A TEACHER, who had long lamented his want of success in teaching the art of penmanship, having earnestly set about reforming his own hand-writing, soon found his pupils interested greatly in the same pursuit.
An impatient professor of religion, being greatly tried with the ill tempers of some of his associates, all at once ceased to admonish them, until he could set an example of patience; and then, said he, I can have an influence for good. He went heartily to work, in patiently bearing whatever came along; and now his surprise, at the effect of his example upon the tempers of his associates, was only equaled by their wonder at his equanimity. He found example alone, better than many words accompanied with unnecessary warmth.
Few, if any, are fully, and at all times, aware of the power, for good or evil, of example.
Example is the living, breathing, teacher. If altogether good, and Christ-like, oh, how good it is! Descending from generation to generation, from nation to nation, from land to land, until it reaches us; it only breathes its sweet and heavenly breath upon us, and we rise from our pollution, entranced with its loveliness. Our souls, tired of mere dry, formal, wordy teachings, and rather hardened by chilling severities, sink down, mellowed, subdued, purified, ennobled, by the lovely aspect of example.
Her presence is more powerful for good, than the eloquence of the orator, or the skill of the statesman, or the heroism of the warrior; for all these bow at her approach, and do her homage; and all acknowledge her heavenly origin. Many complain because she so seldom appears; others mourn her frequent absence from society; but these last mentioned do often meet her in the humble, busy walks of life, and receive her blessings, unfading as the flowers of Paradise.
Jos. Clarke.
Human Reason Is Not God
Human reason is not GOD, as some PRETEND.
A Convert’s Testimony on Present Truth
By GEO. PARKER
From Bro. Parker.
BRO. SMITH: Your article in No. 18, entitled “A Word to Beginners,” recalls to my mind much that is now past. Seven months ago, I heard a good sister give her testimony for “God’s Law” and the keeping of his “Holy Sabbath.” Upon investigation, I found myself in a great strait. I must love, honor and obey it according to the fourth commandment, or part with the love I had for God’s Word. Soon after, I had, by God’s blessing, an opportunity to hear preaching on the subjects of the “Sanctuary,” “The Seal of the Living God,” and other truths, by Bro. Sanborn. I shall not try to describe my feelings when I heard this dear Bro. proclaim these great truths. It was the first time I had ever heard them. I am trying to live out the truth, and make it the subject of my meditations.
How vividly the article referred to, recalled to my mind my position during the first few weeks after I heard the message. In regard to the “Testimonies,” I must say I had a prejudice against them. But God’s Spirit was striving with me. In this state of feeling, which you can better imagine than I can describe, I began to investigate their truthfulness in the love and fear of God. By the aid of his Spirit in the study of his Word, I was convinced that “Spiritual Gifts” were contained among the promises to his remnant people. I did not enter upon this subject with as much zeal as I did the other subjects, until I got Snook and Brinkerhoff’s book, The Visions not of God. With no reliance upon self, but in prayer relying upon God to direct and guide me by his wisdom in the way of truth, the visions were read, and I could not find any portion of them that was antagonistic to Bible truth. Anxious to set my mind at rest upon the subject, I supposed the book of S. and B. would soon cite me to some solid refutation; but I saw that its spirit was that of the enemy, and that the servants of him by whom it was inspired, had gone too far in their anxiety to destroy the truth of the Testimonies. They, in their short-sighted warfare against truth, stamped their own publication, not only with misconstruction of the plain language of the Testimonies, but also with open transgression of the law of God.
In looking back and contemplating my condition, I am filled with love for God, who has so mercifully led me out of darkness, and into paths I had not known, and delivered me from the arts and devices of the enemy. And I hope ever to praise his name, and honor his cause. My prayer is that all may heed the warning given in the article referred to, in No. 18. Investigate prayerfully. Love God’s law. Rely not upon self, but upon the wisdom of God, and the love and mercy of his dear Son; and let us not neglect the light upon the various reforms into which God is leading his remnant people.
Dear brethren and sisters, whoever and wherever you are, do not prove unfaithful to the Testimonies which have brought out such light upon present truth. I ask the prayers of all the faithful that I may always be found humble and doing the will of my Saviour.
In hope of eternal life.
Chicago, Ill.
GEO. PARKER.
Work On.
By J. CLARKE.
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction; for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Suppose a case: A father has a family of sons under his immediate care. The work of the farm presses, and all have enough to do; work for all seasons, and all times of the season; all acknowledge the authority of the parent, and all, more or less, strive to please and obey.
Unfortunately, one of the sons, perhaps inadvertently in part, or carelessly, commits an offense, which greatly displeases his parent, who, knowing the tendency of the act, and the injury he must sustain, severely censures the youth in the presence of brothers and servants.
The young man listens respectfully, confesses humbly and fully, and immediately repairs to his work, with a solemn, quiet manner, and seems determined, by diligence to make amends as far as possible, for the injury he has done by his inadvertence or want of care.
Another son, not long afterward, not profiting by his brother’s mistake, falls into a like snare, and incurs his parent’s frown. The father, kindly but with becoming firmness, reprimands this son, as he did the first. The son admits his mistake, sees it to be wrong, but feels hurt, drops his head, leaves his work, and with rueful countenance, seeks some lone place, and kills time with melancholy musings.
Another son, not many days after, commits an offense, and is kindly but faithfully warned by his anxious father. He makes light of it, and goes his way as before. Now dear reader, let me kindly ask, which son comforts his parent, and wins the love and esteem of all? J. CLARKE.
Letters.
Communications Among the Faithful
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
FRANCIS NELSON
By Francis Nelson
From Bro. Nelson.
BRO. WHITE: I think it my duty to write a few lines, in regard to the prosperity of the churches in Gratiot Co., to the readers of the Review, especially those who have labored to teach us the truth.
When Bro. Van Horn was with us last spring, we made arrangements to hold Quarterly Meetings for the mutual benefit of the different churches in this Co., alternating with Ithaca and Alma.
Last Sabbath and first-day we held a Quarterly Meeting at Alma, and though the roads were very bad on account of the protracted rains, there was a good representation from both Ithaca and Seville; and from the many cheering testimonies given we feel assured that our people in this county have not lost their love for God, his truth, or the brethren.
We had no authorized messenger with us, but by urgent request obtained the labors of Bro. S. E. Sutherland, of this county. He presented the subject of the clearness of the prophecies touching Christ's second and soon coming, as compared with his first advent. We think he should be encouraged to labor in word and doctrine. We hope soon to see in the appointment department of the Review, that some of the brethren are coming to see us.
Yours in love of present truth.
FRANCIS NELSON
Gratiot Co., Mich.
A Step Between Me and Death
By E. Calkins
Bro. E. Calkins, Iowa, writes: I am still trying to make my calling and election sure, and I hope by the grace of God to come off conqueror through him that hath loved us. I am now seventy-three years old, yet I have good health. If it pleased God always to remove the sick, and to leave those who are in health, to smite the aged, and to preserve those who are young, we should be in less doubt about who would next be called. But this is not the case.—The strong man is cut down in an instant like a blade of grass by the mower's scythe. The child, yea, the babe at its mother's breast, is taken like a flower nipped by frost. We cannot tell, then, whose turn is approaching. Who is the next? is a fit inquiry for us all.
Is it not a little strange that we should think so much of things which are uncertain, and that we think so little of those things which are certain; that we should prepare for what may never happen, and make no preparation at all for what must happen. The warning words of the Holy Scriptures should tingle in every careless ear, for they will apply to us all, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.” In a short time it may be said to every one that fears not God, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”
There are thousands who have been in bondage all their lives through fear of death. This is a sad state to be in; and yet there is no cure for it but a lively faith in the merits and sacrifice of our blessed Redeemer. If God be against us we have nothing to hope. If he be our friend we have nothing to fear. What a mercy then instead of trembling at the thought of death, to rejoice in the hope set before us, and to be able to say, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, “I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Let us seek the Saviour with all our heart and all our soul. Through him we may be more than conquerors over sin, death, and the grave, and be able to shout at last, O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Obituary Notices.
By JANE STACY
OUR dear sister, Rachel Jane Stacy, wife of Bro. Bartley Stacy of Benton, Ohio, departed this life on the 4th of Oct., 1866.
She was afflicted for about two years, and suffered much, but bore it patiently, and expressed a willingness to die. She died in full hope of a part in the first resurrection, leaving a husband and four children to mourn her loss.
JANE STACY.
Methodist Tobacco Consumption
The Christian Advocate and Journal states that “from $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 worth of tobacco is annually consumed by the members of the Methodist Church in the United States.” This is between $6,000 and $7,000 a day, for the gratification of a sensual habit.
Conversion Without Conviction
Conversion without conviction is no better than conviction without conversion.
Wanted.
By John Norton Loughborough
WE want sent immediately to this Office from our friends five thousand dollars. 1. To start our Institute as we have, has required quite an amount of means, and even other things for the convenience of patients should be secured this fall. 2. Building our meeting-house is another draft on means. 3. The proposed enlargement of the Review calls for additional means for stock and extra work. 4. We soon expect to purchase stock for Thoughts on Revelation, and other works which must be issued. The means to accomplish these ends is in the hands of our brethren and can be furnished, and will be when known it is needed.
How shall it be raised? First, let those who have made pledges to the Institute to be paid this fall make exertions to pay their pledges immediately. Those who have pledged to pay Dec. 1, would confer a favor if they could get the means and send in now. Some who have made pledges to pay this fall can just as well double their pledges and pay up both pledges. Let those do so. The Institution is further along now than we supposed it would be by Dec. 1; seventeen patients in it, five of whom have come the past week. If by the extra efforts of those managing this Institution, it has been made to exceed in its prosperity thus far even their highest expectations, will not our brethren on their part manifest a corresponding exertion in furnishing the means that are pledged that the Institution may be free from embarrassment. Let those who have 10's and 20's, or smaller sums that they could just as well donate to the Publishing Association, do so. Those even who have paid ahead on the Review and have means, could help in this matter by advancing one or two years on their subscription.
Let all who can, pay the $3,00 rates, and the 50 cents on the Instructor. Some may esteem it a privilege to donate to the Review Fund that the paper may go to many poor free, and to new beginners at reduced rates. Some may have means that they would let the Association have the use of a few months without interest, if so, send it in. To all of you, brethren and sisters, who may read these lines we would say, Prayerfully consider your duty, and we have no fears but you will do it.
In behalf of the Trustees of the S. D. A. P. Association.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Appointments.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; Charles Stratton; Wm. Blaisdell; A. C. Bourdeau; D. T. Bourdeau; A. S. Hutchins
PROVIDENCE permitting, the next Monthly Meeting of the churches at Cornville, Me., Norridgewock, Canaan, &c., will be held at Cornville, Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 10, 11. Meeting will begin at 7 o'clock Sabbath evening. As many as can, come to stay through the meetings, and come to take part, and work while there. A general invitation is extended to all the friends of present truth in Maine. We shall here arrange for systematic labor in the State for the winter. All who wish help will please represent themselves at this meeting, either personally or by letter. Let us all pray for a reviving of this work.
D. M. CANRIGHT,
CHARLES STRATTON,
WM. BLAISDELL.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will hold meetings with the Sabbath-keepers at Osceola, Clarke Co., Iowa, Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 10 o'clock A. M. At Altovista, Daviess Co., Mo., commencing Sabbath, Nov. 3, and continuing as long as duty will permit. Cannot a brother at Sandyville take us to Osceola? It is expected that some one from Daviess Co., Mo., will meet us at Osceola, prepared to take us to Altovista.
A. C. & D. T. BOURDEAU.
QUARTERLY MEETING at Wolcott, Vt., Nov. 3, 1866. We hope Bro. Stone will be with us, and speak to the church as he may be able. We want the dear brethren and sisters to meet with us. Come to do good, and get good. These meetings should prove a great blessing to us all.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Correction.
By J. M. A.
FROM some unexplainable cause our Typos seem determined to underrate the liberal amount of Stock taken in our Health Institution by Bro. E. Goodwin, of Oswego, N. Y.
When the call for stock in this Institution was first issued, Bro. G. promptly responded by a pledge of $250.00; but in acknowledgment of the same through the Review, our types made it read only $25.00. We made the correction in our next issue.
Bro. G. has now pledged another $250.00, and in endeavoring to give him credit for that amount in last week's Review, our types again say only $25.00. We now say $250.00.
Should Bro. G. conclude to double his pledge again, we will try to have due credit given on the first trial.
J. M. A.
Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
THE work has gone steadily forward at Holly, until there are about thirty Sabbath-keepers. Last Sabbath we organized a Sabbath School and Bible Class. Bro. W. W. Lockwood was chosen superintendent. Yesterday was a good day for us in Holly. The Lord gave some freedom and power, and the truth took effect. Several others who are convinced of the truth intend to keep it as soon as they can get out of complicated business relations. Our baptism season was good. Hundreds gathered at the water's side to witness the celebration of the ordinance. Ten were immersed.
They think of building a meeting-house next spring. They also desire to be organized and taken under the watch-care of the Conference.
I am much in need of rest, and have decided to take a week or two of rest, except to speak on Sabbath and first-day. M. E. CORNELL.
Report from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
BRO. WHITE: I am now with the church in Watrousville, and have had five meetings with them which were well attended. Truly the labor with the tent in this place last year did a good work. Our brethren here are trying to walk in all the truth. They have here, as in many other places, much to learn, and are manifesting a teachable spirit; and I trust will be established in all the truth. What the enemy cannot do by opposition from without, he will try to do by dividing brethren, destroying brotherly love and kindness, and thus discourage some, and hinder the work. Dear brethren, press together. The Lord is working for you and will cause all things to work for the good of them that love him.
I have spent Monday and Tuesday in visiting as many families as my strength would enable me to reach. On first-day evening, after meeting, in company with Bro. Freeman, we visited a brother who had become so tempted that he did not attend our meetings. We talked and prayed together till nearly ten o’clock. The brother rejoiced for our visit and thought he should no more yield to the enemy, but with all his family go forward. Time rightly spent in visiting from house to house will do much good.
By taking cold, and constant labor my cough troubles me again, but I hope by suitable care it will not continue through another cold winter.
JOHN BYINGTON.
Watrousville, Oct. 9, 1866.
Business Department.
Business Notes.
C K Farnsworth: Your letter contained $5.50; but the business you sent requires $6.00. We have given credit for the $6.00.
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.
Subscriptions at One Dollar
C Prange and Bro. 30-1, T Hule 29-1, J Roberge 31-17, M E Raymond 30-16, Geo R Atkins 30-1, Geo Lowree 29-18, E Sanford 29-14, C D Cook 30-19, J A Hamilton 29-14, Mary Borden 31-1, C Dunsha 30-1, W S Higley 29-1, J Mullen 29-1, Mrs C Saxton 30-1, each $1.00.
Subscriptions at Two Dollars
M B Cyphers 30-15, W McDowell 30-28, John Easton 31-1, Geo Barrows 30-1, Mrs A McFadden 31-1, Z Brooks ’29-20, S N Mead 29-1, W Farnsworth 30-14, A J Rogers 30-14, Hester Harris 31-1, E R Farnsworth 31-1, Edward Bliss 29-1, each $2.00.
Additional Subscriptions
worth $1-1, Edward Bliss 29-1, each $2.00. Mary A Wolcott $5.00 31-16, L Lyman $6.00 31-1, T Chapin $1.25 30-1, M & L Dickinson $2.75 31-1, C Colson $5.00 30-1.
Subscriptions at the Rate of $3.00 per year.
D R Palmer $3.00 31-1, C S Briggs $3.00 31-1, J G Whipple $3.00 31-1, L Carpenter $3.00 31-1, E Goodwin $3.00 31-1, S H Burlingame $3.00 31-1, W H Riley $3.00 30-6, Jas Pease $3.00 30-1,
Subscriptions at the Rate of $2.50 per year.
Geo Adan $2.50 30-14, J W Merrifield $2.70 30-1, J F Carman $1.25 30-14, E Weed $1.00 29-20, Mrs L Fuller $2.50 30-18, W S Urquhart $3.50 30-7, Mrs J Batrick $2.50 31-1, Mrs Dr Woodhull $1.25 30-1, Betsey Tinkham $1.25 30-1, D A Smith 50c 29-13, C McNeil $2.50 31-1, A G Smith $2.50 31-1, L B Caswell $2.50 29-1, B Haskins $2.50 30-14, C Jewett 50c 30-1, W S Higley jr $2.00 30-16.
Cash Received on Account.
John Matteson $11.00. A C Bourdeau $2.00. W Morse $15.00.
Shares in Publishing Association.
Mrs C. O. Taylor $10.00. F W Morse $5.00.
Donations to Publishing Association.
Friends at Leslie, Mich., s. B., $11.00. Priscilla Barrows $1.00.
Books Sent By Mail.
Capt E M Simpson $1.50. Geo W Parker 91c. R Humphries $1.88. L Urquhart 12c. Mrs A McFadden $2.95. Mrs R B Hart $2.95. Mrs Wm Williams $2.95. S Paine $7.50. L A Mars $1.62.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Friends at Leslie, Mich., s. B., $11.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Received from churches. Church at Bunkerhill $11.50. Salem Center, Ind. $10.50. Oakland $50.00.
Battle Creek Meeting House
For Battle Creek Meeting House,
R Godsmark $25.00.
For the Western Health-Reform Institute.
The following amounts are subscribed for shares in The Western Health-Reform Institute at $25.00, each share.
Eld C O Taylor $25.00. Mrs C O Taylor $25.00. A G Smith $25.00. D W Johnson $50.00. E Goodwin $225.
On Shares in the W. H. R. Institute.
The following amounts have been paid on pledges previously given to the Health-Reform Institute.
A L Guilford $75.00. C S Briggs $25.00. E B Goodell $25.00. J G Whipple $50.00. Eld C O Taylor $25.00. Mrs C O Taylor $25.00. Luman Carpenter $100.00. A G Smith $25.00. W B Prentice $50.00. Eli Wick $50.00. R Hart $25.00. J S Hart $25.00.
The Second Coming of Christ
By Editor
We publish on our first page a gem from the pen of Madame de Gasparin on “The Second Coming of Christ.” Who can read it without feeling the church’s great desire springing up anew in his heart, as expressed by the apostle, “Come, Lord Jesus and come quickly.” And if such descriptions as these can cause our hearts to beat afresh in joyful anticipation, what must be the actual glories of that restitution which no pen can portray!
New Subscribers
By Editor
NEW SUBSCRIBERS.—All new subscribers for the Review, at the rate of $2.50 per year, previous to the commencement of the next volume, Dec. 4, shall have their subscriptions dated from the commencement of that volume, getting the remainder of this volume free. The earlier the subscriptions, therefore, the more papers free. We look to the friends of the Review to make a grand rally for new subscribers, and let us commence the new volume with a greatly-increased list.