Earlier text: Historical DepartmentAT THE HEALTH INSTITUTE.
By A. R. Hutchins
Five weeks since, I left Vermont for Battle Creek, which place I reached in 46 hours from the time I took the cars at Montpelier, Vermont. And though considerably worn with the journey, as I had no sleep for two nights, only what came to my relief through such accommodations as the car-seat afforded, yet I was able to attend our excellent Conference, which I shall ever call to mind with unfeigned delight and lively gratitude. I think we may safely say it was a season of profit and encouragement to all. Others have spoken of its beneficial results, but not too highly. Such has been the state of my health since last August, and especially the past spring, that I had but one hope left of ever enjoying a suitable degree of health and strength again to perform any amount of labor mentally or physically; and that was to avail myself of the benefits of treatment at some good Health Institute for a period of time. I therefore came to this Institute on the 21st ult. There is much here to make the sick person feel that he is at home, and with real friends. The surrounding prospects are pleasing and cheerful. Physicians and attendants give unmistakable proof by their watchful care and persevering labor that their interests are absorbed in the work of curing the sick. While there seems to be a desire throughout the large circle of patients on the part of each one to do all in his power to help on the recovery of the others. Relative to the prospect of receiving material benefit from rest and treatment here, the physicians speak encouragingly, provided I remain long enough. One important consideration in curing the sick, is the amount of vitality and the recuperative powers which the patient has left to rely upon. Therefore the process of regulating the system, and building up the long-affected, nervous dyspeptic, must necessarily be a slow one. Nature, long-wearied and overtaxed nature, will not rally and spring into action like the spirited horse, urged forward with whip and spur. No, she will have her time to work in; for she works by wise and fixed laws, and when her work is done, it is well done. But it is proper, and I certainly esteem it a privilege, to hereby gratefully acknowledge the unexpected aid from my dear brethren and sisters in Vermont, through whose advice and beneficence I have been placed where I may not only reap the benefits of a cessation of care and labor, but also the benefits of the Hygienic school and treatment at this Institute for a season. When I decided last March that it was duty to put forth an effort in this direction for the recovery of my health, if it should please God to bless the means to this end, I resolved with the consent of my wife, to sell our comfortable home, which cost $400.00 one year since, and raise the means to defray my expenses. But to this proposal the brethren objected. They emphatically said, No. And that they meant what they said, the receipts from their liberal hands acknowledged in another column satisfactorily attest. For this act of kindness to one so unworthy, may they each and all share largely of Heaven's blessing, and finally reap the reward of a life of obedience, in the kingdom of God. I humbly beg an interest in the prayers of the dear saints, that God may bless the means in use for the recovery of my health, that I may yet labor and suffer in the precious cause of Him who has crowned my life with manifold blessings. And may we all finally be gathered to that world where the inhabitants shall not say, “I am sick.” Health Reform Institute, June 13, 1867. REPORT FROM BRO. CANRIGHT.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
May 30, we returned to Maine to resume our work here, after an absence of two months. June 1st, and 2nd, was our Monthly Meeting in Portland. Quite a number were present from Topsham and other places. We enjoyed several sweet seasons in prayer and social meetings, in which all took a part readily. We felt as though some progress had been made by the people in this section, for the past few months; but they are not yet where the Lord wishes them to be in spiritual things. They want more spirituality and zeal in the good cause. In the past, Satan has beguiled some of them into sin with that unruly member, the tongue. These wrongs have been seen and confessed, and we think that they are now trying to put them away. Probably the cause never looked better in Portland than now. Others are interested and convicted, and we expect to see some of them move out soon. I enjoyed some freedom in talking to the brethren and sisters on the points of special interest to us at the present time. Again we laid the subject of the Health Reform before them as a Bible duty. We believe that God designs this as a part of the preparation to fit his people to stand during the seven last plagues. All kinds of animals are becoming greatly diseased, and we think this will rapidly increase till the end. Whoever eats of them is not only sure to fill his system with disease, but will soon peril his life by doing so. Spices and stimulating food irritate the system, stir up the passions, make a person fretful, impatient, irritable, &c. Hence those who are to have the “patience of the saints” cannot indulge in their use. A famine is soon coming on the land which will devour everything. Then God’s people must be fed directly from the Lord. He has only promised them bread and water during that time. For this God is now preparing his people. Those who now neglect to reform will soon find it too late to do so. These are some of the reasons that were presented in favor of the Health Reform. We had a special meeting at which all were present, to investigate the merits of the dress reform. The objections to the common style of dress are numerous, among which the following are a few: 1. The feet and limbs of the females are imperfectly clad, having generally only thin stockings and shoes to protect them. 2. The modern loop skirt throws the clothes far away from the limbs and then exposes them still more. 3. Hence the feet and limbs often become chilly and cold. This prevents a proper circulation of blood in those parts and throws it back upon the brain, heart or lungs, where it is not needed. This causes a rush of blood to the head, congestion of the brain, head-ache, lung fever, consumption, and other common maladies. The short dress proposes to remedy all this by clothing the limbs and feet as warmly as those of men are clothed. To do this it is necessary to wear the pants and thick shoes or boots. This insures an equal circulation of blood through the limbs, and thus prevents colds and all the above-mentioned maladies. The common long dress is inconvenient, because, 1. It is right in the way of the feet in walking and thus cripples a woman’s motions. 2. It is in the mud, and dust, and dew, thus becoming both filthy and unhealthy. 3. The wearer can never go up stairs nor down with any thing in her hands without stepping on her dress. The short dress is decidedly better than this dress, because, 1. It is never in the mud, dew, nor dust. 2. It is entirely out of the way of the limbs and feet, enabling a woman to walk freely and easily. 3. With the short dress a woman can readily run up stairs or down stairs, with both hands full, thus enabling her to do more work and that with less weariness. But to secure these advantages it is necessary to have the dress not less than eight or nine inches from the floor. Anything longer than this could hardly be entitled to the name of the short dress. But the modesty of the short dress is not the smallest thing to be considered. Any one that has traveled as much as I have, can bear testimony with me to the immodesty of the hoop skirt. A lady with one on very seldom enters a carriage, omnibus, car, and such places without immodestly exposing herself. But with the reform dress on, all exposure is entirely avoided. After seeing it worn I think it is the most modest dress I have ever seen, and I am not alone in this opinion. All these things were freely talked over here. Nearly all decided in favor of it, and others had but very slight objections to it. The extreme short dress had been worn here before by Sabbath-keepers; hence some prejudice existed against everything that bears the name of short dress. But the reform dress and the American costume are two very different things. All could readily see this. Most of the sisters resolved as soon as consistent to adopt it. My wife, who wears one, has assisted them in preparing their dresses. They have adopted the Health Reform quite thoroughly. We stayed over the next Sabbath and held meetings. On the whole I feel quite encouraged by my visit to Portland. I pray God to bless them and help them to live out all the truth. Portland, Me., June 10, 1867. NOTE FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By J. H. Waggoner
I esteem it a great privilege to say that my health is greatly improved, for which I feel truly thankful to God. From the time of my labors in Lapeer and Oakland up to the close of the Conference I had fears that I should not be able to do much, if any thing, the present season. My nervous system, and thereby, my head, were seriously affected, and it became almost impossible to rest enough to restore my mind to its balance. In such a case I find diversion a substitute for rest; a few days of moderate out-door labor with entire abstinence from study or mental labor will enable me soon to get sufficient refreshing sleep. I am thankful also for the opportunity I enjoyed about two weeks at the Health Institute of learning the way more perfectly to care for my health. And I promise the brethren who have taken so deep and kind an interest in me to endeavor more strictly to conform to these rules while trying to labor in this work. My greatest difficulty is to get timely and sufficient rest. Above all I desire a more perfect consecration to this work, more of the love of God in my heart, and wisdom to unite zeal and fervor of spirit with prudent moderation of action. The bee sucks sweet honey out of the bitterest herb! so God will, by afflictions, teach his children to suck sweet knowledge, sweet obedience, and sweet experience out of all the bitter afflictions and trials He exercises them with. That scouring and rubbing which frets others, shall make them shine the brighter; that weight which crushes and keeps others under, shall but make them like the palm-tree, grow better and higher. Afflictions are the saint's best benefactors. Where afflictions hang heaviest, corruption hangs loosest. Grace that is hid in nature, as sweet water in rose-leaves, is the most fragrant when the fire of affliction is put under to distil it out. Grace shines the brighter for scouring, and is most glorious when it is most clouded. PRESENT TRUTH.
By Cornelia Rice
How these two words once sounded to my unsanctified ear! I was ready to say, Bible truth was always truth, and truth for all time. But reason and revelation have taught me that every age has had its present truth. A thorough knowledge of the will of God and firm belief in his word, has led holy men of all ages to embrace present truth. Thus Noah built the ark, Abraham departed from his father's house and his kindred, Moses left Egypt, and Jeremiah earnestly besought his brethren to peaceably go into Babylon. A lack of this knowledge and this faith on the part of the Jews, caused our Saviour to weep over Jerusalem, saying, If thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belong to thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. Paul warned his Thessalonian brethren that the soon coming of Christ was not then present truth. The prophecies had been explained by Paul as a part of his profitable teachings. He tells them that the Man of Sin must have his day. And what view, think ye, did the church have of present truth during that long reign of papal power? How many knew from the Scriptures that that power would hold its sway forty and two months, or twelve hundred and sixty years? And how easy for the unlearned and faltering to give up the hope of the coming of Christ, and the resurrection of the dead, for that pleasing but delusive doctrine of the immortality of the soul? a view that they had only to shuffle off this mortal coil, to gain their desired rest? But no doubt there were some Bible students and faithful children of God that knew where they were in the stream of time, and looked forward through the dim distance to the coming of Christ. How thankful should we now be for the light that shines on our pathway! We can truly say, The darkness is past and the true light now shineth. Let us walk in the light that we may be the children of light. I want my heart engaged in present truth; and as the paper is now enlarged, I may say more about it. SUNSHINE.
By M. J. COTTRELL
BRIGHT gleams of cheerful sunshine,
As ye flash into my room,
Do ye know that from my spirit,
Ye drive heavy clouds of gloom?
I love thee, beauteous sunshine,
Every tiny trembling ray;
And I will praise our Father,
For thy light upon my way. These words sprang from my heart when after several dreary, rainy days, the sun suddenly broke forth from the dark, threatening sky, sent a few bright beams into my room, and then as suddenly disappeared. Those bright rays, tiny and trembling though they were, and though so soon withdrawn, sent new life and courage to my heart. They seemed to say, These dark and dreary days are only caused by clouds. Beyond the clouds the sun is shining just as bright as ever. These clouds have not diminished his brightness; they only hide it for a time. Soon they will break away and disappear, and the sun again shine forth in all his former splendor, bathing the earth in a flood of warm, enlivening sunlight. ’Tis thus with your trials, when all is darkness and the light from Heaven has ceased to shine upon you, if you are earnestly trying to do all for the honor and glory of God. The darkness is only caused by clouds, which perchance the all-wise and loving Father sends to try your faith, love and endurance. Beyond the clouds the heavenly light is still shining. Cling to your faith and trust in the Great Source of light, and soon the clouds will disperse. Thus, those trembling rays of sunlight lifted my thoughts away from earth, and spoke to me of Heaven. How many bright, sunny, days come and go, and we think not that the sunshine is a blessing. It is only an every day matter-of-course. But when the cloudy days come, one after another, until two, three, or four, have worn drearily away, how many faces look cloudy and gloomy also, and dreary voices say, How I do wish the sun would shine once more. Yes, the sunshine is a blessing,
And a priceless blessing too,
But at times the clouds must lower,
Though we would not have it so.
But there is a land of sunshine
Where no dreary clouds can come;
Weary wanderer ’mid earth’s shadows,
That is thy sweet rest and home,
And though clouds have long hung o’er thee,
They but hide the light from thee,
Still ’tis shining on before thee,
Some day through the clouds thou’lt see,
Let us praise God for the sunshine,
Praying that when dark days come,
He will help to bow submissive,
Help to say, Thy will be done.
M. J. COTTRELL.
Rochester, N. Y. SELF, DEAR SELF.
By Jesse Dorcas
That men and women should be influenced to some extent, by motives of self-interest, in pursuit of the various callings and duties of life, is not wrong. But oh! how painful is the reflection, that through all the history of our race, up to the present hour, both in high places and low, they have condescended to the most base and sordid acts of selfishness to accomplish their ends. As the Scriptures were written for our learning, let us for a few moments, contemplate this subject in the light of the Bible. And for our present ends we need not go farther back than the days of Samuel and Saul, to find a striking instance of self-justification while under condemnation for a wrong course of life. The Lord sent Saul to exterminate the Amalekites. He came back with Agag and the spoil. The Lord saw his course and informed Samuel that Saul had turned back from following him, and had not kept his commandments. “It grieved Samuel, and he cried unto the Lord all night.” Yet with all Samuel’s prayers and tears, and ample time for reflection, the next morning Saul met him with a blessing in his mouth, and with a deceived heart. It may be that he concluded that so small a departure, and that with good intentions, could not affect the case unfavorably. After Samuel’s faithful admonition, the self-willed king still plead his innocence, until he declared God’s intention to reject him from being king. In this his eyes seemed to be opened to his condition. However, it does not appear that the Lord intended to separate him from his favor further than to remove him from office. Had he cheerfully submitted, and humbled himself before God and his people, no doubt he might have been saved. But his unsanctified self was not humbled; and though in a number of instances in his dealing with David, he saw and acknowledged the hand of God in sparing his life, yet self would not allow him to do his duty. How is it with us? Let us carefully consider all this narrative, until we see the end of God’s anointed, and then ask ourselves the solemn question, how our case stands. Are we fathers or mothers, brothers or sisters, neighbors or relatives? and has God enjoined a duty upon us? Are we members of the church? or, even more, are we ministers of the most solemn message that ever fell upon the ears of mortals? Have we committed a wrong, and had a disposition to smuggle the wrong and justify self? Let us beware. May the Lord deliver us from every evil work, and preserve us unto his heavenly kingdom. Permanent peace is a rare thing in these last days. There is no peace among the nations, no peace in large communities, no peace in small neighborhoods, no peace in families. Why is this so? Is it not because there are many hearts everywhere in which the Prince of Peace does not reign? Surely our lot has fallen upon evil times. But is there no antidote for this condition of things? no balm in Gilead? Thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, there is; and the wise shall understand. We are told that the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. It is written again, Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. Ah, here is the key by which we may obtain peace. There is no peace, then, promised to those who do not love the law of God. Can any be said to love the law who worship self, their merchandise, their farms, or any other thing instead of the Lord God? or who are covetous, or selfish, or extortioners? or who desecrate God's holy Sabbath, even though they do presume to hoist another day, which God has nowhere commanded, into its place? Let us carefully examine our hearts and if we find ourselves in the violation of any one of these commandments let us not deceive ourselves with the vain hope of obtaining peace through Christ; for surely the Son of God will not justify us and thus give us peace as long as we knowingly continue to trample his Father's laws under our feet. Who will have the peace of God in their hearts? let them return unto God. Is it to be wondered at that the present state of anarchy and confusion exists when we consider how far the people have departed from God's laws, and set at naught his counsel? “Oh, that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Isa. xlviii, 18. Let us bear in mind the promise, that “when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Prov. xvi, 7. Paul sums up the matter on this wise: “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honor, and immortality—eternal life. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth,11 but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good.” Rom. ii, 7–10. In contrast with the work of the flesh, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.” So, dear friends, there is a way to obtain that peace that passeth all understanding, and it is by loving God and keeping his commandments. Says our blessed Saviour, “If ye love me keep my commandments.” MESSIAH'S REIGN.
By S. M. H.
I have heard the joyful tidings
Of a kingdom yet to be,
Over all the earth extending,
Lasting as eternity;
Of a King whose reign of mercy
Will the suffering nations bless;
Who will rule in truth and justice,
Who will judge in righteousness. I have heard of earth's redemption
From the ruin sin has brought;
Of the times of restitution
By the holy prophets taught;
And my heart exults in prospect
Of Messiah's glorious reign,
For I've heard creation's moaning
'Neath its heavy load of pain. I have seen the deaf forbidden
All earth's pleasant sounds to hear,
And the blind whose darkened pathway
Earthly beauty might not cheer;
But I know there'll come a morning,
And I long to see its light,
When the deaf ears shall be opened,
And the blind receive their sight. I have seen the lame and helpless
Aided by some friendly hand;
I have seen the dumb conversing
By the signs they understand,
And I thought of that sure promise
When our God salvation brings;
Then the lame shall leap for gladness,
And the loosened tongue shall sing. I have heard the call to battle,
Seen the brave go forth to die,
Read of many a field of carnage,
Where in ghastly heaps they lie;
But when Christ shall reign in Zion,
He will make all wars to cease;
Man no more shall hate his brother,
But shall dwell in quiet peace. I have stood beside the dying,
Watched the struggle with the foe;
I have seen death gain the victory,
And the wearied ones laid low;
But a mighty voice will call them
From beneath the cold, damp sod,
And they'll wake and live forever
In the likeness of their God. Hail, bright morn of restitution,
All creation waits for thee;
Hail, Messiah, once rejected,
Rule the world in majesty;
Earth has never known such glory
As shall rest upon her then,
When her King shall dwell in Zion,
And throughout her borders reign.
—S. M. H., in World's Crisis. An Orphan Boy Finds Christ
By J. E. Cowin
J. E. Cowin writes from Patten. When I was about thirteen years of age my mother died, and six children of us were left orphans in this cold hearted world. About one year after this event God in his providence opened the way for me and one of my sisters, about eleven years of age, to go to Mr. L. B. Ricker’s to live. Sister R. takes the Review, and I have the privilege of reading it and the Instructor and other of your publications. Soon after we came here my sister became interested in the truth and experienced religion. She had great love for the Sabbath, and about one year after, died happy in the Lord, believing she should soon have part in the first resurrection. About eighteen months ago I also became interested in reading your publications, and wished to be a Bible Christian. Sister Ricker often talked and prayed with me, and exhorted me to give my heart to God. When I became willing to give up all for Christ and keep his holy law, he spake peace to my troubled soul. I bless his holy name for what he has done for me, a poor orphan boy. I find many obstacles in the way and have many trials to encounter, yet I know the grace of God is sufficient for me. I never saw any seventh-day Adventists till I came here, and have never heard or seen an Advent preacher. I need the prayers of all God’s children. ICE BROKEN: ICE MELTED.
By Jos. CLARKE
In our periodicals we frequently find a column filled out with a short, pointed paragraph, full of meaning. In a late Health Reformer we read such an item as above described. It is this: “There are two kinds of repentance. One is that of Judas, the other that of Peter. The one is ice broken, the other is ice melted. Repentance unto life will be repentance in the life.” How do we see the workings of this principle? In the breaking of iron or other hard metal, the lump may be reduced to fragments; but let it be melted, and it may be cast in the most desirable, tasteful, or useful form. So with an offending brother. You may break him in pieces by hastiness, but you have only reduced him to fragments, so to speak. No particular good is done; and perhaps harm may follow; but melt him by love, submit him to Bible principles, as the mould in which he is to be re-cast, and you soon recognize the features of the Christian. Let us all lay aside the breaking process, and use only that of melting; and let us first become such as have gone through this experience ourselves; then our influence will melt and subdue. The writer of this does not suppose that no one has already tried this method, but too many of us have hammered, when we should have warmed.
JOS. CLARKE. WALK WHILE YE HAVE THE LIGHT.
By HARRIET J WESCOTT
“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” Dear friends, the light of present truth is a glorious light. It shines on the pathway of those who walk in it, but if we do not obey while we have the light it will become darkness. We have often seen this illustrated. Many have seen and acknowledged the truth, and turned their footsteps into the right way, but soon found the way too straight and narrow, and ceasing to walk therein have been left in darkness. Many sad wailings will be heard in the day of judgment, Oh! that I had walked while I had the light! but the great gulf is then fixed. Dear friends, let us never turn back. Nothing is to be gained in that direction but misery and death. Methinks I already hear the sad lamentation of the wicked, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved. What will be gained if we walk in the light? Eternal life. Our pathway we know is not strewn with flowers, but is rough and thorny like that of our Master. We shall be hated of men for his sake, but if we have our Father’s smiles we can pass through the trials of earth. Its doom is nearing. It groans with the load of sin and oppression that is filling the land. God’s cup of wrath is filling up, and will soon be poured out without mixture of mercy. Dear reader, where will you be found? with the wicked that are perishing with hunger and thirst for the word of the Lord? or with those having the approving smiles of Him who says your bread and water shall be sure? I pray and hope to be of the latter company. The Folly of Losing the Soul
THERE can not be greater folly in man than by much labor to increase his goods, and by vain pleasures to lose his soul. A Call for Five-Dollar Subscribers
By John McMillan
BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure that I redeem my pledge to pay $5.00 per year for the Review, on the condition that there be a sermon in every number. Six months have nearly passed without a failure, and I consider it a settled fact. But it is in this as in all of God's favors to me; I have received more than I asked or expected. The Review has been enlarged one-half, and is to be enlarged to double its original size, and to me four times its former value. And I have no doubt it will then be the best and the cheapest paper in the world, taking truth as a basis of value. I would again, with your permission, ask, Are there not five hundred subscribers that would consider it a privilege to pay $5.00 a year for such a paper to enable its conductors to send it to the worthy poor, and that the gospel may be preached to the lonely ones who never hear the living preacher? Remember this is making no sacrifice. Each one of these can dispense with a secular paper, which will more than make up the difference; and then they will have the pleasure of doing something for the advancement of the gospel. Hoping to see a new list of $5.00 subscribers, I remain your afflicted, yet rejoicing, brother. LEWIS MARTIN
By Lewis Martin
BRO. SMITH: I still feel a good determination to press on in the narrow way. Our little church feel encouraged. The Lord meets with us by his Spirit and blesses us. We have had very good meetings since Eld. Howard was with us. Our hearts were made glad by hearing him declare the present truth. We had a good meeting yesterday at West Wilton, and two weeks ago at Bro. Hastings’. Several were there from Massachusetts. Our hearts were made glad by their coming to meet with us. We hope and trust the Lord will remember us in mercy, and send some of his faithful servants this way. We desire to be remembered by all the faithful that God will revive his work in all our hearts, and add to our numbers such as shall at last stand on Mount Zion. We want the whole truth and desire to be sanctified through it. May the Lord speed on the third angel’s message, and cause it soon to go with power. Encouragement from Faribault County
By A. B. Brant
BRO. A. B. BRANT writes from Faribault Co. Minn. We prize the weekly visits of the Review and have felt encouraged, admonished, and strengthened, by the excellent sermons therein. We would gladly write something cheering for its columns, but can only say, we feel to praise God for the light that has shone on our pathway through the faithful labors of some who love God and keep his commandments. The truth has been faithfully preached in this place in regard to the Bible Sabbath, also the nearness of the coming and kingdom of Christ, so that all are without excuse. But it is sad to think how few are willing to hear on these momentous subjects, and sad to think how few of those that do hear, and recieve the word with joy, bring forth fruit unto perfection. How few are willing to have fellowship with the sufferings of Christ that they may be partakers of his glory. Keeping the Sabbath in Wisconsin
Bro. J. Chase writes from Columbia Co., Wis. I have now arrived to the age of threescore and twelve years, and can say as the psalmist did, I was once young but now am old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. No, the Lord is good, and his tender mercies are over all his works. I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus for fifteen years, and am not tired of it yet. Myself and wife are the only ones that keep the Sabbath of the Lord in this place, but we are not discouraged. We have about eight miles to drive on the Sabbath to meet with the church at Hundredmile Grove. We go there as often as we can consistently, and feel that our labor is not in vain. The Lord meets with us and that to bless. Pray for us that we may overcome. A Lonely Sabbath Keeper's Appeal
SISTER B. G. ALLEN writes from R. I.: I am glad the paper is going to be enlarged. I always turn it and look it all over, and wish there was more paper and more reading. The brethren and sisters often speak my own thoughts and desires. The Lord is very good to me. I am thankful the message ever came to me. But if I had one or two Sabbath-keepers we could have a Bible Class and study together. I see the need of much study, that we may be ready for all kinds of enemies. May the Lord help us lonely ones to have wisdom from God, and at the right time, and right place, break the pitcher, let the light shine, and put the enemy to flight. Judges vii, 20. “The pure testimony poured forth in the Spirit,
Cuts like a keen two-edged sword;
And bold unbelievers will often be silent,
When we point them to God’s holy Word.” Living as Pilgrims and Strangers
BRO. AND SISTER H. G. BUXTON write from Pomfret, Ct.: The solemn truths of this age are dearer to us than all things besides. We are striving daily to die to the world by giving it up and living as pilgrims and strangers; by crucifying the fleshly appetites and desires, and living out the Health Reform in all its bearings as the Lord has made it known to us. Never before in our experience in present truth have we felt so like humbling ourselves, that we may share largely of the Spirit of God. Our hearts say, Praise the Lord for all the way he has led us, and for the rich prospect of glorious deliverance so soon to come. We have none of our friends with us in the truth, though we have affectionately and earnestly entreated them to examine God’s word in regard to his law and the signs of the times, yield obedience thereto and be saved in the great day of his wrath. Brethren, do we realize as we ought the perilous times we are in, and the great responsibility resting upon us, not only to live righteous lives ourselves, but to gather in honest souls to the truth, and warn all to flee the wrath of a just God? We are coming up here as a church with the message. Have a good Sabbath School and conference meetings. Our hearts would be cheered and we think the cause advanced if Bro. Andrews or Canright could hold a series of meetings here. THE SANCTUARY.
By John Nevins Andrews
[The following suggestions appeared in the Review several volumes since. As Adventists have not, so far as we are aware, given them the investigation which they invite, we call their attention to them once more. Will they examine this subject in the light of the Scriptures?] The Seventh-Day Adventists have a definite position on the subject of the Sanctuary. In this thing there is a striking contrast between them and all other Advent bodies, who, on this question, are in a state of complete confusion. Now this fact is not a little remarkable. For if we go back to the time when the great disappointment threw the whole Advent body into perplexity, we shall find that that disappointment arose from the view then prevalent among them concerning the Sanctuary. The S. D. Adventists, having carefully reviewed the whole ground, have a definite position to offer which they consider a complete explanation of the subject. Moreover, the view that they have to present of the Sanctuary subject is the great central doctrine in their system; for it inseparably connects all the points in their faith, and presents the subject as one grand whole. Our Advent friends who differ from us have nothing to offer in exchange on which they themselves are agreed. And unless we greatly misjudge, they have never yet attempted fairly to answer our views of the Sanctuary. Will they give this matter more serious thought in time to come? J. N. A. Decline of Wesleyan Methodism.
THE Wesleyan Methodists some years ago came out as a body of reformers from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The movement was the result of the need of a higher standard, and deeper piety in the church. We have ever considered the Wesleyan body spiritually in advance of the other denominations of Methodists. But that body is approaching dissolution, being gradually absorbed into other denominations. Is this because other religious bodies have advanced, so that there is no longer call for a separate organization on their part? or is the spirit of reform and advancement dying out among themselves? It certainly is not the former. The Methodist, an independent organ of the M. E. church, in a late number says:— “THE Wesleyan body is undergoing a slow process of disintegration. In recent numbers of the American Wesleyan, the Rev. Drs. Lee and Prindle have taken leave of their old associates. The statement given by them of their reasons for uniting with our church is made at great length, and yet dispassionately. Dr. Prindle presents some startling facts of the decline of the church to which he has devoted so many laborious years. In not a few cities, the Wesleyans have become extinct. In New England, where, in 1845–6, nearly fifty ministers were stationed, they have not had for the last ten years, more than from five to eight appointed to Wesleyan churches. For several years, there have not been ten appointments in the entire connection that gave a competent support to their preachers. Some of the Wesleyans will no doubt unite with the Congregationalists, others with the (late) Methodist Protestant church, and still others with our own. The elder ministers, whose early life was spent with us, will be naturally most inclined to return to us. They may be certain of a hearty welcome.” Personal.
By J. M. Aldrich
A WORD in relation to myself. Our brethren have become informed ere this from the published report, that at the late Association meeting it was deemed proper to elect me as President of the Publishing Association. To say nothing of the fitness of this transaction, I offer the same as my only apology for allowing my name to be thus officially inserted in the Review as it now appears. While I with the brethren deeply regret the occasion that gave rise to my election—viz., the enfeebled health, and consequent resignation of Bro. White, I feel grateful that I am accounted worthy by my brethren to fill so honorable and responsible a place in the cause of God, as that which they have assigned me. May God give me every needed grace, that I may discharge the duties incumbent on me in an acceptable manner, so that the cause may be advanced, and God glorified. J. M. ALDRICH. Willing to Bear Reproof.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THE truly meek and humble will receive reproof with a meek and submissive spirit though he may not see that it is called for or deserved. And though he does not feel conscious of deserving it, yet he will appreciate the motive of him that feels interest enough in his welfare to perform the crossing and painful duty of reproving. It will be “an excellent oil,” it will not cause a sore head. Ps. cxli, 5. But the language of the unsubdued heart is: I will take reproof, when I deserve it; but when I do not deserve it, I will not. Well, who is to be the judge whether he deserves reproof or not? himself, or the one that administers the reproof? He will judge of that himself. He knows better than any one else about that. Now the Devil himself would receive reproof by that rule. Let him judge of its fitness, and he never would deserve it, and therefore never would hear it. Then let reproofs be given by those that are moved by a sense of duty to give them; and let those who receive them consider that their selfishness is likely to disqualify them for judging of their fitness, and that the presumption is that others are better qualified to judge of this than they; and let them charitably judge, that as it is a painful duty to reprove, the presumption is that it is our very best friends that reprove us, those that love our souls the best.