DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We feel that it will be a privilege for us at this time to say a few words to you through the REVIEW. As you have seen, the past few months have been months of continued and deep affliction to us. And now we are called to mourn the sudden and unexpected loss of our little child. Indeed the chastening hand of God has been upon us; yet we do not faint nor murmur. In the Lord is our hope and trust. We remember that it is the heated furnace that burns up the dross, and brings out the pure gold; it is the crushed flower that yields the sweet odor. We greatly desire that this may be so in our case. We are often called to comfort those who are afflicted and mourn; now we think we shall know how to sympathize with them as we did not before. The experience of these few months is precious to us, and we hope they may be profitable to others. If we can only be prepared for usefulness in the work of God, we will gladly submit to the process, severe though it be. In our days of sorrow, we have had the blessing of God, and sweet communion with our Saviour. We think that our hearts and souls are in this holy work, to do what little God may give us to perform in it. God is good, and his truth is precious, and it is sweet to work for him. We feel like consecrating ourselves anew to God, to put away all doubts and fears, and to work earnestly for our own salvation and that of others. We ask an interest in your prayers, that we may do this.
We shall never forget the kindness and sympathy of our dear Bro. and Sr. Smith, at Manchester, when our child died. May God reward them. This also afforded us an opportunity of learning and appreciating the value of Bro. Waggoner as we had not before. He has a large place in our hearts. We feel thankful to God for such true friends. We are making an earnest effort to overcome, and meet all the good and holy in the kingdom.
D. M. CANRIGHT,
L. C. CANRIGHT.
WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?
What of the night? It dark and darker grows;
The very heavens above seem black with woes,
By mighty winds the gathering clouds are hurled,
In awful conflict, round our fallen world.
What of the night? The careless ones are lying
In slumber deep, and know not they are dying.
I sound the trumpet in their ears in vain,
Fettered and sunk in darkness they remain.
What of the night? The saints their watch are keeping,
But every eye is dim and swollen with weeping;
And every heart is sad—and oft they sigh,
When will the morning star appear on high?
And carefully they trim the feeble light
Within their lamps, to guide them through the night,
But oh! it wavereth much through doubts and fears,
And oft is well-nigh quenched by floods of tears.
What of the night? Each to the other say,
When shall we see the dawn of endless day,
Our spirits tremble: can it be the Lord
Will prove at last unfaithful to his word?"
What of the night? Hush! on the breeze is borne
A still small voice to comfort those who mourn;
Though yet I tarry, dry the tearful eye—
Lift up your heads, redemption draweth nigh.
Quickly I come. Oh! droop not thus forlorn:
Look up and smile—joy cometh with the morn;
Quickly I come to banish all your fears,
And God's own hand shall wipe away your tears."
And then I heard the voice of earnest prayer;
Sweetly it sounded on the midnight air:
Even so, Lord Jesus, come and chase our gloom;
The night is dark—oh! take thy children home."
—Christian Treasury.
Let Resentment Die Before You
If ever you hope that your charity should live after you, then let resentment die before you.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, April 2, in Manchester, N. H., Nettie M., daughter of Dudley M. and Lucretia G. Canright, aged four months and four days. She lived ten hours after being taken sick. It was not possible to determine the nature of her sickness from her symptoms, and a post mortem examination revealed an internal malformation, showing that she did not die of disease; nor could any relief possibly have been afforded. Funeral services at the residence of Bro. Smith, on the 4th. Sermon from Heb. ii, 10. She will be taken to South Lancaster, Mass., for burial. J. H. WAGGONER.
DIED, in Athens, Maine, March 7, 1869, Bro. Paul Giles, aged 52 years next June. The subject of this notice experienced religion at the age of twenty and united with the Christian church, of which he remained a worthy member until three years ago, when he embraced the Advent faith and commenced to keep the Lord's Sabbath; for which he was rejected by the Christian church. When the Adventists organized a church he joined it, and remained faithful till death. He has left a wife, ten children, and an aged mother living in the family, who embraced the truth at the age of seventy-six. This dear family needs the prayers and sympathy of all God's people, especially the mother, who now has the burden of such a large family, the youngest a babe, resting upon her. May she have the grace of God to sustain her, and wisdom to discharge faithfully her duty in her family, that at last they may be gathered with the remnant church into his kingdom. Some remarks made by the writer from Rev. xiv, 13, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." CHAS. STRATTON.
DIED, in Monroe, Wis., April 9, 1869, of congestion of the lungs, Samuel C., eldest child of Edwin O. and Addie A. Hammond, aged two years, ten months, and two days.
“A little life ended,
We tried hard to save;
A little bud blighted,
That much promise gave.
“Hide our pet treasure,
Down out of our sight;
Heart, keep thou silent,
What God does is right.
“Sleep on, precious darling,
Till Christ comes to save,
Then burst little coffin
And ope little grave.”
ADDIE A. HAMMOND.
DIED, April 10, 1869, in the village of Monroe, Green Co., Wis., sister Catherine Sharer, aged 33 years and 14 days. She leaves a husband, three small children, and a large circle of friends and relatives, who mourn her loss. The church, also, has lost one of its most efficient members; but we mourn not as those who have no hope; for if faithful we know that we shall meet her at the resurrection of the just. A few remarks were made on the occasion by the writer from 1 Thess. iv, 13. C. H. ROGERS.
Reflections on the Ohio State Conference
By Sister M. E. Reynolds
Sister M. E. Reynolds writes from Trumbull Co., Ohio: In the providence of God, it was my privilege to attend the Ohio State Conference, and listen to the preaching of the word, from the lips of his servants. This truly was a feast to me, and I trust was not altogether unprofitable. My heart was stirred within me to the importance of obeying God's word, and "striving" to enter in at the strait gate. Precious truths that were presented at that meeting, have been, and I trust, will be, food for my mind while time shall last. Eternal life never appeared more valuable, nor the way so exceedingly narrow, yet my heart said, I must, I will have it. Thank God 'tis free for all, and whosoever will, may have it. The new year was commenced with many strong resolutions to separate myself from the world and lead a life of devotion to God and his cause, and be a living, acting, working Christian. My daily inquiry is, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? What can I, so weak and unworthy, do for the glory of thy great name?
Great light is shining upon our pathway. How fearful the responsibility resting upon those who receive the light! How careful ought we to walk. What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Where much is given, much will be required. When I reflect upon the truths of God's word, and the clear light which shines from the heavenly sanctuary, my heart is filled with joy and thanksgiving for the exceeding great love of the Father, and for life just now, amid all this glorious light, and I feel determined that I will profit by these great blessings, and secure the overcomer's reward.
Let us arouse from the stupor which the enemy is everywhere trying to throw over God's people. Let us search our own hearts in the light of "present truth." Let us begin to live as though we believed the truths which we profess. Let us cut loose from the world and seek a life hid with Christ in God. Let us gird about us the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Let us go to work for Jesus. Can we not hear the Master's voice saying, "Go labor in my vineyard?" Is there not something for every one to do? Are any of us so weak, or devoid of interest in our Master's cause, that we may not do something for Jesus? Has not one talent been bestowed upon each of us? May God grant us a spirit of labor, and guide our feet in the path of duty, that our lives, our substance, our all, may be spent in his service, our treasure transmitted to Heaven and we be fully prepared for the advent of our blessed Saviour.
The Gospel in Grant County
By S. H. Vedder
Sr. S. H. VEDDER writes from Grant Co., Wis: I am living in a neighborhood where three churches have gone down, namely, the Methodist, Freewill Baptist, and Calvinistic Baptist, eight miles from any meeting of worship. I have attended two Quarterly Meetings among the Seventh-day Adventists at the new meeting-house in Waterloo, Grant Co., and have heard some preaching. I have become convinced on the Sabbath question, and am investigating with interest other points of doctrine as taught by them, and am blest in so doing.
I have longed for some one to give a course of lectures in this place; but the doors are locked. Some pray for revival, and for the Lord to send by whom he will; but when an Adventist offers to come, the doors are locked. They are like a dog in the manger who cannot eat the hay himself, and will not let anybody else. They have heard the commandments of men so long, preached for doctrine, that if a person offers to preach anything else, he is shut out. Oh! that the gospel of Christ may shine forth in all its native purity in this place, is my prayer. I have been a Freewill Baptist over thirty years; but I never have seen so much of the Spirit of Christ manifest, as I have seen among the Adventists, the few times I have been permitted to meet with them.
Resting in the Bosom of Jesus
Too many rest their eternal hopes on the observance of religious forms; “the few that he saved” go beyond all these, and rest only in the bosom of Jesus.
Correspondence on Biblical Questions
H. G. BUXTON: An article such as you speak of has not been published, nor the question proposed. Its discussion would call for more time than we are able to devote to it at present.
G. A. GILBERT: The law of Gal. iii, 19, we think is what may be expressed in general terms as the ceremonial law. The covenant of verse 17, was the covenant with Abraham, that in him and his seed [Christ] all nations should be blessed. The introduction of the law system 430 years after did not disannul this. The blessing was still to come through Christ, and not through the law, where the Jews rested.
There is a call for Lectures on present truth in Paxton, Ford Co., Ill. J. F. Furman writes that many wish to hear.
MARY VAN HORN: In reply to your question, see Jas. iii, 9.
Report from California.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE our last report our meetings have been held mostly in the Piner school-house as the best interest is on that side of the creek, still we have had a few in the Blakely school-house. Our meetings have now continued six weeks, during which time we have had fifty-nine meetings, and labored also, all our strength would admit, from house to house, in explaining the truth and entreating souls to obey it, praying with and for those who were seeking God for the first time in their lives. The Lord has helped, and sustained, and seconded our efforts by his Spirit here. In our last meeting eleven arose to show their determination to keep all God's commandments. These, with those who had started before, and some we have seen since, make over fifteen in this vicinity who have already embraced the truth for this time. Our work here is not yet done. Still others are convinced on the truth, and we labor on to preach and visit, and entreat the people in the name of the Lord to move out and obey him.
We have had fine weather for meetings, having had a month of sunshine. Are now having a little showery weather—like April showers—supposed to be about the last rain of the season. Our desire is to be guided of the Lord in our labors here in California. To be enabled to move in his counsel, then he can bless our efforts. To this end we request still that you will pray God to guide us, and bless this mission to the good of souls.
J. N. Loughborough.Santa Rosa, Cal., March 17, 1869.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Quarterly Meetings in Minn.
At Pleasant Grove, Sabbath and First-day, April 24, 25; Greenwood Prairie, May 1, 2; Pine Island, 8, 9; Deerfield, 15, 16; Jo Davies, 22, 23; Tan Hassen, 29, 30; Brush Creek, June 5, 6; Riceland, 12, 13.
STEPHEN PIERCE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches in Iowa as follows: Washington, Sabbath and Sunday, April 24, 25; Pilot Grove, Monday, 10½ A. M., 26; Iowa City, Tuesday evening, 27; Lisbon, Thursday, 10½ A. M., 29; Anamosa, Sabbath and Sunday, May 1, 2; Marion, Tuesday, 10½ A. M., 4; State Center, Sabbath and Sunday, 8, 9; Laporte City, Sabbath and Sunday, 15, 16; Fayette, Tuesday evening, 18; West Union, Sabbath, and Sunday, 22, 23.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
I expect to arrange Systematic Benevolence in all our organized churches at these appointments, and hope there will be a general attendance. Shall probably give as many as two discourses at each of these places where meetings are appointed for middle of the week, and in the daytime. It is absolutely necessary that I get home the last of May, to make arrangements for moving. This is why I make such haste.
THE NEXT Quarterly Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Albany, Wis., will be held May 1 and 2. Brethren and sisters are expected from other churches.
G. L. HOLIDAY.
THE NEXT Quarterly Meeting of the church at Hundred Mile Grove, Wisconsin, will be held May 8, 9. Elder I. Sanborn has made arrangements to attend this meeting, Providence permitting. We would cordially invite the brethren at Baraboo, and Dell Prairie, to come to the meeting.
N. M. JORDON.
THE NEXT Monthly Meeting of the churches of Tittabawassee, St. Charles, and Chesaning, will be held at Chesaning, Mich., on Sabbath, May 8, 1869, instead of May 1, as appointed at Tittabawassee.
Sister churches and scattered members are invited to attend.
I. O. THOMPSON, Church Clerk.
THE NEXT Monthly Meeting for the Marion, Anamosa, and Lisbon, churches, will be held at Lisbon, Iowa, May 1, and 2, 1869.
DANIEL ANDRE.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church in Oakland, Sabbath and first-day, April 24 and 25; Memphis, May 1 and 2; Lapeer, May 8 and 9; South Genoa, May 15 and 16.
JOSEPH BATES.
If the Lord will, I will meet with the church at Parkville, Sabbath and Sunday, April 24 and 25, 1869. And at Ransom Center, from Thursday evening, April 29, to Sunday evening, May 2. Their house of worship will be dedicated, Sabbath, May 1.
I. D. VAN HORN.
The Greek Word Aionios.
DR. SIDNEY SMITH of Trinity College, Dublin, whose Greek scholarship will hardly be called in question, and whose testimony is all the more valuable as that of an opponent, says:
“There is no mystery or ambiguity about the word aionios. Like many other words in the lexicon, it has several meanings; but this creates no difficulty; the context is always sufficient to decide; the relation and genesis of its different meanings are well ascertained; and as a general definition, it may be safely held that it commonly means a continuous duration as long as the subject is capable of.”
Advertising in the Review.
By Editor
THE present size of the REVIEW forbids making it a medium of advertising. And it was not until its enlargement that its columns were opened for advertisements. The REVIEW is designed to be exclusively a religious paper. The Health Reformer, whose circulation equals the REVIEW, is open to proper advertisements. TRUSTEES.
Report from Bro. Cottrell.
By R. F. Cottrell
I SPENT two months in labor in Nashville, Chat. Co., and Cottage, Catt. Co., The opposition was strong; the houses were closed against us, while the interest outside of the professed churches was good. One of these houses has been open to Spiritualists for years. They can come within its consecrated walls, and blaspheme God and the Bible; but the Bible, as it reads, is excluded. I can report but eleven Sabbath-keepers in these two places, which are about three and a half miles apart. Others have acknowledged the truth. I hope they will embrace it before it is too late. Sabbath meetings have been established, and I have reason to hope that the cause here will be maintained, and a church established.
I have now just commenced meetings under favorable auspices, for the time of year, in a school-house two and a half miles south of Warsaw village, in Wyoming Co., N. Y. Came at the invitation of Bro. G. H. Truesdell, who received the truth in Saginaw Co., Mich. With this brother and his family I have a pleasant home. My address is Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Box 173. Brethren, pray for us.
R. F. COTTRELL.
April 13, 1869.
Note from Bro. Sterling.
By J. G. Sterling
BRO. SMITH: I came here March 30, and commenced meeting the next evening, which I have continued Thursday and Sunday evenings excepted. There is some interest on the part of a few to hear the word. The few scattered ones living in and about the place are some of them seeing the importance of “cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,” and will, I hope, come up to the right position on the health reform. When this is done I shall hope to see others coming on to go with us to the kingdom. Our greatest danger, I believe, is in not coming up ourselves, before we have a right to look for the Lord to call in others.
Some are taking the right position. May God help all to do so. J. G. STERLING.
Note from Bro. Steward.
By T. M. Steward
I HAVE labored here now about six weeks, and some twenty have commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are investigating the subject, and I hope will take a stand soon. Pray for us. T. M. STEWARD.
Sabbath-Keepers in Hungary.
The Independent of March 18, has the following item:
“A congregation of Seventh-day Christians in Hungary, being refused tolerance by the laws, has embraced Judaism, in order to be allowed to exist in connection with one of the ‘received religions.’”
We suspect that there is more of the above than is shown in this brief item. In searching the history of Sabbath-keepers, we have found several traces of Sabbath-keeping Christians in the north of Europe.
There is sufficient evidence to show that within the territory of the Greek church, and in other neighboring localities, there yet exist branches of the primitive church, which have never been under the control of the Papacy, and which have never given up the observance of the Sabbath. The history and present state of similar large branches, in Abyssinia and in Armenia, are well known. How far these may wear the semblance of Judaism, from force of circumstances, we do not know; but they are a living protest, as they have been for fifteen centuries, against the oft-asserted tradition, that the Sabbath was not observed by the early Christians. They show, also, that the Sunday made but little headway during the early centuries, until church and state were united under the dominion of the Papacy.—Sabbath Recorder.
Mary Van Horn: Your letter without date has been received, including seventy cents for the REVIEW for your aunt; but you have failed to give her Post Office address, or your own.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
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Cash Received on Account.
Phebe R Mills for R F Andrews $1.60, T M Steward 75c, E P Giles 5.60, J L Locke 1.90.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Jacob Shively $5.70, Church at Greenville, Mich., $25.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Jackson $49.00, Vassar 25.00, Greenville, 50.00.
Books Sent by Mail.
Mrs S J Calkins 25c, G A Gilbert 30c, Betsey H Munson 22c, E M Prentiss 22c, S Yuker 11c, S B Craig 25c, Frank Starr 50c, S D Salisbury 30c, John Atkinson 50c, J E Sharp 40c, F Wheeler $1.00, Mrs C Saxton 25c, C R Rice 25c, F E Pressler 35c, J M Ellitt 25c, M E Reynolds 4.13, D Hodg-s 25c, Bell Wilcox 25c, Albert Cash 2.24, J W Nicholson 50c, W V Field 10c, D Van Luven 25c, L M Fuller 10c, Matilda A Streeter 25c, A A Coney 3.25, L J Hall 50c, C Eager 25c, P S Thurston 85c, J M Orrick 3.60, S S Long 25c, E S Fulton 10c, Lucy Harris 35c, W Camp 10c, W Bryant 50c, W C Town 1.12, I Sanborn 2.00, H W George 20c, W L Camp 25c, J N Loughborough 15.00.
Books Sent by Express.
J G Sterling, Cedar Springs $15.73.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
M J Cottrell $1.00, S Rumery 5.00, B J Rumery 5.00.