Earlier text: The Visions---Objections AnsweredReport from Gratiot.
By I. D. Van Horn
According to appointment, I met with the church at Ithaca, Sabbath and first-day, May 26 and 27. Many of the brethren and sisters from Alma met with us on the Sabbath, and we were all blest and strengthened by the good meetings of the day. The Lord gave good freedom in speaking the word of truth. In our social meeting, a lively interest was manifested, which told that the truth still occupied a prominent place in the hearts of its friends. It rained quite hard nearly all day on Sunday, so that but few attended our meetings compared to what would, had it been fair. But, on the whole, this meeting was an encouraging season to us all. Monday, the 28th, I went to Seville. Here I found things in a better state than I expected, from what I had heard. I held five meetings with them which resulted in some, who had grown cold, and had about made up their mind to give up the truth, taking a new start, and resolving again to go forward with the remnant to Mount Zion. On Tuesday afternoon, we held a meeting at the house of Bro. Tann. While giving a discourse upon the holy character and purity of the Christian church in the last days, the rich blessing of the Lord rested upon us. Those who had not abandoned that filthy weed and idol, tobacco, were led to see their unfitness to occupy a place in the building which is to be a "habitation of God through the Spirit," Eph. ii, 22, and they resolved at once to leave off the filthy habit, from this time forward. We some expected to have a discussion at this place, but the ministers were all silent, and we went on with our meetings unmolested. Thursday evening, the 31st, we commenced meetings in Alma, which continued with increasing interest over Sabbath and Sunday. I found this church in a flourishing condition, having a zeal for the truth and manifesting an ardent desire that their friends and neighbors might hear and believe the truth. They have met with a good deal of opposition and some persecution of late, which has only served to bring them into closer union and fellowship with each other. On the Sabbath, the friends from Ithaca, Seville, and St. Louis, were with us, the blessing of the Lord came upon us, and we had a free time in declaring what He had done for us. As the straightness of the way to the kingdom was pointed out to them, they all seemed to feel willing to forsake all in this unfriendly world, and try to make their calling and election sure. On Sunday we had three good meetings. After the first, the large congregation in attendance went to the bank of that beautiful stream, Pine River, and six willing souls were buried with their Lord in baptism to rise to walk in newness of life. Oh, how good the Lord is; for in face of all opposition he causes his truth to triumph in victory! His glorious name is worthy of all praise, and in meek submission to his will, we will give him all the glory. Our visit to this county was timely, and we have evidence to believe that much good has been accomplished. Dear brethren and sisters in Gratiot, prove faithful in your duty till Jesus comes, and he will reward you with eternal life. I am now at Greenbush, where I shall hold a day's meeting, then start on my journey, to commence labors in Ohio. I felt sad as I came to this place on my way to Gratiot, and found that the good brethren and sisters here had been disappointed in their meeting. I arrived one day too late. I hope the dear friends will forgive me. The Lord is with us, and we will continue to praise his name.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Greenbush, Mich., June, 1866. WE were designing to present in this number a short article on 1 Cor. xiv, 34, but had not time to complete it. It will appear in our next. Report from Bro. White.
By James White
IN company with Dr. H. S. Lay and wife, Mrs. W. and self left Battle Creek in our private carriage for Monterey, June 30. The weather was fine. At one P. M. we stopped in a grove and enjoyed our hygienic dinner with a keen relish. That night we stopped at the hospitable home of Bro. Haddon, thirty-five miles from B. C., where we enjoyed quite good rest. The next day the Doctor and his wife went to their family in Allegan, and we went on to Monterey, making a distance of twenty miles the second day. We stopped at our old home, in the family of Bro. L. M. Jones, where, as usual, we received every possible act of kindness. Bro. and Sr. Jones have both been patients at a health institution, hence knew how to provide their table with healthful food. We attended the Monthly Meeting at Monterey, and were glad to meet Brn. Bates and Waggoner, and a large attendance of the brethren from the region round about. The meeting was a good one. One brother resolved to return to the Sabbath again, and there was a general waking up to the health-reform question. Mrs. W. enjoyed her usual freedom on her favorite themes, namely, the principles of hygiene, and the preparation for the time of trouble. We remained over a second Sabbath, and the burden of our testimony was upon the words of the prophet, "Will a man rob God?" The prophet also declares that some had robbed the Most High "in tithes and in offerings." The application could be readily made by some who had the amount of their property put down in the S. B. book one-third of what they would sell it for, and who had paid but a small part of that for more than one year. One brother of wealth had thus robbed God of not less than $500 in about five years, who had been distinctly reminded of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his word—"Ye are cursed with a curse"—which he had signally felt spiritually and physically. The Bible calls for at least a portion of the principal; but Systematic Benevolence calls for only one-tenth of one's increase. It leaves untouched the principal and nine-tenths of the increase, and offers only one-tenth to the Lord; yet some of the rich get weary in well-doing. God save them from the terrible curse that now slumbers only to awaken right early in terrible vengeance on the unfaithful stewards. We reached home, after having been absent nearly two weeks, June 11. We traveled with our team about two hundred and fifty miles. In point of health, we sleep better, enjoy our food better, a better condition of the stomach and bowels is established, and we are gaining slowly in weight. Of our sufferings in the past none but God has known; but we trust they are mostly in the past. Brethren pray for us. To know that we have the prayers of those who pray in faith, is our highest earthly joy. Battle Creek, June 18, 1866. Report from Bro. Canright.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I MET with the friends at Tuscola according to appointment. Found them all doing well and much encouraged to go forward. They have bought them a meeting-house formerly owned by the Wesleyans. We gave them a lecture on health. It was well received and nearly all see the importance of a reform and have already begun it to a considerable extent. We only need to caution them not to make the change too rapidly lest it injure them. The little church at Vassar are pressing forward in harmony and good order. They all seem ready to step out upon the light as fast as they receive it. We hope that they will always continue of the same mind. One was added to the church. We had a very pleasant meeting with the church at Watrousville. Unity, zeal, and order appear among them so far. May God keep them so to the end. They are now building a meeting-house. Most of them are poor in this world's goods hence it is quite an undertaking for them. But all are united in the matter and this will help them much. They have most of the material and can do all the work among themselves. Even the sisters concluded that they must help forward this work of God. But how could they help? Of course they could not work on the building, and if they subscribed money, in most cases their husbands would have it to pay. But they proved the old saying true, "Where there is a will there is a way." They concluded to weave a hundred yards of rag carpet and sell it for the benefit of the meeting-house. Each one furnished a few pounds of carpet rags and a few shillings to buy the warp with, while others wove the carpet. This readily sold for one dollar per yard. Thus they will raise $100 in money which is quite an item with them. On Sabbath, June 2, the churches from Vassar and Centerville met with us at Watrousville. We had a pleasant, and we hope, a profitable meeting. The Resolutions on Dress are attracting the attention of the sisters now. I think that most of them will readily adopt them and we hope that all will soon. We leave these churches in a prosperous condition, praying that the Good Shepherd will lead them through to the kingdom. Monday, June 4, Bro. Spooner brought me to East Saginaw where I took the boat intending to go around on the water to Buffalo.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Lake Huron, June 6, 1866. Love, Patience, and Lowliness
By John Wesley
There is no love of God without patience, and no patience without lowliness and sweetness of spirit. — Wesley. Christian Memorials.
By H. S. Gurney
WHILE listening to a discourse a short time since upon the ordinances of the church, my mind was led out in the following order: The most humiliating points of gospel truth are least esteemed by the professed followers of Christ. The original design of the two ordinances based upon the humility and death of Christ are only in part understood; also in regard to baptism, which is a memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ. Being buried in water and rising to newness of life is a clear memorial of the burial and resurrection of Christ. If this fact had not been lost sight of by the Christian church, the Christian Sabbath would not have been founded upon that event. But understanding as above the adaptation is perfect. All is easy and appropriate. Any one can see that resting on Sunday does not naturally remind one of the resurrection of Christ. But baptism is perfectly adapted to such a purpose. So in regard to the bread and wine. These emblems are a clear sign of our Lord's broken body and spilt blood. But there is another event as clearly laid down, and as positively commanded as either of the above, the memorial of which, requiring the humiliating act of washing one another's feet, carries the mind back to the time and event of our Lord's submission into the hands of his enemies. "Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. ii, 6-8. None but infinite wisdom could devise a memorial so appropriate, and pointing so clearly to the humiliation of Christ; hence it comes in in its place before the Lord's supper. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. But as clear as this is set forth with all its appropriateness, supported by the example of our Lord and Master at the time of his humiliation, yet not being endorsed by our popular teachers, but few are ready to follow their Lord in the act of washing feet. To me this view of the subject is conclusive, beautiful, and harmonious. May all seekers after truth be refreshed with the sweet influences found in obedience to Christ. Godly Sorrow.
By John Matteson
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." 2 Cor. vii, 10. There are many different kinds of sorrow in this world of sorrow; but there is only one kind that has a blessing with it, and can be called godly. It is such sorrow as will lead us to repentance. The great instrument which God has given us to create godly sorrow is the law of God, as vividly brought home to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, making the word of God sharper than any two-edged sword. Yet this fashionable and delicate generation does not like the sharp sword, but prefer a blunt one, wrapped all up in silk and velvet. There can be no gospel without the law. For where there is no law, there is no sin, and where there is no sin, there can be no salvation from sin. Therefore, to preach the gospel without the law, is an absurdity. The office of the law at the present time is to make man realize his true condition. To make him see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. We are born in sin, have indulged in it more or less, and have been surrounded by it all our lifetime; wherefore we have lost that original holiness, which would make us abhor even the smallest sin. But God is holy, and does still view it in the same light as ever. Yet, how merciful is he, in providing a way of salvation. The first step, therefore, in opening our blind eyes, is to bring us to see and feel that we have need of a physician. The next, to bring us to the physician. And even after we have repented, if we would grow in grace and holiness, the same order must be followed. Whenever we want to reform, or change any wrong habit, we must first have a clear understanding of the sinfulness of such habit, and feel that we are guilty in the sight of God. And this must cause a godly sorrow in our hearts, and make us mourn that we could ever be so unthankful as to thus sin against a holy and loving Father, a tender and compassionate Saviour. Then we are in a right condition to be comforted by the gospel, and these promises apply to us; "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of Heaven." "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Then pardon, peace, and the smiles of Jesus are all ours, for his word cannot fail. And often, when we thus come to him, and weep and long after Jesus, he is close by; as when he spake to Mary, seeking him at the sepulcher. When we are hungry and thirsty, how glad we are to eat and drink. So the soul that hungers and thirsts after righteousness, rejoices in being filled. But the full soul loatheth the honey-comb. The natural appetite has a keen relish for the plainest food; but the perverted appetite cannot be satisfied with all the spices in the world. So the heart that seeks for plain gospel truth, and for salvation through the humble and lowly Jesus, can find blessings in every sermon, every prayer-meeting, and providence of God; but the soul with perverted taste wants eloquence, sarcasm, witticism, a man that is smart, smart! And even then it finds no nutriment, but remains a fashionably religious, perishing soul. The fact that we are hungry does not really prove that we will have something to eat. Neither can the law, if it convinces us ever so much of sin, bring us to Christ; for it does not say one word about Christ. But when the fact exists that one is hungry, and then food is offered to him, how quick you can draw his attention. So likewise, when we are deeply convinced by the law, and feel the burden of sin, how quickly the gospel will draw our attention, how sweet the name of Jesus sounds. Therefore, the conviction of the law, causing a godly sorrow for sin, must precede all true pardoning grace and divine peace in our hearts. This position is equally true when we come to speak of the health reform, and sins against nature. These sins are often looked upon as though they were of so different a nature, and so disconnected from the decalogue, that God would wink at them, and not hold us responsible for them. They are often talked about as a kind of "good-natured, little, funny sins; which of course we must at least pretend to overcome, so as to keep our standing in the church. But then I for my part cannot see why Sr. White makes so much ado about it and so much is said in the paper, not to speak about the book called How to Live. We bought one of them long time ago, and there it has been on our shelf ever since." What a mistaken idea! Can you sin against Nature and Nature's God, and not sin against the decalogue? Can you break down the temple of God, your own body, and not be guilty? Can you weaken your vitality, health, and mind, and not displease God? Can you pervert and stupify those noble faculties of your soul, which exalt you above the brute creation, and enable you to reverence and hold communion with the great God of Heaven and earth, without demoralizing yourself? In the day of Paul these sins were not so much spoken of, because then the people lived much plainer, and did not know much about those numerous diseases, which are now cursing this imbecile generation. Do you not see all this sickness, and misery, and death round about you? Sin is the only cause of it. What makes yonder glutton sleepy every time he attends a meeting? Overeating. What makes this brother and that sister so slow to apprehend spiritual things? Very often the chief cause is wrong quantity and quality of food. Do you love to hold communion with God? To enjoy clearness of mind and the peace of Heaven? Then cease to pervert the ways of God and nature. Our Saviour evidently warns this generation when he says, "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life." Therefore, if we do not wish the day of the Lord to come upon us as a snare, but desire to stand before the Son of man, we must avoid surfeiting, or wrong eating, as well as drunkenness, and those many deceiving worldly cares. But the first step in order, is to acknowledge your sin. Then to feel a godly sorrow for sin, repent of sin, and turn away from it to Jesus. There, and there only, can you find help to truly reform. But when you get Jesus to help you, how easy everything goes. Then you will have the health reform connected and interwoven with your religion, and you will praise the Lord for his loving kindness also in this respect. May the Lord help us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. May he give us strength to overcome and willingly move forward with the message, until we shall be ready for translation and glory.
JOHN MATTESON. Battle Creek, Mich., June, 1866. Report from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. WHITE: It is not because I have lost my interest in the cause and work of the Lord, nor because I have been altogether inactive, that I have made so few reports, for some time in the past. Perhaps I should here say, to the praise of Him who has spared my life till the present time, that about one year ago, I was so far reduced in health, that I had but little reason to hope for life but a few months longer; unless God should specially sustain me. I had adopted the health reform in diet, &c., from which I have been benefited in some measure; but future prospects for health looked dark and uncertain. The weakness both of body and mind, the restless nights; and the extreme and painful discouragements of my soul, the Lord only knows. Those who best knew the state of my health last fall, advised me to rest more, hope more in God, be more cheerful and joyful in him, and thus put forth a stronger effort for life. And to the glory of my heavenly Father, I can say that my health has considerably improved within a few months. And I most ardently pray for wisdom to spend the little strength I may have in the service of him who has done so much for me. The days of fasting and prayer were days long to be remembered by us in Wolcott. From that time the church has been coming up. The brethren and sisters, most of them, feel resolved to arise from their lukewarmness, to open the door of their heart, and let the Saviour come in. I shall ever hold in grateful remembrance the sweet privilege with the faithful servant of God, who preached unto us the plain, pointed, and heart-searching truths in connection with these meetings. Sabbath and first-day, May 19 and 20, I was at Roxbury, for the first time since Bro. Pierce left there. The meetings in this place, I think were profitable. Though the scattered few in this section miss the faithful labors, ardent prayers, and fatherly and godly counsels of Bro. P., yet I found them ready to hear and receive the truth spoken; and if they live agreeably to their solemn resolutions and promises, they will certainly arise with the people of the Lord. May 26 and 27, I was at Charleston, spoke to the church and friends four times. A deep, holy solemnity filled our minds as we wept, and prayed, and praised our Maker together, and talked of the blessedness of fully overcoming and standing with the Lamb upon Mount Zion. June 2 and 3 I preached at Sutton. These meetings were among the best I ever had in this place. It seems to me that our brethren and sisters here, are fully resolved to arise and walk more closely with God. May they not sink again, but move out agreeably to the clear, solemn, and deep convictions which they then felt they must, or fail to rise no more. In conclusion, let me say, dear brother, my sympathies are with you and Sr. W. and the afflicted servants of God, and I hope soon to meet you all where the inhabitants will not say "I am sick." Wolcott, Vt., June, 1866. Christ's Short Life on Earth.
HE whom Christians recognize as the Redeemer of the world, was only a youth. Whether his religion be regarded as a system of doctrines, or as a body of laws, or as a source of extraordinary influence, it is passing strange that he should have died in early life. His brief period of existence afforded no opportunity for maturing anything. In point of fact, while he lived, he did very little, in the common sense of doing. He originated no series of well-concerted plans; he neither contrived nor put in motion any extended machinery; he entered into no correspondence with parties in his own country, and in other regions of the world, in order to spread his influence and obtain co-operation. Even the few who were his constant companions, and were warmly attached to his person, were not in his lifetime imbued with his sentiments, and were not prepared to take up his work in his spirit after he was gone. He constructed no society with its name, design, and laws all definitely fixed and formally established. He had no time to construct and to organize—his life was too short; and almost all that he did was to speak. He spoke in familiar conversation with his friends, or at the wayside to the passers by, or to those who chose to consult him, or to large assemblies, as opportunity offered. He left behind him a few spoken truths—not a line or word of writing—and a certain spirit incarnated in his principles, and breathed out from his life, and then he died.—Young's "Christ of History." EVERY Christian should study the art of leading sinners to Jesus. Love to Christ will make a Christian desire to save souls, but will not necessarily give him skill to do the work. That he must acquire by thought, prayer, observation, and practice. This remark is suggested by an incident which I have just met in my reading. A pious physician had access to a jail, and tried to minister both to the souls and bodies of his patients in prison. One day he pleaded with a murderer to seek pardon. He urged all the motives of the gospel to repentance he could command, and threw his whole soul into the plea. The murderer was cool and obdurate; excused his crimes by quoting the example of David, Solomon, and other Scripture characters. In fine, he said "I don't know that I have much to repent of." This from a murderer was terrible. The physician left his cell thinking the case hopeless. Anxious, however, to do all he could, he invited a dear friend—an aged, devoted man—to visit him. The old man consented; and when, after some time, the doctor again ventured into the cell of the murderer, he was surprised to hear him say: "Doctor, you don't understand your business. You come here to do good—to benefit the souls of us poor prisoners; but you don't go about it right. You always urge me to 'repent'—to 'repent;' but, doctor, do you suppose there is one poor fellow in this prison, who doesn't know he must repent if he would be saved? That dear old friend of yours that you left behind, understood his business. He came here, sat right down by my side. He looked, indeed, like a really good man. With a look full of tenderness he said to me, 'John, wasn't it gracious goodness on the part of the Almighty that he should have loved us so much as to send his only begotten and well-beloved Son into the world to save such sinners as you and I.' Why, doctor, that word I killed me dead. I couldn't get over it. That the holy, venerable man should put himself on the same level with me—a vile murderer, neither fit to live nor to die! I can not keep it out of my thoughts. It is working its way to my heart." How great is the value of tact in soul-seeking! The doctor's direct appeal only stirred his depravity. The old man's indirect but adroit address, mingled as it was with exquisite tenderness, conquered him. The doctor was faithful, but unskillful, and failed; his aged friend was both faithful and skillful, and he prevailed—he was wise to win souls. Seek this Divine wisdom, Christian; so shall thou win many to righteousness. Dost thou need motive power? Get more love to Christ, until thou canst busy thyself in the work, saying, "The love of Christ constraineth me." Consider also "that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his ways, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." Alas, alas! that we should take so easy the destruction of souls around us, and sometimes even "the destruction of our kindred!" The Persian Traveler.
By John Todd
THE Persian traveler came to our country to see "the new world," as he had heard it called. On his arrival, instead of finding a few huts, with thatched roofs, as he expected, he found a great rich city, the largest he had ever seen. The great ships lay at the wharves, the tall masts looked like a forest, and the harbor was full of shipping of all kinds. So he landed, and went to the hotels, and traveled through the different States, saw the farms, the factories, the schools, and the benevolent institutions, such as hospitals, asylums, and the like. At length he reached Washington. Congress and the Senate were about to adjourn. Among other things, he felt very anxious to see the President of the United States. A friend walked with him to the White House, and introduced him. "Well," said the President, after the compliments of the introduction, "what do you think of our country?" "Sir, I have no words to express my wonder." "Will you please explain yourself?" "Why, sir, on my arrival they carried me to a magnificent palace, which they call a hotel. We have no palace in Persia so large. When I came to travel, instead of riding a donkey or a hired horse, and moving at the rate of twenty miles a day, they put me into a beautiful house, and whirled me off three hundred miles a day. Then I said, why, their very caravans are better off than our richest citizens are at the homes which have taken generations to adorn. Then, sir, they took me to a great palace-looking building, where hundreds of blind people were gathered together, and where they read with their fingers, and where they made sweet music, and were very happy. Oh! I said, the very blind23 in this land are better off than those who have eyes in my country! Then they took me to another such place, where those were gathered together who could not hear or speak; but they could read and write anything, and could talk with their fingers by making signs! Ah! these in this country, who are born dumb, are better off than those in my country who can hear with both ears. No ears and no eyes are here better than two ears and two eyes at home! Then, Mr. President, I came to Washington. To my amazement I found no army here, nobody guard for the chief magistrate of this great nation. I hear that you, sir, was up at the Capitol last evening till after midnight, signing the bills which Congress passed, and then, in the dark, you walked quietly home alone, without a guard, or anybody to defend you! I see no army in all the States where I have been; and one live governor of a great State I actually found out with his Irishman planting potatoes! Sir, to one who has been born and brought up where armies and swords are everywhere, this state of things has amazed me beyond expression!" "Oh, more than I can describe to you." "How do you account for it?" "Sir, there is only one answer to that question. Your land is governed by the Bible, mine by the sword! Your Bible has done ten-fold more for you in a few centuries, than the sword has done for us for ages. Here, you don't see the law, you don't hear it. It is a sort of thing that seems to dwell in the air, out of sight, but it comes down the moment it is called. With my country, law is made material, it is in armies and guns, and guards. It is like wearing a heavy iron mail shirt, instead of the loose cotton shirt. Your Bible has made schools, and colleges, and institutions of learning—our sword never reared a school-house in all Persia. Your Bible makes readers, and so you have papers, and magazines, and books, and a reading, thinking nation. Our sword makes no readers, no thinkers, no teachers of good things. O sir, there is no department of life in which we are not centuries behind you. I find that your people don't know what has made this nation what it is; but it is plain to me. And now, sir, I beg your pardon for talking so long, and telling you what you know. But you were so good as to ask my opinion, and I could not give it in fewer words. May you, sir, live twelve thousand moons, and your country live as long as the sun and moon endure. I thank you, Mr. President, for the light of your face, and that I may go home telling my countrymen that great position and high office never look so majestic, as in their naked simplicity." The President and traveler both arose, shook hands, smiled, made each a low bow, and the traveler went on his way. The President was heard to say to himself, "The fellow is right!"—John Todd, D. D. The Four Days of Fasting and Prayer.
By E. H. Root
BRO. WHITE: We thought it might be of interest to the readers of the Review, to learn how the days of fasting were spent by the church at Wright. First day we read the call and reasons as given in the Review, and the Laodicean message. Meeting very good. We advised the brethren to spend their time between meetings in reading, prayer, and meditation. Second day, good attendance. Some of the brethren got free in the Lord by confessing their faults. The burden was for an individual experience in the things of God, and that his servants might go free, and the rebuke be removed from his people. Third day the object of fasting was presented. It was that our minds might be clear, and we thereby understand ourselves better in the light of God's word. Read again the call for a fast, and thought of what God did for his people one year ago, and how unthankful we had been. We tried to understand the message to the Laodiceans, and saw ourselves as never before. The words, "knowest not," surely applied to us. We then looked at the testimony of Jonah, third chapter, and learned that it was their works in turning from their evil way, that God noticed when the city of Nineveh was spared. The importance of putting away our wrongs began to rest with more weight upon us, and every effort made in that direction God blessed. But some did not humble themselves, and the work was somewhat hindered. These three days spent mostly in prayer. Fourth day, read John ii, it being addressed to all; the 6th verse showing us that we ought to walk as Christ walked; verses 15-17 teaching us the consequences of loving the world, also that he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Finding ourselves entangled with the things of this world, we desired to become free. Verse 9 of chap. i, told us how. It says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We still inquire also of the Psalmist. Ps. xxxii, tells us of the blessing that follows those that acknowledge their sin; also of the wise man, Prov. xxviii, 13, which says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper." The Spirit of God set his word home to our hearts. Such a heart-searching work we never saw before here. Our meeting this day was one of confessing, and rejoicing in the blessing of God. The work has been quite general, and we pray that God's word and Spirit may continue to search our hearts until we see ourselves as he sees us, and we have strength to overcome every wrong. In love of the truth, Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich. [BRO. WHITE: The following piece of poetry I copied from a book styled, "Universalism Against Itself." And believing it to correspond with the teachings of the Bible, I have selected it for the Review.
R. A. WORDEN.] OUR Saviour once more upon earth shall appear
In person as lit'ral as when he was here;
The clouds are his chariot, and glory his throne,
Whilst myriads of angels his majesty own. Ten thousand bright angels with him shall descend,
Their strains of hosannas the heavens shall rend;
Whilst those who once sang the glad song of his birth,
Shall gather his saints from the ends of the earth. The kingdom shall come and the graves shall give way,
And his saints be redeemed from their prison of clay;
For the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall come forth,
From the east, from the west, from the south, from the north. All the nations of men are before him conveyed,
His bar of tribunal in justice arrayed;
Each tongue shall confess, whilst the Judge on the throne,
Shall the wicked condemn, and acknowledge his own. Each eye shall behold him in awful attire,
The saints shall be glad and their Saviour admire;
While those who condemned him to die on the tree,
Shall wail, when that glorious Messiah they see. 'Twill comfort the saints to reflect on the day
When sorrow and sighing shall vanish away;
When they shall be crowned and ascend to the skies,
And all tears shall forever be wiped from their eyes. These bodies though vile shall be fashioned aright,
And robed in a costume of glory and light,
With songs of thanksgiving we'll rise in the air,
And go to the city our Lord did prepare. The works shall be burned and the elements melt,
And all through the earth shall God's judgments be felt.
While the heavens rolled up shall depart as a scroll,
And the stars in their regions of darkness shall roll. But lo, a new heavens and new earth shall be made,
All garnished with glory that never shall fade;
The redeemed shall rejoice in that blissful abode,
Where sorrow shall never their pleasure corrode. Unpolluted by sin and unhurt by disease,
With their ensign of triumph unfurled to the breeze,
A crown of bright glory they ever shall wear,
And palm-wreaths of honor triumphantly bear. A convoy of angels, and chariots of love,
Shall escort them safe home to that city above,
Transformed like their Saviour, secure from all pain,
In his glorified presence forever to reign. But the wicked shall sink into darkness and gloom,
Everlasting destruction—their sentence and doom;
From the presence of God and the Lamb they shall flee,
And the glory of Heaven they never shall see. The remedial kingdom shall come to an end,
And the scepter of pardon no longer extend;
Death, despoiled of his trophies, all vanquished shall
fall,
The saints saved in Heaven, and God all in all. “Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. From Bro. and Sister Tomlinson.
Bro. White: We still love the truths of the third angel's message. We do not feel discouraged, but rather encouraged, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. We are encouraged by reading the cheering reports that come to us through the Review. We feel to thank our heavenly Father that he is hearing the prayers for his afflicted servants and cause. We want to arise with the message and come out of this lukewarm condition, and have an experience for ourselves, that when we are weighed we shall not be found wanting. The four days of fasting were observed here by the whole church and we had a refreshing season. We all felt like humbling ourselves under the hand of the Lord that in due time he might exalt us. Satan is trying to the utmost to tear us to pieces and throw in a scattering influence. Yet there are a few who still hold on to the things they have heard. The church is united in brotherly love, and is seeking for a deeper work of grace and a closer walk with God. We realize that we are living in perilous times, that Satan is going about seeking whom he may devour. We want to be shielded from his influence, and be prepared for the time of trouble that is just before us. We want the eyesalve that we may see clearly the way in which we should go. We feel thankful that God in his great mercy has permitted us to hear the last and solemn message that is to prepare a people for translation, and that we can still see a beauty and harmony in it. Although there are circumstances thrown around us that are calculated to draw us from the truth, yet we can say through the grace of God we are still unmoved, and by God's grace assisting us, we expect to go on and finally have a home on the earth made new, where there will be no tempting Devil to draw us into his cruel snares. We truly feel thankful that the Lord sent Brn. Ingraham, Sanborn, and Andrews, this way. They gave us meat in due season. We hope to be remembered by God's true followers. JESSE & MIRANDA TOMLINSON. Prayer for Afflicted Ministers
By L. L. Howard
Bro. WHITE: I grieve to see so many of God's ministers detained from their labors on account of sickness or poor health. I pray that they may be soon raised to health again and placed in the field. Our dear Bro. Hanscom still remains prostrate upon his bed, in a very feeble state; but his faith is steady in God's promises. He firmly believes that this last message is fitting up a church for translation, and he has hope that God will raise him up to help sound it to a perishing world. I hope the brethren and sisters will not forget him in this hour of affliction. I like the stand taken by the B. C. church on Dress, &c., and I hope God will enable us to live it out. Yours for the truth. L. L. HOWARD.