Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 22.
SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, OR THE BIBLE PLAN OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTRYPage 1
Earlier text: THE LAST DAYStorm-Wave Submerges Islands in Bay of Bengal
CALCUTTA, Nov. 20.—Three large islands, namely, Hattiah, Sundeep and Dahkan Shahabazhare, and numerous smaller islands included in Backergunge, Nookholly, and Chittagong, were entirely submerged by the storm-wave of October 31, as was also the mainland for five or six miles. These islands are all in or near the estuary of the river Megna. The largest, Dahkan Shahabazhare, was 500 squares in extent. It had a population of about 240,000. Hattiah and Sundeep together had about 100,000 population. Up to about 11 o’clock on the night of the 31st, there were no signs of danger, but before midnight a wave swept over the country to the depth, in many places, of twenty feet, surprising the people in their beds. Dense groves of cocoanut and palm trees around the villages enabled many to save themselves by climbing among the branches. Some took refuge on the tops of their houses, but the water burst the houses asunder and swept them out to sea. Some were carried thus across the channel, ten miles, to the Chittagong district, but the vast majority were never heard of again. The country is perfectly flat, and almost every one perished who failed to reach the trees. There is scarcely a household on the islands, and on the adjacent coast, but lost many members. The cattle are all drowned, the boats are swept away, and the means of communication with the other districts is destroyed. There is much distress among the survivors, which the government is relieving. The Government Gazette says that wherever the storm-wave passed it is believed that not a third of the population survived. The islands have barely one-fourth of their former inhabitants. The stench from the putrifying bodies is insufferable, and a general outbreak of cholera is expected. A correspondent says that this fear is happily not yet realized, except in Nookholly, where the disease has appeared. Reports say that India is threatened with famine. It is stated that seven districts containing 6,000,000 of inhabitants are threatened with severe distress. The Collector of Peonall reports that not a single blade of grass is visible for miles. The tanks and rivers are drying up, and cattle are starving. The Collector of Scholapore gives a still worse report. The Government has opened relief works, and is employing people in excavating tanks and making roads.—Religious Intelligencer. Mastodon Bones Unearthed Near Bellevue, Michigan
CHARLES CUMMINGS, four miles west of Bellevue, Mich., while digging a ditch a few days ago, unearthed the bones of a mastodon. He found some of the leg, hip bones, ribs, and about twelve feet of the back bone. The ribs are five feet long.—Home Journal. Change of Appointments and Canvassers' Meetings
By H. A. St. John
A CHANGE in my appointments. At Hamlet, Dec. 9, 10, I desire to meet especially Brn. Wm. F. Crous, C. G. Daniels, T. F. Emans, Wm. Brown, and any others that may be induced to engage as canvassers for our periodicals. At Bowling Green, Dec. 16 and 17, we wish to meet Brn. Clymer, Clinger, Radabaugh, Olds, and others. At Yellow Springs we wish to meet Brn. Lucas, Glascock, Benton, H. W. Cottrell and others. Meetings begin Friday evening. Matters of importance to be considered. Come, brethren, with anxious desire to learn your duty more perfectly. H. A. St. John. Franklin Co., Iowa.
By G. V. Kilgore
MEETINGS are still interesting, but the greatest regret is that there is not much interest to read. Thirty-three discourses have been given. It is generally acknowledged that we have the truth, but as yet only a few have begun to obey. Last night the house was crowded. The subjects thus far presented have been, “The Prophecies,” “Coming of Christ,” “Signs of the times,” “Sabbath,” and “The time of reward, and sleep of the dead.” We still hope and pray for others to embrace what they know to be truth. If all who are convinced would obey, there would be a company of about twenty-five good, honest souls. MEETINGS IN MO.
By Wm. Evans
At Avilla, much to the disappointment of the church and to his sorrow, after preaching three times, Eld. Chaffee was summoned to the side of a dying mother. The church here need the advice of an experienced minister. At Neosho, Newton Co., there are four excellent families holding on manfully to the truth. Eld. J. G. Wood has been with me at Drywood, Clintonville, and Union Point churches. At Clintonville, Bro. S. McAlexander was ordained elder, and Bro. J. E. Saunders, deacon. At Union Point one was baptized and two united with the church. There are many calls for labor in Vernon, Cedar, and St. Clair Counties. Wm. EVANS. Rockville, Nov. 20, 1876. HE KNOWETH OUR FRAME.
By Lilla D. Avery
My Father knows my frame,
That I am only dust;
Then let me ne’er complain,
Though worn by grief and pain;
For what he doth ordain
Is good and just. He seeth all my tears,
My sorrow, and my care.
He knoweth all my fears;
And when the foe appears,
The pitying Father hears
My feeblest prayer. His ways I may not trace;
But in the bitterest hour,
Let me but see his face,
And feel that loved embrace,—
This will impart me grace
And heavenly power. Ah! yes; my frame he knows,
My secret thoughts can see,
Compassionates my woes,
And deigneth to disclose,
E’en in the opening rose,
His care for me. He knoweth what is best
For me to do and bear.
I make but one request,—
Lord let me come and rest
My head upon thy breast,
’Tis all my prayer. Then let me not repine.
Thy holy will be done.
This prayer be ever mine,—
Let me be wholly thine,
And with the ransomed shine—
Shine like the sun. When he who bled and died
Shall come in kingly power,
I shall be satisfied,
If I may there abide,
Safe near his precious side,
In that dread hour. Locke, Ing. Co., Mich., Nov. 10, 1876. ROME, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
After an absence of ten weeks, I am at Rome again, where I find my family and all well. Our brethren report that they have had many excellent meetings since I left. Nearly all are firm in the truth, and we are glad to say that about a dozen new ones have taken their stand upon the Sabbath during this time. These are excellent persons who will add to the strength of the cause. It is but justice to say that Bro. Hall has labored very faithfully here, and has aided greatly in producing these good results. I am delighted with our new meeting-house. Rome is a beautiful city any way, and our meeting-house is absolutely in the most beautiful place in the city. It fronts upon a lovely park, and has excellent streets and walks all around it. The brethren have spared no pains to make the meeting-house just right every way. The people here thought we would have to put up a sort of homely shanty which would be no honor to the place; but they now express great astonishment when we have nearly finished one of the nicest and most tasteful churches in the city, though, of course, not the largest and most expensive. It is the best house I have ever seen built by our people. Bro. Buel Whitney has been untiring in his efforts in erecting this house; and by careful management he has probably saved several hundred dollars in the expense. We are expecting a good time at the dedication. The brethren from Adams Center will charter a car and come en masse. Again we earnestly invite all our people within a reasonable distance, to be sure to attend this meeting, Dec. 9 and 10. Meetings will commence Friday evening at six o’clock, and Sabbath morning at nine. Come directly to the meeting-house, where a committee will be prepared to take care of all who come. We expect to make a big effort in this State this winter in the tract work. Let every director who possibly can, come; and let all come prepared to take hold and work for the interest of this meeting. With the inducements now offered, I am satisfied that our brethren can make good wages in canvassing for the REFORMER and other works. In engaging in this work they will not only be helping themselves, but advancing the precious cause of truth. All these matters will be thoroughly talked up at this meeting. All who think of engaging in the work of canvassing for a business should be here. Those who cannot possibly come, should report. D. M. Canright. Ohio District No. 4 Quarterly Meeting Report
By H. A. St. John
Bad roads and bad weather, but a good turnout, and an excellent meeting, one of the best we ever attended in Clyde. There are some good workers in Dist. 4, and their number is increasing. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we had an encouraging season. Bro. Jas. Rowe, the new director, is fast learning how to do his work, and takes a real interest. Nine new members were added. Every report received represented a donation. $62.70 received during the quarter. 32,169 pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed. Dist. No. 4 has already ordered 2400 almanacs. Four persons are all ready to begin the work of canvassing for SIGNS and REFORMER as soon as the premiums can be obtained. Bro. John Fulton, who returned with me from Battle Creek, spoke twice to good acceptance. Bro. Joshua Ballard was ordained deacon. We expect to see a good work done in this district during the next quarter. The Lord blesses his people in the degree that they move out by faith in doing good. Let every member in this district get one subscriber for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and one for the HEALTH REFORMER. Oct. 20-22, I spoke five times in the Ward school-house, in Wayne Co. One united with the Keenville church, and another promised to unite with the same congregation the succeeding Sabbath. Oct. 23, 24, I did Tract Society work at Flora and on the train. Oct. 25, 26, I held two meetings at Greenup, Cumberland Co. The brethren and sisters here voted to perfect church organization. Oct. 27-30, I attended nine meetings in Clark Co. The Martinsville church has sustained a loss of spirituality on account of a lack of forbearance and love among brethren. Brethren and sisters, reread Col. 3:12-14—words of the Spirit! We must walk by the same, or be finally lost. The church took a decided stand for the right on several points, putting several members under church censure for mistakes. Two had used tobacco so long, and (with the lips, at least) had made so many confessions, that it appeared somewhat disgusting to the brotherhood. The church said, “Overcome—in Jesus’ name, overcome—or we shall be compelled to cut off your names.” Another was censured for slackness in money-matters. All have an open path before them, and may improve if they will. Brethren and sisters were present from four counties. Bro. Wm. Doyal was elected and ordained elder of the church at Greenup. The meeting closed with good cheer. Nov. 1, 2, I held two services at Campbell. We received one new friend to the truth—the result of reading. Last year she read the SIGNS; this year she is to read the REVIEW. Praise God! Onward, ever onward! Nov. 3-9, I held nine meetings in Coles Co. Two, baptized at the camp-meeting at Kankakee, were received into the Oakland church; another whom I immersed at C. was also received. Here we found two brethren in trouble. Yes, trouble that cast a gloom over all. We may live in trouble, die in trouble, and sink, at last, with troublesome men and devils. How much wiser to live for God! Nov. 10-12, I held seven meetings at Lovington. Here the tongue and pen had done harm. One brother from an adjoining county would most likely have united with us, had not trouble arisen. “How long, O Lord, how long?” We live in “the last days;” and their perils are upon us. From now to the end may we all realize it. Hopeful features to be added to this report, are: First, the erring ones generally satisfactorily confessed and earnestly resolved for the future. Secondly, churches have tried to do their part well. Thirdly the word is, Let us have a pure church, be it ever so small. Fourthly, since our Conference, the brethren and sisters are awaking to duty on the subject of tithing. Fifthly, although I have been made sad several times of late, still I am hopeful in God. In the future may I ever work by the double rule of Isa. 58:1; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25. Coleta, Ill., Nov. 17, 1876. INDIANA
By Arthur W. Bartlett
Since my last report, our meetings have progressed with great interest. We were compelled to leave the Presbyterian church, where we had been holding our lectures, on account of teaching “that Christ was not prophet, priest, and king, upon the earth,” as the elder of the church informed me when he gave me notice to leave. He also stated that he understood that we would preach against the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath, which he would not permit. We then secured the school-house here, which was too small to accommodate the crowds which attended. The Methodist and Presbyterian ministers opposed strongly. I attended the last meeting they held to take notes for the purpose of replying. When the meeting was about to close, I stepped forward and asked permission of the Presbyterian preacher to give out an appointment that night that I would reply next night. As I apprehended, he refused to speak to me, and turned his head toward the wall. I then waited until the meeting was dismissed and called the large congregation to order. I stated to them what their minister had refused to do, and invited all that loved the truth to come out and hear my reply; also, that as we were not permitted to occupy the church or school-house, we would hold our meeting in a large and commodious barn in the neighborhood, which had been kindly offered us by a farmer named John Friend. He seated the barn, and although the night was rainy the attendance was large and the interest excellent. Many are intensely interested in the precious truths which we are advocating, and some have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, that had heard before upon this subject. We will continue our meetings in this vicinity, if the Lord will. Strive with God in prayer, with me, that a company may be raised up here to his glory, that will keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Perrysburg, Ind., Nov. 20, 1876. NORTH-EASTERN MISSOURI.
By J. H. Rogers
I came to this place and commenced meetings the 11th inst., and was immediately challenged to discuss the points of difference between us and the Disciple church. The propositions were agreed to, and Eld. Russel, a man famous for his fighting proclivities, after engaging us in two reviews, set in with regular rules and moderators for five sessions on the Sabbath, Sunday, and Kingdom questions. The result was in our favor; truth gained the victory, and we had almost the entire sympathy of the community on our side. So we labor on, trusting in the Lord. J. H. ROGERS. Bibb's Grove, Mo., Nov. 20, 1876. RICHLAND, KAN.
By J. Lamont
Our meeting at this place closed to-day. The outside attendance was not very large, but the most of those who did attend were deeply interested. Five were added to the church by baptism. This church was organized a little more than two years since, with a membership of nine. It now numbers thirty-six, with very good prospects for several additions in the near future. Bro. Kennedy was with me at this meeting. BELOIT, KANSAS.
By Geo. Kennedy
Oct. 20, I commenced meetings in the Linn Creek school-house, about six miles north-west of the Richland church and six miles south of Topeka. The rain and election hindered the meeting some. There has been plenty of prejudice, many staying away. The result has been that one or two families will take their stand on the side of truth. The Richland church have been strengthened and helped by these meetings. Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, I was with Bro. Lamont at Richland. Five were baptized by him. I am now in Jefferson Co., with Bro. L. I continued my lectures at this place until last Sunday evening, Nov. 12, with good interest most of the time. Several are keeping the Sabbath, I do not know just how many. I am not quite through yet, but am much worn and must rest, having labored almost constantly since May. Many efforts have been made to get a minister to oppose our positions. They finally succeeded in getting one, Dr. Berry, D. D., Cumberland Presbyterian. He gave two discourses against us,—one on the immortality of the soul. All his arguments for man's immortality were drawn from the law of transmission, thus: God is immortal. 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16. Christ, being his son, by this law of transmission was also immortal; and he making man, by the same law, man was immortal. Any one can see by this theory that every thing would be immortal. Further he said, “Man was living before the breath of life was breathed into him;” but he offered no proof. The other discourse was on the Sabbath question. The doctor boasted of his new ideas, and that with his logic he had demolished Sabbath-keepers in the West. Therefore, I will give a sample of his logic, with my replies. First, God created lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night, and said, Let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years. Gen. 1:14. He said this was the rule of time for twenty-five hundred years. In Ex. 12:2, he said there was a new cycle of time commenced, and this new beginning of time embraced days, weeks, months, and years, and was the origin of the first-day Sabbath. On this Sabbath, the Israelites left Egypt. He said the number seven was a complete number, and therefore proverbial. To sustain this position on Exodus 12, he referred to Lev. 23:39, which reads, “Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruits of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath.” Reply. First, I showed that time in weeks did not have its origin in Gen. 1:14. There were no weeks until after God had worked six days and rested the seventh. Secondly, I showed that time in weeks was not mentioned in Exodus 12, neither the Sabbath. Thirdly, that the week is an independent institution, not dependent upon months or years for its beginning or ending; that the Sabbath was a memorial of God’s work and rest at creation, and wholly dependent on that for its origin and perpetuity. He quoted the first part of the fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work;” then said, The seventh day is not the Sabbath, but the first, eighth, fifteenth, &c. I showed his dishonesty in this garbled quotation of the fourth commandment. Then I showed that the sabbaths in Lev. 23:39 were only monthly sabbaths, and pertained to the seventh month alone, and that they commenced in the evening. Verse 32. Therefore, in keeping Sunday as kept now, they break the doctor’s Sabbath and the seventh-day Sabbath also. This is a sample of the wisdom of the great Dr. Berry, D. D. Knob Lick, Metcalfe Co., Ky., Nov. 17, 1876. SINCE my last report, I have visited the company at Bee Creek. Held several meetings with them, of much interest and encouragement to all. Organized a church of eight with the following officers: elder, P. D. Moyers; deacon, Wayman Vanwinkle; clerk and treasurer, sister Vanwinkle. The elder and deacon were then solemnly set apart for their work by the laying on of hands and prayer; after which I presented a letter and became a member of this little body of Sabbath-keepers, the first ever planted on the Cumberland Mountains. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $30.12 for the coming year; I also received presents amounting to $9.00. A vote was taken and participated in by all, discarding the use of tea, coffee, pork, and tobacco, also a vote recommending Bro. P. D. Moyers as a proper person to receive a license. This little company will be known hereafter as the Mt. Gilead church, and the address of all its officers is Mt. Gilead, Cumberland Co., Tenn. The closing exercise was a celebration of the ordinances, which was truly a refreshing season. One sister who had passed the frosts of nearly seventy winters, while participating in this exercise praised God with a loud voice for the blessed privilege. Tears flowed freely, and it seemed that Heaven smiled upon its children. This church occupies an important place. There are a number who will doubtless soon join their ranks, while on every hand there is a wide field in which to labor. If they keep humble and live near to the Lord, the Judgment alone can reveal the amount of good they will accomplish. Pikeville, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1876. SPECIAL TO THE TRACT SOCIETIES.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
In Michigan and other parts of the field agents' circulars for canvassing are being sent out. Extra inducements are offered to those who canvass for our periodicals. The object is to obtain for them a wider circulation. These inducements can be offered only upon the supposition that our brethren will subscribe, and pay the full price for the periodicals. Our brethren are expected to pay 2.00 for the SIGNS without a premium; then they can offer it to others with a premium at prices mentioned in the circular. It is the same with the REFORMER. There is not a family of Seventh-day Adventists in the country but that needs the REFORMER for themselves. They are always expected to pay $1.00 for it, then induce others to subscribe at the same price with the premium. Those who will give their time to canvassing can make special arrangements with the various Tract Society officers, the president being consulted. We do not write thus particularly because our brethren and sisters would take advantage in this matter, but lest it should happen as in olden times that there be false brethren unawares brought in who would not feel any way interested for the cause, but for themselves, and who would show this by taking advantage of the liberal offer made. Our brethren everywhere must guard the full-paying subscription lists of our periodicals. If all, from Maine to Minnesota, make one united effort, we shall see prosperity attending Zion as never before. We are coming upon a right basis; and when our feet are firmly planted there, and those who feel the burden of the work come up to the help of the Lord, the Lord himself will lead forth his hosts to certain victory. “But withal prepare me a lodging,” Philemon 22. It is evident, that the apostle to the Gentiles knew the danger of occupying what is called the “spare bed,” unless timely notice was given, and some preparation made to receive the guest. And it is the more necessary now as he is advanced in age. I imagine I can see the good housewife, when the time of Paul’s arrival is near, busy putting the guest chamber in readiness. She changes the air in the room and provides for ventilation; removes the covering from the bed, and for the cold, clammy dampness, gives genial warmth. And so, the beloved minister of Christ shall enjoy her hospitality, and retain good health. REPORT OF LABOR.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
SEPT. 16. Encouraging meetings with North Parma church. Baptized one. Administered ordinances. Members of this church have of late diligently sought to draw nearer to God and each other. As a consequence, meetings are deeply interesting, and they enjoy much of God’s blessing. Sept. 23. Chittenango Falls. Baptized three. May the Lord help these dear ones so to live out the truth that they shall have continual additions to their number. Sept. 26. Pompey Hill. Several years ago, Bro. J. N. Andrews held tent-meetings at this place, and quite a number embraced the truth, but rejecting organization, division and estrangement scattered them. There was good interest to hear, and earnest requests for series of meetings. Sept. 29, 30. Lincklean. Bro. E. A. Poole’s neighborhood. Nearly all here are Sabbath-keepers—Baptists or Adventists. They are favored with two preaching meetings each Sabbath—Eld. Poole, S. D. A., and Eld. Clark, S. D. B. Held two excellent meetings with them, the last congregation remaining till 11:30 P. M. asking questions, etc. Hope much of misapprehension and prejudice in regard to views of our people on organization, S. B., and spiritual gifts, were removed. May the Lord bless these brethren and sisters, and bring them to the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace. Oct. 19. Clear Creek. Found friends here holding on in full assurance of faith and hope. Am holding meetings at school-house in village. Good attendance and deep interest. Oct. 27, 30. Leon. Came to this place by invitation of Sabbath-keepers who had embraced the Sabbath mainly through T. and M. labor. Five have signed covenant under the title of “Leon Church of S. D. A.” Baptized one. A little nucleus is thus formed around which honest hearts can gather, who shall obey the truth in the love of it. In connection with meetings at Clear Creek, am holding meetings at Stowe’s, six miles west of Clear Creek. There is good attendance in spite of political excitement and unfavorable weather. Am hopeful of good results. At no time in my ministerial experience have I more felt the need of the earnest prayers of God’s children, that I may have grace and strength to endure, and attain that condition wherein God can continue to bless my feeble instrumentality in bringing souls to obedience to the last warning message of mercy. Clear Creek, Nov. 15, 1876. SMITHLAND, IOWA.
By E. W. Farnsworth
OUR meetings closed Sunday evening, Nov. 19. The interest was good to the close. Twenty-three gave their names to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, as a result of these meetings. There are about eighty adult Sabbath-keepers in Smithland and vicinity now. We reorganized the Sabbath-school throughout. There will be about eighty scholars. We see no reason why this may not become a strong church. I trust the older members will realize the increased responsibility resting upon them on account of this addition to their numbers. We believe the Spirit of the Lord has been with us, and feel thankful indeed for this token of his willingness to bless our feeble efforts in his cause. I now return to Dakota to labor during the winter. I earnestly desire the prayers of God's people to go with me. My address will be, E. W. FARNSWORTH. Elk Point, Union Co., Dak. Ter. AWAKE! SLEEPER, AWAKE!
By Roswell F. Cottrell
“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Brother, sister, the day is at hand. Do you see the dawning light, and feel its electrifying influence? If not, awake, arouse! The light of the last message is spreading over the earth. Soon the great work will be finished. Are you in the work? Do you feel its importance? Are you in the enjoyment of religion; and holding personal communion with God? or are you instead living in the neglect of secret prayer? Parents, heads of families, are you maintaining the worship of God in your families? Can you neglect this and hope for a crown of life at the appearing of Christ? Is it a vain thing to worship God and ask his blessing upon your household? It is a great blessing to children to have praying parents and truly pious. Are your children having this blessing? Are they arising up to call you blessed? Will they have reason forever to praise God that they had praying parents? If you love your children, if you love life, think on these things; and not only think, but act. And are you who can meet with a few, and only a few, of like faith, neglecting this privilege? Are there two or three that you can meet with, and you neglect to meet, because there are so few? Christ has promised to be in the midst of two or three who are met in his name. Do you desire his presence? His promise will never fail. Then meet in his name. And are you bringing your tithes and offerings to the Lord? Are you making systematic contributions to the cause. The truth is spreading in all the earth; and means are needed, and will be continually needed, to carry the work forward. Brother, sister, scattered ones and all, are you doing your duty in this respect? Are you proving the Lord, and thus looking for his blessing in his own appointed way? If not, awake! Arise from the dead! The overflowing blessing is yours, if you comply with the conditions. Will you have the Lord’s blessing? Awake to duty, and trust his promise. R. F. COTTRELL. ALMANACS
By I. A. Olmstead
According to the apportionment of almanacs for Michigan, Dist. No. 3 should take eight thousand. Will the librarians of this district send to the Office immediately for their almanacs? I recommend that the Societies take almanacs, to sell and give away, as follows:— Battle Creek, 2,800; Convis, 500; Partello, 300; Marshall, 400; Newton, 300; Burlington, 800; Colon, 300; Quincy, 400; Bronson, 300; Parkville, 200; Vicksburg, 400; Kalamazoo, 300; Hastings, 400; Mattawan, 200; Kendall, 100; Dowagiac, 100; Assyria, 100; Rockwood, 100. I. A. OLMSTEAD, Director. TO MY BRETHREN.
By B. F. Merritt
Nearly twenty years ago, I learned and embraced the faith of our people. My youthful heart beat high with hope as I went forward in the path of duty. Faith in God, confidence in the truth, and reciprocal confidence in the brotherhood, made us feel strong. Time has brought its changes, but these years have not marred the beauty of the truth, nor taken away its excellence. My experience, however, has in some respects been sad. Misunderstanding, distrust, and evil-surmising, have made me feel to say, “Here I grieve the friends I love,
And they in turn grieve me.” and so I thought it better, as many do, to stand alone. But this position I am satisfied is not the right one. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Cor. 1: 10. The unfaithfulness of professed friends of the truth should not set at variance the true friends, but rather cause them to stand more firmly united. I know there are God-fearing men and women,—men and women of great moral worth,—whose hearts and hands are in the cause, and whose lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, are devoted to its support. With them I want to stand. Wherein I have erred, I ask the forgiveness of God and my brethren. I desire to live, henceforth, for God. I have had experience in the sorrows of this dark world. I know what it is to feel sorrow and remorse for sin. I know what it is to be scoffed at and scorned in youth for holding to unpopular truth. I know what anguish it causes to see brethren betray the trust reposed in them, and shamefully reproach the precious truth by their abominable sins. I know what it is to stand beside a suffering father, and close his sightless eyes in death. I know the anguish of a father as he holds a sweet little daughter in his arms while death with its torturing pangs is wresting her little life away and he unable to relieve her. It may be well that I have known these things, and more heart-rending scenes may be in store for me; but withal, one thing have I desired of the Lord, that I may know the joy of that glad day when Jesus comes, with everlasting deliverance for his people, and feel what it is to be safe with all the loved ones in the home above. Kappa, Ill., Nov. 15, 1876. THE BLIND MAN AND THE YOUTH.
One day, as Le Clerc, a great critic, was walking in the streets of Paris, he accidentally trod on the foot of a young man. The young man immediately raised his hand, and smote him in the face. Le Clerc said, “Sir, you will be sorry for what you have done, when you know that I am blind.” Sometimes you hold a harsh opinion of a man, and you are angry with him; but if you would take the trouble to inquire, you would perhaps find some defect that entitles that man to your compassion as much as a blind one who trod on your foot in the streets.—Sel. The Christian as a Lighthouse Keeper
THE position of the Christian in the world is that of light-house keeper. He is living in the midst of storms. But he is safe himself, and he knows that he is safe. He need have no fear about him. There is everything to make him sure of it. His proper mission therefore is, assured of his own safety on the Rock, to remember why he is placed there; to see that the light he is to give forth shines brightly, steadily, and continuously; thus accomplishing the two-fold end of his mission, being grateful for light and safety himself, and being a friend and benefactor to all, like himself, upon the waters.—Sel. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Sister Hewitt was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1809, and was aged sixty-seven years one month, and seven days, when she died, Nov. 18, 1876. She was married to Bro. David Hewitt in April, 1831. Bro. and Sr. Hewitt came to Battle Creek to live in 1840; and they were the first to embrace the Sabbath of the Lord, in this place, about twenty-five years ago, under the preaching of Bro. Bates. “At that time,” says Bro. Hewitt, “the woods were my meeting-house.” Through these long years, from the early days of the third angel’s message to the present, in sunshine and in shade, Sr. Hewitt has stood by her husband’s side, a firm believer in the commandments of God. The servants of God have often been welcomed to her home, and at times of Conferences she has ever been pleased to entertain her brethren and sisters. She was very deaf; and, at the house of God, she had to depend upon the kindness of those sisters who would write such parts of the sermons or testimonies as they could write during services, for her to read. With this she was much pleased, and would read them over several times to herself and to her husband. Her last sickness was short, but of a nature to cause intense suffering. Near its commencement she set about seeking the Lord earnestly; and she gave evidence that the Lord accepted her. The afternoon before she died, a sister sat by her bedside and penned the following words as she uttered them:— “The Lord is good. I have had fears that the Lord could not look with favor upon one so unfaithful as I have been; then I would think of his merciful kindness. He knew that I was deaf, could not hear the voice of prayer or the songs of praise. “I am willing to go. Have felt that it would be sweet to rest through the time of trouble. All my anxiety is for David; but I believe the Lord will have a care for him.” While the brethren were praying for her, the evening before she died, that she might be sustained, she lifted her hands and said, “The Lord is good,” and asked for strength to go through the dark valley; then said, as she looked upon those who stood around, “Praise the Lord, all ye his people.” She leaves a daughter and an aged companion. Funeral Nov. 19. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. Brief remarks from 1 Thess. 4:14, by the writer. Died, of cancer in the bowels, in Janesville, Rock Co., Wis., Sept. 24, 1876, my dear sister, Mrs. Martha R. Loudon, aged seventy-four years. She was a great sufferer, but endured all with Christian patience. She was aware that death was near, and often expressed her willingness to go, and expected a resurrection when Jesus comes. Remarks by the Methodist pastor of Janesville. Died, of croup, Mary E., daughter of B. F. and J. E. Merritt, near El Paso, Ill., Oct. 20, 1876, aged one year, six months, and fourteen days. With stricken hearts, O God,
We yield her unto thee.
The wound is made so deep
Our souls will ever weep
Till from earth’s cares we’re free.