We are in the last days of the gospel age, or we are not. If we are not, then the sun and the moon have been darkened, and the stars have fallen in vain; for these signs must be given when the day of the Lord is near, even at the doors. Then also the anger of the nations, and the perils and deceptions of the last days, have come before the time, and the unparalleled wickedness of the present time is still to be surpassed, not having reached its full measure. And if there is to be a long period in which it will increase in the ratio it has for the last quarter of a century, what will be the character of the people when the last days do arrive? But if we are in the last days, then those that proclaim it are preaching the truth and those only who heed the warning will do well.
The world is now being converted to God, by the popular revivals of the day, or it is not. If it is, then the declaration of our Saviour that, at his second coming it would be with the world as it was in the days of Noah, will fail; for at that time the earth was filled with violence, and suddenly and unexpectedly the flood took away the mass of mankind, leaving only a small number that had believed the warning concerning the impending danger, and had taken refuge in the ark while it rested upon dry ground and no signs of rain appeared. But if the world is not being converted to God, and the solemn prediction of our Saviour is to prove true, then those who flatter themselves that it is, and are, in consequence, saying "peace and safety," are sadly deluded—are believing a lie, and "sudden destruction" is about to come upon them and "they shall not escape." 1 Thess. v.
The time has come for the proclamation of the judgment messages which are to precede the coming of Christ, Rev. xiv, 6–14, or it has not. If the time has not come, then a false fulfillment is preceding the real one, and God's providence has failed to guard the prophecy; for the messages are being proclaimed. But if the time for these messages has come, then the Lord is doing a solemn, a fearful, a decisive work in the earth, and no one, whether saint or sinner, can slight this work and reject those warnings with impunity.
True religion will be popular in the last days of the dispensation or it will not. If it is, then those prophecies of the perils and persecution of the last days (2 Tim. iii, 1–5; Rev. xii, 17; xiii, 11–18) are false; for there must be popularity and power on the side of the persecutors. But if true religion will be unpopular in the last days, then let all test religion by the word of the Lord, and not by the standard of popularity.
The mass of worshipers in the last days will be true Christians, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, or they will not. If they are, then the prophetic message of Rev. xiv, 9–12 has been predicted in vain and is a false prophecy; for it represents the worshipers of those days as in great danger of worshiping the beast and his image, and, as the consequence, of drinking of the unmingled wrath of God. But if the professed Christians of those days are not found keeping all the commandments of God and all the faith of Jesus, then this message will be applicable to the condition of the worshipers living at the time, and must be obeyed by them to whom it comes, in order to salvation.
The churches of our day are keeping all the commandments of God or they are not. If they are, they are remembering the Sabbath to keep it holy, instead of making it the busiest laboring day of the week, in order to get ready to keep another day, a day which God has never commanded to be kept. But if they are not keeping all the commandments of God, then they are in danger of being condemned by that law by which they will surely be judged when God shall judge the secrets of men according to the gospel. Rom. ii, 12, 16; Isa. xxiv, 5, 6.
The doctrine of the conversion of the world and a universal reign of righteousness for a thousand years before the coming of the Son of man, is true, or it is not. If it is, then all the warnings to the people of this age to watch and be ready for the day, "lest coming suddenly" he find them sleeping, and they be cut asunder and have their portion with the hypocrites, have no application to the times and are without any practical meaning. But if the said doctrine is not true, then the professed churches of the present day are alarmingly deluded, and are in danger of being found with the false prophets and unbelievers, crying peace and safety when sudden destruction comes as a thief in the night.
Our Protestant churches need reforming or they do not. If they do not, then the Bible wants reforming to suit and approve the character of a divided, worldly, pleasure-loving church, and those threatenings against such sins should be excluded. But if these churches do need a radical reform, unless they are reformed, they cannot be the chosen instruments for the work of the Lord; and though they may make proselytes, they may prove like those of corrupted religionists of old described by our Saviour thus: "Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when ye have made him, ye make him two-fold more the child of hell than yourselves." It is not natural for a stream to rise higher than its fountain. It is not to be expected that teachers of religion will raise the degenerate nature of those they teach above their own level. Then where is our hope, but in the faithful proclamation of the third angel's message? Is it not time to cry aloud and spare not?
R. F. COTTRELL.
How Are We Convinced of Sin?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I HAVE heard many zealous professors, who depend much on the Spirit, often say, "If I was only convinced that it was my duty to keep the Sabbath, I would do it. When I can feel like it, I will begin to act." From this, we would suppose that a few plain texts of scripture would readily convince them. But no; the law of God, and the plainest texts of scripture, make no impression upon them, although they cannot answer them, nor evade their force. Yet they are Christians, and profess to have very nice consciences toward God. Their excuse (for that is what it is) is that the Spirit does not teach them so; it does not make them feel that it is wrong to keep Sunday, or right to keep Sabbath. One man told me that he cared not how positive the Bible was on this point, unless the Spirit told him to keep the Sabbath, he should not do it! Now if this is the way that men are to be convinced of sin, of what use is the Bible? If we are to be guided entirely by feeling, or by the Spirit, as they call it, what need have we for the Bible? Again, is not the Bible given by the inspiration of the Spirit? Then must not the Spirit and the Bible agree? Certainly they must. Now then, if the "spirit" by which a man is guided, teaches him to act differently from what the Bible plainly requires him to do, can it be the same Spirit that inspired the writing of that Bible? It cannot; hence it cannot be of God. This rule then, will not do to be guided by. The law of God, and not our feelings, is the rule by which we are to be convinced of sin, be governed here, and be judged in the future. "But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced (how? by your feelings? No; but) of THE LAW as transgressors." James ii, 9. Again, "For by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. iii, 20. Paul says, "Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law." Rom. vii, 7. If men will not hear the word of God nor his law, but wait to know their duty toward God by a direct revelation of his Spirit, we fear that they will not only wait too long, but also be found guilty of despising the word of God. Of them Jesus has well said, "They have Moses and the prophets, the (holy Scrip205tures); let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke xvi, 29, 31.
D. M. Canright.
Distribution of Labor.
By Gen. Conf. Com.
At the close of the Conference, Monday morning, May 21st, a meeting of all the preachers for general consultation was holden at the Office of the Advent Review. After a free interchange of views relative to the destitute fields of labor, it was decided that they be supplied as follows: 1. The N. E. mission by Brn. Andrews and Canright. 2. Ohio, by Brn. Van Horn and Lawrence. 3. Iowa, by Brn. D. T. and A. C. Bourdeau. 4. Minnesota, by Bro. Ingraham. The States not named in this list are left to their own present laborers, subject to the arrangement of their respective State Conference Committees.
Labor in Michigan.
By Editor
After supplying as far as possible, calls for help from other States, we have the following laborers left for Michigan: Elders Bates, Byington, Cornell and Waggoner. After spending a few weeks in the West and Ohio, Bro. Loughborough will probably spend most of the remainder of the Conference year, in visiting the churches in this State. Bro. White, also, as he gains strength, we expect will labor some within this Conference.
For the first quarter of the Conference year, Bro. Byington takes the Western District, and Bro. Bates the Eastern. Brn. Waggoner and Cornell will labor mostly in new fields.
Brn. Bates and Byington will arrange their appointments for their respective districts as they see fit.
Mich. Conf. Com.
Michigan Conference.
Change of Districts.
The committee have thought best to re-arrange and change the names of the Districts as follows: Western District, Eastern District, and Southern District.
The Western District will be composed of the following churches:
Otsego, Allegan, Watson, Monterey, Wright, Caledonia, Vergennes, Orange, Orleans, Eureka and Fairplains, Cato, North Plains, Greenbush, Ithaca, Alma, and Seville.
The Eastern District will be composed of the following churches:
Bunkerhill, Genoa, Milford, Tyrone, Locke, Woodhull, Owasso, Chesaning, St. Charles, Tuscola, Vassar, Centerville, Watrousville, Lapeer, Memphis, and Oakland.
The Southern District will be composed of the following churches:
Battle Creek, Newton, Burlington, Colon, Parkville, South Bend, (Ind.) North Liberty, (Ind.) Salem Center, (Ind.) Ransom Center, Hillsdale, Hanover, Jackson, Tompkins, Windsor, Oneida, Charlotte, and Convis.
Mich. CONF. COM.
The Late Fast.
By Mary F. Maxson
Dear Brethren and Sisters: The days of fasting and prayer were profitable ones to the church here. Nearly all met according to appointment, and many earnest prayers were offered in behalf of God's suffering cause and people. We felt to humble ourselves before God, to mourn and weep in view of our miserable, lukewarm condition, and to cry mightily to him to remove his rebuke from off his people, restore his servants to health, and lead on his truth to its final victory. We did not feel like rejoicing, but deep solemnity rested upon us, and tears "of penitential grief," and heart-felt sorrow, were freely shed. Oh, those blessed hours of prayer, "How sweet their memory still!" The dear saints never before seemed so near to us, and as we prayed, we felt that it was truly "a scene where spirits blend," and though "sundered far" from most of them, yet we knew that the golden chain of faith and love united, and made us as one before God.
Our meetings increased in interest as they progressed, and Friday afternoon we had a blessed season. Oh, we felt that it was good to be there. As the meeting was about to close, Bro. Wilcox read for our encouragement, a portion of the "Closing Report from Tuscola," and as we listened, our tears flowed afresh,—tears they were of grateful joy and love. We all wept together, and with chastened hearts, thanked God for what he was doing for us. Our hearts could but thrill with joy as we looked forward to the time when, as Bro. W. remarked while reading, "The 144,000 will be made up, God's truth triumph gloriously, and his children be saved in his blessed kingdom." Oh let us take courage. God is going to work for his people, and we shall soon be delivered from this dark, dreary world. We are going home; and, bless God, "we are almost there." We know that temptations and trial await us, but what of that?
"What though the angry waves roll high,
And darkness reigns around?
Let hope be bright in every eye—
Our ship is homeward bound.
What though no morn, nor stars appear
Amid the gloom profound,
We will not yield a place to fear—
Our ship is homeward bound."
And as we near the shore, our dangers increase. Rocks and breakers appear on every side, and without constant watchfulness, and untiring diligence, we shall be wrecked on the shoals and quicksands which surround us. Oh, may God help us all to be diligent. To remain longer in a lukewarm state, is certain destruction. We must awake now, and arouse ourselves from this death stupor, or we shall surely fail of everlasting life. Let us with earnestness and zeal, seek holiness, meekness, and righteousness, that we may be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce anger. Probation's hours are swiftly passing away, and soon the unmixed wrath of God will be poured upon the shelterless heads of the wicked. Even now we can almost hear in the distance, the low, rumbling thunders which betoken the coming storm. And as we see it approaching, how it should fire our hearts with zeal and earnestness in the work of our Master. How fervently we should pray, how anxiously we should strive, to get our hearts all imbued with the sweet, holy, melting Spirit of our blessed Redeemer, that we may with tears and burning love, warn poor sinners to "flee the wrath to come."
I fear we do not all fully realize the awfully solemn position we occupy in the sight of God. Our hearts have been illuminated with the light of divine truth, and how shall we escape, if we neglect to impart that light to those around us "who are sitting in darkness and the shadow of death." May God quicken and aid us by his Holy Spirit, that we may work diligently, faithfully, and earnestly, for the salvation of precious souls. Do not let us excuse ourselves from earnest toil, because our position in life is lowly, and our sphere of action small. If we are truly God's children, our situation is just what he would have it to be; and let us with thankful hearts go forth "bearing precious seed," and though we may now "sow in tears," yet if faithful, we "shall reap in joy," and with glad hearts, gather many precious sheaves into the heavenly garner.
We cannot longer sleep as we have. The faithful and true Witness says we must "be zealous" in repenting of our sins, and putting them from us. We must lay all upon the altar, and be whole-hearted in the service of God. If we would obtain the "gold" that is "tried in the fire," we have got to buy it. It is going to cost something. It will cost the crucifixion of self, and the giving up of everything earthly. It will cost earnest, constant, and importunate prayer, deep agony of soul, and tears of blood, as it were. We know that fearful struggles await us. And shall we shrink from the conflict? Ah, no, but let us remember Him who drank to its dregs the cup that is to be pressed to our lips. Let us with grateful love, think of the One who trod the rough pathway before us, and has smoothed and marked out the way. Think you, weary, trembling saint, that the Saviour's path was less rugged than yours? Ah no! The sharpest thorns pierced his sacred feet, the keenest anguish was felt by his tender, loving heart; and, "the rugged road we fainting tread," is bedewed with tears and blood divine. Then let us take courage, and for the sake of Him we love, go bravely forward, breasting every wave, conquering every difficulty, overcoming every foe, until we hear the sweet voice of our Master saying, It is enough. Come home.
Yours in Christian love.
MARY F. MAXSON.
The Review's Sermons.
By W. S. Foote
THANK you, Bro. Canright, and also the brethren who wrote Sermons Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in the Review. They fill up an important place in the paper, with plain, truth-telling matter, adapted to the wants of not only commandment-keepers, but their neighbors who are disposed to read them. Through them may God be glorified, and many stars be added to the crowns of the writers. I will venture to say for myself, and for thousands of our brethren and sisters, once more, thank you.
W. S. Foote.
A Few Items Relative to the Cause.
By John Matteson
DURING the season of fasting and prayer, I was with the church at Oakland, Wis. We were much blessed on the occasion, and the Lord revived his work among us. What a blessed thing it is that Christ did not leave us comfortless. He doth even now send the Comforter to teach us all things, and bring the promises of Christ to our remembrance. If this was otherwise our faith would cease, our love die away, and our hope turn to sad despair. How can we pray except the Spirit help us. But when he fills the soul then the fervent prayer ascends into Heaven, and the blessing of God descends like the gentle dew in the morning.
Some do not think they have the Spirit except they can rejoice in God. But remember that even the very first feeling of conviction, and sorrow for sin, and longing after Jesus, are all blessings of the Spirit. The Comforter will convince the world of sin as well as of righteousness, and of judgment. And this same Spirit giveth to one the gift of healing; to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy. "All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." If we therefore feel disposed at all to read the Bible, pray, turn away from sin, seek after Jesus, go with the people of God, &c., let us thank the Lord for it, and follow after the teachings of that Spirit which is in harmony with the word of God. We can not always here enjoy the same degree of happiness, but this is no sign that God hath forsaken us. The great question is, Are we honest as far as we have gone? Two steps in Christian experience with honesty, are better than a thousand without it. What are we living and laboring for? Is it really to glorify God and save souls? Or is it to defend some darling hobby, and build up a party, or gain the honor and money of men?
If we seek the glory of God, then let us rejoice in present blessings, be they ever so small. This will open the way for greater enjoyments. But if you murmur and fret, and always look on the dark side of the picture, then be it remembered, that your trouble will increase, and your burdens grow heavier, until they sink you into an untimely grave. The great secret of bearing burdens is to cast them on the Lord. But some say they have such heavy burdens! Just as though the Lord could not bear a heavy burden as well as a light one. Go to Jesus and get him to help you in all troubles, even in the health-reform, and you will find it comparatively easy. He can help all,206and will do it; and all need him, the most learned, and experienced preacher just as much as the convert that begins to-day to serve the Lord.
As we tried to trust in the Lord, darkness gave way. Rays of light shone bright upon the blessed promise, "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
One of our sisters was sick. We prayed for her that God would raise her up and bring her into our midst before the fast ceased. Sabbath morning she came and praised the Lord with us. We prayed for Bro. White, and believed that God would heal him. I told the brethren that when I came to Battle Creek I expected to see Bro. White come to the meetings and hear him speak. Their hearts and their voices responded, Amen.
A few days after I came to Battle Creek, and called on Bro. W. When I saw him bowed down with disease and took his weak hand, I could not refrain from weeping. Like a mighty oak he had stood the storms of many winters, but a cruel tornado had broken the limbs, and even loosened the roots, so as to deprive the tree of its nourishment. He had stood foremost in the ranks, never fearing the bullets, nor terrified by the roar of the cannon, the bravest, and yet the humblest and most benevolent. He is now the most needed. Shall he sink down with the rest of our pioneers whose voices are silenced beneath the grassy turf? He looks like a bruised reed. Yet God will not break the bruised reed. Bro. White will recover. Even though the Devil is trying to sap his life-power, depriving him of sleep, and disturbing his brain, yet God is stronger than the Devil.
On the following Sabbath, fasting and prayer was again appointed. Bro. Bates led the meeting. The peace of God shone from his countenance. Ardent and united supplications went up to the throne of grace. We ceased not till Bro. W. came into our midst and testified that the Lord had united his bands. Then joy and hopeful expectation shone from his eyes while he praised the Lord, and all united with him.
Since that time he has enjoyed refreshing sleep nights, and his blood circulates naturally. First-day afternoon he took part in and stayed during the services, and second-day he shared in the ministerial deliberations. May the Lord establish him fully to lead on in this blessed cause of God.
Sister White has been much worn by constantly taking care of him. But through the grace of God, and obedience to the laws of health, she has been wonderfully sustained. And this happy turning of their captivity seems to give her new life. She spoke on the Sabbath, and twice in the tent on first-day. She urged the necessity of carrying out the health-reform, and said that this was necessary to fit us for translation.
This is the first opportunity I have had of seeing her, and I considered and weighed well all her actions and words. I have been at one period of my life a skeptic, and I now let skepticism bring in her objections, and let the Bible, the Spirit, and reason answer. As the result of this examination I will here present one argument to prove that Sr. White is led by the Spirit of God.
We have the best evidence that gold is genuine, by the excellent quality of its own matter. Bank-notes are proved by the excellency of their steel engravings; poetry by its beauty and spirit; the Bible by its power, sublimity, truthfulness, and simplicity. Now let us prove the manifestations of Sr. White on the same rule.
I happened accidentally to overhear her family prayers twice, unknown to her, as she was alone with her husband and children. What was she doing? Planning cunningly how she might lead her admirers to bring their sacrifices before her? Or how she might be revenged upon her enemies and bring shame upon them? No! Childlike and earnest pleadings were heard, not only by me, but by Jesus and angels. She communed with God. She was moved by the same Spirit that moved upon me when I heard the first comforting word from my Saviour.
If she does not have the things presented before her mind, which she purports in her testimonies, then she is a deceiver, and one of the worst kind too. But her prayers were not such as deceivers bring forth. "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will him he heareth." One such prayer does me more good, than all the papers of Hicks, multiplied by a thousand, can do me hurt. In her home she did not betray the least sign of one who is exalted. She engaged in household duties, and appeared just as humble and social as one who had never spoken in public.
When she spoke to the people, she manifested no human learning or art. No studied eloquence, nor gestures, nor display of education. But there was an earnestness, power, and yet simplicity, which told that she had been with Jesus and learned of him. Appeals came from the heart and went to the heart. She stated, that she had never read a book on health reform at the time when these things were first presented to her. And yet brethren will so continually throw this out as an excuse. When she spoke, she appeared to me like one crying in the wilderness. Those appeals ought to stir every soul to renewed action and consecration. But they seem to be partly lost amid all this worldliness, and pride, and surfeiting, of the latter days.
Oh God! help to cry aloud and spare not. Make thy word a mighty hammer that breaketh asunder the rocks. Let thy Spirit come down with power. Bless thy servants and thy handmaidens. Let the great and notable day of the Lord come. And help us so to call on the name of the Lord, that we may be saved.
JOHN MATTERSON.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Quarterly Meeting at Hundred Mile Grove.
By N. M. Jordon
BRO. WHITE: The Quarterly Meeting at Hundred Mile Grove, Wisconsin, May 5 and 6, was blessed of the Lord, and his people were encouraged and strengthened to continue to seek for glory, honor, and immortality. It was a reviving season; the good Spirit of the Lord was with us. Cheering testimonies were given, and fervent prayers offered to the Lord, that he would prepare us as a church, for the coming season of fasting and prayer. Letters were read from absent members of the church, which were cheering to us to learn that they were still strong in the faith of the glorious truths of the third angel's message, and were striving to overcome. The church resolved by a vote, to renew their covenant with the Lord. In the evening after the Sabbath, we had a business meeting; the church withdrew fellowship from one member.
May 9th, the church assembled together at the hour appointed for fasting and prayer. A goodly number were present. These meetings with us, were remarkable for humility and contrition, and for the solemnity which pervaded our place during the four days of fasting; especially the three first days. The voice of supplication and confession, and of weeping, filled the house, while the people of God were pleading and agonizing with him to revive his cause, bless his servants, and to deepen the work of grace in the hearts of his people.
We have had good meetings, and by the blessing of the Lord, we feel that they have had a sanctifying influence upon us as a church. We believe that God has heard his people, and will answer their prayers.
The Resolutions on Dress, lately adopted by the Battle Creek church, were adopted by the Hundred Mile Grove church, May 11.
Yours striving to overcome.
N. M. JORDON.
Lodi, Wis., May 16, 1866.
Converted.
By Jos. Clarke
Recently I noticed in the report of a brother, that of those who kept the Sabbath in a certain place, quite a number had found the Saviour; others were still seeking him.
From this we infer that this minister takes the ground that, even if a person keeps the Sabbath, he needs conversion, or his keeping the Sabbath will avail him nothing.
An important distinction; would to God it were the conclusion of every Sabbath-keeper.
Converted to God wholly, body, and soul, and estate; heart renewed, and brought into sweet subjection to Christ. Oh blest condition! Oh happy state! Blessed is that soul in which the Spirit of God abides! Happy that heart which is filled with the love of God!
Is there one soul yet out of the ark of safety, so deluded by an outward form of life, that he supposes himself safe in merely keeping a day? The day appointed by our Creator is the day of rest; but if you would enjoy that day, or be accepted in keeping it, you would do well to be at peace with Him who gave the day and hallowed it; else all your self-denial will be lost.
Doubtless many a soul will be deluded to the last; but dear reader, let it not be you or I. . . . Now is the accepted time.
Jos. CLARKE.
The Cause in Michigan.
[THE following paragraphs, relative to the standing of the various churches in Michigan, are taken from the reports brought in by the delegates to the recent State Conference held in Battle Creek, May 18, 1866.]
From the church at St. Charles: "The church in this place remain with about the same members as at the last Conference. There has been one member removed by death, and two disfellowshipped, and two have been added by letter. Our number on book, is now thirty-two. The church vote to pay into the Conference fund, $150, to be paid quarterly. There is an increasing desire among the members to get into better working order than they have been in for some time in the past. We are trying to get nearer to God, but the adversary seems to be putting forth great efforts to hinder the work. There is some interest outside, and we think some good might be done if a messenger could come this way. We are thankful for what help we have received the past year, and it is the desire of the church, that some one of the messengers may come and visit us as soon as convenient."
From the church at Chesaning: "Our present membership is eleven, though some seem to be losing their love for the truth, for which we mourn and pray, and hope in due time, they will come to themselves like the prodigal. Our s. b. amounts to forty dollars for the present year. We have a Sabbath School, and two meetings each week. The season of fasting and prayer was a good season with us. It seemed to be just what was needed. Our prayers were, and still are, that God will bless his afflicted servants with health and prosperity, and that the burden of the message may lay near our hearts, and the hearts of his people everywhere. Oh, for the sanctifying influence of these solemn truths. We would very much love to have one of God's faithful messengers visit us as soon as convenient."
From the church at Burlington: "Three have been added to the church the past year, four have been disfellowshipped, and our present number is forty-four. Our s. b. fund amounts to $148.64. The church voted to give $125 to the State Conference fund for the benefit of the cause; the remainder they retain for the purpose of hiring a house to hold meetings in. This church, with little exception, is striving to arise from their lukewarmness. Especially was this the case during our four days of fasting and prayer. A great interest was manifest among the young to go with God's people, and we expect to see some soon join heart and hand, and go through with the remnant. The hearts of the fathers seemed to be turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, hearty confessions were made, and the church was blessed and strengthened."
From the church at Ransom Center: "We are happy to say that we consider our church as in a prosperous condition. We numbered when organized, twenty-three. There have been no losses, but a gain of four, making our present number twenty-seven. There are twelve or fifteen more who are waiting to unite with the church. Ten or more desire baptism. We earnestly desire that some messenger may visit us soon, that this matter may be attended to."
The four days of fasting and prayer were observed by the church, and we feel to bless God for his sweet Spirit during the meetings. We feel encouraged to press on, and feel assured that God will hear the cries of his children in behalf of his cause, and his afflicted servants."
From the church at Fairplains: "We feel as a church, the necessity, in view of the solemn times in which we live, of taking hold more earnestly of the work of overcoming, that we may be fully ready when Jesus comes, to meet him in peace. We observed the last season of fasting and prayer with profit to ourselves, and we expect to see the prayers of God's people answered in the advancement of his cause. About fifty met together on the Sabbath at our meeting-house, and we had a good time. We number at present seventeen in full fellowship. Our s. b. fund amounts to $234 for the year 1866."
From the church at Greenbush: "The church in this place at present, consists of fourteen members, including the youth and children. Losses the past year, two by removal. Our s. b. fund amounts to about $50 a year, which we pledge entire to the Mich. Conference fund. We as a church, feel the importance of a closer walk with God, that we may overcome our sins, and have a home on the earth made new. The youth and children take a part in all our meetings, and we have a Sabbath School in which they are much interested. We want to be under the watch-care of the Conference, and are willing to bear a share of its burdens."
From the church at Monterey: "During the past year, the church have dismissed fourteen members. Some of them have removed to other churches. Two have died, and nine have been added. The church now holds seventy-eight members in her communion, all of which, with few exceptions, meet at their established place of worship every Sabbath. We also hold two stated evening prayer and conference meetings every week, and a female prayer-meeting on first-day afternoon. In connection with our Sabbath meetings, we have organized Bible classes, and a very interesting Sabbath School of fifty-six scholars, and a library of selected books for both parents and children. With all these needed forms of godliness, we devoutly desire the power to enable us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil. With regard to dress, and how to live, and laying aside every wrong and filthy practice, we are resolved to go forward. Some changes in our midst have subtracted from our s. b. fund. During this year, it amounts to $362."
From the church at Colon: "We love the present truth, and are anxious to share with you in its promotion. Our sympathy with you, and for you, as a part of the body of Christ, remains. 'Ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.' As some of you know, we are quite scattered in our location, and seem to be so more and more. Bro. and sister Schellhous have removed to Coldwater, which makes it lonely for us. They have been able however, to meet with us occasionally, which comforts us much. Dear brethren, we share in common with you, the trials and afflictions of the past year, and trust that they will work for our deliverance in due time. Our present number is fifteen, the same as last year. Pledge to Mich. State Conference fund, $9.00 per quarter."
From the church at Tyrone: "We, the church at Tyrone, have had three added to our number the past Conference year by profession of faith. We number at present one hundred and twenty-seven; pay $140 s. b.; and have voted to pay two-thirds of the amount to General Conference fund. We sustain a Sabbath School and Bible class. We observed the fast according to request in Review, and had good meetings; enjoyed the sweet melting influence of the Holy Spirit; all resolved to start anew for the kingdom. We felt the evidence that the Lord was hearing the prayers of his people, and expect to hear that he has answered, or will as soon as it will be for his glory. We wish to be remembered by the Conference. We are almost starving for the bread of life, and want a messenger to come and feed us."
A Reader Hails the Review
Bro. Wm. Cottrell, of Bowersville, Ohio, in sending a remittance for some of our late publications in a postscript says: "It is with delight that we hail the weekly visits of the Review."
Mice Destroy Ohio Fruit Trees
By Editor
Over five thousand fruit trees in Ohio have been destroyed by mice.
Extracts from Letters.
Sr. Bliven writes from Laurel Glen, Conn. : I feel rejoiced to hear from you through the Review. I hail its weekly visits. It gives me renewed strength. I am trying to keep all the commandments of God, and hope to meet you all when Christ shall come to receive all that obey him. I would not give up that hope that is an anchor to the soul, for worlds like this. Pray on, brethren and sisters, we shall all meet to sing the song of redeeming grace. The time draws near.
Bro. C. Cramer writes from New Baltimore, Mich. : I would just say that I have been trying to keep the commandments of God since the first of last March. My sister was living with us, and she takes the Review. I began to read it, and also the Bible, and the History of the Sabbath, and found that if we would enter into the kingdom of God we must keep all his commandments. Myself and wife and sister are all the Sabbath-keepers there are in this place, and Memphis is the nearest place we have to go to meeting, which is 16 or 18 miles from here. If some of the messengers could call this way our door is open for them. We live two miles west of New Baltimore village, on the telegraph road in Macomb Co., Mich.
I believe we are living in the very last days, and it stands us in hand to live up to the rules laid down in the Bible. I beg an interest in the prayers of God's people that he may count us worthy of a seat at his right hand.
Sister Kellogg writes from Kickapoo, Wis. : It is cheering to me to hear from others of like faith; to hear of their determinations to press forward to the kingdom. The Lord is good to me, unworthy as I have been. I feel to praise his holy name for what he has done for me, in showing me present truth, and giving me a disposition to embrace the same. It makes me feel solemn when I hear of those that have been leaders in the cause of God, now trying to lead the little band of Sabbath-keepers astray, and break down the cause they have been building up. I feel to cry, O Lord, keep me from falling. I am determined to be more faithful, and be one of the watching, waiting ones, that when he, our Saviour comes, he will welcome me to joys immortal.
Bro. Littlefield writes from New Shoreham, Block Island, R. I. : The Lord has blessed us wonderfully in this place, while Satan is still trying to overcome and destroy the people of God. But I bless God that his power is above the wicked One, and that we yet have the privilege of meeting together to praise God, and to tell of his goodness, and to encourage one another to hold on and endure to the end.