Earlier text: Infidel Objections to the Bible Answered. No. 19.“EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME.”
By Nahum Orcutt
“I BELIEVE God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts xxvii, 25. Thus the apostle Paul gives expression to his confidence in the accomplishment of what had been told him by the angel of the Lord. No doubt seems to have troubled his mind. He had unlimited confidence. He expresses no contingency. “There shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, . . . for there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, ‘Fear not, Paul,’ &c.” His was more than a speculative faith—an assent of the mind. He had not only this, but, in addition to this, unlimited confidence and trust in God’s character and promises. He had given up all, and could say, “I count all things but loss . . . that I may win Christ.” He had made a full surrender of his will to the guidance of his Heavenly Father. “The angel of God, whose I am,” he told me. He had no tangible evidence that he had been told the truth, but he believed that what had been told him was a revelation from God, and although the surrounding circumstances were all discouraging, so much so that he says all hope that they should be saved was taken away, yet Paul believed, not only that God was able, but that he would deliver. It was not, I guess, I hope deliverance may come, but the language of unwavering faith that takes hold of the promises of God: “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Only obey and you are safe. “Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” May we not profit by the example of the apostle? May we not learn from him, in some degree, the blessed and heavenly lesson of trusting in God, of looking to the future to vindicate his providence and fulfill his promises. God may not send his angel to communicate to us his will and purpose, but has he left us to grope our way in darkness? Paul has borne testimony to the church: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, . . . ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day.” “Light is sown for the righteous,” and the great difficulty has been that men have loved darkness rather than light. God has not left himself without a witness. He “who at sundry times and divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.” He has revealed his secrets to his servants, the prophets, and, in carrying out his plan, has graciously given us “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” “Holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Surely, we cannot excuse our lack of faith by saying that God has not spoken unto us. Happy are we if we have fully learned and realized that “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” We have abundant reason to have faith in God, confidence in the word that has thus come down to us, and to say with the apostle, “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Had Paul, in his previous experience and his knowledge of God’s dealings with his children, the assurance that he could implicitly rely upon the promise by the mouth of the angel? And are we left without evidence of the same class, which should beget in us like faith? If we turn to the records of the past, we find upon the page of secular and sacred history the literal fulfillment of many of those things that have been told us. The fulfillment of what was revealed unto Daniel of the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman kingdoms, has proved the truth of the adage, “Prophecy is history in advance.” Except the last, they have arisen, filled the mould of prophecy, and passed away. Of the last, what remains to be said, but that she is to be consumed by the fire of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of his coming? The present generation have some of them witnessed the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars, and are now amid the distress of nations foretold by the Lord Jesus Christ. Are not these instances, without adducing others, sufficient ground upon which to base our faith that what remains to be fulfilled of the predictions of the word will as literally come to pass? Had we no other evidence, surely we need not doubt. But we have also many precious promises, in the verification of which we find the evidence, upon which we may rest with faith like that of the apostle. While we thus believe, with what pleasure and joy we read, “My grace is sufficient for you.” “All things work together for good to them that love God.” “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end.” We know that these promises are sure, that the same God who sent the ravens to feed his servant Elijah commissioned his angel to shut the lions’ mouths, that Daniel be not harmed, and wrought deliverance for his servants in the furnace of fire, that they were untouched by the scorching flames, still lives; and that legions of angels yet obey his bidding, and watch over those that love him. In the early ages of this dispensation were found apostles who dared to trust in God and claim his promises; and the result was, that in all the varied scenes of their eventful lives, in prosperity and adversity, in joy and sorrow, in sickness and health, in life and death, in view of perils and dangers, amid persecutions, scourgings and revilings, they could say, “None of these things move me.” They could look forward to the crown of righteousness, for them laid up, never doubting but it would be given. The millions of martyrs, from Stephen down to the present time, have found, when called to seal their testimony for the truth with their blood, comfort from God, and joy in his salvation. They have “found it even as it was told them.” How was it with those who embraced the first and second angels’ messages of Rev. xiv, 6–8? They believed God. They were called to sacrifice for the truth, to meet with opposition, to sever strong ties, to break up old associations, and to bear heavy burdens. Cheerfully they bore the consecrated cross. Joyfully they took their stand upon unpopular truths, and endured the scoffs of an apostate church, and the derision of the world. While they stood in the counsel of God, did they ever look in vain to him for promised aid? Nay, verily! They found it even as was told them. Never did they find the Lord’s ear dull that he could not hear, or his arm shortened that he could not save. And again, how has it been with those who, when the hour of bitter disappointment came, waited to see the salvation of God, and when the command was given to move forward, obediently moved, and gladly received the third angel’s message? They have been cast off and despised by their associates in the former messages, endured hardness, surmounted difficulties, have been tested and tried, as they have taken step after step, keeping pace with the increasing light that has shone upon their pathway. In vain we look for one of these who have kept a smoking sacrifice upon the altar and failed to find the Lord a present help. Some have wandered from the Lord, manifested a spirit of rebellion against God and his chosen instruments, and gone down. But those who have lived near the Lord, have always found the Almighty arm underneath to help when help was needed. The power of God is manifested in their behalf. His voice from Heaven, in the testimonies to the church, is given just at the right time; not only giving many general and individual warnings and much instruction, but also bringing before his people the Health Reform, that they might learn to be temperate in all things, and thus be brought into a position where they could add to temperance, patience. Truly, they have “ever found it even as it was told them.” With all these sources of encouragement, the promises of God’s word, the experience of prophets, apostles and martyrs, and of the church in the three messages, shall we distrust God, doubt his providential care, and fail to lean upon his Almighty arm? All who have believed his word, trusted in and obeyed him, have found his every promise sure—found it even as was told them. He delivered Daniel from the lions, his servants from the fiery furnace, and will he not deliver us if we are found, as they, doing his will? He led his people out from bondage with a mighty deliverance, and forsook them only when they forsook him, and will he not guide us into the promised land if we profit by the record of his dealings with them, and fall not after the same example of unbelief? He has been with those who embraced the truth under the proclamation of the first angel’s message, to afford all needed assistance to guide them, unless they rejected his counsel and rejected truth subsequently developed; with those who have heeded the voice of the third angel, striven to repair the breach, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus;” and will he not, if we cling closely to him, verify his promise and be with us, even to the end? Ye lonely and way-worn ones, take courage. Ye tried and tempted, lift up your heads and rejoice. What though perils increase, and the time of trouble before us be exceedingly severe. God only designs, “the dross to consume, the gold to refine.” Those who have the gold tried in the fire have an enduring treasure that moths cannot corrupt, or thieves steal. They, and they only, are truly rich. Those who have the white raiment will not be found naked in the coming day. That robe will even give them admittance to the marriage feast, prepared by the great King, and freely proffered by him to the invited guests. With this garment, worn with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, how gloriously arrayed. And the heavenly eyesalve! without it, blind. Those who have it will be able to discern the signs of the times, will not be unaware of the wiles of the adversary, but will be able to stand. What need, then, of discouragement? Why not believe that it will be even as God has told us? Believe, with Paul, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Health Institute, Battle Creek, Mich., Oct., 1867. SHALL I FALTER NOW?
By Mary E. Guilford
Long I have trod the narrow path,
And climbed o’er many a rugged steep.
Have braved the worldling’s frowns and wrath,
Though oft their taunts have made me weep,
And shall I faint or falter now,
Because new duties are revealed?
Shall murmuring thoughts becloud my brow?
Or pride lay in my heart concealed? I’ve borne my cross in weakness long
Where duty led, have tried to go;
Tho’ weak, yet grace has made me strong
To meet life’s ills, and face the foe.
And shall I lose the blessing now,
Because the cross grows heavier still;
Falter, or faint, or e’en allow
One selfish wish my heart to fill? What! falter now so near the prize,
Which every soul should stimulate?
Lose all my hopes of paradise,
Unworthy pride to satiate?
Forbid, my God, that I thus weak
Should yield myself a slave to lust!
But oh! may I be humble, meek,
Remembering that I am but dust. Ah! no; I will not falter now,
While here, the cross I’ll faithful bear,
That Heaven’s bright crown may deck my brow,
When saints are called its bliss to share.
Yes, yes, I will go bravely on,
And conquer every worldly lust,
That I may hear the glad “Well done,”
And dwell forever with the just. Endure Hardships.
By Charles Bray
As the gladiator trains the body, so must we train the mind to self-sacrifice, “to endure all things,” to meet and overcome difficulty and danger. We must take the rough and thorny road, as well as the smooth and pleasant; and a portion, at least, of our daily duty must be hard and disagreeable; for the mind cannot be kept strong and healthy in perpetual sunshine only, and the most dangerous of states is that of constantly recurring pleasure, ease and prosperity. Most persons will find difficulties and hardships enough without seeking them; let them not repine, but take them as a part of that educational discipline necessary to fit the mind to arrive at its highest good.—Charles Bray. MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By Isaac Sanborn
Since returning to Cassville, Grant Co., I have held eighteen meetings with a steady increase of interest in favor of the truth, against a very strong sectarian opposition, which finally became so dragonic in its venom and spite that on the evening after last Sabbath they came up to the school-house when I was about half through my discourse, and threw three stones about as large as a man's fist through the window at me, and snapped one or two caps on a revolver at the same time. The broken glass flew all around me and on the table where I stood. I do not know that a single particle of it touched me. At least I felt none. One of the stones struck a young sister on the head about six feet in front of me, hurting her quite bad. The second struck a man on the side without harm. The third struck a brother on the opposite side of the house from the window, without harm. It was all done at the same instant. I do not think that any stone came within six feet of me. I stood broadside before the window, about ten feet from it; and I think that the angel of the Lord stood by me and delivered me, for which I praise God's holy name. It caused so much excitement among the people for about five minutes that I stopped speaking, till it was ascertained that the young sister that was hit was not seriously injured. Then I proposed that we sing and pray, which we did. I then went on and finished my sermon in peace, having no fear.305 The next morning, which was yesterday, first-day, at ten A. M., we listened to Eld. Ball, Methodist local preacher, who again tried to preach down the Sabbath. And although he had been a week preparing for it, I never saw a man worse covered with confusion than he was. I could see his warmest friends blush for him. As soon as he got through, it being the day we had appointed for baptism when I was here before, we repaired immediately to the Grant river, a beautiful stream of water about two miles distant from the school-house, where twenty-three willing souls were buried with Christ by baptism into death, and raised with him to walk in newness of life. There is still quite a company of others that expect to go forward soon. Last evening I spoke to a large company from the same text that Elder Ball spoke from in the morning, which is found in Rom. iii, 31. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid! yea, we establish the law.” The Lord gave me much liberty in the word. The regular Methodist circuit preacher was present, but I knew it not till my meeting was entirely closed, when he came forward to make some corrections, he said, concerning some reports which he had heard. After he got through I had to correct some of his misrepresentations concerning my sermon that evening, which led him to agree to preach on next first-day, at 10 A. M., to show that the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath. I am to speak in the evening. I expect much good as the result. I commence meetings to-morrow evening, Oct. 22, in another district about seven miles from here, where some are already keeping the Sabbath as the result of my meetings here. I hope my brethren and sisters will pray that a door of utterance may be given me, that I may speak boldly, yet in meekness, the glorious truths of the third angel's message, and that the Lord may bless his word in the conversion and salvation of many precious souls in this section of country. Here I wish to say to Bro. Ingalls, of Trempeleau, Wis., that the way the work is opening out here, I shall not be able to go to his place till after the holidays, but will go just as soon as I can. Please write me at Cassville, Grant Co., Wis. What a hungering and thirsting for truth a little taste of the third angel's message will create in some people. Two years ago I preached one sermon in Beetown, about six miles from here, on the promises of God. A very strong, good, Methodist man, by the name of Seagraves, raised a window of the Methodist meeting-house, unfastened the door and made a fire, and, with many others, heard the sermon which set him to reading and to keeping the Sabbath. This started his wife to reading and to keeping the Sabbath, also; and last Sabbath they walked eight miles to the place of meeting. I formed a happy acquaintance with them. They heard one discourse, witnessed the baptism, and returned home rejoicing in the Lord. How wonderfully the Lord is gathering up and preparing his people for the coming of his dear Son. We have organized a prayer and social meeting of thirty-one members, who have covenanted together by setting down their names, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Their meetings are very interesting. There are many others who will yet become members. I pray that God may build them up firm in the faith, and that they may be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Pet. 1, 5. Cassville, Oct. 21, 1867. SABBATH AGITATION.
By Editor
We are happy to notice on the part of our Seventh-day Baptist brethren a great increase of effort toward spreading abroad the true light on the great question of the Sabbath. The Sabbath Recorder of Oct. 17, 1867, contains a Report of the Sabbath Tract Society, in which we find the following items: “HISTORY OF THE SABBATH.”
“Eld. A. H. Lewis says in regard to the work he has in preparation: “‘By a change in my field of labor, I have been enabled to give more time to the prosecution of the work of my Sabbath History than during any previous year. The history of the first four centuries is now ready for the printer. By pressing the work, I hope to complete the manuscript by the 1st of May, 1868. Circumstances may possibly enable me to do it a little sooner than this, or perhaps prevent it until a later period.’” “Eld. T. B. Brown is engaged on review of Gilfillan’s work on the Sabbath, in regard to which he says: “‘It will be submitted to the Society as soon as I can, consistently with my ordinary duties, and due regard for my health, which forbids a continued application to study, perfect it.’” In both these works we expect a valuable contribution to the cause of Sabbath truth, and substantial aid in the great work of Sabbath Reform. We bid them God speed in their noble efforts. We have received from the Society two new works on the Sabbath question: One a sermon by Eld. A. H. Lewis, preached before the missionary Society at its last anniversary in Alfred, N. Y., and the other a series of four discourses by Eld. N. Wardner, making a pamphlet of 112 pages, entitled, “Nature’s God and His Memorial.” These works are well adapted to the study of those who wish to investigate the Sabbath question. We trust they may be widely circulated. To be had of the Society at Westerly, R. I., Geo. B. Utter, General Agent. IF THOU HADST BEEN JUST.
By J. H. Waggoner
Among the many “vain repetitions” used in prayer, the “set phrases” made honorable by custom, generally spoken without considering their import, few, if any, grate more harshly on the ear than the above. Often do we hear people informing the Lord, (it is not praying,) that, if he had been just with them, they had been cut off, &c. This is a reproach in the ears of unbelievers, and an offence against the gospel of Christ. Many of the theories of religion now extant, rob the gospel of the element of justice, and so dishonor God in his purposes and appointments. This is done directly by those who teach that the Saviour abrogated God’s just law; and also by those who teach that Christ did not suffer the penalty of that law, but something less, substituted for that penalty. By the first class the principles of justice are set aside; by the second its claims are disregarded. God deals with all according to the strictest rules of justice. To do otherwise, would be to trample on his own attributes, and destroy the harmony and purity of his own character. Every careful reader must have noticed that the glory of God was ever prominent in the words and actions of the Saviour; this was first in the song of the angels who announced his birth; and Paul says that Christ was set forth as a propitiation, “that God might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.” Rom. iii, 23–26. This is one of the most glorious truths of revelation. Justice and mercy unite in the offering of Christ; and in no system of religion do they unite except in the gospel. So to rob the gospel of its grand design of the vindication of justice, is to bring it down to the level of false systems. The same act which enables God to be just and to pass by the sin of the believer, and justify him for the sake of his ransom and substitute, will enable him to be just in giving all the same opportunity to repent and believe. God’s justice rests in Christ, both toward the saved and the lost. He took the penalty of that just law in his own person, by which all judgment is committed to his hands. For the believer, the penitent, he bears the dread consequence of guilt till it is returned upon the head of its originator; but to the impenitent, the incorrigible, who refuse to be reconciled to God through him, he finally returns the demands of justice on their own heads. Dr. Barnes, as quoted in articles on the Atonement in the Review, says there was mercy and not justice in the offering of Christ. A refutation of that idea was offered in those articles. I wish here to give an extract from Alexander Campbell in vindication of justice; it is from a letter to B. W. Stone, who seems to have imbibed views subversive of those principles. Mr. Campbell said: “The difficulty is not about the necessity of his death in order to reconciling us to God; but it is about the necessity of his death in order to God’s pardoning us. . . . Would you have any one to think that Christ’s death occurred simply to demonstrate God’s goodness; and that this demonstration occurred simply to induce repentance; and that repentance alone superinduces forgiveness? . . . For my part I will stand up before the universe of God, not only in affirming, but in attempting to prove, that the death of Jesus Christ, our blessed and only Lord, was, and is, and evermore shall be, as necessary to demonstrating the justice as the goodness of God in forgiving sins. To unite mercy and justice in forgiving the sinner, was, in my view, the supreme end of God’s sparing not his own Son.” Mil. Har., Vol. v., No. 2, p. 66, 1841.
This is evidently the true scriptural view. God’s mercy—his boundless mercy is shown in the death of his Son; his infinite justice is honored therein also. Mercy and justice unite in his dealings toward us. He is just in all his ways; he has been just toward us through the cross of Christ, by which we have had a probationary time to repent and return to him. Christ died for all, and he is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. But they who refuse to honor him in his justice can never enjoy his mercies in forgiveness and eternal salvation. May the glory of God, the vindication of his holiness and justice, be ever first in our minds and hearts, as it was in the heart, the life, and gospel of his Son. Orwell, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1867. THE WORK IN BATTLE CREEK.
We have still further words of encouragement to offer concerning the work in progress in this place. The meeting on Sabbath, the 19th, was noticed last week. First-day evening, following, was mostly spent in the examination of candidates for baptism; and on Monday morning forty-four went forward in this solemn and impressive ordinance. Twenty-eight of these, mostly young, here for the first time took upon themselves the name of Christ, and the public profession of his service. Sixteen were baptized by Bro. White, and twenty-eight by Brn. Andrews and Loughborough. This exceeded any former instance of the kind we have enjoyed in this place, not only in the number of candidates, but in the interest and solemnity that seemed to attach to the occasion. The Spirit of the Lord rested down, and many of the candidates came out of the water with faces beaming with heavenly peace and holy joy. On Tuesday evening, the 22nd, the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated; and here again we had a season, such as, of this kind, we never before enjoyed. Bro. White was assisted by Brn. Hutchins and Bourdeau. The spirit of humility, union and love, which these ordinances are calculated to promote, seemed to be present to a greater degree than we have ever before witnessed on any like occasion. The meeting closed with a season of prayer, more especially for Bro. and Sr. White, as they were about to leave, without any rest from their wearing labors here, for the arduous duties of their eastern tour. It was a season of power, in which the Spirit of the Lord was copiously shed down upon us. Thus, as was remarked by a brother, four seasons of especial interest have transpired in connection with these meetings. First, when a spirit of humility and confession, in the early part of the meetings, was welcomed into the hearts of the church. This laid the foundation; and without this, nothing could have been accomplished. Second, the blessed meeting we enjoyed Sabbath, the 19th. Third, the memorable baptismal scene on second-day morning. And fourth, the good season at the celebration of the ordinances, on third-day evening. Bro. and Sr. White, accompanied by Bro. and Sr. Bourdeau, left for their eastern appointments, on Thursday, the 24th inst., bearing with them the prayers of this church for abundant help and spiritual prosperity among those for whom they go to labor. At the meeting last Sabbath, the 26th, the progress the church has made was quite apparent. After a short but solemn and deeply interesting discourse from Bro. Hutchins on the necessity of giving more earnest heed lest we let these things slip, and the impossibility of escape if we neglect the great salvation, Heb. ii, 1–3, one hundred and ten testimonies were borne in quick succession, one hundred of them in forty-five minutes. Yet we are aware that only a good beginning has been made of the work that ought to be accomplished in and for us. We must hold the advantages we have gained, and reach forward for new attainments. This there now seems to be a disposition to do, which we trust may prove to be vigorous and lasting. The following paragraph none but the fretful need read: The little vexations and minor miseries of life can only be met with patience and philosophy. They can’t be “put down” like an insurrection, nor expelled like a bad church member. The best that can be done with them is to pay as little attention to them as possible, and not to double their power by fretting over them. As the immortal Shakespeare says—we don’t remember exactly where— “For every evil under the sun
There is a remedy or there’s none;
If there is one, try to find it;
And if there isn’t, never mind it.” A VISIT TO ALLEGAN COUNTY.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
Our pleasing trip to Otsego on the 16th ult., of 37 miles, in company with Bro. Loughborough, which we accomplished with Bro. White's team before the hour for dinner, has been spoken of. We visited at Bro. Hilliard's and other places till the 20th. On Sabbath 21st, listened to two interesting discourses from Bro. L. at Allegan. On the 23d, went to Monterey, where we were kindly welcomed by the dear brethren. Just nine years ago, I here formed what proved to be a profitable acquaintance with the fever and ague; as it did much to correct a bilious habit, though while I was prostrated under its power, with my nervous system dreadfully shattered, it was hard to have one friendly feeling toward it. I have ever remembered with lively gratitude of heart the kindness of the beloved brethren and sisters to me in this sickness, and especially of brother and sister L. M. Jones, at whose house I was sick. And from that time I have written from experience, let quinine alone in case of the ague: a water treatment with the blessing of God, is a thousand times better. Our visits with the different families here were very pleasant. We were happy to find so much tender feeling in the minds of the young on the subject of returning unto the Lord, as there was and had been since Bro. and Sr. White were there. It was easy praying for them in some families. May the Lord bless and strengthen them all to fully return unto him, and be in readiness to meet the Saviour when he comes. Sabbath the 28th, I spoke to this church, and some from Allegan and Otsego, on the subject of a life of holiness. This was a season of solemn interest. The testimonies of these brethren and sisters, and of Bro. Dr. H. S. Lay, who was with us, were refreshing indeed. The young were melted into tears. A number spoke of their determination to live more devoted to God. One young lady for the first time spoke expressing her desire to become a Christian. Oct. 3d, brethren and sisters, friends and neighbors, met and expressed their deep sympathy for our afflicted Bro. H. Kenyon, whose devoted companion we laid away on that day, to rest in hope till the Life-giver shall come. Sabbath, the 5th inst., I preached to the brethren convened in Otsego for Monthly Meeting. After the discourse, about fifty testimonies were borne, some of them well wet down with tears. Hearty confessions were made and good resolutions formed. We hope all these dear friends will advance in the way of life; and that those who know they have not stood in the counsel of the Lord, will come up to their privilege, and show to the world with “well-doing,” that they love God and his truth and his children, as his professed people should. On the 8th, in company with Bro. A. Cross from Vermont, we returned to the Health Institute. REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
SEPT. 19–22, I attended the convocation of Sabbath-keepers from Ill. and Wis., at Johnstown Center. This was truly a good meeting. The Lord did come to the feast. Jesus was not personally present, but the holy Comforter was there as his representative. Thus in our experience the sweet promise was verified: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth. He dwelleth in you, and shall be with you.” We still mourn with the whole creation for the bondage of corruption, which causes so much distress and pain. We “groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” But the Holy Spirit brought Jesus near. We realized that he was pleading for us in the temple of God, before the ark of God’s covenant. In the tabernacle of glory, enshrined in light, surrounded by thousands of mighty and holy angels, before him innumerable cases of the highest importance to attend to, yet Jesus turned his eyes to the little despised company of Sabbath-keepers who had collected from different sections of the country, dwelling in tents for a season, like pilgrims and strangers. They declared plainly that they were seeking a heavenly country. Banishing from their minds that country from whence they came out, they rejoiced in hope of immortality, and soon of meeting in the city which God has prepared, who is not ashamed to be called their God. The second coming of Jesus seemed to be near. The promise “I will come to you,” of more than eighteen hundred years standing, seemed brighter than ever. Oh! for a thorough preparation, a deeper work of grace, a real cleansing from all sin in the precious blood of Jesus. Then we will soon be found walking with him in white raiment. The presence of Bro. and Sr. White was a blessing to many. And those who had been anxiously looking for them, expecting to be benefited by their testimony, were not disappointed. The Lord worked with these dear servants of his and strengthened them to give meat in due season. Testimonies that will lead to self-examination, forsaking of sin, and a drawing near to God, are of the right stamp. This is just what we need to be prepared for the coming of Jesus. May God continue to bless them, and the sounding of the last warning trumpet wax louder and louder until all the dear saints shall stand as one, and be presented blameless before the exalted and lovely Jesus at his appearing. Bro. U. Smith favored us also with his presence. I think his presence will prove a blessing to himself as well as to the people. We all love to see one with whom we have conversed through the paper; one who has taken so prominent a position in this important branch of the cause. When we again read the paper it will be more interesting to us to hear from one with whom we have become more personally acquainted. Likewise the editor himself will become more interested in the welfare of those whom he has seen, and heard express their determinations, and rehearse their trials and victories. How much better he can speak of the battle when he himself has taken an active part and been right on the battle ground. We trust that God’s servants, connected with the work in the Office, who have heretofore lacked wisdom to fully take care of their own health, will hereafter hearken to and obey the kind instructions given them by our Lord. We were also made glad to meet with the dear servants of God, who labor in the truth. May God help and bless each one in their different fields of labor, and cheer their hearts with the blessed hope, while they work and toil. Our hearts were encouraged to see so many dear friends, known and unknown, all striving to keep the commandments of God and gain an entrance through the pearly gates into the golden city. I would say to the brethren with whom I am acquainted and have not been able to meet so long, that this is not caused by the slightest unwillingness or prejudice on my part. I will gladly seek any opportunity that may present itself to meet with you. But duty goes before wishes. I will try to understand where the Lord would have me go when he calls, and what he wants me to do. Pray for me, lest I fail and come short of eternal life. The enemy rages most against those who labor to pluck souls like brands from the fire. Pray that the Lord may work and glorify his own excellent name in the deliverance of his people. October 5 and 6, we had Quarterly Meeting at Oakland. Brethren from Johnstown met with us. We had a solemn and interesting season. Oct. 7, I started for Minnesota. The next day I arrived at Owatonna. Here I was unexpectedly called upon to go five miles to a Danish family to preach a funeral sermon. I found the people waiting, and proceeded immediately to present before them the blessed hope. It was a most solemn occasion, and a heart-rending sight to see them carry the mother from four small children and a sorrowing husband. The oldest child appeared to be about five years old, and the youngest six months. The father and three oldest children went crying after the bier. How thankful we ought to be for life, and how careful we ought to use it, for it is very brief. I am now among the brethren in Riceland. I intend to remain in this vicinity about a month. Our Quarterly Meeting will begin on the first Sabbath in November. Clark’s Grove, Freeborn Co., Minn., Oct. 10, 1867. CORRECTION. In Review Vol. XXX, No. 14, under heading “Hints to House-keepers,” it reads, “a solution of vitriol.” Please read, “a solution of copperas.”
J. M. Live within your means, if you would have means within which to live.