BRO. WHITE: Believing that God in his providence has opened a door for the truth in this vicinity, we would solicit the prayers and sympathy of God's children in our behalf. We trust the time is coming which we have long waited for, when the honest in heart here will be brought into the unity of the faith, and bear a more exalted standard.
The cause is one. Bro. Bostwick has been here, and agreeably to appointment, spoke twice on First-day last (forenoon and evening) to an attentive audience. An interest is awakened in the community which we trust may result in good. It is expected that a series of discourses will be given here, to commence in the course of two or three weeks, on the different points of our faith. May the Lord add his blessing.
Yours for the truth.
E. W. DARLING.
Beaver, Minn., April 29, 1863.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills. : I am thankful that I ever listened to the truth when it was presented to me, and that God has established me in it. I am thankful that I embraced it before I came west, for I am surrounded by the wicked. But I was made to rejoice a few weeks ago, when one of our neighbors, who had read my papers, commenced keeping the Sabbath; and now two women keep it, and their husbands believe it is the right day to keep, but have not yet taken up the cross. Time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. O that people would learn to be wise. How I wish the Lord would order the steps of some one this way to preach the truth to us. I am striving to overcome everything that hinders my progress.
Bro. A. S. Gillett writes from Elgin, Iowa: Were it not that I expect Bro. Snook will give an account of his meetings the time he organized the church at West Union, I should like to speak of them. I will only speak of those we have had since he left. I can say I never witnessed better. While some of the young are taking up the cross and giving in their testimonies, there is weeping aloud.
We had a business meeting the evening of April 18, and adopted the plan of systematic benevolence. To see the young sisters who have to depend entirely on their own exertions, put down 5, 6, and 10 cents per week was truly encouraging. I said to one whose health is very poor, that I thought she was putting down too much. She replied, "It is not as much as I have paid for superfluities to go to one hall." There is a great desire all through here to hear one of our preachers. Can there not be a messenger in the north part of Iowa this season?
Sister E. Sanford writes from Ashland, Minn. : I wish to say that I am still striving to keep the commandments of God. I rejoice in hope that the cause is about to arise. I look forward to the General Conference as a meeting that will give new life to the cause East and West. I want to see the cause advance; and it will when the remnant press together, become united, and all stand firm on the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, and are willing to be guided by the testimonies that God gives to his people. O, I want to so live that I may be worthy to be one of his people here and dwell with them in the kingdom.
Sister A. Hunt writes from Genesee, Ills. : There are some here who appear to be almost persuaded. They are very anxious to hear preaching. I believe if one of the messengers could come, filled with the Spirit of God, they would be the means of doing a great deal of good. My prayer to God is that some one may come. When I look around and see the abominations that are carried on in the land, and among those who profess to be the followers of Christ, it makes me sad. They tell me that the ten commandments were done away at the crucifixion of Christ; but, praise the Lord, the commandments will stand as long as the world stands. They are all holy, just, and true.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us ever be found keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Bro. J. G. Cheals writes from Port Byron, N.Y.: We read that "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that served him." Mal. iii, 16, 17.
There is something of encouragement in the prophet's declaration; something that leads us to hope that the fires of trial just before the people of God, will not be able to consume any of his chosen jewels. In view of the present time, dear brethren and sisters, does it not become the people of God to counsel much and counsel often.
We are to be a tried people, and in our extremity there is great danger of our crying out as did Israel of old, "Up, make us gods which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him."
It is a source of great mischief to the cause of God, when his people begin to murmur against his decrees. In view of the great exertion about to be made on the part of the Arch-deceiver to overturn our faith, or awaken a division or murmuring spirit among the ranks of the saints, it seems that we should press together.
Dear brethren and sisters, I desire a name among you. I seek an interest in the kingdom of God, and am daily praying that I may walk in the light as it is shed upon my pathway before me. Pray for me, that I may not come short of the glory of God, but that by patient continuance in well doing, I may find an abundant entrance administered unto me into the everlasting kingdom.
I own my unworthiness, and come tremblingly and humbly to a throne of grace. Jesus is before the mercy seat. My Lord has gone before me, has opened the way for me, so that my prayers may reach within the second veil. I am struggling for "life, life, eternal life." Nothing short of this will satisfy my soul. Let us take courage! The crown is just before us. God will not fail to reward his people. His arm is not shortened that he cannot prove their salvation.
Bro. L. G. Bostwick writes from Lynxville, Wis.: I have just returned from Marietta, where I have given some twenty lectures on present truth. The interest was good. Some are striving to obey the truth. Two subscribed for the Review, five for the Youth's Instructor, and I sold some books. I think the cause of God is on the rise; and may we so live that we may have that reward that is for the faithful, is my prayer.
Bro. W. J. Hardy writes from Caledonia, Mich. : We have great reason to be thankful for the light of present truth. But O, what poor representatives we have been of the truth! Since we have come into church order I think better days are dawning upon us. We were greatly encouraged and strengthened by the labors of Brn. Byington and Loughborough at our quarterly meeting. There was quite an interest awakened in the neighborhood, and many are asking, When are those preachers coming again? we want to hear a course of lectures. Several of the youth have made a start for mount Zion, among the rest my two oldest, for which I thank the Lord. There is manifestly a growing interest in our Sabbath School. May the Lord help us all to come up to the work, and be perfectly united.
OBITUARY.
DIED at North Leeds, Wis. Apr. 14th, 1863, little Edith Evoline, only child of Bro. Wm. and Sister Kelly in the 3d year of her age. She was a lovely child in disposition ever manifesting a devotional spirit. She took delight in repeating the Lord's prayer, and verses she had learned about Jesus. She loved much to hear about the glorious City in heaven. Although it is a sad affliction to the parents, yet they can confidently hope to meet her soon in immortal bloom. She shall come again from the land of the enemy. Sermon by the writer from Jer. xxxi, 15-17.
"Thou art gone to the grave but we will not deplore thee.
Though sorrow and darkness encompass the tomb:
The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee,
And the lamp of his love is thy guide thro' the gloom."
"Thou art gone to the grave, but 'twere wrong to deplore thee,
When God was thy ransom, thy guardian, and guide;
He gave thee, He took thee, and soon he'll restore thee,
Where death hath no sting, since the Saviour hath died."
T. M. STEWARD.
MARY L. SCOTT died May 5th, 1863, in Berea, O. at the residence of her son-in-law, after an illness of eleven weeks, of quick consumption and dropsy, aged 44 years and 26 days.
Our mother was a Christian in heart, in life, in death. The sick ever found a friend in her; the poor blessed her; the youth revered her; friends loved her.
An earnest lover and seeker for truth, she accepted the principles of the Advent faith, in the year 1858, and lived them.
Her sufferings were extreme during her last illness. Amid them all the Saviour was her staff, her hope. She knew in whom she had trusted, in Him who said "I am the Resurrection and the Life."
H. M. DENNOTT.
DIED in Handy, Livingston Co. Mich. May 7th 1863, of dropsy, after scarlet fever, our eldest son Charles Wesley, aged 4 years 8 months and 12 days. Though deeply grieved at our loss, yet we mourn not as those without hope; for we believe that our loved one will come forth in the first resurrection, clothed with immortality, and have a home in that beautiful Heaven, of which he so much loved to talk. A few days before his death, his little sister, two years older, said to him, "Do you want to die Charlie?" He replied, "I am not afraid to die; for when Jesus comes he will take me up to live with him, and I won't be sick there, but will be always happy." His sufferings were intense, but he never once murmured, but often said, "Ma, read to me, or tell me a story of Jesus."
"He sleeps in Jesus—soon to rise,
When the last trump shall rend the skies;
Then burst the fetters of the tomb,
To wake in full immortal bloom."
W. J. & A. J. MILLS.
DIED at the residence of his father in the Town of Bedford, Mich., May 11th of fever, after an illness of only 20 hours, Nelson D. Borroughs aged 13 years. He made a profession of faith in Christ, and was baptized some two years since by Bro. White, and united with the Battle Creek church. Although young, and of feeble constitution, he loved to be in his place in the social meeting where he often bore his simple testimony of "desiring to go to heaven." He sleeps in hope of eternal life. His funeral was attended in the Battle Creek meeting house Wednesday May 13th where the writer addressed quite a full house of neighbors and brethren. So soon are we called again to mourn for one of our number.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
DIED in Worcester, Mass. Nov. 5th 1862, Frank Willie, and Apr. 7th, 1863, Arlow Carlton, only children of Bro. Wm. and sister S. Ashley.
Bro. and sister Ashley deeply mourn the loss of their loved ones, yet conscious that their affections had become too strongly entwined around them, they feel that the stroke was inflicted in love, by the hand of their heavenly Father. And now that the dearest and tenderest tie which bound them to life is severed, they feel that their only object in life, is to be prepared to meet them in the bright morning of the resurrection, and together with them, and all the ransomed of the Lord, be caught up to meet him in the air, and so be ever with the Lord.
"Angels shall guard their sleeping dust,
And as their Saviour rose,
The grave again shall yield her trust,
And end their deep repose."
"Their Lord, before to glory's gone,
Shall bid them come away;
And calm and bright shall break the dawn
Of heaven's eternal day."
S. N. HASKELL.
Wisdom and Scorn
HE that is wise is wise for himself, but he that scorneth he alone shall bear it.
Spend Every Day Well
SPEND every day as if it were your last, and yet as if you had long to live.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
Business Notes.
W. Doughty. You have taken the Review about 15 months.
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.
J. M. Preston 1,00,xxiv,1. D. A. Smith 1,00,xxii,13. I. M. Davis 1,00,xxiii,1. B. Moran 1,00,xxi,1. Julia M. Rhodes, for Mrs. B. B. Cunningham 1,00,xxiv,1. R. Colby 2,00,xxiii,14. Sarah Becket 1,00,xxii,1. D. B. Webber 2,00,xxiii,1. E. Walworth 1,00,xxii,1. Jas. Breeze 1,00,xxiii,1. J. Young 2,00,xxii,1. A. L. Burwell 2,00,xxiv,1. W. Doughty 1,00,xxiii,13. S. Morrill 5,00,xxi,1. A. Harmon 1,00,xxii,1. J. Demary 1,00,xxii,14. A. M. De Graw 1,00,xxi,9. P. Amidon 2,00,xxi,14. A. D. Tracy 2,00,xxiii,20. B. F. Wilkerson 1,00,xxiii,1. R. Torrey 2,00,xxiii,18. E. Whitties 2,00,xxii,1. O. Davis 2,00,xxiii,18. J. H. Rogers 3,00,xxi,7. S. E. Sutherland 2,00,xxi,1. C. M. Coy 2,00,xxiv,1. E. Bliss 1,00,xxii,1. M. Davis 2,00,xxiv,1. W. W. Caviness 1,00,xxiii,4. G. G. Allen 1,00,xxiv,1. B. Banton 1,15,xxi,25. C. H. Tubbs 0,50,xxii,14. S. E. Merrill 0,50,xxii,14. A. Loveland 2,00,xxiv,1. D. Litchfield 1,00,xx,1. Jas. Grimes 2,00,xxi,22. P. E. Ruiter 2,00,xxiv,1. M. H. Bates 1,10,xxiii,13.
Books Sent By Mail.
A. H. Huntley $1,56. Mrs. H. Steele $1,20. E. S. Edmunds $1. A. M. Preston 30c. E. A. McGinnis $1,10. D. A. Smith 20c. S. P. Leland 28c. Daniel Andre 60c. F. M. Dusing $1. R. Hoag 80c. W. Doughty $2. M. Thomas 88c. Mrs. N. Dennison 88c. J. A. Smith $1. M. C. Hornaday 50c. J. H. Rogers 50c. G. W. Eggleston 25c. C. M. Coy 50c. L. E. Davis 15c. O. Davis $1. B. H. Grimes 27c. C. Buck 50c. B. Sutton 80c.
Books Sent by Express.
John Butchart sen., Rockwood Station, G. T. R. R., Canada, $10.
Cash Received on Account.
I. C. Vaughan $2,60. T. M. Stewart $5. B. F. Snook $19,15. B. Sutton $2.
Donations to Publishing Association.
A. M. Preston 70c. H. Hicks s. B., 50c. C. H. Tubbs $4.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on all transient publications, at the rates of one cent an ounce for Books and Pamphlets, and one-half cent an ounce for Tracts, in packages of eight ounces or more. Those who order Pamphlets and Tracts to be sent by mail, will please send enough to prepay postage. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers), . . 40 10
The Bible from Heaven, . . 25 5
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6 12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . 15 4
Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four, . . 15 4
Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, . . 15 4
Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . 15 4
Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency, . . 15 4
The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . . 15 4
Miraculous Powers, . . 15 4
Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul, . . 15 4
Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered, . . 10 3
Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. . . 10 3
The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth. . . 10 3
Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . . 10 3
Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity, . . 10 3
Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary in Hayti, . . 10 3
Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . . 10 3
Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . . 10 3
Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . . 10 3
Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design, . . 10 3
The Seven Trumpets. The Founding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix, . . 10 2
The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . 5 2
Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, . . 5 2
Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references, . . 5 1
Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type." . . 5 1
The Two Laws and Two Covenants, . . 5 1
An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . . 5 1
Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . 5 1
Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . 5 1
Milton on the State of the Dead, . . 5 1
Brown's Experience. Consecration--Second Advent, . . 5 1
Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c. . . 5 1
Sabbath Poem. False Theories Exposed, . . 5 1
Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . . 5 1
Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Apostasy and perils of the last days, . . 5 1
The same in German, . . 5 1
" " " Holland, . . 5 1
French. A Pamphlet on the Sabbath, . . 5 1
" " " " Dan. ii, and vii, . . 5 1
ONE CENT TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Law of God, by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word—Personality of God—The Seven Seals—The Two Laws.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Infidelity and Spiritualism—Mark of the Beast—War and the Sealing—The Institution of the Sabbath.
Bound Books.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage.
The Hymn Book, 464 pages, and 122 pieces of music, . . 80 "
" " " with Sabbath Lute, . . $1,00
" " " Calf Binding, . . 1,00
" " " " with Lute, . . 1,20
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound
Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History, . . 80 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . 75 "
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
Every Day Religion.
There is not much solidity in a religion that will not stand the test of every-day experience. "There are a good many pious people," says Douglas Jerrold, "who are as careful of their religion as of their best service of China, only using it for holiday occasions, for fear it should get clipped or flawed in working day wear."
That species of religion may do for a show, but there is little substance in it. It is too much of the gilt ginger bread sort for the general service of mankind. It can do little good in the eyes of one who judges us not by the exterior, but by the interior evidence of excellence. Religion, to be serviceable, must not only be substantial, but active. It must not be drowsy. It must be wide awake, vigilant and sturdy.—Sel.
Question.
By Editor
Bro. White: Will you inform me whether a local elder of the S. D. A. church has power or any right to perform the ordinance of marriage. An Elder.
Answer.—He cannot. The law of Michigan specifies that with the exception of certain civil officers, only the regularly ordained ministers of the different denominations can perform the ceremony.
The Review.
By Joseph Clarke
The interest we felt in the Review, when we first embraced present truth, has not abated; but rather has become more deep, and fixed.
It is but just, to give to those who control this sheet, their meed of praise, for the nice sense of honor and right, which they have all along displayed, in most trying scenes; but far above all these agencies, one must discern a more than human wisdom, in the ways and means God has ordained, in conducting and sustaining this paper.
It is alone; it stands pre-eminent above the host of religious periodicals, in its clear and manly vindication of the truth. Here are no advertisements of business, no loud sounding essays, or angry clerical debates, or sectarian animosities. It is free to all that is pure, free to all that is comely and suitable. Its rigid adherence to propriety, its plain dealing with sin and iniquity, its regard to right and honesty, mark it as emphatically a religious paper.
A person who wishes for purity and holiness of heart will love the Review; while he who would oppose the work of Bible sanctification, through the truth, will drop such a paper as this; it is dry and tasteless to him.
Some years have passed since we embraced present truth as advocated by the S. D. Adventists, and to-day we are more settled and fixed in these truths than ever. The Review is more interesting, the cause is more precious to us, the church is more dear to our hearts, the truth shines brighter, and our hearts cry out more earnestly to God for his pure love.
We love the Review for the truths it advocates, for the lessons of wisdom it inculcates, for the spirit it breathes, for the experience of the dear saints scattered abroad, which appear in its columns. And, as a whole, we love the Review, because it bears the impress of heaven upon its face. Praise God, in these perilous times, for such a paper. JOSEPH CLARKE.
Human Elevation.
"I KNOW," says Channing, "but one elevation of a human being, and that is the elevation of the soul. Without this it matters not where a man stands, or what he possesses; and with it he towers—he is one of God's nobility, no matter what place he holds in the social scale. There are not different kinds of dignity for different orders of men, but one and the same to all. The only elevation of a human being consists in the exercise, growth, and energy of the higher principles and powers of his soul. A bird may be shot upwards to the skies by a foreign force, but it rises in the true sense of the word only when it spreads its own wings and soars by its own living power. So a man may be thrust upwards in a conspicuous place, by outward accidents, but he rises only so far as he exerts himself and expands his best faculties, and he ascends up by a free effort to a noble region of thought and action."
Why Should I Give?
WHERE God is forgotten, it is pitiful to see how riches harden the heart of him who gains them. Sometimes the man who was liberal while he was poor, becomes niggardly as he becomes wealthy. The tendency of gain is to nourish selfishness if the hand that bestows it is overlooked, and the thirst of selfishness can never be shaken. The reservoir of the covetous never overflows. Recognizing no obligation he yields to no claim. A man of this sort once said:—"Others never give to me, why should I give to others?" Infatuated man! is there none that ever gives to thee? What hast thou that thou hast not received? Who gave thee reason, life, success? Who prospered thy plans? Who gave thee power to get wealth? Who has kept thy dwelling safe? Who has warded off from thee a thousand calamities which have overtaken thy fellows? And art thou indebted to none—has none a right to thy bounty? Will thou rob God? Shall he have no share of what is his own?
The Ministry
The Ministry.—The office of the ministry requires one, whom no prejudice, entreaty, or gift, or partiality can divert from the path of rectitude, who delights in labor, and whose whole desire is to profit souls.
Seeking and Finding.—The longer I was finding whom I sought, the more earnestly I beheld him being found.