Earlier text: Historical Department.REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By JAMES WHITE
FIFTH-DAY, July 26th, in consequence of severe suffering from two remaining roots of teeth in the upper jaw, and a decayed double tooth in the lower, I went to the dentist’s office and had them extracted. Relief in my jaws came in consequence, but my head remained inflamed, and ached severely till first-day eve. The loss of blood, of which I have a scanty supply, and the shock, rather unfitted me for the duties of the important meeting before us. But Sabbath morning we rode twelve miles to Bushnell, and found the brethren in the place and from the region round about gathered at the beautiful grove. I spoke to them an hour from Matt. xii, 31, 32, pointing out what the unpardonable sin is, and by whom it is committed. It is thought that the discourse was timely, and that it helped some present who had been tempted to believe that they had committed the sin which hath no forgiveness. Remarks were also made of a cheering, encouraging nature by Elder Strong and Mrs. White. A call was made for candidates for baptism when ten or twelve arose. It was then decided to have baptism in the afternoon, which was taken up in examining candidates, and receiving them by unanimous vote on their being baptized. The result was that twelve were received. Mrs. White and Bro. Strong made this meeting exceedingly interesting by their exhortations to some present to come forward and do their duty. These affectionate appeals they could not and did not resist. They yielded, vowed faithfulness, and were baptized. Bro. Strong, having become dissatisfied with both his former baptism and ordination, which he received at the hands of men who led off a faction from the body of Seventh-day Adventists, and bitterly opposed those they left, here asked both at the hands of those present. About five in the afternoon we left for the lake, three miles distant, where I baptized Bro. Strong; and having received authority from the General Conference Committee, bowed with Bro. and sister Strong upon the green shore, and, assisted by brethren Maynard and King, local elders, set our dear fellow-laborer apart to the sacred office of the holy ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. I mention the name of sister Strong on this occasion. My views and feelings are that the minister’s wife stands in so close a relation to the work of God, a relation which so affects him for better or worse, that she should, in the ordination prayer, be set apart as his helper. The brethren and sisters all bowed with us, and the scene was solemn and impressive. Then, at my request, Bro. Strong led his wife and twelve others down into the water and immersed them, making fourteen in all that were baptized. Bro. Strong is a member of the church at Allegan, and his wife a member of the church at Orleans. This leaves twelve to start with for a church in Bushnell, with six male members, all strong men in the middle age of life. The material for a church here is good; but much needs to be done for them. Others will join them soon. First-day morning we met to complete the organization of the church by the choice of officers. The meeting was perfectly harmonious. An elder, a deacon, and a clerk, who is also treasurer of S. B., were chosen by unanimous vote. By this time the congregation had assembled, and the ordination of the elder and deacon was deferred to another time. I then took the stand and spoke one hour and a half upon Law and Gospel. My positions were:— 1. That law was a rule for beings on probation to live by. That where there is no law there is no sin, none can fall, consequently no probation. That angels fell, consequently they were before their fall to be governed by law. That man fell, therefore was amenable to the law of God at the time of his fall. That the probation of angels and men was not to be eternal, but for a limited period, at the close of which they would be out of danger of sin. 2. That the design of the law was to be man’s saviour; not to redeem him from sin, but to save him from its commission. Having broken the law, he must have a Saviour who can redeem. There is no redeeming power in law, human or divine. Let the law of Michigan illustrate: To those who are law-abiding citizens, the law is a saviour. It saves their property from thieves, and their buildings from fire, and their families from the murderer. But let a man break the law, and can it save him? It may save him from the repetition of like acts, by seizing him and binding him hand and foot, and taking him to the State’s Prison. The law of God would have saved Adam if he had kept it; but having fallen, it cannot save us. There never was, and there is not now, the least redeeming power in the moral law. There is ordained, however, a redeeming power in our State. A man may be sentenced to two years’ close imprisonment at the State’s Prison; but if circumstances be favorable he may be pardoned out to enjoy freedom at the close of the first year. This power is invested in the Governor of the State. The sinner need not remain shut up in the prison-house of sin. After repentance toward God, he may, through faith in Christ, go free. But if he uses his freedom unlawfully, the law will take hold of him again, as surely as the law of Michigan would take hold of the pardoned culprit should he repeat his unlawful deeds. And as his chance of pardon by the Governor would grow more doubtful at every abuse of his liberty, so the sinner’s hope of finding pardon by the blood of Christ fades at each apostasy. 3. That the gospel, or good news, commenced with the first promise pertaining to redemption, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.” The gospel was also preached to Abraham. The hope of fallen man was not in the law, even after its ministration of service contained in sacrifices was added. These sacrifices could not take away sin; but pointed to One who could. Christ, then, was the only hope of the Jewish church. He was the hope of Adam. We see him leaving the garden in anguish and tears under the sentence of death. But with what joy he bears the good news that redemption is possible. Christ was seen by righteous Abel who brought the firstling of the flock, typifying the Redeemer. And Heaven as much sanctioned this offering pointing to Christ, as it did the introduction of the infant Saviour into the world, when the angels over the plains of Bethlehem sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth137 peace, good will toward men.” Christ was the Saviour of the Jews as really as he is of Christians. They looked forward to the cross in faith and hope, through obedience to the ordinances of that dispensation. We look back to it in faith and hope as we obey the ordinances of this dispensation. 4. That if man needed law before the fall, he needed its moral precepts as a rule of life more after his fall, and restoration to hope. I did not say that the letter of the ten commandments was adapted to the condition of angels and man in Eden. Yet they were governed by law, or they could not have fallen. The same moral principles which governed holy beings are fully comprised in ten precepts, worded to meet our fallen condition. Adam needed these as much as Jews or Christians. That Adam, Abel, Enoch, Abraham, and Moses before he saw Sinai, had the ten commandments is seen in the fact that we have in the sacred history of their time the record of the violation of each precept. These could be communicated to Adam as well as the first promise of Christ. Mark the events of the past which establish the immutability of God’s law. First, the fall, the expulsion from the garden, and the curse seen on man and beast. The whole creation groaneth beneath the weight of the curse, and the blight and mildew of it are seen upon every living substance beneath the sun. Had God’s law been of such a nature that it might have been changed, the sentence of death could have been lifted from Adam, and the fall and its results have been prevented. Secondly, the proclamation of the law amid scenes of grandeur at Sinai established still more firmly the perpetuity of the moral law. To impress man with its importance and changeless nature, its Author proclaimed it in the audience of all the people gathered around Sinai, while the smoke ascended up to heaven, the lightnings flashed, and the thunders rolled around its base. Thirdly. The crucifixion. If the law could have been abolished, man might have been set free without the humiliating agony and death of Christ. Oh! the heresy that both Christ and the moral law died! That Christ died to kill his Father’s holy law is the boldest sentiment of the author of all untruth. “Says Christ, ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law.’” Later we hear Paul’s inquiry, “Do we then make void the law through faith?” He answers, “God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” In the first century Christ had ministers who taught that faith in their Master established the law. In the nineteenth century, ministers abound, bearing the Christian name, who teach that faith in Christ makes the Father’s law void. Are these the ministers of Christ, or of Satan? See Jesus, once the King of glory, now the man of sorrows, in tears often, in agony, sweat, and blood, in the garden; behold him upon the cross! The sun is veiled in darkness, the veil of the temple is rent, the earth quakes, and the rocks rend. The shaken world echoes to the gospel sound, “It was the Son of God that died.” And for what was this? To redeem man from death, the penalty of moral law. The greatest events that have occurred since Satan found his way into Eden, establish the law. The fall, the curse with its decay; each falling leaf and fading flower, cite us to violated law. The vast assembly around Sinai, the grandeur of the tempest of fire and smoke, and the voice of God above all distinctly proclaiming the ten moral precepts, all impress us with their dignity, holiness, and perpetuity. The life of Christ, his tears, his agony, his death and resurrection, proclaim in highest accents the law as changeless as its divine Author. The shock which the creation felt at the fall was great. That which caused Sinai to tremble was its outward manifestation greater; but that which it felt when the Son of the Highest gave up his life, which rent the temple and the rocks, and opened the graves of many of the just, was the greatest. Superlative in degree! None could be greater! The highest but one in the universe dying in agony and blood; the noblest light of Heaven is veiled; the earth, once the workmanship of God’s perfection, tottering, quaking, shivering; and the veil of the temple, the most magnificent building on the earth, rending in twain. This done, even Omnipotence could do no more to redeem man from the sentence of death, and to teach us the perpetuity of his law. The scenes of Sinai gave the Jews great evidence. Add to these the transcendent scenes of Calvary, and Christians have greater evidence that they should observe the commandments of God than the Jews had. Cain’s punishment for violating the law will be great; that of Jewish sinners will be greater; but that of commandment-breakers in this dispensation will be the very climax of wrath poured out with indignation by the Author of law. 5. The law and the gospel are not antagonists, opposed to each other, one belonging to the past dispensation to the exclusion of the other, and the other alone belonging to the present dispensation. The gospel of the present dispensation does not take the place of the law of the past. If there was no gospel in the past dispensation, then there can be none saved in that dispensation; for law only convicts transgressors, and never saves them. And if there be no law in the present dispensation, then there will none be saved in it, as there is no sin from which to save men. “Where there is no law, there is no transgression.” Law and gospel must go hand in hand throughout the entire period of man’s probation, whether in the Patriarchal, Jewish, or Christian ages. 6. The apostles taught repentance toward God and faith in Christ as comprising the means of salvation. Says Paul, “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts xx, 20, 21. Two distinct duties of different natures are required of sinners; first, repentance toward God, because sin, of which they are to repent, is the transgression of his law; and, secondly, faith in Christ, because pardon and salvation is only through him. These two duties were required of sinners in the first century. They are no less required of the sinners of our time. These comprised the duty of Adam, of Enoch before he could walk with God, and of Jewish sinners. But if, as many teach, God’s law is abolished, and a new code from Christ has taken its place, Paul should have taught repentance toward Christ and faith toward Christ. In this case the offended law-giver is made also the advocate, which would be folly in the extreme. As well might men undertake to conduct a case in a court of justice without the statutes of the State. This would be a pleasing change indeed to the criminal to have to do without a good advocate or lawyer. Christ is not our law-giver. “The words that I speak,” said he, “are not mine but his that sent me.” As prophet, or teacher, he taught his Father’s law. As priest, he becomes the sinner’s advocate with the Father. At the right hand of the Majesty in the Heavens is our advocate. We point the sinner to both, and cry, Behold the offended Lawgiver, and repent of your violation of his law, and, Behold the Lamb who died for your sins, arose for your justification, and ascended on high to intercede with the Lawgiver for you. With Paul, the apostle John agrees: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John ii, 1. Catholics may take Christ for their law-giver, and the Pope for their advocate; but with Christ for a law-giver, what will Protestants do? 7. The perpetuity of the law, and its connection with the gospel in the salvation of sinners in the present dispensation is proved by the existence of the ten commandments in the heavenly sanctuary. In the typical service, the sacrifices typified Christ slain; the priesthood, Christ our advocate at the Father’s right hand; and the typical sanctuary, with its two holies, the sanctuary in Heaven where our priest ministers. In the typical holy place was the golden altar, table of shew-bread and the candlestick with seven burning lamps. These are also in the antitypical holy place in the heavenly tabernacle. In the most holy of the earthly was the mercy-seat and the ark containing the ten commandments, before which the high priest ministered at the close of the yearly round of Jewish service. In the most holy of the heavenly is the mercy-seat, (which was the cover of the ark containing the ten commandments) before which Jesus stands at the close of this dispensation. “For God well knew perdition’s son
Would ne’er his precepts love;
He gave a duplicate alone,
And kept his own above.”
There, beside his own holiness, in the archives of glory, has God deposited his law, safe from the rage of wicked men and demons. There, also, stands Jesus, the author of the gospel and the basis of the hope of fallen man. “And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Rev. xi, 19. This grand scene was to be among those under the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The seven cover the dispensation, the seventh reaching to the close. As our great High Priest at the close of his advocacy for sinners passed into the Most Holy, according to the type, to appear before the mercy-seat, the ark of the ten commandments is there seen. True believers follow their Lord by faith as he enters, and they see the ark. This is why commandment-keepers arise now, and Sabbath-keeping becomes important present truth and present duty. Men who preach but half a gospel may cry, “Behold the Lamb.” But with definiteness he who has the whole armor may cry, “Behold the Lamb before the ark containing the ten commandments, pleading with the Father for those who have repented of their transgressions of them, and are now obeying them.” 8. That law and gospel are united in the salvation of sinners is seen in the closing declaration of the third and last merciful message of Rev. xiv, just prior to the second advent, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This needs no comment. 9. The closing benediction of the blessed Book of God contains the crowning promise of all that is promised to those who are obedient to the law of God. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. xxii, 14. Notice the following points: First. It is the Son of God who gives the promise. “Hear ye him.” Secondly. He speaks of obedience to the commandments of another, which all will admit are those of his Father. Thirdly. This gospel promise of entering the city of God and having right to the tree of life, which Adam forfeited by breaking the law of God, is made to those who are elevated through faith in the death of Christ so that they can keep them. They are saved by faith in Christ, not for keeping the law of God, but in keeping it. Amen. The attention and interest of the congregation seemed complete. In the afternoon Mrs. White addressed the earnest listeners for an hour and a half with much freedom. Bro. and sister Strong are now with us. We take them to the Greenbush Grove Meeting, where we separate, they to labor in Gratiot county, and we to return home. JAMES WHITE. Greenville, July 31, 1867. THE GLORIES OF ETERNITY.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Can it be possible that mortal beings such as we are, shall inherit all the glory and happiness which the Bible promises to the saints? It seems almost too much to believe; yet the great God, who cannot lie, has promised it. First, they shall have eternal life! Who can measure the full meaning of that word eternal? Try to grasp the vastness which it comprehends. My mind looks into the future ten thousand years; but what is that when measured with eternity? A moment, a mere breath. On, on, and still on, my mind stretches for a million of years, but there is no end yet. Vast eternity still lies beyond all this. Age after age rolls by, but still eternity has only just begun! And will the saints still be there? Yes, while the sun and moon shall endure, while Heaven shall stand, and God shall live, so long shall the man of God live on. Secondly, they shall have immortal youth and fadeless glory! Health and vigor shall flow through every vein; joy and gladness shall beam on every face. No death, no aches, no broken hearts, all, all is happiness there! Saints of God, cheer up, you will soon be there. Sinner, where will you be during this eternity? UNGUARDED MOMENTS.
By M. E. WILLIAMS.
If we realized how every little word or act of ours has a bearing for or against the truth with unbelievers, it seems as if we would be more careful what we do and say. But whether we realize it or not, it is so. They are watching us with jealous eyes to find something to reproach us with, and if we are reproached it is not we alone that suffer; but also the truth which we profess to believe. “Oh,” said one, “you make a great profession, but I don’t see as some of you live any better than other folks.” How that saying saddened my heart. I thought, how many inconsistencies might not this person have seen in me. Am I among those who live no better than others who believe not the truth? If I am, may God help me to look, well to my ways and mend them wherever they need mending. We are told to watch unto prayer and be sober; and this we all know is just what we need to do; and I do not think there is any danger of our praying too much; and yet we may pray hours and it will avail us nothing unless we also watch. Many of us no doubt after holding sweet communion with the Lord, have thought we would be so careful not to displease him, that we might feel his presence continually; but in an unguarded moment we have done something which has put all joy to flight, and caused us sorrow and anguish of spirit. Ah! that is it; we prayed, but forgot to watch. In an unguarded moment we joined with the light and trifling in their frivolity. In an unguarded moment we have yielded to impatience and spoken fretful, cutting words. And shall I say in an unguarded moment some of us have trespassed on God’s holy time, and took for our own use a little from the beginning of the Sabbath; perhaps thinking it would not make much difference with the Lord, as it was much more convenient for us; coming home from business excursions sometime after sundown. Truly unguarded were such moments. Have not unbelievers good reason to say, “You profess great things but I do not see as you live them”? The man who went out in ancient times to gather sticks on the Sabbath day, thought it was a little thing and perhaps it was more convenient for him to do it then than some other time; but he found to his cost that it was not a little thing in the sight of God. It is not for us to suit our convenience as regards keeping holy the Sabbath hours; but if we would please God, we must arrange all our matters so that they will not conflict with the command. If we do not, we shall find to our sorrow, that it will not be convenient for the Lord to save us. He caused the man who gathered the sticks to be killed, because he presumptuously sinned in breaking the Sabbath, as he well understood what God had commanded. Can it be any less a sin of presumption now, to trespass on the Sabbath hours than it was at that time, when we have had so much light on the subject? God commanded that for those who sinned ignorantly, an atonement should be made; but he who sinned presumptuously, should be utterly cut off from among his people, his iniquity should be upon him. We must be on our guard every moment, and at every weak point there we must set a double guard. Let us with David say, Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Ps. cxli, 3. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. Ps. xii, 5. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Ps. xix, 13, 14. M. E. WILLIAMS. A WREATH OF FLOWERS AND A CROWN OF THORNS.
By M. H. Morrison
“They platted a crown of thorns and put it about his head.”—Mark. “Let us go to him, without the camp, bearing his reproach.”—Paul. “I will that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness,) with good works.”—Paul. What do I see? A wreath of flowers
Entwined around a Christian's brow!
No one should let their ransomed powers
Before the shrine of pleasure bow.
Let pretty flowers, in Nature's bowers,
Blossom and bud, we know not how. It cannot be a tinsel wreath
Becomes a lonely “Pilgrim” here;
The hair that flows so fair beneath,
Does much more beautiful appear;
God gave it thee; then let it be
An ornament accounted dear. We know a crown of piercing thorns
Was placed on thy Redeemer's brow;
And does a fancy wreath adorn
Thy head, in imitation now?
Can it be so? Are all to know
That you such vanities allow? There is a day—an awful day,
That comes along with quickened pace,
When “all the proud,” (the Scriptures say,)
“Will fall before the judge's face;”
Though honored here, they will appear
To be the subjects of disgrace. No wreath of flowers, no sparkling gem,
No costly robes will then avail;
Nothing secures life's diadem,
Nor saves one from the sinner's wail,
But to possess Christ's righteousness,
And have our hope within the veil. Then, sisters, seek a spirit meek,
Let that thy chief adorning be;
And when the King of Glory comes,
He will not be ashamed of thee.
Enrobed in white, in realms of light,
Thou wilt the King Eternal see. —M. H. MORRISON, in Herald of Bridegroom. THE LAW OF GOD.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The ten commandments are emphatically the law of God. This is shown from the following reasons. 1. While all the rest of the Bible was given through the medium of angels and men, the ten commandments were spoken by God himself directly to the people. “And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire; ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deut. iv, 12, 13. 2. God himself wrote the ten commandments with his own finger, while the rest of the Bible was written by men. “And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” Ex. xxxi, 18. 3. While the rest of the Bible was written on paper or parchment, God wrote the ten commandments on tables of stone. Ex. xxxi, 18. 4. The tables of stone containing the ten commandments were placed in the holy ark in the most holy place in the sanctuary. Deut. x, 1-5. No other part of the Bible was placed there. 5. The ten commandments by themselves are called a law. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” Ex. xxiv, 12. James also shows that it is the law which convinces men of sin, and by which they will be judged. Chapter ii, 9-12. There is a moral principle, or a principle of right, in each one of the ten commandments, which always has been and ever will be binding upon men. Think of them a moment. Thou shalt have no other Gods, nor make an image to worship, nor swear, nor break the Sabbath, nor dishonor your parents, nor kill, nor steal, &c. These things are wrong in themselves and always will be. Hence it is a moral law. 7. The ten commandments have always, until very lately, been regarded by almost every class of Christians as emphatically the Law of God. MEN will mourn for the evil which sin brings, but not for sin which brings the evil.—Secker. THE MIXED MULTITUDE
By E. G. Rust
Were the direct cause of God's so often visiting the curse upon his people Israel. Many thousands fell out by the wayside on account of the influence which the mixed multitude held over them. They were allied with the world on the one hand, and God's people on the other, thus uniting God's peculiar people with the world. This was one of Satan's artful devices. It was in a back-slidden state that he thus led them to intermarry and unite with the world. I imagine that there were many faithful men of God among them then, who had observed and deplored this forgetfulness of duty on Israel's part. Perhaps the elders then, as now, had raised a warning cry against such a course, and it had been passed by almost unheeded. If so, they, at least, were clear in the matter. I think there must have been three different classes at that time: 1. Those faithful men of God, who always stood in his counsel and in the forefront of the battle; they were always in attendance upon his worship; they were lovers of God more than lovers of pleasure; they reproved, rebuked and exhorted with all long-suffering and patience. 2. The second class, quite numerous, were those who had a form of godliness but knew little of the power thereof, and 3. Those who were almost destitute of the Spirit of the Lord, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, who joined heart and hand with the world in its pleasures, thus making God's people to gradually decline from a state of favor and acceptance with God to a condition which must bring his curse and wrath upon them. This may be better illustrated by taking a view upon the battle-field in our late war. Here comes a vast army marching into action, and as the head of the column passes, you will observe that every man stands shoulder to shoulder there; firmness and determination are expressed upon every countenance. The very appearance of the first two or three divisions carries an air of victory with it, but as the latter part of the column approaches, they begin to lag behind, and finally the rear brings up with stragglers, sutlers, money-changers, and an incongruous mass of hangers-on to the army. And I think this very aptly represents the condition of the army of the Lord anciently. These things may be typical of the condition and dangers of the remnant people of God, who are journeying toward the heavenly Canaan. It becomes us, in view of the perils which surround us, to faithfully compare their history with present facts, and avoid, as far as possible, being found among the mixed multitude; in this way we may escape the just wrath of an indignant God. Oh! that God may not only have a care for us, but that we may have a care for ourselves in these perilous times; that we may cherish a spirit of watchfulness and prayerfulness, and get on the whole armor of God. And especially, in this time of such great peril to the youth, do they need to pay heed to the faithful counsel and exhortations of the more aged and experienced. Dr. Cumming of England, in concluding a lecture on the coming of Christ, says: There is nothing shocking in it. Our Saviour does not so construe it; for what does he say? "When ye see these things come to pass," What! be terrified—be alarmed—resign your duties? No, no, no. The Bible is too rich in common-sense: And who can possibly regret the nearness of such a consummation? What will it be? The end of sin, the emancipation of the oppressed, the extinction of war, the return of earth's ancient glory, the restoration of all the blessedness we have lost, a peace that passeth understanding, no more quarrels, no more misapprehensions, no more sorrows. Instead of dreading the advent of so glorious an epoch, with all our hearts we should pray, as from the heart I do, Come, Lord Jesus; yea, come quickly. A WEEK of selfishness and a Sabbath of Pharisaical devotions make poor religion. From Sister Sutliff.
By L. E. SUTLIFF
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For the first time I pen a few lines for the Review. I have kept the Sabbath for more than two years. The Review is about all the preaching we have. Each week it is welcomed in our family circle. It affords us much comfort and consolation, as we are deprived of the privilege of meeting with a church where we can hear present truth preached. There are a few of us that meet every Sabbath and have a season of prayer and comfort one another from week to week. I believe the Lord will give us grace to live above this world, if we will but lay hold of his promises and draw near to him by prayer daily, having faith in God. At times I feel that I come so far short of living out present truth, that it will be said, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” I feel this morning that by the grace of God I will rise above such fears and do the best I can. There is but little in this world that binds me to it. I feel and realize that the Christian life is a continual warfare. That we are strangers in a strange land. I try to live the Health Reform, I believe it is what we all need to make us healthful. I have been particularly blessed in trying to live out the Reform. My health is much better this summer than formerly. I have hardly known what it is to have the headache. May the Lord help us to be faithful, that his word may abide in us and we in him, that we may ask at his hand and receive liberally as our circumstances require. I trust that we, the lonely ones, have your prayers at the throne of grace that, though unworthy we may come off conquerors, yea more than conquerors through him that hath died to redeem us from our sins. Your sister, striving for the victory through the blood of the Lamb. Dodge Co., Minnesota, July 16, 1867. Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. From Bro. Hulbert.
By A. H. Hulbert
BRO. SMITH: I think it can be truly said that we are among the lonely ones, situated as we are near the borders of civilization, but we do not feel to despair, for we realize that we have a precious Saviour who is ever ready and willing to help in every time of need. We have no preaching here at this time except what we get from our excellent paper, the Review. I wish to state that I have been numbered for some years with the first-day Baptist church or people. Some time last fall I heard two lectures from Eld. Ingraham, and the truths he brought out of divine Revelation seemed to fasten conviction on my mind. I examined the Bible more attentively until I made up my mind I was in an error; since then I have been trying in my weak way to keep the commandments of God, and I find in so doing there is great reward. The S. D. Adventist people here have many bitter enemies among those of other denominations; and it is my earnest prayer that the Lord will by the light of divine truth drive darkness and error from their minds that they may feel and realize that we are living in the last days, and that it is highly important to give heed to God's third and last message to the world. I think I can say I love the present truth in all its bearings, believing it to be of God. We feel to thank his dear name for it. Our hearts are cheered from week to week with the kind instruction of the Review, and devoutly wish that the principles it inculcates may spread far and wide. The sermons we love to read, but with aching hearts we often wish we could hear them from the pulpit. The testimonies of the brethren and sisters we read with much feeling and interest, and gladly would we extend the hand of fellowship to them and talk to them of our trials and afflictions, and tell them these light afflictions which are but for a moment will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; and it is my prayer that the Lord would revive his work, that he would in the midst of deserved wrath remember mercy and extend it to us. It is my earnest wish that all those who read the Review may give heed to its reproofs, be encouraged and strengthened by its exhortations, leave error and embrace right doctrines, and thus be enabled to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to stand amid the perils of the last days and meet the Saviour at his appearing. From Bro. Marshall.
By S. H. MARSHALL
BRO. SMITH: I have often thought I would communicate a few lines testifying to what God has done for poor unworthy me. I have been trying to keep the commandments some ten years, since I first heard the third angel's message proclaimed by Brn. Loughborough, Ingraham and others. I was brought up a Methodist from childhood, and had belonged to the Episcopal church some twelve years, and about the same length of time with the Wesleyans. At the age of sixty-one years I was satisfied I was following the traditions of men, and gladly embraced the present truth, and feel to rejoice that after so long a time I was brought to listen to and embrace the Advent faith. I am one of the lonely ones, and have passed through many severe trials and afflictions, having none of my family to go with me excepting my wife, who keeps the Sabbath. I want to be an overcomer and have a place in the kingdom, to go no more out forever. I am poor as to this world's goods, but hope to have an inheritance in the new earth. I am very thankful for the Review; it comes a welcome visitor. I feel I could not do without it. From Sister Coggeshall.
By Ruth R. Coggeshall
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS. I have often thought while reading your good letters in the Review, that I would like to write and cheer your hearts by telling you what the Lord has done for me, and that I feel to thank him that ever I saw the light of his word, that has led his people out from this vain world to turn their minds toward the city, the New Jerusalem; and that by faith I can look into the temple where the ark is that contains the commandments, and see that the holy Sabbath is not left out. My heart rejoices that I have the privilege of keeping it; I do prize it, and every week as it returns, I think as you do, that the blessing of Heaven comes with it. It is twenty-two years since I commenced keeping it, and I love it to-day as well as ever, and I love the children of the Lord; their company is precious to me. I seldom go to meeting as there are none very near, but I feel the Lord blesses me, if he did not, I should be discouraged; for the past year has been one of trial. My husband, and a daughter nearly eighteen year of age have been laid in the grave. But I have hope in their death, that they will rise in the first resurrection. The thought of meeting them again where no death can ever come, helps me to bear my trials, and the promise that our blessed Saviour is soon coming, cheers my heart to press forward. I am glad the Lord has put it into the hearts of his people to take care of their health. I want a part with them where sickness can never come. Pray for me that my faith fail not. From Sister Fry.
By Fannie R. Fry
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have long been wanting to address a few lines to the brethren and sisters of Chicago. I have lived here three months and have not had the privilege of meeting with them yet. I have inquired all around but could get no clue to their place of worship. Would some of the sisters please call on me at No. 31, Archer-Road, corner of Butterfield st. I long to meet with the people of God, and with them try to overcome and enter in through the gates into the city and dwell in those mansions that are prepared for those that keep all the commandments of God and are unspotted from the world when Christ comes to redeem his people. Yours in hope of eternal life. Chicago, Ill., Aug. 2, 1867. From Sister Musser.
By Addie Musser
DEAR READERS OF THE REVIEW: I can truly say that I am a believer in the present truth. I believe we are living in the last days, near the close of probation. I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, some four years. A few weeks ago I joined the little band of Sabbath-keepers at Ithaca. I am more determined than ever to live out the whole truth, and more in accordance with the requirements of God than I have in my past life. I am striving to live up to the Health Reform, in dress as well as in diet. Since I eat but two meals a day I see that I enjoy the blessings of health more than I ever have before. I feel to praise God for the light he has shown me on the reform question. I am pointed out and slurred at by some to be sure, but what care I for their taunts? Let me live so that Christ will smile on me and I ask for no more. Pray for me that I may be an overcomer and stand with the remnant on Mount Zion. Yours in hope. ADDIE MUSSER. Gratiot Co., Mich.