Bro. White: It is the love I feel for present truth, and a consciousness of being united with God's people in the interest and hopes of a better life, that inspires my pen to write. We should know that our Redeemer liveth, and that because "he" lives we shall live also. To guess our way through life to Heaven is very unsafe, because the hour is coming when amendment will be impossible?
When I hear persons talking about religion, and telling how far they are from Jesus, and how unworthy to come any nearer to him, and seem forever talking between sin and holiness, I think they are like those who come to the pool but never plunge into it. Such do not live by faith on the Son of God, and thus have a living experience. They deprive themselves of that spiritual enjoyment in which it is our privilege to share largely. Whatever we may enjoy through the merits of Jesus' blood, the provision is full and free. If Christ sets us FREE then are we "FREE INDEED." Now if we have fulfilled the condition of such freedom, then why dishonor the giver in forever dwelling upon that part of our life for which we claim forgiveness.
To my mind there is a power in truth which may be illustrated by a musical instrument. The instrument is the thing itself, the vibration of the instrument is the power of it. So with the truth of God; it vibrates upon our hearts and causes us to leap for joy in contemplation of things revealed.
"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works."
If Christ redeems us from all iniquity, it is because we have fulfilled the conditions. The conditions being understood and complied with, we should no longer doubt the favor of God, lest we dishonor God by unbelief and a cloud overshadow us.
In view of the goodness of God which leadeth us to repentance, and our obligations to him, and the love of God in Christ Jesus, let us gird on the whole armor of light, and rejoice evermore with a thankful heart.
We are running for the greatest prize, the greatest honor, the most durable riches and pleasures, ever set before any in this world. Then surely we can lift up our heads and LOOK UP; for the Lord will soon come and reward his servants with all things connected with eternal life.
H. S. GURNEY.
Jackson, Mich., Oct. 1864.
Alone.
By Mary
I AM alone! ah, all alone!
In crowded hall, or busy street,
No friend to guide with gentle tone,
My wandering steps and weary feet.
Aye, all alone! This is my cry,
At midnight hour, or morning's dawn;
My bleeding heart must ever sigh,
I am alone, aye, all alone,
Oh, once I had a mother dear,
Her kind sweet words and gentle tone,
Soothed my sad heart and dried each tear—
Ah then, I never felt alone.
One loving hand upon my head,
The other clasped within my own,
My weary heart she gently led
To think of that bright world to come.
No more her loving words I'll hear,
Nor feel her hand upon my hair,
As in those far off happy years,
When earth seemed beautiful and fair.
But I am not alone! oh no!;
Alone, alone, I cannot be
For God is here, and well I know,
That he doth love and care for me.
Then all alone no more I'll be,
To him with every care I'll go,
He is my Father, and I see
He knows what's best for me to do.
Oh, then in all my daily ways,
He'll tell me just what's right to do,
And give me strength for all my days,
If I believe his promise true.
Foes may deride, and friends oppose,
I'm not alone if God's my friend,
And Christ my all. This life may close,
All will be well, when time shall end.
MARY.
Waterloo, Iowa, Sept. 1864.
Alone, Yet Not Forsaken
By H. C. Miller
From Bro. Miller.
BRO. WHITE: I am one of those who, although not being where they can meet with others on the Sabbath, are still trying to keep the whole law. Alone, thus, with the noise of a busy world outside, one is apt to feel the cross to be heavy. Satan, ever on the alert to take advantage of our feelings, is, at such a time busy with our thoughts, trying to discourage us from continuing in the way of obedience; telling us to see how happy the people are to-day, and to-morrow going to their accustomed places of assembly; picturing in beautiful lines the pleasures we once felt in those services, and the enjoyment we had in the Sunday-school with the children; suggesting that we might still feel thus if we would only quit the course we are following, and our old ways, and be like other folks; whispering of worldly honors and ease in place of being alone. How at such times does the truth shine out brightly above all; conquering feeling, filling the soul with peace and joy, while we say to the tempter, Get thee behind me, away.
Alone did he say? How did the still small voice give him the lie with the blessed promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." And while we long for the pleasures of meeting in the worshiping assembly on God's holy day, and for the joys we once felt when with honest hearts we worshiped we knew not what, he causes us to rejoice in the promise that in that happy land that is to be ours at last, "there shall be but one fold, and one shepherd." That from one month to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come before God to worship. There will be no noise of laborers outside, no feeling of loneliness; but with joy shall we praise our Lord. This world with its sorrows will not be remembered there. Oh! such a world is worth striving for faithfully unto the end. Then will I turn away my feet from the Sabbath, from doing my pleasures on His holy day, and will make it a pleasure to hallow it in my heart, will call it a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable, for it is such in spite of man's efforts to dishonor it.
May those who are privileged to meet on that day in His courts, remember in their prayers those who are alone.
H. C. MILLER.
Lima, Ohio.
Labors in Wisconsin
By John Matteson
From Bro. Matteson.
Bro. White: On the first of this month I started from home to once more proclaim the solemn message of the third angel, and the Lord has blessed my feeble efforts so far. I held thirteen meetings in Neenah, and some were interested and manifested a willingness to live out the truth. Some were astonished at the simplicity and harmony of our faith, having before considered us heretics. Before I left, a meeting was appointed on the Sabbath following. I promised to stop on my return and then I will know the result more particularly.
On the fourteenth I arrived at New Denmark. Here a great deal of opposition had been raised against our views, and several who had commenced to keep the Sabbath when I was here before, had again turned to Sunday-keeping. Yet they were doubting and I hope they will weigh both sides and choose that which is good at last. I held six meetings. Four sisters and one brother united with our church at Poysippi. The blessing of God attended our meetings though we were but few in number, and we felt encouraged.
September 21, I arrived at Montpelier. Here brother Allen proclaimed the message some years ago. Some Sabbath-keepers had left the place and only three brethren and a sister remained. These were in a back-slidden state and had not met together for worship the last two years. We held seven meetings. The Spirit of peace and unity breathed upon us. Old prejudices were removed, and we had a sweet season together which I hope will long be remembered. Three brethren joined our church. An S. B. fund was pledged to the amount of $24 a year. I am now on my way home.
JoHN MATTESON.
Montpelier, Keewanne Co., Wis.; Sept. 26.
Solid Smoke
A WORKMAN, writing to the editor of the British Workman, says: "Since I gave up smoking, I have put into a box the amount that I formerly spent every week in tobacco. At the end of the year, on opening the box, I have counted out a sum of money sufficient to provide myself with periodicals and newspapers for the year, which sum I called 'solid smoke.'"
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. Z. F. Burt writes from Knoxville, Iowa: The church in Knoxville are still trying to obey the commandments of God, and trust him for his grace. There is an earnest desire to get a better knowledge of the truths of the third angel's message, and to draw nearer to the Lord in order to endure the perils of the last days. We had an interesting meeting last Sabbath, in which the sweet melting Spirit of Jesus was felt by all, and many shed tears of gratitude when they thought of the time soon to come, when they would be released from the cares of life with all its troubles and be permitted to enjoy the presence of God, and that of holy angels; when they will know no more parting with friends, and there will be no sickness or sorrow. There we if faithful, will dwell in the city of our God forever. There God reigns and scatters every cloud away. There will be no military parade on the holy Sabbath, and no call for able-bodied men to join the army to battle with an insolent foe.
I feel that I would like to be an inhabitant of such a country as the new earth will be.
Sister Elizabeth Coy writes from Trimbelle, Wis. : I would like to call the attention of the messengers of truth to this wide harvest field; for I think it is white already to the harvest. I know of no Sabbath keeper within sixty miles of this place. No Seventh-day Adventist messenger has been this way. We are about ten miles east of Prescott, the nearest place of note on the Mississippi. I have been, I feel I can truly say, taught of God to keep his holy day, as I have never heard a lecture on present truth, and had not seen any publications on the subject previous to my becoming convinced of my duties to turn my feet into the testimonies of the Lord, which was more than five years ago. Since that time I have been a reader of the Review, and have closely watched the movements of Seventh-day Adventists. I have seen their trials, I have seen them shaken and sifted, and then again pressing together, until I have felt their trials were mine, and I now feel that this people shall be my people, and their God my God.
I have not had the privilege of meeting with them except a little time, precious and long to be remembered, when four of us met together in Poysippi for prayer and conference. I am now here alone in the midst of a professed Christian people, but alas for their light. May I so live as not to bring reproach upon the cause I love.
Bro. H. West writes from North Uniontown, O. : We are glad for the acquaintance of the brethren which we get through the Review. Not only so, but we like to read the Review, because it keeps us posted in the doctrine of the Bible. We feel resolved by the help of God to live out the truth to the last.
Obituary Notices.
By M. E. WILLIAM S.
DIED in Newstead, N. Y., August 21, 1864, sister Esther A. Davis, in her 40th year, of Typhoid fever and other difficulties. Though a person of feeble health, she was ever active, ready to do good to all, especially to the sick and afflicted. Her place in our meetings was always filled when she was able to be there. Her earnest and faithful exhortations to holy living, I hope will never be forgotten.
May the Lord bless her death to the saving of her husband and daughter, for whom she has faithfully labored and prayed. Bro. Lanphear spoke to us on the occasion from 1 Thess. iv, 13, 14.
M. E. WILLIAM S.
Sabbath Recorder, please copy.
The Righteous Are Taken
The righteous are taken from the evil to come.
JOSEPH BATES
By Joseph Bates
FELL asleep in Jesus, sister Jane R. Ginley, of Lamont, Ottawa Co., Mich., Sept., 18, 1864, aged twenty-nine years and six months. She died of inflammation of the brain, after a distressing sickness of ten days. She leaves a companion, two children, father and mother, three sisters, five brothers, and numerous other relatives and friends to mourn her loss.
This dear sister and her companion, Dr. John H. Ginley, gladly embraced the third angel's message several years ago, since which time her strong and abiding love for its precious truths have won for her the strong affections of many Brn. and sisters with whom she was in fellowship, who also deeply mourn her loss. Said her husband, Death seemed to be an enemy to her. "Oh," said she, "must I go down to the cold grave alone?" It is so; but here is the cheering promise: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth," &c. Discourse by the writer from 1 Cor. xv, 26.
JOSEPH BATES
Wright, Mich., Oct. 2nd, 1864.
Business Department.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
M A Marvin 26-18, B A Philips 27-1, C N Ford 25-18, Amy Clough 26-19, James Grimes 26-1, G Gretenberger 25-3, J J Else 26-19, L Cram 25-19, L B Lockwood 26-1, H Wetmore 26-19, A De Garmo 26-7, G W Mitchell 25-1, C Foster 25-16, W H Snook 26-1, J McWilliams 26-6, J Cramer 25-1, F Kittle 27-1, F C Castle 26-1, L A Sargent 25-14, E P Warren for Rosetta Barker 26-19, A Coryell 26-1, each, $1,00.
G W Sheldon 27-1, R Baker 27-1, C C Bodley 27-8, G W States 28-1, J B Fimple 27-1, S M Booth 26-20, J Pashley 27-1; E M Kimball 26-1, Caroline A Washburn 27-1, F Greenman 27-9, C Seaward 27-4, R Ralph 25-9, J F McReynolds 26-19, E French 27-1, S Rogers 26-20, Eliza Carlisle 26-19, W Moody 27-1, A Horr 25-1, each, $2,00.
Eld. L Bates 25-19, Allen Ladd 25-19, M S Dunmore 25-19, A Vickery 26-1, J Richardson 25-19, each 50c.
Sarah A Proctor $4. 26-10, I J Andrews $3. 26-1, E Stafford $3. 25-1, S R Twist $1,75, 26-14, J Stover $5,02, 26-1, J Larock $4. 30-1.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Sarah Axtell $10. G W Mitchell s. b $3. Church at Hillsdale Mich, $6. E H Root $10. John Wilson $2. Joseph Bates $1. Lydia Kettle $1. A Seymour $5. A H Clymer $2.
Donations to Purchase a Stock of Paper.
A friend of truth $5. A friend $5. A M Gravel $5. S M Booth $3,17. H H Bramhall $3. L A Bramhall $2. H H Bramhall Jr $1. L Lathrop $10. W V Field $5. E M Kimball $2,50. S Rogers $5. Sarah Axtell $5. S M Inman $5. E Van Deusen $5. F Kettle $5. J Wilson $3. E H Root $5. A Seymour $5. Lydia M Locke $1. Joel L Locke $1. A HClymer $5.
Books sent by Express.
Robert F. Andrews, Morrison, Whiteside Co., Ill., $17,25.
Soldiers' Tract Fund.
F Greenman $3,39. J F Mc Reynolds 50cts A H Clymer $3.
Books Sent By Mail.
Sarah B Brink 75c. G W Farnsworth $1,91. E Coy 60c. Eld. S Pierce $1. Hiram Abbott $2,09. S M Booth 83c. James Dubois 83c. Francis Greenman 40c. Elizabeth Lander 25c. Miss Julia Bean 19c. Lydia M Kidder 25c. Mrs. Amy Clough 40c. S R Twist 25c. Sarah E Lindsly $1. J Stone $1,66.
Books Sent as Freight by R. R.
T M Steward, Rockton, Ill. $121,55.
Cash Received on Account.
T M Steward $9,05. Joseph Clarke $10. Benn Auten $20,50. W S Higley, jr, $10. J Bates $1. I Sanborn 85c.
Review to Poor.
H J Rich $1. F Greenman $3,38.
The Price of the Review
By Editor
The price of the Review still remains unchanged, and from the good commencement which the brethren have made with their donations, will probably continue so. We know of but one other Advent paper that has not already raised its price fifty per cent. At $2,00 a year the Review, according to its reading matter, is now the cheapest Advent paper published. There are others which make a greater show, by using a large sheet, involving a great waste of paper. But they also use large type, which is for the most part profusely leaded, with an ample margin all around, thus getting a much less amount of reading matter on the page than they might, by using smaller type. On the other hand, the Review is printed in small type, the margin is cut down to the smallest proportion, and a portion of the type is set solid, thus getting the greatest amount of reading matter, into the smallest compass, and at the least expense for paper. Besides this we have no advertisements, and nothing but our publication column of standing matter; and even that, for several months past, we have inserted only once in three or four weeks. We thus, with this occasional exception, present the reader with a fresh paper filled with entirely new matter every week. If we can continue to offer this, through these times, for $2,00 a year, it will be a good record for us. Shall it be done?
The Iowa Conference.
By B. F. Snook
THE business of the Iowa Conference passed off most happily, and next came on the season of public worship. At the appointed hour the house was filled with persons anxiously desiring to hear the truth. Several deeply-interesting sermons were preached to large congregations, all eager to catch every word that was said. Our social meeting on Sabbath was one of the best. The Lord was present in great love and power. We were highly delighted and made to rejoice ou hearing the brethren give their experience in connection with the truth.
Bro. Cook and Bro. Jacob Hare, both late from the Methodists, interested us with a rehearsal of what the Lord had done for them in showing them the truth.
Our aged and venerable father in Israel, E. P. Butler, made us all glad and to cry with joy, on hearing his experience in connection with this work. Oh how good it is to sit at the feet of these fathers and receive good lessons of simple practical, old-fashioned Bible truth. May God bless Bro. Butler and spare him to attend more Conferences yet. We had truly a seat in heavenly places. All renewed their covenants to go on together with the remnant to Mount Zion. The good cause is truly onward to victory in Iowa and may the Lord enable all to do our duty that his blessings may be continued to us. The brethren and sisters of Pilot Grove did a noble part in bearing the burden of the Conference. May they have a bright reward for their kindness to us.
B. F. SNOOK.
To the Churches in Michigan.
It will be remembered that at our last Conference the following resolution was passed: "Resolved, That we recommend to the churches and scattered friends of the Michigan Conference to increase their pledges to the Michigan Conference fund." At that meeting it was voted to donate $500, from our State fund to the General Conf. Missionary fund for the present year. The expenses of our Conference have also, thus far, been somewhat greater than formerly; namely, the labors of Brn. Andrews and Loughborough for a season in this State, also, the labors of Brn. Waggoner and Ingraham with the Ohio tent, for a time within the bounds of this Conference. According to the figures brought in by the churches to the Conference, only about one half, or fifty per cent of the different systematic funds, was pledged to the Conference fund. There should be at least seventy-five per cent of said funds devoted to the Conference, and in some cases more. We would earnestly urge upon the different churches and individuals to act at once on the recommendation of the Conference, and increase their pledge to the State fund. We hope they will act also on Bro. White's suggestion in Review No. 18, and increase their s. B. figures. That this work must go on and increase, we believe is the sentiment of all your hearts. A more definite report of the amount that will be needed the present year will be given hereafter.
U. Smith,
Jno. Byington,
R. J. Lawrence.
} Mich. Conf. Com.
Appointments.
THE next Quarterly Meeting of the S. D. Advent church of Mackford, Wis., will be held on the 22d of October. Bro. Steward is cordially requested to be present at this meeting.
T. HAMILTON, Clerk.
Circulate the Review
By Editor
We call upon the brethren to circulate the Review. We are aware that these appeals bring increased responsibilities upon those engaged in its publication; for we could not consistently call upon brethren to circulate a paper, upon which we were not exerting every nerve to make it worthy of circulation. We feel this responsibility, and shall try to do our part faithfully. But much depends on the brethren and sisters to make its columns interesting, enlivening, and cheering. Above all we need the aid of the Holy Spirit. The apostle speaks of an "unction from on high." This holy unction is especially needed in connection with the Review. Remember the Review and its editor in your prayers. Remember the paper with your pens. And let it go forth every week, bearing a rich and precious freight of instruction, Christian experience, and exhortation, breathing forth in every line the Spirit of the Master, to comfort and encourage the saints, win souls to Christ, and produce a glorious harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Items
By Editor
ITEMS. We are persuaded that many items, facts and incidents, come under the attention of the brethren, especially the preaching brethren, which if reported for the Review would be of thrilling interest, and aid greatly in giving life to the paper. We occasionaly learn of facts of this kind from private sources: instances where persons have received the truth from reading the Review alone, remarkable answers to prayer, cases of healing, items of experience, &c., &c. Will one and all please gather up as many of these gems as possible for the Review. Remember that whatever of this kind is specially interesting to you, will equally interest the thousands who read the paper.
Conclusion of the Tobacco Series
By Editor
The present number finishes the series of articles on tobacco. We shall now probably let this subject rest awhile; for if there are any who, from what has already been said, have not declared everlasting separation from the habit, we can only apply to them the language of the Lord to Ephraim in Hos. iv, 17.
Church Compliance With Conference Regulations
By Editor
We see by the report of the Minn. Conference, that the churches failed to respond according to the regulation of the Conference. This should not be so. All churches should take special care to comply with every regulation of their Conferences, that there be no lack or failure in having all things move off in harmony and with energy and dispatch. Success will attend such efforts.
Still Encouraging
By Editor
Still Encouraging. According to the Secretary's report, over five hundred names, including returned delinquents and new subscribers, added to our list the past two months. We are no less gratified at the return of delinquents, than at the accession of new subscribers. It is a good sign that so many who have had more or less acquaintance with the Review, should be unwilling to do without it. It gives evidence of two things: 1. That they love the truth; and 2. That the Review brings it to them in a manner to meet their acceptance.
Our Excellent Paper.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE Review comes to us weekly filled with the choicest matter. Thank God for its cheering testimonies, its stirring appeals, and its instructive editorials. How evident that the hand of God is directing its course and that those who heed its teaching are kept from the spirit of the world and from the spirit of fanaticism; extremes that are involving many in ruin who once bid fair to gain the heavenly kingdom.
Brethren send the Review to your friends. It is an excellent preacher, and there are few of you who cannot send out one or more such faithful heralds to preach the great truths of this time.
Pray that the Spirit of God may still direct in its publication and that it may continue to feed the household of faith with the bread of life.
Send in your testimonies in behalf of the truth. Let every paper contain many of these words of exhortation and admonition from those who love Christ and the truth. Obey the truths which it contains and let your example be such as to recommend them to all around.