Earlier text: LIFE INCIDENTSREPORT FROM IOWA.
By Geo. I. Butler
My last report closed with the meeting at Mt. Pleasant, March 22. From Mt. P., I came through to Washington and tarried at the hospitable home of father Kilgore, during the week, attending to writing and other business. Sabbath morning a goodly number met at the school-house near Bro. K.'s, according to appointment. We were pleased to meet Bro. Jacob Hare, who brought a load from Mt. Pleasant, nearly thirty miles through the mud, to join us at this meeting. The brethren from Pilot Grove could not all attend, on account of the bad going. Yet quite a number were present. The Lord gave some liberty in speaking the word. I gave two discourses Sabbath, and we had an interesting conference meeting. In the evening after the Sabbath, we met for the investigation of a matter which had been the cause of some trial in the church. Censure was laid where it seemed to belong, and I trust good will result, not only to the church, but to the offending individual. I gave one discourse Sunday morning, and our meeting closed with an excellent communion, in which the tender, melting Spirit of the Lord was present. All had it to say that we had had a profitable meeting. The following Tuesday evening I met with the few at Iowa City, according to appointment. Some came nearly twenty miles to hear the word preached. I had but little freedom in speaking the word. There are but few in this city who keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and there is not that union and love prevailing in all respects that there should be. We hope in the future, that a better state of things may exist. The following Sabbath and Sunday, met with the brethren and sisters at Anamosa. A large majority of the friends of the cause were present who lived within a reasonable distance of the meeting, and some were present from a distance of over fifty miles. I gave four discourses in all; three were baptized, three joined the Anamosa church, and three the Marion church, some of whom have not previously come into the last organization. Our meetings closed Sunday afternoon with a communion season of much interest. All thought we had a profitable meeting. On my way to Laporte City, I stopped at Marion a few days. This little band is increasing in numbers and spiritual strength, and seem to be alive in the great work. They have passed through heavy trials heretofore, and may expect to have others hereafter; but I believe that quite a number of them will at last come out purified, made white, and tried, and stand in the last day. I met with them in their Tuesday evening prayer-meeting, which was profitable to us all. On my way to my next appointment, I stopped at329 Vinton with Sr. Denman, who has been struggling along for years, keeping the Sabbath and taking the Review. Her husband was very kind to me. May the Lord help him to see the importance of starting for the kingdom with his companion. There was quite a band at one time at Vinton. But some have moved away, others given up entirely, and others gone with the opposition. Sr. D. has tried to hold on all alone, through much discouragement. We hope at some future time she may have the privilege of hearing preaching again, and meeting with those of like precious faith. At Laporte City, I gave five discourses. There seemed to be some interest on the part of those outside the church, to hear the truth. There was not that degree of union and love among some of the members of the church toward each other, which is so pleasant when we see it existing in the members of Christ's body. There was too little, by far, of the spirit of the new commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples. I fear that were this test applied, many professed disciples of Jesus would be shown not to belong to him. Oh! how little do those who manifest jealousy and antipathy in the church, as is often seen, realize what it is to be a disciple of Jesus, who was so meek and lowly, so loving and tender. During the first part of the meetings, I did not have much freedom in speaking the word. But toward the last, God blessed by giving power and edge to the truth. I trust the opportunity was not lost, but will be of permanent benefit to the church. They have passed through grievous trials in the past, and Satan is still setting his snares for them. Some see these things clearly, but others, I fear, do not. May the Lord help all to be watchful, prayerful, and firm for his truth. Some are almost persuaded to go with the little band to the kingdom, and I have no doubt they will, if all the church move right and live in the light. One was baptized and joined the church. At Fayette, Tuesday evening, I held one meeting in the school-house. It was a very rainy, dark, muddy night, and I hardly expected any meeting, it was so bad. I was therefore happily surprised to find fifty or sixty out, who gave excellent attention. I was much encouraged by this stay at Fayette. Although but few have yet come out as a consequence of the labor bestowed there last summer, yet these are taking hold of the truth cautiously and understandingly, and I therefore expect they will remain firm. There is a growing interest there to hear further, and at some time not far distant, I think it will be proper to give another course of lectures there, and make a stronger effort, which I am sanguine will result in good, and some more be brought into the truth. Sabbath and Sunday, April 18 and 19, met the Waukon and West Union churches in Quarterly Meeting. Was glad to see so many old friends again, after so long an absence. Some four loaded teams came thirty miles through the cold and mud from Waukon. Others also came from Elgin and Fayette. Was much rejoiced to meet Bro. Gillet, who has been stopping awhile this winter at the Health Institute at Battle Creek, and to see what a change has been wrought in his health, through those means which God has so mercifully pointed out of late, to us as a people. Bro. G.'s health has been so poor for years, that he could perform but very little physical labor. How thankful we ought to be, that God has been pleased to instruct us in this way, so that some of those who have long been invalids may be restored to comfortable health and strength, to enjoy those blessings God has so bountifully bestowed. Our meetings were profitable and interesting, and all seemed well paid for the pains they had taken to be present. I gave three discourses on practical subjects; a spirit of solemnity and heart-searching prevailed, judging by the tears shed, and we hope permanent good may be the result. Monday following, I reached home again, after an absence of over four months, having traveled about a thousand miles with my own private conveyance, and given eighty discourses. Expect to remain at home till time to start for General Conference. Was glad to find all well, through the merciful care of our Heavenly Father. Waukon, Iowa, April 24, 1868. REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
SIXTH-DAY, April 24, we left our home for Wright, to be absent from our family till after General Conference. We found that close application to writing, to change only to plowing, sowing, dragging, rolling land, and fence-building, was wearing upon the strength, and we concluded the safest way was to journey and labor moderately among the brethren. The road from Greenville is sandy, and never better than when we came over it the 24th. At 1 o'clock, P. M., we might have been seen by the road-side among the pines, enjoying our refreshments, while the team were enjoying theirs. Sabbath was a lovely day, and at an early hour the house of worship was well filled. I spoke more than two hours during the day, and Mrs. W. one hour. We enjoyed a good degree of freedom. Bro. Kellogg gave an instructing and interesting lecture in the evening upon health. First-day morning the brethren met for business session at nine, and liberally arranged Systematic Benevolence for next year, and chose delegates to Conference. Eight candidates received for baptism. I spoke in the morning giving a brief exposition of Rev. x. Mrs. W. spoke in the afternoon. We then went two miles to a beautiful, clear stream of water, where eight were buried with their Lord by baptism. The congregation was large, attentive, and solemn. This baptismal scene was free from confusion and everything unpleasant. In the evening, Bro. Kellogg lectured to a good congregation. He also spoke last evening, and speaks to-night. Our ministers speak on the subject of health from a Bible stand-point. This seems right. Bro. Kellogg treats the subject from a scientific view, and we think well calculated to teach the people and lead them to a practical understanding of how to live. It seems to us that the Lord has enough such men as Bro. Kellogg to teach the people the science of human life, without our ministers being called from their work. To-morrow we leave for Monterey, to spend Sabbath and first-day, then on to Battle Creek, where we hope to hear from many friends. MONTHLY MEETING AT GREENHILL, R. I.
By J. S. Miller
It is again my pleasant duty to record another of our monthly gatherings. The meeting commenced as appointed, at the Washington School-house, Sabbath eve, April 17. At this meeting there were but five present from other neighborhoods, two of these being from other States—Bro. Haskell, from Massachusetts, and Bro. Nathan T. Preston from Vermont. There were, at this meeting, some twenty Sabbath-keepers, and ten or twelve children and friends. Bro. Haskell spoke with freedom for something more than an hour from the text, “Thy kingdom come.” Sabbath morning we repaired to the Green Hill meeting-house. There were some twenty Sabbath-keepers present at the commencement of the nine o’clock prayer-meeting, which was increased by preaching time to upward of forty adult Sabbath-keepers, besides some ten or fifteen children and others. This conference meeting was one of deep interest. It lasted two hours, and the time was well occupied with prayers and exhortations. The Spirit of the Lord attended us in a large degree. At eleven, Bro. Haskell commenced preaching, and for two hours spoke with good freedom from Rev. xii, 17. This discourse was truly meat in due season. The causes which led the dragon to make war upon the ‘remnant were well shown up, and the Scripture proofs relative to the gifts of prophecy were brought forward and presented in a pointed manner. At three, we met again and listened to another discourse, of two hours’ length, by Bro. H., on the time of trouble; in view of which the health reform was earnestly held up as a necessary preparation for that time. The brethren and sisters listened to this discourse with deep interest, and it is hoped that many of them saw more clearly their duty in preparing for those things that are coming on the earth. In the evening, Bro. H. preached a searching discourse from John iii, 16, in which it was shown that the cause of many of our troubles is a want of humility and love in our hearts. We have reason to believe that the straight testimony was heeded, and that some took courage who had before been halting. First-day morning, we met at nine, and held a social meeting, two hours in length. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and many valuable testimonies were given. After the close of the social exercises Bro. H. spoke from Job xiv, 14. The nature of man, death and the resurrection, were presented as clearly and extensively as the time would admit. First-day afternoon, the brethren held a business session, the object and result of which may, perhaps, be reported at a future time. Met again in the evening, at half-past seven. This meeting, the last of the session, was more largely attended than any that preceded it. Nearly half the congregation were friends outside the truth. Bro. H. spoke two hours on the subject of cross-bearing, as brought to view in the history of God’s people. This sermon, though lengthy, was listened to by all with deep interest. May truths then spoken take root in some honest hearts. As I look over this whole series of meetings, I am inclined to the belief that it will result in more permanent good than any we have heretofore had since the Monthly Meeting has been established. True, we may have enjoyed greater flights of feeling in some previous meetings, but in none have I noticed so much straight testimony so well received, nor have I ever before seen so many who at the beginning of the meeting were discouraged and cast down, who at the close seemed encouraged and strengthened. What our Rhode Island brethren now need, is to press closer together, and to press up in the work. We need to draw nigh unto God that he may draw nigh unto us, and to resist the Devil that he may flee from us. Let there be an effort on the part of all to retain the blessings received at this meeting, and let our Monthly Meeting for May, at Curtiss’ Corner, be made a subject of earnest prayer. Tower Hill, R. I., April 20, 1868. THE BLINDNESS OF TRADITION.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The following extract from “Man all Immortal,” by D. W. Clark, shows how far a man can be blinded by tradition and a desire to sustain a theory. Notice the text which he quotes, and then notice the absurd conclusion which he draws from it. “As the crowning work of creation was the production of man, so the crowning work in the formation of man was the imparting from the living God of a soul or spirit that was to animate the material temple. The temple of old was not left without the indwelling glory of God; so, also, this fair structure of the human body received its completeness in an indwelling soul. ‘And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.’ This is a distinct announcement that the soul of man is something different in its origin and distinct in its character from the body. The one is formed from ‘the dust of the ground,’ the other emanated from the breath of the Almighty. The one is dust, the other ‘a living soul.’ The soul is not a part of the physical structure, does not grow out of it, but is superadded to it. The mysterious combination of these two elements in man completed the work of his creation.” How false this conclusion! They directly contradict the text which says that man (who was made of the dust of the ground) became a living soul. Yet in the face and eyes of this inspired declaration Dr. Clark has the boldness to say that the soul is not a part of the physical structure,—“it does not grow out of it, but is superadded to it.” How vain a thing is philosophy! It generally darkens the word of God instead of making it light, as may be seen by the above extract from this learned man. The Cure of an Evil Tongue
By Leighton
The cure of an evil tongue must be done at the heart. The weights and wheels are there, and the clock strikes according to their motion. A guileful heart makes a guileful tongue and lips. It is the workhouse where is the forge of deceits and slanders; and the tongue is only the outer shop where they are vended, and the door of it. Such ware as is made within, such, and no other can come out.—Leighton. D. W. CLARK, in “Man all Immortal,” pp. 164, 165, says: “Life is long enough for its purposes. Long before his threescore years and ten are reached, the character is formed—we had almost said stereotyped, and sealed for eternity. For the Christian, life is long enough. Why should he wish to live longer?” “The less of this cold world, the more of Heaven. The briefer life, the earlier immortality.” “It is long enough for the sinner. If in the seventy allotted years he has done evil only, what else can we expect from him, should his life be prolonged to the greatest period? His evil habits are being constantly strengthened by indulgences; the sphere of his evil influence is growing wider and wider. Of what use to him, or to the world, or to Heaven would be a longer life? In what could it result but greater, and more wide-spread evil, deeper guilt, and in the end, more fearful punishment? In the brevity and uncertainty of human life, there, we find no cause to implead the wisdom or even the goodness of God.” “We carry down to death the character we have formed in life. It is a very common, but, at the same time, a very mistaken notion, that when we come to death we sometimes take upon us a new character. This idea is not only false in philosophy, but it is pernicious to good morals, and religion. We die as we live. We go down to the grave with the characters, the habits, the desires, the feelings we had formed in life. A man may look with horror upon his past life, but that does not change it; a man may, in the terror of approaching death, abhor himself for his worldliness and sensuality, but that does not uproot worldliness and sensuality from his character. Let him be restored to health, and they will sway the same iron rule as before. We fall asleep at night just such beings as we have been through the day, and in the succeeding morning we wake up with characters unchanged. So shall we fall asleep when the night of death comes, just such beings as we have been through life’s day; and so also shall we wake in the resurrection morning.” SUNDAY AUTHORITY.
By Stephen Duvall
In a Roman Catholic work entitled “The shortest Way to end Disputes about Religion,” by the Rev. Robert Manning, approved by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick, Coadjutor of the Diocese of Boston, Mass., we find the following: Page 19. “As zealous as Protestants are against the church’s infallibility, they are forced to depend wholly upon her authority in many articles that cannot be evidently proved from any text of Scripture, yet are of very great importance.
“1. The lawfulness for Christians to work upon Saturday, contrary, in appearance, to the express command of God, who bids us ‘keep the Sabbath holy,’ and tells us the seventh day of the week is that day.
“2. The lawfulness and validity of infant baptism, whereof there is no example in Scripture.”
Who shall be the crowned ones
On that eventful day,
When mountains melt, and like a scroll
The heavens flee away;
When to the awful Judgment-seat
The sons of men shall throng,
Who, who shall stand among the few
To whom the crowns belong? Who shall harp on harps of gold,
When dulcimer and lute,
And sweetest tone of ivory keys
Shall be forever mute?
Beyond earth's grandest music,
Where ceaseless praises rise,
What lips shall join in singing
The songs of paradise? Who shall wear the raiment white,
When purple robes of Tyre,
And costly webs from Indian looms,
Shall shrivel in the fire?
Beyond these fading glories,
Beyond this tinted show,
Who will stand before the Lord,
In raiment white as snow? Who will be the heirs of Him,
Who hideth deep his pearls,
In wave-washed caverns of the sea,
And all around the world
Scatters His gold like starry dust,
While, if He only wills,
The grasses grow, and cattle graze
Upon a thousand hills? Who from all tongues and peoples,
From every land and sea,
Will join with Alleluias,
That goodly company,
That band of saints and martyrs,
Who still through flood and flame,
Upheld the cross of Jesus;
And glorified his name?—Times and Witness. A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF BIBLE CLASSES.
By H. F. PHELPS
HAVING had some experience in Bible classes, I desire to offer a few remarks. That the interest of a Bible Class does not depend entirely upon any one person is very evident. The superintendent can not do all, the class cannot do all. Every one must take an interest in it; each must feel that all have a work to do. To illustrate, let us suppose a case. Two sister churches, A and B, both, under similar circumstances, organize for a Bible Class. Two good brethren are chosen to fill the place of superintendent. They are both men of good moral worth. They may both of them be nearly alike in temperament and disposition, well calculated to fill their position. Both feel an interest in the good cause of God, and delight in seeing all doing their duty, and, feeling the responsibilities of their position, are willing to do all they can to advance the cause and work for the good of the class. All goes on well for a little while, as all such things will when new. But we will visit them after about six months and see how they get along. The first church having a few energetic men, and withal possessed of the good Spirit, have tried to press together, have tried to be prompt in their duties, never forgetting to get their lessons, or anything that would add interest to the class. They have been striving to bring into subjection every passion of the carnal mind, never allowing the spirit of jealousy to rise. They have tried to be in subjection one to the other. Thus all things were working well, they gaining ground, making advancements in the divine life. We will next visit the other church. What do we find here? Some of the members were a little too worldly-minded, were willing to justify themselves by almost any excuse for not getting their lessons, could find no time to study, for they worked so hard that, even on the Sabbath, they could not get into the spirit of study. They could see a mote in the conduct of another, would feed upon it, but could not discern their own. Some of their faults were such as to injure the cause they represented. Some engaging in the spirit of trade so far that they would lose some of their spirituality, would take advantage of another, and talk about honesty; or some would talk and argue for “health reform” and then take tea, coffee, or eat pork if they were out in the world. Some were jealous of every move of the body of Sabbath-keepers, and jealous of the leading brethren of their own church. But how about the Bible Class? Why, they had none, or nearly none; and no wonder. Brethren, whoever you are, and wherever you are, choose the better part that shall never be taken from you. DOUBTLESS HE IS OUR FATHER.
By E. D. CARMICHAEL
“DOUBTLESS thou art our Father.” Isa. lxiii, 16. Dear, lonely ones, take courage, be strong; because God, even God, is our Father. What words of comfort to the tempted and tried, when forsaken by the world, cast down and discouraged by the fiery darts of the enemy. Though there be no good in us but weakness and imperfection, yet we are permitted, yea, entreated, to come and ask what we will, and it shall be done. We are the clay and he the potter. Let us commit ourselves into his hands, knowing that he will work for us to will and to do of his own good pleasure. Oh! for more of that meekness, that forbearing spirit, which was in our blessed Saviour, that will enable us to overcome and be prepared to sit down on his throne. When I look within my own heart and see the evils there, I am ready to say, Can it be possible that such an unworthy creature as I can obtain such honors? yet faith takes hold of the promises. Jesus has died that we might live. Yes, we shall see Jesus as he is, and, more still, be like him. What a prospect! Can we not take courage, and be strong though all is darkness around us? Let us trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon our God. Heaven will be cheap enough, though it is obtained through great tribulation. Though our nearest and dearest friends forsake us, yet the Lord has promised to be with us, and strengthen us in trouble. “My grace is sufficient for thee,” is the blessed promise. May we look up and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth near. He who receives a good turn should never forget it; he who does one should never remember it. OUR INFLUENCE.
By A. Elisa Buckland.
We little realize what a great influence each one exerts over his fellow-beings, or how our actions tell on those with whom we associate. We are too prone to forget that “our Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 1 Sam. ii, 3. Every act or word carries with it its influence, and may affect the life and character of some poor soul who may be looking to us for example. We little realize what good we might do if we were only living right, and every act pure and good. How very careful we should be, and watchful, that every act should be right, that our influence should tell on the side of truth, and show to the world that we believe what we profess, and that we are looking for our Lord and Master, and believe his coming near. My mind was called to this subject while reading Testimony No. 13, where, speaking to the young, it says, “The youth, if right, could sway a mighty influence.” I, for one, fully realize this to be true, and that our influence, if right, could be the means of doing much good, and would tell on the minds and hearts of those with whom we associate. We have been too cold and lukewarm in the service of the Lord, standing too much in need of help, instead of working ourselves, and trying to get right, and trusting in the Lord for help to overcome our sins and besetments. How many duties have been presented before us, chances of doing much good for our young friends, had we always lived right before them, and ever walked in the counsels of God. How often have we neglected the path of duty until we have grown cold in the cause of God. This has pleased the enemy, and souls that might have been helped by us, and led to investigate these truths, are still walking the downward way to death. I am very thankful for the testimonies and admonitions to the young, and I earnestly desire to give heed to all the instructions that I have, that I may be prepared when Jesus comes to be gathered with his remnant people. Your unworthy sister in Christ, JAMES G. STERLING
By James G. Sterling
BRO. SMITH: About four months ago the Lord in his providence led me to an examination of the doctrines held and taught by the Seventh-day Adventists, especially in regard to the Sabbath. The result was, I became convinced by an overwhelming array of facts and arguments that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, and I commenced keeping it. Although it caused many professed friends to look coldly upon me, and soon led to a dissolution of the relationship then existing between myself and the church with whom I was laboring as pastor; still I rejoice and thank God for a knowledge of the true Sabbath. About the time above referred to, I commenced carefully reading the work entitled “The Third angel’s Message and Two horned Beast,” and felt that it was high time for me to get out of Babylon. I also carefully perused and reperused the “Sanctuary,” and found that ideas set forth therein had a rock bottom. I commenced perusing “Spiritual Gifts,” and found them indeed “meat in due season.” Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. I cannot tell how thankful I am for the light of present truth. I now stand identified with the remnant people, and mean, by the help of God, to stand up in defense of the truths of the third angel’s message till we all get home to Mount Zion. Finally, as “sin is the transgression of the law,” and I am obliged to plead guilty to any open transgression of the fourth commandment of the law all my past life, till four months ago, and as the divine order requires that we die to sin, or crucify our “old man” before being united to the “new man,” Christ Jesus, I feel it my privilege and duty to publicly renounce my relationship to the old man, now crucified, I trust, and solemnize my relationship to the new man by “being buried by baptism into his death,” hoping that by continuing to walk in newness of life I may be in the likeness of his resurrection. May God help us all to live faithful. R. O. DAMON
By R. O. Damon
BRO. SMITH: Thinking the brethren and sisters might like to hear from our Monthly Meeting, I would say the weather had been so inclement for a few months, that we had not been able to assemble with the church at Mannsville as usual, but at this appointment a few came from there, and though we had no messenger to minister in word and doctrine, we were not disappointed of the blessing of our Heavenly Father. While the brethren humbled themselves in prayer before God, the sweet spirit of union and peace pervaded the assembly; and when the exercises changed, the most were ready to give in their cheering testimonies in favor of present truth, how the Lord had blessed them in humbling themselves and consecrating their all to him, and while we sung “Nearer my God to thee,” in the last verse, “Angels to beckon me,” it seemed as if the good angels were there to encourage each to take up the cross, deny self, and follow wheresoever the Lamb leadeth. Some were led to praise God that he had spared their lives to see this day. We rejoiced together in view of the blessed hope which will soon be realized by the overcomers; and while those who had long been in the way, told us of their determinations to go through, it greatly rejoiced our hearts. The brethren unanimously decided to have our Monthly Meetings, after this, the first Sabbath in the month, as suggested by Eld. Taylor. May the blessing of God still attend these gatherings of God’s people, is the humble desire of one who loves present truth. Your sister striving for eternal life. A Testimony from Michigan
By Lucinda Richer
DEAR BRE. AND SISTERS: Although a stranger to you all, yet I will try to converse with you through the Review, for I love to read your cheering testimonies. I thank the Lord that he has given me eyes to see, and ears to hear. I came here last fall. I thought it made no difference which day we kept, but I thank the Lord that by reading works on the subject, I am convinced that I was wrong, and I am trying to keep all God's commandments, that I may enter through the gates into the city, even the heavenly Jerusalem. I have a great work to do to overcome. I feel truly that the harvest is great and the laborers are few; for we are lonely here. There are two or three sisters here who meet on the Sabbath for worship. I have never heard a sermon on present truth, but through the Review, and hope the Lord will open the way that some minister may come this way. I think there are some that would make a start for the kingdom. Pray for me that I may never fall out by the way, but live more faithful, and have my lamp trimmed, so that it may be a bright and shining light to some poor lonely one. I will try to press nearer to Jesus, and prepare for the time of trouble. LU CINDA RICHER. Overcoming Besetments
By Telitha A. Myers
BRO. SMITH: For the first time I embrace the privilege of speaking through the Review. The Lord, through his tender mercy, has permitted me to hear the third angel’s message, and is giving me a heart to try to live up to all its requirements. I believe he is fitting up a people to stand through the perils of the last days. How much I see the need of reforming. I feel that if I should mingle with the world, run after its pleasures, and feast with them, the Lord would not own or accept me. I want to fully come out from the world, and be found with the people of God when the Saviour comes to gather his jewels. Time is short. I know I have many besetments to overcome, before I shall be able to stand. I can do nothing in my own strength, but the Lord being my helper, I mean to try to overcome. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. I would ask the dear brethren and sisters to remember me at a throne of grace. TELITHA A. MYERS.
Richland Co., Ohio. ANNA C. STEWART
By Anna C. Stewart
BRO. SMITH: We deem it a great privilege to read the Review from week to week, and especially the many cheering words in the Conference Department from lonely ones like ourselves. It is almost one year since we began to keep the Sabbath, and my husband is the only one of like faith I ever saw. It was through him that I was led to see the light. Our friends and neighbors think us a strange people, and our manner of serving God a stranger one. An old lady called to-day on some business, and on being told that we did not transact business on the Sabbath day, began to make inquiries, and seemed anxious to know more concerning our belief. We loaned her the tract, “Who Changed the Sabbath?” and promised the loan of our papers if she liked. We think this an excellent place for a minister, as there are many non-professors, and several have expressed a willingness to believe. Should any ministers be passing through St. Joseph, Mo., we would be glad to have them call on us; or, if we could be notified through the Review what time they would be here, we would meet them at the depot, and convey them to our house. We live three miles north-west of the city. Remember us, dear brethren and sisters, in your prayers, that we be not found lacking in the day of the Lord, but may stand with the ransomed host on Mount Zion. Yours in hope of eternal life. Buchanan Co., Mo., April 25, 1868. B. F. MERRITT
By B. F. Merritt.
BRO. SMITH: I would like to say to the friends of Jesus that I still rejoice in the blessed hope. In the power and willingness of Christ to save, I trust. More and richer blessings than I have deserved has the Father in mercy bestowed upon me. A debt of gratitude I feel that I owe, which I can never, in this world, pay. When I see Jesus perhaps I can then better praise him as I ought; but while he is gone from his people, who are purchased by his blood, we should daily live as in his sight, and by so doing make it manifest to the world that we are his. The way of the Lord, as made known to us in these last days, is a pleasant way; and if we gladly lay aside every weight which hinders our progress, and willingly walk therein, we will find that “The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Eureka, Ill., Apr. 18, 1868. B. G. ALLEN
By B. G. Allen
BRO. SMITH: I feel to express my gratitude to the Lord, and also to the dear brethren and sisters, for the rich feast I find in the Review. Its truths are more and more interesting. I am, by the help of the Good Shepherd, feasting on Bible truths day and night. While toiling hard, and pressed with care, my mind is in “green pastures; and beside still waters.” But the time is too short for feasting. These books and papers must be circulated; for I have proved this message to be the voice of the True Shepherd. “His sheep will know his voice and follow him.” I am glad that this voice of the third angel’s message ever came to me. I made haste to tell my brethren and sisters that I was going to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. I told my mind in class-meeting from time to time, and lent my papers and books. I expected they would love to read, and would heed the warnings; but in that I have been disappointed. Sometimes I have thought I was casting pearls before swine, and giving that which is holy unto the dogs. Sometimes I have been wounded. Sometimes while talking with some of my old brethren and sisters, they would seem to me both blind and deaf. I am alone, but I am not discouraged. The Lord being my helper, I shall never go back to keep the first day for the Sabbath. And not only do I want to keep the Sabbath, but do the will of the Lord entire, if possible. I desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters, for me, that I may have wisdom and patience, and cautiously hold on, and recommend the reading of the S. D. A. books and papers. The wise man says, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they shall both be alike good.” Eccl. xi, 6. So I will take courage, and watch and pray, and keep sowing the books and papers. The Lord hath said by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, lv, 11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” “‘Twas by an order from the Lord,
The ancient prophets spoke his word.
His Spirit did their tongues inspire,
And warmed their hearts with heavenly fire.
“The works and wonders which they wrought,
Confirmed the messages they brought;
The prophet’s pen succeeds his breath,
To save the holy words from death.
“Let the false raptures of the mind,
Be lost, and vanish in the wind;
Here I can fix my hope secure;
This is thy word, and must endure.
“O then my soul, in every strait,
To the Almighty come and wait;
Who sees and every sigh does hear,
And he will answer all true prayer.” Living Out the Faith
By S. Duval
Bro. S. Duval writes from Connecticut: Bro. Rodman has been with us. He found us torn, scattered, buffeted by unbelief; but he preached the word in its purity, and a few of us have fallen in love with it. We have made up our minds to have the law of God written in our hearts. We mean to keep the faith of Jesus, and try to live meek, holy, and blameless lives. We mean to be among the hundred and forty and four thousand when they stand on Mount Zion, and, of course, we must be with them now, and be willing to share with them in their sorrows, their griefs, and afflictions, yes, and, if need be, to lay down our lives for them. I look forward to that glorious day, in which the poor, despised, poverty-stricken pilgrim-stranger shall together with the glorious army of martyrs and saints of every age and clime stand on the Mount Zion, and gaze, with eyes immortal, on Him who, for their sakes, was despised and poor, rejected of men, having not where to lay His head. I long to obtain a look at that head that wore the thorns for me. What a privilege, to look on Him whose death caused the sun to hide his face in midnight gloom; on Him who burst the bands of death; on the Son of God. How blessed will it be, if we can hear him say, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. We mean, by the help of the Lord, to live out our faith. We will strive to hold up the banner of Jesus by a godly life and conversation. GUILTY CONSCIENCE.—“Guilt is that which quells the courage of the bold, ties the tongue of the eloquent, and makes greatness itself sneak and lurk, and behave itself poorly.—South. PREPARATION TO HEAR.—Half the power of preaching lies in the mutual preparation. The minister must not serve God with that which costs him nothing, but it is not the minister alone who should “give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” There is a reciprocal duty on the part of the hearer. He should come with a purpose, and he should come with prayer. He should come hopeful of benefit, and bestirring all his faculties, that he may miss nothing which is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” He should come with benevolent prepossession toward his pastor, and with a friendly solicitude for his fellow-hearers.333 And thus, as iron sharpens iron, so his intelligent countenance would animate the speaker, and, like a Hur, or an Aaron, his silent petitions would contribute to the success of the sermon.—Hamilton’s Royal Preacher.