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Review and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 23.

HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART
Earlier text: HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART

SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.

By M. E. Cornell

I wish to say through the Review that I have not been silent upon this subject because I was void of interest, or doubted its utility, but because the matter had been (as I thought) sufficiently discussed; and I concluded it would be enough if I reported that I had recommended and introduced it where I traveled. But lest I may appear to be holding back upon so important a subject, I will offer a few remarks. I have watched the workings of the plan and can say with others, "It works well," and to find fault with the wheels of a machine that does good work, is, I should think, neither just nor sensible. "By their fruits ye shall know them." "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
A person would have reason to conclude the plan was right, even from the weakness of the objections urged against it. But the Bible testimony in its favor is very clear. Having occasion of late to prepare to defend it, I was astonished at the abundance and clearness of the scriptures in its favor.
When God would prove his people whether they would walk in his law, he made it plain so it became a test and they were without excuse. And when I see how plain the scriptures are upon the duty of order in giving, I cannot help thinking it will prove a test to God's remnant people.
I will examine the subject in order as follows:— 1. In order to equality donations should be according to a certain rate. 2. To pledge beforehand as in Systematic Benevolence. 3. To appoint one or more to hold and distribute what is collected. 4. Liberality is both for the temporal and spiritual good of the church.
First. It is duty to give according to a certain rate, for the sake of equality.
"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." Deut. xvi, 17.
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not; for I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want; that their abundance may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality." 2 Cor. viii, 12–14.
Second. It is right to pledge beforehand what each will give.
"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have." 2 Cor. viii, 11. The same idea is found in the following chapter, verse 5. "Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty and not of covetousness." Here we have a clear instance of the Apostle introducing the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and the object stated, namely, that the necessary means might be ready. In 1 Cor. xvi, 1, 2, we learn that the Apostle was in the habit of "giving orders to the churches" where he went, to give in a "systematic" way, as God had prospered them, as though it was a matter of course.
Third. It is proper to appoint a treasurer to hold and distribute.
"And Kore, the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the free-will offerings of God, to distribute the oblation of the Lord and the most holy things." 2 Chron. xxxi, 14.
"For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor." John xiii, 29. See also xii, 6.
Judas was the treasurer appointed to receive the freewill offerings at that time. Afterwards when the disciples were greatly multiplied, the twelve gave direction that seven men be chosen to attend to the distribution of the offerings. Acts vi, 3.
Fourth. Liberality is a means of obtaining temporal as well as spiritual blessings.
"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. xi, 24, 25.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Luke vi, 38.
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Cor. ix, 6, 8.
Because Job freely distributed to the poor, the Lord greatly increased his goods. His promises are sure and he changeth not. We have seen them fulfilled among Sabbath-keepers in a few instances. It is according to the integrity and faith of the individual. Says the Apostle, "I will shew thee my faith by my works." How many are there among the remnant who show by their lack of works that they have no faith? I fear that there are some. I pity such as feel unwilling to invest liberally in so glorious a cause as present truth. My heart has been pained when I have seen some, like the young man in our Saviour's time, turn away sorrowful because they have great possessions. They are now being tested. Many are choosing whom they will serve.
A man went to his rich, covetous neighbor in behalf of a poor widow, and was pleading most earnestly that he should give at least five dollars, if not to cancel his obligations as a Christian, he should do it for the sake of humanity, when the rich man interrupted him with, "Humanity, Who's he?" He had never made the gentleman's acquaintance.
The "Third Angel," Who's he? Systematic Benevolence, What is that? Tent enterprises, missionary fund and tract distribution, What are they? Some appear to be well acquainted with these honorable ones; but it is to be feared that others have never yet sought an introduction. Come, friends, let us introduce you to them, that through them you may make friends that will receive you into everlasting habitations. Luke xvi, 9.
M. E. CORNELL.

REPORT FROM BRO. SNOOK.

By B. F. Snook

AFTER the discussion at Richmond, being unable to preach on account of soreness of throat, I went to Dayton and visited with brethren Osborn and Ferguson's families, with whom I enjoyed myself much. My throat was sufficiently well for me to preach to the church on the Sabbath. I spoke to them with much interest on the unity and gifts of the church. We had social meetings in the evenings, in which the good Spirit of God was shed abroad in our hearts.
On first-day at half-past ten I preached to an attentive audience on baptism, after which we went to a place where there "was much water," and I immersed eight. In the evening we had a communion meeting. The Lord's appointed ordinances were attended to in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. The Lord was with us. I do not think that I ever attended a better meeting.
The brethren of Richmond and Dayton are growing in grace and a knowledge of the truth. We feel truly thankful to them for a present of twenty dollars and fifty cents in money, and clothing for self and family amounting to thirty-three dollars at cost. This helped me much. May the Lord help us to be humble, meek and lowly in heart, and Christlike in disposition. Oh brethren, be faithful, persevere, and soon we will receive the glorious crown.
Friday the 12th inst., I went to Lisbon, where I found the brethren expecting me and glad to meet me. I preached four times to attentive audiences. Sunday I baptized five, and in the evening we attended to communion and feet washing. We had truly a happy time. The Lord was with us and gave us much of his Spirit. These brethren and sisters are a light. They may be known and read of all men. They have much opposition in their town, but none who dare come out in fair investigation. Some who can do wonders when a messenger is not present, as soon as he arrives are as meek and gentle as lambs. May the Lord help this people to be firm and immovable. At the close of the meetings we set things in order by appointing two leaders, and unanimously adopting the name, Seventh-day Adventists. B. F. SNOOK.

SELF-EXAMINATION.

By A. S. Hutchins

“EXAMINE yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. xiii, 5. These instructions to the church of God should come home to every heart with awakening and stirring power. A neglect of self-examination leads to self-deception, with its awful and alarming consequences. “Take heed unto thyself,” “Be not deceived,” are exhortations of vital importance in these “perilous times,” when men are “deceiving and being deceived.” “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.” Matt. vii, 21–23.
“EXAMINE YOURSELVES.” This is an individual work. Each one must act and gain an experience for himself, or walk in darkness here, and fail of reaching the kingdom of God at last. As one cannot eat, drink, nor sleep for another, so one cannot act the part of another in the great and important work of preparation for a home among the pure and the blest.
This work is between ourselves and HIM who “searcheth the reins and hearts;” “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth: for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” He requires the service of a perfect heart and a willing mind. “For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts; if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever.” 1 Chron. xxviii, 9.
It often affords pleasure to form an acquaintance with others; but how few seek for a thorough acquaintance with themselves. How much more rapid would be our progress in the divine life, and how much more useful could we be in the service of our heavenly Master, if we watched ourselves as we should. “Study to show thyself approved unto God,” implies earnestness and deep anxiety in this good cause. For want of this, not unfrequently are our best resolutions of to-day nipped in the bud and die ere the rising of to-morrow’s sun. “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.”
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” The object of this examination is here stated: WHETHER YE BE IN THE FAITH. It is a matter of the utmost importance that we know whether our ways please the Lord or not. It is the privilege and duty of the Christian to have a living and satisfying experience in the service of the Lord. Everywhere we see the “form of godliness,” without the power. In all the walks of life may be met “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Says the apostle, “From such turn away.” 2 Tim. iii, 5. The path of duty lies before the remnant church. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. xiv, 12. Can we heed this message and be left to guess whether we are in the faith?
Of one who walked with God three hundred years, it is said: “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Gen. v, 24. “Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” This holy man we believe to be a lively type of those who will be translated to heaven without tasting death, at the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Shall we be found in this highly-favored company without first obtaining the testimony that we please God? Can we obtain this testimony too soon?
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John i, 5–7.
O precious promise! that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Blessed hope! “And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as he is pure.” “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Ps. li, 7, 9–13.
“PROVE YOUR OWN SELVES.” This is submitting our hearts and lives to the most thorough and impartial examination; to the closest possible scrutiny; to an untiring and constant investigation. Are our hearts pure? Are our motives right in the sight of God? Is our daily walk and conversation such as it should be? Does it correspond with our high profession?
Mark the broad road to death! 'Tis crowded with fashionable and world-loving professors. Thoughtlessly but hastily they rush on to sure destruction. They consider not the awful end that awaits them.
“Encompassed by a throng, On numbers they depend; They say so many can’t be wrong, And miss a happy end.”
But to come nearer home. Are we brethren and sisters, heeding the above injunction? Is it the greatest concern of our life to know that our ways please God? Have we given the attention to this subject that its importance demands? Time is too short; the liabilities of self-deception too numerous; and the consequences of it too awful, to be found stupid and indifferent on a subject of so great magnitude!
“Then saith the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.” It is to be feared that many, even among professed Sabbath-keepers, spend but little time in considering their ways. They have a name to live, and with this apparently they rest contented. There are sins yet to be repented of, confessions to be made, crosses to be borne, and victories to be gained, which should long since have been done.
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Rev. iii, 15–17.
How large a number of us as a people will yet be spewed from the mouth of the faithful and true Witness, time will soon decide, and decide forever. It is certain that nothing will save us from being utterly rejected of him but heeding his counsel. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
As we have said, this is an individual work. Let us then examine ourselves by the word of God. Let us try ourselves by the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and see whether we are in the faith. “Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” Gal. vi, 4. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.”
“O, may thy counsels, mighty God, My roving feet command; Nor I forsake the happy road, That leads to thy right hand.”

LETTER FROM BRO. BUTLER.

By T. J. Butler

BRO. SMITH: I see from Bro. White's remarks appended to our call for a conference, that he "never thought of making the name a test, neither knew of any in Michigan who did." Well, I am glad that he has said so. It has relieved our mind very much. True, we understood at the B. C. Conference that it was to be no test; but since that time divers letters have been sent to this church from different points which breathed a different sentiment, from which some of us concluded that probably the name was becoming a test. I am sorry that we were so fast in coming to that conclusion, as in so doing we wronged our brethren and also ourselves. We ask pardon for our haste, and promise to try to be more prudent in future.
I wish also to say that when testimony No. 6 came to hand, my confidence in sister W. was very much shaken. I thought the testimony concerning me could not be true, except my independent spirit. This fault I was sure I was guilty of, and confessed it. More recently by the aid of good brethren, and self examination, I have become convinced that all of the testimony relating to me is true. I here confess it, and hope by the assisting grace of God to make amends for the future.
I learn from Bro. White's remarks that he considers that we are for making the name a test. To this we wish to say that such a thing never entered our mind. We could not feel it in our heart to disfellowship true Christian character on account of a name. We may have been too ultra in some of our words and feelings, no doubt of it; and very likely have been in possession of more zeal than knowledge; if so we ask the forgiveness and forbearance of our brethren, and trust to God that we may be ever open to conviction of error.
And since so much that looked dark to us at first, has since become plain, we look to the future with much less forebodings, hoping that all will yet become light. My mind is now reconciled to all except the propriety of the name. We may have taken ultra views of certain scriptures, if so we hope that some of our good brethren may show the light upon them. There are certain passages that bear upon our mind and conscience. Will some brother harmonize them with the present name of the body if we forward them to him? This need not be a public matter, but brotherly and privately. We wish no divisions, no secessions, no battles. We are too meagre in Christian stature to think of doing any such thing to the glory of God.
I wish also to say in justice to Bro. Dudley that at the time of our meeting to call a conference, I was requested to write the request for a conference to the Office. I agreed to do so by the authority of the committee. This was agreed to, but there was a misunderstanding of the proposition. Bro. Dudley understanding us to say, By the authority of the secretary of the called meeting. We wish to make this correction, for it throws Bro. D. in a wrong light before his brethren. Others of the committee and brethren have very much modified their views since that time; and among them is your very unworthy brother, T. J. BUTLER.
P. S. We wish to beg pardon of Bro. and Sr. W. for the ungenerous thoughts which we have entertained, and hard words which we have spoken concerning them. We are sure we have been too hasty and imprudent. T. J. B.

LETTER FROM PORTAGE, OHIO.

BRO. SMITH: It was with mingled feelings of grief, disappointment and shame, that we read the statement from the Finance Committee for this State, (Brn. Dudley, Fleming, and Jones of Gilboa), as published in No. 21, of the Review.
It is a mystery to us, how they could speak in the strain they have on the matter of "the name" for Ohio; especially as all in the church at Portage, and all at Lovett's Grove, are unanimous in the approval of the action taken at Battle Creek on this subject; and with pain we have realized that the only dissenting vote was from Ohio. We are thankful for so fitting and appopriate and unassuming a name as Seventh-day Adventists.
We simply protest against the communication of the Committee, hoping they may yet repent of their error. We greatly fear that all those who are neglectful of or inattentive to the Testimonies Nos. 1 to 6, and to Spiritual Gifts Vols. 1 and 2, are making a grievous and fatal mistake.
Yours for union with God and his people. JOSEPH CLARKE, WM. DANIEL, IRA T. DAY, I. N. VAN GORDER, JOHN CLARKE, HIRAM A. CRAW, JULIUS B. GREGORY.
April 14, 1861.

LETTER FROM GREEN SPRING, OHIO.

By Levi Huber, W. D. Sharpe, C. S. Burton, Jacob Huber, M. Hutchins, Wm. Herald, I. C. Parker

Bro. Smith: We do not endorse the article of the Financial Committee, as set forth in Review, No. 21. We receive the name, Seventh-day Adventists, because it contains the two leading principles of our faith: first, the second coming of our Lord; and second, it sets forth the fourth commandment. On the other hand, the name, Church of God, is not appropriate, because there are several churches by that name, and so many by the same name would make confusion. Levi Huber, W. D. Sharpe, C. S. Burton, Jacob Huber, M. Hutchins, Wm. Herald, I. C. Parker.

SECESSION.

By Joseph Dudley

I WISH to say through the Review that I did not write the notice of the secession movement in Gilboa, Ohio, neither did I ever know its contents until I saw it in the Review, nor did I authorize any one to endorse my name to such sentiments as therein contained. I do not however wish to be understood as intimating that there is dishonesty in this, but rather a misunderstanding. We expect it to be corrected by the writer. I would say, my sympathy is with the Review; that I heartily receive Testimony No. 6, and I expect by the assisting grace of God to pray on, to hope on, daily strive to overcome my besetting sins, and finally stand with the remnant on Mt. Zion.
JOSEPH DUDLEY.
Gilboa, Ohio, April 15, 1861.

TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH.

By E. Macomber

He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son.
What are we to overcome? Paul writing to the Romans says in chapter xii, 21, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Then we are to overcome evil. There is much in the world practiced by those that profess to be followers of Christ that is evil. If we follow not our Saviour we are not Christians, and if we are not Christ's then we are not Abraham's seed and we come short of the promise of inheriting all things. We cannot overcome unless we subject ourselves unto Christ and follow him. Then we can overcome for he has promised to help us in every time of need, praise his name! Whatever Christ our Lord has commanded us, we can accomplish; for he that commands can give strength to perform.
We read in Matt. xvi, 24, that Jesus said unto his disciples, "If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Now if I should teach differently from what the Saviour has taught I should not follow him. If I should say that such as follow Christ shall not inherit all things I should deny what he has promised. If I should teach that we should not have bodies like unto Christ's most glorious body, I should contradict my Saviour; for he says we shall have, as recorded in Philippians iii, 21. If I should teach that Christ, when crucified, suffered only in body, or the casket only suffered and his soul went immediately to his Father, I should deny Christ's words as recorded in John xx, 17: "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God."
Again in Isa. liii, 12: "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death." If I did not believe that the Son of God died for me, I should only have in this world hope, and I should be of all men most miserable.
Again, I hear some that say they have been commissioned to preach the gospel, and say to me that there is an intermediate state, that is to say, a sort of prison-house for departed spirits, and quote 1 Pet. iii, 19: "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison."
But this is contrary to the inspired word; for we read in Eccl. ix, 5, that the living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. If we expect to overcome evil with good we must use the good word of inspiration to overcome the evil that contradicts God's word. Again if I should teach that the blessed Saviour would not come in a great many years I should contradict the word of the Lord in Matt. xxiv, 29: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken." The last signs are being fulfilled and soon will be seen the visible sign of the Son of man. Therefore I should overcome the error of declaring that my Lord delayeth his coming.
Again, the Lord has declared that he is Lord of the Sabbath. Then the Sabbath is the Lord's day. Some teach that the Sabbath day is the first day of the week; but the word of the Lord says in Exodus xx, 10: "But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Now if I should teach men that the first day was the Sabbath, I should do so without any scriptural authority. We should be wise to overcome an evil like this, because we should overcome evil with good; and the word of the Lord is good and will thoroughly furnish us. But when we teach for doctrines the commandments of men, we are evil doers.
Let us keep his commandments, and we shall be overcomers of evil with good. The Lord will help if we try with sincerity; for he has promised. Amen.
E. MACOMBER.
New Shoreham, R. I., March 22, 1861.

LETTERS.

By Rocksilda Leighton

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Sister Leighton.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have been cheered by the sweet testimonies given in favor of the third angel's message and the near return of our Saviour, and thinking that perhaps some of the readers of the Review that have known us in by-gone days would like to know what our prospects are for eternal life, I write these lines. My companion and myself are trying to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. We began to embrace the Second Advent faith in the summer of 1846, hearing but a very little previous to that time on the subject of the coming of the Lord; but believing that we were living in the last days, we embraced the first opportunity of reading the Advent papers that we could get, and rejoiced in the near coming of the Lord. The doctrine of the unconscious state of the dead was a gloomy doctrine to us; but having light on the subject, we took our Bibles and sat down to investigate the subject thoroughly. When we got through, we were surprised to find that our former teachings had all been wrong on this question, although Bible testimony was very plain that the dead know not anything. Eccl. ix, 5. For in death there is no remembrance of thee. Psa. vi, 5. The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. Psa. cxv, 17. Yet how could we give up the idea that these thinking, active, minds of ours would cease to act? It was a withering thought to us that man that was made in the image of his Creator (whether righteous or wicked) could cease to exist as though he had not been, yet what was the weak mind of man to be compared with the pure word of the Lord which says of man, His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish. Ps. cxlvi, 4.
Having thus embraced this view of man from death to the resurrection, we thought it duty to talk it out to our brethren. This created quite an uneasiness in their feelings and in the community in which we lived. Being associated with the Christian church at this time, it brought no small persecution on the church, as other denominations said to them, You have infidels among you that believe that man has no soul. Yet our brethren were unwilling to let us go, and said to us that we had a perfect right to our private views, but wished us not to express them. This made us feel that we were like birds taken in a snare, and we longed to be free. The strong sympathetic feeling we had for our brethren prevented us from doing our duty. This was wrong. While we saw the fallen condition of the churches, and that pride and popularity had almost driven the meek Spirit of the Lord from the earth, we did not take up the cross of freeing our minds. We left our names to be erased from the church book after we left for the West.
In 1851 we left Sodus, Wayne Co. N. Y., and came to Otsego, Mich. One reason for this move, among others, was that perhaps we might have an opportunity to hear Advent preaching, as there was none in Wayne Co. We only had an opportunity of attending two tent-meetings some twenty miles distant in several years. But in this we were disappointed, as disease had marked me for its victim. Leaving a warm house in the East and occupying a cold one in the West did not agree with my diseased lungs and broken constitution; and here commenced the raging of a severe cancer on my nose. For the most part of four years—
Of men great skill professing I thought a cure to gain, But this proved more distressing, And added to my pain.
This cancer had eaten off the lower part of my nose, and the sore had extended into my right eye and was spreading on my right cheek under the eye, and had almost reached the left. I was not only suffering from the pain of an eating cancer, but from severe medicine which I was obliged to apply in order to burn down the pulpy bunches that would continually spring up like large warts. When these were burned down I could get a little rest. This process I went through week after week for the most part of the time for six months.
Such was the condition I was in five years ago when Bro. Cornell came to our house and brought the third angel's message to us. He also said that Jesus our great High Priest had entered into the holy of holies, and likewise spake of our great Physician who heals the infirmities of his children and in their extremity of bodily suffering can say to disease, Thus far shalt thou go and no farther. With these instructions we tried to lay hold of and keep the commandments of God. I was not able to attend any of Bro. Cornell's lectures; for I was confined to the house, unable to do any work, and was fast wasting away, never expecting to be able to go from my home again to hear the word of the Lord. But thanks be to his holy name, he saw fit to open the way for me. The skill of earthly physicians had failed; and I saw that my case was a hopeless one as I took down the mirror and sat down to the table to apply this severe medicine. I said to myself, could I know that in a few weeks or months death would end my sufferings, how happy should I feel; but O the gloomy thought that perhaps I should linger along for years until my eyes and face were consumed. I had thought for some months that it was the work of the enemy to afflict me, that I might repine at my lot; therefore I resolved in the name of the Lord patiently to endure. Although he was destroying my flesh, yet I could and would submit. Others had suffered and I could also just as long as the Lord saw proper for me so to do, whether for months or years. I said, I will wait all the days of my appointed time till my change should come that I might have a rest with the people of God.
And now the great Physician, (How matchless is his grace) Accepted my submission, And undertook my case.
When I committed myself into the hands of this Physician, I believe he commenced to work for me. My soul was happy. I walked the floor and praised the Lord with all my heart. I then laid aside the afflicting medicine which was continually distressing me. I think it was about two days before this that I had sent a request by Bro. Frisbie to the church in Battle Creek that my case might be remembered before the Lord that I might be able to attend the conference which was to be held in about two weeks, in May 1856; for I greatly desired to find a humble people that had come out from the vain fashions of the world. Thanks be to the Lord he did strengthen me so that I was able to ride 36 miles in a farm wagon to attend this meeting to its close, where I had the pleasure of meeting with a humble people which are the people of my choice.
As I have before said, the Lord had commenced a work for me. My health and strength began to improve and also my cancer to heal. Thanks be to his blessed name. More than four years have passed away since my cancer ceased to trouble me, yet I hope that I have not forgotten what the Lord has done. I hope to overcome at last, and be permitted to see the King in his beauty. ROCKSILDA LEIGHTON. Otsego, Mich.

WHAT IS HOPE?

By S. Elmer

"Tis not a mere and empty wish, That flits across the mind, Or a desire for anything Which we may never find.
"Tis not confin'd to things of earth, Or to the wise and great, It scorns the carnal sons of mirth, And leaves them to their fate.
Then what is hope, I fain would know, For long I've wandered round With many a weary step; O, where Can lasting hope be found?
O traveler, cease each vain pursuit; Why seek for it below? In Eden's fair and flowery fields It perished long ago.
The hopes of earth, alas, how brief; Full soon they pass away, Like as the fading of a leaf, Or as the flowers so gay.
But there's a hope which ne'er can fail, Though wild waves dash around; It anchors fast within the veil, And rests on solid ground.
It trusts in the atoning blood Of him who once has died; And through obedience to God, By faith is justified.
It works by love, as grace subdues Each evil of the heart, And to the tried and tempted soul Doth a new life impart.
It soars aloft above the world, Beyond the stars of light, And as it nears the heavenly port, Glows with a radiance bright.
S. Elmer. Ashfield, Mass.

Extracts from Letters.

Sister Havirland writes from Sumner Wis.: "It was two years last November since I set out to serve the Lord by keeping his commandments, and having faith in the blessed Saviour. It was then I commenced to read the word of God for myself, and I praise the Lord for the light that has shone upon my pathway. I find I have much to do if I ever get through to that blessed land that is promised only to the faithful. I feel determined by the grace of God to be found among such.
O dear brethren and sisters, Jesus is soon coming to take his faithful children home. How this blessed thought cheers us onward through this cold and friendless world. Yes he will come and will not tarry. Knowing this to be the truth, let us go on trusting in the promises of God, not trying to please self or the world, but striving to please him whose eye is constantly upon us, and knows the inmost secrets of our hearts. O how straight and narrow is the way, and yet how plain! My earnest prayer to God is that I may ever keep in the narrow way that leadeth to everlasting life."
Bro. D. McCumber writes from West Union, Iowa: "Through the kindness of some friends I have had the privilege of reading the Review, also some books on the subject of the soon coming of the Saviour as connected with the Sabbath. The result has been that myself and companion have been enabled by the aid of the Holy Spirit to fall in with the overtures of mercy, and to give heed to the last message ever to be given to a fallen world. We have kept five Sabbaths. We feel determined to press on until we can meet all the dear saints in the kingdom. May the Lord assist us.
"We are young in the cause, and want all the light we can get. We feel very anxious to hear a course of lectures. We think that good might be done here. There are some investigating. We meet every Sabbath, also evenings occasionally; and the Lord meets with us. We have heard nothing on the prophecies, except from Bro. Shireman a few times."
Bro. E. W. Darling writes from Beaver, Min.: "I feel myself to be but a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth, yet I look forward to the time when the days of our pilgrimage shall be at an end, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. I have been striving to heed the counsel of the true Witness. When I consider my past unfaithfulness and short comings, I am led to wonder at the long-suffering and forbearance of God. Surely it is because his tender mercies fail not that we are not consumed. I feel like praising the Lord for his goodness to me. I am determined to serve him more faithfully in the future, and to discharge every duty in fear and humility. There is but one family of us here. We have not had the privilege of meeting with the brethren for nearly four years; but we have the Review, which brings us word from them, a pleasure which we could not be persuaded to forego. May we all be so happy as to meet where parting will be no more, is the prayer of your unworthy brother."
Bro. A. M. Pyle writes from Sumner, Wis.: "It has been about three months since I decided to go with the remnant. I find the road is rough, nevertheless I believe that we are on the right road, and if faithful a little longer we shall see Jesus coming to gather us home. Myself and wife have been first-day, or no-Sabbath Adventists, but the Lord has seen fit in his great mercy to change our location that we might be led to further investigate the gospel. We are now firm in the truth of the third angel's message. We received light on these subjects from Brn. Daniels and McCormick. I then commenced to investigate, and found them to contain solemn truths, for which we give God glory. Here in Wisconsin we find that the Devil is neither dead nor bound, but is awake to all his old devices and plans. He is not wanting in means nor agents to carry out his plans; and I find that his most successful agents are those who have a name to live and are dead to the truth; who have a form of godliness but deny the power. From such we would turn away. We need the prayers of the brethren and sisters. Peace be with all who love the Lord sincerely."
Bro. Z. Nicola writes from Richmond, Iowa: "I am trying to overcome, that I may have right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city. I do thank God that I was ever permitted to hear this third angel's message. I have been striving to keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus for two years. We have been much encouraged by the late visit from Bro. Snook. The church here is growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. We have adopted the Systematic Benevolence. There is perfect union. We feel ourselves as all members of one body."
Continue reading: E. W. PHELPS