The eighth annual session of this Conference was held at Mantorville, Minnesota, June 26–28, 1868.
Conference convened on sixth-day, at 10½ A. M. Eld. Pierce, president, in the chair.
Meeting opened by prayer, by Eld. J. N. Andrews. Ministers present, Elds. Stephen Pierce and Wm. S. Ingraham, also Eld. J. N. Andrews, of New York.
Delegates called, and four churches were represented by eight delegates. Mantorville, Blue Earth City, and Clark’s Grove churches were represented by delegates, and requested to join the Conference, and were admitted. Two churches not represented at all.
Voted, That Eld. J. N. Andrews be invited to participate with us in the business of the Conference.
Voted, That all brethren present, in good standing in their respective churches, be invited to participate in the discussion of business.
Secretary’s report being called for, was read and accepted.
Reports of churches show a membership of some over two hundred; s. b., about $900.
Ministers’ reports being called for, Elds. Pierce and Ingraham responded.
Voted, That the President be empowered to appoint a Committee of six to settle with ministers. Whereupon the following brethren were named: S. W. Hickok, A. C. Morton, F. W. Morse, H. Grant, W. J. Gibson, and C. Kelsey. By request, Eld. J. N. Andrews was afterwards added.
Treasurer’s report was read and accepted. Credentials of ministers next called up. Voted to renew the credentials of Elds. Pierce and Ingraham.
Licenses called up. Postponed till some other session.
The Conference then balloted for their officers, resulting in the nomination of the same officers that served last year; viz., for President, Stephen Pierce, Secretary, H. F. Phelps, Treasurer, W. I. Gibson, Committee, Wm. S. Ingraham and H. Grant.
On motion, these brethren were declared duly elected by a unanimous vote.
Voted, That a Committee of three on resolutions be appointed by the chair.
Adjourned for one and three-fourths hours.
SECOND SESSION.
Prayer by Bro. Ingraham.
By their request,
Voted, That the church of Oronoco be changed to that of Pine Island.
The following resolutions were then presented and unanimously adopted.
Resolved, 1st, That we express our deep interest in the success of the mission to California; and that we pledge to our brethren who have entered upon it, the support of our free-will offerings and our earnest prayers.
2d, That we heartily approve of the proposed change in the manner of conducting the business of the Health Institute; and that we invite our brethren in this Conference to aid with their means in its establishment as a benevolent institution.
3d, That we are deeply interested in the formation of the Benevolent Association for the relief of the widows and orphans, and of such others as may have a claim upon its means, and we invite all our people to aid in this noble work by becoming members of the Association, and by donating to its fund according to their ability.
About $120 were pledged for this purpose.
4th, That we recommend to our brethren to pay their s. b., quarterly in advance, instead of at the end of each quarter.
5th, That we earnestly request the labors of Bro. and Sr. White with us at their earliest convenience, as very important to the prosperity of the cause of truth in this Conference.
Ratified by a rising vote of all present.
6th, That we approve the sentiment of the General Conference address.
7th, That in the judgment of this Conference, no persons should enter the field as ministers, to proclaim the third angel’s message, against the decision of the Executive Committee and mind of the church.
8th, That we approve the effort to raise a book and tract fund for the general distribution of our works, and, especially, for the purpose of circulating the volumes of Spiritual Gifts.
Adjourned till first-day, 8 A. M.
THIRD SESSION.
Prayer by Bro. Andrews.
Some remarks from Eld. Andrews and others, in regard to the state and wants of the cause in Minnesota. Also some remarks in regard to the advice of the General Conference, for Eld. Ingraham to leave the State, when a brother presented the following resolution, which was passed unanimously:
Whereas, We read with grief the invitation from the General Conference for Bro. Ingraham to leave the State, and feeling, as we do, the need of his labors here, Therefore,
Resolved, That, if he is permitted to remain among us, in view of our present financial prospects, we do pledge him a liberal support.
An appeal was then made by Eld. Andrews in behalf of Eld. Ingraham, for the brethren in Minnesota to come up and shoulder his burdens, and try to release this servant of Christ, so that his time can be devoted more fully to this good work. The brethren responded quite liberally by paying and pledging; and still there is room.
An appeal was also made in behalf of a young brother who had been in a helpless condition with a broken back for over five years. $26 were raised with which a committee, chosen for the purpose, bought needed clothing.
Adjourned till 4 P. M.
FOURTH SESSION.
Prayer by Eld. Ingraham.
Spent some time in talking over the financial condition of the Conference. On account of the churches’ failing to make their reports, the Secretary was not able to make a very definite report. Still, enough was found to show that the churches were very much behind on their s. b. pledges.
The Secretary was instructed, that in case the churches or ministers should fail to report for the coming year, he should stir them up by writing to them or by reporting them through the REVIEW.
Some remarks were made in regard to Eld. Pierce. It was found that all were very loth to part with him from this Conference, feeling that we needed his skill, experience, and judgment in guiding the ship. Yet if it were duty, if Bro. Pierce could do more for the cause of truth in a warmer climate, they were willing he should go. All felt like doing their best to sustain him while he should remain. At this point, it was voted that the past indebtedness of the churches be given to Bro. Pierce.
Adjourned to Monday, 9 A. M.
FIFTH SESSION.
Prayer by Eld. Andrews.
Report of Auditing Committee. Accepted. The report showed that the Conference came out even-handed; that it is not in debt.
Voted, That we re-consider the last vote of last session.
Voted, That the past indebtedness of the churches on s. b. pledges be divided between Elds. Pierce and Ingraham, as fast as collected.
It is recommended that the s. b. treasurers in their respective churches be requested to stir up those who are behind on their s. b., and report to the Secretary the amount of indebtedness, and send the amount, as fast as paid, to the Treasurer, W. I. Gibson, Rochester, Minnesota, unless paid to the above-named preachers. Remember, the past indebtedness is not to be reported with your s. b. the coming year, but kept separate.
The subject of licenses next came up.
Voted, That F. W. Morse receive license.
W. Morse’s application for credentials referred to the Committee. The case of a Danish brother who applied for license, was referred to Eld. John Matteson.
Some remarks in regard to having a Convocation Meeting in this State this season.
Voted, That the matter be placed in the hands of the Committee, to decide the time and place.
Agreed to by a rising vote of all present.
Voted, That we express our gratitude to the Gen. Conf. and also to Eld. Andrews, for his labors with us during this Conference.
Resolved, That we acknowledge, with sincere gratitude, the unwearied care and pains on the part of friends in Mantorville and vicinity in entertaining this Conference.
Resolved, That the minutes of this meeting be sent to the REVIEW for publication.
Closing prayer by Eld. Andrews.
Adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN PIERCE, President,
H. F. PHELPS, Secretary.
JUST IN TIME.
By R. F. ANDREWS.
We have just received the REVIEW, and see that the Convocation in Wisconsin “is postponed.” This I believe is in harmony with the will of the Lord, and meets my mind exactly. But some may ask, “Why?” I answer.
First, There is a terrible drought in this part of Wisconsin; there has been no rain for over five weeks, and no prospect of any yet. The soil in this section is very sandy. This being the case you will see at once the effect: nearly every thing is dried up. Grass, in many places, is just as dry as it can be after being killed with frost. Corn is rolled up all day and has the appearance of corn that has been pulled out of the ground and lain in the hot sun an hour. The outside leaves are, in many pieces, turned brown, and looks as though it had been killed with frost; consequently it would be very difficult to get feed for a great many teams.
Second, The extreme heat. The mercury ran up to 97 in the shade, yesterday, and has ranged from 90 to 96 for the past week. It would be almost impossible to endure the heat.
And third, Harvesting is already commenced here. The dry, hot weather has brought it on at least three weeks earlier than common. When I came here the 14th, and saw the condition of things, I was really perplexed to know what to do. It was too late to give any notice through the REVIEW, and I was satisfied our meeting would be a failure. Consequently, when I saw the postponement notice, I was greatly relieved. Yet if there is no meeting there will be quite a disappointment. There is a great desire manifested to have Bro. and Sr. White attend this meeting, and I earnestly hope if there is a general meeting held in Northern Wisconsin this season, that they may see it duty to attend.
In hope and love,
Dell Prairie, July 17, 1868.
R. F. ANDREWS.
TO YOUNG PROFESSORS.
By ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS
How apt we are to run well for a season; but when persecutions, trials of our faith, and strong temptations from the enemy beat our pathway, how soon we grow weary and cease our watchfulness! how soon we get into a lukewarm state, which is very displeasing to our kind Heavenly Father. We must have a living experience every day.
That which, if rightly battled with, would strengthen us to face the enemy with greater courage, another time, is the means of discouragement to us because we go too much in our own strength. In the trying hour we should look to our chief Commander. Jesus knows our weakness. He can fully sympathize with us. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." This dear Saviour has said, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Yes, we are to overcome, even as Jesus overcame. "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." This same Jesus was made "perfect through sufferings."
Our Saviour never sinned. When he was tempted he fasted forty days and forty nights. He answered the tempter with words found in the word of God, and often did he go out into the mountain alone to pray. There, while his locks were wet with the dews of night, he struggled many hours in agony of soul. Again, see him in the garden of Gethsemane. What anguish! Three times he fell on the ground and prayed. His disciples were weary; their eyes were heavy. Hear his gentle reproof: "Simon, sleepest thou? could'st not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." See how sympathetic. The third time he returns from prayer, and again finds them sleeping. The disciples knew not what to answer him the second time. How their hearts must have sunk within them when they heard him say, "Sleep on now, and take your rest; it is enough, the hour is come; behold the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." Simon Peter relied too much on his own strength; he was sure that he never would deny Jesus, but in a few hours he denied him with cursing and swearing. Jesus turned and looked upon him. Oh, how sorrowful was that look. Peter's heart was melted; he went out and wept bitterly. Was he forgiven? Yes; Jesus will always forgive if we repent of our sins, even "until seventy times seven." But can he, will he help us if we help not ourselves? No, no. Eighteen hundred years ago his precious blood was shed on Calvary for every one. Now he pleads before his Father for us. When he sees a heartfelt desire for holiness on our part; a determination to do right, let come what may, then he will help us. Then, in Jesus' strength, we shall be strong and overcome all that is wrong. He never ceased the conflict with the great archdeceiver.
Jesus overcame! If one so good as he had to lead such a prayerful life, how necessary it is that we should "pray without ceasing." Think you it will be a smaller matter to overcome? My brother, my sister, oh, do not lay down the oars when you are half way up the stream, and drift down to take them up again, and go the same journey over, while your brother that was by your side has kept resolutely on against the breakers; he has nearly reached the haven. You can see his form in the distance; if you do not renew your diligence and make an extra effort against the wind and tide, soon, with anguish of heart, you will hear his shout of victory; the angels will have taken him to meet his Lord in the air, and you are lost, forever lost. How bitter will be your wailing then.
A sister commences reading her Bible through; soon her zeal abates; perhaps she reads her Bible on the Sabbath day, forgetting through the week that Jesus said "Search the Scriptures." Months pass; again she is aroused to duty; this time, she says, "I will read my Bible through," and begins reading the first book over again. Soon she sees her friend, and asks, "Where are you reading?" "In Kings. I have read the Bible through once, and as far as that again since we commenced." With tears in her eyes, she says, "I stopped."
A young man is placed on a sick bed. Tossing to and fro, week after week, with a burning fever, he begins to realize that death is in our land, and is sorry he has not lived more faithful. There he asks God to forgive him, and promises, if his life is spared, to live a better life. He is raised to health, and begins to bear the cross. Jesus smiles upon him and he is happy; but in a few months after, with tears, he will tell you he has become discouraged, and ceased to pray.
My dear young friends, commence again, and never stop. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."75
Oh! I entreat of you, be in earnest in regard to your soul's salvation. Jesus is our pattern; we should strive against sin as hard as he did; look to him and he will help you. Poor sinners, come to Jesus and find pardon before it is too late.
ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.
HOPE AND TRUST.
By M. A. Holt
What though my earthly lot seem hard,
And rough the way, and drear?
The tender Shepherd leadeth me,
And he the way will clear.
Touched with compassion, he invites
Each one by grief opprest,
To bring their burdens unto him,
And he will give them rest.
In humble thankfulness I bow
To find my task so light;
The blessed hope will cheer me on,
And brighten sorrow's night.
Come, all who will, the Saviour said,
Unto the waters free;
Sweet words of hope, which cannot fail,
And there is hope for me.
That in his strength I can be strong,
If I his love may share.
The cruel scorn he meekly bore
I partially can bear.
And in his name the truth obey,
Although the truth may lead
To Calvary, where he was led,
In agony to bleed.
And while I think the Sinless hung
Upon the shameful tree,
The truth comes home with melting force,
All this was borne for me.
For me his sacred temples bled;
For me he drank the gall;
Should I not freely yield my heart,My hopes, my life, my all?
M. A. Holt.
Wolcott, Vt.
WRITING FOR THE REVIEW.
By R. F. PHIPPENY
How often have I thought about this. How few there are that write for our paper. What is the matter? Is there not talent enough among Seventh-day Adventists to sustain the REVIEW? Surely, there is. Though we must admit that we have the very best paper, and ably sustained; but I feel as if we might do more, so that those who have the work to do, of preparing the paper for the press, may not be hindered for want of plenty of matter for the paper. I have an apology to make for myself, for my neglect in this respect. It has been a long time since I have contributed anything for the REVIEW; but, God giving me grace, I mean to do better in the future. I feel that I have been too negligent in this duty. I think we are too slow and backward in this thing. In view of the solemn time in which we are living, should we not be more zealous, and be about our Master's business, and work in every way we can for the advancement of the cause? We may think we have no talent for writing. We often think if we could write as well as such and such an one, we would try. I confess that such feelings have kept me back many times. Though my talents are small, I can write and tell all my brethren and sisters and others that I love present truth, and I mean to try and live it out wherever my lot may be cast. We can all do this much, if we love the cause enough. May God forgive me wherein I have neglected duty. May God help us to seek more earnestly for a deeper work of grace in our hearts, that we may be better prepared for every duty in life. Prepared to withstand the evils, trials, and troubles of these last days. Prepared to pass safely through to the end, so that when Jesus comes with his mighty angels, we may be among those that shall stand upon the sea of glass.
R. F. PHIPPENY.
Ithaca, Mich., July 6, 1868.
Reviving a Sinner’s Spiritual Life
IN attempting to convert a sinner from the error of his way, one should be as careful as though he were endeavoring to revive a rapidly expiring fire. Not trundle in a scuttle-full of dogmas all at once, so that the faint spark which gives indications of spiritual life is so overwhelmed by the mass, that it can with difficulty force its way through it, or perhaps is smothered entirely; but drop a truth here, a maxim there, always striving to keep the spark alive. Fan it, but do not blow it out.
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.
By L. E. Milline
“Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures?” How much error and false doctrine we find abroad in the land in these last days; and why is it? Because they know not the Scriptures. Error springs from a neglect of the holy Scriptures. There is so much reading, such a multiplicity of books, that we, who profess to believe in the soon coming of Jesus, are in great danger of neglecting the important command, “Search the Scriptures.” We should not merely read them, but should search them as a miner searches for gold and precious stones. Here we may find true holiness as the path that leads to glory and immortality. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” ’Tis a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. Through its “precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.” “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Sweeter, also, than honey and the honeycomb.” Let us search the word diligently, for, thus saith the Lord: “The Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool, but to this man will I look, to him that is of a poor and contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” We all desire happiness, and had we all the treasures of this world, they could not impart such true happiness as that derived from the word of God. Then let the blessed book be searched by us daily, that we may learn God’s will concerning us. It is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.” Oh! what would this poor world be without the blessed Bible. It points out the only way to Heaven. Oh! that we, in this, our day, knew the things that belong to our peace; we should be more diligent in the study of the holy Scriptures. And to read with profit, always read them with prayer for divine instruction. “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” Oh! what a blessed promise, and oh! how much wisdom is needed in these perilous times, to keep us from the snare of the enemy, who has come down in great wrath, knowing that his time is short, and would deceive, if possible, the very elect.
“Blessed Bible! how I love it,
How it doth my bosom cheer,
What hath earth like thee to covet?
Oh! what stores of wealth are here.”
L. E. MILLINE.
July 13, 1868.
Conference Department.
By J. S. MILLER
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Bro. Miller.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Although it is my custom to write quite frequently for the REVIEW by way of reporting the state of the cause in those localities where I happen to wander, I fear I have at times neglected my duty in the “Review Conference Meeting.” It is sometimes easier to observe and make remarks on what others are doing than to relate truthfully and unreservedly our own personal experiences. I do not mean by this that I think it is always duty to tell all our experiences, but yet there are events sometimes occurring in our daily life which the cause demands should be given to the church, either locally or in general, which require of us so much humility that we shrink from the task. But when we find ourselves in this condition, we have the consoling assurance, that “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
It is now just two years since I embraced the Sabbath. Perhaps this may sound strange to some of my Seventh-day Baptist brethren, to whose church I belonged for some twelve years. But being brought up to keep the true Sabbath as an act of obedience to earthly parents, is not embracing it. Nor is it embracing the Sabbath to unite with a church that holds it to be our duty to observe this day. All this may be done without our ever once seeing the claims of God’s law upon us. When I say that I embraced the Sabbath two years ago, I mean that I at that time came to see that sin was the transgression of the law, and that the word law, when thus used, means the ten commandments, and nothing else. Now, when we come to see ourselves sinners in the light of God’s law, and when we confess and forsake those sins, we may properly be said to have embraced the truth that the law reveals to us.
Two years’ experience in trying to live out the whole truth, has not lessened my confidence in the work of the Lord. Oh, how I can thank the Lord for the way in which he has led me. It has been one steady, gradual advance in the light of truth. I have found that light does not always come at once. It is just a little more new light—a little trial of my faith—and then the rich blessing of God’s Spirit resting down, and this, in turn, leads me to discover new beauties in the law of God, and in the plan of Salvation, and imperfections in my own heart, and in my course of life which I was before unable to see.
But, oh, how much of my time have I been shorn of my strength for want of a spirit of willing obedience. How often have I seen new light, and then gone days, and sometimes weeks, before I would come out and fully embrace it. I find that I shall be but a poor laborer in the vineyard of the Lord so long as it requires a greater part of my time to be seeking forgiveness for my own backslidings, and my own backwardness in living out the truth.
During these two years I have been blessed with the privilege of forming acquaintances with a large number of persons of like precious faith, to many of whom I have become attached by ties stronger than any that ever bound earthly relatives together, except when such relatives have been partakers of this same common salvation. Our opponents tell us that we go into bondage when we commence to keep the law of God; but if obedience to the precepts of our Heavenly Father is going to result in such bonds of love, I think I can say, Lord, increase my bondage.
Pray for me, brethren and sisters, that I may be equipped with the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
J. S. MILLER.
JULIANA L. POWELL
By Juliana L. Powell
From Sr. Powell.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is with feelings of deep gratitude that I endeavor to pen a few lines for the REVIEW. I have been truly led in a way I knew not. It has only been one short year since I was living isolated from any one of like faith, and oh, how lonely I was! so peculiar from others that my neighbors looked upon me with curiosity and wonder to see me keep the holy Sabbath, and no one else with me, not even my companion. But, praise the Lord! I had strength from on high, and often my prayer was for the way to open for me to meet with the chosen ones of Israel, and blessed be the Lord, I now live in this little town where there is a small company of Sabbath-keepers, who meet three times a week to pray and speak together; and those meetings are a privilege to me.
I see that those that have always had those blessings, are rather slack about being punctual at meeting. They have excuses for their absence; some work too hard, and are too tired to come, while others complain that the meetings hold too late, and have withdrawn altogether from our evening meetings. Perhaps their excuses are right, but if they had been placed as I have been for the past few years, without one to tell their hopes to but the Lord, I think those excuses would cease. Oh for a stirring up, and an effort to shake off this sleep! I do feel to pray for a deeper work in my own heart. I have been striving to see myself as others see me, but I find that it is hard to lay aside love for self and probe at my faults. I shrink from them with feelings of horror at my many imperfections, but may the dear Lord perfect his love in me. “Even though it be a cross, that raiseth me, nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee.”
I shall go to our Convocation Meeting this fall if the Lord is willing. I look forward with delight to that meeting, as Bro. and Sr. White are expected to be there, and I never have had the pleasure of seeing them.
Yours in hope of our Lord's soon coming.
JULIANA L. POWELL
Laporte City, Iowa.
THE ADVENT.
By Young
AND is there a last day?—and must there come
A sure, a fix'd inexorable doom?
Ambition! swell, and, thy proud sails to show,
Take all the winds that vanity can blow.
Wealth! a golden mountain blazing stand,
And reach an India forth in either hand;
Spread all thy purple clusters, tempting Vine!
And thou, more dreaded foe, bright Beauty! shine.
Shine all, in all your charms together rise,
That all, in all your charms, I may despise,
While I mount upward on a strong desire,
Borne, like Elijah, in a car of fire.
Religion! O thou cherub, heavenly bright!
O joys unmix'd and fathomless delight!
Thou, art of all; nor find I in the whole
Creation, aught but God and my own soul.—Young.
Mourning a Son in Hope
By Julia A. Gifford
From Sr. Gifford.
DEAR FRIENDS: It is with a very sad heart that I write a few lines to you. I have just buried my son, 16 years of age. But I do not sorrow as those that have no hope. “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.” He was sick 15 days with the typhoid fever. After a painful sickness he sank to sleep in Jesus. Praise his holy name! If it was not for that hope, how could I bear my affliction? I ask the prayers of the church.
JULIA A. GIFFORD.
Oswego Co., N. Y.,
A Bible-Loving Sister’s Testimony
By MARIA JONES
From Sr. Jones.
THE more I read the Bible, the better I love it. There are many, many things I cannot comprehend, but I will not condemn all because I do not understand a part. The young lady I am boarding with, and I, have been taking a subject a day, and searching the Scriptures for light on it. We are gaining knowledge this way. We are trying to do the best we can. I believe the Advent doctrine. I have heard much preaching and wrangling over the Scriptures, yet no light came to my mind, until I heard Elders Waggoner and Van Horn. They sowed the good seed in the minds of many while in Bowersville, and the parable of Christ has been well illustrated. I have not been to Bowersville to meeting for three months. I still am trying to keep the Sabbath. I will not look back nor forward. Now is all the time I have; and oh, that I realized the important truths more than I do. I resolve, and resolve, and break those resolves often, for I am an erring mortal. But I cannot forget to “try again.” I do not wish to; and if, in the end, I do fail, to know that I have tried, will mitigate my grief somewhat. I believe in the health reform, have, in fact, always, but have not lived up to it as reason demanded, and do not now as I ought, but feel the benefit of this way of living. I do not wear the reform dress; neither do I follow in the footsteps of tyrant Fashion. I dress to please myself, and this never makes me sick, nor inconveniences me. I like the REVIEW, and wish it success. I read the numerous letters and articles in it last week, and was instructed and edified by so doing.
Hoping for the success of the Advent cause, and with love to all.
MARIA JONES.Greene Co., Ohio.
A Brother’s Appeal for Christian Fellowship
By C. R. Rice
From Bro. Rice.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I thankfully improve the opportunity of once again communicating through the REVIEW with those whom I believe have the truth of God, and, if faithful a little longer, will compose a part of the great family of Heaven. Every word uttered, which is warmed and enlivened with the Spirit of God, has more or less influence to do something for a dear Saviour who has done so much for us.
I hope and pray that God will send some laborer to this place, that those of us who are trying to keep the commandments may learn more about the way, and more closely connect ourselves with the true church. My desire is to live in perfect obedience to God's holy law, glorifying him in all that I do; but how often do I fail, and am led to exclaim in the language of Paul, that when I would do good, evil is present with me!
I hope that none will neglect the duty of speaking often one to another, as I have, feeling that the space in the REVIEW will be better filled with a few words from some one else; but may we walk humbly before God, doing his will in all things, knowing that he is ever ready to help us, making our burdens light, and our pathway joyous.
C. R. RICE.
Jackson Co., Mo.
Instinct Without Brains.
LONG ago, it was ascertained by naturalists, that worms and insects are without a brain, and yet they pursue a course of activity, which bears much upon the domain of reason; so we are accustomed to say that they act from instinct, which is no explanation at all of the phenomena in the higher orders of organic life which have their origin in the brain. If that organ is severely injured, so that its normal functions are no longer performed, consciousness, and orderly manifestations of its influence are interrupted or suspended. But the insect world swarms with beings of the most delicate construction, without hearts and without brains, whose movements and habits, independently of thousands of contingencies to which they are exposed, prove in the most satisfactory manner that their acts are a near approach to the elements of a reasoning faculty, if they do not indicate reason itself. When, by accident, a thread of a spider’s web is broken, the little weaver examines the misfortune with extreme care, and by taking different positions, surveys the damage, and then proceeds artistically to repair it by splicing or inserting an entire new cord. Again, when a wandering fly becomes entangled in the net, the cautious approach of the owner of the trap, lying patiently near by for game, indicates calculation in regard to the character and strength of the victim. Does it not strangely resemble reason when all its movements, under such an aspect of affairs, show beyond a doubt the spider considers the matter in all its relations before venturing to seize the prey? And yet spiders are without a brain.
The above we clip from the Standard, Baptist paper of Chicago. Now the merest tyro in “philosophy” can tell you that the power to plan and execute is not a “property of matter;” therefore the spider has an immortal soul—of course!