Earlier text: THE SACREDNESS OF SLAVERYCONFERENCE ADDRESS.
By Editor
Our late General Conference having requested us to address you on the subject of a more thorough and perfect organization of the Seventh-day Adventists, we, at this, our earliest opportunity, and with a ready mind, undertake to discharge our duty. We shall, in the first place, call your attention to some facts in the early part of this message; and this we do for two reasons: first, it may serve to remove prejudice, if any yet exists on the subject; and second, the reader will not be able to appreciate our position and its difficulties without a consideration of those facts. If we go back to a period of from six to nine years, we find the believers in the Third Angel's Message, few in number, very much scattered, and in no place assuming to take the name of a church. Our views of the work before us were then mostly vague and indefinite, some still retaining the idea adopted by the body of Advent believers in 1844, with Wm. Miller at their head, that our work for "the world" was finished, and that the message was confined to those of the original Advent faith. So firmly was this believed that one of our number was nearly refused the message, the individual presenting it having doubts of the possibility of his salvation because he was not in "the '44 move." Such things may seem strange to most of our readers, but they serve well to illustrate our proposition, that many crude and erroneous views were entertained. Church organization and church order were alike unknown, and sometimes spoken against; and when the number of believers increased it was with the utmost caution that the simplest form of organization of a single church, was advanced and received. Many professed to see in this a step toward tyranny over the minds of Christians, and they were of course nearing the opposite extreme of anarchy and confusion. And when order, was, to some extent, introduced, and wrongs corrected or separated from in compliance with gospel rules, some imagined that the introduction of order created the evils brought to light, instead of exposing and correcting wrongs already existing. And according to our views of the work we had to do, was our method of labor. As individuals would go scores and even hundreds of miles to present the truth to one or two who had been believers in the first message, so would the laborers go long distances to visit, to comfort, and to strengthen the scattered ones who had embraced the faith. In all cases where difficulties existed they were untiring in their efforts to give aid, traveling far, holding meetings sometimes all night, enduring toils and trials sufficient to exhaust the energies of any class of men. We are now placed in different circumstances; the number of believers is much increased, and should we try to bestow the same amount of labor on each individual and church, we should utterly fail for want of both time and strength. But our friends and brethren will be ready to exclaim, "We do not want you to labor so now. Go out to the world and proclaim the truth," and this we desire to do. And it rejoices our hearts to know that the times have changed in respect to our opportunities; great events have transpired by which the minds of the people have been prepared to hear. But while we look on the extensive fields already white to the harvest with great concern, and would fain leave the churches established to grow up into the truth, we are burdened with the painful conviction that the scattered ones of former years, enjoying such labors and privileges as we have described, were far in advance of those of the present time, in living faith, deep devotion, and in all practical godliness which is indicated by a separation from the world and entire consecration to the cause of God. We invite you, dear brethren and sisters, to read this declaration with care and with prayerful feelings; weigh well its import, and you will acknowledge that we, who are appointed to watch over you as those that must give an account, have cause for our feelings of sadness and anxiety over the prospect before us. You are well aware that the times are perilous, and that a growth in grace is necessary to our salvation. And in order to this growth we would here record our solemn conviction, that you, the body of believers of the Third Angel's Message, must either have the labor above described bestowed on you, or some step must be taken—some means devised and adopted to supersede the necessity of it. But this labor cannot now be bestowed on all the scattered ones, as we have shown; therefore we conclude that means must be adopted for the preservation of order, the correction of wrongs, and consequent growth in grace and spiritual mindedness, or our churches and people will settle down into a cold, dull formality. It is written that "one sinner destroyeth much good." An Achan in the camp caused the hosts of Israel to flee before their enemies. We have had some bitter experience in this matter. While we have been earnest to invite the Lord to come into our midst, we have neither been wise nor diligent to shut out the enemy. Thus have our prayers been hindered. We now invite your attention to a few points wherein reform is imperatively demanded. And first our These have been, confessedly, our most important meetings; yet we have hardly held one that was fully entitled to the name; and at this time we have no means of knowing that their doings are according to the will of the body of the churches and believers. And it is very certain that a small minority of the churches have been represented in them, and they by no just and equal proportion. That our numbers have been small, and our business and labor limited, are evidently the reasons why we have had no serious difficulty in this respect; but as our circumstances are continually changing in both these respects, it would seem to be wise and prudent to have them held on a different basis. Again, much of the business attended to at these conferences is of a local nature, especially concerning the locality or State wherein the conference is held. In this respect the wants of all cannot be equally attended to. This may be remedied by holding STATE OR DISTRICT CONFERENCES.
We have several reasons to urge for the organization of such conferences. These are aimed at, and only aimed at, in the conferences now held in the several States from time to time, but they are open to all the objections that now stand against our general conferences. Some special necessities for the proper organization of such conferences we will notice. We hold them essential to the efficiency of our ministry; and this in a two-fold manner. First, that our accepted ministers may go out before the world with the endorsement and authority of the body with which they stand connected. This would often open the way for their introduction into school-houses, court-houses, or meeting-houses, which are often (and often properly) closed against irresponsible persons who cannot show that they have the confidence or sanction of any body of believers. And this stands closely related to the second point, which is, that our brethren be not imposed upon by false teachers, or conceited, self-called messengers of the third angel's message. Trouble has been occasioned and churches sometimes nearly ruined by those who professed to fill this office, who were both unqualified and unworthy; but the churches had no authority to which to appeal, unless to those to whom God had entrusted the great burden of this work, but who could not have a personal acquaintance with everybody, and therefore could not always give timely and satisfactory information. Such conferences would be a great benefit by supplying the churches in every part of the field with the means of coming together in their several States or districts for social and public worship, and for the building of each other up in the word of the Lord. Of course the business would be done through the delegates of the churches. These reasons we consider sufficient for an immediate adoption of the measure. But as urgent as these measures are, they are not the only ones that need to be adopted to preserve the order and purity of our churches. Nor would these of themselves greatly reduce our labor and care for the welfare of the scattered people of God. This can only be attained by adopting such rules as shall secure more perfect This we shall examine under two heads, as affecting their business and their membership, and there are many considerations which apply equally to both. Although the churches may stand strong and clear enough to transact business without the presence of a messenger, yet cases of discipline are often referred to a minister for his judgment by one or both of the parties. Now it is very evident that if all the charges, votes, and decisions were on record, it would greatly facilitate the matter, and enable him at once to give a definite and satisfactory opinion. Or if a matter should be appealed or reported to a conference composed of delegates of churches, it would be still more necessary to keep a record as the basis of such appeal or report. To do business by vote without keeping a record is a loose method, to say the least; and is often the means of dissatisfaction and confusion. It is also necessary for the purity of our membership, as well as to know who shall vote in a business meeting, to have a record of the names of the members. Some small churches where the members have almost daily oversight of each other may think this unnecessary, but in larger churches, and in some small ones also, we have seen and felt the necessity of this. Thus it has been our lot to go into places as strangers and ask how many members there were, and it could not be told. Members seemed to come and go at their own pleasure, and when they became cold or disheartened, no one looked after them—no one knew their standing. This is not a new difficulty. We have long felt the necessity of efficient action on this point. It should be definitely known at all times who are and who are not considered members, and then the welfare of all may be looked after, and the erring may be reclaimed by timely action, or the unworthy withdrawn from in a manner to save the cause from reproach. But this is especially necessary to save the ministers and churches from being imposed upon by those who move from place to place. A few instances may be given to illustrate this. 1. An individual in the extreme western part of Wisconsin was zealous for the truth, and took the part of an efficient member of the church where he lived, assuming to direct in spiritual things, writing to the Review, &c. But while he was professing to keep all the commandments, and was especially zealous for the fourth, it was well known that he left his former residence under the charge of transgressing another commandment. 2. A letter appeared in the Review some time since from an individual in Iowa, calling for help, stating that his family were alone in keeping the commandments in that place, and wishing a minister to come and preach the message there. Some who read that letter knew that the writer ran away from another State in debt and in disgrace. We leave you to judge what must be the influence of such persons, and what darkness a preacher would have to meet who should answer such calls. 3. A person came to a certain church, representing that he was oppressed for keeping the Sabbath, could not get work; that he was poor, and must move or suffer. The church aided him and brought him into their midst; but he proved to be lazy, and every way unworthy. On writing to the place of his former residence, they were informed that he had been withdrawn from as unworthy. But here the fruits of disorder were manifest. Some refused to receive the testimony of brethren abroad, asserting that themselves were to be sole judges of their own members. Division was thus created, the church went into darkness and months passed before they were able to rise and extricate themselves. And all this because of the loose manner of recognizing members. Every person leaving a church by removal should obtain a letter certifying to his standing; and without this precaution our churches are open to "confusion and every evil work." In the first two cases, if letters of fellowship had been required, the individuals would not have dared to hold out to the churches at large and to the world their false light; and in the last case the church would have avoided a great cause of declension and darkness, and the labor of a minister would not have been needed, as was the case, to bear a heavy burden that nobody should have borne. These are mere examples. Such things are, and have been, occurring almost continually. The officers of the churches and their duties need to be considered, but this is properly the subject of a22 separate argument. Our object in this is to call your attention to the necessity of a more thorough organization, and invite your co-operation in the effort to effect it. We have seen with deep regret the distrust with which reforms of this kind are viewed, and trust it is for want of understanding the necessities of the case. We have examined it with carefulness and prayer, and hope and pray that you will examine it in the same manner, and believe that you will arrive at the same conclusion. We mourn the low state of many of our churches; the world is going down to ruin and must be warned; we are often burdened and perplexed at the amount of labor before us; and though we cannot expect to avoid all difficulty, our position and circumstances are such that any just and proper means of avoiding difficulty and trial in the churches are worthy of your most earnest consideration.
J. H. Waggoner,
James White,
J. N. Loughborough,
E. W. Shortridge,
John Byington.
Joseph Bates,
J. B. Frisbie,
M. E. Cornell,
Moses Hull, CONFERENCE IN WESTERN N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
This meeting was well attended by the brethren in this part of the State, and was one of deep interest, and we trust it will prove truly profitable. It was a matter of deep regret that our beloved brother Sperry was prevented by sickness from being present. He has had a severe attack of bleeding at the lungs, which brought him near to the gates of death. Prayer was made without ceasing by the church in his behalf, and we hope and trust that God will raise him up, still to sound the last message. He was increasing in strength the last we heard, the hemorrhage having ceased. Let him still be remembered by the church. Bro. Hull was present and preached four times during the two days. We would say to the brethren who are unacquainted with him, as is the case with nearly all in this State, that we, the brethren assembled at this meeting, were satisfied that it is in the order of God that he should labor in this State. We trust that his labors will be abundantly blest. We say this last lest any should be discouraged on our failing to procure the laborer we expected. The Lord is at work in this region of country. Some who have learned the truth and desire to obey it, have strong opposition, yet we trust they will have the help of God to overcome every obstacle. It was a matter of rejoicing to us, and will be to others, to hear that Bro. and sister J. M. Aldrich of Somerset were at this meeting, and took a decided stand to keep the commandments of God, and desired to become fully identified with us as a people. It is expected that the tent will be pitched for the first meeting in Yates, Orleans Co., and that meetings will commence the evening of June 5th. Funds were paid in to the amount of $66.38 at this meeting, which will pay the traveling expenses of brethren to the place, and make a beginning. N. B. Those who have means for the tent fund will send to Moses Hull, Olcott, Niagara Co., N. Y., care of R. F. Cottrell. Those who have any considerable sum to send will do well to send a draft instead of bills. By order of the conference, R. F. C. CONFERENCE AT AVON, WIS.
By John Norton Loughborough
This conference was held according to appointment, May 24-26, in the new place of worship at Avon, which the brethren by diligent efforts had succeeded in erecting and enclosing in time for the conference. This house is about twenty-eight by fifty, and although some of the inhabitants of the place said the Adventists were building a house to cover half Avon, we found it was none too large for general conferences in Southern Wisconsin; and the inhabitants found the house nearly full of brethren and sisters on the Sabbath, and well filled with attentive hearers on first day. This meeting was a refreshing season for the people of God who were there assembled. Our meetings were spirited, especially the social meetings. Brn. Ingraham and Sanborn were present at this meeting and took part in preaching the word. Bro. Goodenough was also present who has been laboring in Wisconsin the past winter with some success. The burden of the testimony to the church was the importance of being awake at this time and having all our energies thrown into this cause, especially as it is manifest that the four angels are holding the four winds that the servants of God may be sealed. The stirring testimonies which were given on this subject met with a hearty response from our brethren and sisters. Some attention was given during this conference to the subject of more strict order in the church, especially order of that character that will protect the church from being imposed upon by false teachers and false brethren. Many expressed themselves on the sad state of things which has existed in Wisconsin because of divisions made by those who professed to teach the third angel's message, but were not in union with the body, and thought a more strict system of order in regard to the ministry, that the church might know who were in union with the body, would be the dawning of brighter days for Wisconsin. On first day two discourses were given on the Sabbath question to attentive congregations, and after the second discourse we went to the water-side where ten were baptized by Bro. Sanborn. In the evening we had an excellent social meeting in which all seemed anxious to take a part, and which continued till near eleven o'clock at night. Our business meeting was characterized by a promptness and willingness on the part of all to act in sustaining the cause. As it was considered that the church in Avon would have all they could do to raise means to finish their place of worship, it was unanimously voted by the conference to exempt them from contributing to the tent fund this season, and to let those who are not thus taxed with building sustain the tent. It was thought about $350 would be requisite to sustain the tent and those who labor with it the coming tent season. About $300 have already been pledged, and others doubtless will be willing to pledge who have not yet had an opportunity. Somebody (a bigoted sectarian I suppose) after hearing Bro. Ingraham exhort the brethren to activity from the fact that Satan is mustering his forces (referring to Spiritualism, &c.) went off to a military company in the town, who were on drill, and reported us as secessionists, and said we had stated that the Devil was raising armies to go South. The company were so enraged that they were on the point of coming to the meeting-house to take the man who said it and23 hang him on the nearest tree. All the hindering cause seemed to be, their informant could not tell them which man said it. He could not tell whether it was the "Michigan man" (myself) or one of the others. But I think they found out before we got through the conference that we intended to be loyal subjects, and obey all laws that do not conflict with the law of heaven. Crane's Grove, Ills., May 29, 1861. MEETINGS IN NORTHERN IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
THE weather being unfavorable for tent-meetings we thought best to visit those churches where help was most needed and spend about a week among them. The meeting at Marion was well attended, notwithstanding the cold rain that came on. On first day twelve were baptized, and seemed to take new courage. At a business meeting the church unanimously resolved to accept the name Seventh-day Adventists. It was also voted that in view of the extreme necessity of a house of worship at Marion, tent expenses &c., that the church ask to be excused from taking stock in the Publishing Association at present. The plan of Systematic Benevolence was considered and measures taken to carry it out more fully. At Fairview we found the interest to hear on present truth was increasing. The hall was nearly full, notwithstanding the short notice and a thunder-storm that came on as people were gathering. We left an appointment for the Sunday night following, and went on to Rome. Here we found the people coming in from every quarter to hear a war speech, which gave us a good opportunity to announce our appointment. We had five meetings, and were glad to see the Roman brethren so willing to receive plain preaching, reproof, and instruction in righteousness, by the word of truth. Seventeen were baptized on first day morning. In the afternoon we returned to Fairview and found the people gathering an hour earlier than usual. The interest to hear was never better in that place. Many were fearful that the building would give way, but seeing the owner of the hall present, and learning that extra supports had been placed underneath, some were inspired with confidence. Many that could not get in were heard to reproach the Baptists for locking their house, after agreeing that it should be open for other denominations when they did not use it. Some of the wealthiest and most respectable citizens were thus deceived by them to get their money. The public have been imposed upon, and it is expected that our friends in that vicinity will soon rally and put up a commodious house of worship. We feel that an announcement to speak on the signs of the times brings out the people en masse. A great change has taken place in the public mind, and even our enemies begin to concede that we may be partly right. On Monday, after a discourse on baptism, we went four miles to the river where twelve were baptized. This was a happy day to many. On Tuesday at 2 P. M., according to previous appointment, we met with them again at Marion. The two rooms at the house of Bro. Benest were crowded as full as possible, and quite a number remained outside. After the discourse we again repaired to the water where seven more were baptized. In the evening the ordinances were celebrated for the first time here. It was a precious season. These meetings have encouraged our hearts greatly. We shall go out with the tent feeling assured that there are many prayers for our success in winning souls to the truth.
M. E. Cornell.
B. F. Snook. REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
DURING the last week after the close of the conference, I spent my time in writing, and visiting in this church. I am gratified to see evidences of improvement here: the members seem to want to know wherein they err, that they may amend. At least they seek counsel, and receive reproof with thankfulness. This is always cheering to the laborer in the cause of God. On Sabbath morning after a social meeting I preached a sermon on the death of Bro. Moses Long, a notice of which was given in the Review. May 14th, evening after the Sabbath, I held a meeting near Bro. Zinn's, in Rusau, five or six miles north of this place. The attendance was large, and the attention good. First day morning our meeting was in a house about two miles from that, on the bank of the Des Moines river. The house was well packed half an hour before the time appointed, and I was told that there were as many outside as inside of the house. At the close of the meeting we repaired to the river, where six were baptized. This was a solemn and joyous occasion to me, and I had also much freedom in speaking the word, although a sense of darkness existing in the church there, rested continually upon me. After baptism I requested the members of the church to meet at a private house, where I laid open my feelings in reference to them; to their darkness, and the danger of their situation. They heeded the exhortation; wrongs were exposed, burdens cast off, and we went free. According to their own expression they had been walking in darkness for months, and when the light and peace of heaven rested on them again their joy was beyond expression; they fell on each other's necks and wept aloud. A number from Knoxville were present, and we all felt more than ever assured that the power of the truth and the Spirit of God must be in us, and rule our daily walk, or we shall never be able to pass through the perils of these last days. I am glad that our brethren in Northern Iowa have spoken out against tobacco and kindred evils. I know of no field of labor that needs such testimony more than Iowa. I have had my feelings touched in this place to see brethren and sisters, struggling for liberty from those tyrannical idols, almost overcome; their minds clouded; faith almost gone, ready to sink in despair. When brought to this condition they begin to realize the nature of their bondage. Thank the Lord the third angel's message is a purifying message, and the grace of God will sustain those who trust in him with self-denial. P. S. I think it duty to say that the difficulties in the Church at Rusau grew out of one Morton S. Cook, from Clark Co. imposing himself upon them as a brother. By advice I would warn the saints against him, as he may try to impose upon others in the same way. F. M. BRAGG
By F. M. Bragg
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Your cheering communications through the Review have often encouraged me to press on. Through the goodness and tender mercy of our heavenly Father I am still striving to overcome. When I get a glimpse of what is preparing for the finally faithful I feel that I must endure to the end. Nothing is too dear to sacrifice for an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. There the saints of all ages will meet. The prophets and apostles, all the worthies that have long lain in the dust of the earth, and those that were near and dear in this life, who have fallen asleep, will come forth to eternal life, and with the righteous living be caught up to meet Jesus. Blessed anticipation! Ofttimes I ask myself, shall I be found worthy to escape the things coming on the earth and join this heavenly throng? At times I feel poor, miserable, blind, and in need of all things, but while I look at my poverty and unworthiness all seems dark before me. Again, by faith, I behold my Redeemer wounded and bruised for me. Precious Saviour! He has of late done much for me. His grace has sustained me in deep affliction and great depression of spirits in bodily infirmity. The Lord is my help, I will trust in him though he slay me. "His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord." I am often reminded of the fitting truths God has been pleased to give the remnant by revelations in this solemn time. They are searching truths to my heart. They are truths by which I would square my life. I see no danger of thinking too much of them, or of heeding them too strictly. It causes us great grief to see some draw off from the body and find fault with those God has placed to lead the remnant in this great work. Rather should they be in high reputation for their work's sake. The wise man says that a wise reprover is a jewel upon an obedient ear. Prov. xxv, 12. Some have given up the truth wholly. One truth after another was yielded. The first step was to find fault with some message given, or the manner in which it was given, then sympathizing with those corrected, until self-will controlled the judgment and they were left in the dark. If the half-hearted would search their own hearts they would find enough to do before casting the mote from their brother's eye. This spirit of fault-finding leads me to examine my own heart and to plead at a throne of grace for more faith and heavenly wisdom. O for the "wisdom of the serpent and harmlessness of the dove," with which to meet the enemies of the cross. How eagerly they catch every thing that can be made to appear evil and swallow it as a sweet morsel. But in the language of the Apostle, "Only let your conversation be as becoming the gospel of Christ, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Phil. i, 27–29. Bro. H. Edson writes from Palermo, N. Y.: "The Review is a welcome messenger to us, although I have not been able myself to read but very little of its contents for more than a year. My health for years has been failing, and for the last fourteen months I have not been able to labor, read, or write but a trifle. From February last my health seemed to improve gradually until the spring opened, since which it has again failed me; but I hope for that land where the inhabitants shall no more say I am sick. My faith is unshaken in the third angel's message. I believe we are nearing the loud cry, and the closing scenes. I have confidence in, and my sympathy is still with, those who have stood by this work, and have borne the heat and burden of the day, whose experience should be considered of much value and worth to the church. The Lord give such wisdom from above and guide them in judgment is my prayer. I believe the plan of systematic benevolence is in the order and counsel of heaven, and that the remnant church must needs come up to the standard raised on this subject and bring all the tithes and offerings into the storehouse, or the Lord's treasury, that there may be meat in the Lord's house before he will open the windows of heaven and pour out the rich blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it; which will be no less than the latter rain or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, whose longsuffering is now waiting as in the days of Noah. He is not willing that any of his people should perish, but that we all should come to repentance for our lukewarm, poor, wretched, miserable, blind and naked destitution. I feel bad at times that I am so bound that I am of no service in the blessed cause I love. Though unworthy, I hope to share in the prayers of such as have power and can prevail with God. "Your unworthy brother in affliction." Bro. C. N. Pike writes from North Wardsboro, Vt.: "I would like to say to the dear saints that although unacquainted with most of them yet I feel that I love them all, and hope soon to meet with them in glory. I do believe the time is very near, when, if faithful, we shall be changed from mortal to immortal, from these painful and trying hours to joys which will never end. I feel very unworthy and sometimes the enemy tries to make me think there is no hope for me, but I often think of the verse— "I can but perish if I go, I am resolved to try, &c." And then our Lord himself has said, Whosoever will come let him come and take of the water of life freely. O what precious promises has he left on record for the poor and needy, who are led to see their lost condition! Who can but love him when they know how much he bore for us. I can still say that I have never been sorry that I started to try to serve the Lord and keep his holy Sabbath. It is a very welcome day to me. Although I have to work seven or eight miles distant from any one of like precious faith, yet I meet with them sometimes upon the Sabbath, and generally feel that I get well paid for my journey. It has been some more than a year since I first began to try to keep all the commandments. I had then agreed to work for a man who works on the seventh day. I did not know but he would turn me off, but I thought I would rather 'suffer with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,' and I believe the Lord helped me to find favor in the eyes of my employer, for he did not turn me off, but has hired me again this year. Last year it was said I would give up my notion before long, but I do not know but what the truth is just as sweet to me now as it ever was, and I hope and pray that I may always walk in the ways of wisdom and truth. It often cheers my heart to read the letters in the Review, and to know of the trials and victories of the dear saints. It gives me courage and increases my love for them." Sister A. O. Thompson writes from Denmark, N. Y.: "I still love the cause of truth, and it does not seem as though I could be deprived of the paper. It is all the preaching I have. I love to hear from the dear saints who are scattered abroad. I sympathize with Bro. and Sister White, and I am glad that they have been raised up to stand for the truth. None but God knows whether I shall ever be raised up from a sick bed. I am now feeble, but I have unshaken confidence in God and his people. I love the name Seventh-day Adventists. I desire an interest in the prayers of God's dear saints, that whether I live or die, I may be the Lord's in the day of his coming. I feel very unworthy, and I know of a truth that the Lord is very good to me." FELL asleep in Jesus, Orilla Walroad, daughter of John Gipson, aged thirty-three years. Sister Walroad embraced the Advent faith in 1843. Her disease was dropsy. She bore her sickness with patience, saying, The will of the Lord be done. She died a firm believer in the third angel's message. A kind husband and five children are left to mourn her loss, yet they sorrow not as others who have no hope, knowing that they that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. A suitable discourse from Job xiv, "If a man die shall he live again?" was preached by A. C. Morton, to a large and attentive congregation. M. A. STOEL.
Mantorville, Minn. L E T T E R S.
By S. B. Whitney
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.” DEAR BRO. WHITE: To the remnant scattered abroad I wish to say that my heart is with them to maintain the struggle until the victory is gained, and we reach the promised remaining rest. The cause seems to be gaining somewhat in this section, and the few who have remained true to the truth are being encouraged, feeling that the sound of rain is again to be heard within our borders. I have felt the afflicting hand of my heavenly Father upon me for some time, for which I am thankful, however, for I trust that by it and the aid of his Spirit I have been able to see my condition, and to double my diligence in making my calling and election sure. How we ought to rejoice on account of the long-suffering of God to us ward, and what an incentive it should be to duty. There are some who have embraced the truth here since Bro. Lawrence and myself visited them last winter, and others are becoming interested, and are inquiring, “What is truth?” Lord revive thy work, is the prayer of your unworthy brother striving to overcome. S. B. WHITNEY.
Malone, N. Y. A Call to Christian Watchfulness
By I. S. Chaffee
WHILE reading and hearing of the commotions that are in the world, and even in the United States, it seems that there are trying times before us, and it is time for all the followers of the Saviour to be up and doing, to see if they all have the armor on, by which to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. There are a few of us here who meet from Sabbath to Sabbath to worship God, and we are trying to overcome all the devices of the evil one and make some little progress in the divine life. Although there are but a handful of us, the promise is that where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, there is he in the midst. I praise God for the promises that are left on record for his children. Salvation is free on compliance with the conditions which are all plain and easy. We all may enjoy a full, free and present salvation. We may feel that we are saved now from our sins, and not in them. It is the duty of every professed follower of Christ to present his body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is his reasonable service; and when we have done this, it is our duty to keep all upon the altar, and be dead to the world, but alive to Christ, and seek not to do our own will, but the will of our heavenly Father. O blessed thought! that we have not always to stay here where sickness and sorrow reigns, and where almost everything is untrue, and so little love and friendship is manifested by those who profess to follow Christ. O if all enjoyed as much of the love of God in the heart as it is the privilege of all to enjoy, it would be very different. When we contemplate the love of God to a guilty world, and the spirit that he manifested, it ought to lead us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and see to it that we cherish tenderly in our hearts the Spirit of Christ; for without it we are none of his. I am striving to live near my Saviour day by day, and to draw nourishment from Christ the living vine, so that I may have grace to overcome all the evils that I may have to encounter in this life, and at last reach the haven of eternal rest. Yours striving for immortality.
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