We may go over the entire earth, and we find uneasiness and forebodings everywhere. China, the largest and most populous empire on the globe, is nearly overrun with rebel armies—in a civil war that has raged there for years; and where there is no prospect of the establishment of a just and stable government, and its capital has just been taken by the armies of the west. Japan, the insular empire of the east, is just opening its ports to the trade of the world; but what collisions may grow out of the experiment, time only can determine. In India, British arms have lately re-subjugated a rebellious race, who cannot but burn with a desire to recover what they regard as their lost rights. The whole Mohammedan world are feeling the fanaticism, the rise of which is always incident to a decaying system. Turkey totters to its fall, and only exists because rival states cannot agree respecting its division. Italy has nominally become consolidated under Sardinian rule; but no one is destitute of fear that anarchy and war may yet drench the land in blood. Garibaldi has sounded the bugle note for a million of men to take the field in the spring—Venetia being supposed to be the prize in view. Hungary burns for opportunity to recover her lost nationality, and doubtless hopes to gain it by Garibaldi's expected northward march. Poland has never forgotten her former independence, and would welcome any opportunity for its recovery. Austria, constituted of various heterogeneous elements, both threatens and fears war; to which any movement in Venetia would seem to inevitably lead. France encourages and threatens the Italian leaders; and any serious collision between Italy and Austria would be likely to embroil that government in war. England and France mutually fear and suspect each other, and are each strengthening their internal defenses against any contingency. Russia is not free from internal disquiet, growing out of the question of serfism. In our own country one-half of the States are threatening revolution and secession, whilst containing within their limits four millions of men in bonds, who would hail the advent of any deliverer. In short, the entire governments of the earth are in just that condition, where a wrong movement anywhere might set them all in a blaze.
The condition of things is the more striking in this country, because of our sudden revolution from a feeling of national security, to one of great peril, without any apparent cause. Men had begun to look on our country as an exception to the world's general condition of insecurity and alarm; when suddenly our own hills begin to move and it is seen that even here, men have been dreaming of fancied peace when the elements of explosion are all beneath and around us. And if a few short weeks could make such a change in the aspect of things here, what might not be produced in an inconceivably short space of time, in the feeling of security in any country,—should God only lay on them his finger,—who only toucheth the hills and they smoke.
When we remember that it is God who alone gives peace to any nation, that he alone issues the command to take peace from the earth, and that all the events of his providence will transpire according to his righteous purpose, we can safely trust all our interests in his hands, and repose with confidence on his arm,—whatever may transpire. It is only by trust and confidence in his word, and laying hold of his promises, that any one can view, calmly and unmoved, the turmoil of nations that precedes, if it does not usher in the day of the Lord, and it is only by such trust and confidence, that any one can read these monitions aright, and appropriate their meaning—according to the inspired injunction: "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke xxi, 28.—Ad. Herald.
G. W. EDWARDS
By G. W. EDWARDS.
From Bro. Edwards.
Bro. SMITH: I am thankful for the Review, and for the precious truths it contains. I feel to thank God that he is doing a great work through his servants. There is but a small band of us here, and we feel very much cast down at this time. One week ago to-night my father's (S. E. Edwards') house burnt down, and the family had hardly time to make their escape from the flames. He has a family of eight children yet under his care. The loss is estimated at about $500. We have a large circle of brethren and sisters to sympathize with us. Brethren pray for us that we may outride the storms of life, and meet in the kingdom of God.
G. W. EDWARDS
Napoleon, Ohio, Dec. 22nd, 1860.
TRUST IN THE LORD.
By V. O. Edson
THE Lord is good, why need we faint?
He'll not despise a humble saint;
He's promised e'er to be our friend,
He'll not forsake us to the end.
Then let us put our trust in him,
Though every earthly hope be dim;
Trust him in darkness, as in light,
Then is the time to trust him right.
O pray what cause have we to fear?
Or doubt his willingness to hear?
When he has said, if ye believe,
Ask only, and ye shall receive.
Then let us take him at his word,
Believe him, trust him, as our Lord;
Thus in the darkest hour of grief,
If we but seek, he'll send relief.
V. O. EDSON.
Palermo, N. Y.
LETTERS.
By M. E. Cornell
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Cornell.
Bro. Smith: We are in affliction. Going home from meeting a loaded sleigh upset, and sister Cornell had her collar bone broken entirely off. Dr. Hill, the surgeon at St. Charles had just left for the legislature, and we had to send sixteen miles and wait ten hours before the bones could be set. The operation was almost insufferable. It will be several weeks before she will be able to travel, though we think it is doing as well as could be expected. Friends are kind and do all possible to relieve us in this time of need.
It was thought best not to stop my lectures at St. Charles, as the interest was rising. I therefore have an unusual burden, having to go seven miles so often, besides the anxiety of mind.
Of course I shall have time here to dwell upon the whole truth until the people decide. There is no regular church organization of any kind in this place. I think there are omens of good, for the report has started that the St. Charles' people are all getting "crazy." I speak two hours, and they say they could sit an hour longer.
On our way hither we visited some old Advent friends that we used to meet with occasionally, but that we had not seen for ten years. They had prospered in this world's gain, but were nearly starved for the truth. We were blessed together around the family altar, and we expect ere long to see them rejoice in the present truth. We have discovered (as we think) important openings for the tent.
We ask the prayers of the church in this our time of trial and affliction, that the great object of our mission be not defeated, and we have strength to endure.
M. E. CORNELL.
St. Charles, Saginaw Co., Mich.
Believers in Osceola
Bro. J. W. Gleason writes from Osceola, Tioga Co., Pa. : "There are a few in this section of the country that profess to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, believing all that is written in the law and in the prophets. We have the churches, the flesh and the Devil to contend with, but we believe the grace of God is sufficient for us if we put our trust in him and do not forget to watch and pray. We keep up our meetings every Sabbath. Bro. Fuller preaches as often as he can to us. The Lord meets with us whenever we meet, and that to bless. We have heart-cheering and soul-refreshing seasons whenever we meet for worship. I believe if I prove faithful in keeping all the commandments of God that I shall soon meet all the scattered saints in the kingdom of God."
OBITUARY.
By John Norton Loughborough
DIED, Jan. 4th, at her father's residence in Onondaga, Jackson Co., Mich., sister Josephine E. Wolcott, aged 21 years and 5 months. Sister Wolcott first professed a hope in Christ some two years since among the Episcopal Methodists while attending school at Albion, Mich. About two months after, she heard Bro. Bates give a course of lectures, and embraced the present truth. She was baptized by the writer some nine months since at the Tompkins conference. Since her profession of faith in Christ she ever endeavored to walk in the ways of the Lord, and was beloved by all who knew her. About a month since she was taken with a fever and slowly wasted away till the morning of Jan. 4th, when she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.
She breathed her last as calmly as the setting of a summer sun. Being an only daughter, her loss is deeply felt by her parents and brothers. May this affliction be sanctified to their good, and all find an interest in the blessed hope, that they may meet Josephine in that kingdom where sorrow, pain and death can never come.
The funeral was attended on the 6th inst. by a large concourse of people. The writer spoke on the occasion with great liberty from 2 Sam. xiv, 14.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Betsey Thomas
By Lewis Bean
FELL asleep in Jesus at her residence in Stowe, Vt., Dec. 23d, 1860, in the 67th year of her age, our much respected sister Betsey Thomas. Her disease was consumption, which she bore with Christian patience. She was one among the first that embraced the third angel's message in this vicinity, more than eight years since. She has been a steady traveler towards mount Zion. A discourse was delivered on the occasion by the Congregational minister. LEWIS BEAN.
Zubina Carpenter
By Alexander Ross
Fell asleep in Jesus, Bro. Zubina Carpenter, of West Monroe, Dec. 10, 1860, aged 68 years. He was among the very first in that place that embraced the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He was taken down with inflammation of the lungs, and in seven and one-half days yielded up his life with a full assurance of having a part in the first resurrection. With a holy resignation he met the last enemy, and exclaimed, "Rejoice not against me, O thou mine enemy, when I fall I shall rise again." Said he, It would be sweet to sleep in the grave a little while. He would exclaim, My prospects are bright in hope of a blessed immortality. And again, Bless, bless the Lord for the assurance of a mansion he is preparing for me. A short time before he died he called his adopted children and feelingly and affectionately said to them, I am going down into the grave. I must leave you. Be good children. If you are you will see me again at the resurrection. With many similar expressions he ceased not to exhort his friends and neighbors to the very last.
His funeral was held at the F. W. Baptist meeting-house at West Monroe. A large congregation listened to a discourse from Heb. ix, 27, 28. We trust our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Alexander Ross.
CONFERENCE IN MONTEREY, MICH.
By Joseph Bates
This was a good, practical, soul-stirring meeting of brethren and sisters from Otsego, Pine Creek, Allegan, Watson and Caledonia. Our house of worship was well filled, the greater portion of whom were Sabbath-keepers.
Bro. White preached four discourses on experimental and practical religion, exposition of 1 Cor. xv, and the angels' messages, much to the edification, comfort and encouragement of God's waiting people. The soul-stirring exhortations of sister White produced a very perceptible sensation on the congregation. One person declared herself a sinner, and asked the prayers of God's people. Her strait testimony also for the church if received and heeded as it should be, is calculated to give increasing strength and vigor to all its members.
At the close of one of our meetings a request was made for all who desired to make a covenant with God, to serve him better than they had done, to make it manifest by rising on their feet. At the same time it was particularly requested that none should rise but such as really desired to covenant with God. About two-thirds of the congregation stood, solemnly pledged before God. "O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments," help us to keep this solemn covenant with thee; and also all the remnant of thy people individually and collectively who shall hereafter solemnly and prayerfully covenant with thee, to fear thee and keep thy commandments.
JOSEPH BATES.
Monterey, Mich., Jan. 4, 1861.
P. S. Bro. White and family left here at daylight yesterday morning with a double team to attend the appointed conference in Wright, Ottawa Co., forty-five miles distant. Don't doubt, brethren! God is at work for the remnant. The great decisive day is at hand!
J. B.
BRIEF REPORT.
By James White
We have just returned from the Conferences at Monterey, Wright and Parkville, in usual health, and greatly revived and encouraged. The brethren, especially at Monterey and Wright, gladly received the word, and were much revived. This one fact we look back to with the greatest pleasure, viz., the brethren felt their need, and were willing and anxious to be helped. This gives the laborer in the gospel field the greatest satisfaction and courage to labor on.
We found Systematic Benevolence on the decline in these churches. But a discourse on the subject, in harmony with positions taken in Good Samaritan, No. 5, showing it to be scriptural and consistent, and necessary to advance the cause of truth, placed the plan on better grounds than ever it had stood among them. The Monterey church came up to the figures in the illustration in Good Samaritan, No. 5, and their yearly sum is about $550, yet no one has a heavy burden.
It is hoped that all our brethren, at the commencement of the year, will come up to these figures.
We now design to remain at home but a few weeks, then make a few weeks' tour in Michigan, then visit the West as the brethren may open the way. Then in July leave for an Eastern Tour. J. W.
PATENT RIGHTS,
By James White
SOME of them are valuable, many of them worthless. Five men lose who buy patent rights where one gains. Again, so many have been humbugged with these patents that but few men can make money out of them. The slow spoken, conscientious man would be almost sure to fail, while the sharp, talkative man might be in danger of wronging his conscience. Be careful, brethren. Some of our brethren are suffering for means lost on patents. We want all the real advantages this old world will afford us without doing us harm. But there is no use in getting our fingers pinched in every Patent Right that comes along. J. W.
HELP THE POOR PREACHERS.
By James White
Who will be one of fifteen to raise $150 to pay the Office for printing 3000 copies of Snook's Review of Springer, and make him a present of the edition?
James White, pd.................................$10.
H. C. Whitney, .........................................10.
Noah Hodges, pd. ................................. 10.
John Goss,............................................... 10.
Josiah Wilbur, pd. ................................. 10.
Charles Smith, pd. $5. ........................... 10.
A. C. Hudson, pd. ................................. 10.
D. R. Palmer, pd. .................................. 10.
S. A. McPherson, ....................................10.
Let us hear from others soon. J. W.
Acknowledgments of Payments
By James White
Many thanks to Bro. V. M. Grey of Marion, Iowa, and others, for promptly paying money advanced to assist Bro. S.
J. W.
👉 F. Wheeler, S. Osborn, and V. M. Gray: Checks received.
J. W.
APPOINTMENTS.
Conference in Minnesota.
THERE will be a general conference at Pleasant Grove, Olmstead Co., Minn., near Bro. Lashier's, commencing sixth-day evening, Feb. 1st, and continuing over Sabbath and first-day. One special object of this meeting is to take into consideration the wants of the cause in this new State, and also what course we will take in carrying forward the work the new year we have entered upon. Will Bro. J. N. Andrews come to this conference? All would be very happy to meet him there. Bro. J. Bostwick is expected.
We hope to see a general gathering at this meeting. Come, brethren and sisters, praying that God will bless us, and give us wisdom for the future. Those who live in Minn. will of course know that bedclothes and buffalo robes will be in good demand at this meeting. Each will take care to bring along some.
WASHINGTON MORSE,
H. F. LASHIER.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
L. Maxson : The P. O. address you inquire is Brooklyn, N. Y.
Robt. Reed : What is your Post Office and State?
F. Wheeler : We correct the mistake.
Jno. F. Cotton : Your letter was received, and the paper has been sent regularly to Robt. O'Brien to the P. O. named ever since.
I. A. Olmstead : You will find your dollar receipted in No. 20, Vol. xvi.
Some one writes from Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Min., wishing to become a subscriber for the REVIEW, and sending 50 cts. for the same, but gives no name. The letter also contained money for INSTRUCTOR for L. Harlow, and S. Moody. Who is it?
Some one also writes from Washington, N. H., enclosing one dollar for REVIEW, and 25 cts. for INSTRUCTOR, but gives no name. To whom shall we credit the money?
Receipts.
FOR REVIEW AND HERALD.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money received pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
J. Dorcas (for E. S. Stafford) 0,15,xv,14. N. Holloway 1,00,xviii,9. G. P. Wilson 1,00,xix,1. H. Miller 1,00,xviii,1. A. Rose 1,00,xviii,1. J. H. Green 3,00,xvii,1. Mrs. E. A. Averill 2,00,xviii,1. I. Abbey 2,00,xix,1. L. Maxson 1,00,xvii,19. C. Seaward 2,00,xvii,17. E. H. Seaward 2,50,xvii,1. Wm. Carpenter jr. 2,00,xx,1. J. Butchart 1,00,xviii,15. D. Howard 1,00,xviii,1. B. F. Brockway 2,00,xviii,1. A. Stone 2,00,xix,1. A. Stone (for M. B. Powell) 2,00,xviii,17. Mrs. M. Keyes 1,00,xx,1. E. D. Cook 1,00,xviii,1. C. Drew 2,00,xviii,8. T. T. Wheeler 1,00,xviii,1. C. Truman 2,00,xx,1. F. Hall 1,00,xix,1. M. Borden 1,00,xix,7. S. A. Street 1,65,xviii,18. L. L. Glover 1,00,xviii,7. A. Avery 1,00,xviii,1. J. M. Avery 1,00,xviii,1. R. T. Payne 1,00,xviii,1. H. Smith 0,50,xviii,7. Wm. T. Henton 1,00,xviii,1. Wm. G. Watson 4,75,xxi,7. J. L. Hobart 2,05,xix,20. E. Payne 1,00,xviii,1. D. C. Demarest 2,00,xix,1. J. Sewell 1,00,xviii,14. C. Farr 1,00,xxi,1. Wm. Sevey 1,50,xv,14. W. Phinisy 1,00,xviii,9. E. H. Root (for H. Blanchard) 0,50,xviii,9. C. G. Cramer 1,00,xviii,21. I. A. Olmstead (for A. Butterfield 0,50,xviii,9; for L. N. Miller 0,50,xviii,9; for J. Peters 0,50,xviii,9; for H. Olmstead 0,50,xviii,9) 2,00. W. J. Hardy 1,00,xviii,1. A. Rogers 0,75,xviii,7. A. M. DeGraw 0,50,xviii,9. E. Root 0,40,xvi,22. D. Ford 3,00,xvii,14. J. K. Rogers 1,00,xvii,1. W. W. Averill 1,00,xvii,14. J. Banks 1,00,xix,3. R. R. Jones 2,00,xiv,9. I. A. Olmstead 1,20,xix,1. A. H. Hilliard 2,00,xx,1. C. C. Collins 1,00,xviii,1. G. W. Burnham 1,00,xviii,1. M. Wisner 2,00,xviii,7. W. J. Patterson 1,00,xviii,9. G. M. Foster 1,00,xvii,1. O. B. Jones 2,00,xx,1. L. M. Foster (for H. Stawston) 1,00,xvi,1. M. Brown 1,00,xviii,9. S. Symonds 1,00,xviii,9. J. B. Tinker 0,50,xviii,13. A. Shepard 2,00,xvii,1. S. Howard sen. 2,00,xvii,1. L. Hadden 1,00,xvii,22. H. Kenyon 1,00,xviii,14. S. Rumery 1,00,xx,1. L. Russel 1,00,xix,1. Wm. Gardner 2,00,xix,14. S. Osborn 2,00,xviii,18. J. M. Ferguson 2,00,xix,3.
FOR REVIEW TO POOR.—J. M. Aldrich $0,80.
FOR MISSIONARY PURPOSES.—Ch. in Watson (s. b.) $0,44. Ch. in Allegan, (s. b.) $6,09.
FOR EASTERN IOWA TENT.—S. Osborn $10. H. Rosneau $4. (This should have been receipted before.) H. Nicola $12,50. J. M. Ferguson $3,00.
PUBLICATIONS.
Supplement and Addition to Hymn Book, . . . . . 35 cts.
Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer. A History of the doctrine, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 "
PENNY TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Judson's Letter on Dress—Law of God, by Dobney (2 cts.)—Law of God by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word.
These small Tracts can be sent, post-paid, in packages of not less than twenty-five.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie B. Smith, from the time she embraced the third angel's message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John. 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cts. On rollers, post-paid 40 cts.
German. Das Wesen des Sabbaths und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote. A Tract of 80 pp., a Translation of Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Price 20 cents.
Holland. De Natuur en Verbinding van den Sabbath volgens het vierde Gebodt. Translated from the same as the German. Price 10 cents.
French. Le Sabbat de la Bible. A Tract on the Sabbath of 32 pp. Price 5 cents.
La Grande Statue de Daniel II, et les Quatre Betes Symboliques et quelques remarques sur la Seconde Venue de Christ, et sur le Cinquieme Royaume Universel. A Tract of 32 pp. on the Prophecies. Price 5 cents.
These Publications will be sent by Mail, post-paid, at their respective prices. One-third discount by the quantity of not less than $5 worth. In this case, postage added when sent by Mail. All orders to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash, unless special arrangements be made. Give your Name, Post Office, County and State distinctly. Address REVIEW & HERALD, Battle Creek Mich.