Earlier text: ECONOMY FOR YOUNG MENM. J. CLARK
By M. J. Clark
BROTHER SMITH: I have just passed through one of the best meetings at Bellville I ever attended. Bro. Van Horn met with us, and his words were truly meat in due season. The burden of his testimony to the church was purity and holiness of heart. The latter part of our meeting was solemn and impressive. While speaking upon these themes we were lifted above the trials of this earth, and enabled by faith to get a glimpse of the joys that await the faithful in their eternal home. Praise to the name of our Heavenly Father, there are now and then little seasons when we can taste his love. I feel encouraged to strive on until we reach our eternal home. How glad I am that the last message to a perishing world has reached my ears, to show me where I stand in the world's history. Nothing but right doing will give us a place with God's people. Our salvation therefore depends upon our obedience to the moral commandments of God, and the expression of our faith in his Son. May we, with all the remnant of the people of God that are now moving onward, follow on to know the Lord, whose going forth is prepared as the morning, and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth, that great refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Dear brothers and sisters, let us ever remember that it was our sins that helped crucify our dear Saviour, who is now at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. "Oh! the lamb, the loving lamb,
The lamb of Calvary!
The lamb that was slain, and liveth again
To intercede for me."
Your sister in hope of eternal life. Now! A short word; a shorter thing. Soon uttered; sooner gone. Now! A grain of sand on a boundless plain. A tiny ripple on a measureless ocean! Over that ocean we are now sailing; but the only part of it we possess is that on which our vessel at this moment floats. From the stern we look backwards and watch the ship's wake in the waters; but how short a distance it reaches, and how soon every trace disappears! We see also some landmarks farther off, and then the horizon closes the view; but beyond, that ocean still rolls far, far away. Memory contemplates the few years of our individual life; history shows us a dim outline of mountains; science tells us that still farther back, out of sight, stretches that vast sea; reason assures us that, like space, it hath no boundary; but all that we possess of it is represented by this small word—Now! The past, for action, is ours no longer. The future may never become present, and is not ours until it does. The only part of time we can use is this very moment—Now! Oh, listen to the voice of warning now! “Awake thou that sleepest!” Awake now! “Seek the Lord while he may be found!” Seek him now! “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” Believe now! Confess to Him your sins, ask pardon through his blood, rely on his atonement, implore the help of his Spirit, devote yourself entirely to his service! Do it now! “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” now! Offer the prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner” now! Too much time has been wasted already. Lose no more. This may be your only opportunity! Seize it now! Now! for time is short, and death is near, and judgment threatens! Now! for in eternity it will be too late, and your very next step may land you there? The only season of which you can be sure is now! The only season in which you can work is now! The purpose may not last till to-morrow; fulfil it now! Fresh difficulties will flood the channel to-morrow—wade it now! The chain of evil habits will bind you more tightly to-morrow; snap it now! Religion is a work for every day; begin it now! Sin exposes to present miseries; escape them now! Holiness confers present joys; seize them now! Your Creator commands; obey him now! A God of love entreats; be reconciled now! The Father from his throne invites; return now! The Saviour from his cross beseeches; trust him now! The Holy Spirit is striving in your hearts; yield now! “Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation!”—Newman Hall. Hope—though darkest clouds surround thee,
Sorrow's vail must be withdrawn,
And in brightest beams around thee,
Soon shall break a happier morn. Bear—though earthly joys may perish
Oft before the buds are blown,
'Tis that we with love may cherish
Plants by heavenly mercy strown. Trust—there's power that lives in Heaven,
To protect each child of dust;
And to sorrowing hearts is given,
Strength, to hope, to bear, to trust. SISTER FISH.
By John Nevins Andrews
Sister M. F. Fish, better known to the readers of the Review as Sr. M. F. Maxson, sleeps in Jesus. Bro. Taylor has already given her obituary in the Review. But a few words further may not be out of place. Sr. F. was a sincere, true-hearted disciple of Christ. Her life gave most convincing proof of sincerity of purpose to be wholly the Lord's. Discouragement and adversity did not cause her to relinquish her earnest efforts to overcome. It was her lot to experience trials of unusual severity and anguish; yet she did not give up to despair, but earnestly sought to learn the lessons which the Lord was trying to teach her, and with humility to correct her own errors and faults. It was to her peculiarly painful to break her former religious connections in order to embrace the present truth. Yet she did this under circumstances in which very few have the moral courage and singleness of heart to obey. Greatly do I regret that others who had the same powerful convictions of duty did not obey the teachings of the word and Spirit of God. During the recent meeting at Adams Center, N. Y., I twice called on her. She was so far reduced by consumption that she could only speak in a whisper, or with a voice a little above it. But there could be no mistake that hers was the death-bed of a disciple of the Lord. Peace, heavenly serenity, and holy triumph were hers. She had the clear assurance that her sins were forgiven, and that her name was inscribed in the book of life. The world was beneath her feet, and Heaven with all its blessedness was before her face. The sleep of death, to those who share it, no longer in duration than the twinkling of an eye, was all that intervened between herself and the eternal weight of glory. When I bade her farewell, I felt in my heart that whatever might be my lot in the Judgment, she would surely be found at Christ's right hand. May her life and death be sanctified to the eternal good of her husband, mother, sister, and brothers.
J. N. ANDREWS. ELIZA B. CLARK
By Eliza B. Clark
Bro. Smith: Thinking it a duty, I write to say that about three months ago, by the preaching of Bro. Van Horn, I was convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. Feeling that I must heed this truth or offend my Heavenly Father, the following seventh-day I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath. I have since been reading your publications upon the prophecies, also your works upon the nature and destiny of man, and conclude, that although the positions therein sustained are very different from what I have considered correct, they are the true positions to take to harmonize the Bible. You can refute Universalism and Spiritualism as no other people can. This truth which you have found in the word of God, concerning the nature and destiny of man, is comforting to me. I feel thankful that it is the truth. I rejoice also, that God has so led you as a people in the study of the prophecies. The promise is that the Holy Spirit shall guide into all truth. I believe God is leading you as a people. From the word of God, I have lately learned that Spiritual Gifts were to be in the remnant church. I desire to praise God that there is a church now organized, who claim all these promises in their fullness, who “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” I desire to be connected with such a church. We are commanded by our Saviour to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow him. Surely, in this church and in the last days we shall be obliged to sacrifice self. Dear Christian readers, pray for me, that I may, through the strength of Jesus, stand firm in the cause of truth, not doing my own will. I am weak. My hope is all placed in the merits of Christ. I love the law of God. The Sabbath is a precious day to me. I wish to learn to keep all God's commandments more perfectly. The Review is a great blessing to me. It ever comes laden with just what I need to help understand this new truth, and live a more devoted Christian. Persevering in Present Truth
By Augusta Moorhouse
DEAR, BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel thankful to our heavenly Father that by his grace and mercy, I have been able to embrace the light of present truth. It has been about nine years since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. I never had any desire to forsake my faith in the third angel's message. I have seen some dark hours, and some hard trials, but thank the Lord, the grace of God is sufficient for me. I love God with my whole heart. The more I read my Bible the brighter and more precious these truths appear to me; and I feel determined by the help of God's grace to be an overcomer. I still have an increasing desire in my heart to serve the Lord with all my powers. I will gird on the whole armor and put my trust in him. He will lead us safely through, and we shall enter into the city of holiness, and have a right to the tree of life. I am waiting patiently for Jesus to come, arrayed in his royal robes. I feel strong in the faith of Jesus, and happy in the Lord. I am thankful to our heavenly Father for guiding us in the path of truth. “How careful then ought we to live,
With what religious fear,
Who such a strict account must give,
For all our actions here.” Oh! let us knock earnestly at the door of prayer, and ask largely for the blessings we stand in need of. Jesus yet stands pleading in the heavenly sanctuary. It is not yet too late. Let us work while the day lasts; for soon the night cometh when no man can work. I do not think the time is far distant, “When the archangel's trumpet
Shall shake the globe from pole to pole,
And all the wheels of nature,
Shall in a moment cease to roll.
Then we shall see our Saviour
In shining ranks of angels come,
To execute his vengeance,
And take his ransomed people home.” I feel very thankful for the Review. I love to read it. It is the only preaching we have on the Advent. AUGUSTA MOORHOUSE.
Walla Walla Co., Washington Ter. Bro. William E. Everett’s Testimony
By Wm. E. Everett
BRO. WM. E. EVERETT writes from Faribault Co., Minn.: I want to acknowledge the receipt of the Review, which comes to me weekly as a very welcome visitor. It has been nearly two years since my mind was first called to the investigation of the Sabbath question. It was by the way of sister Brant's receiving letters from her sister in Wisconsin who was an Adventist, and was trying to show her the light of the present truth. Then Eld. Ingraham came here and preached on the Sabbath, and in the course of the winter a year ago delivered a course of lectures on the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, and I never heard the word of God made so plain before, such a complete connection of truth. I gave my heart to God when only ten years of age, and have tried to serve him ever since, over thirty two years. Nine years, I remained with the Methodist church, and then, having learned from the study of God's word that I must follow Christ down into the water, I came out and joined the Baptists, and remained in connection with them until four years ago, when I took a letter from the church, and moved from Freeborn Co., to where we now live, expecting to unite here but this I have not done. I long to be with the people of God, and enjoy the privileges of God's house. Pray for me and my family, that we may all see the light of God's truth and walk therein, and prepare for the coming of Christ, to dwell in his kingdom. H. C. MILLER
By H. C. MILLER
BRO. SMITH: I have often thought it to be my duty to contribute a few lines to the Conference Department, but hitherto have perhaps been thinking too much in regard to self, have been too largely engrossed in contemplating my own short-comings, and my failures to come up to that perfect standard of holiness as set forth in the law, so that I could have no heart to write. While thinking thus I have been wretched indeed, and cast down, and desponding, and though I longed, with groanings unutterable to be what God requires, yet my distance from the mark has made me almost to conclude at times that I might as well give up. Is the reason of this a lack of faith? Is it because of a failure to draw comfort and encouragement from the promises? I know that in the darkest of those dark moments, sometimes a ray of comfort comes in the shape of a word of promise, as “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons,” &c. “Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees.” “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God.” “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “I will not leave thee, nor forsake thee.” “My grace is sufficient for thee.” “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” But then comes the thought of past sins again, and the weakened bodily powers, and the feeble mind, and will, the irresolution, the forgetfulness, and the multitude of daily inconsistencies between the life and profession, and the heart sinks again and hope trembles, and disquietude again gets the dominion. Then comforting is the hope begotten by these words, “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.” Ps. ciii, 13, 14. “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” I take courage again by these. Brethren may we “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author (or beginner) and finisher of our faith,” forgetting not that the Lord knows all our weakness and is plenteous in mercy. “The pity of the Lord,
To them that fear his name,
Is such as tender parents feel;
He knows our feeble frame.” Jonah's Preaching
By Bishop Latimer
JONAH'S PREACHING.—Jonah was but a man, and he preached but one sermon, and it was but a short sermon either, as touching the number of words, and yet he turned the whole city, great and small, rich and poor, king and all. We be many preachers here in England, and we preach many long sermons, and yet the people will not repent and convert. This was the fruit, the effect, and the good, that his sermon did, that the whole city, at his preaching, converted, and mended their evil living, and did penance in sackcloth. And yet here, in this sermon of Jonah, is no great curiousness, no great clerkliness, no great affectation of words, nor of painted eloquence; it was none other but, “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed!” It was no more. This was no great, curious sermon, but this was a nipping sermon, a pinching sermon, a biting sermon, it had a full bite; it was a rough sermon, and a sharp biting sermon. Do you not here marvel that these Ninevites cast not Jonah into prison; that they did not revile and rebuke him? They did not revile him, nor rebuke him; but God gave them grace to hear him, and to convert and amend at his preaching. A strange matter, so noble a city to give place to one man's sermon!—Bishop Latimer 1530. H. Ward Beecher says of those men who have no care or thought of others, but are content with looking after their own ease and enjoyment, that they ought to be put into a coffin, for their life's work is ended. When God wanted sponges and oysters, he made them, and put one on the rock, the other in the mud. When he made man, he did not make him to be a sponge or an oyster; he made him with feet and hands, and head and heart, and vital blood and a place to use them, and said “Go to work!” But I tell you, if a man has come to that point where he is content, he ought to be put into his coffin, for a contented live man is a shame. If a man has come to that state in which he says, “I do not want to know any more, or be any more,” he is in a state in which he ought to be changed into a mummy. Of all hideous things, mummies are the most hideous; and of mummies, those are the most hideous that are running about the streets and talking. BIOGRAPHIES.—A well-written life is almost as rare as a well-spent one.—Carlyle. MARY L. PRIEST
By Mary L. Priest
BRO. SMITH: For a number of weeks I have felt deeply impressed to pen a few lines for the Review, but knowing there were a great many so much better qualified to write for its pages whose names we never see in it, I have remained silent, but now conclude to try to bear my feeble testimony in favor of the truth, believing that the one talent will soon be called for. I can say that my love for God and his people is increasing, and I desire to be sanctified through the solemn truths we believe. And while the way seems narrowing, I would bear every cross, despising the shame, and try to encourage others to do the same. I believe, without a doubt, that those that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, are the people that will have a right to the tree of life, and be permitted to enter the holy city; and I want to be among them. In order to be there, I am satisfied that self must be laid on the altar; and if God calls his people to take as humble a place as Gideon's army, even to lap water, the humble and faithful will obey. Steps that have been taken by us, as a people, are humiliating. They separate us from the world. The most trying one to me is the dress reform. My influence was against it for a long time. I can not think any one can really dislike the short dress or shrink from the cross of wearing it more than I have. I have doubted very much whether God would lead us to take such a step. I feared for the result. I could believe the testimony in other respects, but reasoned much about this. Much of the time I have been desponding, mourning over my low state, so little strength to overcome that I greatly feared I should be weighed in the balances and be found wanting at last. In short, I was shorn of my strength. I have really wished I had gone down into the grave ere we had reached these trying points. But, thank the Lord, he has borne with me, and I live to-day. Pride must be rooted out of our hearts, or we shall find no place in the earth made new. A few months since, I resolved to try it, in the fear of the Lord, and out of a sense of duty, being taught that it was for our health; and the Lord has so blessed me in it, that I have really longed to speak my experience, desiring to use my influence to encourage those that are still halting, to move out, lest they be found stumbling-blocks in the way of the dear youth that the Lord is calling into the ranks. My health has improved constantly. I can perform my labor much easier; and what is still better, I have freedom of spirit, more liberty in prayer, my love and sympathy with the people of God is much increased. Some may inquire if I think adopting this style of dress has anything to do with it. Yes, I do. I believe there is a blessing for those who walk in the humble path of obedience. Dear sisters, will we be above the work? Shall any sacrifice be too great to make to gain the favor of Heaven? I feel sensibly that it makes us peculiar; but let us be sure to have good works to go with it. I am satisfied that the remnant are coming out from under the rubbish. They will mind the same things, walk by the same rule; and they are going to be purified, made white and tried. Then they will be clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners. It seems to me that these reforms are some of the great stepping-stones to this glorious place. May we be able to overcome and finally meet on the other shore, is the prayer of your unworthy sister. The Problem of Popular Amusements
Dr. Whedon, in the Methodist Quarterly Review, noticing a late work on Amusements, by Rev. Hiram Mattison, thus presents some points in respect to which he thinks there is need of more explicit instruction as to what is right and what is wrong: “During the past summer we have seen ministers in high standing and of pure religious reputations play hours at croquet, and at evening, without apparent loss of spirituality or of power in their words before the people, lead the social prayer-meeting. We have seen three doctors of divinity, and one promising candidate for that honor, playing nine-pins at the same alley. We have seen leading ministers of different denominations in a large parlor lead the assembly in “amusement” at charades, conundrums, and other like sports of mind, and with no misgivings in any mind, preach and administer communion a Sabbath or two after. Was, or was not, all this right? If so, upon what principle? And must there not be some discrimination to satisfy and guide the public mind, rather than vague pronunciations against “popular amusements”? If conferences and preachers’ meetings pass resolutions against amusements, and then spend a good part of the summer in amusing themselves, should not the principle of the double action be clearly expounded? Otherwise, they may in public estimation lose character for consistency, or justly cut themselves off from those recreations which they themselves esteem necessary and right.” LIFE INCIDENTS.
By James White
The chapters being furnished under this caption are prepared in reference to the praise and glory of the Lord, to magnify his work and name in the minds and hearts of his people. I would not burden the columns of the Review with matters relative to myself of no special interest or profit to its readers. It will be a pleasure to weave into this narrative much of Second Advent history, especially that relating to the passing of the time, and the rise and progress of the third angel's message. And as I have participated in this entire experience, and have taken an active part in the third message from its rise, I may be allowed to speak quite freely relative to it in these chapters. Some of the points I wish to make appear in their true light are, 1. That the proclamation of definite time was in the providence of God, and received divine sanction. 2. That the great time movement of 1843 and 1844 did not produce fanaticism, but whenever it did attach itself to the Advent cause, it was not the result of the time, but extreme views of sanctification, and that the solemn power which attended the movement of 1844 was especially destructive to the spirit of ultra sanctification. 3. That the passing of the time, and the disappointment and delay, are matters of prophecy, and help to fill up God's great plan of purifying, making white, and proving his people before being translated to Heaven at the second coming of Christ. 4. The believers immediately after the passing of the time were agreed in the impression that their work was done, and that the door was shut. 5. That although all Adventists now agree that there is work to do for the world, and that the door of mercy is open, there is a wide difference in the manner in which two classes have come out of this mistaken view. The difference is this: Those who reject the third message did it by giving up their second advent experience, and backsliding from the work of God, wrought in them by it, while those who receive this message get out of their shut-door views in holding fast their experience, and waiting till the matter was fully and satisfactorily explained by the sanctuary and the three messages. 6. The result is that one class have backslidden from God, and have drawn back, at least, toward perdition, while the other class do not cast away their confidence in God, nor in his work, but hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast, walk forward in the light of present truth, and keep the commandments of God. 7. Before one class is perdition; before the other are the gates of the golden city and the tree of life. 8. The rise and progress of the third message, with the labors and trial of those connected with it, in consequence of the unbelief and rebellion of some of its professed friends. 9. Facts of which I have personal knowledge, relative to false reports in regard to the Testimonies to the church, circulated against us as a people by our enemies. The case under the caption, Time to Commence the Sabbath, is a sample. If the friends of the cause want a book of 300 pp., Providence permitting, I will prepare it. Should not these chapters be in a book ever ready for reference, or for Sabbath reading, to revive the past in the minds of believers? Shall I not hear from those interested in such a work? Address me at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.
JAMES WHITE. REPORT FROM OHIO.
By J. H. Waggoner
The meeting at Clyde was interesting and profitable. By special meetings previously held, the church had been preparing for the Quarterly Meeting, which doubtless added greatly to the interest. This is certainly a better course than to leave everything to the Quarterly Meeting, and expect to do then and there what ought to be done before, or leave for the minister what ought to be done by the church. The meeting was attended by a number not in the faith, who appeared to listen with interest. The brethren were strongly impressed with the idea that the cause will soon demand a meeting-house in that place. The religious feeling in the church is growing deep and earnest, and most of them seem inclined to be workers in the cause. This is as it should be; for it is certainly trying to see individuals expecting the cause to do everything for them, yet willing to do little or nothing for the cause. A person may easily have a selfish religion, but it is not Christianity; for the spirit of Christianity is that of self-denial and benevolence. The meetings at Geneva were as good as could be expected under the circumstances. I had freedom in speaking on the Scriptures, and I trust good impressions were formed in some minds. But the Spirit of debate and contention which has been before referred to, so prevalent in this section, is a great hindrance to piety and true devotion. After I first preached in that neighborhood social meetings were commenced, and some, professing faith in some parts of the truth spoken, attended them, and claimed the right to controvert whatever might be said contrary to their unscriptural notions. What should have been seasons of prayer and praise, became scenes of strife and debate; and thus the meetings were broken up, to the grief of a few who loved the truth and vital godliness more than contention. Akin to this is another evil which is found here, and in many other places. I refer to the practice of neighborhood debating schools on Bible subjects. It is well to search the Scriptures, and this duty cannot be too much or too faithfully attended to. But I have noticed that such debates tended to a spirit of lightness and irreverence in speaking of Bible truths. Where reverence for the word of God is destroyed, preaching is almost useless. The blessing of the Lord is promised to “those that tremble at his word.” The trifling manner in which sacred things are treated in these societies, often made the subject of repartee and laughter, and solemn truths advocated by those whose lives are in open disregard of the truth, is positively shocking. Paul commended the Thessalonians because they received the word spoken, “as it is in truth the word of God.” May the Lord preserve his people from the snare of the enemy. I have now filled my appointments, and as I look back upon the past year, it is with heartfelt thankfulness to God who has so greatly blessed me with health and strength to labor. Since the last Conference I have been almost constantly in the field, most of the time laboring quite hard, and still feel encouraged to persevere and devote my days to this good cause. But for several reasons I have concluded to change my work for a short time. For some two months to come we cannot reasonably expect to do much in this State in holding meetings, as the roads will not be passable. The Committee advise me to rest from traveling and speaking till after General Conference, to be better prepared for the coming season; and I feel the need of it very much. And I am offered work in the Review Office during this time. As I can neither afford, nor feel inclined, to stop working, I am thankful for this opportunity of change, by which I may rest from exposure and speaking, and still be serving the cause. Circumstances require that I should spend a short time in Wood Co., after which I expect to be in Battle Creek most of the time till after the Conference, where I may be consulted in any matter pertaining to the cause in this State, the same as if I were here present. My interest in the work, or in the welfare of the waiting people of God, will be ever the same. May the Lord still more and more unite our hearts in his service, and bless our every effort to glorify his great and holy name. Unionville, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1868. REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
Since my last report, Jan. 21, I have continued to hold meetings in this place. I have met with our Danish friends in prayer-meeting and on the Sabbath, and the work is steadily advancing among them. They now number twenty Sabbath-keepers and they are striving to obtain an experience in the spiritual part of this work. They manifest a willingness to learn, and we enjoy the blessing of God when we meet together. There is much disease in the neighborhood, and as I have successfully treated several difficult cases, they begin to be interested also in the health reform. There is a prospect of gaining others also, in the immediate vicinity, of the same class of people; wherefore I intend to continue to work as God in his good providence may open the way. I have also preached in English, in the Congregational meeting-house four weeks, giving twenty-four discourses. The interest to hear has been good. The Freewill Baptists, tried to start protracted meetings in opposition, two miles from here, but they ran down in about a week. The Elder then preached a discourse on the immortality of the soul, which I reviewed before a crowded house. At the same time a Methodist Elder from Milwaukee was preaching on the same subject in the same house where we have meetings. It was their quarterly meeting. They have tried hard to get some one to oppose in discussion, but they have not found any yet. In the evening another Methodist Elder tried to make out that our religion was no heart religion, but only outward, and the best way was to not go to hear at all. He labored hard to prejudice the people against me. After he was done I asked the people to sit down, and then appealed to their own experience, as they had listened from evening to evening; also insisting that it was neither kind nor becoming for a Christian to prejudice others against hearing the word of God. The Elder felt very much out of place, and could not say a word, when I sat down. Finally, says he, “Will you pray for us?” I knelt down and prayed freely for him and all the rest. Prejudice is removed and the truth gaining a good reputation in the community. The attendance has varied from sixty to two hundred, and there is more interest to hear now than when I first begun. A Spiritualist medium and lecturer came lately and tried to make a bold attack. I did not encourage his speaking in the house, told him I would not be responsible for it, and could not allow it. He then asked questions which I answered. Next evening he came again. He obtained permission to speak, so he came up again and asked questions. He declared that I could not answer. I answered one by one in the most direct manner, so that he himself admitted that they were answered. Then some one called him out, and others said he had better go home and read his Bible before he came again. Last evening I spoke on the subject of Spiritualism to a large and attentive congregation, and to the general satisfaction of those who heard. But though everything is thus favorable here, yet I am much perplexed about the results. They will acknowledge that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and that we have the truth on other points, but only very few manifest any willingness to obey. I appointed a prayer-meeting, but only a few came; also meeting last Sabbath; and again a few came. Only three of them took part. Solemn and stirring truth has been presented. I have also been interested in their salvation,173 and have felt for them, and prayed for them. But as yet the results look discouraging. With about the same amount of labor a company has been raised up in the same neighborhood among another class of people. I have hope of some, and I mean to do all that I can. I have visited some, but I will now try to have less meetings and visit more. Pray for us that the Lord may lead on in this solemn work, and enable us to do just right, to seek his glory, and the good of our fellowmen. It encourages me to hear from other places, that the work is onward. God is leading his remnant people. Blessed be his name! Jesus leads on to victory, eternal victory. Soon the captivity of the daughter of Zion will be turned. Oh! for a complete preparation, that we may then rejoice with all the dear saints, with joy exceeding and full of glory. Raymond, Racine Co., Wis., Feb. 17, 1868. DESIGNS OF SPIRITUALISTS.
SPIRITUALISTS have formed a secret organization, called the “Order of Eternal Progress,” by means of which they design to accomplish great results. M. B. Dyott, the “Supreme Director,” says, “Nine-tenths of all the male Spiritualists in the world are Masons and Odd Fellows.” He is further reported to have said, that it is the purpose of Spiritualism, aided by the “Order of Eternal Progress,” to take measures to “become a world-wide organization, spreading its branches over the empire of the earth, and become a power in our land, rearing its majestic temples in every city and town.” This language expresses what the spirits purpose to do. They will not rest till the power is in their hands. They intend to govern the world in their own way, and overturn all that is in harmony with Christ. This is the time for the lovers of Jesus to be brave for their divine Master.