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Review and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 18.

A SANCTIFIED HOUSEHOLD
Earlier text: A SANCTIFIED HOUSEHOLD

MISSIONARY EFFORTS.

By James White

Our people seem to be waking up to make efforts to spread abroad the knowledge of the truths connected with the third message in this wide western field. The feeble efforts already put forth have been greatly blest of God. The standard of truth is being raised in many places in Iowa, and quite an army of faithful souls are gathering round it. The interest to hear, and the calls for labor in new places, exceeds anything we have before witnessed.
It is now thought best to run two tents in this State the coming tent season. This we think advisable, provided that two tents can be suitably manned with preachers. This will probably be decided at the Knoxville meeting, March 31st, and April 1st. If thought best to run two tents, we shall immediately purchase them, and have them shipped to the State, and depend upon the payment of pledges and notes for money we shall have to advance.
We venture to say that there is at least five times the strength in this State to sustain the cause there was one year since. One thousand dollars should be expended in the State the next six months. And judging from the past, we might hope that such an effort would increase the cause five fold from its present strength. The friends of truth in Iowa are poorly prepared to help the cause for want of ready cash. Many of them have much land, which they cannot sell, and have hard work to raise the cash to pay taxes. Yet the brethren in the West are really worth more property than the brethren East. And we cannot view it right for the brethren in this State to make the hard times an excuse for doing but little in sustaining the cause, and let eastern brethren, poorer than themselves, send their means here.
But something must be done just now. We therefore say to the friends of Bible truth in Iowa, that we can obtain money in the East by giving our note for six months, a year, or longer, and will agree to furnish money when needed to advance the cause in the State to the amount of one thousand dollars if needed, provided the friends give their pledges, or the promise of their notes. We prefer the promise of good notes, which notes need not be given until we have sent the means to the State either in tents, books or cash.
This proposition may appear to some risky, and that we are taking heavy responsibilities. But we prefer the pledges of brethren, and the hand of Providence, which we know is in this work, to mortgages on the best real estate in Iowa.
Come, brethren, venture out liberally on your faith in God and in the message. Your crops may be better for so doing. Do venture out and give the Lord a chance to work for you. One dollar now may do more to help the cause in this State than fifty in two years from this when friends may be numerous.
We expect to be in Battle Creek the 18th of April, and hope to find letters on this subject from the friends in this State that we do not see. Address Eld. James White.
J. W.

MAKING US A NAME.

By R. F. C.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: Bro White has asked the brethren to speak in relation to his proposition to secure the property of the church. I do not know precisely what measure he intends in his suggestion, but understand it is to get incorporated as a religious body according to law. For myself I think it would be wrong to "make us a name," since that lies at the foundation of Babylon. I do not think that God would approve of it. The work in which we are engaged is the Lord's and he needs not the aid of insurance companies to take care of his property. I think it is for us to take the best care of the property we can and then trust it with the Lord. We want no name with the two-horned beast; and it would close my mouth in regard to the spiritual fornication of Babylon with the kings of the earth, should it be retorted: "You look to the civil arm for aid and protection"—I should be mute.
Bro. White asks for suggestions for a better plan. He has already proposed that the books should be sent out into different States. This I think would be well. Let them be distributed around for safe keeping, and for convenience. I would take $100 worth and many others in the wide field would do the same. Then the Office with what remains, after those engaged therein have performed their duty faithfully can be safely trusted in the hands of Him who owns the whole.
Those that lend money to the Office, lend it to the Lord and they must trust the Lord for it. If he sees fit to let them lose it here, if they are faithful he will repay them hereafter. He will not fail. He has no lack of means. And he will do what is best for those that trust in him.
In much love.
R. F. C.

DISCUSSION IN VT.

By Stephen Pierce

Bro. Smith ; It may not be amiss to inform the brethren briefly through the Review what the Lord has been doing for us for a season past. At the time Bro. and sister White were here in Oct. last, three had embraced the truth. Soon after that meeting five more began to keep the commandments of God. In the mean time the enemy became disturbed and there was sent in an appointment in four weeks for O. D. Gibson, from the south part of the State to preach against the seventh-day Sabbath. Bro. Sperry being present at the time the appointment was given out, made it in his way to be present when it was fulfilled. Three of us took notes. Then Bro. Sperry requested one evening to review Gibson's two discourses of four hours, which he obtained. At the time of this review Mr. Gibson challenged Bro. Sperry to meet him in discussion on the subject of the Sabbath ; but as Bro. S. had sent previous appointments on his anticipated tour South, it was postponed until he should return which proved to be eleven weeks. Accordingly, by previous arrangement the parties met on Sunday, Feb. 19th. Bro. Sperry, pale and enfeebled by disease, had been, some eight or ten days previous, severely attacked with the cholera morbus, from which he had not fully recovered, while his antagonist appeared healthy and strong, and expectant of a successful issue. Such being the case, some of the friends of truth were somewhat concerned in regard to the result. But the discussion had not long been opened before we perceived that the good Spirit of the Lord was with us to help. While the opposite party, although naturally possessed of strong reasoning powers, seemed in a measure to flag, insomuch that some of his especial friends thought him to be sick, our beloved Bro. S. seemed to rise in strength and power to the very last.
This is the first discussion of the kind we have heard of in New England; but we expect not the last. The carnal mind of blind, wicked ministers seems to be more fully aroused against the law of God, to which it “is not subject, neither indeed can be,” than ever before.
This discussion has been strengthening in its effects upon the minds of those who have recently embraced the truth, if it does not prove instrumental in bringing others to a decision in favor of God's law.
STEPHEN PIERCE.
Roxbury, Vt.

FEAR.

By J. Clarke

There are two kinds of fear: filial fear, and slavish fear. The first the Christian should nourish and encourage; the latter, he should resist and overcome.
The first, or filial fear, arises from his love to God and his character. It is fed and kept alive by the word of God and prayer, and by the fulfillment of all the word enjoins. It is a fear to offend God, out of love and regard to the character of God, and from a respect to right, as God has revealed the rules of right in his word. This fear makes the heart humble, contrite and lowly.
Slavish fear has torment. It is fed by timidity and distrustfulness. It undermines the foundations of faith in the soul. It is Satan's most potent means of weakening and injuring the saint. It hinders his progress, and diminishes his strength. It intimidates the weak, and terrifies the inexperienced. Satan is its author.
Filial fear is consistent with peace, love and joy, and is necessary to their existence, permanently in the heart. This fear is a friend and associate of calmness, submission and inward happiness; while slavish fear is an enemy, a sworn enemy, to each and all of these. It dissipates everything like calmness and peace.
Slavish fear arises (in the Christian's breast) from a want of faith; and often it almost distracts the poor saint; and were he to give a reason for his alarms, he would find them quite insufficient.
Slavish and filial fear are opposite in their causes, and effects; in their beginnings and endings. They are opposite in tendencies and results. Let us carefully nourish the one, and exclude the other.
J. Clarke

R. F. C

By R. F. Cottrell

Bro. Smith: Since writing the above I have seen Review No. 16, containing an article from Bro. Loughborough, recommending that we make us a name in order to have the benefits of law. He reasons that if it is right for individuals to hold property according to law, it is right for the church. To this I reply that the church now holds property by law, by entrusting it in the hands of individuals. This we can continue to do. We can trust each other, thank the Lord! and if any man proves a Judas, we can still bear the loss and trust the Lord. And as for insurance companies, if it is right for individuals to lean on them, I presume it is right to get church property insured. But I do not believe it is right for any believer in present truth to strike hands with insurance companies at all. The church to whom God is restoring the gifts of the Spirit, and leading them out of Babylon and Egypt, need not trust in worldly physicians to insure their lives and their health, nor worldly capitalists to insure their property. Better pay our premium to the Lord; he will protect us. Our individual, and our church property is the Lord's. Let us do our duty and trust him to take care of his own.
The responsibility of the Office debts and liabilities ought not, and, in my estimation, does not, rest upon Bro. White. I am glad he has spoken upon this point. If any have means in the Office that they are unwilling to trust to the Lord and his people as a body, without making any individual or individuals responsible for the same, I hope they will withdraw it. The church can raise the amount and pay them off. There may be those that need what they have lent to the Office. Such certainly should be paid; and if we are the church that we profess to be, and which we fully believe we are, they will be; and there will be no necessity of going to law "before the unjust" in the case—it can be settled among "the saints."
I hope that the Lord will direct in this matter. I have entire confidence in the work in which we are engaged. The message is infallible; and I am determined to go with it to the end. I believe the Lord will give wisdom to his servants. Meanwhile it is my prayer that God will avert what I now believe would be an evil in his sight, and that we all may get the victory over the beast, his image, his mark and the number of his name.

R. F. C

REFLECTIONS.

By William S. Ingraham

NINETEEN years of my religious life have passed away, and I am led to inquire, What improvements have I made? So far as my purpose is concerned it remains the same. Under the proclamation of the first angel's message given by Bro. Miller, I made up my mind to make a start for the kingdom of God. From that time to the present I have been urging my way onward toward mount Zion. I have at times enjoyed much of the presence of the Lord. At other times with David I could say, All thy waves have gone over me. Surrounded with temptations, overwhelmed with sorrow spiritually and temporally, my whole being for a time seemed to be crushed to the earth. My feelings I pent up in my own bosom; for no one could I find to whom I could give vent to them, that could rightly appreciate them, so as to give words of comfort, and lift me above my trials. But there is one whose dwelling is not with flesh, before whom we can spread out our feelings. One that can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
"He knows what sore temptations mean, For he hath felt the same."
On him we can rely. In him we can safely confide. He is our helper. To him I will fly. Upward he will bear us until the clouds and storm are under our feet, and eagle-like we gaze upon the cloudless sun. There is a large place for us to occupy. The heart must be cleansed. Through the truth we must be sanctified. The way to life is narrow. Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. We must die to this world, and live for God. When we are wholly given up to the cause of God we can have the blessed assurance that our ways please him. We shall carefully tread the narrow way, fearing lest we grieve the Holy Spirit and those heavenly messengers that are sent forth to minister unto the heirs of salvation.
I am satisfied that the church is on the background. We as a people have not got out of a lukewarm state. We are faulty in many respects. Notwithstanding the sharp testimonies that have been given in the Review from time to time, they have been disregarded, and some are following their pernicious practices, which reflect shame on themselves and disgrace upon the cause of Christ. Brethren and sisters, let me say in the fear of God, If you ever enter the holy city, idle conversation must be stopped. Finger-rings, bosom-pins, pipes and tobacco, must be thrown to the moles and the bats.
Not long since I was perfectly astonished to see one of our brethren out to meeting with his pipe and tobacco, and before he left the place he had to take a smoke. It was evident that "shameful speuing was on his glory." Hab. ii, 16. Such persons will have to be washed soul and body before they are fit subjects for the pure city of God. Somebody will be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Some have already lost their interest for the truth, and are sinking into dead formality. This is evidence to my mind that the counsel of the true Witness has not been heeded by them; and they are sinking to rise no more. We are living in a solemn time; and do we realize it? Do we believe that Jesus is soon coming? Are we hearing the last call of mercy? The gentle dove is rising from earth to depart. Soon, yes, very soon, our prayers will be past, our labors ended, the saints saved, and the wicked damned. Solemn thought! Are we ready to hail this auspicious morn with delight? Time rushes onward, hurrying the inhabitants of earth to their final doom. If we go to sleep, we are gone. One more struggle and the victory is ours. All heaven is interested in our behalf. Brethren, strike, O strike anew for the kingdom; and may the blessing of the Lord rest upon us. WM. S. INGRAHAM. Galva, Ills.

MEETINGS IN DAYTON, IOWA.

By D. W. Hull

ALTHOUGH we were disappointed in not seeing Bro. and sister White, our meeting was one of interest to all the brethren and sisters who were fortunate enough to be present.
Bro. Rhodes was with us at our meeting, and gave us several discourses during Sabbath and first-day, which we trust will be a lasting benefit to the dear saints. Many new and important truths were brought to our minds, and we felt to thank the Lord for sending Bro. Rhodes this way.
Every one regretted the absence of Bro. and sister White, but each one submitted, knowing that the Lord overrules all for our own good.
We trust that the brethren here are trying to rise with the message. May the Lord help each one to live out the resolutions they formed at this meeting.
We believe the Lord is working among his people here. A few have observed the walk of God's people, and they are constrained to say that the Adventists are true Christians; and some are investigating the matter with a determination to obey the truth.
D. W. HULL.
Dayton, Iowa.

IS GAIN GODLINESS?

By Jesse Dorcas

THERE is a vast difference between a Christian and a religious man. For example: Paul was a religious man before his conversion, but a Christian afterwards. All truly enlightened Christians are one; whereas the contrast between them and religious men, is as one to 666.
Among the former class we find the laborers few, but generally, men of soft words and hard arguments; while on the other hand, the other class have ‐heaped to themselves teachers,‐ who use hard words and soft arguments; and in nothing is this more notorious than in regard to the Sabbath.
Paul was unfortunate enough to meet with, and know something about this class of opposers in his day. He calls them perverse disputers, men of corrupt minds and destitute of truth, supposing that gain is godliness.
Without conversion, religion is generally made a selfish thing, as well as the other faculties of the mind. And it is a lamentable thing to see a person of an ardent temperament, and strong religious bias; undertake to be a Christian without conversion—true evangelical conversion. The Christian is willing to count those things that were gain to him, loss for Christ's sake; but the opposite class, from the least of them unto the greatest of them are given to covetousness.
No! gain is not godliness; ‐but godliness with contentment is great gain.‐
Jesse Dorcas.
Tipton, Iowa.

BE FAITHFUL.

By Geo. Wright

"O brother, be faithful! Eternity's years Shall tell for thy faithfulness now."
Every inducement that can be presented to the mind of man is held forth in the sacred oracles to encourage and stimulate every honest heart to be faithful. Dear brethren and sisters, have you forsaken all for Christ? Then listen to his gracious promise as recorded in Mark x, 29, 30. "Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Yes, my brethren, if we are faithful a little longer we shall be glorified with faithful Abraham, and share in his glorious inheritance. Paul tells us in Gal. iii, 29, that if we are Christ's then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Let us contemplate what is contained in the full fruition of this promised possession. Peter informs us it is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. Who would not strive to be an overcomer? Think of it for a moment! A crown of never-fading glory to be placed on our heads. An Eden of beauty and glory is soon to shine forth in all its primeval grandeur as at first, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job xxxviii, 7. Who would think of looking back, or of complaining of the straightness of the way? Methinks I see every honest soul choosing with Moses rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
Yes, my brethren, this glorious kingdom is worth every sacrifice we can make, every trial we are called to endure. It will then be cheap enough. Paul was willing to suffer the loss of all things that he might attain to it.
O that we as a people could realize the responsibilities more fully that rests upon us. Time is hurrying on. Eternity is near. What is done must be done quickly. I feel like crying out with the poet,
"Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, And press with vigor on; A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown."
Souls are perishing around us. There is a famine for the word of life. The harvest is great and the laborers few. Let us unite our prayers as a church, east, west, north and south, to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers. Let us plead, Jacob-like, it may be we shall prevail. We shall if we ask in faith, nothing wavering. God will answer. Jesus will plead. Good angels will hover around. Jesus says, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
It is said of a certain English general that on the eve of a great battle he addressed his army in the following concise and expressive language: "England expects every man to do his duty." So with us, my brethren, who are engaged in this glorious warfare. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Jesus the great captain of our salvation expects us all to do our duty. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward; for ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Heb. x, 35-37.
"Christian rouse! fight in this warfare, Cease not till the victory's won, Till your Captain loud proclaimeth, Servant of the Lord! well done. He alone, who thus is faithful, Who abideth to the end, Hath the promise, in the kingdom An eternity to spend." GEO. WRIGHT. Lapeer, Mich.

GRIEVING THE SPIRIT.

By J. Clarke

THERE are many ways of doing this; for the Spirit of God is a gentle, pure Spirit, and will not always be trifled with. There is a time when this good Spirit takes its final flight from the heart that little realizes that those gentle influences, those friendly admonitions of conscience, are given for the last time.
O, sad conclusion! O, poor forsaken heart! O, lost, irremediably lost! Who could measure thy loss! Alas for thee, O thoughtless, unwatchful soul! Thou dost not know how thou hast abused the heavenly messenger, how often thou hast grieved him from thy heart; but it is too late! the gentle dove has forever flown; now in vain wilt thou lift thy voice, and stretch forth thine hand; in vain wilt thou weep for thy loss!
But whom hast thou grieved away from thy soul? What ambassador is this, that has knocked at the portals of thine heart for many a weary year? Whose representative is this whom thou hast so slighted, so neglected, so abused? Who is this that has so gently, so sweetly called thee, so often, so perseveringly wooed thee, sometimes sharply agonizing thy conscience, and alarming thee with needful terrors?
Who? Is he some emperor's legate? Then wouldst thou have listened with more than respectful attention; but this legate whom thou hast insulted, is the messenger of the King of kings.
What was the power of this slighted messenger? Was it to crown thee a king of some earthly dominion? to enrich thee with the wealth of cities and of empires? Nay, more! He was clothed with plenipotentiary powers, to make thee an heir of the great Jehovah, and a joint-heir of Jesus Christ. He would have initiated thee into the etiquette of heaven, in whose court the lowest member will shine brighter than the stars; whose least gift will outweigh the heaviest crown of gold ever worn by the highest earthly potentate. But has this heavenly messenger gone, quite flown away from thy heart?
This, O man, is for thee to answer! Dost thou mourn his absence? Perhaps he will return; yea, perhaps he has returned, and is now knocking at thine heart. Does it melt with warm desire for his return? Is earth to thee a dreary wilderness without his presence? Then thou mayest hope.
But if thy heart is indifferent and cold, beware! Heaven grants eternal life to none but ardent seekers. Paradise opens her gates to none but warm admirers.
The crown of life is offered to none but gallant warriors. The tree of life presents its fruit to none but self-denyers. The "fine gold" is found by none except the patient workers. The white raiment covers none except the pure in heart. Eye-salve is applied to eyes that often weep for sin.
But how shall we know when we grieve the Spirit? There is only one way; that is, to live continually in the light of that Spirit. Then we shall know when we or others offend. If the Spirit of God dwells in the spacious apartment of the inner man, there will be movings there when offences bud and blossom; but if the Devil dwells in the inner apartments of the soul, then, alas, the tumults, the heart-burnings, the swayings to and fro! Alas! the endless permutations and combinations of evil! Who shall stay the tide! Nay, but fill thine heart with the truth. Write it upon thy memory, and invite the Spirit to come in, and dwell in the heart so furnished; and then shall the inner apartment be a finished, furnished dwelling, and its occupant, this heavenly legate. Then grieve him not away. J. CLARKE.

FRANCES C. ROSS

By Frances C. Ross

From Sister Ross.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Through the providence of God I have recently been called into the present truth. How mysterious are his counsels, and his ways past finding out! I had thought that my mountain stood strong; but a mighty rushing wind passed by and strangely moved its foundations. You know the sweet psalmist David said, "If the foundations be destroyed what will the righteous do?" This seemed to be my position. The Sabbath troubled me exceedingly. It was a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." I did not know what to do with it. Once I told the Lord I could be an Adventist; but when I saw opposition with all its forces, friends near and dear taking it unkindly, I turned away. I thought I could not be an Adventist. I set my face as a flint in the other direction, and strove to drown my feelings. I had partially done so, when the tent was pitched very near my home. Bro. and sister White were in attendance. I felt little interest about going; but the tent was rather attractive with its flag of truce; or rather, "What is truth?" My curiosity was excited, and I thought I would go. I was pleased with Bro. and sister W., and could hardly think them impostors. I heard Bro. White preach on the Sabbath question. He swept the first-day Sabbath entirely away, just as Bro. Wheeler had done more than a year previous, in our place. I was not disobedient this time, but obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered me.
I will try henceforth, my heavenly Father assisting me, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Oh how I feel the need of help from above, while I make this profession before a gainsaying world. I have the privilege of attending meetings on the Sabbath, which I highly prize. We also have a weekly prayer-meeting and Bible class.
Bro. Cottrell's labors in our midst I trust have been to our furtherance and faith in the gospel. May he be one of that number that shall rejoice in the day of Christ—that they have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
I feel to sympathize with the lone ones, who have none of like precious faith to meet with. May Israel's God supply all their need in Christ Jesus. I have kept the Sabbath since the tent-meeting,—over five months. It brings with it a cross that I never thought of before. It brings to view a narrow way, where I find that I must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset me, and run with patience the race that is set before me, enduring the cross, despising the shame. It also brings to view the glories of another world. Oh how precious is the inheritance of the saints. There we shall see the King in his beauty. There they will all be righteous. Oh glorious home! Oh blessed rest!

FRANCES C. ROSS

Carlton, N. Y.

MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE.

By Mrs. R. Smith

THE voice of a stranger my sheep will not hear ; I know them, they follow, my words reach their ear. I'll led them, direct them, they never need stray, I myself am the life, and the truth, and the way.
Yea Lord, this we know ; but we lose sight of thee, Unguarded we're snared ere our danger we see ; So hidden the net, 'tis in thy light alone That a spirit that's not of thee clearly is known.
O Lord search us out ; our impurities heal ; Thou, tempted, though sinless, knowest all that we feel ; A way of escape for the humble thou'lt find, And help them the pure testimony to bind.
How sweet and consoling the true Shepherd's voice ! His love I'll acknowledge and in him rejoice ; O Lord I believe, help my unbelief now, To trust all to thee and perform every vow.
My strength is but weakness, be thou Lord my strength ; Thy love may I know in its height, depth and length, Reflecting thine image, thy will being mine, My darkness enlightened the true light must shine.
We then can do all things through Jesus our Lord, With the sword of the Spirit, his own written word ; The foes that lurk inward being all put to flight, God truly goes with us our battles to fight.
Each keeping the ranks, all united in one, As thou hast commanded, saying, Lord we have done ; No weapon will prosper formed here to divide, And victory will turn upon Israel's side.
MRS. R. SMITH. West Wilton, N. H.

LETTERS.

By E. Jones

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Jones.
DEAR BRETHREN SISTERS : My heart has been made to rejoice to hear of the onward march of the glorious truths advocated in the Review. I have been searching for light and truth for four years past, and I feel well paid for my researches; for I think I have found the pearl of great price. And I feel willing to part with what this world calls good and great, for the sake of an interest in that inheritance which will soon be given to the saints. An intensely severe struggle has been going on in my feelings for a few days past. I had been convinced for six months, that it was my duty to come out and renounce everything, the origin of which cannot be traced back further than paganism. With these convictions on my mind, I made preparations and kept God's Sabbath yesterday for the first time; and I feel that God has blessed me in so doing. And with divine aid I hope ever to prove faithful to him who has called me from darkness into the glorious liberty of the gospel.
I can deeply sympathize with those who have to face persecution and meet the finger of scorn, and part with near and dear friends, and bid adieu to those associations where they have so often met warm hearts, and the friendly hand. But we must leave them, not, however, without giving them a kind and friendly warning of their approaching danger; for soon he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
There are two families here who are investigating the great truths presented in the angels' messages. May the Lord help them to embrace and keep all his commandments.
Yours determined to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.
E. JONES.
Dryden, Lapeer Co., Mich.

D. W. CRANDALL

By D. W. Crandall

From Bro. Crandall.

BRO. SMITH: Bro. Geo. Sheldon and myself lately visited the town of Harris, Marquette Co., Wis., where we gave seven lectures on the subject of present truth. The people had never heard on the subject before, and were very much interested. Some were convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and others are investigating the subject. We left one dollar's worth of books to help them further in their investigations.
I feel that I want to do all I can for the spread of this glorious truth, the last message of mercy this world is ever to receive. I would forget the things that are behind, and press forward to those things which are before. I mean in the future to be more faithful in letting my light shine, that others may see my good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. The church in Rubicon are well united at the present time, striving to keep all the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rubicon, Wis.

D. W. CRANDALL

A Testimony of Conversion and Hope

By E. S. Griggs

From Bro. Griggs.

Bro. Smith: For the first time I wish to say a word through the Review of the goodness of the Lord to me. It is about six months since I made up my mind to serve God and keep all his commandments. I was brought to this conclusion while under the preaching of the present truth by our beloved brother Bates at this place last summer. I can adopt the language of the poet when he says:
"I sought for bliss in glittering toys, And ranged the luring scenes of vice; Yet never knew substantial joys, Until I heard my Saviour's voice."
I praise the Lord that he ever gave me ears to hear and a heart to believe the precious truths contained in the third angel's message. I almost shudder sometimes while thinking of my near approach to destruction. But our God is certainly a God of long-suffering and tender mercy, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I long to see my blessed Jesus and be made like him. And we shall soon see him sitting on the great white cloud, and coming to gather his elect. Oh how important that we be clothed with the preparation of righteousness and be striving to do the will of God, that we may hail that glorious morn with joy and be gathered with the longing, waiting ones to Mt. Zion.
The truth shines more and more clearly the more I investigate. I esteem very highly the weekly visits of the Review. I love to read the heart-cheering testimonies from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, especially those that are destitute of the society of others of like precious faith, whose only companion is their God. What a precious companion is he with whom we can hold free intercourse, and who is at all times able to succor those that are tempted. I desire an interest in the prayers of the church that I may grow in grace continually, and at last stand with the remnant on Mt. Zion. The cause is prospering in this place. Some have lately taken a stand for the truth under the ministration of Bro. Loughborough, while others are deeply interested. May the Lord strengthen them in the ways of well-doing.
Yours striving to overcome,
Owasso, Mich.
E. S. Griggs.

OBITUARY.

By John Norton Loughborough

OUR beloved sister Elizabeth, wife of Bro Wright Goodale of Lapeer, Mich. after an illness of about one week, died Feb. 15th, aged 31 years. Sister Goodale first made a public profession of religion two years ago in the revival which was going on at that time in Lapeer. She united with no church, but when Bro. Cornell came to Lapeer with the tent about five months after, she with her husband took a decided stand upon the truth, and since that time they have endeavored to live it out before their neighbors. During her last hours her confidence was unshaken and her hope firm. While others were weeping around, her testimony was, "Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves." The last forty-eight hours of her life, till she lost the power of speech, were spent in exhorting her relatives and friends to prepare to meet God. She said she expected to sleep a little while in the grave, and then come forth in the morning of the resurrection. By request of sister Goodale before her death, she was buried without a discourse. A discourse for the occasion was delivered by the writer March 11th to a large and attentive audience from 2 Sam. xiv, 14. We endeavored to show that the only hope of the Christian is the resurrection. This is the plan that God has devised "that his banished be not expelled from him." It is this hope that now consoles the hearts of those who are in this case called to mourn. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Lapeer, March 13, 1860.

Cora Ella Stowell’s Death

By S. Myers

Died, in Stockton, Jo. Da. Co., Ills., on the 26th of Feb., 1860, Cora Ella, only child of Bro. L. O., and sister M. M. Stowell, aged 6 months and 13 days. Although Bro. and sister Stowell grieve deeply, and feel that they have lost a precious treasure, we trust their grief is not like those who have no hope; for they trust that the enemy's power will soon be broken. At the funeral the writer addressed an attentive congregation on the subject of the resurrection, showing from the Scriptures that the hope of a future life depended upon the resurrection from the dead; that the resurrection would take place at the coming of Christ; that the coming of Christ was near at hand, and that the soon coming of Christ is a great consolation to the believer in the hour of grief and bereavement.
S. MYERS. Plum River, Ills.

I. C. VAUGHAN

By I. C. Vaughan

Fell asleep in Jesus in the town of Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich., Nov. 4th, 1859, sister Lydia M. Doty, aged 22 years. Her disease was consumption. Sister Lydia was one of the first that embraced the present truth in Hillsdale, in August, 1857, under the labors of Brn. Cornell and Waggoner. About two years ago she moved to Clinton Co., where she suffered many inconveniences in trying to live the truth; but still her daily walk and conversation gave strong evidence to those around her of her love of the present truth, and her hope of eternal life. Just before she died she was deprived of her speech. It was observed that she wanted to make known something, and when, after a number of questions, she was asked if she wanted to tell her husband to be faithful in keeping the commandments, she bowed her head, and in a few moments fell asleep.

I. C. VAUGHAN

Hillsdale, Mich.

Samuel Benson’s Death and Hope

By A. S. Hutchins

Fell asleep in Jesus, in Irasburgh, Vt., March 1st, 1860, Bro. Samuel Benson, aged 64 years. His disease was erysipelas. His sickness was short, but his sufferings were great. In less than seven days from the time he was taken ill, his eyes were closed in death, and he borne to the silent resting-place of the dead.
In hope he will sweetly rest till the Life-giver shall bid him arise; till those that dwell in the dust "awake and sing."
“Then burst the fetters of the tomb, To wake in full, immortal bloom.”
O glorious prospect! O blessed morn! “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
Bro. Benson embraced the Bible Sabbath more than six years ago (having previously left the Methodist connection), since which he has felt a good interest in the advancement of present truth. We now miss him in our neighborhood, we shall miss him in our church, and he will be greatly missed by his bereaved family.
May this affliction be sanctified to the good of us all. Some remarks were made on the subject of the resurrection, at his funeral, Sabbath, the 3d inst. A. S. HUTCHINS.

D. W. HULL

By D. W. Hull

Died of consumption, Feb. 29th, sister Rachel Nicola. Sister Nicola was a believer in the third angel's message, and has tried to live out the message in its spirit. In a conversation with the writer of this a few days before her death, she professed her willingness to be laid by for a season, and seemed to be anxious for the time to come when she should fall asleep. We held several seasons of prayer with her before her death, and she was greatly revived. She now rests from her labors, waiting the return of the Messiah.

D. W. HULL

Extracts from Letters.

Bro. L. Lyman writes from Roulette, Pa.: "I find the truth is mighty and will prevail, notwithstanding there is such a struggle to keep it from the honest-hearted ones. Satan, with all his hosts (which are many), is inventing every plan to deceive the people and keep them from the light. But the great supper is being prepared; and the Lord's house must be filled. For one I want to be there. The cause is prospering in this place; and I hope there will be a few in this neighborhood that will inherit the new earth, and dwell in the beloved city. I am well aware that there must be a waking up of God's people, and a greater effort than there has been in contending for the truth, or some others will take their crowns.
"My prayer is that I may be more and more like my Master, and ever be found in that path he has marked out for us. I want everlasting life. I want to be with that heavenly host that will delight themselves with the abundance of peace, and that shall be satisfied with long life."
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