BRO. SMITH: There is quite a strong opposition to the present truth in and around Bowersville. The preachers of the different denominations are making public demonstrations against the truth. Last night I listened to a discourse from Eld. Story, of the M. E. church, on what he was pleased to call the general Judgment. It is rather astonishing to me that a man that has heard a course of lectures, as Mr. Story has, at the tent in our place, should take such a position as he did. He was very literal, a part of his time, in his rendering of Scripture, and when it did not suit him he was very figurative. He would have the day of Judgment a literal day, and those that are to stand before the Judgment, to be standing there literally, but when he came to notice the books' being opened, Rev. xx, that meant God's memory only. He said that there was but one day of Judgment for all; and that Christians would be judged by the gospel, the Jews by the law, and the heathen by the light that they have; and that Jesus is the only judge. He read Rev. xx, entire. Verse 4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them,” &c. Yet Jesus is the only judge. Paul says in 1 Cor. vi, 2, 3, “that the saints shall judge the world,” and that we shall judge angels. He then went on to state that the righteous and the wicked would all be raised at once. Then he happened to think that there was a “first resurrection;” then he must get out as best he could. So he stated that he once thought that all the righteous were raised in the first resurrection; but now he was convinced that none were raised in the first resurrection but the martyrs of Jesus, and that they would reign with Christ a thousand years. And then the rest of the righteous and the wicked would be raised, and all would be judged, and then rewarded according to their works.
He then gave us his views on the state of the dead till the resurrection. That it was not true that they slept, as taught by us, but that they were in a conscious state. But he did not believe that they were judged at death, but that their cases were decided at death, and they were happy or miserable, as the case might be, and then on the day of Judgment they would be judged and rewarded.
But all such efforts as have been made here against the truth are only calculated to strengthen us in the belief of the truth. We would say, Praise the Lord for the light of present truth. We feel our own weakness and unworthiness, but when we draw near to the Lord in prayer we receive strength of the Lord, and are enabled to praise him who is the strength of his people.
We would say a word to Bro. Waggoner and Van Horn: Our prayers have been following you, and we believe that you will be blessed of the Lord. We feel happy and would praise the Lord that our prayers have been answered, in that he put it into the hearts of his servants to come to Bowersville and proclaim the last message of mercy that is to be sent to the world, and that a people has been raised up here that we believe will go through to Mount Zion. Pray for us,
Yours in love,
WM. COTTRELL.
Bowersville, O., Dec. 2, 1867.
From Sister Shepard.
By C. M. SHEPARD
BRO. SMITH: As I am one of the lonely ones who live so far from others of like faith that I can seldom meet with them, I would add my testimony to theirs through the Review. I can say that I love the appearing of Jesus, the Christian’s faith, the commandments of God, and present truth as a whole. I think it is dearer to me than my life, and yet I have to confess that I am in a lukewarm condition. I am lacking in love to God, who has done so much for me. I wonder at my own ingratitude, and my unfaithfulness to my loving Father, who has watched over me for good. He has brought me out of deepest afflictions, and surrounded me with unmerited blessings, so that I can say with the Psalmist, “The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” A heavy burden of care rests upon me, it is true, yet Jesus invites me to cast it upon him. When my heart is filled with the love of God, I have faith enough to do this, but I am weak, and do not continually realize as I ought where my strength lies. I feel that I must come up to the requirements of God and be more zealous in his service. The perilous situation we are in, calls for such zeal and earnestness as has never been called for before. I know what I want the most of anything. It is more secret prayer, more time spent in secret communion with God. In this way I can obtain a more thorough knowledge of myself, and of his will concerning me, get the complete armor on, and so overcome. What is there to hinder us from overcoming? Surely, there can be nothing so much as the sinfulness of our natures, and there is salvation with God for all this. I am often much encouraged by letters in the Review from brethren and sisters, especially those who are lonely, like myself. The last solemn admonition in Testimony, No. 13 has not had a tendency to discourage us, for we know that whosoever will, may come and partake of the waters of life freely.
I love the health reform in all its parts, and it proves a great blessing to us in many ways. The reform dress11I consider the most healthful, convenient, and best-looking style I ever saw, and it is with me a matter of rejoicing that there is to be a more marked distinction between us and the world than formerly. I am very thankful that Bro. and sister White are able again to go out into the harvest-field to labor, and I long to see the time when the third angel’s message shall be preached with power such as attended the midnight cry in 1844. I hope my brethren and sisters will pray for me and my family, that we may be kept from the evil influences of this city.
C. M. SHEPARD.
Dodge Co., Wis.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
From Bro. Haines.
BRO. SMITH: I wish to give my testimony in the Review for the comfort and encouragement of the saints. It often seems to me when reading the testimonies from different ones, that they receive, even while writing, a special blessing from God for the efforts they make to cheer and encourage the disciples of Jesus. Blessed above all others is that people whom the Lord has chosen for his inheritance, and though at times our path may seem to be overshadowed, and we be like men walking in thick clouds, yet the promise is that He will be our hope and shield, and help according as we hope in Him and live up to the light of the truth of the third angel's message.
Although I do regret many past errors and wrongs, and mourn over my great unfaithfulness, yet I am trying to do the will of my Heavenly Father, and am still encouraged to press on because of the exceeding great and precious promises, both for time and eternity, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, to those that believe. Indeed, the Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as we fully prove when by heartfelt obedience and faithfulness we fulfill the conditions upon which they are given. There is no rock like our Rock; he is a sun and a shield, and will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
I have been a reader of the Review for over three years. I would express my thankfulness that I have been made acquainted with the precious truths it advocates. It comes laden with meat in due season. I acknowledge the wisdom granted the church through the gifts of the Spirit as vastly superior to the private judgment of individuals. I rejoice that wrongs can be corrected and put away. There is a yielding to straight testimony among our people at this time more readily than formerly; this is a token that many will overcome.
I love and have confidence in the leaders of this great work, that have been chosen to proclaim the precious truths of the third angel's message, and may God send forth more to labor for the salvation of precious souls, that the honest-hearted may all be brought to the fold of Christ.
I pray that those who have the care of conducting the Review and preaching God's word, may have grace and strength to do the will of God.
Your brother in the Lord,
D. D. HAINES.
Haverhill, Mass.
From Bro. Daniels.
By C. G. DANIELS
BRO. SMITH: I have for a long time thought of writing a few lines to the scattered friends through our good paper, but have felt too unworthy, and now I feel more than ever my unworthiness. I highly prize the Review, and the cheering testimonies, and the encouraging reports from the messengers, and especially the sermons, as we have no preaching here. It is through the Review that we are enabled to know the whereabouts of the people of God, as we are left far, far in the rear.
I, with my wife and eldest son, embraced the truth under the labors of Eld. Cornell, when first at Gilboa with the tent. Since that time we have passed through many severe trials, and while standing connected with the church we enjoyed many precious seasons in uniting with the people of God in prayer and praise. But those privileges are years in the past. The dear brethren composing the church at Ayersville, with whom we stood connected, sold out and moved to Ransom, Mich., and were soon organized with the Ransom church. By this move the Ayersville church ceased to exist as a church, and we were left to travel alone. But oh! my dear brethren, I fear we have come to a standstill, while we realize that the church is all the while on the advance; and thus are we left far, far in the rear. I have been trying to sell and locate myself where we could have church privileges, but my prospects in that direction have always failed, and the way has been mysteriously hedged up. May the Lord have mercy, and send deliverance.
I still have a hope that we will yet be found walking with the people of God and marching on to Mount Zion. Oh! may the Captain of the Lord's host send some of his recruiting officers this way and raise a company of fresh recruits to be mustered into the service of the Lord, and added to the army of Sabbath-keepers. I would be glad to take the humblest position in that new company and start anew for Mount Zion.
C. G. DANIELS.
Defiance, Ohio.
From Sister Edmunds.
By ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: This morning, while reading “A few Thoughts” from the pen of M. J. Cottrell, in Review No. 23, tear after tear would fall, and I, too, asked myself the question, Shall I ever wear the crown? Shall I ever be clothed with righteousness? I heartily respond, Amen, to every thought. My heart is stirred to its very depths, and I can say, I will humble myself before God, and cry for a deeper work of grace in my heart. Oh! the enemy’s power is so great.
The next letter is an “Acknowledgment” from Bro. James E. White. I am glad this dear youth has again turned his feet into the straight and narrow path. Oh! that the remaining ones of the “fifteen” would do likewise. There is bread enough in your Father’s house and to spare. I say, return, and confess your faults. While reading the lines from him, I feel a conviction in my own heart, that I do not keep the fifth commandment as I should. The wish of my heart is, that I may know myself as God sees me. I want to keep every command. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Oh! how I long to be good. I want to be ready to share in the “refreshing” Bro. Smith speaks of. I must make haste or I shall be left out. Sometimes I am almost discouraged. Many years I have been trying. When these feelings creep into my heart, I read the Holy Bible and find many precious promises there. “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” If I cleanse my hands, and purify my heart; if I am not double-minded, wishing to serve God and mammon, but mourn and weep over my sins; if my laughter is turned to mourning, and my joy to heaviness; if I speak not evil of others, but humble myself in the sight of the Lord, “he shall lift me up.” “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” “My grace is sufficient for you.” Yes, I can overcome all, with the Spirit of our Heavenly Father to assist me. One writer has said, “Never can the child of God rest contented in this world.” From day to day I feel this, and earnestly pray that I may be prepared for a home where “I shall be satisfied.” I will not murmur and complain when I am tested. There will be none in Paradise restored, who cannot resist the temptations of our subtle foe here. Our Father wants loyal subjects. How just, after having given his only Son to redeem us. Yes, he that declares the end from the beginning, deals with his wayward children wisely. Let us look up, and with confidence trust in him, for he doeth all things well. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. Oh! may we not be guilty of “selfish choosing this or that,” but may we ever choose the fear of the Lord, and with Bro. Patten may we “lay aside every wrong thing, and have the ‘present truth’ more deeply planted in our hearts.” Then with joy we shall hear the song sung, “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” How it cheers us to visit with those who love to talk about the truth. These meetings are bright oases—fertile spots in the desert of life. When those shining gates swing back on their glittering hinges; when that righteous nation enters the city of our God, then we shall, if faithful, enjoy this happy privilege forever. Oh! who would give up the Christian’s hope when such joy awaits the overcomer. Dear friends, pray that I, too, may finally wear
“A crown of glory bright,
In yonder realms of light,
Prepared for you and me.”
ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.
Redford, Mich.
From Sister Hiddleson.
By N. HIDDLESON
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have made up my mind once more to write a few lines for our comforting paper. I have often been cheered and encouraged by reading the testimonies of those of like precious faith, and have often thought if I had the talents that some have, I would write often for the encouragement of my brethren and sisters, who are striving to make Heaven their home, but I feel my unworthiness and incompetency for the task, and if I was not deeply impressed that it was my duty, I would excuse myself by saying, let those write that can do better than I, but I know it is the willing and the obedient that shall eat the good of the land. I want to be one of that number. Oh! let us all be awake, for we all have a work to do. It is true, we may feel it is not much that we can do in the vineyard of the Lord, but let us remember the little we can do will be required of us, therefore let us improve the little talent that is given to us so that when our Lord comes he may say unto us, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord. If we want to partake of the glorious fruit of that heavenly land we must work while the day lasts. I feel that the day is far spent, the night will soon come, and our work will be done. Jesus will soon cease pleading for us; then we will see, if we have been unconcerned about our duty to God in all things, that it will be a trying time for us. I believe that as we near the end of time new duties will arise before us to perform, and the enemy will press hard upon us; he will try to cause us to move too fast or too slow; his plan is to drive us from the narrow path, but faith and prayer will drive him from us. Praise God for his help. My prayer to God is that I may be kept humble, in my proper lot and place; that I may labor in the vineyard of the Lord where and when he bids me. I do want that wisdom that comes from the holy sanctuary above, that I may know the will of my Father in Heaven, and perform every act that will be required of me, that when Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven to receive his children and take them home, I may then look up and say, Lo! this is our God; we have waited for him and he will save us.
Unbeliever, if these lines are read by you, I ask of you to stop and consider what you are doing. Time is short. You have but little time to prepare for what is coming on the earth; if you want to escape God’s wrath and dwell with the righteous on the earth when it is made new, begin to work for the Lord now. Now is the accepted time; improve it while you may. Put not off the day of your return to God, lest you will have it to say, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved. Awful will be the condition of the unbeliever when Jesus comes. Bid unbelief be gone. Believe what God has said, that whosoever will may come and partake of the water of life freely. Haste to the Lord without delay. You have no time to idle away in foolishness. If you want to obtain a home in the kingdom of God, begin to pray and exercise faith in God’s word; keep his commandments and live, and may this ever be our prayer:
Lord take away our unbelief,
And give us more of living faith;
Then we shall gain the realms of bliss,
And forever dwell where Jesus is.
Lonely and weary pilgrim, be of good courage; the angels of the Lord are ever around us to raise us up when cast down, and help us to bear the trials of life. Our Saviour will soon come. Do not let us begin to doubt his return, for he that is to come will come and will not tarry. Do not let your minds be carried away from God, and placed upon the world and pride, and that day overtake you unawares. Let us watch and be on our guard, that we who have started for Mount Zion may come off victorious, and finally obtain a crown of life. It is prepared for us; if we are faithful we shall surely obtain it.
“Affliction and sorrow and death will be o’er,
The saints then unite to be parted no more.
Their loud hallelujahs, fill Heaven’s high dome,
They dwell with their Saviour, forever at home.”
N. HIDDLESON.
Clyde, Ill.
From Sister Scripter.
By Martha A. Scripter
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been over a year since I embraced the present truth, and it has been a lamp to my feet and a light to my pathway. The Review comes weekly, laden with precious truth. I am always delighted to receive it. The good sermons it contains cheer my heart as I read them. The other departments of the paper are read with interest. Then there is the Conference Department, where those that fear the Lord speak often to each other. How cheering to hear from the brethren and sisters in this way. It is the only way that I am privileged to hear from those that love the appearing of the Saviour. I walk alone, yet I do not feel discouraged. I believe the Lord is on the giving hand, and that he will save even me if I am only faithful and keep his commandments. I want to meet the children of God in the kingdom, where there will be no sighing, nor sorrow, nor shedding of tears, but we shall reign with Christ. I long for Sabbath-keeping neighbors. How their faces would cheer me in this dark vale of tears. Let us look forward to the soon-coming day, when, if faithful, we shall meet the good of all ages, never more to part. Oh! the glorious thought of meeting loved ones of earth, and dear ones that sleep in the tomb. Dear sisters, let us be faithful.
Yours striving for a crown of life.
MARTHA A. SCRIPTER.
Erie Co., N. Y.
From Bro. Warren.
By Z. C. WARREN
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Let us take courage. Though the enemy of all righteousness is mustering all of his forces against the truth, yet it prospers, and will go forth in power if we are only faithful and true to our post. Let us strive with our whole might to spread the glorious news of the gospel of Christ and his soon coming. By the mercy of God I have been trying to lay this blessed truth before the minds of the people in an adjoining town from this. I have given some five discourses, and the interest to hear seems to be very good. Some have confessed that we have the truth as regards the Sabbath, but have not yet decided to keep it, but feel anxious to still hear more of this Bible-doctrine. Brethren, let us pray that God's Spirit may accompany his word, that it may be as seed sown in good ground. Let us pray that God will give his messengers strength and wisdom from on high, that his truth may go forth conquering and to conquer, until the last honest-hearted one has embraced the truth of the third angel's message.
There are a few of us here in this place who are trying to be overcomers, that we may wear the crown. Oh! blessed thought. Wear the crown! Brethren and sisters, fight on a little longer. Soon will the Master come and call for us. Let us not be ashamed of Christ or his cause, but let us strive to have on the wedding garment, that when the Bridegroom cometh, we may be among his guests and and partake of his bounty. Yours striving for the kingdom.
Z. C. WARREN.
Grove Lakes, Minn., Nov. 11. 1867.
From Bro. Smith.
BRO. SMITH: On the 26th inst., a small company of Sabbath-keepers, assembled here in Blendon, and organized a church, so far as we could under existing circumstances without the aid of a messenger. Three members were received by letter, and three per vote of the body. A leader, a clerk, and a treasurer were chosen. Resolutions were unanimously passed to live out present truth in toto, also for receiving members, and withdrawing fellowship. We also organized systematic benevolence, amounting to thirty-three dollars and eighty cents per year.
We have long been buffeted by the enemy, and have felt impelled to the course we have taken, lest we should make shipwreck of our faith. In behalf of this body, I hereby earnestly appeal to those in authority, to send hither, at first opportunity, a messenger, to perfect our church organization.
ADOLPHUS SMITH.
Blendon, Ottawa Co., Mich.
A SHORT TRIP IN VERMONT.
By D. T. BOURDEAU
THURSDAY evening, Nov. 28, just as I was closing up a job on my house, preparatory for winter quarters, which had called forth extra physical exertions on my part, and as I was expecting to take things easier, and immediately devote a period to rest and to the enjoyment of the society of those from whom I had been separated for quite a length of time, a letter came to us from Stowe, Vt., informing us that Sr. Edwin Churchill was very sick, and greatly desired to have us call on her in her affliction.
Accordingly, the next morning, in company with my brother A. C. and my companion, we started for Stowe, and came as far as Morrisville, where we stopped over night at Bro. Bingham’s (one of our best Advent homes in Vermont). We were made welcome, not only by himself, but also by Mrs. B., who though she has not made a profession of the present truth, has ever treated us kindly, and deserves our respect and gratitude. Here, also, we met with our aged and beloved Bro. A. Stone, who was on his way to Stowe.
On the Sabbath, we had a profitable meeting with the church at Stowe. We spoke twice, and the words spoken were appreciated. We hope that this church will not be backward in moving forward in every branch of the health reform. Though the health reform does not take the lead in the message, and should not be urged rashly, yet it comes in as a mighty help to develop character. And if God has spoken in regard to it, it is important to act accordingly; else God does not mean what he says, and he has spoken in vain, and it would have been as profitable to the cause for him not to have said what he has said. We hope none are disposed to trifle with God.
We found Sr. Churchill quite low, having had a bilious fever, followed by a relapse, from lack of knowledge in regard to hygienic treatment, the whole covering about three months. We rejoice that the Reformer devotes more space for instructions on the proper treatment of disease. This will doubtless save many from protracted illness and untimely graves. We had special seasons of prayer with Sr. C., in which we enjoyed holy calmness and the presence of the comforting Spirit. The Lord alone can raise her up. And we still pray that if it can be for his glory, she may be spared to her family and to the church. If she recovers it will be gradually.
On our way home, we called at Bro. Loveland’s, and found Sr. L. and her son recovering from a siege of typhoid fever, caused by over-exertion, in watching over and attending to the wants of others who were sick of the same disease. But they were doing well under the use of natural and simple remedies, such as plenty of pure air, careful applications of water, rest, etc. They were not hindered by poisonous drugs, and had not wholly lost their relish for food. Yet Sr. L.’s past exertions and age are against her, and she will need to be very careful, else it will be difficult for nature to rally and perform the work of restoration.
It was a feast to us to visit with this dear family, who were among the first that received the truth in Vermont, and have freely sacrificed of their means to advance it. Such are in danger of doing too much for the relief of others, at the neglect of their own wants in their old age. To such we would say, with all respect to age and experience, Hold on. God wants you to live on and enjoy, as well as to lavish on others.
We spent last Sabbath in Quarterly Meeting with the church in this place, and had a good degree of freedom in dwelling on the proper use of the tongue. We are a numerous church, enjoy many privileges, and a good degree of union; yet we are in greater danger of erring on some points than smaller churches. We can be more shut up to each other than is meet; and unless we keep very near the Lord, there is danger of giving way to worldly-mindedness and worldly aggrandizement. If we all keep consecrated we can have a mighty influence for good, but if we suffer ourselves to backslide on any point, then will our united influence tell against us individually, and tell against the cause in a corresponding degree.
We pray that the coming of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews among us may prove a blessing to us as a church, as well as to the cause in Vermont and Canada East. To this end we should labor for ourselves, and suffer the servants of the Lord to move forward in their work untrammeled, exercising their own judgment with regard to their health and the wants of the cause.
In regard to entertaining the brethren from abroad, we would say, We are able and willing to do it. Yet let a proper regard to age, health, etc., and to giving all our good brethren in this church the privilege of cheerfully bearing a part in entertaining you. My brother tells me that at our last Conference, some of our good members felt grieved that they had none from abroad to call on them.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
West Enosbury, Vt.
REPORT FROM BRO. RODMAN.
By P. C. RODMAN
When I wrote my last report, I had been here a few days, and given several discourses. I continued holding meetings here nearly every evening until Nov. 20, with quite an interest to hear. Three more decided to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Lord give them grace, as he most assuredly will, to continue in the narrow way, and stand on the Mount Zion with the Lamb. Others are convicted of the truth, and I hope will obey the Lord fully, and so enjoy the great peace those do who love God's law, letting nothing stumble them in walking uprightly before the Lord.
We labor under some disadvantages here, having to hold the most of our meetings in private houses. The rooms being rather small, it is not so easy to speak, or convenient to hear.
On the 20th, returned home. Found all in good health. Even Bro. Prange, who had returned from the West, where he had been to visit his brothers and recruit in health, is looking much better. In the three meetings I held with the church here, there appeared to be a reaching out after the Lord. We spoke to them on the work of self-examination; it was received as meat in due season. May it not only be received in word, but may the work be entered upon and continued in with perseverance, until sins that hinder their growth in grace, and further knowledge of the truth, shall have all been discovered and put away, that the Lord may work in them mightily. Satan has made great effort to destroy the influence of the little flock here by feeding them upon selfishness and crowding out the love of God from the hearts of his dear children, and they have been too willing he should have his way. Thus their peace has been greatly disturbed; but I do hope they will be like the Corinthians, to whom Paul wrote that they sorrowed to repentance; so sorrowed after a godly sort, leading to carefulness, and a clearing of themselves, that they grew indignant against sin and its author; holy fear, and fervent desire, and becoming zeal took the place of selfishness, and in all things they approved themselves clear.
Dear brethren and sisters in Ashaway, may I have no cause to regret having boasted of you before others. Remember, dear brethren, Satan is artful, and will discourage you in trying to rise if possible, but as you endeavor to draw nigh to God, remember these words, “Whosoever will, let him come.” There is no power that can resist the one who is pledged to help us, unless we give up to Satan; then do not despair, neither fret thyself in any wise to do evil; neither let the love of the world in any of its forms control thee; but in love serve one another. My prayers shall go up for you without ceasing. And to the rest of my brethren in Rhode Island and Connecticut, with whom I have labored, be strong; I will visit you again before long. Hold fast and press on in the work. Do not shrink from the cross. Remember, “Except a man take up his daily cross and follow me, he cannot be my disciple,” says Jesus. The cross is not, as some suppose, talking in meeting, but in doing every duty—crucifying the old man with his affections and lusts, and so having Christ to live in you, willing, and doing his good pleasure. Nothing short of perfect obedience rendered by us, is all our duty. It will cost an effort on our part, but in the strength of the Lord we can overcome, and he that overcometh shall inherit all things: the city of God and the new earth, with all their pleasant and glorious accompaniments forever. I think I hear every one of you say, I must be there, cost what it will. Well, this is the will of God, so just submit, and obey all his heavenly will, looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and you can be there.
When I returned home on the 20th, I expected to attend the Monthly Meeting at Washington, N. H., but found it was indefinitely postponed. So after trying to do my duty in Ashaway for a few days, I started on the 28th for this place again. The interest is unabated. I preached again last evening in the hall, showing the work of the Papacy in blaspheming God, wearing out his people, and attempting to change times and laws. I have now appointed five meetings13more. Satan begins to be disturbed. I hope to be humble, and be instrumental of good. I trust I shall have the prayers of my brethren, that the Lord's work may prosper in my hands.
I do not know how long the interest will demand me to stay here. I hope to stand in the counsel of God. There is evidently an advance move being made with God's remnant people. Brethren, shall any of us be left behind? If there is not a taking hold of the work in faithfulness, with all our might, the cause of truth will move on, leaving the worldly-minded to their own choice; then Satan will have them in his snare. How important then that we have the love of the truth in our hearts, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
My brethren, have you read Testimonies Nos. 11, 12, and 13? If not, get them and read them at once. There is reproof and counsel, just such as is needed. Send on 40 cents to the Office and have them forwarded, or to my address in Ashaway, R. I., as I have a few to supply the brethren with. I have also most of our other publications constantly on hand. Send in your orders. Inform yourselves, and get a knowledge of the truth, for Satan is very artful, and unless you inform yourselves in the truth and obey it, he will ensnare you in his deceptions; but this need not be, for the Lord has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.
Truth will cost us time and money, but we are taught to buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. xxiii, 23. What is it that is to save us? Not the love of farms, houses, pleasure, dress, or appetite, but the love of the truth. Then court the influence of that Spirit that leads into all truth, for if any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine. John vii, 17. Again, if we continue in his word, we shall know the truth, and the truth will make us free; then shall we be his disciples indeed. John viii, 31, 32.
P. C. RODMAN.
Pleasantville, N. Y.
REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
Since November 22 I have been preaching and visiting in this place among the Danes and Norwegians. There are above one thousand of that class of people in the place. I obtained the court-house to hold meetings in. It is a very convenient place. This is a new field. Most of the people belong to some church. Much prejudice exists against the doctrines of the Bible; and our faith is everywhere spoken against. The congregation has varied from 40 to 120. I believe three times that number would come to hear if the ministers of other churches did not exert such a powerful influence against it. Yet many have been convinced that we have the truth on the Sabbath question, and a few have commenced to obey the Lord.
One young Methodist sister has stood up boldly for the truth among the Methodists, which has created much stir among them, as they considered her one of the best of their members. The Elder preached last Sunday evening, on the immortality of the soul. He had our book on Life and Death and read out of it to the people. He recommended all to read it. It contains, said he, such huge errors that every good Methodist would be scared by reading it.
I have preached on the same subject in the court-house since, and mean to continue until it shall be fairly presented before all who are willing to hear. I realize that mere argument is not sufficient, though necessary. It needs much blessing from the Lord to bring the truth home to hearts so filled with prejudice and superstition.
Pray for us, that the Lord may continue to bless, and we be enabled to present the truth in much love, that the honest in heart may be brought to Jesus and prepared for his glorious appearing.
JOHN MATTESON.
Racine, Wis., Dec. 11, 1867.
Two laws are more adequate to the regulation of the whole Christian community than all political institutions together—namely, the love of God, and that of our neighbor.—Pascal.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
—Mount Vesuvius is still sending forth pillars of fire from the old and newly formed craters, and the display is magnificent. There are seven streams of lava in full flow.
—The track of the Central Pacific Railroad is laid from Cisco to Summit, and through the great tunnel, over 7,000 feet above the sea. The first passenger car went through the tunnel Saturday. On the east side of the mountains, 24 miles of track are laid, and a fortnight's open weather will close the gap of six miles, making connection with Lower Truckee, 130 miles east of Sacramento.
—THE Pope, when visiting a wounded captain in Rome, saw a musket in his room, and at once asked whether it was a Chassepot. On being answered in the affirmative, the Holy Father took the gun in his hand, examined it with intense interest, and asked to have the mechanism explained to him. What a subject for a picture for the next international exhibition—the Pope with the tiara on his head going through the manual and platoon exercise in a fit of ecstatic admiration of the last great prop of the temporal power—the fusil Chassepot!
—It used to take a year to hear from China and Japan. The mails from China and Japan which left Yokohama by the steamship, Great Republic, October 25, via Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, arrived via Chicago, in New York on Thursday. This is but forty-one days from Japan, and only fifteen days between San Francisco and New York.
—A paper was lately read before a Medical Society in England containing evidence to prove that the form of nervous blindness known by the name of amaurosis is frequently produced by excess in tobacco smoking. The subject was recommended to the serious attention of the profession.
—MR. SPURGEON says that for years he has preached eight or ten times a week, besides issuing the weekly sermon, editing the magazine, overseeing the church, superintending the college, directing the orphanage, founding new churches, attending committees, and a thousand other things; but many signs indicate that there must be a pause; and he adds: “I am not less willing, but I am far less able than I was to serve the church by preaching.”
—Prince Napoleon is about leaving Paris for Manzan in Northern Italy, where he will meet his father-in-law, King Victor Emanuel.