I HAVE been much interested and pleased with the review of the Iowa position on the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii. I have, of course, been somewhat acquainted with the opinions of commentators on that chapter, formed before the rise of the Advent messages and the developments of the present generation. No one acquainted with the Advent cause can deny that much light has arisen on the fulfillment of prophecy since the commencement of the labors of William Miller; and the remarkable spread of Spiritualism, with its falsities and wonders has greatly aided in fixing the location of some most interesting portions of the book of Revelation. Opinions formed before the rise of this light on the fulfillment of prophecy and of these manifestations of modern Necromancy, could only be conjectural, while with these before us we may reduce our views to a certainty.
It is worthy of continual note that the first and second messages of Rev. xiv, refer to no fact connected with the miracles of chap. xiii, but the third message is based upon these very facts; showing that whatever these miracles are or were, they have their rise after the two first messages, and during the third. But it is also a fact that the “fire of wrath” (!) came on the defenseless Christians mostly before it is claimed the two first messages were given; and after the Reformation fairly commenced, this singularly miraculous “fire of wrath” speedily abated.
With our views of the two-horned beast, there is a remarkable harmony between all parts of the prophecy and its fulfillment, so far as it is fulfilled or being fulfilled. The Adventists professed to give the message of Rev. xiv, 6, 7; they claimed that scripture as the “leading advent proclamation,” and the “main branch of our [their] specific work.” After the passing of the time, on which this message was based, the second was given, and soon arose the miraculous wonders of Spiritualism to which the present message stands related.
Without any thought of adding to the argument of the review, I refer to these facts as the ground of my surprise that any Advent believer should, at this day, re-vamp these old conjectures and pass them off for light on the prophecies! I greatly fear that prejudice has had more to do with the establishment of that theory in Iowa, than reason.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
At Burr Oak I stayed four weeks and held thirty-one meetings. The interest to hear has been good all through. The Lord blessed such as desired to be blessed, and sealed truth on their hearts.
But when souls awakened from their slumber, and began to prepare to meet the coming Saviour, the enemy also, aroused. A noted Spiritualist doctor came to meeting, and challenged for discussion. We knew92him not, but soon understood by his speech who he was. He hated Moses, and the God of Moses he despised. We thought there was no call for a discussion and declined. But he was persevering in his efforts. A few evenings after he sent word and gave out appointments for lectures to begin as soon as my appointments ran out. The community called for reply, and we concluded this was duty.
Doctor Minor is a man of considerable ability. He has been a public lecturer for many years. He has great physical and mental power, and an easy flow of language. His wife is a Medium (he has abandoned his former wife, having greater affinity for this one), and some said that he was also. We do not doubt that evil spirits tried their best to assist him. He is very bold, and knows no blush. He also seemed to be well versed in bringing all the influence of the mind to bear on other minds, and he could easily move a congregation. The first evening he spoke two hours with great freedom, throwing out all the infidel objections against the Bible that he could get room for. I sat in a corner taking notes. The house was very much crowded. Sometimes he would appeal to me personally. I never answered him a word, but kept perfectly quiet. We came to the meeting, and so did the brethren and sisters, praying that Israel’s God would stand by us.
When he got through he gave opportunity for remarks, and again tried to draw me into a discussion. I got up and gave notice that I would review him next day. For about fifteen minutes he tried hard to draw me out. He would rub his brains, stand up, talk, sit down again, flatter and deceive, but all in vain. I told him my word was a word.
Next day I reviewed him, and answered every one of his objections; also disclosed his miserable theories, which he called pure and consistent. How he railed and mocked at the Bible, and blasphemed the God of Israel! But he showed where his affinity was, for he called the Canaanites a peaceable people, and God cruel because he would destroy them. We showed from Lev. xviii, 20–24, and Deut. xviii, 9–12, what kind of people the doctor called good. Also his many misrepresentations of the Bible. We told him to bring the Bible next time and tell us where such things could be found, and not appear before the people as a miserable slanderer. He tried his tricks and mesmerism in vain. We never for a moment felt his influence, but had perfect freedom; while he felt the crushing weight of public opinion turning against him. He hung down his head and tried in vain to take notes.
At his second lecture he brought a Bible. He made a feeble effort to meet a few of my statements, but seemed to have no influence on the congregation. He would excuse himself, flatter, and try to get up a little steam again; but I never saw a man more bewildered than was the doctor that evening. He tried to talk for two hours and a half, but he would wander from one thing to another, and never carry a point. He would take up ideas and before he was half through he would forget what he was talking about. He could not find a single text in the Bible, although he had turned down the corners and had notes besides. He often said he would talk on such a subject, but before he got round to it he would change his mind. No one in the congregation knew what he made out. He, of course, tried to show that man had an immortal soul. His strongest proof on this point seemed to be an experiment he once made with a cabbagehead. Boiling it down and cooking it up carefully it turned into maggots. This proved that there was life in everything, which could not be extinguished. Truly, good angels helped the people of God and shielded them against the enemy.
Next evening we had a complete victory, and his influence with the moral part of the community is destroyed. We showed in his two lectures five untruths, fourteen blunders, and sixteen false statements. Goliath appeared before the congregation like a little school-boy that had not half learned his lesson. But if he had had the power in his hands I doubt not that he would have taken my life. Our trust is in God. He will keep us to the end. The truth looks good. It stands firm. Blessed be God for the light that shines on our pathway.
The next day we had a good meeting as we took our leave of the brethren. Eleven determined to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and go with the remnant to the kingdom. A Bible Class and weekly prayer-meeting were started. May God bless his children here, and help them to live up to every known duty; then more light will shine on our pathway until we shall meet in the kingdom of God and be with Jesus forever.
May the Lord also bless the dear brethren who live in that vicinity. Be not weary in well doing. God has heard your prayers and answered in some measure. He also will continue to lead on in the good work begun. Continue to plead with God, especially in behalf of your children. Try to get into full union and harmony with all who love the message. Remove difficulties from among yourselves, and the love of God will prevail, and you will experience more of the blessing of God at home and in meeting. I heartily thank you for your kindness to me, and for your prayers in my behalf.
January 5 and 6 we attended Quarterly Meeting at Poy Sippi. A number went with us from Burr Oak. We had good meetings there. Two joined the church, three were baptized, and several started to serve the Lord. The last social meeting they said was the best meeting they ever had. The power of God was felt and moved upon the hearts. May the dear brethren and sisters here ever be found united, watching and praying, till the bridegroom appears.
I am now at home once more after an absence of about three months. I bless the Lord for his kind preservation. My health is such that I cannot attend to the many urging calls that come from all sides. I must rest awhile; hence I hope my brethren will excuse me. I intend now to labor on a Danish work on immortality. When that is done, the Lord willing, I will try to be ready to again enter the field.
Yours in hope.
JOHN MATTESON.
Ft. Atkinson, Wis., Jan. 15, 1867.
Report from Ohio.
By I. D. VAN HORN
On Thursday, Dec. 27, I left Cleveland for Geneva. On arriving there I found things, as far as the present truth is concerned, in a distracted condition. A spirit of debate and strife exists among those who profess to keep the commandments of God. A kind of Sabbath-keeping-Mormonism is the leading principle among them which is not current among Seventh-day Adventists. There are four or five who are sincerely trying to carry out present truth. I gave five discourses to the edification of those who love the truth, but it was not so well received by the Mormon element.
We left them about as we found them, not being able in the limited time we had to effect much change. We would say to those who love the truth, to continue faithful in your efforts to serve the Lord, that you may pass safely through the perils of the last days, and at last receive eternal life.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, I went to Orwell. Here I found the state of things entirely different, though they were not free from trouble, and Bro. Hutchinson, their elder, having moved to Geneva, left them in an unsettled condition. I labored here nearly a week, giving them ten discourses. All their wrongs were righted, and Bro. Chinnock was unanimously elected, and ordained elder.
When harmony was restored, the blessing of the Lord came upon us, and we all felt strengthened to persevere in the narrow way to life. On the Sabbath we had a free and happy time in presenting the Bible view of health to this church, and they resolved to take a new step in the way of reform. They have made some progress in this direction already, and they see that the Lord has blessed their efforts thus far. Truly, the hand of the Lord is in the work of reform among us as a people. This step must be taken by all lovers of present truth, in order that they may successfully pass through the dangers of the last days.
I left Orwell Jan. 9, and came to Cleveland where I staid over night with Bro. Sweet. His wife had recovered from her sickness, and was able to do her own work. I found them cheerful and happy in the Lord.
Last Sabbath I was with our friends at Bellville. I was glad to find them still progressing in the truth, and have hopes that they will prove faithful till the Lord comes.
Last Sunday I enjoyed a free time at Fredericktown. A few here still love the truth, and they are trying to make sure work for the Kingdom. I joined with Bro. Lawrence in his meeting in this place last Monday. We found a good interest to hear the truth manifested by the people. May the Lord bless the effort that is being made here to the salvation of many. Pray for us, that we may be prospered in the work of the Lord.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Appleton, O., Jan. 17, 1867.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
—By the devastations of the rinderpest in the Netherlands, 50,000 animals died and 21,500 had to be killed. Exportation to other countries has entirely ceased.
—In the impeachment matter the Judiciary Committee is moving with great caution, and there are no indications yet of their reporting any bill on the subject.
—Some of the Christians of Washington sadly need reconstructing. At a Sabbath-school meeting in the Fourth Presbyterian church, Sunday evening, Samuel McKee, member of Congress from Kentucky, was speaking to the school and the teachers, and made an incidental allusion of a kind nature to the colored Sabbath-school of the Fifteenth street Presbyterian church, of which Rev. Highland Garnett was lately pastor. A storm of coughs, sneezes and hisses immediately broke out, and was continued until Col. McKee left the pulpit.
In his New Year’s speech to the Diplomatic Corps, Louis Napoleon expressed the hope that “we are entering upon a new era of peace and conciliation.” The disappointment of the Imperial hopes in Italy, Mexico, Germany, and elsewhere, has, of late, considerably diminished the importance which used to be attached to Napoleon’s sayings on New Year’s day, and people are troubling themselves less about the apparent, the hidden, and the real meaning of his words.
The English papers give accounts from all parts of the country, of great storms, floods, shipwrecks and deaths from cold and starvation.
The Assassination Mania.—It has been often remarked that a crime of unusual portent, especially when aimed at some very prominent individual, is sure to find numerous imitators. Thus the assassination of President Lincoln was followed by a somewhat similar attack upon the Czar of Russia; more recently, President Prado of Peru was the recipient of an infernal machine which, had it exploded as was intended, would have ended his life; and President Mosquera, of Columbia, has sent in his resignation, on the ground that while he is in office his life is in constant danger; and now we have to add the reported attempt to assassinate the emperor of the French.
Out of Work.—The New York Post says, ‘Of ship-makers, ship-black-smiths, ship-plumbers, ship-joiners, ship-painters, riggers, caulkers, spar-makers, sail-makers, boat-builders, marine-machinists, boiler-makers, we have ascertained that not less than fifteen thousand men are out of steady work.’ The New York Times states that more than 20,000 girls and women in that city are also out of employ. Much suffering is anticipated.
A very active movement has been recently set on foot in England, in favor of allowing the laboring classes an opportunity to enjoy themselves at cricket and other athletic sports on Sunday afternoon, after the morning has been spent at church. The movement is headed by Archdeacon Dennison, and supported by a goodly number of people of religious standing.
The State of Europe.
The two great questions which are at present engaging the attention of the European statesmen are slowly but steadily approaching their final solution. In Turkey, the resistance of the Christian population to the brutish despotism of the Turks, has, since the beginning of the new year, largely gained in dimension and strength. It is no longer Crete alone which is in arms. The smaller islands in the Mediterranean have followed the example set by their larger sister, and united to chase the Turks from the sea. The province of Thessaly, which borders upon Greece, is likewise in full insurrection, and furnishes a convenient rendezvous for the great number of Greek youth who can no longer restrain their warlike patriotism. In Greece, the people, with an astonishing unanimity, are bringing an irresistible pressure to bear upon the Government in behalf of an open support of their kindred and co-religionists in the Turkish provinces. The schemes of the Servians in Northern Turkey, who93are the most warlike of all the Christian tribes, and who constitute the bulk of the population in the Provinces of Servia, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro, are still more ominous than the movement of the Greeks in the South, and the impending outbreak in Bosnia, may, therefore, give to the Turks, in a few weeks, more trouble than the Cretan insurrection has done during the past eight months. Russia is quietly but firmly maturing her policy for the rapidly-approaching crisis, while England and France irresolutely confine themselves to a declaration that they will not interfere as long as Russia remains neutral. A European Conference, which is now much talked of, would be no more successful than was the late London Conference for the settlement of the Schleswig-Holstein difficulty. According to present appearances, the establishment of one or two Christian empires upon the ruins of the Mohammedan power in European Turkey is an event not far remote.
In Rome, the people are quietly awaiting the call of the “Committee of Action.” That this call will ere long be issued, and that it will be complied with by nearly the whole population of the Papal dominions, cannot be doubted. The Papal Government, in the meanwhile, by new acts of intolerance against the foreign Protestant residents, and by its obstinate refusal to manifest a conciliatory spirit toward the Government of Italy, notwithstanding all the advances made by the latter, seems to be anxious to destroy the last remainder of sympathy that may yet be felt with it as a temporal power.
Germany is preparing for the meeting of the first North German Parliament. We have, as yet, no official accounts of the proceedings of the Plenipotentiaries assembled in Berlin. What has become known of the Prussian draft of a new German Constitution, meets with considerable opposition, but at the same time the conviction prevails generally that more or less unpopular provisions will hardly weaken the impulse which the meeting of a Parliament, elected by universal suffrage, will give to the national unity movement. The idea of a South German Confederation has been altogether abandoned, and with Baden and Bavaria looking avowedly toward a confederative re-union with Prussia, Wertemberg alone can not stay out.
The embarrassments of the Austrian Government are in nowise lessened. The Hungarian Diet, has, by an almost unanimous vote, adopted a declaration against the new military law of Austria, and the breach between Hungary and Austria is therefore as wide as ever. The new Reichsrath, which the Government has ordered to be elected and to be convoked within a few weeks, will only tend to make the conflict more apparent, for the differences between the several nationalities are still greater than those between the Government of Austria and the Magyars. Though trouble may not be so imminent as in Turkey and Rome, it is fully as sure to come at the proper time.
France has sent out the last vessel of the squadron that is to bring back the expeditionary force from Mexico. It appears to be certain that the Government will so far yield to the popular dissatisfaction with the new plan for re-organizing the army as to introduce important modifications. There is a strong current of popular opinion that the military force of France is ample for defensive purposes, and that it cannot be made sufficiently powerful for aggression.
The Fenian movement in Ireland is for the present entirely suppressed. The reform agitation in England, on the other hand, is gaining strength, though it appears doubtful whether it will soon lead to any practical result.—N. Y. Tribune.
Interesting European Statistics.
MACMILLIAN & CO., the London publishers, in announcing the “Statesman’s Year Book” for 1867, make an interesting comparison of the state of Europe in 1817 and in 1867:—The half century has extinguished three kingdoms, one grand duchy, eight duchies, four principalities, one electorate, and four republics. Three new kingdoms have arisen, and one kingdom has been transformed into an empire. There are now forty-one states in Europe, against fifty-nine which existed in 1817. It may be remarked that the nineteen grand dukes and dukes and princes of 1867 will be much less ducal and princely (thanks to one Bismark) than the thirty-two who ruled in 1817. Not less remarkable is the territorial extension of the superior states of the world. Russia has annexed 567,364 square miles; the United States, 1,968,009; France, 4,620; Prussia, 29,781. Sardinia, expanding into Italy, has increased by 83,041. The Indian Empire has been augmented by 431,616. The principal states that have lost territory are Turkey, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
A Dark Picture.
THE apostle Paul, prophetically describing “the last days,” assures us that men will be “without natural affection,” and “without self-control,” or “incontinent.” 2 Tim. iii, 1–3. The following picture, drawn by the N. Y. Express, of the moral condition of one of the great cities of Christendom, has some striking points of resemblance to the prophecy. Read and ponder.—Advent Herald.
Divorces are getting frightfully common in this country; and in order to add to their numbers, a bill making habitual drunkenness for two years a sufficient cause of divorce, has passed the Vermont Legislature. The decrees for divorce within a few days, in this city, make an aggregate of seventeen absolute divorces, on the ground of unfaithfulness, and four judgments of separation from bed and board, on account of cruelty, inhuman treatment, neglect, &c., on the part of the husbands. The number of similar cases pending in the different courts of this city at the present time, is between seven and eight hundred. Facts like these tell terribly upon the condition of society, and especially against very early marriages, which are often the fruits of mutual dissatisfaction and disgust, and end in separation and divorce. To separate by law, for life, man and wife for drunkenness, when a woman deliberately takes a drunken man for her husband, is but paying a high premium for crime, and adding to the original offence.
“Wars and Rumors of Wars.”
All Europe Likely Soon to Become Involved in the “Eastern Question”—Progress of Popular Freedom—Threatened Destruction of Turkey.
The cable announcement that the Turks have made a levy of 150,000 troops to suppress the Greek revolt, confirms the previous news that the insurrection of the Greek subjects of Turkey, which began in Crete, was spreading, and had broken out in several of the insular dependencies in the Archipelago, as well as in Thessaly. In fact the whole of the Greek subjects of the Sultan, as well as the population of the Greek kingdom itself, are thoroughly excited and aroused by their sympathy with the struggling Cretans, and it seems impossible to restrain them longer from taking part in the war against the Turk.
But it is not only in the Greek portions of the Turkish Empire that the spirit of revolution is rife. We have a dispatch that an insurrection is on the point of breaking out in the Province of Bosnia; and we learn by the latest mails from Europe that Roumania and Servia are preparing for the opportunity—which the present insurrectionary movements will give them—to shake off the last shadow of allegiance to the power that rules at Constantinople. In fact, in every part of European Turkey, and among all its Christian peoples, Sclavonian as well as Hellenic, there is an agitation which is too profound, and has already gone too far, and covers too much surface, to have any other ending than in such a war as will break down and smash up the tottering Turkish Empire. It is assuredly a critical time for the Turk—the most critical he has seen during all the centuries of his encampment in Europe.
The vital question, however, in the whole matter, is as to the action of the great European Powers. England and France have long been trying to stave off and postpone this terrible and intricate “Eastern Question,” which is ever looming up ominously and ever threatening to come to a crisis, and which they declare is certain to involve Europe in a general war. The Crimea settled nothing. It was merely a war of postponement. The issue is now assuming a form which will not much longer permit of this style of treatment.
Turkey has broken off diplomatic relations with the kingdom of Greece, and the ambassador has been recalled from Athens. The Greeks, on their part, are actively continuing their assistance to their revolutionary brethren in Crete, and the Cretans are reported to have received from Greece large numbers of military reinforcements, with fresh supplies of arms. This rupture, which, unless prevented by outside force, will result in open hostilities between the two governments, necessitates the interference of the Great Powers. Neither Greece nor Turkey have been permitted to exist for their own convenience, but for the convenience of Western Europe; and the fundamental condition of their existence is, that they maintain the peace between themselves. If they fail to do this—if they create an opportunity for Russian aggrandizement—they fail in the purpose for which one was called into existence and the other protected. The next thing is for their masters to take them in charge.
The Russian feeling, the Russian interest, and the Russian designs, in regard to this Eastern question, never have been, and are not now, in any way concealed. We learn by the cable that the Czar and the Imperial family have just given their countenance and their presence at a ball, in aid of the suffering families of the insurrectionary Cretans, and this is an incident which will not be without effect upon the revolt itself, and will be construed as of the utmost significance throughout Europe. It has been the common accusation in the Journals of England and France, since the beginning of the present Cretan difficulties, that they were stimulated by Russian emissaries, in the interest of Russia; and the Czar was only waiting the opportune moment in the progress of this affair, when the condition of Turkey should be such that he could at last carry out his designs upon Constantinople. He will not have to wait long for a pretext, if in addition to the Greeks the Sclavonic population in the North has also risen in arms against their Turkish masters.
The sympathies of the Liberals of Continental Europe, and also of England, are with the Greeks. Representative men, like Mazzini and Victor Hugo, have spoken eloquently in their behalf, and it is reported that Garibaldi has carried out the purpose which he had previously announced of going to aid the people of Candia.
It is impossible yet to foresee the precise course of the Governments of England and France. Of course, should Russia prematurely take a hand in the affair, the policy of the Governments just mentioned will very soon be apparent. They will, from necessity, combine to restrain the ambitious designs of the Czar, as they did twelve years ago; and both Russia and the Western powers will attempt to form the best combinations possible with Austria and Prussia; for in the present condition of European affairs, the Turkish question cannot be settled without the active interference of these two Governments. Austria has purposes of her own to accomplish on the Danube, and Prussia has ends to serve, for which this would be her best opportunity.
But if, as is likely, England and France have the first word in this matter between Turkey and Greece, they will doubtless make the most strenuous efforts to secure peace, and once more postpone the Eastern question. Upon any principle other than that of temporary expediency—which is no principle at all—it is certainly impossible to see how these Powers can take any further steps for supporting this wretched farce and wretched despotism, the Turkish empire. They know it is doomed, and they might as well make preparations at once for the new order of things—the new arrangement of nationalities that must follow it. Bitterly opposed as they are to Russian aggrandizement, it goes altogether against the Christianity of England to support the Mahometan power over a great Christian population; and it is impossible to see how France, which, with Napoleon at its head, supports so strongly the doctrine of “united nationalities,” can take part in suppressing the aspirations of the Greeks.
The English press is calling for a European Conference to settle the question.—N. Y. Times.
Sabbath Work in Maine
By Abram Barnes
From Bro. Barnes.
I HAVE just returned from Clinton, Maine, where I have been holding a few meetings. I came to this place Jan. 21, and have stopped about twenty days. Have given fifteen lectures and had four social meetings. A good work has been going on notwithstanding the opposition that has been arrayed against the truth. The Spirit of God has convicted the honest in94heart, and they feel that these solemn truths must be obeyed. Five have come out and embraced the Sabbath of the Lord. A number more say they are convinced that they ought to keep it, but are waiting for more strength. There are now ten Sabbath-keepers here. They have established a regular Sabbath meeting, &c. I got three subscribers for the Instructor.
I closed the meetings in this place with a good degree of satisfaction. I hope to see all the honest in heart join the commandment keepers and go to the city of God.
ABRAM BARNES.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
L. BARTHOLOMEW
By L. Bartholomew
From Bro. Bartholomew.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We are commanded to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching; and just as fast as that day approaches, so the time hastens when he that is holy will be so, and he that is filthy, or unholy, will so remain. Now brethren and sisters, when I see so many of you slow to take hold of the Health Reform, and try to present your bodies holy and acceptable unto the Lord, I fear that many of you will be found a little behind when intercession is over. O brethren, take heed to yourselves, that you be not “overcharged with surfeiting and the cares of this life,” so that that day will overtake you unawares.
I feel astonished that there are so many that take the Review who have not yet subscribed for the Health Reformer. If we all could realize the benefit to be derived from reading that paper, we should not delay another moment to subscribe for it.
Please bear with my exhortation, and let me say a word in regard to my experience. For two years past I have tried as best I could to live in accordance with the method of living as recommended in the Review. As soon as the first No. of “How to Live” was printed, I sent for it; and in reading that series of tracts, and trying to put in practice the instructions which our leaders have set before us, I would not be deprived to-day of the small amount of knowledge I have gained by so doing, for $1,000. Now brethren and sisters, why not have more confidence in this work? You say you do, perhaps. Then why not send and get How to Live, and the Reformer, and post up on the Health Reform, so as to be prepared to make proper changes from error to the true mode of living.
In conclusion let me say, If we want the Lord to help us, we must help ourselves to such means as he has placed in our reach. If this work is of the Lord, and doubtless we all believe it is, we should not be content with a good theory of present truth, but also have a true knowledge of ourselves, and how to live, and take care of our bodies, that we may be prepared to live out present truth, and purify our hearts by obeying it.
In much love, yours striving for the whole truth.
L. BARTHOLOMEW
Pleasant Grove, Minn.
THOMAS BROWN
By Thomas Brown
From Bro. Brown.
BRO. SMITH: I wish to contribute my testimony in favor of the great truths that are gathering out a people who are united in keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.
About sixteen years ago, while living East, through the labors of first-day Adventists, I and my companion were led to give our hearts to the Lord, and to wait for his Son from Heaven. Since that time the Lord has led us in a way we knew not of. We came West some thirteen years ago, and not having any of like faith to worship with, we tried to avail ourselves of such means of grace as we could find in the nominal churches, together with the Bible, the Advent Herald, and kindred publications. The Lord led us through many trials, enabling us during the time to cherish the blessed hope to cheer us on our earthly pilgrimage.
God, in goodness, some nine years ago, permitted us to hear a few discourses on the Sabbath and kindred truths, from Bro. Ingraham and Sanborn, which caused in us an inquiry on those subjects. And five years ago, Bro. Ingraham came to our place and delivered a course of lectures, which were, through the blessing of God, the means of bringing us out to embrace the glorious truths of the third angel's message. I have found by the experience of these five years, that these are just what we want to prepare us for the perils of the last days, and fit us up for translation into the kingdom of God's dear Son.
In conclusion I would say to those of like precious faith, Cheer up; and also, Wake up. Let us come behind in none of the Christian graces, ever remembering that we have a personal work to do.
THOMAS BROWN
McConnell's Grove, Ill.
Obituary Notices.
By M. B. FERREE; E. G. RUST
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Rev. xiv, 13.
DIED, in Lexington, Mo., Dec. 31, 1866, my brother, John Ferree, aged 54 years 11 months and 19 days. The cause of his death was a broken leg. He was a devoted Christian, and strong in the present truth. He leaves a wife, brother, and sister to mourn their loss; but we have a hope that when Jesus, the Life-giver, comes, he will be raised to life and immortality.
M. B. FERREE.
DIED, in Deerfield, Mecosta Co., Mich., on the 12th inst., of quick consumption, James W., eldest son of Lewis and Charlotte E. Swarthout, aged 11 years.
We trust and pray that this heavy blow may draw the afflicted parents into a nearer relation with God and his people, that in the resurrection morn they may meet their loved one never more to part. Words of comfort, by the writer, from Jer. xxxi, 15–17.
E. G. RUST.
Z. NICOLA
By Z. NICOLA.
From Bro. Nicola.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As God has enjoined it upon us “to speak often to each other,” and as I have not the privilege of meeting with those of like faith, and as there is a part of the Review designed for that purpose, I will improve my privilege. When we left our brethren in Iowa, whom we love, for New York, we thought it a good opportunity to visit the brethren in Battle Creek. Here we found the brethren zealously at work for the promotion of the cause of God, at home and elsewhere. What we saw there did not make us feel like drawing back, as some in Iowa have said, but it made us feel like saying that this is the people of God, and by the help of God we will go through with them to the kingdom. We also visited the Health Institution, where our faith was again strengthened from the friendly and courteous manner of the managers and assistants, and the efforts put forth to make all happy and comfortable without any respect of persons. We were led to believe that the Lord has his guiding hand over that Institution. Since that visit, now about three months, we have had but few privileges of meeting with those of like faith. We met with the brethren at Lancaster, in their Quarterly Meeting, where our faith was again strengthened to find a people raised up in different countries, and under different influences, to see them all of one faith and one hope, and to see those that are strangers in the flesh joined together with such love and affection.
If we keep awake to the signs of the times, and the teachings of the Scriptures, we shall see things occurring around us every day that are calculated to strengthen our faith. When we are among the churches of the present day, and see their cold and formal manner of worship, and the pains they take to exalt themselves before men, I am more confirmed that we are living in the last days. Paul says: “In the last days men shall be lovers of their own selves,” &c. Paul gives some of the reasons why the last days are to be perilous, and we brethren are in danger as well as others. If Satan can get us to have too exalted an opinion of ourselves, or to let some of the pleasures of this world have too prominent a place in our hearts, just enough to shut us out of the kingdom, he has gained his object. This is a point that will bear a very close investigation. Let us therefore always keep the love of God and his truth uppermost in our hearts.
Again, when I look into the world at large, and see all of the sins spoken of by Paul in 2 Tim. iii. 1–5, and hear the name of God blasphemed, from the old gray-headed man down to the little child just learning to lisp the name of God, and think that this is a fulfilment of what the apostle said would be in the last days, my faith is again strengthened. In view of these things, and the many other evidences we have, I feel like saying, We are on the right road; we have the truth. And when I read the cheering letters in the Review, it encourages me, and I feel like communing with you, that I will, by the help of the Lord, try to live out these truths which the Lord in his mercy has given us. I thank God for his goodness and mercy toward us, and that he is willing to meet with us though we are alone and have not the society of brethren. I would say to the lonely one, Courage brother or sister. The Lord is a present help in time of need, and he will see us safe through; never fear. Pray for us.
Your brother striving for the kingdom.
Z. NICOLA
East Rush, N. Y.
S. A. DOUD
By S. A. Doud.
From Sister Doud,
BRO. SMITH: The lovers of present truth in Tuscola county are having a rare good season waiting upon the Lord. Bro. Waggoner has been faithfully teaching us of God out of his word, and though suffering extremely himself, has been striving hard to teach us how to correct our habits, and live out the Health Reform. May the Lord bless him and his labors in this. How dearly we prize his labors, and that of the brethren who have preceded him, we shall show by our lives henceforth.
The friends have made some little progress in the Health Reform. Most have discarded swine's flesh entirely, with tobacco, tea, &c., and are using graham to some extent, yet there are some who take an occasional cup of tea for their stomach's sake, and often infirmities; and I am very sorry to confess that I am one of that class; but as an open confession is good for the soul, I think this will be good for me. I pray God, and hope in his strength, to be able next time I write, to record a perfect victory over tea. I feel that through his strength I have gained many victories over self and Satan, and am striving earnestly to get on the whole armor, that I may be able to stand. Pray for me that I may add to knowledge temperance.