p. 208 | Review and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 13. (3/10/1868)

Sunshine.

“The country-houses of Great Britain are by no means so shaded as our own; and the most considerable piles of buildings, such as Eaton Hall, Blenheim, Dalkeith, and Burghley House, have hardly a noticeable tree within stone’s throw of their walls. The flower-patches and coppices of shrubbery approach more nearly, and to the garden-fronts of those magnificent homes you walk through walls of blooming shrubs. But the full flow of the sunshine upon the window is a thing courted. Allowing for all difference in climate, I think there may be a question if we do not err in this country by over-much shading. A cottage in a wood is a pretty subject for poetry, but it is apt to be uncomfortably damp. And there are village streets with us so embowered that scarce a ray of sunshine can play fairly upon the roofs or fronts of the village houses from June to October. A summer’s life under such a screen cannot contribute to the growth of roses in the cheeks any more than to the growth of roses at the door. There is no provision against agues—whether moral or physical—like a good flow of sunshine.”

Publication Department.

By Editor

Buy the truth, and sell it not. Prov. xxiii, 23.

The Publishing Association.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfilment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. The Association has now a large and well-furnished Office of publication, established in Battle Creek, Mich., and employs two steam power presses in carrying on its business. A meeting of the stockholders is held each year, at which a board of trustees is elected to manage its business, and editors chosen to conduct its periodicals, till the ensuing meeting. All persons employed in the publishing department, are engaged at stipulated wages, and all profits accruing from the business, are strictly applied by the Association to the carrying out of the object of its formation, and to its charitable uses and purposes. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.

The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald

Is a large sixteen-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Pub. Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfilment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.

Regular price, $3.00 per year, or $1.50 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor—free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.

The Youth’s Instructor

Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 50 cts. per year in advance.

The Health Reformer.

This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.

The Sabbath Question

Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since

the Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.

The Second Advent.

The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.

Immortality through Christ alone.

We call the special attention of the reader to the subjects of the nature of man, his condition in death, and the destiny of the wicked. More than ordinary importance attaches to these subjects, at the present time. We would confidently recommend to all a thorough reading of the work by H. H. Dobney entitled, Future Punishment, as advertised in our book list. The reader will find it a work exhaustive in its investigations, and remarkable for its candor, and the strength and clearness of its reasoning. Which? Mortal or Immortal? is a lower-priced and more-condensed work on the same subjects. While “The End of the Wicked,” and the one, two and three cent tracts may be found sufficient to awaken interest with those who would not commence with larger works.

Packages of Tracts.

For the convenience of those who may wish to purchase books for general circulation, we have put up assorted packages of tracts in two sizes, which we will send post-paid at 50c., and $1.00, respectively.

The 50c. package contains Sabbath Tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3, End of Wicked, Mark of Beast, Sin of Witchcraft, Objections to Second Advent, answered, Death and Burial, Positive Institutions, Much in Little, Truth, Preach the Word, Law by Wesley, and Miscellany.

The $1.00 package contains The Three Messages, Which, Mortal or Immortal? Prophecy of Daniel, Saints’ Inheritance, Signs of Times, Seven Trumpets, Celestial R. R., Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, Scripture References, Wicked Dead, Sabbath by Elihu, Infidelity and Spiritualism, War and Sealing, Who Changed Sabbath, Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined, Institution of Sabbath, Thoughts for the Candid, Appeal to men of reason, Personality of God, Seven Seals, and Time Lost.

Those who order these packages, save their postage. We cannot too strongly urge upon all the circulation of our publications, books and papers. Many, now rejoicing in the truth, can attribute their first interest in these things to these silent preachers; while in some instances they have opened the way for the formation of well established and flourishing churches.

Our Book List.

—THOUGHTS ON THE REVELATION, a volume of 328 pages, containing the entire text of the book of Revelation, with Thoughts Critical and Practical on the same. A new and harmonious interpretation of the prophecy. Cloth, $1.00, weight 12 oz.

—THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 324. Cloth, 80c., weight 12 oz.

—FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 15c., 10 oz.

—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.

—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.

—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.

—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.

—SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.

—HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.

—APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. N. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.

—THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidence of Christianity. 20c., 5 oz.

—BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law. Enclosed. 20c., 4 oz.

—THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS, and the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan. This is a new and interesting work; being a clear and forcible argument, and showing all that the title imports. 20c., 4 oz.

—SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.

—THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.

—THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.

—WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.

—MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The Heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.

—THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.

—MIRACULOUS POWERS, The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 10c., 4 oz.

—APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral, ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.

—REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question, answered. 10c., 3 oz.

—THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.

—THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.

—SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.

—THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.

—VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.

—REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.

—BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.

—THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.

—THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.

—KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.

—THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.

—THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.

—THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.

—THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.

—MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.

—MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.

—THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.

—BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.

—AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.

—REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.

—MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.

—EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.

—SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.

—THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 5c., 1 oz.

—SAMUEL AND THE WITCH OF ENDOR; an exposition of this remarkable portion of Scripture, showing the state of the dead, and the sin of witchcraft. 4c., 1 oz.

Tracts in Other Languages.

—LIV OG DØD: “Life and Death;” a work in Danish, on the Nature of Man, the Saints’ Inheritance, and the Destiny of the Wicked. 280 pp., paper cover, 40c., weight 12 oz.

—THE BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT, in Danish. A work on the plan of the Assistant in English, containing scripture references on a variety of subjects, adapted to the Danish Bible. 5c., 1 oz.

—FORTY QUESTIONS ON IMMORTALITY, in Danish. 2c., 1 oz.

—THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French. 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.

—AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.

One-Cent Tracts.

—THE SEVEN SEALS: An Exposition of Rev. vi.

—THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.

—PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.

—THE LAW of God, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.

—APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.

—THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.

—STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.

—TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.

—WHAT IS TRUTH? A series of Questions and Answers relative to the subject of Immortality.

—THE HEAVENLY MEETING; a thrilling rhapsody on the joy of the saint as he first meets his Saviour and the heavenly host.

Two-Cent Tracts.

—GEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE; or a Pre-Adamic age of our world doubtful; showing that no true claims of Geology are against Bible facts.

—SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.

—THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.

—THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.

—INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.

—WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.

—WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.

—PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.

—DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.

—TRUTH.

—POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.

Three-Cent Tracts.

—MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts on eternal misery.

—THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, popular objections to this scriptural doctrine briefly considered. This thorough little treatise removes in a masterly manner the difficulties supposed to lie in the way of the resurrection of the identical matter that goes into the grave.

—THE LAW of God, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.

—JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.

—SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.

—MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.

—SPIRITUAL GIFTS. An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time.

—THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Charts.

—THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.

—THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $4.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.

—SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.

Postage.

The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind and so on.

Address.

All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to J. M. Aldrich, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.

Form of Bequest.

Important bequests are frequently lost to the Association through informality. Those who wish to will property to the Association to be devoted to the spread of the truth, should adopt the following form of bequest:

“I bequeath to my executor (or executors) the sum of ———— dollars in trust, to pay the same in ———— days after my decease, to the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, located in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, to be applied by the Trustees of that Corporation, to its charitable uses and purposes.”

Three witnesses should state that the testator declared this to be his last will and testament, and that they signed it at his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other.

Obituary Notices.

By Mrs. H. West; A. K. Crosby; N. Orcutt; R. F. Andrews; John Norton Loughborough

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, December 23, 1867, in Brush Creek, Highland Co., Ohio, in the eighty-first year of his age, my beloved husband, Hugh West, after a short, distressing, and rather mysterious, illness of about two weeks. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. He had observed the Sabbath for over eight years previous to his death, having taken the Advent Review eight or nine years, and procured about fifty different books and tracts from the Office. He had been a minister of the gospel about thirty-eight years, and was esteemed by all those who had an opportunity of becoming the best acquainted with him, as a man of honest, upright character, and one who was trying to live a Christian life. MRS. H. WEST.

DIED, in Rose, Oakland Co., Mich., at the house of A. K. Crosby, Sept. 24, 1867, of consumption, Bro. Lyman L. Loomis, aged 36 years, 4 months, and twenty days. Bro. Loomis had been a firm believer in the truth thirteen years. He came from Stowe, Vt., and was baptized last July, by Bro. Joseph Bates, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Holly. He died far from his family connections, but we trust among Christian friends. Bro. Loomis truly lived out what he professed, and we expect to meet him in the morning of the first resurrection.

“Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, From which none ever wake to weep, A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes. Asleep in Jesus, far from thee Thy kindred and their graves may be, But there is still a blessed sleep, From which none ever wake to weep.” A. K. CROSBY.

DIED, at Jamaica, Vt., Sept. 13, 1867, Nellie Emma, only child of Bro. C. N. and Sr. E. E. Pike, aged 1 year and 7 months.

Bro. and Sr. Pike deeply feel this affliction, it being the second time, within about three years, that an only child has fallen beneath the power of the last enemy. But they “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

Funeral services Feb. 15, 1868. Remarks by the writer from Rev. xxi, 4, “There shall be no more death.” N. ORCUTT.

DIED, at Mauston, Feb. 13, 1868, Fanny C., wife of Bro. J. F. Rogers, aged 49 years 11 months and 13 days. Sister Rogers embraced the truth eleven years ago. She leaves a husband and eight children to mourn her loss. God grant that they all may live so as to meet her in the kingdom of God. She was perfectly resigned to the will of God. Before her death she selected Rev. xiv, 13, as a text for the discourse at her funeral; and we have ample reason for believing that she is one of the characters spoken of in the text. I spoke to a large congregation in the Methodist meet-house in Mauston on the occasion.

“Asleep in Jesus! oh! how sweet To be for such a slumber meet! With holy confidence to rest In hope of being ever blest.” E. F. ANDREWS.

DIED, in Eaton Rapids township, Mich., Feb. 21, 1868, of dropsy, sister S. Kelley, aged 57 years. Sister Kelley has professed faith in Christ about 37 years; was for a number of years a member of the Baptist church. Some eight years since she heard Bro. Bates in a series of meetings in their neighborhood, and since that time has kept the Sabbath. She lived a consistent Christian and died in bright hope of a resurrection to eternal life. A discourse was given by the writer to her friends, and an attentive audience, March 1st, from 2 Cor. i, 3–5. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

“Make a Note On’t.”

It is a bad plan, if you have been powerfully impressed by a thought, or scene, or event, and wish to preserve your impressions in their original vividness, not to make a record of them at once. Impressions are terribly evanescent things; you fancy, while subjected to their powerful influence, that nothing can be easier than to recall them at will; but in after-years, when you try to do so, you find that it requires a greater effort than your memory is capable of. Even in a few days much of the vigor, much of the raciness of an impression disappears; much of its lustre is rubbed off. Depend upon it; it's the only way if you want to preserve them from corruption and decay; embalm them at once in ink and paper.

DECENCY.—One of the most important points of life is decency, which is to do what is proper where it is proper; for many things are proper at one time and in place, that are extremely improper at another. This decency, which shines in life, insures the approbation of those with whom we live, by the regularity, point, and modesty of our opinions and actions.

STRAW IS CHEAP.

By James White

In farming communities, straw is cheap, and all those who lodge the weary and worn laborers in the Lord's vineyard, can afford to furnish a suitable amount of the very best of straw to make their beds as comfortable as straw can make it.

But it is too often the case that the preacher is deprived of a full amount of good straw on which to rest his weary limbs. The bedstead is frequently of the sort with strips of boards across it, nearly one foot apart, upon which is placed a scanty straw tick, both in length and breadth, partly filled with straw that has been worn more or less for a year, until it is broken to chowder, and sinks down between the slats, so that the restless occupant can count the slats by the distinct pains he feels in his weary body.

We suggest that the bed ticks be of liberal dimensions, both in length and breadth, so that when it is filled with a proper amount of straw it will not resemble a bag of corn, but a well-constructed mattress holding its thickness to the sides, and to the head, and foot. Then there should be a sufficient body of straw in the bed to raise the sleeper twelve inches from the slats or cords of the bedstead. The straw should be clean and sweet, and not too coarse. Oat straw is better than wheat or rye.

On a recent time after riding fifty-five miles in the cold, keen, pure air of the first of February, we were shown to a small illy-ventilated sleeping room, the air of which was polluted with the strong scent of mould. At first we felt that we could not endure it, but the hour was late, we were weary, and among strangers, so raised a window and lay down for the night, wondering where the afflicting, musty smell came from. But in the morning further investigation revealed the cause. The bed had been recently filled with musty straw. Thus the bed was prepared for two who had been incessantly traveling and speaking, doing a year's work in six months, in the wide field from Iowa to Maine. And what makes the matter more aggravating is, that this was in a locality where straw is nearly as cheap as the snowdrift.

At the next place all pertaining to the bed was neat, but the bedstead was more fitted in length and breadth for children, and was partially covered by a straw bed one foot too small in length and breadth, partially filled with straw broken to fragments, which hung down between the sagging cords. We made the cords tight for the second night, and filled the bed with soft oat straw, and when we put it on the cords with the small amount of straw therein, it had become so shortened and narrowed up that we could see nearly one foot of the cords all around, the clam-shaped puff in the center offering a poor chance for a man six feet in length. That straw bed needed at least four yards more cloth. But with the greatest care we were able to so place, and pack, and level, the straw as to make the bed comfortable for the night.

At the very next place the straw in the bed was so worn, so short, and so scarce, that you could feel every cross slat beneath it. You might go to rest weary, but wake up in pain too early, and be obliged to arise with a want of sleep. And all this for the want of a little good straw. Brethren, straw is cheap, but not the worn and weary pilgrims who visit you to labor for your good, lack good rest for the want of a suitable amount of good clean straw.

JAMES WHITE.

Re-published by request.

Our Calendars.

By J. M. A.

THERE are yet nearly ten months in the year 1868, in which our beautiful Calendars, adapted especially for the use of Sabbath-keepers, may be of service to our brethren. We have yet a fair supply on hand, and should be glad to close them out in their season. Price, post-paid, 20 cts. J. M. A.

Henry Gardner’s New Address

The Post Office address of Henry Gardner is now Battle Creek, Mich.

A Short Prayer.

By A. S. H.

At the opening of an important meeting, Tingly was once called upon to offer prayer. He bowed before God and in the presence of his brethren, and prayed as follows: “O Lord, teach us to feel the need of thy grace, and seek it; to know thy will, and do it; to find our place and keep it. Amen.”

The language and sentiment of this short prayer were decidedly appropriate, and no one could have grown weary while listening to it. But this could not be said of long prayers which we sometimes hear. A. S. H.

“Receive My Spirit.”

By John Norton Loughborough

In the Review of Jan. 21, I noticed an exposition of the above text with which I do not differ, but some thoughts, still further, have been passing through my mind, not only on this, but on the words of Christ, spoken at the time of his death. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Christ had come to the important moment when the great object of his mission to earth was to be accomplished; his life to be made a sacrifice for the sins of men. He gives “his life a ransom for many.” He commends that sacrifice of his life to God. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” my life. Virtually saying, Father, accept this sacrifice which I now make for the sins of man.

In the case of Stephen, he is the first martyr for Christ. His Saviour had said, he who will “lose his life” shall “keep it unto life eternal.” Viewing the glory of Heaven, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, losing his life for Christ, how natural that to his heart should recur the words of his Lord, and that he should call his attention to his promise. “Receive my spirit,” in other words, accept this sacrifice of my life, which I now offer in thy cause, keep my life “unto life eternal.” J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

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