p. 79 | Review and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 10. (1/31/1865)

Quarterly Meeting at Hamlin

By E. O. L.

From Sister Lindsay.

I THINK no gathering for a long time had been looked forward to with so much anticipation generally, as the late Quarterly Meeting at J. Lamson's, Hamlin, N. Y., owing, no doubt to the reason that it was to be the first of the series in the new year, and the last in all probability that would ever be held at that place, as the old farm had been sold, and the house where meetings have been held for the last fifteen years and over, was soon to be occupied by those who never pray, as near as we have learned, for the ark of God to abide with them.

Up to Friday morning, the weather was very stormy, consequently those intending to come some distance with their teams, were not there. Nevertheless a large room was well filled, and we did have a good meeting. And while many of the brethren and sisters feelingly referred to the many times they had met under that roof, and of the goodness of the Lord always toward them, our minds were carried back to the past, and we thought of the time when our family, with others heard and embraced the Advent doctrine; and what a happy company we were, continually looking for Jesus. And then, when our faith in a soon coming Saviour, began to decline, we remembered the people that came to us and told us of a "third angel's message" that must be given, and talked to us of "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," and of the "patience of the saints," calling these things present truth, and that so strange did these combinations of our language sound to us, that we regarded them with about as much curiosity as though they had come to us from another planet. But when one after another of our family began to embrace these things, and we saw that even our cautious father was inclining in that direction, opposition instead of curiosity took possession of our young hearts. Although mortified as well as grieved to hear them say they were going to keep the Sabbath, hope did not entirely forsake us, for our oldest brother was as bitterly opposed as ourselves, and as he had some considerable knowledge of the Bible, we rested our hopes upon him to find something that would convince the others of the error of their ways; and when he read some such things as, "If ye seek to be justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace," as we did not know the word, we were greatly rejoiced. But soon his own arguments appeared foolishness to himself, and, as many were the prayers that ascended for "Bro. Lamson's unconverted children," after giving proof abundant, that the carnal heart is enmity against God, our rebellion gave way, through the great mercy and abounding goodness of God we were made to see the depravity of our hearts, and led to acknowledge that it was the fear of our friends' falling in the estimation of the world that led us to oppose, and not that they would lose the favor of God by the keeping of his law.

We also remembered how in that very room cousin O. W. A. after hearing a few sermons, and counting up the cost, laid all at the feet of the Saviour, esteeming the reproach of Christ of greater value, than notoriety in the world. Then there was our other cousin and his young sister that without the aid of either parent, commenced here the keeping of God's broken law, and at a later day, if we remember rightly, here our esteemed brother J. M. A. witnessed publicly, for the first time a good confession of the truth. There were many others that we thought of, but will not name.

As the scenes of the past were brought before us, and we thought of the privileges that we had enjoyed, and were still enjoying, we could but exclaim, The Lord is good, the Lord is good!

As I said at the commencement of my letter, we had a good meeting. There was feeling without excitability, and a real and earnest desire manifested by brethren and sisters, to get into that place where the Lord could consistently bless them. Then there appeared to be a greater appreciation, and more rejoicing in the truth than has been with us of late. Exhortations were earnest, brotherly love prevailed, and the tender sympathy manifested for the sick among us, was truly touching.

As we looked around the room and thought of the dangers that lay between us and the heavenly harbor, we wondered if we would all be able to

"Weather the blast and land at last Safe on the evergreen shore."

For one I felt that I would cherish the good impressions that I had received, and by constant watchfulness and prayer, endeavor to get nearer to the Lord.

Meetings like this we shall not always have the privilege of attending; but there is to be a meeting infinitely better than our Quarterlies or Conferences, and with you brethren and sisters I want to be at that meeting. For at that great assemblage of the saints, not only will be our faithful ministers and brethren, but Jesus himself will be there. E. O. L.

Blessings of the Sabbath.

By R. C. Baker

Blest day, that first in Eden dawned, Ere sin had marred earth's loveliness, Still fraught with peace to fallen man Thou com'st our wearied souls to bless.

Wearied and pressed with earthly cares, Our hearts dispirited and weak, In thy sweet hours of rest we find That calm repose for which we seek.

With reverent steps we seek the place Where those that meet in Jesus' name, With humble faith and ardent hope, May e'er his promised presence claim.

With grateful love our hearts o'erflow To the great Author of all good; And upward to the heavenly prize, We press, with hope and zeal renewed.

We feel the end approaching near, And so exhort each other on, Till in our Father's house we meet When Heaven's eternal rest shall dawn.

Thou precious gift to fallen man, We welcome thy sweet hours of rest! O, let thy Spirit, Lord, descend And make these moments doubly blest! R. C. BAKER.

Mackford, Wis.

A Testimony of Faith

By J. F. McReynolds

From Bro. McReynolds.

BRO. WHITE : When the present truth found me, I had no hope, and was without God in the world.

But I thank the Lord that through its sanctifying influence, I now have a hope that I shall unite with the remnant, in singing the song of deliverance. I have a great desire to live to see my Saviour come. I know I have a great work to do, to get ready for that event, when I think that those that shall stand in the day of the Lord must be "without fault before his throne." I must bring my will into subjection to the will of God, that I may be led by his Spirit, else I shall not be one of that number. And this calls upon me to make many sacrifices of self; but it is not too much; since so great a sacrifice has been made for me, and an immutable promise made of a rich reward in the end.

I am very thankful for the testimonies that have been given us which are so well adapted to our necessities, and I desire to retain the divine instruction, and to profit by their reproofs, for I read that "he is in the way of life that keepeth instruction; but he that refuseth reproof erreth."

I realize much benefit from reading the Review. The subject matter contained in it is full of light; and its articles containing advice and suggestions of duty seem to come just when needed. Then the cheering testimonies of brethren and sisters, and reports of messengers showing success to the cause, give abundant reason to rejoice in anticipation of soon witnessing the pouring out of the latter rain and the loud voice of the third angel.

I am thankful to my Father in Heaven that I have a humble place among that "peculiar people" who are "looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Happy thought! that though now we have many temptations to resist, and great troubles may await us, yet through the mercies of God we may overcome, and "sit down with Jesus on his throne even as he also overcame and is set down with his Father on his throne."

Your brother in hope. J. F. McREYNOLDS.

Palestine, Iowa, Jan. 15, 1865.

JAMES HARVEY

By James Harvey

From Bro. Harvey.

Bro. White: We have been greatly strengthend by the meat we have had given to us in due season by Bro. Lawrence; and we feel determined to quicken our pace toward the bright the holy land, for we have heard from it and our hearts are glad. And not only we, who have known the way feel revived, but others, such as we hope will be saved, are uniting with us to keep the holy law of God. Three united with us while Bro. Lawrence was here; and since he left, Bro. H. H. Dunham has resolved to stop his sawmill and farming on the seventh day, and help repair the breach that the man of sin has sought to make in the holy law of the Lord. We feel determined by grace divine to raise the standard of holy living higher, that we may be hid in the day of the fierce anger of the Lord.

We want the prayers of God's people.

JAMES HARVEY

North Liberty, Ind.

O. H. SPENCER

By O. H. Spencer

From Bro. Spencer.

BRO. WHITE: Having lately come to a knowledge of the truth I am trying to live in such a manner as to receive the approving smile of the blessed Saviour. It has been about two months since my wife and myself commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. It was at first a hard cross to come out from the ranks of Satan, after having been in his service so long. But thanks be to God, he has given us sufficient strength to come out from the world and acknowledge ourselves his servants. We are determined through his grace to continue to press forward, knowing that if we prove faithful, fervent, and zealous, eternal life, with endless felicity, will be our reward, which we feel is worth striving for.

We have friends and relatives who are yet in darkness, having not yet heard nor investigated the great and inestimable truths for these times, as laid down in the Bible. We pray for them, sincerely hoping that such of them as will be saved, may hear the precious truths of which we are in possession. It certainly seems as if this would be a proper and a well paying field for a messenger to herald the glad tidings of the soon coming of our dear Saviour. May the Lord assist us, and we sincerely hope, that if possible, a messenger may at least give us a call, should one happen to pass this way. We need to be organized.

Yours in Christ.

O. H. SPENCER

Lake Station, Ind.

Undecided About Salvation

By McCheyne

“If two angels came down from Heaven to execute a divine command, and one was appointed to conduct an empire, and the other to sweep a street in it, they would feel no inclination to choose employments.”

Be entreated, O wavering soul, to settle the question of your salvation now. Why halt between two opinions? It is most unreasonable to be undecided about the things of an endless eternity in such a world as this, with such frail bodies, with such a Saviour stretching out his hand, and such a Spirit of love striving with you.—McChayne.

Obituary Notices.

By John Norton Loughborough

DIED, in Dartmouth, Mass., July 12, 1864, of consumption, after a sickness of about five months, sister Susan G. Russell. Sr. Russell embraced present truth in 1850, and lived an exemplary Christian. For the last few years under the power of disease she was somewhat despairing; but she now sleeps in Jesus, leaving a companion and four children. But their hearts are consoled by the blessed hope.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Reply to the Voice of the West

By Editor

We are happy to find our late article, "Facts Which Should Be Known," which was published in Review No. 7, present volume, copied by the Voice of the West of Jan. 17, 1865. To the remarks appended in the Voice, we have but a word to say on two points: 1. It is asserted by the Voice that Eld. P. did not claim the privilege of reviewing our arguments, through the Review, but simply of correcting our "errors and misrepresentations;" and that this privilege was denied him. In reply to this we have to say, that Eld. P.'s letter is published on pp. 136 and 187 of Both Sides; and in it will be found this language: "What say, Bro. White; do you intend I shall have a fair opportunity through your columns to review my reviewer?" True Eld. P. said considerable about "errors and misrepresentations; but such language as the above calls for a review of indefinite length. As to the errors and misrepresentations, as we have already often said, we took care to guard against all complaint on this score, by giving Eld. P.'s articles entire; so that if we misstated or misrepresented him, the reader could readily detect it. 2. The Voice denies the charge of wishing to keep its readers in the dark concerning our side of the question, and in proof urges the fact that in Nov. last, Eld. H. extended through the Voice a challenge to Bro. White and Andrews to discuss with some one on his side of the question, certain points of difference between them. This challenge was called out by our remarks on the three messages in Review Vol. xxiv, No. 12, and we understood it to have reference to the messages only. We are glad to learn that Eld. H. includes the Sabbath also, and we presume that in due time, he will have the opportunity for the investigation which he proposes. But why this should be offered as an excuse for keeping so silent respecting Both Sides, we are unable to see. However, as the work is now advertised in the Voice we leave it.

The Right Spirit.—We sometimes feel constrained to withhold communications from the Review, although we are at the same time aware that it will be very liable to produce unpleasant feelings on the part of the writers. We should be as glad as any one, could we consistently gratify all our correspondents and publish everything that is written; but there are various reasons why we cannot, prominent among which is that some of the communications would not be creditable either to the writer or the Review. A brother who gives us the fullest liberty in the disposal of his communications, shows, we think a right spirit, and takes a right view of this matter in the following language: "Would to God that all editors were as careful of the reputation of their friends as the brethren at Battle Creek are of those who contribute to the publications of the S. D. A. Association." We recommend this position to all.

D. Edson Smith. W. Y. Patterson of Buchanan, Mich., would be happy to have you write him at that place.

A Good Example.

By Editor

It is one of the peculiarities of the religion of Jesus Christ, that the poor have the gospel preached to them ; so the time must never come when the worthy poor who wish for the Review and are unable to pay for it, cannot have it. We believe there are multitudes of brethren and sisters who would come up and pay for such, rather than that they should be deprived of the paper. On the receipt of sister Freeman's letter, published in last Review, we entered her name on the list of subscribers, marking her paper free, unless some one should come forward to pay for it. That letter has called out the following response from Bro. H. C. Miller of Chicago, Ills. :

"In reading the letter of sister Freeman in the last Review, I saw that she desires the Review and has sent for it, but is unable to pay for it. Material is too high to be sent by the Office for nothing, so here is a dollar for the Review for her for six months. If her paper is paid by any one else, put the money to the Master's use some other way."

We apply the money as Bro. M. directs.

Meetings in Mich.

By Joseph Bates

Bro. White: January 10, and 11, held two profitable meetings in Milford, Oak. Co. The church here are scattered over considerable territory, and owing to stormy weather at the time, the meetings were thin; but being able to visit them in their dwellings, we were pleased to learn that they were striving to go forward. Bro. G. Graham kindly brought me on my way to Locke, Ing. Co., some thirty-nine miles. Here between the 13th and 17th, we held seven interesting meetings, some say the best they have had. Friends and neighbors manifested much anxiety to hear. Two were added to the church, and all were blest in attending the ordinances of the Lord's house.

On our way to Locke, we held one evening meeting with Bro. Frisbie, where he has been holding a series of meetings, since Jan. 1st, in South Genoa, Liv. Co., at the call of Bro. Alexander Carpenter, in a very convenient school-house. He had an interesting congregation. Bro. Carpenter was struggling in union with Bro. F. for volunteers in the third angel's message. The Lord help them is my prayer.

Jan. 17, and 18, held two free meetings with the church in Woodhull. They are struggling to be free, and live in the light of the third angel's message. I am now leaving for St. Charles.

Joseph Bates.

Woodhull, Jan. 19, 1865.

Day of Fasting and Prayer.

By John Byington; J. N. Loughborough; Geo. W. Amadon

WE, the General Conference Committee, of S. D. Adventists, are gratified with the article presented by Bro. White in another column, entitled, Non-combatants. We are happy to endorse the position he has taken, and agreeably to his suggestions would recommend to all our brethren to observe Sabbath, Feb. 11, as a day of fasting and prayer, for the objects specified in said article.

JOHN BYINGTON, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, GEO. W. AMADON. } Gen. Conf. Com.

Quarterly Meeting at Hamlin, N. Y.

By R. F. Cottrell

THIS meeting, held Jan. 14, 15, was one of deep interest, and, I trust, profit. Some excellent exhortations to lives of consecration and faith, were given, which, if heeded (and I hope they will be,) will prepare the church to occupy her proper position as the light of the world. The importance of attending to the physical laws of our being, in order to be prepared to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, was clearly and forcibly laid before the meeting, with earnest exhortations to all, to cheerfully embrace and live up to the light we are receiving on this important subject.

It was a solemn heart-searching time, and all seemed resolved to get into such a place before the Lord that he can honor us, without dishonoring himself. The Lord is ready to pour out his Spirit and do great things for us, when we are sanctified and prepared to receive the blessing, and to use it to his glory. May we soon learn to appreciate what God is doing for us, and take hold and be co-workers with him.

A stranger that chanced to be present, from Wyoming Co., became satisfied that the Lord is leading us, and that we are enjoying the light and help from God which she had felt the want of. May the Lord cause that the standard of truth may be raised in her neighborhood. R. F. COTTRELL.

Report from Bro. Byington.

By John Byington

BRO. WHITE: After leaving home we had meeting Dec. 28, with the church in Bowne. Here, dear brethren manifested their love for the truth by coming quite a distance to an evening meeting. We felt blest while with them. Our meeting the next evening in Vergennes, was encouraging. The following Sabbath and first-day, we had four meetings with the church in Fair Plains. Bro. P. Strong labored with us here. Our brethren in Orleans, some of them being absent from home, made our members less, but we felt the Lord was with us. We closed this meeting by attending the ordinances.

Our next meeting was at Wright. There we spent one week and had eight meetings. Dear Bro. Bullard and his wife came out decidedly in the truth and were baptized. We had the Lord's supper. This is a working church. They voted to give their entire s. B. fund to the Conference fund, and forward one hundred and seventy-five dollars. We felt truly blest with this people.

We next spent one week with the church in Caledonia. We had five meetings, and visited about every family. This church have suffered the enemy to divide and scatter them. Our business meeting was one of labor and trial, but we think resulted in great good. All agreed to unite again and move forward. Some were not present. We hope they will do the same. We are now at Monterey. JNO. BYINGTON.

Appointments.

By Wm. Russell

THE next Quarterly Meeting of the church at Mauston, will be held on the 11th and 12th of February. We hope to see a general gathering of the friends of the cause at this meeting.

A protracted meeting will commence at Mauston on the evening of the 3d of February, and continue until the Quarterly Meeting. Those coming from a distance are invited to bring buffalo robes and quilts with them, so that all can be made comfortable.

WM. RUSSELL.

Business Department.

By Editor

Business Notes.

S. H. PECK.—The Review is mailed regularly on Tuesday of each week. We cannot tell why it is so long in reaching your place.

RECEIPTS.

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