As different forms of error and fanaticism have had an influence upon the minds of some of the friends of the Lord's Sabbath, the prayer of those who have stood in the light has been, "O Lord, save the sincere." God hears the prayers of his loyal people. His honest ones, though for a time brought under the deceptive power of error, will, in his own good time, stand in the light and freedom of the truth, and enjoy sweet union with the body.
We would call particular attention to the articles in this number of the Review by Brn. Gowell and Davis. All that these brethren needed to help them to the right position was to have the facts in the case set before them. Elder M. E. Cornell, being present at a conference of the disaffected ones in the East, had an opportunity, by the influence and courtesy of brethren Davis, Gowell and others, of stating facts, and exposing the misrepresentations of the leading ones in the faction. This was enough. And this is all that is needed anywhere to fully open the eyes of honest Christian men and women.
The visit of Eld. Cranmer to Portland, it seems, helped in no small degree to expose the deception. Here we wish to state, that the report that Seventh-day Adventists would not receive Eld. Cranmer, because he would not give his property to the cause, is a bold untruth. They never rejected him. The reasons why they hesitated in his case were; first, he seemed too much entangled in the affairs of this life; second, he was a slave to tobacco; and third, they could not see in him sufficient talent, at his age of life, to warrant the supposition that God had called him to the ministry. Probably our factious friends in the East, do not now blame the brethren in Michigan for hesitating in the case of Eld. Cranmer since they have seen and heard him. While the brethren in Michigan were hesitating in the case of Eld. Cranmer, and waiting for evidence that High Heaven had called him to the ministry, he rose against the body, rejected the body, and accepted the leadership of a faction most hostile to the principles of good order taught in the Review. At a crowded meeting of Sabbath-keepers at Otsego, Mich., Mrs. W. bore testimony to him relative to his use of tobacco, and his lack of family government; the truthfulness of which he as publicly confessed. Besides this, he has had no testimony from Mrs. W. So much for the leader of the Michigan faction.
These factions do exist, and will exist, unless Seventh-day Adventists let down the standard, crucify the Holy Spirit, and consolidate in one corrupt church. This they will not do. Their course is marked in prophecy. They are the last of the Seven Churches of Rev. ii and iii, hence God will not call his people out from them. But it is theirs to repent and reform, under the force of pure testimony which will continually send out from them factions, who will not be reformed.
The Celesta, Pa., movement by P. E. Armstrong, for a time attracted the attention of a few unstable souls not in union with the body; but that has had so complete an exposure as to lose its power to deceive.
Elder J. V. Himes, without the least provocation on the part of Seventh-day Adventists, has done what he could to prejudice the people against them. He, too—a man that they would delight to love and respect for his past labors, were it not for his unjust raid against them the past seven months—joins in the general howl of fanatics and bitter opponents against what they call "the visions."
Eld. Himes visited the church of Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek some more than a year since. He preached to the church by invitation, and was treated in every respect with attention and hospitality equal to that enjoyed by the most welcome of their own preachers. This was the general feeling of our people, as far as we were acquainted with the facts in the case, everywhere. And it has been painful to see him abuse himself in his heartless efforts to cruelly stab his best friends.
These men know just where to strike. They have learned that their arguments against the general positions of this people have no more strength upon the public mind than a rye straw; also that they have a reputation for conscientious uprightness as a people wherever known. Their attack is not upon the Sabbath, unless it be some quibble about keeping Sabbath around the world, which stands against Sunday, or the existence of the Sabbath institution in any age, as much as against keeping the Sabbath in 1865. They seldom attack even the position of the perpetuity of the gifts, held by Seventh-day Adventists; for the New Testament fully sustains it. No, they choose to strike where they can best appeal to the prejudices of the people. Hence their contemptible, sneering style of opposition to the visions. But this all works finely for the cause.
1. It gives a certain class an opportunity to show out the spirit of the dragon against the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus Christ, which is in them, covered, otherwise, by professions of Christian fellowship for Sabbath keepers.
2. It keeps beyond the influence of Seventh-day Adventists, a class who can be moved by prejudice sooner than by reason, who, should they join them, would only be a detriment to the cause.
3. It61is a kind of advertising, though unpleasant, which leads many candid people to read and to hear, and thereby they get the truth.
4. Some overact in their bitterness against Seventh-day Adventists, and when sure reaction takes place, it is greatly in favor of their cause. Bro. George Wright of Lapeer, who speaks so frankly in this number, is welcomed back to the hearts of this people. Elder Himes' visit to that place with his tent last summer, probably did more to help Bro. Wright, than all other helps, as he has had an opportunity of contrasting for himself Eld. H.'s message and its results, with that of the present truth. In fact, we know not that any other means has been employed in his restoration to the church.
The battle goes well. God is with his truth, and can take its bitterest enemies to serve the cause. Let this still be the prayer of those who stand in the light. O God! save the sincere. J. W.
Moving.
By Joseph Clark
THE waves move, the clouds move, the winds move, the earth moves and everything that pertains to it, in its daily and yearly motion; and people move. Indeed, it is fashionable to move.
By saying that people move, I mean that they change their residence; while the waves, the clouds, the winds, and the earth move constantly, yet constantly are at home.
Well, why should not people move? If a man is born and bred in a country where there are five or six months of cold weather, and a barren rocky soil to work upon during the scanty summer, and he chooses to search for some more genial clime, let him search. Or, if another has been long under the iron rod of some despotic government, we can not blame him for hoping to find in our vaunted land of liberty, a home in which he may be free to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
Still it is more than possible that the passion for moving may be carried so far as to become a sort of mania; and even conscientious people, that is, people who are conscientious in many other respects, seem to think that it is right for them to sell out and buy again, and move just as often, and sell as often as they please, to go when they please, and where they please, and that God does not care how often they make this change, and that it is the business of no one but themselves.
One thing is certain that when Abraham made an important move, he waited till he was sure of a call.
So Jacob feared when going down into Egypt, lest it might not be in the order of God.
The passion for moving is so great that often whole neighborhoods change in a few years, so that hardly an inhabitant remains who has not changed his place of abode within that time.
But it is better to move than to be discontented, as God has provided a variety of soil and climate, so that all may find what they desire; but it generally happens that those who get addicted to moving, never get quite to the Elysian fields, and so they murmur to the last.
With one the soil is too dry, another has it too moist, and a third has it too hard, another too soft; too flat for a fifth, and too hilly is the complaint of a sixth.
Everywhere are farms changing owners, and houses changing occupants. Well, there is an excitement in this; but alas! how many make a losing bargain! Old friends changed for new untried acquaintances who will have to be tested; and then how much you suffer while waiting! Waiting! yes, waiting to test those new acquaintances, and—well, let people try it. For my part, let me be among mine own people.
One thing, however, if you do move, beware of manifesting your contempt for your new neighbor, however you may think he merits it; and on the other hand, do not be hasty to elevate your own merits to them, or magnify yourself, or your former home and people to them, however much they may merit it. There is policy in this. If you would make friends among strangers, try to be pleased (as far as possible and consistent) with your new associates. Thus will you soonest gain their confidence, and love; and if consistent, you need not lose their esteem, if it is found in any case your new friend is unworthy; for it would do him no good to tell him so; only be careful whom you trust.
Sometimes a move is very well, but the present mania for selling out and moving, may be looked upon with some distrust.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
My Experience.
By S. B. Gowell
BRO. WHITE: I feel that it is a duty that I owe both to you and to the cause, to give you a little of my experience, hoping that thereby some may be benefited. In the month of March 1854, I first made a public profession of religion under the labors of Mr. Carpenter, pastor of the State Street church of this city, and united with that church. I trust I did it honestly in the fear of the Lord. I believed him then, and still believe him to be a humble and devoted servant of the Lord. But soon we were obliged to give him up, he having a call to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he still remains. And as we for some time had no regular pastor, I improved my opportunity of going into other places of worship occasionally. Providentially one evening as I was passing the hall where the Millerites, as I then called them, were holding meetings, my attention was arrested by the voice of one who seemed very earnest in his subject. I ventured to go in out of curiosity and hear for myself. The speaker spoke from Heb. xi, 10, Abraham looked for a city, &c., and to my surprise I was very much interested, and concluded if that was Millerism I wanted to be a Millerite.
From that sermon a new era dawned in my religious experience. Here commenced my investigation of the Bible, one point after another; as for instance the sleep of the dead, the destruction of the wicked, the second personal coming of Christ, &c., though I had previously read Rev. John Cummings' works, of London, and some others on this subject.
The Bible now seemed like a new book to me. I rejoiced in its perusal as never before. It now became a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, and God's people, even the despised Adventists seemed precious to me. But I did not immediately leave my own place of worship to attend the Advent meetings. I went in occasionally when they had preaching, until it seemed more like home than my own meetings, and finally attended their meetings altogether. But I was not to stop here, for the path of the just is as a bright and shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day.
I was now free from prejudice so that I could hear any one who claimed to preach the gospel. In the summer of 1860, I first heard preaching in regard to the Sabbath. This was a new idea to me; but I thought I would search the Scriptures for yourself [sic], as did the Bereans, and see whether these things were so. I felt from the first sermon I heard on it that the seventh-day was the right day, and if so, I must keep it when I was convinced of the fact. But I was slow to learn, and then the cross, if it was so, how could I take it up. And again, the sacrifice I should be obliged to make in my business, closing my dry good's store, and losing a portion of my trade, and more than all the rest, my friends. All these stood in my way; but I remembered the saying of Christ, that unless we are willing to forsake even father and mother, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, and all for his sake we are not worthy of him.
I then tried to believe the no law position, but found that that would not answer, for Paul says, By the law is the knowledge of sin; and John says, Sin is the transgression of the law, and if there was no law there could be no sin; for we could not transgress a law that was abolished or done away. And further, if the law could have been done away there would have been no necessity of Christ's dying; and finally, Christ came to redeem them that were under the law, a particular law. Now as sin is the transgression of the law, even in this dispensation, and if we have a different law to give us a knowledge of sin, from what they had, then it follows that we have no Saviour—for he died for the transgression of only one law.
Well it began to look plain to me and more especially after reading Bro. Andrews' Sabbath History which made the thing look so clear that I could no longer doubt in regard to the seventh-day being the true Sabbath. My objections were now all taken away, and I was like a mariner on the ocean without a compass, yet did not feel ready to act up to my convictions of truth in regard to keeping the day. And what to do I did not know. I did not feel that I could ask God to bless me or seek protection from him so long as I was unwilling to obey him and keep his Sabbath.
But oh! I must drink a bitter cup in consequence of my unwillingness to yield to what I knew to be likely. I must feel the chastening rod of Him who does not willingly afflict, but for our profit. And I have many times since, thought that nothing else would have humbled and led me to take a stand with those, I believe are giving the last notes of warning to prepare a people for translation at the coming of Jesus. Affliction must come. In Aug. 1863, our little Ella, our only daughter, twenty months old, was taken sick, and from the first I felt impressed that she would not recover, and stated my convictions. Medical skill was employed, and every effort made to relieve the little sufferer, but all in vain. Death had marked its victim, and we must give her up to see her no more on the shores of time. Earth had now lost all its charms for me, and for the first time I felt like consecrating myself and my all to the Lord; resolving henceforth to follow him whithersoever he would lead me, according to the best light I could get.
I then commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Bible and from that time to the present have not had a shadow of a doubt in regard to its being the right day, although some tried to influence me to give it up and said I was insane; also that I would think better of it and within six months give it up.
But right here I must say, it was my misfortune to connect myself with a class of Sabbath-keepers who had separated themselves from the body—as I then was unacquainted with those here belonging with the body. In fact I did not know much about the body any way, and what little I had heard was calculated to prejudice me against them and led me to believe they had all backslidden and gone into Babylon again. Well, you see where I was, only hearing one side, and supposing it was all true.
The time came for their first Quarterly Conference after I joined them. Elder Hancock being present, took a prominent position and led off. I can assure you I began to get my eyes open seeing him go through with his Spirit operations as he called them62—swimming in the Spirit, dancing in the Spirit and to cap the climax preach a sermon on the importance of Sabbath keepers' adopting the American costume, which has brought great reproach upon the cause of present truth, although I know a few who wear it, to be humble, devoted and pious souls and who would not understandingly do anything to reproach the cause.
Our next conference was at North Berwick, Me. Here we first learned of another company of Sabbath keepers in the West, who had branched off from the body, Eld. G. Cranmer being their leader. We also learned in regard to the paper called the Hope of Israel. Our company seemed now quite encouraged to think they could have a paper through which to communicate, and several subscribed, myself amongst the number. But it did not come up to my expectations. I was disappointed in many particulars. The zeal and piety of some of the writers seemed to consist in slur-ring the visions of sister White. Notwithstanding all this, we had got our expectations raised very high in regard to some of them, especially Eld. Cranmer, and at our next conference in North Berwick, concluded to give them an invitation to send a delegate either Cranmer or Dille to our Nov. conference. They accepted the invitation and decided to send Eld. Cranmer. The time drew on for the conference to commence and C. arrived. Well, in the first place we found him addicted to the filthy habit of chewing tobacco. He did not heed the injunction of the apostle Paul, 2 Cor. xii, 1, in regard to cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. In the second place he made several false statements, as can be proved in regard to the dealings of the body with some who refused to submit to order and discipline and about other matters. And in the third place he does not answer Paul's description of a minister, 2 Tim. ii, 15, although he claims to have been in the ministry thirty five years. I know I speak the minds of his best friends here, when I say that every individual without an exception was greatly disappointed in him, and they have no confidence in him. His presence at our conference did more to open the eyes of the deceived than any one could have imagined beforehand; and also struck a death-blow to secession and fanaticism in Portland and vicinity. And a certain individual who has been very zealous amongst the disaffected ones, said to me that he had no confidence in their cause, and had not had for some time.
The leaven was now at work and all began to see that our building was on a sandy foundation, so we did not appoint another conference, and even gave up our meetings. I think nearly all now in Portland and vicinity, are convinced of their error and will profit by past experience.
But to go back a little. I first saw Vol. 1. Spiritual Gifts at Bro. Davis', N. Berwick, during the first conference, I attended there after I commenced keeping the Sabbath, and so prejudiced was I that I resolved not to read it. I took it up occasionally, and read here and there and was surprised, interested and prejudiced at the same time, but found it so good that I could not keep from reading it. I finally purchased Vols. 1 and 2, of Bro. Loughborough, and read them, and although some tried to prejudice my mind against them, I was instructed and interested. I began to investigate and look at facts on both sides. I could see inconsistencies on the part of some of our number, and the spirit that they exhibited against the body and especially the visions of sister White. Then I could see the union and harmony and system and order that existed among the body. We must take into consideration also that we were dependent on the S. D. A. Publishing Association for publications and all the valuable information that we get on present truth. And more than all this, I was led to look at the sacrifice that Bro. and sister White have made, and others connected with the cause, while opposition has come upon them from every quarter, and they have had discouragements of every kind to contend with, as for instance, the Messenger party, the Hope party, and fanaticism in every shape, and almost everything else that the Devil could invent. But notwithstanding all these things, the cause has moved steadily on, and I am at last fully convinced and forced to see that God is in the work, and sustaining by his almighty power those who are now joined heart and hand in carrying forward this glorious cause of the proclamation of the third angel's message.
The cause even here in Portland, looks encouraging, and a good class of people seem to be interested under the labors of Bro. Cornell who is giving a course of lectures here. I feel, for one, encouraged, and that the truth is destined to triumph over error and fanaticism.
And here let me say again, that I rejoice in the testimonies of sister White. It seems to me that even those who are prejudiced against them, must see that the fruit of them is good; and we are to know a tree by its fruit.
The truth looks good and I can truly say in the language of the Psalmist, My delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law do I meditate day and night. Backsliders and cold-hearted professors talk about the Sabbath being a yoke of bondage; but to me it is a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable, and I expect in the glorious future to be fed with the heritage of Jacob, our father.
I feel that I have great reason to rejoice that the Lord has been so good to me, and finally led me to take a stand with his true people. My whole soul is bound up in the prosperity of the cause. May the Lord open the eyes of the careless and indifferent and lead them to humble themselves under his mighty hand that they may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger; and may he abundantly bless all his faithful people and soon reward them with a crown of righteousness that fadeth not away, is my earnest and sincere prayer. Yours Truly, S. B. GOWELL.
Portland, Me., Dec. 30, 1864.
Meetings in Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn
BRO. WHITE:—Our meeting with the brethren in Greenbush, was a season of encouragement to them, and they expressed a determination to move with the body, and do all in their power to make their calling and election sure.
It is truly cheering to meet with this little company, and see the children and youth bear testimony that they love the Lord and his truth, and want to be Christians that they may stand with the remnant on Mt. Zion.
Thursday, Dec. 29. Bro. Burns of Ithaca, met us at Greenbush, and took us to his cheerful home, where we had a good opportunity to prepare for our meeting in this place. We have given six discourses here, and had one social meeting. A few of the brethren and sisters from St. Charles were with us on the Sabbath.
On Sunday afternoon we introduced the subject of organization, and after due consideration, the brethren and sisters all expressed a desire by vote to become an organized church.
Tuesday, the 3d inst., they all came together, and an organization was effected. A church of thirty-six members united in covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The blessing of the Lord was with us. We can look back to this meeting as a bright spot in our experience; and we pray that the Lord will help us to prove faithful, that we may be saved with his people.
Yours in hope.
I. D. VAN HORN.
My Position.
By O. DAVIS
Bro. White: As I feel that my name as it appears in the "Hope," and my connection with those that are not in union with the body in which the third angel's message has had its rise and attained its present influence and gathering power in the Lord, leads at least to a suspicion that I am not in sympathy and belief with that body, I would say that such is not the fact nor ever has been, with some partial exception, since I first understood the message.
I have moved with those that were not in union with the body because I lived at a distance from those brethren, and such a movement seemed to open the only field of action. But I feel it duty to say that my position has been a continual source of trial from the different views held by the brethren, some of which I could not harmonize with the message and the present work of our High Priest, and from an influence the tendency of which was to undermine confidence in the brethren I had formerly acted with, and to whom we were mainly indebted for what present truth we had, and I had almost said for all that was worth having.
I have had trial also from some of the gifts as manifested among us. I will speak particularly of the gift of tongues. And while I admit that the gift belongs to the church, and do not condemn every manifestation of it, yet as it has been exercised by those who were wrong themselves, and by those in whom it would fraternize with those who were exercising the gift manifestly under the influence of Satan, I have felt that the shield of experience and a consistent position in present truth was needed.
Feeling deeply these trials and an opportunity offering through the visit of Bro. Cornell among us to try to harmonize the difficulties existing between those with whom I was then moving and the main body, I felt it duty with others to bring about a meeting of both sides and to see how far the difference might be reconciled. Several meetings were held and resulted in uniting seven of us with the body and leaving others favorably disposed.
In conclusion I would say that my sympathies are with those who have borne the burden of the message from its rise; and I would be in that position where I can exert a gathering influence. We have been much blessed by the labors of Bro. Cornell among us. Some have come out on the truth, and others are investigating. May the time be not far distant when there shall be a company here united in gospel order.
In love and hope, thy Bro. in Christ,
O. DAVIS.
North Berwick, Me.
Progressing in the Right Direction.
By John McMillan
Bro. J. McMillan writes from Prescott, Wis. : I was born of Presbyterian parents, and educated in all its tenets. Early in life I became a member of the church and am now a ruling elder in good standing in said church. However much I strangled reason and conscience, till about four years ago I was always ready to defend the so-called orthodox creed. Since that time by prayerful study of the Scriptures and history I have slowly but steadily renounced the doctrines of man's natural immortality, Christ's spiritual reign of one thousand years, Endless misery, Infant baptism and the observance of the Pagan festival of the Sun for the Sabbath. Three years of this time I have been in the army, rather an unfavorable life for the Christian; but I am persuaded that God hears the prayers of a soldier as well as of a citizen.
Since I have returned from the army I have talked with my minister and other spiritual guides, but instead of answering objections they treat the matter with ridicule, and talk about "departing from the faith." But my hopes are in another sphere of life.
I have talked with the common people who want to know the truth, regardless of popularity, many of whom admit the reasonableness of all my views, but are not prepared to adopt a religion that they can comprehend.
But there has never been any preaching here on the subject, and the matter is not before the people. The chief object of my writing now is to know if any of the brethren in the ministry could visit this neighborhood and preach a pure gospel. If such could be, I believe with the blessing of God there are many about here that would embrace the whole truth.
If you could advise me either by letter or through the Review, of the prospect of such a visit you would confer a favor. My address is John McMillan, Prescott, Pierce Co., Wis. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, Yours in Christ.
JOHN MCMILLAN.
Confession from Bro. Wright.
By Geo. Wright, Jr.
BRO. WHITE: Desiring to remove as far as possible any reproach I may have brought upon the precious cause of truth, by my inconsistent course during the past summer, I wish to say to any and all of my brethren and sisters whose acquaintance and confidence I have enjoyed in by gone days, and who may have learned with grief my departure from the faith, that the Lord did not leave me to apostatize entirely, bless his holy name. I deeply regret my taking a position with those who oppose the truth of God. I ask your forgiveness dear brethren. I am trying to make thorough work in retracing my steps here at home, and I believe my brethren here are fully satisfied and have received me again into their fellowship and confidence.
One month ago I addressed Eld. J. V Himes the following note, requesting him to publish it in his paper. As it has not appeared, and I have received a letter from him since, acknowledging the receipt of my letter containing the note, I conclude he does not intend to publish it. You will confer a favor by giving it a place in the Review. Yours for the whole truth.
GEO. WRIGHT, JR.
A NOTE
By Geo. Wright, Jr.
For the Voice of the West.
A NOTE.
Bro. Himes: After mature reflection and a prayerful consideration of the whole matter, I have decided to indentify myself with the S. D. Adventists again, being fully satisfied that they are moving in the opening providence of God. My charging them with entertaining extremely exclusive views, and offering that as a reason for withdrawing from them, as published in your issue of May 21, 1864, I now see was unjust, and calculated to place them in a false light before your readers. I attach no blame to you Eld. Himes. It was wholly voluntary on my part, and it is but just that I should make this matter right through the same medium. For I believe they entertain no views as a body, but what can be clearly established by the word of God. Please publish the above and oblige.
Geo. Wright, Jr.
Lapeer, Mich., Dec. 12, 1864.
Obituary Notices.
DIED, of spotted fever in Tompkins, Mich., Jan. 11, 1865, after a sickness of eighteen hours, sister Mary Weed, aged 22 years. Sister Mary has so soon followed her mother, who died last spring. The mourning friends find consolation in the blessed hope believing that they will have part in the first resurrection.
An appointment was left for Bro. Lawrence to preach a funeral discourse in Bro. Weed's district school-house, Jan. 22. H. S. GURNEY.
DIED, at Mauston, Dec. 9, 1864, of heart disease, Bro. P. S. Claflin, aged 48 years, 2 months and 15 days, after a sickness of four weeks. The evening before he died, after worship, we joined in singing the hymn commencing, "Alas and did my Saviour bleed." His lips moved, murmuring the tune, until we came to the last two lines of the last verse, when his voice broke in clear and distinct:
"Here Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do."
Cheerfully he met the last foe. Full of faith he passed the chilling billow, and sweetly sleeps in Jesus. He leaves behind, a wife and six children, besides a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his loss; but we mourn not as those who have no hope, but live in glad expectancy of meeting him in the glorious immortal kingdom. An appropriate discourse was delivered upon the occasion by Bro. J. R. Goodenough from 2 Sam. xiv, 14.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y.: As we commence another year, I feel under renewed obligations to strive to get nearer to the Lord, and live out his truth more fully, and dedicate myself unreservedly to the Lord. I want to enjoy more of his presence, and more of his sweet Spirit. I want to feel assured that he is mine, and I am his from day to day, and feel that I am growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.
Sister C. Baker writes from Raymond, Pa.: I bless God for the light of his glorious truth, which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path while traveling this weary pilgrimage. Dear brethren and sisters, if we are only faithful, I am satisfied we are near the haven of our eternal rest. And though we have trials and temptations, as most of us do in this dreadful time of war, the blessed Lord has promised to deliver those that put their trust in him. Pray for me that my faith fail not, but that I may be enabled to keep all God's commandments, and have right to the tree of life and enter into the beloved city when Jesus comes.
O. A. Heath writes from Elk Horn Grove, Ills.: I am still trying to obey God by keeping all his commandments and the faith of Jesus. My love for the truth is growing stronger. It cheers my heart when I read the testimonies which are given to us from time to time. How good the Lord is to us. I long for the coming of my blessed Saviour. I am striving to overcome that I may be prepared for an entrance through the pearly gates into the city. I long to be there. I love to hear about the coming of the Lord; for then our sorrows will have an end, and he will receive his faithful people to himself.
Sister R. A. Whysong writes from Indiana: I humbly thank God for the light and knowledge that I have received of the present truth from Brn. Canright and Doty, although I have many persecutions, trials, and temptations to encounter as a consequence. I have been turned away from my father's house for keeping the fourth commandment. But I read, "Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." When I think of this promise, and many others, I feel strengthened and encouraged. If I am cast out as a pilgrim and stranger in the earth, God will take care of those who diligently love and serve him. For Christ says that whosoever shall leave father, or mother, or sister, or brother, or houses and lands, for my sake and the gospel's, he shall have an hundred fold now in this time, fathers, mothers, houses and lands, with persecutions; and in the end eternal life. Oh, what a promise is this to those that love the truth and desire to walk therein. Again Christ says, they that love father or mother more than me, are not worthy of me. The Lord help me ever to be faithful, and be at last numbered with that little company of Sabbath-keepers who are patiently waiting for the coming of the Lord when he shall appear.
Sister R. F. Phippeny writes from North Star, Mich.: We have just had a time of refreshing from the hand of the Lord. We have been strengthened by hearing the precious truths of God's holy word preached unto us for a few days past, by Brn. Van Horn and Canright. We were also gratified by being visited by some of the brethren and sisters from St. Charles, last Sabbath and first-day. It seemed pleasant indeed to meet with those of like precious faith; God grant that we may meet in the Eden home of the earth restored, to its original purity and beauty.
We entered into organization at Ithaca, and are now a band of thirty-six, having our names attached to the church-covenant of S. D. Adventists. There are others that were absent on the day of organization, who will probably be added to our number. And now that we are organized into one body, we want the prayers of the brethren and sisters, that we may walk worthily in the sight of God and man, and that we may never falter by the way, but keep God's holy law in all respects.
My faith has grown stronger in hearing the truths of the inspired word of God, as presented by the servants of the Lord. I can indeed believe that holy angels were by their side, guiding and directing them in the work of portraying the thrilling truths that concern us now. It seemed as if we had a foretaste of the joys that will be ours, when we are made immortal. May the Lord be with all those who are engaged in spreading the truth.
Take courage, dear brethren and sisters, for the time is near when we shall see our King in all his glory, and when we shall receive that glittering crown promised to the faithful. Is it not a crown worth striving for? It is a crown that fadeth not away. My heart rises in gratitude to God, when I contemplate the glories he has in store for all his people. And all he requires of us is, obedience to his holy law, and a willingness to do his will. I want to be an overcomer of all evil, and be ready to meet our Lord in the air. Let us be ready that we may have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.
Sister C. J. Pearce writes from Richmond, Iowa: I rejoice that I still have a desire to overcome and go through with the remnant to mount Zion. For a year past I have had to strive very hard to keep my mind upon heavenly things. It almost seemed that I should be overpowered; but praise the Lord, I begin to feel free in this once more. I attended the Pilot Grove Quarterly Meeting, and heard Bro. Brinkerhoff give four discourses, which were meat in due season to all. I have renewed my covenant with the Lord, as Jacob of old. Sabbath afternoon we had a refreshing social meeting, in which, seventy-four, in about 60 or 70 minutes, bore testimony to the love of God, and told their determinations to live nearer to the Lord in this coming year, than in the past, and to pay their vows to the Most High. The Spirit of God was there. At night Bro. B. gave a short discourse, and then we attended to the ordinances. We felt the power of the Lord in our midst. May we all keep our vows. I desire to be among the number that shall have their robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be waiting for the Lord's appearing.
Letters.
"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.