Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 12.
Sermon, Number FivePage 1
Earlier text: Sermon, Number FiveLabor in Ohio.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
FROM Lovett’s Grove I went to Geneva, Ashtabula Co., July 2nd. The special purpose for which I went to Geneva was not fully accomplished; but as this is properly the subject of a separate report, I waive it for the present. I remained there over one Sabbath, preaching once on Sabbath, and twice on first-day. The company of believers there had been subjected to influences detrimental to their progress in present truth, and existing circumstances did not allow of my bestowing that labor and attention there which the cause seemed to require. I believe the Lord has an honest people there, who love the truth, and I trust his blessing will be upon them, and his Spirit be given them to guide them into all truth, that they may be sanctified and prepared for the return of our Saviour. Sabbath and first-day, July 14 and 15, I was at Chardon. This was a pleasant privilege to me, as I had not visited that place since first proclaiming the message there. Monday, 16th, I went to Chardon Center, where Bro. Warner now lives, and spoke on the Sabbath and Law, in the school-house. The subject has been considerably agitated there; different views, as first-day Sabbath and no-Sabbath, had been presented, and I trust the meeting of that evening was not in vain. Next day went to Huntsburg to Bro. Moffatt’s, who conveyed me to Bloomfield on Wednesday. Spent Thursday in visiting from house to house, and made arrangements to have the believers in Wayne meet with us in Bloomfield. I felt very anxious to meet all the brethren and sisters together; and present the subject of Health as a part of the present truth. Sabbath evening I spoke on the Gifts of the Spirit; a timely subject, as it proved, to precede the testimony on health. On the Sabbath I was gratified to meet with them of Orwell, Bloomfield, Wayne, Huntsburg, and Chardon. I presented the subject of health both from the Bible, and physiologically. In the afternoon continued the same, after which almost all spoke directly to the point. This was indeed cheering. If anything is peculiarly trying to a messenger of the truth, it is to present a plain duty and hear brethren and sisters talk all around it in their testimonies. Good resolutions were formed, and some laid aside their idols from that same hour. First-day, commenced a social meeting at 10 o’clock, which continued with good interest till nearly 1 o’clock. After this a business meeting was held; and again after a short intermission, all came together to listen to some remarks on baptism, when we repaired to the water, and five were immersed. Bro. and Sr. Chinnock and their daughter, and a daughter, each, of Bro. Griffin and Bro. Seeley. I believe the influence of these meetings will be permanent, and prove of lasting benefit to those who attended them. Monday, 23d, I started for home, and arrived at Bro. Mear’s about 1 o’clock at night. There I found with a letter from Bro. Loughborough requesting me to go with the tent, while Bro. Lawrence attended the State Conference. As the R. R. connections were uncertain, I deemed it prudent to lose no time, and accordingly left Bro. Mear’s about 5 A. M. This precaution seemed necessary; to lay over at a way station seven hours to get a train, as I had to, is very tedious in these days of “raging chariots.” I found the tent in a pleasant, quiet little village, in a valley girt with hills, the brethren in good spirits, and a very general good feeling toward them. There are four meeting-houses there, but not a resident minister for either of them, and the little opposition they had received was of a feeble nature. Calls were coming from other villages for meetings, and I felt truly thankful for the good prospect before them. July 30th, I left the tent, and arrived at my home the afternoon of the 31st, rather feeble in body, and much fatigued, but very thankful for the favor of God whose presence had been so manifestly with me in my labors of the month past. With a firm resolution to strive to be more diligent in this good work, I spent the remainder of the week preparing to leave home for the tent season. Isaiah a Seventh-Day Adventist.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
SEVENTH-DAY Adventists believe that the law of God is holy, that the seventh day is the Sabbath, that Christ is coming to the earth again, that the dead are not conscious, that there will be a literal resurrection of the dead, that the wicked will be destroyed, and that the saints will inherit the earth. For believing these things they are denounced as heretics, and are cast out of the so-called Orthodox churches. Had the prophets and apostles lived in these days, they also would have been excommunicated by the same Orthodox churches. How do I know that? Because they believed the very doctrines for which we are now condemned. This we learn from what they have written on these subjects. Thus, for instance, Isaiah has written himself down a Seventh-day Adventist. 1. He pointed men to the law of God as the rule of their conduct. Chap. viii, 20. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” 2. He kept the seventh-day Sabbath, and taught others to keep it. Chap. lvi, 2. “Blessed is the man that doth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” Chap. lviii, 13, 14. “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, &c.” 3. He believed in the second advent of Christ, and earnestly longed to see it. Chap. xxv, 9. “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Chap. viii, 17. “And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.” 4. He did not believe that the dead were conscious. Chap. xxxviii, 18. “For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.” 5. He believed in the literal resurrection of the dead. Chap. xxvi, 19. “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” 6. He believed in the utter destruction of the wicked. Chap. x, 25. “For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.” 7. He believed that the saints would inherit the earth. Chap. lxv, 17, 18. “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Chap.93 lxvi, 22, 23. “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” 8. He believed that they would then build houses, plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. Chap. lxv, 21, 22. “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” 9. He believed that on the new earth there would be all kinds of beasts, &c. Chap. lxv, 25. “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.” 10. He denounced Spiritualism as not of God. Chap. viii, 19, 20. “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter; should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” 11. He believed in visions, as he had them himself. Chap. i, 1. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Chap. vi, 1. “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” 12. He believed in plainness of dress, and spoke against the wearing of jewelry. Chap. iii, 18–21. “Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet; therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughter of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, the chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, the rings, and nose jewels,” &c. 13. He had a very poor opinion of swine. Chap. lxvi, 17. “They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the great mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord.” From the above quotations it is evident that Isaiah was a Seventh-day Adventist; and we are not ashamed to believe as did this man of God. Elder Wm. Green, of Hounsfield, N. Y.
By John Nevins Andrews
Our aged Bro. Green has fallen in death. Bro. Taylor in a recent number of the Review has given many interesting particulars of his life. I desire to add a few words to what he has said. Eld. G. became especially interested in the Advent faith during the tent meetings at Adams' Center in the 1862. Well do my remember the serious attention that he gave to this great subject. When the doctrine that immortality is the gift of God, to be bestowed on the righteous only when the Life-giver returns, began to be set forth, I thought surely Eld. G. will now take offense, and we shall see no more of him. But he continued to attend, though remaining silent, and declining to express any opinion on the subject. Instead of becoming offended, as do almost all aged ministers, he determined to give the subject a serious examination. It was not long before he became thoroughly satisfied that man has no immortality by nature. And what he believed in his heart, he was not ashamed to confess with his lips. Eld. G. became a warm friend to the Advent faith, and united with those in Adams' Center, who endeavored to live out this despised doctrine. My acquaintance with Eld. G. was somewhat limited, but it served greatly to endear him to me. In his character, I was deeply impressed with his love of integrity. Everything like fraud, overreaching, deception, double-dealing and guile, was despicable in his eyes. He was a man of truth. He valued his word, and kept it. And what he aimed to preserve inviolate in all the relation of life, he desired to find in the character of others. He regarded truth as worthy of being obeyed however unpopular it might be. He was emphatically a man of decision. Little did he have in his nature of the double-minded man, and little sympathy could he feel for men of that character. He was a humble-minded Christian, and in his closing moments proved the value of that religion which he had lived to recommend to others. He sleeps in Jesus, leaving a large place vacant to be filled by others. These heavy losses keep coming upon us. Who shall be raised up to fill the vacant places? Greatly do I desire that the sons of Eld. G. may follow their father's good example and meet him in the kingdom of God.
J. N. ANDREWS. “LIKE as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” BRO. WHITE: The following endorsement of Systematic Benevolence I cut from the American Messenger some time since. I noticed a mistake recently on the part of some of our brethren; they got up a subscription, putting down sums at random, and called it systematic benevolence. But there is nothing systematic about it. With the light of Scripture, and the plain “testimony to the church” on this subject, I do not think any church can long prosper that does not come up to “the plan.”
J. H. WAGGONER. PRACTICAL WORKINGS OF SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE. Few “signs of the times” are more hopeful than the prompt adoption by Christians of the scriptural principle discussed in the “Premium Essays,” of stated and proportionate benevolence. Once made general, that will furnish to overflowing the means for prosecuting evangelical enterprises on a more adequate scale. We append a few illustrations from our correspondence of the workings of this plan: A gentleman in Baltimore encloses a donation of $20, and writes, “The Prize Essays have instructed, and brought me to adopt a fixed system of beneficence. I set aside, monthly, a definite portion of my income; and as often, adjust my accounts with this fund. One great advantage I derive from this system is this, that I avoid all controversy with my selfishness. Regarding the Lord’s share as not my own, I can dispose of it for benevolent purposes without depending on some eloquent appeal. The only questions are, Is the object a laudable one; and is there any money in the treasury? Then I can act systematically, deliberately, and impartially.” “A friend to the tract cause,” in sending $50, says, “it is one of the results of a system which I adopted when I commenced in life. I was led to resolve that the tenth of all my increase should be the Lord’s. This was fifteen years ago, and I have ever kept it in view through the darkest, as well as the brightest days. As I began with nothing except a cabinet-maker’s trade, my progress was slow; but I found occasion to bless God that he had put it into my heart to make this resolution. About a year and a half since I made it a tenth of my income, and find it a feast to my soul to do something to aid in the benevolent enterprises of the day.” An anonymous friend encloses $15 to the Secretary of the American Tract Society, Boston, toward the support of the 1,000 colporteurs, and proposes to remit the same quarterly. Though in comparatively humble life he resolved, about two years since, to set apart one tenth of his salary and other sources of income to objects of Christian charity; but fearing that he was not doing all he ought, he has increased the amount. A pious female sends $2, as laid by “on the first day of the week,” during a season of protracted sickness. An Absurd Position Illustrated.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In trying to explain the prophecies and expound the Scriptures to the people, we are often met with the objection that the Bible is not designed to be all understood, especially the prophecies. When we get to Heaven it will all be explained and then we can understand them. But we ask, What were the Scriptures given for? Was it not to guide us to Heaven? to point out the road and the dangers on each side? Certainly none will deny this. Paul says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. cxix, 105. Now let us suppose a similar case. A man starts for California by the overland route. He leaves his family behind intending to have them follow him when he has made the necessary preparation. He carefully examines the road, and notes the proper stopping-places for feed, water, &c., the dangers to be guarded against, the shortest routes, &c. After arriving at California he writes a long letter to his oldest son, giving him all these proper instruction how to conduct the family through. The son begins to read the letter, but finding some things which he does not readily understand, he folds up the letter and lays it away, saying, “I can not understand it now: I will wait till I get to California, and then father will explain it all!” Who would not say that that son acted very foolishly? His father wrote the letter to tell him how to get to California; but he pays no attention to it till he gets there. Now though it is ever so plain it will do, him no good. The object of the letter is entirely defeated. Precisely so with the Bible. Our heavenly Father has sent us this letter to tell us how to get to Heaven. If we have to wait till we get there before we can understand it, was it not written in vain? Most assuredly it was. If there is one chapter or sentence in the Bible which is not understood at sometime in this world, then that part was written in vain. It is absurd to suppose that God would send us a letter that we could never understand. Do not those who take the position that the Bible, or portions of it, can never be understood till we get to Heaven, ‘act the same as the foolish son in the above illustration? I think they do. Report from Bro. Byington.
By JOHN BYINGTON
BRO. WHITE: After leaving Windfield, I had meeting, July 3, in Fair Plain's meeting-house. Here is a church of tried brethren, who, I believe, are good and true. They were ready to take the Health Reformer, and also to take shares in the Health Institute. The 4th and 5th, I had two meetings with the brethren in Bushnell. I think there were thirteen that gave in their names as candidates for organization; when some messenger shall visit them again, I hope they will be ready. Sabbath the 7th, I was with the church in Orleans. They have just finished a good meeting-house. The burden has come heavy on some. Cannot others do something to relieve such? The house was quite well filled on the Sabbath, mostly by our own brethren. I was blessed with them while speaking to them on the subject of faith, and the faithful. The 9th, was with the church in Orange. I was truly blessed while telling them how we can make God and Christ and all the good angels our friends, that when we fail, they may receive us into everlasting habitations. The 11th, returned home, found all well, and felt a good degree of satisfaction that this tour, though laborious, had not been in vain.
JOHN BYINGTON. Proceedings of the Ohio State Conference, July 27th, 1866, at Lovett's Grove, Wood Co., Ohio.
By O. MEARS; Jos. CLARKE
CONFERENCE met to facilitate business on the evening of July 26, at 6 o'clock P. M. Bro. O. Mears, President. Meeting opened with prayer by Bro. Loughborough. Delegates being called, five were present, representing five churches; and two churches, Wayne and Orwell, were represented by letter. Bro. Loughborough, and Lawrence were now authorized by the Conference to take part in all the deliberations of the Conference. Bro. Loughborough, Lawrence, and John Clarke, were appointed a committee on resolutions, and Bro. Levi Gregory, I. N. Van Gorder, and H. Hodgson, were appointed a committee on nominations. Bro. Loughborough gave instruction and advice as to the mode of conducting business matters in Conference, also gave encouragement that a minister would probably be located in Ohio; also advice to publish the minutes of the Conference. Adjourned till 10 o'clock, Friday A. M. Friday 10 o'clock A. M., opened with prayer by Bro. Lawrence. Report of Secretary called for, and presented. The Treasurer's report of the Ohio Conference Fund was read and approved. Amount on hand at last report, $332,21
Received during Conference year, 599,07
Total, $931,28
Paid out by order of Conf. Com., $288,50
Cash on hand to balance, 642,78
Total, $931,28 The Committee on resolutions reported for action of the Conference, the proposed amendments to the constitution recommended by the General Conference, the resolution allowing unorganized churches a representation in Conference, the course recommended in expelling members, the dress resolutions, and the health reform. They also approved of the plan of establishing a Health-Reform Institute at Battle Creek, and endorsed the action concerning members moving away from a church being required to pay S. B. where they have been in church fellowship till they unite elsewhere; also Resolved, That we re-arrange our Systematic Benevolence pledges at the time of electing our delegates to State Conference, so that our S. B. year may correspond with the Conference year. Resolved, That we pay to the Conference 90 per cent of all moneys received into S. B. fund. Resolved, That the Conference year commence the first of August, and that our quarterly reports to the Secretary commence from that date. Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of $50 to aid in the erection of a meeting-house at Battle Creek. Resolved, That this Conference donate $50 to the General Conference Missionary Fund. Resolved, That this Conference donate $50 to the S. D. A. P. Association. Resolved, That this Conference loan to the S. D. A. P. Association, without interest, till Jan. 1, 1867, their Conference Funds. Resolved, That the Conference committee be empowered to publish a suitable number of minutes in pamphlet form, for the use of the Conference: said minutes to contain the State Conference Constitution, and some of the doings of the Conferences of 1863-4-5 and 6. Resolved, That this Conference furnish suitable Blanks to the different churches and ministers within its limits. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to district the Conference field, and arrange Quarterly Meetings. Resolved, That we request the General Conference for the present to consider Ohio as missionary ground, and while they may make efforts to build up and extend the cause here, we will second their efforts by our prayers, our influence, and our means. Resolved, That we invite one or more of the General Conference Committee to meet with us in our future sessions. Resolved, That we highly appreciate the efforts of the General Conference in behalf of this State. And we do thankfully receive the labors of the brethren sent to us, and further pledge them our sympathy and help in their labors among us. Resolved, That we give thanks to God for the gracious manifestation of the gift of prophecy now in the church; that we will be earnest and importunate in our prayers to God that he will increase in us the graces of his Spirit, and develop the gifts in his church, that we may honor him and the cause of truth, till the world seeing the beauty, glory, and purifying nature, of obedience to the laws of God, both moral and physical, may be made to praise the Author of the glorious system of present truth. Report of the Committee accepted, and all the above resolutions passed by unanimous vote. The Lord Is My Shepherd.
By J. Clarke
In the twenty-third Psalm, David compares the Lord to a good Shepherd, and the people of God to a flock under the care of God. Christ calls himself the good Shepherd, and says, My sheep hear my voice. Here David speaks of himself as one of the sheep of the flock, and says, I shall not want; he maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. David had been a kind and watchful shepherd; had risked his life to rescue his charge from beasts of prey, which adds force to the figure here used. Perhaps he penned this Psalm, while yet a shepherd youth, as he reposed himself and his sheep in some quiet vale, upon the banks of a cool and refreshing stream; for evidently it was composed in a spirit of grateful devotion to God, for his especial care of him when in need. God’s people have ever been his especial care; and his children have always been provided for, with nourishing food, brought out from the treasure house of his word, by wise and good stewards, who have in due season brought out truths applicable to the time, the bread and the water of life. And as with fitness and propriety, Christ offered to his followers the water of life, so David likens spiritual blessings to bread and water, the staff of physical life, as he speaks of the green pastures and the still waters. Some shepherds have a curious idea, that because sheep can possibly exist for a long time without water, they do well enough without drink. Not so with David. His flocks have water cool and clear, as it meanders quietly along the valley; and in a figure, the good Shepherd so provides for his people; and so the effect, He restoreth my soul. Oh how refreshing is cool water to the thirsty soul! Dear reader, have you ever noticed the evident benefit of pure cool water to the flocks and herds, as they press to the well or spring to satisfy their thirst? Before partaking, how drooping and anxious they looked; now, how refreshed and vigorous. Let us imagine to ourselves such a shepherd as David, resting with his flock in some pleasant valley, upon the banks of a beautiful stream; the sheep have satisfied their hunger with the plentiful pasture; have quenched their thirst from the living stream; and now repose in quiet on the beautiful carpet of grass prepared by nature for them; and David, their shepherd, with harp and voice is praising God in accents of devotion and love; and as you look upon his noble features, elevated by such emotions, say, what scene can be more delightful? But this is not an imaginary picture. Here is the youthful shepherd preparing to lead the hosts of Israel to honor and renown. He has perhaps just led his flock a long and wearisome journey over mountains and hills, and now he rests in the sequestered vale; he looks upon the mountain ranges surrounding the vale, and he thinks of the defences around God’s people; and as he views the plain, rich with herbage for the flocks, he is reminded of the rich provision God has made for his people; and as he views the stream watering the extended plain, he thinks of the sweet influence of the good Spirit of God. And Now, he exclaims, “He leadeth me in paths of righteousness,” and as quiet assurance takes possession of his soul, renouncing slavish fear, his mind reverting to scenes of danger, perhaps some mountain gorge, where his flock had been in jeopardy during the shades of night, where he had defended them from robbers and wild beasts, he exclaims, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Why? As he had with his presence comforted and defended his sheep during the hours of night in the solitary and dangerous mountain pass, so would Jehovah defend his people, “for thou,” says he, “art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me;” and we may conclude, that, as David had defended his flock in times of peril, and now they repose beneath the watchful eye of their shepherd, so the people of God have here and there a season of repose and quiet before entering again upon dangers and perils. David continues, “Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies.” Perhaps those enemies who in their nightly raids had attempted to rob David of his life and property, were now at a distance upon the overhanging cliffs watching his movements, and witnessing his prosperity and happiness. His father or brothers might have just arrived bringing with them the delicacies of the season, and as he enjoys their kind attentions, whose property had been so well guarded by his care, he exclaims, “Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over;” and in the full assurance of hope, he continues, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Again in his more mature years might David adopt the language of this psalm, as he in his flight from the murderous hand of Saul, finds refuge in caves of the mountains and in solitary places, experiences the goodness of God in defending him most remarkably from danger, and in supplying his daily wants while in such a forlorn situation. Often no doubt was he signally delivered from famine, and a bountiful supply granted him in the sight of his enemies. Monthly Meeting at Newton; Mich.
By J. H. Waggoner
As the arrangement made by the committee, left me at home, the first Sabbath in August, I attended the meeting at Newton. It was quite well attended by members of the churches of Convis and Burlington. I think there were more present than I had seen at that place before. There was some disappointment in the absence of the Brn. from Battle Creek, who were expected. I tried to make up somewhat for this by speaking to them; and so we examined the Scriptures on the time of trouble coming on the wicked, and the glory to be revealed for the faithful. All seemed to feel that there is nothing lost in living the truth, though crosses and tribulations be our present lot. In the afternoon the time was filled up with good, spirited testimonies; it was a good season. We all left encouraged to press toward the good meeting in the kingdom. Their monthly meetings are great helps to the cause, and they lose much who fail to attend them. The next, Sept 1, will be at Convis.
J. H. WAGGONER. RESULTS OF BABEL.—A distinguished geographer has enumerated 860 distinct languages, and 5,000 dialects in the world. Of these, 53 belong to Europe, 114 to Africa, 123 to Asia, 417 to America, and 117 to Oceania. This probably does not comprise the whole, for many provinces have a tongue more or less peculiar. In the South Seas it is said that there are little islands close together, the inhabitants of which cannot understand each other. Tobacco and Ministerial Ordination
At the Freewill Baptist General Conference at Lewiston, Me., a short time since, a resolution prohibiting the ordination of ministers who use tobacco was adopted. Faithfulness Amid Trials
By Helen A. Olmsted
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For the first time I take my pen to address a few lines to you through the Review. A little more than two years have passed since I embraced the truth, and I can say to-day that I am glad that I ever was led to come out from the world and embrace it. There is only one family in Clinton besides myself, who keep the Sabbath, and they live two miles from me. We often meet, as I frequently go to spend the Sabbath with them. The nearest church is twelve miles, at Johnstown. I go there quite often to meeting. Though I am so situated this summer, teaching school, that I meet a great deal of opposition, still, by the grace of God assisting me, I am trying to be faithful. 'Tis true very many times the way has looked very hard and rough, and my feet have been very weary; yet I think of the One who trod the rugged path before me, the meek and lowly Jesus, and then I try to tread patiently and trustingly the path marked out for me. It is only a little while before Jesus will come; and if we are only faithful we shall be well rewarded for all our trials and disappointments here. Pray for me that I may ever be faithful, and at last have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. HELEN A. OLMSTED.
Clinton, Wis. The Spread of Present Truth
By John McMillan
BRO. WHITE: As I have been often cheered and comforted by the experience of others in the Review, it is not just that I should receive all and give nothing. It was not reluctance to give, that prevented my writing in the past, but lest I should be tedious. God has always led me by a way that I knew not, but for the past three years, he has led me out into so clear a teaching light, that I cannot mistake his hand; and I have an assurance that he will do greater things for me, and not for me only, but for “all that love his glorious appearing.” Three years ago, in this part of the country those who advocated that Christ would ever return to earth again were called “sensual materialists;” those who believed that “eternal life was the gift of God” at the resurrection of the just, were called “infidels;” and those who observed the Bible Sabbath were called “Jews;” and it was only our tolerant laws that permitted those holding such views to enjoy their freedom. Although but few have yet openly cut loose from Babylon, to God be all the praise that these subjects are admitted by many, and studied by the majority, in this neighborhood at the present time. A very dear relative at the age of 70, has read the Review for six months and cannot do without it, although her minister on a pastoral visit told her to throw it and all such writings into the fire, and think no more about such things. His laboured and fruitless attempt at my conversion might be interesting to some, but would be too personal to interest all of your readers. Elder Wm. Sheldon of Baraboo, Wis., held a tent meeting here over two first-days, commencing July 7, which has created an interest on the subject of the coming of Christ, and the time of the judgment, and the reward. But his entire silence about the Sabbath has left a feeling of dissatisfaction with many. We anxiously wait Elder Sanborn’s promised visit this fall. May he come deeply imbued with the Spirit of his Master. You who can meet and speak often one to another, think of the lonely and scattered ones who are excluded from Christian fellowship by creeds and formulas. Your prayers may be all you can give; but they will be powerful, if offered in faith. While we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” let us live as though we prayed it, and not merely said it; and while many good Christians cannot see everything as we see, let us not judge harshly. Paul was sincere when he was a persecutor. We, too, were honest when we believed very different from what we do now; and I believe we all have many things yet to learn before we are with “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” JOHN MCMILLAN.
Prescott, Wis. All Things New.
By F. B. Child
“And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold I make all things new.” Rev. xxi, 5. There's shadow on earth's fairest light,
Of human guilt and human tears;
She gropes her way through realms of night,
That once sang with the spheres.
But not the sport of blinded chance,
The heavenly record standeth true;
She waits a full deliverance,
When God makes all things new. The world is old with centuries,
But not for these she bows her head,
Close to her heart the sorrow lies—
She holds so many dead!
Sad discords mingle in her song,
Tears fall upon her with the dew,
The whole creation groans—How long
Ere all shall be made new? Yet brightly on her smiles the sun,
A bounteous Heaven delights to bless,
Oh, what shall be that fairer one
Wherein dwells righteousness?
Oh happy world! oh holy time!
When wrong shall die, and strife shall cease,
And all the bells of Heaven chime
With melodies of peace. No place shall be in that new earth
For all that blights this universe;
No evil taint the second birth,
There shall be no more curse.
Ye broken-hearted, cease your moan,
The day of promise dawns for you,
For he that sits upon the throne
Says, “I make all things new.” We mourn the dead—but they shall wake,
The lost—but they shall be restored,
Oh well our human hearts might break
Without that sacred word.
Dim eyes look up, sad hearts rejoice,
Seeing God's bow of promise through,
At sound of that prophetic voice,
“I will make all things new.” How long?—The ages falter, dumb,
As on the threshold of new birth;
The nations pray, “Thy kingdom come,
The new heavens, and new earth;”
Earth, turning ever, nears that day,
When all the angel-choirs anew,
Shall sing, “Old things are passed away,
God hath made all things new.” A Letter from W. H. Brigham
Sister P. A. Brigham sends us the following letter which she found while looking over the papers of Bro. W. H. Brigham, lately deceased. By this, though being dead, he yet speaketh. BRO. WHITE: I can say I feel truly thankful for what my heavenly Master has done for me; and, by the grace of God, I mean to try to purify myself by obeying the truth. I feel truly thankful for the gift that God has placed in the church. I long to see the time when all the gifts shall be in exercise in the church, and all the watchmen see eye to eye. Then shall the church be as fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. Your brother striving for eternal life.
WM. H. BRIGHAM.
Mannsville, N. Y.