WHILE the hearts of the American people are filled with rejoicing at the prospect of the speedy closing up of our national difficulties, and some are expecting a peace which shall be abiding and permanent, still others, and their number is not small, are jubilantly prophesying the ushering in of the temporal millennium. With our land absolutely reeking with crime and iniquity, it would be difficult to find evidence for such a belief, and we know of nothing which could give rise to such conclusions unless it might be the reaction following the great depression caused by the war. The minds of the people have long been in anxious and painful suspense, hardly daring to hope, as the cruel and relentless tide of war has swept over the country, filling the land with sorrow and grief; and now that this pressure is removed, it is not to be wondered at that the elastic spirit of the masses should rebound even beyond its wonted position.
The student of prophecy is not surprised at such expressions as result from this state of feeling, for he is expecting the cry of "peace and safety," all the while remembering however, that "when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." The sure word of prophecy "tells us that we are in a time when the spirit of war is to predominate, and the nations are to become angry, which of course is utterly at variance with the idea of permanent peace, and shows us that we have no reason to look for it.
But aside from the scripture evidence we would ask, is there anything in the present state of public opinion to warrant us in believing there can be no abiding peace? We only wonder how any observing person could decide otherwise, and for proof on this point would call attention to the fact that very many of our soldiers are anxious to join the Mexican armies against the French. Notwithstanding their experience in many hard-fought and bloody battles, the spirit of war is not yet extinct, and will not be satisfied until more blood flows and more lives are lost.
But perhaps it will be objected to this that such sentiments5are only those of the soldiers, the men of war, but that the people desire peace. This may be true of many, yet there are multitudes more who are far from being satisfied in view of our relations with foreign countries. At a late meeting for rejoicing on account of the surrender of the rebel armies, a venerable, white-haired clergyman declared that now he wanted Jonathan to go across the water, take John Bull by the collar, and give him a good shaking. The almost deafening applause which followed this remark showed that at least that audience were not prepared to raise a protest against a war with England. Even some of the most peaceably-disposed express themselves to the effect that although they want peace now, they hope the time will come when England will receive punishment at the hands of America.
Now in view of this state of feeling, and the scripture evidence bearing upon the point, we cannot consistently look for anything more than a little time of peace, expecting that when the work has been accomplished of sealing the servants of God in their foreheads (Rev. vii.) the winds of war and strife will no longer be held, but, as described by the prophet Jeremiah "a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth." And while the winds are now being held, may the Lord help us to be of the number who shall receive the seal of God in their foreheads, and thus help to swell the throng who shall stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion.
WM. C. GAGE.
The End Reached.
By Editor
UNDER this heading, appears a short article in the N. Y. Independent of June 1, setting forth that the full end of the great Southern rebellion has come. Three months ago, March 1, the end had not come. The nation was then writhing under a new call for 300,000 more men, and many, were speculating upon the continuance of the war, and predicting that the present summer, which is yet mostly in the future, would witness the most severe and bloody part of this great struggle. And then, the people of God, believing that they saw light in the prophecies that the time had come for this strife to be brought to a close, directed their prayer accordingly to Him who holdeth the nations in his hands. Three short months have elapsed, and now not an armed rebel remains in array against the United States, Kirby Smith the rebel general in Texas, having just surrendered the last remnant of the Confederate army west of the Mississippi. The Independent thus speaks:
"We stated, last week, that we believed all the ports in Texas would be included in the President's proclamation opening the ports of the South to unrestricted commerce, before the 1st of July. The realization of our hopes has come sooner than we anticipated. The surrender of Kirby Smith and all his army to Gen. Canby, which was officially announced by Secretary Stanton on Sunday last, leaves not an armed rebel in the whole country, and at once removes all cause for any further restrictions on trade from the Rio Grande, north.
In addition to this most cheering news for our commercial community, the surrender of the rebel ram Stonewall to the Captain General of Cuba, leaves the whole sea free from rebel cruisers, so that there will be nothing to obstruct our commerce on the ocean. One craft only, the piratical Shenandoah, remained at last accounts in the Indian Seas, threatening our merchant ships in that part of the world. But she cannot long remain a pest to our commerce. It is probable that ere this, orders have been dispatched by the British Government, to deny the rebel cruisers the right of belligerents, and we may safely assume that in no part of the world is there any longer any armed force to interfere with the peaceful pursuits of commerce.
So entire and complete a peace as this has never before been known since we were a nation. We have always had a small difficulty on our hand somewhere; but now we have none. The opening of Texas to our trade will prove of great importance to us, for the interior of that State has suffered less by the rebellion than any other of the Confederacy. There must be vast quantities of cotton there, which will at once be sent to market, and the people, from their intercourse with Mexico, must be possessed of a considerable amount of specie, which will be eagerly exchanged for the goods that will at once be shipped to Matamoras. Their crops must be well forward, and the armies will be disbanded in time for the soldiers to go to their homes and secure the harvest."
The Nation's Motto
THE NATION'S MOTTO.—An act of the last Congress directs that all new dies made at the United States Mint for coining money, shall bear the motto, "In God we trust."
Half a Million Drunkards in Britain
AN English temperance paper estimates that there are half a million drunkards in Great Britain.
Michigan Conference Items.
THE whole number of churches represented by delegate or letter at our late Conference was forty-two. Two churches have disbanded the past year by uniting with others; and two new churches have united with the Conference. Three or four more companies of Sabbath-keepers are waiting to be organized and joined to the Conference. Whole number of members in the organized churches represented, 1214. Additions of members during the year, 263, losses 135, leaving a net increase of membership, of 128. The great majority of those reported by the churches as losses, are not departures from the truth, but those who have simply changed their location, and moved away from their respective churches. The whole amount of s. b. funds pledged within the Conference for the coming year is $5291,77. Amount pledged to the Conference fund for tent operations and support of ministers, is $3763,93. Increase of s. b. over last year $1497,73. Increase of amount pledged to Conference fund $1856,93.
We enter upon this year with most cheering prospects. It is encouraging that the churches so universally adhere to the admirable and scriptural plan of systematic benevolence that exists among us, and that they have, as a general thing, so liberally increased their figures for the coming year. It is encouraging also that the pledges to the Conference fund are so nobly increased, being nearly double what they were last year, as first pledged, and nearly equal to the whole amont of s. b. for that year. There is no-lack of means in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers, and there seems to be no lack of disposition in their hearts to use it liberally for the advancement of this good cause. The fields are already white for the harvest, and the winds are being held that the message may do its work. Let the people of God prepare themselves for the work, and what shall hinder it from moving onward in power?
Devotion
By Jos. Clarke
Is supposed by many, to be much in prayer. But prayer is only one act of devotion.
A good, and wise, and devoted man, is one who has engaged in the service of the greatest and best of Kings, and is striving by every means in his power to please the King.
The kings of earth have many devoted and loyal subjects, many whose whole study and effort is to serve and benefit their sovereigns; and some would cheerfully lay down their lives if necessary, in behalf of those whom they serve. Such devotion is true and beautiful; but it is rendered to a perishing mortal, and often prompts to acts of baseness and servility. This is not devotion in the noblest sense.
The devotee, who punctually pays his vows to some idol god, the papist who invokes daily his patron saint, and counts his beads; the Mussulman who with daily, and sincere and persevering prayer calls on Allah, and Mahomet his prophet, all are devoted; but these all fail from ignorance and error.
True devotion, is that which is rendered to the being to whom it is due, when it is rendered in a becoming manner, with consistency, and sincerity, and truth.
Wise men both in public and private affairs, consider it an established rule of action, to make the less give way to more important interests, when such interests clash with each other. Thus, when the safety of an excellent government is at stake, it is thought better that armies be raised, and thousands of precious lives be lost, than that governments fail, and chaos and anarchy prevail. And in case of public necessity most valuable private property is sacrificed for the public good. And in less important matters we reason in a similar manner.
In case of a conflagration of a city it may be necessary to blow up and destroy whole blocks of buildings, filled with treasures, to arrest the progress of the flames, and thus save cities from ruin. Often men sacrifice large amounts of money to clear themselves from posts of danger. In these things they reason correctly.
Why should we not reason always as correctly, in relation to our standing and prospects for eternity?
Doubtless all should reason as clearly, and calmly on things relating to our connection with our Creator, as we do on minor matters. He who does this, and who faithfully carries out such principles in his life, making this a practical matter, daily, hourly, constantly, zealously, prudently, wisely, may be termed a devoted man.
But by some strange infatuation, the wisest statesman, the most far-seeing prudent politician, the most profound scholar and thinker, the skillful artisan, the devoted teacher, the most thorough and practical man of the world, all seem to be bereft of reason when they are approached or reasoned with as to the relations they sustain to God. On these most momentous and important matters, they know but little, and often care less.
The correct and noble principle of making sure of a greater interest, even if it may cost the sacrifice of the less, is quickly forgotten, and the theme of man's relation to God is covered up in error, or repelled with scorn, or smothered by silent neglect.
The devout and holy man is not so. He is continually weighing in his mind, his own and others' interests; and whenever he finds his present ease or happiness conflicts with his prospects of eternal life, he prepares his mind for a sacrifice of the present gratification, that he may attain to better life hereafter. Does any one of his pursuits in life clash with the known will of God, he does not hesitate to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty. In like manner he reasons with his acquaintances, and friends, and would fain have them reason in the same way, and from the same standpoint.
The devout man has by a correct mode of reasoning carried out in higher interests, brought himself within the influence of God's Spirit, and the agency of holy men; and holy angels approve his reasoning, and assist him.
His life is a blessing to himself, and all with whom he is acquainted. The poor feel that he is their helper. The weak find in him a friend, the virtuous are conscious of his approbation, and the impure blush at his approach; for his life condemns them. The guilty avoid his company, while the righteous rejoice and are made glad in his presence.
Jos. Clarke.
Good Testimony.
By Wm. S. Foote
I should think from reading Bro. Cottrell's article in the Review of May 9, headed, "Necessity is the mother of invention," that he had been favored (!) of late, like some others, with the sound of some strange Voices from R. I. The great object in the distribution of the sheet referred to, seems to be, to convince (if possible) the Seventh-day Adventists, that they have not "the faith of Jesus," for the reasons that we patronize a paper which they think teaches false doctrine, and which they are pleased to call, "The Conserve Error, alias Advent Review," and that we believe that our Saviour arose from his tomb on the morning of the first day of the week, and that we give a wrong interpretation to 2 Cor. iii, 7, and think too much of "a book of visions."
As yet, we feel disposed to patronize the Review, for the reason that its teachings harmonize with the Bible; and we cannot reject "the book of visions," for the simple reason, that we do not see in them anything incompatible with "the faith of Jesus."
As regards the resurrection of Christ, we wish to bring forward the testimony of one who was possibly a witness of his crucifixion. In Luke xxiv it is said, On the first day of the week very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher &c., found the body gone, saw two men in shining garments, who told them that Jesus had risen, and said unto them, Remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. They remembered this, went away and told these things unto the eleven, to whom those things told by the women, seemed as idle tales.
"And behold two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. Jesus drew near and went with them, to whom one of them (whose testimony we think is reliable) whose name was Cleopas, said, 'Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?' After relating how Jesus was condemned by the chief priests and rulers, and was crucified, he continued, 'But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel; and besides all this, TODAY IS THE THIRD DAY SINCE THESE THINGS WERE DONE."
We "think that any work that stands in the counsel of God, we must believe will be consonant with the Scriptures of truth," and also that "if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
WM. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O.
Voices from Michigan.
THE following brief extracts from letters brought to the Conference, show the state and feelings of some of the churches in this State, and will be of interest to all who are glad to hear of the prosperity of those of like precious faith.
Alma. The Seventh-day Adventist church at Alma, Gratiot county, Mich., was organized the 16th day of March 1865, composed of seventeen members all of whom remain in good standing, together with three that have been admitted since the organization. We have regular meetings every Sabbath, and very punctual attendance. Prayer and conference meeting in the forenoon, and Sabbath School and Bible Class in the afternoon.
Brethren pray for us that we may ever be found faithful and zealous in this good cause, ever desiring to know our Master's will, that we may be found prepared to meet him when he comes.
Battle Creek. The church are united and prosperous. Union and harmony prevails, and with a majority of the members an increased desire to get into a better place—realizing to some extent the times in which we live, and the necessity of a closer walk with God, to enable us to pass safely through the perils of the last days, which are upon us.
Bowne. We have an interesting Sabbath School and Bible Class every Sabbath. Union and harmony prevail, and God's blessing is with us as we meet from Sabbath to Sabbath, for which we praise his holy name. We feel very thankful for the faithful labors of Brn. Bates, Byington, and Lawrence, and hope still to share in the distribution of such labor.
Charlotte. The majority of the church are trying to live according to the word; but we feel very much in need of faithful and judicious labor. Oh may we arise and trim our lamps before the Bridegroom returns.
Colon. There are a few here who are waiting for the consolation of Israel, striving for the kingdom. We bless God for so much as he has manifested for us when we have met in his name, for his worship. Truly God is good. We bless him for preserving mercies, and that we still live to praise him. We pray that the Holy Spirit may descend in your midst, and direct in your deliberations.
Eureka and Fairplains. The church is united and striving for the victory. We have prayer and conference meetings every Sabbath, except the first Sabbath of each month, when we meet with the Orleans church. We also keep up a Sabbath School and Bible Class.
Greenbush. We feel to render thanks to God for his rich blessings to us in these times of trouble and perplexity. We thank him that he has ruled our national troubles in such a way that his people may enjoy quiet and peaceable lives. We are few in number, but we want to be numbered with the people of God. We feel willing to sacrifice all the pleasures and enjoyments of this world, if we can but obtain a home in the new earth. The youth and children with us are still striving to overcome, and seem determined with the rest of the church to go through to the kingdom. We believe that God is about to manifest himself to his waiting people in a way that he has never before, and may we all overcome our sins, and be prepared for the great work that is before us.
Hillsdale. We are happy to be able to report an increase6of interest on the part of the majority. Yesterday, the Sabbath, an appeal was made to the church on this point, and a request made for all who felt an increase of interest, and a determination to enter with more zeal upon the work of overcoming, to manifest it by arising to their feet, when, with but one exception, all arose. We therefore look for a more thorough work of reformation. May the Lord grant it.
We have endeavored to observe all days of fasting recommended by the church, and they were special seasons of interest with us. While we have endeavored to draw near to God, he has graciously drawn near to us.
We have faith in God, and mean to move forward, that we may have part in the great work soon to be accomplished.
Hanover. We feel like pressing forward in the message. There is a good degree of union among us.
Locke. We have a Sabbath School in a prosperous condition, with about thirty scholars, a portion of whom have been baptized and joined the church.
Lapeer. We hold meetings on the Sabbath, and Tuesday evening, also have a Sabbath School and Bible Class.
We have a strong desire to move forward with the body, and get ready for the loud cry of the message which we believe is soon to be given.
Monterey. Notwithstanding the deep trials this church has been wading through for the last eighteen months, with a few exceptions, we are earnestly striving for the kingdom. We firmly believe in the fulfillment of prophecy, and the visible manifestation of the power of God in scattering the enemies of our country, in answer to the prayers of his people that the way may be prepared for the third angel's message to go forth with a loud cry. We have two prayer and conference meetings during the week. Conference meeting in the forenoon, and Bible Class and Sabbath School in the afternoon of the Sabbath.
Our Sabbath School is quite interesting, with an average attendance of fifty. We have a library of about one hundred volumes, which furnishes good reading matter both for children and adults.
Pray for us that God would still be merciful, and we be able to stand in the day of the Lord.
Memphis. We are united and prosperous. There is considerable interest manifested in our meetings, and some have recently experienced religion and express a determination to go with us. We have a Sabbath School and Bible Class which are well conducted and prosperous.
Our meeting-house will be finished next month, and it is the unanimous voice of the church that Bro. and sister White take the first opportunity to be with us, and to appoint the time to dedicate our house of worship.
Oneida. We can truly say that there is love and union in this church. We realize the solemn time in which we are living, and are striving to overcome every evil thought, word and action, and get where the Lord would have us, that we may work for the cause, and be ready to meet the Lord when he shall appear.
Salem, Ind. As a church, we are earnestly striving to get on the armor, and stand where our influence will tell in favor of the great truths it is ours to hold forth to the world. We are united, and enjoy much of the blessing of our heavenly Father in our little meetings which we are permitted to enjoy on God's holy day. We can say with much satisfaction that as a church our prospects are brightening, and hope springs up afresh in our hearts as we see the end approaching.
Tompkins. Those that are left in this place, meet regularly every Sabbath, and have evidence that the Lord meets with us. We want to be prepared to rise with the message, and go through with the "remnant" to the kingdom.
Tyrone. As a church we are all striving to keep pace with the body. Our meetings are spiritual and profitable. We sustain a Sabbath School and Bible Class.
Vergennes. Feeling an increasing interest in the third angel's message, we cannot express it any better than to say, that we have raised our s. b. fund from $62.90, to $101.22.
We feel thankful for the visits of Brn. Bates, Byington and Lawrence the past Conference year, and hope to be remembered still in the same way.
We have been strengthened and blessed by the days of fasting and prayer, and the position on the sealing makes our salvation look nearer than when we first believed.
We hope to gain strength with the people of God, and come up with them and at last have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.
Wright. We are enjoying a good degree of union and prosperity. We wish to express our gratitude for the ministerial labor bestowed upon us during the past year, and ardently hope that in the providence of God we may be blessed with more during the present Conference year.
West Windsor. It is over nine years since the most of this church have been striving to obey God by keeping all his commandments. We have not yet become tired of well-doing, but on the other hand we want to arise with the message that we may be prepared to meet our Lord at his coming.
We meet every Sabbath for prayer, and are much blessed and strengthened. We also have a Sabbath School and Bible Class.
West Plains. We are but a small church, but we are trying to overcome, and are very thankful to God for the watch care of the committee, and also for the timely visits of the messengers at our Quarterly Meetings. It has proved a blessing to us and done us good.
But although our number is small, we do not feel discouraged. The promise is to those that endure to the end. And the Master has said, "Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." With this ever in view, and the assisting grace of God, we will try to be overcomers.
A Feast.
By C. M. Willis
"THERE they made him a supper, and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him." John xii, 2. Often while reading this record of John, has my mind been peculiarly impressed with this particular verse; and in imagination I have often pictured to myself that singular group. I say singular, because history does not record another such a scene. In the person of that poor dusty wayfarer, scoffed at by the mocker, despised by the proud of earth's groveling worms, rejected by those to whom he would do good, we behold the great Messiah, the mighty Counselor, the Son of God! The kind friend of this humble family, they were ever ready to receive him with smiles of welcome, and listen with rapt attention to his words of wisdom. Nor do I wonder that while listening to his instructions, Mary should forget that supper needed serving.
And seated at the same table, with looks of admiration, we see Lazarus. He who but a short time before was a resident of the charnel house; whose beaming eyes were closed and expressionless in death; whose noble brow was clammy with the damps of the grave; on whom corruption and worms had begun their work; And the sisters while they watched his falling strength, had summoned to his bedside their beloved friend, and while he lingered, they waited, hoped, and prayed, still wondering at his delay, till disease has accomplished its work, and their brother lies a lifeless corpse; and he from whom they expected relief, still away. But a divine purpose lay hidden under this seeming desertion. The time had come for him to assert his Sonship by an indisputable display of miraculous power. He came at last, and while this proof of the existence of sin drew tears of pity
from his eyes, he could raise a prayer of thanksgiving that his Father deigned to hear prayer. This manifestation was not to gratify the curious, or to display his triumph over the cynical scoffer, or the vain philosopher; it was for the benefit of his followers, and the honest-hearted ones, that they might become confirmed that he truly was the Son of God.
A voice low and solemn, so solemn that it hushed the awe-stricken listeners into silence, is heard saying, "Father I thank thee thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." But when that solemn voice proclaimed in thunder tones, "Lazarus come forth," death's iron bars were broken; the dead heard and obeyed; and the voice of the scoffer was silenced.
And thus we find them seated at the table, Lazarus the redeemed from death, and Christ the mighty Conqueror. And yet how humble! The majesty of the King is laid aside, and he appears as the loving friend of his entertainers.
And from this interesting scene my mind goes forward to one of still greater interest, when this humble individual, scorned and derided as he then was, shall again make his appearance amid earthly scenes, not as a poor prisoner in the hands of cruel scorners, bearing a heavy cross, spit upon, buffeted and despised; but he shall go forth on a white horse, with his eyes as a flame of fire, and on his head many crowns; while out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he may smite the nations. Then as his thunders shake creation, his voice, rolling majestically from pole to pole, shall bid the dead arise and come to judgment.
Dear reader, there will be no idle spectator gazing on that scene with disinterested curiosity, as at the grave of Lazarus. Every one has a deep, an eternal interest pending then. Which is it, eternal life or eternal death? Now is the time to decide this question, and all must there abide by the decision here made. And when the great feast is then prepared and the invitation given for the fowls of the air to gather to the supper of the great God, to eat of the flesh of kings, and of captains, and of mighty men, the flesh of horses and them that sit on them, and of all men bond and free, great and small, dear reader, where will you and I be? And O guilty sinner, where will you be? Pause and consider! Shall it be our flesh, and the flesh of our children or our neighbors that shall help to furnish that feast? Oh let us with fear and trembling be up and doing our duty, that we may be sheltered under the outstretched wings of the great Protector, escape the terrors of that day, and clear our skirts of the blood of others.
I fear we do not sufficiently consider these things. Every one that does, cannot avoid having an earnest desire for the welfare of others. I fear we are too great idlers in the vineyard of the Lord. If we fail to live out the truths we profess, or cast an unholy influence around us, will it avail us to use the plea of Cain and ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Assuredly not. The answer would come back, "Thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." Knowing therefore the terrors of the Lord, let us each one strive to be a living witness against the iniquities of others, that though they refuse to receive reproof from our lips, our conscientious lives may testify against them. There is much to do, and if we fold our hands and wait for God to convert the world, sudden destruction will overtake us.
But we can look beyond these earthly feasts, though honored by heavenly guests, beyond the dreadful feast of the fowls of the earth, at the closing scenes of time. We hear with joy of yet another feast being prepared. When the wicked have received the reward due to their sins; and the earth is cleansed from the stains which it has received from the presence of sin; and the desert shall have budded and blossomed like the rose, when the city of God shall descend to earth as a bride adorned for her husband, while the righteous nations enter in—then will there be a "feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees; of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined." Isa. xxv, 6. Put the question to any one you meet, ask them at which of these feasts they would prefer to be a guest, and in every case the honest answer would be, a guest in the heavenly kingdom. And yet how few comparatively, are striving. Every one has some lamented7friend who they believe will enjoy a seat at that table.
Can you bear the thought that that respected parent, that loved companion, brother or sister, or smiling little one, dearer than life itself, whom you saw lowered into the yawning grave, with agony untold, shall come forth to occupy a seat at that heaven-spread table, and the door be shut, and you hear the Master say, "Depart, I never knew you?"
The thought should make you tremble. And yet it is not too late to secure a seat there. Though it may cost you humility, crosses, groans and tears, Heaven is purchased at a cheap rate even then. And Christ himself shall serve us, and it will be a continual feast; a continual time of rejoicing. And why not? The last tear is shed, for God has dried it. The last dying friend is restored, and death is vanquished. The last temptation is overcome, for God has banished the tempter. Nothing more now, but to go in and inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation, shout songs of victory and glory to God and the Lamb; drink of the waters flowing from the throne; partake of the fruits of the tree of life and die no more. What a feast! And all who will may partake. Blessed privilege! Who will refuse!
C. M. WILLIS.
Letter from Bro. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: I reached "Our Home" day before yesterday, having had an agreeable interview with Bro. J. N. Andrews and his family at Rochester, N. Y., and having spent last Sabbath with the brethren in Fairport, N. Y. I have initiated myself in this Institution, and occupy the room that your sons occupied when you were here last summer. I would here express my thanks to you and Sr. White and other true hearted and sacrificing brethren and sisters in Battle Creek, for opening the way for me to come to this health Institution, and showing by this additional act of kind benevolence, a real interest in my temporal and spiritual welfare. God reward you abundantly, dear brethren and sisters, for your token of brotherly love, of which I am unworthy, but for which I would feel truly grateful to the Lord and to you.
I verily believe that the Lord put it in your hearts to consider my case, and act with reference to it; for I now see that my case is a critical one. Now that I have thrown off responsibilities, and am not nerved up to, and occupied by the duties of, my sacred calling, I realize the true condition of my health, and am
convinced from my symptoms, that a few months would have brought me to a consumptive's grave.
For the information of those who are unacquainted with the nature of my illness, I would say that my difficulty is bronchitis of nine years' standing, connected with general exhaustion, caused, in part, by several years of almost incessant mental labor. I need rest, and mean to make the most I possibly can of this opportunity of informing myself on the laws of my being, and living in harmony therewith.
I would hereby humbly request those who have already manifested an interest in my well-being, and all those who are interested in the recovery of my health, to remember me at the throne of grace, that God may meet me in my present work in this my time of need, and graciously bless the efforts that I am putting forth for the restoration of health and vigor, that I may live to praise the Lord, and labor in my humble sphere for the spread, success, and final triumph of the last merciful message to fallen man. I promise to pray with you for this object, and try to live in harmony with my prayers. May God help me for his dear Son's sake.
I would be happy to receive words of encouragement from any who would feel to write to the point; but would not promise to write an answer to every letter; for this would be incompatible with the principles of this Institution, and my convictions of duty with regard to my health.
My P. O. address is "Our Home," Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
NOTE.—Bro. Bourdeau is in the hearts of the people wherever he is known. His testimony upon the possibility of overcoming, at the recent yearly Conference in this city, was most melting and refreshing. And but for his poor health we should have urged the matter of his visiting our congregations from State to State. But when it was suggested by Mrs. White that he should spend a few months at "Our Home," at Dansville, N. Y., in less than an hour a few friends donated the sum of one hundred dollars toward meeting his expenses, as follows: James White, Ellen G. White, J. N. Loughborough, I. D. Van Horn, D. M. Canright, P. Strong, Jr., J. P. Kellogg, Ann J. Kellogg, each $10. Review Office hands, $20.
We are anxious that Bro. Bourdeau should make a fair trial and thorough effort to recover his health. The one hundred already raised will not go far in the purchase of needed clothing, and meeting the expenses of such an institution. And we ask those friends, who would esteem it a pleasure so to do, to send to us $10 each, till at least $200 more are raised for this good object. The poor are excused, and the stingy are especially requested to take no part in this good work. Those only who would eagerly embrace the opportunity, as did his preaching brethren, who are not burdened with greenbacks, to give $10 each, are invited to help. We have no begging to do for this minister of Jesus. We only present before those who can deeply feel for a young man, naturally strong, who has the word of God within him like fire, yet crippled with chronic bronchitis of near eight years' standing—a chance to take stock.
J. W.
A Company Keeping God’s Commandments
By P. H. Moffett
From Sister Moffett.
BRO. WHITE: The little company that embraced the third angel's message the past winter, west of Alma, Mich., are still striving to live it out by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And though we meet with much opposition from the world, and have the displeasure of those who are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, we feel it our duty to "fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man." Eccl. xii, 13.
But there are some here who teach that the commandments of God have been abolished, and that we now have no laws to observe but the laws of the land, or of man, thus making the word of God of none effect through their traditions. Such teachings certainly do not harmonize with the word of God, but are in opposition to the teachings of Christ and his apostles, for Christ taught obedience to his Father's law. Matt. v, 17-19. Paul taught that the law was still in force. Rom. iii, 31. "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.
We feel very grateful to our heavenly Father for the privilege we have had of hearing this last message of mercy, that is to warn the people against the snares and traditions of these last days. As we are well supplied with publications we are still investigating the various subjects, and are daily becoming more established in the truth of this message. I have also read with much interest volumes first and second of sister White's testimonies to the church. I can see no reason why they should be rejected as they are in harmony with the word of God. There is still a good degree of interest manifested in our Sabbath meetings. We can say with David, "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." It is our delight to spend the greater part of the Sabbath together, instructing and being instructed from the word of God. And as we read the precious promises therein contained for the finally faithful, that God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and that he hath promised us even eternal life and a crown that fadeth not away we feel to say,
Oh may we be the truly wise
Who seek with all our hearts this prize,
Contend no more for earth's renown,
But look for an immortal crown.
But my mind is strongly wrought upon when I contemplate the time in which we are living, this world's history about to close, and the last message of mercy so slighted, and the sentence soon to be pronounced, "He that is unjust let him be unjust still, and he which is filthy let him be filthy still." And then when I consider the deplorable prevalence of almost all kinds of wickedness among us, I feel to mourn.
The Lord is coming, vengeful dire,
Are all his judgments and his ire,
And none can hope to escape his wrath,
Who walk not in the narrow path.
Your sister in the bonds of Christian love.
P. H. MOFFETT.
Seville, Mich.
Cast Down but Not Destroyed.
By R. Smith
He who's honest, though in darkness,
With no ray of light from Heaven,
Will pursue a course consistent
With the blessings God has given.
He may feel himself forsaken,
Lost and cast out by his Lord;
But he'll follow on to know him,
By adhering to his word.
God's own Son once felt forsaken
When he said, My God, my God;
But he bowed in sweet submission
To his Father's chastening rod.
Thus may we endure our sufferings,
Knowing God is ever just,
Though in anguish deep our portion,
In no other refuge trust.
When 'tis best, God will deliver,
Wherefore art thou now cast down?
Hope in God, you yet shall praise him,
For he holds for you a crown.