Earlier text: THE HOLY SABBATH OF THE LORDTHE MISSIONARY SPIRIT.
By J. H. W.
I HAVE often thought that we are the most unfaithful of all people; expecting the most from the least effort, and the most easily discouraged. I was led again to reflect on this, by reading Bro. White’s account of what a denomination had done at Tipton, Iowa, under the most discouraging circumstances. And such instances are by no means rare. On the contrary, some of our brethren show signs of discouragement if they give fifteen or twenty dollars, if they cannot see immediate results from it. “O, ye of little faith!” The Cincinnati Gazette of March 22, 1860, in its religious intelligence contains the following: “LIBERAL COLLECTION.—Last Sunday morning Rev. Dr. Adams, of the Madison Square, N. Y., Presbyterian church, made an earnest appeal in behalf of the Am. Board of Com. of Foreign Missions, the result of which was an impromptu collection of a larger sum than was perhaps ever before taken up in an American church, in this manner, for a similar object. Including a sum given during the previous week, the amount collected was eleven thousand dollars.” This is one collection. These appeals are continually being made, and collections taken, all over the land, and what is done with the money? A few facts concerning Foreign Missions were given in the Review a few weeks ago. The following testimony I think will be interesting to its readers. It is an extract from a letter from J. T. Barclay, of the “Board of Am. Christian Missions,” and published in the Monthly Christian Age, a few years since. He writes from Jerusalem: “The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions sent two missionaries here as long ago as 1821; and their mission was well sustained (with occasional interruptions) by a strong band of most excellent, devoted and talented men, till about four or five years ago, during all which time three converts were all the fruits of this great outlay. The persevering efforts of the Lutherans have been still more barren of good results. The London Jews’ Society have had missionaries here, more or less constantly, for more than a quarter of a century; and in 1834 they established a regular mission on a very extensive scale, which has been lavishly supplied with chaplains, missionaries, colporteurs, helps, governments, &c., &c., under its learned ‘Lord Bishops.’ A splendid church edifice has been erected, at a total cost, as I am informed by an architect, of £70,000; an extensive and well-conducted Hospital established; well endowed literary and manual-labor institutions founded, and money funded for the purpose of ‘aiding inquiring Jews,’ ‘assisting to establish converts in business,’ &c., &c. Besides the money already so extensively invested in real estate by the society, thirty or forty thousand dollars are annually expended in support of the mission, which is not only under the auspices of that powerful and wealthy society (one of whose patrons alone has recently given it $300,000), but is under the special care and patronage of two of the most enlightened and potent monarchs in Europe (Victoria and Frederick William), both of whom maintain able Consuls in the city, for the special protection of its members. And yet, during the thirty years’ labors of its various well-sustained and energetic agents, the number of converts made in this city, even with all the worldly inducements set before them, amounts to only a score or two, more than three-fourths of whom are retained in the service of the society at salaries far more than adequate to their support.189 'Not a single convert from Mahometanism has been made by either of these denominations, nor by the combined efforts of the dozen different Christian sects of Jerusalem; but on the contrary, several Christians have actually gone over to the Moslems and Jews!!' In regard to these 'worldly inducements,' Mr. Barclay cites witnesses as follows: 'Mr. Spencer, an Episcopal minister who spent some time here in 1849, remarks (p. 275, 'Sketches of Travel in Palestine,' &c.), when speaking of the Luthero-Episcopal mission here, that 'the mission to the Jews has not only got to convince them of their guilt and perversity in rejecting the Messiah, but on their professing Christianity, is obliged to undertake their temporal support also, as a necessary consequence.' 'Mr. Williams, chaplain to this same Prusso-Anglican mission, observes (p. 570, vol. 2, of his 'Holy City') when speaking of the proselytes made by the missionaries of the Am. Brd. Com. For. Missions, that 'there were three of these men—I believe not more. The missionaries have taken charge of their families, as they were bound to do.' Dr. Zischendorf, in his 'Travels in the East,' p. 159, goes so far as to say that 'conversions in Jerusalem are framed to an accommodation with the most modern Judaism, and six thousand Piastres (about £50), with other advantages, are offered to the converts as a premium.' Now, while I cannot believe that the gravest item of this charge is literally true, yet I lament to say there is far too much truth in it; for it is undeniably true that worldly inducements of a very tempting character are held forth, the effect of which (not to say design), is both to make proselytes, and retain them in ecclesiastical connection, upon principles not countenanced by the word of God.' In addition to the inducements of worldly advantage held out before the candidate for conversion, Mr. B. says the Christianity taught there is 'somewhat accommodated to the taste of the age, by a liberal admixture of philosophy, Judaism and paganism.' Much the same as it is dealt out weekly to American congregations. The editor of the Age in his remarks on the letter of Mr. Barclay says: 'But the picture is not as dark as one delineated by the Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Mission in Damascus, drawn up by the order of the Association of the Mission, and presented at its meeting held in Bludan, on Wednesday, July 15th, 1851. * 'The report embraces a period of eight years, and in different parts of it we have such statements as these: '''Soon after Doob's affair, Yusef Shatela, a member of the Greek Church, applied to be received as a Protestant. Applications of a like nature have indeed often been made, but generally by ignorant persons, sometimes by immoral persons, and always for some worldly object, which they scarcely ever attempted to conceal.' 'Sometimes Jews, and sometimes Christians, came seeking to join us; but they went away as soon as they learned that they could not gain the particular worldly object which they had in view.' 'This Presbyterian report of the Damascus mission, thus discourses of the first success, after more than seven years' labor among the native Damascusans. '''At the afternoon service on the 9th of January 1851 held in the house of Meshakah, for the occasion, Mr. Robson baptized Ibrahim, son of Mikhail Meshakah, born on the 20th of November preceding. This was the first administration of sacrament to a native.' 'There were but few other conversions of Greeks, etc. An infant of six weeks is the first fruits of Damascus, where there had been regular Hebrew and Arabic service for many years.' Well would it be for these teachers of perverted Christianity if they would first learn that the Father is only worshiped in spirit and in truth, and will not smile upon the perversions of his truth, to make the whispers in Jerusalem, or in the mountains of Samaria. Jno. iv. As a sequel to this missionary intelligence I add the statement of the N. Y. Tribune of 1858, that a certain 'benevolent society' had received $18,000 in contributions, and paid out $16,000 in salaries to its officers! Benevolence! Surely the millennium is not yet. Looking to the home field we see in every direction congregations in small villages erecting houses of worship at a cost of from $3,000 to $20,000, and in cities, of five times that amount, and sustaining preachers at large salaries. And all this to sustain fables! A simple statement of another nature may look bad in this connection, but 'truth is truth.' Those who ought to be preaching and writing every hour, are spending precious time endeavoring to raise funds to buy a plain canvass covering in which to give the most solemn and important warning that the world has ever heard; its solemnity and importance greatly increased by its being the last. Lord, revive thy work! LETTER FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
BRO. SMITH: On our way to Defiance Co., we held one meeting in Ridgeland, Henry Co. The people came out and filled the house, but with the exception of a very few believers, there appeared to be no interest in the truth. At Ayersville we held three meetings in the school-house, which was for the first time opened for our use. The attendance was good, and the interest appeared to be good also. We think that much prejudice was removed, for much had existed in the community. Many had judged and condemned the truth without a hearing, and voted against permitting their neighbors to hear, by closing the school house. But as better counsel prevailed some desired to hear, and we hope those interested may continue to investigate. Had circumstances permitted we would have been pleased to continue our labors in that place, as the church greatly desired. But as our time was limited, and we were both suffering from unusually severe colds, further public labor was impossible. We found the little flock at Ayersville firm in the truth, seeming to realize, as all should, that we are in the last days. We held two meetings with the church, by which we were all strengthened and encouraged. Returning by way of Gilboa we spent Sabbath, April 7th, at Green Spring, where a number assembled from the country surrounding, to whom we spoke of the necessity of immediate preparation for those things spoken of in God’s word. We feel encouraged by our visits thus far. Though our health has been such that our labors have not been what we desired they might be, yet we find in general a good interest which makes us hope for the future of the cause in this State. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon the work, that our hopes may be fully realized. LIVE AND LET LIVE.
By E. Goodrich
This is quite a popular motto; and although it does not contain all that amount of selfishness that might otherwise be expressed, yet it is selfish and only selfish. It is akin to that charity that always begins and ends at home. For while it may say, Be ye warmed and be ye fed, it does nothing for the relief either of the needy or distressed. At best its virtues and properties are but negative and passive; for when analyzed it is found to contain not one particle of that active benevolence or philanthropy recommended in the word of God and everywhere exhibited in the system of Christianity, which is a system of active, positive remedy and relief. Some seem quite contented with themselves if they are found refraining from doing wrong. This is a great error. It is man's duty not only to cease to do evil, but it is his imperative duty to learn to do well also. It is not enough that we are willing that our neighbor should live if he can; but it is our duty as we would that he should do unto us, to do unto him. It is not enough that we are willing to, or even do, rejoice in seeing the cause of God move onward; but it is our duty also to move with it, suffering when it suffers, and rejoicing when it is advanced. The church of Christ is a mutual compact, a body composed of many members; and only by positive investment and action can any member secure the right and privilege of said body. Because all rights (whether natural, political or religious) are but the result of positive relations sustained, and can only equal the duties imposed by the same relations. Such a thing as duty without privilege is downright tyranny; and such a thing as privilege without duty is not liberty, but open indulgence. The rights, immunities and privileges of this commonwealth are, and can only be, secured by and to its willing and obedient citizens. And so it is with God-fellowism. None can claim its benefits but those who are positively connected therewith and aid in sustaining the system. The law here set forth is that of mutual insurance; viz., no member or person shall claim the right of being confessed or insured but such as confess and live for the interest of the entire body. This is the doctrine everywhere taught in the Scriptures, the rock upon which Christ's church is built, and the law by which she is governed in all her relations. Hence it is that the declaration of the Saviour [Matt. x, 32, 33], Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven, is a moral and legal truth; and none but those who are willing to lay down their lives for their Master's sake, can ever be accounted worthy to reign with him who laid down his life for them. Again, the health and strength of the body (the mystical body of Christ) is the health and strength of its members. And as "health is the harmonious action of every organ and faculty of the system," when any member fails to discharge the duties that devolve upon it from the relation that it sustains to the body, it is then that the body becomes diseased, and the disease (whether it be in the form of debility, derangement or inflammation), though at the first it may only be local, yet the law of the system says that it shall be healed or else become general. Otherwise the body would not be one, and when one member suffers all suffer with it. But "the body is one," and each member has a place in which it should act for the good of the body. "The body is one," and local injuries ofttimes excite general inflammation to that extent that the healing strength of the system is wasted in a vain attempt to restore the afflicted part, and putrefaction and death ensue. It is true, men are separate identities, and we need not follow or be drawn down to perdition by our fellows; nevertheless, we are bound together in our relations by the law of general good, and no one can save himself without laboring earnestly for the salvation of his fellows. This is what the scripture teaches when it says, "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." How essential then that each and every member of the body of Christ should fill the place designed by the Head, and instead of having a motto that says, "Live and let live," have one that reads, Live and help to live.
E. GOODRICH.
Edinboro, Pa. CONFERENCES IN WIS.
By William S. Ingraham
Bro. Smith: I have just returned home from Mackford conference. Our conference in Cadiz was well attended. Brethren from different places came up to this place to worship God. The friends were somewhat190 disappointed in not meeting Bro. and sister White. Bro. White's main excuse for not coming perhaps was not rightly considered by all. But when he learns that we all expected he would come on the cars to Monroe, it may be a sufficient reason why we did not make calculations to meet him at some other point. But notwithstanding we were disappointed, yet our meeting moved off in harmony, and we felt it was not altogether in vain that the appointment was made. On first-day morning we met to take into consideration the demands of the cause West. It was thought best that the old Wis. and Ills. tent should go into Minnesota, and a new one be purchased for Ills. and Wis. The friends present gave pledges to the amount of $32. Since that time $58 more have been pledged, making $90. Southern Wis. and Northern Ills. have promised for a new tent. Our Mackford conference was very interesting. Brethren were present from almost all parts of Northern Wisconsin. They expected to see Bro. and sister White, but they came trusting in the Lord. Preaching brethren present were Brn. Phelps, Steward, Allen and Sanborn. I think the brethren in Northern Wis. have failed in not laying sufficient stress on the third angel's message. But we were rejoiced to see the message rising. Our last meeting was very spirited. Over ninety testimonies were given. Our meeting continued until after midnight. The cause in Wisconsin is onward. We begin to feel encouraged. We see a chance to become united in the great work connected with the third angel's message. The future-age doctrine is rising from Wisconsin to depart. Praise the Lord! Over $60 were pledged at this conference for a new tent. Money pledged for the tent is to be paid by or before the 20th of May. Brethren, push forward this work, and be in time to enter the field when warm weather comes on. P. S. It was the mind of the conferences in Cadiz and Mackford to have Bro. White aid us in purchasing a tent; but as we are referred to Bro. Orton, of Rochester, N. Y., I hope the brethren appointed to act in this matter will address Bro. Orton immediately. "The Lord said to Eliphas the Temanite, my wrath is kindled against thee and against thy two friends; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath." Some affect to suppose that in the days of the early scripture writers, Job particularly, such darkness prevailed as hindered them from understanding such a subject as the state of the dead. To such people we submit the above endorsement of Jehovah, that Job had spoken the thing that was right. Now there is no subject more clearly brought to view in the book of Job than the state of the dead. On this point Job speaks out fully and clearly, and with such a voucher as Jehovah for his veracity, he sets this much disputed question at rest. Not a shred, not a jot or tittle of evidence can be found in the book of Job which can be so constructed as to favor the popular view of death as the gate of endless life. Let every doubter on this point, from least to greatest, who would know the mind of God on this matter, examine the doctrines of Job on this much vexed question, and he will find they harmonize with other parts of the Bible. See Job. vii, 21; xiv, 7-21; x, 18, 22; xvii, 13, 16; xix, 23-29. "A gloomy view indeed," says the doubter. Yes brother, but the xvth chapter of 1 Cor. dissipates the gloom of the grave. "THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT"
By Jos. Clarke
Is said to be the word of God. How necessary, then, that the Christian warrior knows how to wield this sword. The bungler who is too indolent and careless, or too worldly to get a knowledge of the truth, had better be careful how he attempts to wield this sword. I have known men to become much disabled, badly wounded and cut up in attempting to wield this instrument. Some get hold of the blade, and in attempting to use this sword thus they mangle their own hands, and while trying to strike with the hilt, they perhaps run themselves through fatally. The old-fashioned way of committing scripture to memory is out of fashion, and in this superficial age of fast readers, scripture is often misquoted and misapplied. I have read somewhere that when Moses taught the law to the people he had the people arranged so that he dictated to the twelve heads of the tribes, who did the same to seventy-two others, who did likewise to others until every word and syllable reverberated among that vast army of two or three millions; the effect was, that generation was faithful (see Judges ii, 7); they had the law written on their memories, and probably that generation were many of them sanctified through the truth. Let us commit to memory lesson by lesson the evidences of our position, and thus become rich in regard to the material for proof. God will sanctify it to our purification and sanctification. So may we wield the glittering sword.
Jos. CLARKE. REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.
By Joseph Bates
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have been endeavoring to present the truth in Caladonia and Gaines, Mich. I spent three Sabbaths with the church in C. commencing the last Sabbath in March. They seemed much cheered with our visit and labor with them, and are endeavoring to press their way forward with renewed vigor, to keep company with the remnant who are now persecuted, and about to be made war upon by the dragon and his host, for keeping the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus Christ. They have become satisfied there is no outside track for this persecuted "little flock." They are laboring with some good hope of success for their children in the Sabbath-school. Several presented themselves for baptism the last Sabbath we were with them, but before we could attend to that ordinance we were sent for to attend sister Collins' funeral. Our appointment is to meet with them again the coming Sabbath. From thence we design to visit the church in Bowne. We commenced in C. with a two days meeting. Some that had turned away with itching ears to listen to the no-law Age-to come theory, after hearing our presentation of the two laws were considerably stirred up. Some of them declared they had been deceived, and that their first position was correct, for they saw plainly there was no law abolished but the law of commandments contained in ordinances. Others there were however, that were not so willing to acknowledge. One of them came forward at the close of the meeting desiring to know if I would meet O. R. L. Crozier on this subject. I asked him if Mr. Crozier had employed him for this purpose. No said he, but he will meet you &c. I replied, when Mr. Crozier comes here I will talk with him, and remarked, Mr. C. blows hot, and blows cold. He has taught publicly that a person could not be saved that did not keep the seventh day for the Sabbath. But he now teaches that there is no Sabbath, for it was abolished at the cross. Here the matter ended. We were invited to preach in two different schoolhouses in Gaines, the next town. In the first we gave seven lectures. In the last we had held six meetings before we were called to Watson. Many were ready to admit that the seventh day was the Sabbath, but inclined rather to remain in the peace and safety position. Some however like to hear and examine, but they say, we have no money to buy books. We say that we would rather give them the books if they will read, than that they should lose their interest in this glorious work. Monterey, April 23, 1860. Bro. Smith: Bro. Waggoner's note, published in Review of April 23, 1859, I had overlooked till lately. He asks if I would kill my fellow-man in obedience to the government of the United States? I hold that the right of self-defense is just as good in the individual, as in the government, but neither has any right to revenge even on the deadliest enemy. The obligation to obey God rather than man must involve the individual right to discriminate between revenge and self-defense. It would be revenge in the government to kill or abuse its prisoners, or to invade the nation by whom it had been invaded. Nor would I obey the government to march beyond the boundary line of my country, but In a war of defense
I would find means immense,
And fight till all are exhausted,
Reserving always the right of private judgment, as to the justice of the cause, which being settled in my own mind, I award to the government the right to prescribe the mode of resistance, only so, that the end must never sanctify unholy means. If all the subjects of the government were true Christians, regarding the divine law (which requires us to lay down our lives rather than violate it), as paramount to all human authority, there could be no aggressive nor revengeful war. Nobody would enlist to march beyond the boundary line. But if the powers that be are ordained of God, in any higher sense than the power of the pirate—if human and divine law can consist together at all, the human law must have a penalty, as well as the divine; for law without penalty is no law, nor can penalty always be inflicted without destruction of life; for the culprit might resist the penalty unto death, so that it might be my duty to fire upon the mob. His other question, "Would I as United States Commissioner deliver up the fugitive slave?" somewhat surprised me as rather derogating from my anti-slavery reputation, which I have had the vanity to think was established above suspicion. I would "not deliver up the servant that has escaped from his master," but whenever a fair opportunity offers, I would hazard much in aiding the slave to escape; for I regard not only the fugitive slave law, but also all slave laws, whether State or national, as not only against the divine law, but also unconstitutional. Yours for truth and righteousness. The Truth Spreading Through the Community
By L. W. Simms
Bro. Smith: I feel anxious to testify my gratitude to my Heavenly Father, that I am counted worthy to be numbered among those who are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And also, that whereas I have been alone in the belief of the present truth, there are now not far from twenty believers, my husband not excepted. The Lord has been at work for us here. We have been favored for the first time in this place, in listening to a series of lectures on the perpetuity of the law, by Bro. T. M. Steward, who presented the truths of the Bible in so clear and plain a manner, that many listeners were constrained to acknowledge the truth. He was called191 away too soon. We hope, God in his providence will prosper him, and enable him to return. The leaven of truth is already working, and my prayer is that it may work until the whole lump may be leavened. We trust that some are beginning to see the necessity of entire consecration, and are striving for holiness of heart, viewing the straitness of the way as never before. O how good the Lord is, to correct our errors and faults, that we may confess and forsake them, and be fitted for his everlasting kingdom. Yes, dear brethren and sisters, I praise the Lord, that as I hope for eternal life beyond this vale of tears, I expect it only by complying with the requirements of the gospel, through grace, through keeping the ten commandments, of which the Sabbath is one. A great blessing was pronounced upon the seventh day. Although this cause subjects us to many trials, and to endure the frowns and scorn of many loved ones, yet who that wishes to enjoy the blessings with which the pathway of the just is strewn, and an eternal home in glory where Jesus reigns, who, I say that believes this, would not rather suffer pain and shame for Christ's sake, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season? This glorious truth I believe is drawing the separating line between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. I believe that God has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, and that very soon his great work will be finished. Then "he that is righteous let him be righteous still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still." O I feel in view of this scene a deep sense of my utter unworthiness. I need much to fit me to stand before the Son of God in peace. We must be holy. I can only pray, Lord put forth thy helping hand and save from delusion, thy people from all sin, and so shall we follow on to know Thee more perfectly, whom to know aright is life and peace. L. W. SIMMS.
Melrose, Wis. Note of Explanation.
By James White
We were providentially detained at Knoxville until Wednesday morning; rode that day forty-five miles to the cars at Ottumwa; took the first train that left, Thursday at 2 P. M., decided that we could not reach the appointment by the round-about Railroad route with its changes, and then private conveyance to Cadiz. If our friends had stated in their letters that they would have met us on Friday at Warren, Freeport, or Monroe, we think we should have rode day and night, if possible to reach the Conference. But all was uncertainty with us, and we were very weary from our journeying and labor in Iowa, and felt perfectly free in continuing the direct route to Battle Creek. If we can assist the brethren in obtaining a Tent, we shall be happy to do so. JAMES WHITE. "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH: I have long esteemed it duty as well as a pleasure, to speak to those of like precious faith, of the longsuffering and lovingkindness of my heavenly Father. While walking in the broad road a stranger to my Redeemer, death entered our household and tore from thence a dear and beloved father. This was indeed a wound for which earth had no cordial, and which heaven alone had power to heal. While thus bereft, I was led to look to Him who has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and O how precious was that promise! and how truly has it been verified to me. Again, while walking with those who cry peace and safety, and disregarding God's holy Sabbath, all my earthly hopes were cut off by disease. For three long years I sought earthly aid, both far and near, but to no avail. Yet I was not left comfortless; for the Lord in great mercy sent Bro. and Sr. Lawrence, of Bangor, N. Y., to hold up to me the promises of God, and the truths of his holy word, and I was led to see light in the light of the Lord, and to embrace the precious truths connected with the third angel's message. Although I felt that I must soon lie down in the grave, yet I was led to rejoice in the hope set before me, knowing that Jesus would soon come and awake my sleeping dust. But the good Shepherd led me in a way that I knew not. When I became obedient to his holy will, and felt to lie passive in his hands, then he appeared as my physician. He heard prayer in my behalf, and rescued me from the gates of death, that I might declare his truth, and talk of his lovingkindness. I feel to-day that I can truly say that his word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, and because his lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise him. I thank God that I was ever afflicted and brought low, that I might become willing to receive the truth, and to have my name cast out as evil for Christ's sake. Although I have to bear the scoffs of those that reject this gospel of the kingdom, yet I feel to rejoice in the truth. I know that the God in whom I have trusted is all-sufficient, and he will grant me grace as my day is. Although former friends and associates forsake me, the Lord is the same yesterday, to-day and forever, a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. I have learned that there is a strong tower whereunto I can resort in every time of trouble. A little more than one year has passed since I commenced trying to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy, and to walk before the Lord blameless. I live in a community of none of like faith, and very many are they that oppose the truth, putting light for darkness and darkness for light. Yet I do not feel like deserting my post, and my confidence in the truth is not in the least shaken. O no, the way grows brighter and more glorious, and I feel willing to testify that after the manner that some call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all that is written in the law and the prophets. While recalling past mercies of the Lord, and the way that he has led me of late, I am led to cry from the depths of my soul, The Lord be magnified! My desire and prayer is that I may prove faithful, and so seek meekness and holiness that I may be counted worthy to escape the trouble that is coming upon the earth, and at last be numbered with the redeemed upon mount Zion. E. S. WRIGHT.
Moira, N. Y. The Truth Will Be Revealed
If we try to do right, those who mistake us will find the truth in due time; or if they do not, it will be of little consequence, so long as our own consciences acquit us. Press On, Victory Is Sure
F. F. Camp writes from Chelsea, Vt.: “Over eight years have passed away since I made up my mind to leave the traditions of men and fully heed the teachings of God's holy and blessed word, and strive with all the heart to be a Bible Christian and go through with his people to mount Zion. And now while reviewing the past and striving to ascertain what advancement I have made I can say to day that I thank God with all my heart that I have been led out here step by step into the glorious light that shines so brilliantly upon the pathway of the remnant. The truth looks more beautiful than ever, and I love it better and expect to be sanctified through perfect obedience to not only the commands of God, but also the teachings of our dear Saviour. I trust the time is near when we shall hear more about the last part of the third angel's message. How often when I have been hardly beset by the enemy, overwhelmed with darkness and almost driven to despair has some precious promise been sweetly applied to my heart, and I could say with one anciently, Surely the Lord God is a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Look up ye weary and oppress who are sighing for deliverance. Your redemption is near. Press on! Victory is sure. Home is almost in sight. Cheering thought, eternal life is before us, and is it not worth giving all for? Let us so run that we may obtain, not a corruptible, but an incorruptible crown, which Paul says the Lord the righteous Judge will give to him in that day, and not to him only, but to all them that love his appearing.” Died in Watson, Mich., 15th inst., Marcella S., wife of Bro. Chester Collins, aged thirty-four years. Her disease was the lung fever, causing her death in about three weeks. Sister C. embraced the Sabbath with her husband about four years ago. For a few months past she had been unusually engaged in the praying circle, and manifested a calm resignation to the will of the Lord in the hour of death, and quietly and peacefully died in the Lord. Just before her death she said to her husband, "We have had to endure a good deal of opposition, but none too much." She said also that she was satisfied that nothing but the prayer of faith would help her. Some of the brethren from Monterey had prayed with her previous to this conversation, and the Lord blessed, strengthened and encouraged her; but opposition from the unbelieving discouraged and darkened her mind, and before the brethren visited her again, she sank in death. I was in Caledonia at the time, but reached W. in season to attend her funeral in a crowded school-house, where I spoke from the declaration of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians [chap. xv, 26], "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." JOHN A. SOBER
By John A. Sober
DiED in Burlington, Mich., at her residence, April 13th, 1860, Sr. Susan, wife of Bro. Joseph Engle, aged 72 years and six months. Sr. Engle professed religion, and joined the Methodist church about forty years ago. But about two and a half years since, hearing the proclamation of the advent near, she embraced the faith with all her heart, and rejoiced in it until the hour of her death. She was also a firm believer in, and observer of, the Sabbath, believing it to be the commandment of Jesus. In her every day walk, Sr. Engle had the reputation of being an exemplary and faithful Christian, and died in hope of eternal life when Jesus comes. Sr. E. leaves a husband and several children and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn her death. Sr. E. was a native of Connecticut, but emigrated to this State about twenty years ago, and has endured some of the privations and hardships of a new country. But she is now at rest, waiting the sound of the last trump, when all the sleepers in Jesus will arise and shout, "O death where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory?" By request the writer delivered a discourse on the solemn occasion, to a large congregation, from Prov. xiv, 32: "The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death." I endeavored to show the "hope" to be the resurrection to eternal life. May the Lord bless the truth preached to the good of this entire vicinity. Amen. Sabbath Believers Increase in Palmyra
Sister B. M. Smith writes from Palmyra, Jeff. Co., Wis.: "We feel encouraged of late, because the Lord has sent Bro. Sanborn to proclaim the third angel's message in truth. Praise the Lord! He has laid Bible truth before the people in this place, in its true light, the Spirit of the Lord helping; and I praise the Lord for the great work that has been done here. The infidel, the Universalist, and many others have been made to confess the truth and obey; and now where there were but six before this glorious truth was proclaimed, the result is, there are about thirty who are trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord and the testimony of Jesus. Truly we can say, It is the Lord's doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes. I would exhort the brethren and sisters to be strong and struggle on a little longer. Soon the morning cometh; and unto those that look for him will the Saviour appear the second time without sin unto salvation. May we all be looking for him, and have on the wedding garment, and go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Bro. I. S. Chaffee writes from Ordino, Wis. : "I am glad that I ever found by experience that there was a way to live by faith, and not by feeling; and also that we can enjoy a free and a full and a present salvation, and that is a salvation that saves us from our sins, and not in them; and it saves us now, and while we live and enjoy this salvation, we can feel that it is more than our meat and our drink to do our Master's will. We shall not then want to backbite our neighbor, nor tattle about our brother or sister. For I know that when the heart is filled with the love of God, there is no room for envy, hatred, malice, nor evil-speaking. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor, but charity suffereth long and is kind. I am determined to prove faithful in the service of the Lord. May God show his people what they must be to be saved." Faithful Witness Amid Opposition
Bro. A. Coventry writes from Overisal, Mich.; "Perhaps it may not be out of place to say here that I am striving so to live that at the appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven I may be one that shall hail that glorious event with joy. I have been here all alone for four months some sixteen miles from any of the brethren, and trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and I feel to thank God this day that he has been with me and brought me through thus far with a stronger determination than ever to live for him. Meanwhile I have not been idle, but have endeavored to impart to others what I realize myself to be truth. Opposition and contempt have been around me on the one hand and on the other, many I believe are convinced of some of the precious truths, but alas that they lack the love of God in their hearts which would enable them to embrace and act up to the truths that they believe, but time may yet have to unfold that the seed that has been sown has fallen into good ground. God grant that it may be so, and that speedily it may bring forth fruit. At first I was a little ashamed to have the finger of derision pointed at me, but now I can say with the Apostle that I glory in my shame, and am glad to be counted a fool so that I win Christ. My daily prayer to God is that his love dwell in my heart, and that the truth in its beauty shine as a glorious light over my pathway so that I be ready, as is said 1 Peter iii, 15. I am resolved by the grace of God to hold out faithful till the end, for there can I see glory, honor, immortality, eternal life."