of earth, such an one needs converting—needs to learn what is the spirit of Christ. Let such heed the words of the apostle: “If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Let us all study to know this spirit, to follow Jesus in his humility and lowliness of mind, that we may be exalted in his own time.
J. H. W.

THE ENLARGED REVIEW.

By R. F. C.

It is cheering to see since the enlargement of our paper that it is better filled with original matter than before. The weekly sermons are a great help, especially to those who have no other preaching. It is better to have matter waiting at the office of publication for weeks and months, than to have a lack. I hope the brethren will keep on writing; and if their communications do not immediately appear, rejoice that the paper is filled with matter of the deepest interest to the people of God, and that the delay is not from a want of appreciation of your efforts, but from the want of room. Keep on, and preclude all possibility of a drouth. R. F. C.
[Just so; and we request our ministers from whom sermons are due, not to forget.—Ed.]

RANDOLPH, N. Y.

By R. F. Cottrell

The work is onward here. Fourteen or fifteen have embraced the Sabbath, and there are still others deeply interested. The brethren and sisters are beginning the temperance and health reform, by casting aside their idols in the shape of tobacco, tea and coffee. They will see the subject clearer at every step. I am not sorry that I have remained here till now. There are other places near, which I wish to enter as soon as God permits. I hope to be guided in judgment as to the time of going. I send subscribers for the REVIEW, and hope to send more soon.
R. F. COTTRELL.
July 2.

NORA M. GORTON

By Nora M. Gorton

From Sr. Gorton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel it duty to say a few words in favor of this glorious present truth. The last note of solemn warning found me wandering far away from God. Oh! how precious the great plan of salvation looked to me as I listened to God's chosen ministers, as they unfolded to my mind its beauty and loveliness. Oh! how glad I am that I ever had a heart to live out all the requirements of the third angel's message. I love the narrow, rugged way, and as the golden city of God looms up before me, I feel that I must share in the glory soon to be revealed. Soon Jesus will come, to gather his jewels from off the earth; soon his lovely hand will sweep back the vail from before our mortal eyes, and we shall behold him coming with all the holy angels. Oh! hasten, glorious day, when those lovely ones shall come down to this dark world, and infold their arms lovingly around us, and bear us gently away to the Son of God.
When I think of that land of glory where God reigns in all his fearful majesty, where the holy angels are, and where Jesus stands pleading and waiting for his people to repent and be washed in his own precious blood—when I think of my name being brought up before all that holy throng and considered, to see whether I can have eternal life or not—my heart shrinks within me, and I am led to ask myself the question, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Oh, for strength to gain the “victory at last!” is my daily cry. I feel that I have not yet put on the dress of meekness and righteousness, which, if faithful, I shall wear throughout eternity. O God, thy grace and strength impart. Dear brethren and sisters, let us arouse and gird about us more closely the armor of God. Let us not try to fix up an armor of our own. Satan can tear down our work, but God's never. Let us trust the Lord so that he will not forsake us—if he forsakes us, who will take us up? Where, oh! where can we fly for safety? Who will hide us in the great day of wrath close upon us? Who will give us the necessary preparation to enter in through the gates into the city? No one but God. He can uphold us by his mighty power. He can keep us safe from the contaminating touch of Satan, and if we put our whole trust in him, his loving Spirit will dwell in our hearts, angels will aid us, and we shall be enabled to overcome all unrighteousness, and sit down to the marriage-supper of the Lamb. May the Lord help us to buy the gold, the eyesalve, and the white raiment, so that when the wrath of God sweeps over the world in one mighty wave, we may stand undaunted amid the scene of carnage. Then, having gained the victory, rest, eternal rest, and unfading glory, will be ours to enjoy forever. Oh, what glories await the people of God! Just think of that heavenly meeting upon the white cloud. Then we shall meet loving hearts, never more to part. What joy, what bliss, of even the first moment, when we realize that we are saved, saved forever. I want to be there. I want to see Jesus. I must behold the angels who have ministered unto our salvation. I want to see all the holy prophets, and the good of all ages. Is not this worth living for? Oh, the joy of anticipation, alone, is worth all our self-denial.
We are living in the last solemn hours of time; in the closing scenes of earth. May these solemn truths sink deep into our hearts, and may they nerve us up to action. May we no longer slumber upon the enchanted ground, but may we awake to righteousness. May the Lord bless his dear ministers, and give them strength from above to stand before this wicked generation and proclaim the near approach of our heavenly King; and may his people stay up their hands by living right and keeping all the commandments of God. When I read of our dear brethren leaving all and going to California, and manifesting such a sacrificing spirit, I could but weep and pray the Lord to give all of his people a missionary spirit. To be sure we cannot all go to distant lands, but oh, there is a vast field of labor all around us, and shall we slumber on and make no effort to save perishing souls? God forbid. Let us make an effort. Let us first be sure that we are converted, and then our lives—our daily walk will tell to the glory of God. May we have our work done, and well done, so that when Jesus comes he can say to us, “It is enough, come up higher.” Praise God for the blessed hope of soon meeting all the dear ones of earth in the kingdom.
“Oh, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land, So free from all sorrow and pain! With a song on our lips, and a harp in our hands, To meet one another again.”
Yours, striving for victory,

NORA M. GORTON

Watrousville, Mich.

ABOUT BAPTISM.

The Congregationalist says:
“They have water-proof and tight-fitting garments in many of their churches, that keep the immerser and the immersed quite dry in the administration of the rite. The face is exposed to the wet (rather more than sprinkled), while the rest of the body remains as baptism by sprinkling leaves it—in a state of good Christian comfort.”
Thereupon The Watchman and Reflector calls this “poking fun at a sacred ordinance, dear in its whole symbolism to one of the largest and most enterprising denominations in the land;” declaring that “the best scholarship in the world, the uniform practice of the Greek church, and the general practice of all churches for more than a thousand years, all history, all archæology, philology, go to show that this ridicule is directed against the ordinance as the Master gave and enjoined it.”
The Telescope (United Brethren) adds:
“The primitive church, without doubt, did baptize by immersion; but what ‘scholarship’ ever dreamed of a dry immersion being what ‘the Master gave it?’ This rubber covering to keep the good folks dry was not enjoined by the Master.”
The Telescope’s hit at “dry immersion” is a fair one; but, according to its own confession, it is nearer right than its own practice. But this dry immersion is, to say the least, decidedly lackadaisical—Voice of the West.

Jackson Co. Minn

By C. C. Van Doren

From Bro. Van Doren.

BRO. SMITH: I feel very thankful to my God that he ever brought me to a true knowledge of the fourth commandment. Since I first sought an interest in the blood of Christ, I have ever made it a point to obey him, and now, in accordance with this principle, I have commenced the keeping of all God's commandments; and in view of my endeavors, and as he has promised, I look for strength from on high. I feel truly that I am in Egypt. My wife and self have never been baptized. We believe that Mark xvi, 15–18, applies to the whole Christian era. We want to be baptized. The world looks dark, but his will, not mine, be done, is ever my prayer. Feeling my own weakness, I ask your advice.
Yours in hope. C. C. VAN DOREN.

Jackson Co. Minn

[Apply to a minister in your Conference.—Ed.]

DON'T FORGET THE PRIZE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

WHAT is the matter with you, my brethren, that you look so sad and gloomy; why so discouraged? Why no more zeal, life, and energy? I do not hear you praising God. You sing no cheerful hymns. Tell us the reason of all this. Ah! all discouraged are you? Don't know as you can be a Christian; don't know as you can ever overcome. Almost a mind to stop trying, and give up the conflict. Yes, yes. But how comes this? Let me suggest the cause: Instead of looking up, Luke xxi, 28, you have been looking down; instead of looking at the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” 2 Cor. iv, 17, you have been brooding over the “light affliction which is but for a moment;” instead of “rejoicing in hope of the glory of God,” Rom. v, 2, you have been mourning over your trials; instead of having your “conversation in Heaven,” Phil. iii, 20, it has been on things of the world; instead of “casting all your care upon him,” 1 Pet. v, 7, you have been carrying this burden all alone; instead of meditating upon “the joy that is set before you,” Heb. xii, 2, you have been murmuring about the hardness of the way. Now, my brother, you are having a very hard time, and making the yoke of Christ a yoke of bondage. These things ought not so to be. Change the current of your thoughts entirely. Instead of dwelling upon your hardships, trials, weaknesses, and this cold, dark world, look up, and let your mind continually feast upon the heavenly prize for which you are contending. Think of the beautiful tree of life with rich, immortal fruit; think of the river of life with its clear, sparkling water; think of the many mansions all prepared for the saints of God who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice; think of the angels of God, so holy, and happy, and lovely; think of the blessed Jesus and how good it will be to be with him; think of God and the many glorious promises he has made to you. Let your mind dwell upon these things with all the joys that there will be in the eternal ages for the child of God. Keep these before your mind, feast upon them. It will give you new life and courage, and quickly dispel all this gloom and darkness.
See that hired man there in the harvest field. See him toiling in the hot sun; see the sweat dropping from his face; see how weary he is; yet he toils on willingly and cheerfully, day after day and week after week. Why is this? Why does he not stop working and lie down in the shade? Because he has his mind on the prize,—his wages. My brother, when the journey to the kingdom looks long, and hard, and difficult, then let faith and hope reach ahead and taste a morsel of the feast waiting at the end of the journey. Then cheer up, thank God, and take courage.
“The road may be rough, but it cannot be long, I’ll smooth it with hope, and I’ll cheer it with song.”
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Washington, N. H.

MARY FRANCIS

By Mary Francis

From St. Francis.

BRO. SMITH: I have been many times cheered with the letters through the REVIEW, from the dear brethren and sisters, but this is the first time I have ever attempted to write. I have always felt myself too unworthy to attempt to speak in such a good and glorious cause, but I see and feel that there is no time for standing still. When I consider my past time, I feel solemn to think how cold-hearted I have lived in the sight of my Heavenly Father, and before my friends and neighbours. I feel like asking forgiveness for my unfaithfulness. I want to live in more humble obedience to the Lord than I ever have done.
I am thankful for the health reform, and I feel that only by self-denial can I live it out. I want to overcome my sinful nature and try to be ready for the coming of our Lord and master when he appears in the clouds of heaven. I want to be with his chosen ones. Pray for me, that I may be an overcomer.
Yours, in hope.

MARY FRANCIS

Licking Co., Ohio.

Van Buren Co., Mich

By S. H. Bonfoey

From Sr. Bonfoey.

DEAR BRETHREN: The last package of books, cards, &c., came safely and in due season; are all perused by self, and quite a number scattered among my friends. My hungry soul would fain grasp much more, but I doubt not the Lord will supply me as fast as he sees it is for my good. Oh, who that once turns their attention thereto can doubt the truth of this message. I would not leave the standard of truth for any earthly friend. The Saviour is more precious than these. Have I not left them all for Jesus' sake, and will he not fulfill his promise made to such? I have no doubt he will if I but follow him, yet how hard to leave them behind. I have thought not one is so stubborn as myself; when the Lord opens their eyes as he did mine, they must see. O Lord, keep me close to the blessed Saviour, that his light may be reflected on his follower, that others may see and be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.
My heart is still full, and I must mention Testimony No. 15. Those personal ones must have been written for my profit; at least the Lord helps me to profit by them. It is the Lord's doings, and marvelous in our eyes.
Yours, hoping to overcome,             S. H. BONFOEY.

Van Buren Co., Mich

A Testimony of Faith and Obedience

By Mary Holton

From Sr. Holton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I take the privilege, for the first time, of writing a few lines for the REVIEW. As I have been encouraged a great many times when reading the testimonies of those of like precious faith, I have often thought, if I had the talents that some have, I would write often for the encouragement of those of my brethren and sisters who are striving to make Heaven their home; but I feel my unworthiness and incompetency for the task, and if I were not deeply impressed that it is my duty to say something in favor of this great cause in which I have enlisted, I would excuse myself by saying, Let those write who can do so better than I. But I know that I have a work to do, and it is only the willing and obedient that shall inherit eternal life, and I want to be one of that number.
It has been two years since I heard the present truth, and about eighteen months since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I can truly say that it has been the happiest part of my life; for I had never been a professor of religion, and had never read the Bible as much as I ought to, as I could not understand it. But God, in his kind providence, sent his servants here (Brs. Lawrence and Van Horn,) and I attended their meetings, and was convicted of my duty to become a Christian. I thank my Heavenly Father to-day for the hope I have of a home in his kingdom, and that he gave me a disposition to obey the teachings of his Holy Spirit; and my daily prayer is that I may ever walk in that narrow path that leads to eternal life. When I look back on my past life of sin and disobedience, I feel to say, Truly God has been merciful to me in the midst of deserved wrath; he has dealt kindly with me in sparing my life and giving me health and so many blessings when I was so ungrateful to him. But with his Holy Spirit to lead and guide me, I will devote the remainder of my life to his cause; yes, I will strive to form a character that will be faultless when the Saviour comes, though I feel that I have a great many imperfections to overcome. But I believe if we put our trust in God, that his grace is sufficient for us; for we read in his holy word that he will never leave nor forsake those that put their trust in him. What a blessed promise! In view of this, with our heavenly Master's spirit to lead us, we can overcome all things. Christian friends, I believe that time is short, and if we want to obtain a home in the earth made new, we must pray, and exercise faith in God's word, and keep his commandments and the faith of Jesus.
The little company in this place is still striving to overcome, although the enemy is around us on every side. We, in this place, have had, and still have, a great many things to contend with that are calculated to hinder our progress in divine life, but may God help us to stand firm and do our duty as best we can. How hard the servants of God have labored for us here! May we ever realize how good the Lord is to us. Pray for us, that we may overcome.
Yours striving for eternal life, MARY HOLTON. Richland Co., Ohio.

MARIA JOHNSON

By Maria Johnson

From Sr. Johnson.

BRO. SMITH: I would dearly love to meet with the people of God, and take my little ones to the house of worship on his holy day; but this is not my privilege to enjoy. And while thinking of these things, I came to the conclusion, that although I still “walk a lonely pilgrim here,” with none of like precious faith near me, except my own dear children, who (blessed be God!) do appear to love the Sabbath, I might spend a portion of this beautiful Sabbath afternoon in testifying of the goodness of our Father in Heaven to me and mine. And although not yet free from pain in my head, as it has not yet been my privilege fully to live out the health reform, and although I might plead that I am unaccustomed to writing, yet when I remember what a peculiarly soothing and encouraging influence those letters which I have seen in the REVIEW from lone ones and others who appear to appreciate the trying circumstances of such, have had upon me, I feel that I am left without excuse, because I can write that I love God, his dear Son, his precious truth, and his dear people; and that with this testimony it is not only my privilege, but my duty, to seek to edify my beloved brethren and sisters scattered throughout the land, at least once a year. Last summer I told you that my face was set for glory, and to-day my testimony is still the same, with this addition, that I am stronger in the truth, and the day of the appearing of our lovely and long-looked-for Saviour seems a little nearer. My longing desires are increasing for a deeper draught of the well of salvation; for the advancement of this glorious cause of present truth, that I have so truly loved for nearly twelve years; for the salvation of my family and all others within the reach of my influence; and for health of body and mind, that I may be fully restored to usefulness in my family and society, and thus honor the cause I love. I wish to appreciate the importance and solemnity of this last call of mercy, and seek the salvation of souls and the glory of God, by a more holy and consistent life. Oh! when shall I fully awake to a realizing sense of the dread solemnity of this judgment hour. I am glad to see that the messengers are again in the field, especially those worn servants, Bro. and Sr. White. I was truly glad to see a few lines in the REVIEW, from Sr. Stacy, of Hancock Co., Ohio, with whom I parted last spring; and it is my daily prayer that although she appears to be left alone, she may be upheld by the mighty power of God.
He has seen fit, in his wisdom and mercy, to bless us with a home in this county, and although I walk alone at present, I hope he has a people here who will yet see and obey the present truth.

MARIA JOHNSON

Marshall Co., Ind., May 30.

L. C. TOLHURST

By L. C. Tolhurst

From Sr. Tolhurst.

BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN OHIO: Are we getting ready to receive the blessing? Bro. and Sr. White are coming into this State to do us good. Is there anything to be done on our part? or are the sacrifice, work, burden and care, all to fall upon them? Some of us may feel that we cannot go, and thus settle down contented, thinking that there is nothing for us, and that the blessing will rest upon the few who may make the effort to go.
I don't know as I can go, but I am going to make my arrangements to go; if obstacles arise which I cannot control, I will submit; at the same time shall do all that I can to help and urge others to go. The blessing will come, and those that go, and go with that expectation will be blessed; those that stay at home after making reasonable effort, with the desire to go, will not be left without a blessing. Is it not our duty to make an effort, especially the scattered and lonely ones? If some of us have to make quite a sacrifice, what will it be compared with the benefit we might receive to help us in the work of overcoming? It will be encouraging for the scattered ones, who feel lonely and unacquainted, to meet together and behold each other face to face. As we separate and go home, many, I doubt not, will feel less lonely than ever before, from the fact that they know their brethren and sisters in the same State; thus we can all be better prepared to help bear one another's burdens, become mutual helps to each other. Let us make an effort to come together, bringing all the tithes into the storehouse. May the Spirit of the Lord help us all to know ourselves, that we may find the position he would have us occupy, however humble it may be.
Your sister, desiring eternal life,

L. C. TOLHURST

Columbia, Ohio.

Striving to Keep God’s Commandments

By Lucinda Richer

From Sr. Richer.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS in the Lord: I want to say through the REVIEW, that I am striving to keep all God's commandments, that I may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. I wish to be an humble follower of Jesus, and live in a way that he will approve of my course. My prayer to God is, that I may set an example before all with whom I associate, that will be worthy of imitation. But I am such a weak and feeble creature; “When I would do good evil is present with me;” but I am trying to overcome the world and the Devil. Yet I find it is as the poet expresses it,
“But of all the foes we meet, None so apt to turn our feet, None betray us into sin, Like the foes we have within.”
I feel thankful for the light that is shining on God's holy word. The Bible does not seem like the same book to me. I have read it through this year, had read it through once before, but did not understand it, and thought it was not to be understood; for if anything was said about it the answer would be, it is sealed, we are not to know anything about it. But I have found it different.
I find by reading the REVIEW there are a great many lonely ones, like myself; but let us take courage and trust in God and we may have our companions go with us, for there is nothing impossible with God. Oh! how I sigh to meet with the people of my choice! but three of us, sisters, meet and try to worship God. I pray the Lord to give me a place with the remnant when these fleeting things are passed away. I ask an interest in your prayers. LUClNDA RICHER.
Lenawee Co., Mich.

Overcoming Evil Appetites

By Julia E. Green

From Sr. Green.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often thought of writing for the REVIEW; but I have been kept from it, through the fear of man, or that this or that one would read it, and by a feeling that I was unworthy to take up space in our much-loved paper. I feel that I am indeed the least among God's people, and often think the cause would be better off without me; and thoughts like these will force themselves upon me: “You are so prone to sin that you had better give up; for you are a stumbling-block in the way of others.” Give up! give up what? Give up the peace and joy I have in trying to obey God? Give up all hope of overcoming and sharing in the glories of the kingdom? No, no; I cannot do that. I feel that for me it is better to live near God, and overcome my evil ways, even though I lose the reward at last.
I feel very thankful that I had the privilege of attending the Wisconsin and Illinois Conference on Sabbath and first-day. At that time my mind was clouded, and I did not enjoy the meeting as I would have liked to; yet I was enabled to gather up and bring home enough of the principles set forth to give a new impetus to my spiritual life, which I pray I may never lose. The idea that we are too easily satisfied with our divine life, is very true. It has been so with me. I hope I may never feel satisfied again, until I arrive in glory.
I believe the health reform is just what we need, and I want to overcome my evil appetites and habits, that I may be prepared to stand amid the troubles of the last days. I am striving to get all upon the altar; and I trust God to assist me, that I may be prepared to stand upon Mt. Zion, and sing the song of redemption. JULIA E. GREEN. Jefferson Co., Wis.
Continue reading: Prayer for Isolated Believers