As it was in the days Noe so shall it be in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. Luke xvii, 26, 27.
This text may be supposed to have reference to the entire ignorance of the world in regard to the coming of the Lord. Paul says that the righteous will not be in darkness concerning these things. 1 Thess. v, 4. They have the promise of bread and water even to the last end of this mortal state. Therefore Christ evidently refers to the excess the people would go to in these things, in the last days.
From the light we have received through the Health Reform, we can clearly see how people are going to excess in eating and drinking. The world at large will not receive the light on this subject, but will continue eating and drinking to excess, making gods as it were of their appetites, until Christ comes to destroy them from the earth.
The other part of the text, in reference to marriage, seems to be fulfilling in the same manner, namely, through excess and idolatry of the institution. A few days since, the people began to gather into this village from all directions till they filled a large meeting house to overflowing. Why was all this? Why, a fine lady was to be married in great style to a gentleman from N. Y. city. And great style it was. A Rochester paper says it cost several thousand dollars. I cannot attempt a description; but there is one thing worthy of note: The bride's dress was so long she had to have a colored servant boy to carry the trail; and he, finding more than he could manage going up the steps into the house, her husband had to lend a helping hand; and the two managed to give it what would have been called an immodest elevation, before modesty was sacrificed to fashion.
We have the instruction that whether we eat or whether we drink, we should do all to the glory of God. To do this, we must eat those things and at such times as will make us healthy in body, and give us intelligent minds; and if any have a desire to marry, let them first consider whether it will be to the glory of God; and let us do all with this end in view. Z. NICOLA.
Monroe Co., N. Y.
PATRICK H. MANGAN
By Patrick H. Mangan
From Bro. Mangan.
BRO. SMITH: Permit me to inform the brethren and sisters through the Review that I still love the truth. I was converted to the Advent doctrine from Catholicism about nine years ago, and have been persecuted much by my friends and others. All my relatives are Catholics. But the Lord has delivered me out of many trials. I have always found him a present help in time of trouble, a refuge in the storm. He has promised never to leave nor forsake his people. I appreciate his mercy in showing me the truth, and the absurdities of my former belief.
I would simply add that I have made some sacrifice for the truth, and shall not give it up now. I am not discouraged. I never felt more determined to press on in the narrow way than I did at present. I feel the deep necessity of getting into a right position before the Lord. We are engaged in a great warfare, and we must overcome or be overcome; we must conquer or be conquered. Evil angels are on our track, and the Devil is trying his ingenuity and stratagem to destroy us. Is it not time that we have on the whole armor? Is it not time that we realize the dangers which thicken around us, and the shortness of time? Oh how essential that we improve these golden moments that are passing. Perhaps we shall soon be weighed in the balance and found wanting.
We see the impropriety and utter presumption of being found on the enemy's ground. Many times have I been caught in hidden snares consequent on my own neglect and stupidity. I have learned, brethren and sisters, from sad experience. Now I will sharpen up and start anew for the kingdom. I shall turn my face as a flint Zionward and press on notwithstanding trials may press upon me, the wicked persecute, and the dragon and his evil hosts be arrayed against me. Though the way be rugged and thorny, still I will persevere. Jesus is our great Captain and King. He will lead us through to the promised land. He is more than all that can be against us. I have no apprehension. If we do all on our part, the Lord will do his.
Your unworthy brother.
PATRICK H. MANGAN
Green Lake Co., Wis., April 15, 1867.
Testimony Amid Persecution
By L. S. Hopkins
SISTER L. S. HOPKINS writes: I feel thankful to God for the light of present truth, for the gifts in the church, and the Health Reform. I am striving to keep pace with the remnant people of God. I live ten miles from any of like faith, but feel to thank God that it is as well with me as it is. I have to bear persecution, but have found God to be a present help in time of need.
Keeping All God’s Commandments
By F. T. Brooks
SISTER F. T. BROOKS writes from Berrien Co., Mich.: Although unworthy to identify myself with those that hold the truth of God, still I wish to be counted as one that keeps all the commandments; for of a surety if one is binding on us, all must be. Although I never have had the privilege of hearing a discourse on the Sabbath question, still I read the papers and think there is sufficient proof that the law of God is binding on us; and I am trying to be numbered with those that are willing to be despised in this world for the sake of the Redeemer who purchased our redemption through his own precious blood. Experience and the study of the Advent faith have brought me to the present truth. I have had but little assistance in this direction, except through the Review and Herald. There are not many about here that hold to the present truths of the Bible. Hence I have no place to attend meeting except at the popular churches which are clothed with pride and gaiety, having a form of godliness, but no sincerity.
This world is a wilderness; and the enemies are on every side that would allure us from the path of righteousness; but let us be steadfast, look ahead a little while longer, then the conflict will end, and this cheerless home will be exchanged for the paradise of God. Oh, let us live for God! Let us sacrifice all that would keep us from his love, and be willing to keep all his commandments to the end.
Thoughts on Tobacco.
By E. ENGLES
To smoke or not to smoke,—that is the question. Does it become a reasonable creature, like man, to take a filthy weed from the earth, twist it up in the shape of a cigar, set fire to one end of it, and stick the other end between the teeth, and then draw the smoke into the mouth and emit it again to pollute the air or suffocate some by-stander, who has no love for tobacco-smoke in his own mouth, much less from the mouth or nose of a stranger. Our country-readers are happily exempt from the evils which attend this practice. They have an abundance of free and wholesome air, and can breathe it uninfected with tobacco-smoke. But let the reader look at some full-grown men, with their hats on one side of their head, each of them in possession of his reason, standing on the public street, and obliging all passers by to take a puff of their smoke into their nostrils, and some ashes into their eyes, together with the little pure air that a city street can furnish. Suppose they should throw their tobacco into somebody’s well, or dump a carload of cigar-stumps into a reservoir by which some cities are supplied with water, what a general burst of indignation would there be! But have I not as good a right to pure air, as others have to pure water? Do we not continually hear of proceedings in the courts to oblige men to remove their pig-pens and slaughter-houses and chemical works when they pollute the surrounding atmosphere, and affect the people in the neighborhood? Why should not sauce for the goose be sauce for the gander? E. ENGLES.
The Bible Decides the Question.
Bro. E. Kincaid writes from Butler Co., Iowa: My heart has just been made to rejoice to hear a sister give in her testimony on the side of present truth. She has been a very determined enemy of the truth, and held it in derision, saying that however much she was talked to, she should never leave her church. But she now says she has been studying her Bible, and cannot find anything to uphold Sunday-keeping; and she prefers to go with the few who have the truth, rather than with the many who are living in error. May God bless her and give her more light. Her husband is almost persuaded to take hold of the truth with her. I have lived in this place seven years, but have found no one to give me a word of sympathy and encouragement in reference to my views, till within the past three weeks. I feel encouraged to still hope on.
Obituary Notices.
By C. W. Lindsay; E. O. Lindsay
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Rev. xiv, 13.
[The following obituary, probably in consequence of some inaccuracy of the mail, has been delayed several weeks.—ED.]
DIED, at Olcott, N. Y., Feb. 13, after a lingering illness, our little Edna Maria, aged six months and a half.
There she is sleeping now free from all pain,
The little form never’ll be restless again.
Those little garments dear she’ll want no more;
Lay aside tenderly, each one she wore.
Then there’s the empty crib, take out of sight;
Keep me from murm’ring, Lord, it is not right.
If others pity me, God surely must;
E’en while he deals the blows in him I’ll trust.
If God looks down and sees so small a thing
As when the sparrow falls with bleeding wing,
Oh, can I not believe he’ll care for me,
And that my precious dead I yet shall see?
C. W. & E. O. LINDSAY.
Encouragement Through the Review
SISTER M. A. MERRICK writes from Sibley Co., Minn.: I have been much encouraged by the many letters and testimonies through the Review. I think we have great reason to highly value our paper; for where can we find anything like it? And how much better it is to sit down and read a plain, scriptural sermon, than to sit and listen to the popular preaching of the day. Then when we feel lonely and cast down, we here find words of encouragement and comfort. I have been too cold and half-hearted in the work; and I ask remembrance in the prayers of the church, that I may overcome all my faults and be able to stand in the coming conflict, and enter in through the gates into the city.
A Testimony of Present Truth
By S. A. Bartlett
SISTER S. A. BARTLETT writes from Iowa: For the first time I speak to the brethren and sisters through the Review. I am a firm believer in present truth. I have been keeping the Sabbath almost two years, and still bless God that I ever was brought to see the true light. I mean by the grace of God to be an overcomer in all things. I have given up tea and coffee entirely. I think so much of the Review, I would not do without it, if it was five dollars a year. The sermon in No. 17, was meat in due season to me.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a twelve-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $2.50 per year, or $1.25 for a volume of 20 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor, free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Western Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Our Book List.
1. THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz.
2. FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
7. SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded, pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
8. HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
9. APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. W. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 25c., 2 oz. Without Letters, 10c., 2 oz.
10. THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
11. BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
12. SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
13. THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
14. THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
15. WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.
16. MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendencies. The heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.
17. THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 10c., 4 oz.
18. MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
19. APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.
20. REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question. Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
21. THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days. Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
22. THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
23. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
24. THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
25. VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
26. REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
27. BAPTISM. Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
28. THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic part. 10c., 3 oz.
29. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
30. KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
31. THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
32. THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
33. THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
34. THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
35. MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
36. MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
37. THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
38. BIBLE STUDENTS’ ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
39. AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
40. REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
41. MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
42. EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
43. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
44. THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
45. THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French, 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.
46. AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
48. THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.
49. PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
50. THE LAW OF GOD, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
51. APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
52. THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
53. STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
54. TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.
Two-Cent Tracts.
55. SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
56. THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
57. THE SABBATH: A Stirring Argument by Elihu.
58. INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
59. WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
60. WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
61. PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
62. DEATH AND BURIAL: or, Scriptural Baptism.
63. MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts.
64. TRUTH.
65. POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
66. THE LAW OF GOD, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
67. JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
68. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
69. MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
70. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time.
71. THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
72. THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
73. THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $1.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
74. SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind; and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
Appointments.
By Uriah Smith
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
General Conference.
WITH a growing assurance that we understand our position on the prophetic chart; that the third angel's message is the leading truth for this time; and that the warning should immediately be heralded more fully through the land, as the evidences of the shortness of time, and the Lord's soon coming are accumulating on every side, the General Conference Committee call the fifth annual session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, to take into consideration the interests of the cause, and devise such means as may be in our power for its further and speedy advancement.
The meeting will convene in Battle Creek, Mich., Tuesday, May 14, commencing at 9 o'clock, A. M. It is very desirable that every section of the field should be represented, by delegate, if possible, if not, by letter. The cause is one; and it is the province of the General Conference to consult for the best interest of the whole; hence it will be necessary to know, as far as possible, the situation and wants of all. Delegates should be chosen in season by the different State Committees, and duly provided with credentials. In those localities where there is no State Conference yet organized, brethren can represent themselves by delegate, or letter, at their discretion.
Delegates will please be particular to act on the resolution passed at the General Conference of May 16, 1866, which reads as follows:
“Resolved, That the delegates from each State Conference should be prepared to furnish to the General Conference the statistics of their respective Conferences; and it is hereby requested of the Secretaries of the several Conferences that they furnish the delegates of their own Conferences, such statistics, specifying the number of ministers and licentiates, the number of churches, the number of the membership, and the total amount of their s. B. funds, &c.”
PROPOSED CHANGE OF THE CONSTITUTION. It is proposed to change Art. IX of the Constitution by striking out the proviso contained therein, and changing the words “two-thirds vote,” to “three-fourths vote.” The Article now reads as follows:
“Art. IX. This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any regular meeting: Provided, That any proposed amendment shall be communicated to the Executive Committee, and notice thereof given by them in their call for the meeting of the Conference.”
If amended as proposed, it will read as follows:
“Art. IX. This Constitution may be altered or amended by a three-fourths vote of the delegates present at any meeting.”
The reason for this proposed change is this: As brethren are consulting together in General Conference, it frequently happens that matters come up involving a change of the Constitution, upon which it would be expedient to take immediate action; but the change in the Constitution not having been announced with the call for the meeting, no action can be taken till the following year.
For the Committee.
U. SMITH, Secretary.
What Kind of a People are They?
By G. W. A.
In Rev. xiv, 1, John saw a certain people, 144,000 in number, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God in their hands. As this company seem to be especially favored of the Lord, in being exalted to such a heavenly position, we inquire, What kind of a people were they, on earth, before obtaining such heavenly preferment?
We answer, In this world they were known as Seventh-day Adventists, or in the scoffer's tongue, as Jews, fanatics, crazy-heads, vision-lovers, &c., &c. In reality they were the “remnant” people of God; they kept the commandments of God without any flinching; they observed with religious reverence the Sabbath as given to Adam in Eden—the seventh day; they believed in the blessed hope of Jesus' soon coming; they held to the perpetuity of the gifts in the gospel church down to the very end of time,—and, the spirit of prophecy was with them; they believed that man by nature was mortal, and that it was simply a lie of the Devil, that there was something in his nature as imperishable as that of God's; they believed, as all the prophets, and patriarchs, and apostles, with Christ their elder brother at their head, as they all taught, that all the wicked would certainly be destroyed; they had a great longing for the “old paths,” and so they held, as set forth in the beginning, that man should live of the fruits and products of the ground, consequently they discarded flesh-eating, and sought by abstinence and temperance to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; they were poor, they were persecuted, they were despised; the world did not think them fit to live, but God loved them, delivered them,—and they were saved.
Reader, do you want to be of that number?
G. W. A.
Michigan State Conference.
By I. D. Van Horn
The Michigan State Conference of S. D. Adventists will hold its seventh annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday, May 15, 1867, at 9 o’clock, A. M. Let there be a faithful representation by delegates or letters from all the churches. Churches who wish to join the Conference should also make their wishes known at this meeting. Let all delegates and ministers come prepared to make the various reports to the Conference that the Constitution requires.
By order of the Committee,
I. D. VAN HORN, Secretary.
The Review to the Poor.
By Editor
A SISTER writes: “As no one has spoken against enlarging the Review, I would like to inquire if it would not be taking it out of the reach of the poor, who find it as much as they can do to pay for it at the present price?”
We answer, No; because it is the express intention of the publishers, publicly avowed in connection with the enlargement of the paper, and increase of price, that the worthy poor should still have it free, by their reporting themselves to the Office, and stating their condition and wishes, once a volume. It is expected that those who cannot pay full price, will pay what they can. And when those who have the paper free, meet such a change in their circumstances, that they can pay, they will of course esteem it a privilege to do so. Many have already done so. This is right. We would also again remind the brethren of the commendable plan upon which some of the churches are acting, that is, let each church ascertain who of its members are entitled to the Review free, and see that they have it, the church paying the expense. A church can look after its own poor more understandingly than persons at a distance. On the plans and terms here proposed, none need go without the paper, whatever their circumstances may be.