DEAR BRO. WHITE: We are pained to learn, from your remarks in the Review, of the discouragements that attended your eastern tour. May the Lord revive his work in all our hearts, and anoint our eyes with eye-salve, that all the dear saints may see eye to eye, and walk in the unity of the faith, with all meekness and humbleness of heart, and thus fulfill the love of Jesus Christ, and remove every stumblingblock that the truth of God may have free course and be glorified, and the third angel's voice be heard and felt, to the gathering of all the honest, and the purifying of the church.
The apostle Paul says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." Again, James says, Where envy and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work; but the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits; without partiality (or wrangling) and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
The church here are striving to overcome; though there is not that burning zeal and lively action and feeling that ought to characterize the people of God in these perilous times. O Lord, revive us, is my prayer.
We are building a meeting-house in Niles Settlement, about four miles from Wellsville, and have got it enclosed sufficient so that we held our conference in it.
Bro. E. L. Barr gave us much comfort by his presence, and the proclamation of the gospel. The church expressed a determination to renew their diligence, and take a more decided and holy stand for the truth of God, and the advancement of his cause.
At a business meeting of the church on first-day morning, we presented the subject of organization; and it was resolved, without a dissenting voice, that we organize a society to be called the Seventh-day Adventist Society of Alleghany Co., N. Y.; the object of which is, to hold property in trust for the Seventh-day Advent church. Perhaps we should have spoken out on this subject before; but we are young in the faith. But now we feel to move out, and in concert with the body. And may the love and abundant goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ constrain us to love and good works.
“Gently, Lord, O gently lead usIn the way of love and truth.”
Yours waiting for redemption from earth.
A. LANPHEAR.
Nile, N. Y.
OBITUARY.
By R. F. Cottrill
Our dearly beloved brother, Eld. Charles W. Sperry, formerly of Bristol, Vt., fell asleep in Jesus, at the house of Bro. D. C. Demarest, North Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1861, in the 42d year of his age.
Bro. Sperry embraced religion when very young, and united with the Baptist church. He was ever distinguished for his steady, consistent and exemplary course of life; was faithful, punctual and persevering in whatever business he was employed. The orphan's lot was his, and, in the earlier part of his life, though of feeble health, he supported himself by farm-labor in the summer, and school-teaching in the winter, often exhausting his earnings during frequent periods of sickness.
He was engaged in the Advent movement in 1843–4, and shared in the disappointment of those whom the Lord led out in the proclamation of the message of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, though he did not preach at that time. He embraced the truths of the third angel's message in 1851. The Lord raised him from a sick bed, in answer to the prayer of faith, to preach this last message; and for the last nine years he has devoted his time to this work, faithfully and successfully. He refused the promise of wealth in the employment of a wealthy relative, choosing to devote his time to the service of the Lord and the salvation of souls. At different times he has been brought near the grave, but was raised in answer to prayer and resumed his labors of love. The last of these instances was in the fall of 1860, which was his first attack of bleeding at the lungs. The Lord heard prayer, and he immediately pursued his arduous labor.
Last spring he came into the State of N. Y., to labor with the tent. On the 18th of May he was again attacked with bleeding, and bled several times. But he so far recovered that he rode out, and fond hopes were cherished of his recovery. But from some cause bleeding commenced again, and he was brought exceedingly low, in which state he remained about seven weeks. He bore his affliction with the most perfect patience and resignation. He had great desire at first to be raised up again to preach the message, but when he saw that the will of the Lord was otherwise, he patiently waited for the hour when he should rest. No murmur escaped his lips. When his sufferings were mentioned he would say, "O, this is nothing," or "How sweet it is to suffer for Jesus." He would often say, "The Lord is good!" His reason was continued, in answer to his earnest prayer; and that calm, sweet and heavenly smile which was upon his countenance during his waking periods, will not soon be forgotten.
On first-day morning, Sept. 15, he raised a little fresh blood. At noon a change came; he bled, and it seemed he would strangle with the blood. Sister Sperry said to him, "God's grace is sufficient." And O, the inexpressible joy which lit up his countenance, as praise poured forth from his lips. He continued to talk, but could not speak so that all could be understood. But O, the extremity of his sufferings cannot be told. He would plead so earnestly with his Father to let him rest. He moaned almost continually till about 8 o'clock in the evening. He gave a struggle, and began to exhort in a loud voice, and praise God and shout, "Glory to God, I am going free!" A portion of his exhortation was, "Live in the word and trust in God." Before he ceased, his mind seemed to wander, and he thought he was going to get up from his bed. The blessing of God rested upon him in great abundance. He was triumphant. As soon as he ceased to shout, he commenced to breathe very easy, but short, and without the least struggle his breath ceased and he was done. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."
He has left an affectionate wife and a dear little boy of seven years, and other dear friends, to mourn his loss. But they mourn not as those who have no hope. "God set his love upon him, and will let him rest a little moment; until his indignation be everpast, then will remember him and bring him from the grave. The next thought will be, 'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?'"
The friends and neighbors were all very kind and attentive to him during his sickness, and were ready to render every possible assistance, for which he was very thankful; and they are also remembered with gratitude by the family and other friends that had the care of him.
He was removed to Kirkville, Onondaga Co., for burial, the place of residence of Bro. H. Gardner, his father-in-law. Bro. F. Wheeler preached, at his funeral, an interesting and comforting discourse, from Jno. xi, 25. "I am the resurrection and the life." The sweet, peaceful slumberer was then carried to his resting-place.
"He hath passed Death's chilling billow,
And gone to rest;
Jesus smoothed his dying pillow—
His slumber's blest.
"When the morn of glory, breaking,
Shall light the tomb,
Beautiful will be his waking,
In fadeless bloom.
"Where no wintry winds are blowing,
No burial train;
Crowned with gems celestial, glowing,
We'll meet again."
R. F. COTTRILL.
LETTERS.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Sr. Huntley.
DEAR BRO. WHITE: For the first time I attempt to speak in behalf of the cause I love. I have often thought, that were mine the pen of a ready writer, cheerfully would I contribute to the columns of the Review, but I know that I must improve my one talent. It has been a little over two years since I first heard and embraced the third angel's message; and during that time I have made many crooked paths, but I thank God that I have yet a desire to overcome all of my evil besetments. I want to live so that when Jesus comes I can hear the welcome news, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I know that I have much to do before I can be ready for the great change that awaits the people of God. I praise God to-day for the glorious truths of the third angel's message, and my daily prayer is that we may all live them out, and finally gain a humble seat in the everlasting kingdom.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us live out our profession. It is one that is well calculated to make us holy if we live it out. Let us strive momentarily to overcome. Truly we are living in solemn times, and let us redouble our diligence to make our peace, calling, and election sure with God. My prayer to God is that he will speed on the good work of the third angel, and prepare us for the time when it shall go forth with a loud cry. I am very thankful for the Review, and do not know how I should get along without it.
Your sister striving for holiness.
ABBY B. HUNTLEY.
Yatton, Iowa.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. C. Woodman writes from North Leeds, Me.: "I sincerely hope and pray that God will be with you and bless you in your responsible labors for the good of the church, and the salvation of souls. And especially that you may be successful, under God, in promoting order in the church. It is evident that there is a right and scriptural organization which ought to be effected in the church, and which Satan will labor to prevent by increasing the prejudice which already exists in the church against it, and thus prevent the work which God designs to do for his people. We know it is the work of Satan to disorganize, distract and confuse the church of God; and we know it is God's work, especially in these last days, to thoroughly discipline his people, as an army for battle; and this cannot be done without perfect order in the ranks."
Trusting God Amid War
Bro. J. B. Merritt writes from Cheney's Grove, Ills.: "My desire is for the advancement of the cause, and I feel religiously bound to contribute of my means to sustain the same. I feel thankful to our divine Father that amid the commotions of our once peaceful land, and the call to arms that is resounding in our ears, we have nothing to fear while we put explicit confidence in the promise that says, I will never leave nor forsake those that put their trust in me. Our trust must be in God. We must be girded with the panoply of heaven. We must have on the habiliments of righteousness; and being thus equipped and following the example of Him that spake as never man spake, we may expect to conquer the flesh and the devil, and have fellowship with the Father and the Son, and of just men made perfect. May the Lord so direct and influence us by his good Spirit through the teaching of his word, that we may reach those high attainments and enjoy eternal life, is my desire and prayer."
MEETINGS IN EASTERN MICHIGAN.
By R. J. Lawrence
DEAR BRO. WHITE: According to previous notice I visited North Branch, August 31st and September 1st, where a good congregation assembled in Bro. Sanborn's house, notwithstanding a protracted meeting was in session within a half mile of his house by the Free-will Baptists. They claim some conversions. They held a quarterly meeting one week before ours, and protracted it until after we left, in which they passed a resolution not to fellowship Adventists, or any that sympathized with them. Consequently several of their members who attended our meetings were summoned to a church meeting, some of whom have fully endorsed our views. Quite an interest is manifested there.
On first-day four followed the Saviour by being buried in the likeness of his death. The cause is rising at North Branch.
September 7th and 8th I spent in Thetford; but in consequence of a conference held at the same place by the Christians, we enjoyed but limited opportunities. We spoke three times, to the encouragement of the church. On first-day four were baptized.
Yours striving to overcome,
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Rochester, Mich.
BRO. KING'S PROPOSITION.
THE following proposition from Bro. S. H. King, of Orleans, Mich., was given in Review, Aug. 21, 1860.
"From last Samaritan I learn something of the situation of your Office, and the liabilities resting on the Office, &c. I was not acquainted with the affairs and the debts that Bro. White was personally holden for, till I saw the last Samaritan, and I feel that Bro. White did what every honest man should do. If deemed advisable to remove the burden from him, and let the brethren meet those debts, I for one am willing to help shoulder the burden.
"It is but some eight months since I embraced present truth, and most of the time I have been so blind that I could not see to read nor write, being much afflicted with my eyes, yet they are improving, and I feel to praise the Lord that he has restored them to sight, so that I can see to read and write a little.
"I would say to the brethren, How many will join with me this fall to set apart, when we sow our wheat, from one to five acres to pay the debt resting on the Office, and help raise a fund for publication? I say from one to five acres or more, as the brethren feel able. To the brother mechanic, you to set apart one day in each month, or one day in two months, as you feel able, and the laboring man one day in three months. Let us move in this plan, and the Office will soon be free, and those having the charge will breathe an atmosphere pure, not burdened with trouble as at present. Adopt this plan, and will not God bless the undertaking? I feel that he will.
"After we have done this, then follow Paul's advice, lay by in store as the Lord hath prospered, every one, for benevolent purposes.
"I would be glad to see an article from you or Bro. White on this subject. I do not send this for publication, still I am willing that you should use any part of it for publication, if you deem it advisable, by putting it in some form so that it will have the effect to enlist some in this enterprise, my name is at your service.
"If I can do any good in my Master's cause, God shall have all the praise. Since I have set out to obey God's law, I have been trying to do something for his cause, but I feel that I accomplish but little. After giving for the tent, and to messengers, and some other donations, I say to myself, I would like to do more, but my affairs will not let me. I came to the conclusion to adopt the above plan, and leave the result with God, feeling assured that he will bless the deed.
"Yours in Christ, hoping for eternal life at the appearing of our Lord. S. H. King."
BRO. KING'S REPORT.
By Editor
The following report we take from a letter from Bro. King, Sept. 22, 1861:
The enclosed draft for $54 I send you, it being the product of 4½ acres of wheat set apart as proposed in Review, Vol. xvi, No. 14. Will you please give through the Review, if you think it advisable, what has been the result from said proposition?
When I wrote and agreed to take three shares I did it expecting to pay them out of the 4½ acres set apart for the Office, provided it was enough; if not, meet it from some other source. The result is $54. I wish to pay the three shares, and the balance I leave for you to do as you think best. If you think it right to appropriate it all to shares, you may do so. I hope to see you at the Association-meeting, Oct. 4, if the Lord will.
Yours in love.
S. H. KING.
Bro. King's proposition was good, and the result is good. Let others report. And those who have no good report of this kind to make, we advise to try the proposed plan, and they will find a blessing in it.—Ed.
HELP WANTED.
By H. Keeney
By request of the church at Parkville, Mich., I ask you to send us one of the messengers to spend a while with us and vicinity, as there are several places where requests have been made for a preacher, and in my judgment, places of importance. Send us one if you can, and soon as you can. One can be employed at different places for three or four weeks.
H. KEENEY.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
A. Lanphear: We have a good supply of the New Hymn Book on hand. We have not received a letter from you with an order for a Hymn Book, but will now send you one. We have no commandment charts.
Mary A. Graham: Your indebtedness for Review & Herald at $1,00 per year, would be $1,75 to No. 1, Vol. xix.
John P. Kanagy: If you let us know what numbers of the Review & Herald you have not received, we will send again.
The P. O. Address of D. T. Taylor is Rouse's Point, Clinton Co., N. Y.
C. Dunning: Your Review & Herald is paid to the close of present volume, and you owe on Instructor for Vol. ix.
Francis Moorman: Your Instructors have been regularly mailed from this office. We cannot tell why you do not receive them. If you inform us what numbers are missing, we will send again.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
Ira Abbey 2,00 (2 copies) xx, 1. T. Lane 1,00, xix, 14. J. B. Merritt 1,50, xix, 1. Charles Woodman (for Benjamin Woodman) 1,60, —. M. D. Hilton 4,00, xx, 1. J. F. Knappen 1,00, xix, 1. M. A. Graham 1,00, xv, 13. Jewett Carr 1,00, xx, 16. John Barridge 1,00, xix, 1. R. G. Curtis 2,00, xviii, 1. Erastus Dayton 1,00, xix, 16. D. M. Harper 1,50, xx, 20. R. S. Durfee 3,00, xvii, 1. Ira Ring 2,50, xx, 14. P. Gould 1,00, xix, 9. Mrs. E. Ireland 1,00, xix, 18. S. Burdick 2,00, xix, 1. M. Kunselman 1,00, xx, 6. H. Keeney 2,00, xviii, 18.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
J. B. Merritt $10,00. Seneca H. King $50,00. Edward Lobdell $10,00. D. Sevey $10,00. Alonzo Abbey $5,50. Jane Glover $10,00. H. C. Whitney $10,00. A. Cronkite $10,00. J. H. Sparks $10,00. Darius Myers 10,00. Sarah Jones 10,00. G. G. Dunham 10,00. Asahel C. Smith $10,00. Preston Dickinson $20,00. Orrin B. Jones $20,00. John S. Day $20,00. Myron J. Cornell $10,00. Henry Gardner $100,00. J. Mousehunt $5,00. L. B. Kneeland $2,00. F. Howe $3,00. H. Keeny $10,00. Robert Marvin $5,00. M. Kunselman $10,00. A. A. Dodge $10,00.
Donations to Publishing Association.
J. B. Merritt $1,00. Seneca H. King $4,00. Mary Aderton $2,00. Jane Glover $2,00. B. M. Hibbard $2,00.
For Michigan Tent Fund.
For use of Tent by Agricultural Society $4,00.
Cash Received on Account.
A. Lanphear (for B. F. Robbins) $1,00. J. Banks (E. W. S.) $1,00. A. M. Gravel (E. W. S.) $1,00. J. H. Sparks 0,90.
Books Sent by Mail.
A. Lanphear 0,80. John P. Kanagy $1,00. N. N. Lunt $1,00.
PUBLICATIONS.
By James White
The New Hymn Book, containing 454 pages, and 122 pieces of music, . . . . . 80 cts.
History of the Sabbath, in one Vol.—Part I, Bible History.—Part II, Secular History, . . . . . 30 "
The same on extra paper, well bound, . . . . . 60 "
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1–4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question, . . . . . 15 "
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6–12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . . . . 15 "
Hope of the Gospel, or immortality the gift of God, . . . . . 15 "
Which? Moral or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . . . . 15 "
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency. This book should be in the hands of every family, as a warning against Spiritualism, . . . . . 15 "
The Kingdom of God. A refutation of the doctrine called Age-to-Come, . . . . . 15 "
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment, as taught in the epistles of Paul, . . . . . 15 "
Prophecy of Daniel. The Four Universal Kingdoms, The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, . . . . . 10 "
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth, . . . . . 10 "
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the Door, . . . . . 10 "
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity, . . . . . 10 "
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . . . . . 10 "
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God and first day of the week, . . . . . 10 "
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors Ancient and Modern, . . . . . 10 "
Miscellany. Seven tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . . . . . 10 "
The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix, . . . . . 10 "
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects and Design, . . . . . 10 "
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a compend of Scripture references, . . . . . 5 "
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a Short Argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . . . . 5 "
Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment—Apostasy and Perils of the Last-Days, . . . . . 5 "
Truth Found. A Short Argument for the Sabbath with an appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . . . . . 5 "
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an Address to the Baptists, . . . . . 5 "
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . . . . 5 "
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . . . . 5 "
Brown's Experience in relation to Entire Consecration and the Second Advent, . . . . . 5 "
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June 1859. Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c. . . . . . 5 "
Sabbath Poem. A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed, . . . . . 5 "
Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD illustrated, . . . . . 5 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. 1, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . . . . 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. 2. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . . . . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of future punishment. An Argument by H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . . . . 75 "
Debt and Grace as related to the Doctrine of Future Punishment, by C. F. Hudson, . . . . . 100 "
Voice of the Church on the Coming and Kingdom of the Redeemer. A History of the doctrine, . . . . . 100 "
PENNY TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Judson's Letter on Dress—Law of God, by Dobney (2 cts.)—Law of God by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word.
These small Tracts can be sent, post-paid, in packages of not less than twenty-five.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John. 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cents.
German. Das Wesen des Sabbaths und unsere Verpflichtung auf ihn nach dem Vierten Gebote. A Tract of 80 pp., a Translation of Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Price 10 cents.
Holland. De Natuur en Verbinding van den Sabbath volgens het Vierde Gebodt. Translated from the same as the German. Price 10 cents.
French. Le Sabbat de la Bible. A Tract on the Sabbath of 32 pp. Price 5 cents.
La Grande Statue de Daniel II, et les Quatre Betes Symboliques, et quelques remarques sur la Seconde Venue de Christ, et sur le Cinquieme Royaume Universel. A Tract of 32 pp. on the Prophecies. Price 5 cents.
These publications will be sent by mail, post-paid, at their respective prices. When ordered by the quantity, not less than $5.00 worth, one-third will be deducted from those prices on Pamphlets and Tracts, and one-fourth on bound Books. In this case, postage added, if sent by mail. Orders, to insure attention, must be accompanied with the cash, unless special arrangements be made. Address Elder JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.