PREPARE for heaven. We are going
To the joys of paradise,
Where the crystal stream is flowing,
And the verdant landscapes rise.
When shall dawn that day of splendor,
Fairer than creation's morn,
That dispels our tears and sorrows,
When our Saviour shall return?
Prepare for heaven. There is beauty
Round the radiant throne on high;
And the chosen ones and faithful
Will behold it by and by.
Earth is dark, and earth is dreary;
How it groans beneath the curse!
Sing, ye pilgrims lone and weary,
There's a brighter day for us.
Prepare for heaven. Music's ringing
Yonder through those realms of light,
Where the angel-choir is singing,
Clad in spotless robes of white.
Strength from hope then let us borrow,
While our lonely way we wend;
Soon there comes a brighter morrow,
When our pilgrimage will end.
S. ELMER.
Letter to Bro. Carver.
By Editor
DEAR BROTHER: With pleasure we give in this week's issue your communication in reference to our duty in relation to the present war. The readers of the Review should have all the light that can be given on this subject at this time. This is what we have requested. We are too late in the investigation of this subject. The crisis is upon us, and we are poorly prepared to meet it.
The experience which you relate may be prized very highly by yourself and by others. We also have an experience on the subject, which followed deep anxiety, much study and prayer, which we have thought much of; but this you might not prize any higher than we do yours. However much we may value our own experiences, they cannot be guides to others.
We regret that our honest sentiments in the article referred to should grieve you. You were well aware that the closest Bible students stood in opposition to the position we had taken, and wherein we had erred from the truth of God's word, they and you could show it up. Did you or they ever see in us any unreadiness to listen to scripture testimony, or sound arguments drawn from the Scriptures? We think not.
We have called on the brethren to speak out upon the subject. And now you have spoken, it gives us feelings of joy rather than grief. On such a subject as this, he who would chose to bear alone the responsibility of marking out the course for others, seems worthy of the charge of fanaticism. We have objected to the style in which some have written opposing our position, and probably shall oppose such a style as long as we have our reason.
When we first made suggestions in reference to organization, we stated, "If any object to our suggestions, will they please write out a plan upon which we as a people can act." We have frequently repeated the request for nearly three long years, but no one of the anti-organization champions have sent us their plan, yet many continued to stand firm against us. Had you stood in our position in that battle, you would have had just cause for grief. We have called for light from all stand-points on the war question. Had you not written, and still opposed privately our position, we should have had ample cause to be grieved with you. But considering the open and free manner in which we have handled the question, we do not see that you have cause for grief more than the one hundred and one who were grieved on account of our suggestions relative to organization.
Dear brother, we still deny that there is a parallel between the cases of Daniel and the three Hebrews, and ours in case of a draft. You are not certain that the setting up, and the required worship, of the golden image, was not in reference to the Hebrews. But admitting that no reference was had to the worshipers of the God of heaven—which does not seem at all probable—the cases vastly differ. That was an act to establish idolatry in direct violation of the law of God, whether ignorantly put forth or not, but probably in defiance of the law of the God of heaven. The present war, and the consequent draft, is not directed to establish idolatry, Sunday-keeping, or any system or principle in opposition to the law of God; but to put down a rebellion resulting from the highest crimes on the part of rebeldom that man can be guilty of, and to establish a government which has, under the providence of God, secured to us the right of worshiping the God of high heaven according to his word. You labor to make it appear that the cases are a parallel in the one item of the decree touching the Hebrews, and a draft us, incidentally; but when we view all the facts, the cases appear most dissimilar.
In the case of Daniel, king Darius was led into a trap by those who were plotting against Daniel. They said, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." The decree was by them introduced to the king, and he was urged by them to sign it, which he did in ignorance of its real design. Hence the decree was really aimed personally at Daniel, in direct opposition to the law of his God, and stands in widest contrast with a military draft to put down as wicked a rebellion as was ever inspired by vile men and devils.
Again, in laboring to sustain the position that what is called civilized warfare is a violation of the sixth commandment, you say in the case of the Hebrews slaughtering the Canaanites by the Lord's command, "God assumed all the responsibility." Very true. But assumed the responsibility of what? Of requiring them to violate a moral precept which he had under circumstances of awful grandeur established with them? Take care, my dear brother, lest you strengthen the reckless hands of the no-law men! God could have used other means to subdue the Canaanites, rather than to have required his people to do that which in itself is a violation of his immutable law. If your position be correct, we wait to see you and others establish it with legitimate conclusions from correct premises.
In an earlier communication you say, "You advise us, nay, urge us, to go to war when commanded to do so by the civil power." Please point out the paragraph in which we have thus advised or urged. We did say, in case of a military draft it would be madness to resist. And, certainly, no true disciple of non-resistance would resist a military draft. Such a man would well compare with the fervent advocate of peace, who would "have peace if he had to fight for it."
We have advised no man to go to war. We have struck at that fanaticism which grows out of extreme non-resistance, and have labored to lead our people to seek the Lord and trust in him for deliverance. How this can and will come, we have no light at present.—ED.
L E T T E R S.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Sister Osgood.
Bro. White: Our long silence has not been because we had lost our interest in the cause to which your life is devoted, no, no! The cause is still dear to us, and shall ever be. We anxiously await the arrival of every Review, that we may learn how it prospers; how the toiling and care-worn servants of the Lord sustain their banner while surrounded by thick darkness and angry foes. Distance cannot separate union of hearts; and as trials thicken around, mine is drawn out in love and deep solicitude for the despised few, "the nation not desired."
More and more do I learn to sympathize with you and sister W. as I realize the solemn responsibilities resting upon you. Truly yours is a place of trial. Yours is a holy trust. May the Lord give wisdom in every emergency, and sustain under every discouragement and trial. This has been, and is, and shall be, our prayer; and we trust the Lord will hear, not for our sakes, who are so utterly unworthy, but for the sake of his own precious cause.
Hope on, trust on, labor on. The clouds which look so dark have sunshine just the other side. Soon they will part, and light appear. The time is nearing when the watchmen shall see eye to eye. Soon as with the heart of one man shall they stand by you, to hold up your hands till victory is won. May the time hasten when estrangement and distrust shall vanish before the breezes of love and faith. The little flock shall then feed sweetly together.
I am not weary of the Saviour's yoke, nor of the precious lessons he imparts. I desire with Mary of old ever to sit at his feet and learn of him lessons of meekness, patience, wisdom, and love. He helps me when I struggle to overcome self and sin. God gives the victory when I plead for help in Jesus' name. The more I meditate upon his heavenly teachings, the more I love the Teacher. God's precious word shall be the golden clasp that binds our hearts together. We cannot study it, entering into the spirit of its teachings, without finding our hearts filling with love; and if we continue to study, they will continue to fill, until the slightest touch will make them overflow. O, we need to have them just so full now. "Little children, let us love one another with pure hearts, fervently." "Praying one for another, and submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of God," that all the Christian graces may be in us, increasing and abounding even until our Master comes.
Your sister in the struggle for truth and holiness.
M. M. Osgood.
Bronte, Halton Co., C. W.
A Drafted Sabbath Keeper
By Martin Kittle
From Bro. Kittle.
Bro. White: I have been drafted into the United States service. As far as I know, I am the only one in Ohio. I feel anxious to know if any other Sabbath-keepers have been drafted from any other place. It was a severe trial to part with friends, but I extremely desire to occupy any position that the Lord in his mercy suffers me to be placed in for my good; for I know that all things will work together for good to those who serve him. I did think it wrong to go to war; but the pieces in the Review on that subject changed my mind, and made duty look clear. I rejoice in the evidence that I have the Lord's sweet, sustaining Spirit. I long to see God's people coming into the work, taking hold of organization, receiving the testimony that is given to purify and prepare us for the Lord's coming.
Brethren, remember me in your prayers, that I may be kept by the Lord's power.
Yours in hope.
Martin Kittle.
Camp Mansfield, Ohio, October, 1862.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
Business Notes.
J. H. Ginley: Our present edition of blank systematic benevolence books is all sold. We expect to get up a new and superior edition by the first of January, 1868.
A. Woodruff: There are 30 cts. due on E. Degramo's Review.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
J. D. Wright 2,00,xxi,1. Mrs. J. Smith 0,50,xxii,1. Mrs. J. Smith for A. G. Smith 0,50,xxi,1. Mary Mills 2,00,xxi,1. S. Bovee 4,00,xxi,5. E. R. Whitcomb 2,00,xx,1. Mary E. Beach for L. A. Beckley 1,00,xx,1. Mary Curtis 1,45,xxiii,13. B. N. Berry 2,00,xxii,1. W. Merry 1,00,xxi,1. S. M. Booth 2,25,xxii,20. M. J. Armitage 1,00,xxii,21. L. B. Lockwood 2,00,xxii,1. I. Colcord Jr. 2,00,xxii,14. J. N. Davis 1,00,xxi,1. A. K. Baker 3,00,xx,20. P. D. Lawrence 1,00,xxii,1. C. Davis 2,00,xxi,1. A. Hulet 1,00,xxi,1. S. D. Salisbury 1,00,xxi,21. J. Paul 2,00,xxi,10. M. H. Leonard 3,00,xx,20. Mrs. L. Gaskill 2,00,xxi,16. T. Gilbert 3,00,xxi,19. D. C. Demarest 2,00,xxiii,1. Amy E. Dart 1,00,xxii,1. B. F. Curtis 2,00,xxi,16. D. Chase 1,00,xxi,14. Wm. Bellamy 2,00,xxii,10. B. F. Emerton 2,00,xxii,20. J. A. Myers 2,00,xxi,1. W. McClenerthan 1,00,xxii,1. D. Wilcox 1,00,xxii,5. R. Loveland 2,25,xxiii,1. R. Loveland for E. Wheelock 1,00,xxiii,1. J. Claxton 2,00,xxiii,1. J. Claxton for Jane Bell 1,00,xix,14. A. Grimes 1,00,xxi,21. E. Churchill 1,00,xxii,1. O. Bailey 3,00,xxii,1. J. E. Hoel 2,00,xxii,1. A. R. Morse 2,00,xxii,1. L. R. Caswell 2,00,xxii,1. S. N. Smith 1,75,xxii,1. H. D. Bruce 2,00,xxiii,6. E. Scribner 1,00,xxiii,1. M. W. Rathbun 2,00,xxiii,13. J. Rousha 1,00,xxi,14. M. & E. House 2,00,xxiii,1. A. Belden 2,00,xxii,1. Fanny Blinn 3,00,xxii,7. A. E. Tallman 3,00,xxi,7. Emily Payne 1,00,xxi,1. E. Godfrey 2,00,xxi,1. R. Miles 2,00,xxii,11. Orpah J. Steele 0,50,xxii,8. Lovina Chandler 1,00,xxii,1. E. P. Goff 1,62,xx,20.
For Shares in Publishing Association.
E. R. Whitcomb $5. Ivory Colcord Jr. $10. Charlotte F. Colcord $10. J. F. Colby $5. M. A. Colby $10. H. H. Bramhall $10. John P. Hunt $5.
Donations to Publishing Association.
A. B. Williams $2. R. Loveland s. b. $5.
Books Sent By Mail.
W. K. Loughborough $1. M. A. Packard $1. E. M. Crandall 20c. M. J. Green 10c. A. B. Williams 30c. G. K. Williams 30c. S. C. Winslow $1. John Spayd 10c. D. Chase 19c. B. F. Emerton 10c. H. S. Seaman 13c. H. Moor 30c. F. H. Howland 10c. A. E. Tallman $1. O. J. Steele 50c. L. Chandler 50c. C. Owen 6c. L. H. Densmore 30c.
Cash Received on Account.
S. M. Booth 75c. Amy E. Dart 19c. A. S. Hutchins $6.25. A. Lanphear $8.
PUBLICATIONS.
The law requires the pre-payment of postage on all transient publications, at the rates of one cent an ounce for Books and Pamphlets, and one-half cent an ounce for Tracts, in packages of eight ounces or more. Those who order Pamphlets and Tracts to be sent by mail, will please send enough to prepay postage. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan.
History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers), . . . 30 10
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6 12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . . 15 4
ONE CENT TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath? Unity of the Church Spiritual Gifts Law of God, by Wesley Appeal to men of reason on Immortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—French the Word—Personality of God.
TWO CENT TRACTS. Dabney on the Law Infidelity and Spiritualism—Mark of the Beast.
English Bibles.
We have on hand a good assortment of English Bibles, which we sell at the prices given below. The size is indicated by the amount of postage.
Nonpareil Ref. after verse, Morocco binding, $2.75. Postage 21 cts.
Minion, Ref. after verse, Morocco binding, $5.00. Postage 26 cts.
Bound Books.
The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage,
The Hymn Book, containing 464 pages and 122 pieces of music. . . . . 80 cts.
History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History. . . . . 60 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels. . . . . 50 "
Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message. . . . . 50 "
Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . . . . 75 "
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie B. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents.
The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents. On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.
English Bibles.
By Editor
In the publication column some changes will be seen in the stock of Bibles for sale, and in prices. A bill of only $28,05 for English Bibles has cost us for express charges, duties, and discount on New York draft, the sum of $16,98. At present we shall not attempt to keep a full assortment of English Bibles, unless orders continue for those on hand at the increased prices.
Doings of the Vermont Conference.
OcT. 5, the Conference met to transact business. Meeting was opened by prayer by Bro. Hutchins. The members of the Conference were called for, and the churches of Wolcott, Roxbury, Johnson, Bakersfield, Troy, Irasburgh, and Sutton, were represented by delegates according to a resolution passed at the last Vermont Conference. Bro. S. Pierce was appointed chairman, and D. T. Bourdeau, secretary. Brn. A. S. Hutchins, A. C. Bourdeau, and D. T. Bourdeau, were also chosen a Conference Committee for the coming year; after which the following resolutions were adopted by the Conference:
Resolved, That we invite the organized churches of Canada East to unite with us in Conference.
Resolved, That the eastern tent be manned and sent into new fields the next tent season.
Resolved, That Brn. L. Bean, S. Pierce, A. Stone, A. C. Bourdeau, and H. W. Barrows, be the Tent Committee.
Resolved, That the Tent Committee, in harmony with Bro. White, will decide who shall labor with the tent the coming tent season.
Resolved, That the different churches belonging to this Conference raise a Conference Fund, from the different Systematic Benevolence funds, and by donations, to support the tent enterprise and those preachers who shall labor according to the mind of the church.
Resolved, That Bro. A. C. Bourdeau be the treasurer of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the different churches in Vermont and Canada East, to look up the worthy poor (not those who use tea and tobacco and seek their own interest) among them, who receive the Review free, or at half price, and encourage and help them to pay at least half price for the same.
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference, it would greatly promote order and union in our midst, for the churches of the different States to so appoint their general Conferences that Bro. and Sr. White can attend them in making direct tours from State to State.
Resolved, That the next session of the Vermont Conference be held at Wolcott.
Adjourned, sine die.
STEPHEN PIERCE, Chairman.
D. T. BOURDEAU, Secretary.
A Word to Delinquents.
By Editor
ARE you not disgusted with seeing your indebtedness exhibited each week close by your name, on the margin or wrapper of your paper? If you wish this perpetual dun to cease, please send along the amount you owe for the Review, and two dollars for another year from the close of the present volume, and your account, so near your name, will be changed to xxiii.1. Are you far behind, and poor? We will settle at a discount. Probably you will never see so favorable a time to catch up, and get a good way in advance, as now. It would save labor in keeping accounts if subscribers would send two or more dollars at a time.
A P P O I N T M E N T S.
New York State Conference.
ThIS general meeting of the brethren in the State of New York, will be held at Roosevelt, Os. Co., N. Y., Oct. 25th and 26th. J. N. ANDREWS, HIRAM EDSON, DAVID ARNOLD.
J. M. ALDRICH
By J. M. Aldrich
NEXT monthly meeting of the brethren in Western New York, will be held at J. M. Aldrich's Hall in Somerset, N. Y., second Sabbath in November.
J. M. ALDRICH
The Association.
By Editor
Six weeks since we stated that $2500,00. should be raised to meet the debts of the Association. Of that amount, $1952,17, has been raised in the short period of six weeks, without any expense to the Association. We wait a few weeks, before publishing the proposed Catalogue, for the remaining $547,83, to be raised by the payment of pledges, taking more shares, and donations. Quite a number have partly paid for shares. Could these fractions be made up, the Secretary could issue certificates, and the forthcoming Catalogue would give a cleaner report. There are those who can help make up the $547,83, without feeling it. They now have a chance for a few weeks. If they do not, we at Battle Creek will make another strike for stock in the Association. Remember, a share entitles the holder to another vote. You should see to it that the brethren in Battle Creek be not suffered to have too much power in their hands.