BRO. WHITE: As I have looked over the goodness of God to me, his numberless mercies and blessings that have been so freely bestowed all my life long; and especially his love that has been manifested in causing the glorious light of present truth to shine upon my unworthy heart,—a truth that will fill every heart that receives it in the love of it with love to God and his word, and increase our faith in his precious promises, and strengthen our zeal and courage to labor with increased faithfulness for our own salvation and the salvation of those around us,—I have been astonished that my steps have been so slow toward Mt. Zion. And if I had nothing but my own strength to depend upon, to help me along the heavenly way, I should despair of ever reaching the city of the living God. But when I think of what Jesus has done for us, of his faithful admonitions and earnest counsels, of his long suffering and patience, waiting for us to get his lovely principles engraved in our hearts, and to form a character all like his own; and then realize that to-day he stands before his Father's mercy seat, pleading the merits of his own blood for guilty sinners, saying to his Father, Forgive them for my sake; and to us "Be zealous and reform," I feel like saying, The Lord will help and I must gird on the armor anew, and walk faster in the narrow way. I want to be baptized anew with the Holy Spirit, and have the constant language of my heart be, "Nearer my God to thee," and be so sanctified through the truth, that all I do, or say, shall be for the glory of God. Truly it is a solemn time that we are in. Death is all about us hurrying mortals to the tomb; and those that remain instead of their being warned by the signs of the times, and all the distress and woe in the land, and turning to the Lord to obey him, seem to plunge still deeper in sin, and hurry to fill up their cup of iniquity, and soon it will be full; and oh! what a doom awaits this generation! Surely all that have faith in God and his word, should be using all the energies they possess in efforts for the salvation of those around them.
And while our hearts ache as we see the awful destruction that will soon overtake this wicked world, and we fear that many of our acquaintances will be swallowed up in the ruin, still we are glad that God has given us an existence on the earth groaning under the curse, with an opportunity to secure a home in the earth made new, where there will be no more curse, and that we have a place here in this generation where with the night that shall cover an ungodly world, will come that morning all bright with glory for God's children—that morning that begins a never-ending day, a day that will bring no tears or sorrow, no pain or anguish, and where the feet of none of the inhabitants will ever be taken in the snare of the wicked one; but they shall be forever free from the tempter's wiles, and the poisonous breath of evil men. And nothing shall hinder them from rendering an acceptable service to him, who created them intelligent beings, and gave himself a ransom for them that he might redeem them from all iniquity.
Can we not, for a home in that world of glory, turn our feet away from earth's follies, and sins, to the testimonies of the Lord, that are sure making wise the simple, and keep the law of the Lord which is perfect converting the soul, and his commandment that is pure enlightening the eyes, and his statutes that are right rejoicing the heart? "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honey comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward."
May the Lord hasten on that glad morning, and help us to hasten our preparation for it, is my prayer.
C. R. AUSTIN.
Blessings of the Sabbath.
By D. T. Fero
The holy Sabbath of our God! How it comes to us freighted with rich blessings just as we need! With what gratitude should we remember this blessed institution of the Creator, who, when he had finished his work of creation in six days, "rested the seventh." "And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made."
Thus has it come down to us a sanctified rest-day, just such as is needed in this world of toil and trouble. It brings with it rest, not only of body, but of mind. With what joy we hail it when weary with the labors and cares of the week. What a relief it brings! How soothing are its calm quiet hours, when we are enabled to lay aside the care and anxiety consequent upon the temporal duties that devolve upon us, giving our bodies that rest which is necessary to restore and invigorate them for coming labor, and enabling us to give our minds without molestation to holy pursuits which bring refreshment, strength, and new courage to do battle against the powers of darkness.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the light of present truth, which embraces and holds out with such clearness the obligation imposed by the fourth commandment which has been trodden under foot so long. Thank God, it could not always thus remain. It is being redeemed by the instruments which God has chosen, from the oblivion into which those who have trampled upon it would gladly have it remain, and from the few who hold it in unrighteousness. It stands out clearly, surrounded by a halo of glory—the seal of the living God. Who would change it for a substitute? God forbid that any who have seen its truth should be so unwise.
"Sweet day! thine hours too soon will cease,
Yet while they gently roll,
Breathe, heavenly Spirit, source of peace,
A Sabbath o'er my soul.
"When will my pilgrimage be done?
The world's long week be o'er?
That Sabbath dawn that needs no sun,
That day that fades no more."
D. T. Fero.
Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y.
Quarterly Meeting in Wis.
By Wm. Russell
BRO. WHITE: Our Quarterly Meeting held the 14th & 15th of May, was one of much interest to all who attended. Brn. Steward and Goodenough were present, though Bro. G.'s health has been much impaired by sickness the past winter and spring. Bro. Steward bore a pointed testimony against the using of tobacco, and other idols by those who profess to be commandment-keepers, which resulted in good, as two who had long been struggling with this bane of health and vital piety, have given it up. May the Lord preserve them from its withering influence hereafter.
Sabbath evening at 5 o'clock, the church met to attend to the ordinances. This was a happy season for all who engaged in this most solemn work. There were some present who never before witnessed the order in which the Adventists administer the Lord's supper, who were constrained to hear testimony in its favor to the glory of God. The church here is making some advancement in the precious cause of truth.
Yours in hope of eternal life. WM. RUSSELL.
Mauston, Wis.
A Call for Spiritual Help
By N. G. Sanders
From Sister Sanders.
BRO. WHITE: I hope through the mercy of God to have part in the holy city. Though my way is sometimes dark, yet I have no wish to exchange it for an easier one that would lead to death. I wish the prayers of God's people, and also I wish to ask you and Sr. White to forgive me the wrong I have done you in opposing your course, as I now think I was wrong. My confidence has been much streugthend in Sr. White's visions by the course of M. H. and the testimony to him. These are indeed perilous times. I wish to gird on the armor afresh, lest I fall by the wiles of Satan. My companion is now keeping the Sabbath. We feel much the need of religious associations, and influence es to assist in directing our family. There are two families in Ripon, five miles from us, keeping the Sabbath. We earnestly wish that some labor could be bestowed somewhere in this vicinity. Some are anxious to hear. If the tent could go through this region this season it would doubtless do much good.
Yours in hope. N. G. SANDERS.
Encouragement in Allegan
By J. M. Foster
Bro. J. M. Foster writes from Allegan, Mich., June 1, 1864: We have been very much encouraged for a few days past with the labors of Brn. Andrews aud Byington. The church here have been much strengthened, and have resolved to take hold anew of the work of the third angel's message, and to press on toward the kingdom. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to rest upon us during the meeting. There was a good attendance at the dedication on Sunday, P. M. It is our prayer that the Lord will go with them by his holy Spirit in their labors of love with God's dear children.
The Blessings of Trials
TRIALS.—It is the pruned church, like the pruned vine, that bears the most precious clusters; it is the crushed soul, like the crushed aromatic plant, that is the most fragrant.
The harp of David reserves its sweetest notes for dirges, and the pencil of the Holy Spirit draws its brightest pictures on a dark ground. He who is a stranger to the depths of divine mercy is a stranger to the heights of divine promise, to the riches of religious joy.
Man never appears more glorious, nor God more gracious than when the prophet stands among lions. It is true greatness, says Seneca, to have in one the frailty of man and the security of God. Hence persecution is spoken of as a gift:—"Unto you it is given in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;" and the prediction of suffering is in the clear words of the Master; "In the world ye shall have tribulation."
The Household of Faith
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
H. Miller. No.
C. L. Palmer. We sent all the missing numbers we had on hand.
L. C. Tolhurst. We have mailed the Instructor regularly to Josephene Baca, Copopa, Lorrain Co. Ohio.
Mrs. R. Wilkins. There is one volume due on your Review.
W. A. Dains. No.
I. Colcord Jr. The P. O. address you desire is Millville, Jo Daviess Co., Ill.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
A J Richmond 1,00,xxv,1. J Frank for John Frank 1,00,xxvi,1. J I Taylor 1,00,xxvi,1. J Brown 1,00, xxvi,1. W P Ballard 2,00,xxiv,6. R Adams 1,00,xxv,9. Z Brooks 2,00,xxvi,20. L P. Baldwin 2,00,xxvi,1. Mrs R Smalley 1,00,xxv,1. P Scarborough jr 2,00,xxvi,1. B N Berry 2,00,xxvi,1. A R Justus 2,,00,xxvi,1. R Whities for J D Sell and D D Sell each 1,00,xxvi,1. H Patch 2,00,xxvi,1. F A Dayton for Mrs H Latin and P Bassett each 0,50,xxv,1. S Treat 2,75,xxvi,1. S Treat for Mrs L Blanchard 1,00,xxvi,1. C Stebbins 2,00,xxvi,1. J Whitmore 0,50,xx,1. S Robinson for W C Way 1,00,xxv,14. C L Davis 2,00,xxvi,1. F Hall 1,00,xxiv,1. W H Brigham 1,00,xxv,1. Mrs E M Taplin 1,00,xxvi,1. N H Schooley 3,00,xxiii,14. S R Nichols 0,58,xxvi,3. G E Gregory 2,00,xxiii,1. F Lawson 2,00,xxvi,1. T F Morey 1,00,xxiv,1. L W Jones 2,25,xxvi,1. W Livingston 2,00,xxvi,1. J Ballard 1,00,xxiii,1. W P Ballard for C Ballard and J Miller each 1,00,xxvi,1. T B Burdick 1,50,xxiii,1. J Andrews for Mrs M Armstrong $2,75 in full of acct. J Andrews 2,00,xxv,1. M Hull 1,00,xxv,1. D B Weber 1,00,xxv,1. J A Wilcox 1,00,xxv,1. S R Twist 0,85,xxiv,23. H Patch 2,00,xxiv,1. F S Kipton 1,00,xxvi,1. J Chase 2,00,xxvi,11. M H Leonard 2,00,xxv,1. R Godsmark 2,00,xxvi,1. E Macomber 0,48,xxiv,23. C M Edmunds 2,00,xxiv,1. O McOmber 1,00,xxv,1. J P Snyder 1,00,xxvi,1. A G Phelps 1,00,xxv,1. Jane Goodwin 2,00,xxvi,1. C McNiel 1,00,xxvi,1. E Richmond 1,00,xxv,1. J A Myers 3,00,xxiv,1. G A Gilbert 1,00,xxv,1. F Anderson 0,00,xxv,1. A Sornson 1,00,xxv,1. Mrs C Eager 1,00,xxvi,1. J Hockenberry 1,00,xxvi,1. P Mills 1,00,xxvi,1. B F Bradbury 2,00,xxvi,1. R Connelly 1,75,xxv,14. P M Cole 1,00,xxvi,1. A Thomas 1,00,xxii,18. G Smith 1,00,xxvi,1. S C Collier 1,00, xxv,1. G Parsons 1,00,xxvi,1. E Robbins 1,00,xxvi,1. L M. Ricker 1,00,xxiv,1. Mrs C Manly for Mrs C Burrett 1,00,xxvi,1. F F Johnson 1,00,xxiv,22. J Loop 1,00,xxvi,1. M A Farnsworth 2,00,xxvi,1. E A Averill 2,00,xxvi,1. W Boylan 1,00,xxvi,1. G A Barker 1,00,xxvi,1. L Mann for G Sprague, E Parish and H Bass each 1,00,xxvi,1, for L Amadon 0,50,xxiv,1. L Mann 0,45,xxv,13. L Winslow 5,00,xxv,1. J D Hull 2,50,xxiv,1. A Thayer 2,00,xxv,1. G W Pierce 2,00,xxvi,1. A Amburn 2,00,xxvi,6. A Amburn for J Sourwine 1,00,xxvi,1. J Wall 2,00,xxiv,1. W McPheter 2,00,xxvi,1. C McKinnis 1,00,xxvi,1. M E Reynolds 0,25,xxv,17.
Books Sent By Mail.
C L Davis 13c. C L Palmer 30c. S H King $1. S Schooley 45c. M A Graham 20c. S R Nichols 42c. S Elmer 18c. J A Strong 15c. R F Andrews 50c. H Patch 60c. Mrs C Manly 30c. Wm H Wild 30c. J A Myers 20c. A B Williams 40c. M A White $1,50. S O Winslow $1. E Halleck 50c.
Cash Received on Account.
R F Andrews $5,25. H W Decker $5. W Russell $5. C L Palmer $2. E Macomber 52c. W A Dains for I Sanborn $1,50. Electa L Lane $1. I Sanborn $65,20. J H Waggoner $4.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
A Sornson $20.
IOWA CONF. COM
THE following arrangement for the quarterly meetings in Iowa is presented to the churches interested therein. From this time hence the churches composing the quarterly meetings may appoint the place of meetings, but this fixes the time:
Fairview, beginning June 17th at 8 o'clock. La-porte City, 24th. Waukon, July 1st. Pilot Grove, 8th. Vernon, 15th. Sandyville, 22nd. Osceola, 29th. All the above meetings to begin on Friday at 8 o'clock P. M., and to continue over first-day, if the interest demands. Eld. B. F. Snook will attend the quarterly meetings at Fairview, La Porte, and Waukon, if not providentially hindered, and will attend as many of the meetings south as he can reach, especially Vernon and Osceola.
IOWA CONF. COM
A Sure Remedy.
By J. H. W.
BRO. WHITE: A brother who embraced present truth in Ohio, wrote out the following prescription for a sister in the church, to which he belonged, who would not hear. I was permitted to copy. As the disease is quite prevalent, others may be benefited by it. J. H. W.
RECIPE FOR PREJUDICE.
Shut yourself up in the closet of private meditation, and when your passions are subsided, and your mind is in a right state, then send your faithful servant prayer, up to the closet of never-failing wisdom, and obtain three ounces of pure wisdom; two ounces of the essence of true love; two ounces of the pure oil of grace; and the same amount of the clear spirit of charity. Put these into a vessel of good will to all, well shaken by the hand of caution; then turn twenty drops into the spoon of common sense, and take them with feelings of impartiality, and you will certainly be cured.
Note from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. WHITE: Sabbath 7th inst, we met with the church in Otsego, and attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house. Our meetings were solemn and interesting, and evidently blessed of the Lord.
Sabbath, 14th inst., was a good day for the church in Monterey. The ordinance of baptism was administered to one newly come into the faith, and added to the church. The church then united in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and were much encouraged and strengthened by the good Spirit of the Lord.
Praise Him for all his blessings bestowed upon his willing people.
JOSEPH BATES.
Woodhull, Shi. Co., May 26, 1864.
To Delinquents.
By James White
Next week we shall drop the names of those who have not paid up to Vol. xxi. Next we shall drop the names of those who have not paid up to Vol. xxii, and so on till the lists are cleared of delinquents.
One thing is certain in most cases, if they cannot pay up now, when money is plenty, worth but little, and easily obtained, they never can pay up.
We are ready to settle arrearages upon the terms delinquents may suggest. We wish to send the Review free to all who should have it free, and for half price to all who should have it at half price. But all should consider the fact that these times are ruinous to any publishing house that adheres to old prices. Paper has doubled in price, while labor, fuel, lights, &c., have increased at least one half former prices.
The Trustees of the S. D. A. P. Association decide not to advance prices until absolutely necessary. The first thing to be done is to establish a strict advance-pay system. Those in arrears will take warning. Look at the Vol. and No. of the Review, then compare it with the Vol. and No. beside your name on the wrapper or margin of your paper. If you are behind, pay up, or report yourself unable.
We would say to churches and scattered brethren and friends, it is your duty to see that all within your knowledge have the Review who should read it. If you cannot encourage them to take the paper, subscribe for it for them yourselves. Let preachers and people help us, and we will see our lists properly cleaned up and all still have the Review who should read it. J. W.
Nearest to the Word of God.
By Editor
Bro. S. Treat writes from Searsport. Me. : "I am much interested in the discussions which have of late appeared in the Review. I think the Review has the advantage, because it has the immutable word of God to stand upon. I can say in truth, that among all the religious papers with which I am acquainted, none, in my view, adhere so strictly to the word of God, as the Review and Herald."
We had rather have truth than popularity, or even a small paper and few subscribers, with these on the side of the word of God, than a multitude of supporters gained by advocating popular sentiments which the word of God does not uphold.
Appointments.
Special Meetings.
ELDERS J. N. Andrews and John Byington will, providence permitting, hold meetings at Battle Creek, July 2d. Preaching in the evening, at the commencement of the Sabbath, social meeting Sabbath morning at 8 A. M., preaching at 10½, and at 2 P. M. A general attendance from surrounding towns is desired.
Elders Andrews and Byington will also hold meetings at the house of prayer at Newton, Sunday July 3d at 10½ A. M., and at 2 P. M. A general attendance from towns around is solicited. GEN. CONF. COM.
Annual Meetings at Battle Creek
By James White
On, or near the fourth of July, a special meeting has been held in the vicinity of Battle Creek for the past two years. These have been glorious meetings, and we expect to have as good a meeting this year. It is expected that a special effort will be made for a general gathering both at Battle Creek and at Newton. J. W.
STEPHEN PIERCE
By Stephen Pierce
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church in Vernon, Vt., Sabbath, June 18, where the brethren may appoint.
Also with the church in Jamaica, Vt., Sabbath, June 25, where the brethren of that church may appoint. As the distance is considerable, the brethren of these places may deem it best also that I meet with them on first-days following these Sabbaths respectively.
STEPHEN PIERCE
ISAAC SANBORN
By Isaac Sanborn
Providence permitting, I will meet with the church at Pleasant Grove, Minn., June 25 & 26. Will some of the brethren meet me at Rochester, the 23d?
Also at Oronoco, July 9 & 10. I hope to meet many of the scattered brethren at the above meetings.
I will stop on my way over Sabbath and first-day, and hold meetings at Sand Prairie, Richland Co., Wis. Will some one meet me at Blue River Station the 16th?
ISAAC SANBORN
HIRAM BINGHAM
By Hiram Bingham
I will give the following appointments for quarterly meetings in Vermont: Richford, June 11, 1864; Stowe, June 18; Troy, June 25; Roxbury, July 2; Enosburg, July 9; Wolcott, July 16; Irasburgh, July 23; Berkshire, August 6; Johnson, August 13; Sutton, July 20.
By order of Executive Committee.
HIRAM BINGHAM
New Exchange List Additions
By Editor
WE are happy to add to our exchange list, "The Earnest Christian and Golden Rule," published by B. T. Roberts, Buffalo, N. Y. "devoted to the promotion of experimental and practical piety."
Also, the "Gospel Herald," "the organ of the Christian denomination in the West," published in Eaton, Ohio.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
Correspondents will please bear in mind that the editorial and business departments of this Office are separate and distinct. No business letters are brought into the editor's room, and hence should not be addressed to him. Some Offices make this distinction to have the business letters addressed to one party and matter for the paper addressed to the editor. But as this would be very inconvenient for the friends of the Review, it has been decided to have all letters come to one address. The entire correspondence of the Office should therefore be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. Attention to this rule will save confusion, and aid in the design of having the business of the Office go on systematically and in order.
One distinction, however, we would still enjoin upon every one: Let all business matters be on a sheet or part of a sheet by themselves, so that they can be readily separated; the business to go into the hands of the secretary, and matter for the paper to the editor.