Earlier text: Battle Creek Bible Class, Feb. 22, 1868.PROF. BUSH ON THE SABBATH.
In Bush's Notes on Gen. ii, among other excellent remarks relative to the Sabbath, we find the following: God's sanctifying the day is equivalent to his commanding men to sanctify it. As at the close of the creation the seventh day was thus set apart by the Most High for such purposes, without limitation to age or country, the observance of it is obligatory upon the whole human race to whom, in the wisdom of Providence, it may be communicated. This farther appears from the reason why God blessed and sanctified it, viz., “because that in it he had rested,” &c., which is a reason of equal force at all times, and equally applying to all the posterity of Adam; and if it formed a just ground for sanctifying the first day, which dawned upon the finished system of the universe, it must be equally so for sanctifying every seventh day to the end of time. The observance of the day is moreover enjoined in the decalogue, which was not abolished with the peculiar polity of the Jews, but remains unalterably binding upon Christians in every age of the world. Some commentators and divines have indeed thought that the mention here made of the Sabbath is merely by anticipation; and that the appointment never took place till the days of Moses, Ex. xx, 11. But if this be the case it is not easy to see how Moses came to specify the circumstances of God's resting on the seventh day, as the reason for that appointment. It would have been a good reason for our first parents and their immediate descendants to hallow the day; but it could be no reason at all to those who lived almost five and twenty hundred years after the event; more especially, when so obvious and cogent a reason as their deliverance out of Egypt was assigned at the very same time. But if the command given to the Jews was a repetition of the injunction given to Adam, then there was an obvious propriety in assigning the reason that was obligatory upon all, as well as that which formed an additional obligation on the Jewish nation in particular. Besides, there are traces of a Sabbath from the beginning of the world. For, if no Sabbath had ever been given, whence came the practice of measuring time by weeks? Yet that custom obtained both in the antediluvian and the patriarchal ages. Gen. viii, 10, 12; xxix, 27, 28. Again, although the observance of the Sabbath had no doubt been much neglected in Egypt, yet the remembrance of it was not wholly effaced; for Moses before the giving of the law, speaks of the Sabbath as an institution known and received among them, Ex. xvi, 23. And without any express direction, they gathered on the sixth day a double portion of manna to serve them on the Sabbath, which surely could not have been expected that they would have done had no such institution existed. It can scarcely be doubted, therefore, that the Sabbath is as old as the creation, and of the wisdom of such an appointment a moment's reflection will convince us. As God made all things for himself, so he instituted the Sabbath in order that his rational creatures might have stated opportunities of paying him their tribute of prayer and praise. If no period had been fixed by him for the solemnities of public worship, it would have been impossible to bring mankind to an agreement respecting the time when they should render to him their united homage. They would all acknowledge the propriety of serving him in concert; but each would be ready to consult his own convenience. And probably a difference of sentiment would arise as to the length of time to be allotted to his service. Thus there would never be one hour when all should join together in celebrating their Creator's praise. But by an authoritative separation of the seventh day, God has provided that the whole race of men shall acknowledge him, and that his goodness shall be had in everlasting remembrance. This act of separation he has seen good to express by the word “sanctify,” which is used in the Scriptures primarily to denote the setting apart, devoting, or appropriating any thing from a common to a peculiar and generally to a sacred use. Thus God is said to have “sanctified,” or set apart for a holy use, the first-fruits of the earth, the tabernacle with its various furniture, the tribe of Levi to the office of priests, &c. In this sense to sanctify is the same as to “hallow,” and is opposed to calling or treating any thing as “unclean,” or “common.” The sanctification of the seventh day in the present case, can only be understood of its being set apart to the special worship and service of God; for it is to be remembered, that at this time, every thing was holy so far as moral purity was concerned. TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS.
By W. S. Moore
The minds of many who have received, and through grace are trying to obey, the truth, are now being impressed with the idea that it becomes them to be laboring in earnest, or with a will which cannot be daunted by opposition, in enlightening the minds of their friends and neighbors relative to the third angel's message, and the great and all-important truths connected with it. For one among your number my mind is strongly impressed with the idea that what is done in the way of disseminating the truth, must be done quickly. The perturbation, or confusion which exists, and is rapidly increasing in the natural, civil, moral and political world; together with the rapid fulfillment of prophecy, and the testimony to the church, corresponding with the plain teaching of God's word; all warn us that the day of salvation is nearly past, or the time is near when it will be said, “He that is holy let him be holy still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still.” We cannot all be preachers, but we have a variety of excellent tracts at the Review Office, which should not lie there unread. Can you be much better employed than to distribute them judiciously among your neighbors? Put a bundle of them into your pocket, and as you go out on your mission of love, pray that God may be glorified, and that the truth may find its way into the hearts of the people. Go to the poor backslider and warn him of his danger, and urge him to come back into the fold. Go to that poor, wicked neighbor, who is living without hope, and without God in the world, and if he has reason to believe that you are not only a professor, but a possessor of the religion of Jesus, he may, through the instrumentality of the truth, become a humble follower of the Lamb of God. Go to those who teach, and receive for doctrine the commandments of men, and give them the light. Go to all, in the spirit of your Lord and Master, having only the glory of God and the salvation of souls in view, and leave the result with Jesus. It may be the addition of many glittering stars to the crown of your rejoicing, which he will give you, if you are truly among those who love his appearing. PRINCIPLE V. FEELING.
By L. L. Howard.
What is the use of all this talk about feeling? Why not say I ought to do, instead of saying I felt that I ought to do? How often I find people saying that I feel that I ought to do this or that. Why not be governed by sound reason and the word of God, instead of blind impulse? When led by this impulse, we are liable to go astray, and to run into almost any fanatical notion; but if reason and the word of God govern us, we shall go in the right way. When I was governed by impulse I came near being ruined by skepticism, but when I found that the word of God was able to make me wise unto salvation, I found also that its truths and sound reason agreed. Then my skepticism vanished away and I was led by faith instead of feeling. When will our brethren learn the difference between feeling and faith? The one pleases ourselves, the other pleases God. Should we not follow Christ? We read that he pleased not himself. Do you think Christ felt as though he wanted to be crucified? Oh, no! but he knew it was the will of his Father; so we should do the Father's will, whether we feel to do it or not.
L. L. HOWARD.
New Portland, Me. NATURE seldom changes with the climate. The angel showed John that at a certain time the Devil was to come down in great wrath, knowing that he had but a short time. Rev. xii, 12. Our theory locates the fulfillment of this prophecy at the present time, and facts corroborate the application. As never before the enemy is leveling his batteries against the people of God; and the watchful ones have indications such as have never before been given, of the fearful and perilous times in which we live. But the query arises, why Satan's wrath should increase because he knoweth that he hath but a short time; for this is the reason given by the prophet why he comes down in this manner. In answering this question, we must consider, 1. That the object of Satan in tempting man in the beginning was to gain power to his side, and thus strengthen his hands in his revolt against the King of Heaven. 2. That as soon as the plan of salvation was formed, he set himself to work the defeat of that plan, if such an event could possibly be accomplished. 3. That previous to the first advent of Christ to live a perfect life, in the habiliments of human nature and so provide an acceptable sacrifice for the fallen race, the Devil looked forward to that point as the time when he would make his mightiest effort to thwart the great scheme of redemption. For if by any means he could overcome Him into whose hands had been committed the work of redeeming the race, the whole plan would end in utter failure. The day at length arrived. The Lord of glory in mortal flesh undertook his mighty mission; and no sooner did he appear upon the stage of action, than Satan, with all his power, and with every device of temptation and danger, undertook to thwart his purposes. He even triumphed a little while, as he laid him in the tomb; but the bars of death were broken, and even the keys of the grave were borne away; and lo! as the conflict ended, Satan was the vanquished one, and Christ the victor. Christ then ascended to Heaven to plead thenceforth in behalf of those for whom he had shed his blood; and thenceforth it was beyond the power of Satan to mar that plan by destroying any of its provisions. Henceforth all that remained was for the truth to be proclaimed among the nations of the earth, and as large a number as possible be gathered out and made ready for the kingdom of Heaven; and thenceforth, all that Satan could do, was to exert his power upon the human race, and keep as many as possible from obeying the gospel. He might yet do some thing in this direction; and it would be some satisfaction to him, seeing he could not defeat the plan, to keep as many as possible from embracing its provisions, and securing its results. From this we may add another consideration, 4. That if all the world were hopelessly in the hands of Satan, there would be nothing to excite his wrath in the fact that he had but a short time. His fears, perhaps, as he viewed his impending doom, but not his wrath, would be aroused as he drew near the termination of his career. We have now before us the grounds and motives of Satan's unwonted wrath in these last days. Every soul that breaks away from his power, and flees to Christ, the strong tower of his flock, adds poignancy to the chagrin of his defeat, in not being able to thwart the work of Christ, and stirs up all the accumulated malevolence of his nature. It is a fresh defeat, the bitter fruit of his failure in his personal conflict with the Saviour here upon earth, and his wrath is stirred. His wrath is not against those who are fighting under his banner, but against those who are ranging themselves under the standard of the truth. And what excites his wrath as he beholds the shortness of his time to work, is to see a company coming up who are taking hold in earnest for salvation, who are resolved in the strength of the Lord, in whom is everlasting strength, to break away from his cruel power, and as the fruits of that plan of salvation which he could not defeat, secure the glorious reward of everlasting life. When John says, therefore, that Satan is come down in great wrath, he means that this wrath is against the remnant church. As his wrath is excited by the shortness of his time, it will increase more and more as the end approaches. He knows that if he would get those who have set their faces Heavenward into his clutches, and drag them down to perdition, he must do it soon, or it is too late. Would that all the people of God might realize with equal vividness, that what they do in the work of overcoming, they, too, must do soon, or they are lost forever. We need no better evidence that we are drawing near the close of our work, than the manifestations we now have of the wrath of the enemy against us. He is a good student of prophecy. He doubtless has a better idea than we can have of this world's future history, especially the events that are immediately in store for it. He understands when his opportunities will cease, and he proportions his efforts to the exigencies of the case. He knows his time is short. Do we know equally well that our time is also short? and are we acting accordingly? We are often reminded of the words of Horace Greeley in reference to the conflict between freedom and slavery, “The end of this long contest visibly approaches.” So the end of the longer contest between the powers of light and darkness, the forces of Heaven and hell, still more visibly approaches. The prophecies proclaim it, the nations of the earth proclaim it, the elements of nature proclaim it, the sun, moon and stars have proclaimed it, wicked men and last-day scoffers proclaim it, and now the Devil himself proclaims it, by his increased efforts to make the church of God his prey. He is endeavoring to break in upon us on every hand. He has not come down for nothing. How can we resist him? The promise is, that when he comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Blessed promise! Can we claim it? Have we much of this Spirit? Without it, well may we shrink from the perils which even now appear in distinct outlines before us; with it, we can say, Let the conflict come; for all the legions of the wicked one cannot harm us. Oh, for more of this Holy Spirit! “God of Israel pour thy Spirit
On thy little flock.
How shall we the promised land inherit,
Unless thou go with us our Rock?” THE LABORS OF BRO. AND SR. WHITE.
By John Nevins Andrews
It has been my privilege to spend the past four months in company with Bro. and Sr. W., and to witness their untiring labors in the cause of Christ. This period has been one of the most interesting in my life, and I shall ever hold its privileges in grateful remembrance. Being now about to return home to spend a part of, or all, the time before the General Conference in writing, I desire to make a brief statement of several facts. 1. My convictions that the testimonies of sister White are from Heaven, have been greatly strengthened by the opportunity which I have had to observe the life, and experience, and labors of these servants of Christ. 2. I desire to bear testimony to their unwearied labors in the cause of Christ. The burden of labor in preaching and exhorting in the public assemblies, and in meetings for the special benefit of the church, has been very great. Probably few of our public laborers perform as much of this kind of work as Bro. and Sr. White. But this is only a portion of their toil. Many hours which they need for rest are given to wearisome writing, or to careful pains-taking effort to help those who have involved themselves in trouble. 3. The Review bears evidence to the industry of brother W. in writing for its columns. But very few of its readers have any adequate idea of the labor of sister W. in writing for the benefit of the people of God. Her messages of reproof and of instruction that she is sending to those to whom they pertain, amount, I think, in the period that I have been with them to more than 1000 pages. The task imposed on sister W., to write out all with her own hand while actively engaged in holding meetings, is very great. Every hour has to be filled up, and many are taken from needful sleep, in order to meet this ever-present and unending labor. 4. The nature of this writing is such that the manual labor required to pen the words is really the smallest part of the task. It is no pleasant thing to sister W. to utter words of sharp reproof, or stern rebuke, yet these things often enter largely into what she is called to write. I have too often witnessed the deep distress and tears of anguish which this work imposes on sister White, to entertain one thought that she engages in it to please herself. 5. The expense of postage is not small on such an amount of matter. So many pages through the mails impose no trifling burden on the writer; a fact this, which those who have its benefits should not forget. 6. Nor are the labors of Bro. White in connection with these testimonies to be lightly esteemed. God has given him a work to do which is of great importance to his cause. No man can better mingle tenderness with severity; and certainly no one is so faithful in plainness of speech, and in the correction of wrongs whenever found. 7. Our meetings have been seasons of deep interest, some of which will never pass from my mind. These however have been very fully reported in the Review. The past week has been spent at Tittabawassee where we had tangible evidence of Bro. M. E. Cornell's faithful labors in the existence of a prosperous church, and of a new and pleasant house of worship. I pray that God may still bless the labors of Bro. and Sr. W. and make them of lasting benefit to the friends of Christ. IS YOUR CABLE STRONG?
By R. F. Cottrell
The Christian’s hope is the anchor of his soul. It is cast in good anchor ground, within the vail where Jesus is. Faith is the cable that connects his craft to that anchor; and if this be strong, the use of the wheel-and-axle power of the capstan, prayer and holy living combined, will assuredly bring his vessel into the desired haven. Brother, sister, is your cable strong? If so, pull away on the lever at the capstan, and your vessel will soon be brought into the harbor where your anchor lies. Have you faith? Oh, yes! you believe some generally-admitted truths, such as that there is one God. The devils believe as much as that, and tremble for fear of their doom. You want living, active faith—faith in prophecy, faith in what the Lord is now doing—faith in present truth. Prophecies and signs fulfilled proclaim the great day of the Lord at hand. We are in the day of his preparation. Is he preparing his people to stand in the evil day? Is he fitting a people for translation? The advent messages have been announced in the order laid down in prophecy. Rev. xiv, 6-12. Do you believe them? or has chance brought these things to pass? Yes, I am an Adventist. Any one can see by comparing the prophecies with our own times, that we are in the last days. The solemn cry, “The hour of his judgment is come,” which sounded through the world some years since, convinced me, and I have been an Adventist for years. I am looking for the advent constantly. Have you considered the third message, that about the commandments, and obeyed it by embracing the down-trodden Sabbath? Rev. xiv, 9-12. Or do you ignore this most solemn and awful message of the word of God, and expect the advent daily without a fulfillment of this prophecy? This message is sounding. Have you faith in it? It is the word of God, and must be fulfilled. If the work now being done in favor of the commandments is not the fulfillment, what is? You should show us the fulfillment of this portion of the word, or else not claim to be expecting the Lord immediately; for it must be fulfilled before his coming, and it will not be done and nobody know it. Where is your faith?185 I believe we are having the fulfillment of this message, and it caused me to embrace the Sabbath, years ago. -You believe, then, that this work is from Heaven and not of men. You believe the Lord is as really leading his people by this message, as he led his ancient people by the hand of Moses. I believe the Seventh-day Adventists are the nearest right of any denomination of professed Christians; but I doubt their having the gift of prophecy among them. I can get along with everything they teach but the visions. You believe, then, the Lord is leading this people, only he is not. This was the case with the Israelites that fell by the plagues in the wilderness. They had started out from Egypt, compelled by the logic of events there, but they did not believe that the Lord had led them. Hence they murmured at those whom God had chosen to lead them. Let me tell you, it will require faith in God, faith in present truth, faith that God is leading his people by his Holy Spirit, to enable you to stand in the time of trouble which is just before us. Those who go through will, like Caleb and Joshua, follow the Lord fully. This they cannot do, unless they believe him fully. This movement is “from Heaven, or of men.” Which is it? Are the means by which we have been enlightened and led, from beneath? If so, you may as well give up the ship. Have you faith? Is God preparing a people for translation, or not? The great crisis of this world's history is right before us. Who will be able to stand? Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. No class are teaching all the commandments and the entire faith, all the teachings of Christ and the signs of the times, but Seventh-day Adventists. Are they being led by the Devil? Some spirit, good or bad, is leading them—a spirit of darkness, or the Spirit of the living God. If the former, why heed it at all? If the latter, why not heed it fully? A rough sea is before us. Is your cable strong? Do you believe that God lives and is fulfilling his word? Is our Father at the helm, or not? If he is, trust him fully. Have all on board. Believe that he will guide you safely, and all will be well. Walk by faith, and live up to all the light, and you will not fall after the ancient examples of unbelief. The weather is unsettled and lowering. A storm is before us. Let your mind be settled on something, and your faith steady. Do not believe God in part and reject him in part. Do not profess to receive the truth, and at the same time reject the means God has chosen to spread it abroad. Such a course is inconsistent and self-contradictory. Make a choice. Serve God or mammon. A man of two minds is unstable in all his ways. If God is leading us, go with us with all your heart. If not, be decided against us. Have faith in God. He lives, and is fulfilling his word. Is your cable strong? Then is your vessel safe. Pull hard on the lever, and you will soon find your anchor. REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
After enjoying the hospitable home of Bro. Long of Greenbush for several days, we left that family fifth-day, Feb. 13, and journeyed to Bro. Milk's at Chesaning, Saginaw Co. The day was fine, and the sleighing good. Bro. and Sr. M. received us kindly, and seemed to enjoy our brief visit. In the afternoon we came on to St. Charles, and put up for the night with Bro. E. S. Griggs. We were sorry to find this dear family much afflicted with severe cold and cough; yet glad to find them firm in the faith. Several other brethren and sisters called upon us, and said much to induce us to spend a Sabbath with them, but we could not consent to spend a week with this church of experience, while young churches, and those who had never seen us, and were anxious to have our labors, were anxiously calling for help. Sixth-day, we left St. Charles, and rode twenty-one miles to Tittabawassee, and found a good resting place at Bro. Truesdell's. We were weary, and wished a retired home during the meeting, so were invited by Bro. Dr. Hawley to his quiet, retired home a little more than a mile from the house of worship. Bro. and Sr. H. have buried their three dear children, and as their hold of this world has been loosening, they have been enabled by the grace of God to secure a firm hold of Heaven. As we entered this place, which is simply four corners with a country hotel, two or three small shops of trade, and a few cottages, we were surprised to find a neat, fine-appearing house of worship built by our people, which cost $2500. One year since, there was not a Sabbath-keeper in this vicinity; now, there are about one hundred, including children, who meet from Sabbath to Sabbath in their neat and commodious house of worship. Less than two years since, Dr. Hawley, in his ride, ran across a pamphlet from the Review Office. He read it, and felt an interest. He soon took the Review, and his interest increased. Bro. Cornell was sent for, and he came to the place just as the traveling was breaking up, nearly one year since, and gave part of a course of lectures. The best part of the community believed, and began to keep the Sabbath, and during the last summer they built their house of worship, and have it nearly paid for. Sabbath morning, the 15th, this house was filled with attentive hearers. Quite a number had come in from St. Charles, Chesaning, Midland, and other places. We spoke to them upon conversion for one hour and a half, and as we spoke to this dear people, could not feel that the least objection existed with one person before us. We saw no lack of interest in one person in that entire assembly. In the afternoon, Mrs. W. spoke to the people in feebleness, yet no lack of interest in the congregation could be seen. In fact, we cannot learn that a single person in all this community, who has any interest in the third message, has any prejudice against Mrs. W.'s testimony. In the evening, Bro. Andrews gave a very solemn and impressive discourse. He had also spoken to the people the previous evening. I then introduced the subject of books, and invited the brethren to call on me at Bro. Truesdell's the next morning at 8 o'clock. As many came as I could wait upon before meeting time. The large trunk containing Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Appeal to Mothers, Appeal to the Youth, and many other books, was taken to the house of worship for the better accommodation of the crowd, and books were called for faster than several of us could wait upon them. In a few moments, my large supply of Spiritual Gifts and How to Live were all gone. At noon a box with a fresh supply came, but in ten minutes, more were called for than had just arrived. The people will have the truth. Their ears are open to hear it, and they are supplying themselves with Bibles, Spiritual Gifts, History of the Sabbath, Thoughts on Revelation, Appeal to the Youth, Appeal to Mothers, Sabbath Readings, Trall's Home Practice, and our pamphlets and tracts generally. First-day morning, we spoke upon the harmony of the law and the gospel in the work of man's salvation from the time of the fall till the close of probation. In the afternoon, Mrs. W. spoke with freedom, and to acceptance by not only the believers, but by many who had seldom, if ever, attended a meeting where Bible truth was preached, and the plain testimony borne. In the evening, Bro. Andrews spoke to a crowded house in a most interesting and impressive manner. The interest increased at every meeting, and at every meeting more or less gathered round the trunk for more books. Second-day evening, Mrs. W. gave a very plain, pointed, yet affectionate discourse to a large congregation. An appointment was given for her to speak upon the health and dress reforms, the next evening. And now, while we pencil these lines, she is addressing a large and deeply interested audience. It was decided to hold three meetings the next day. Third-day morning, we spoke on the messages, to a larger congregation than we expected, considering that in the leading business of this country, viz., lumbering, our meetings came in the time of the richest harvest. In the afternoon, Bro. Andrews spoke to the people, followed by labor of the most intense interest for those who were almost persuaded to be Christians. About twenty came forward for prayers, ranging all the way in age from the strong, business man with silvered locks to the child that had not reached his teens. It was an affecting sight. Fifteen decided to take the cross of baptism. Bro. Andrews gave a most solemn discourse in the evening upon the time of trouble. Fourth-day at 11 A. M., Bro. Andrews buried fifteen in the waters of the Tittabawassee. The church now numbers between sixty and seventy. And at half-past two in the afternoon, we left this dear people, to drive thirty-two miles to this place. As we reflect upon this great and good work, starting from a single ten-cent pamphlet, and so faithfully carried out in the labors of Bro. Cornell, we feel more than ever that our people who wish to work for God in the most effectual way, will do well to keep the steam press running in the printing of tracts and pamphlets, and also well sustain the few laborers in the field. We have left, at least, $100 worth of publications with this people. Most are paid for, or will be soon, and a small amount is given to the poor, and left for free distribution. Since the above was in type we have received the following additional from Bro. W.: At Vassar, Tuscola Co., Mich., the brethren held their meeting in the large union school-house, as good a room as can be had in the county. Bro. Andrews preached three discourses at the meeting held in this place, on the evenings following the sixth, seventh, and first days, and second-day A. M. attended a funeral at Watrousville, eight miles distant, and in the afternoon baptized one. We spoke to the people on the seventh, first, and second-days, and Mrs. W. spoke with freedom in the afternoons of the seventh and first days. The brethren and sisters of this county were generally present, and were ready and prompt to bear testimony to the truth. They seem to have a deep interest in what they heard from the three who addressed them, especially in Mrs. W.'s testimony. There were also at this meeting several who were about to yield up the truth for the vain world, who appeared to be strengthened and established. Several who were almost persuaded to obey the truth, have fully decided, and a large number, embracing youth and children, came forward to seek the Lord, and ask the prayers of his servants. One young man sought the Lord at this meeting and was baptized. After the subject of books was introduced and explained, and the desire of our people to place in every family such works as Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Appeal to the Youth, Appeal to Mothers, and Sabbath Readings, was stated, the brethren came forward and bought, and the poor received, in all more than $100 worth of books, pamphlets, charts, and tracts. Twenty-three full sets of Spiritual Gifts were taken at this meeting. We gave to the poor just $25 worth of tracts and books. The friends of the cause in Tuscola Co., will, as soon as they can get around to it, wish to put into the book fund two or three times this amount. We left this dear people reluctantly with the good-begun work only partly done, to meet appointments in this place and at Alma. The brethren in Tuscola Co. urged us to remain and hold meetings at important points. This we could not do, and cannot expect to visit them and brethren in other counties near, until after General Conference. Should we attend State Conferences, it is all uncertain when we can see them again. We will do all in our power to help the people of the Lord in the part we and they are to act in the salvation of souls. But during March and April, in the season of changeable weather and bad roads, we shall remain at home, and rest, and write, and attend Sabbath meetings near home. JAMES WHITE. St. Charles, Feb. 25, 1868. P. S.—Morning of the 26th. We decide to separate from Bro. Andrews here. He will go to Alma, we return to Tuscola. We do not feel that our work is done in that county. The people there are ready to be helped. We fear that many of the brethren in Gratiot Co. do not feel their need of help sufficiently for our testimony to do them much good at present. Until they do, we had better labor where the people are ready and anxious to be helped. We should, however, go to Gratiot with Bro. Andrews, if duty, very important duty, did not call us to Tuscola Co. Our preachers generally can labor to advantage anywhere. But ours is a peculiar work. Where the people do not especially need help, or, if they do, do not feel their need of it, we can do them but little, if any, good. Where they very much need such help as we can give them, and feel their need, and are anxious to be helped, these are the very places in which we wish to labor. J. W. From Sister Hoyt.
By L. B. HOYT
BRO. SMITH:— Feeling that the health reform has done much for me, I will write a few lines for the Review, hoping it may benefit some one. A little more than a year ago, I became convinced that Saturday was the true Sabbath, and commenced keeping it. I had had the dyspepsia for six or seven years, and commenced living out the health reform. Up to this time for the previous three years almost everything I ate hurt me, and my nights were a terror to me. I would go to bed, but could sleep only a few minutes at a time, being so nervous that I would start, turn over, and jump in my sleep at the least noise. My stomach and head seemed to be out of order most all the time. I would eat from three to five times a day, and still be hungry a good share of the time. I had concluded that my time for this world was short; but for the last year I have been gaining. I eat no meat nor grease of any kind, and am seldom hungry except at meals. I go to bed to sleep and rest instead of spending restless nights. Last year at this time I could write or read but little; now I can read from morning, till night, and a good share of the evening. I believe it has saved my life for a while here, and I want to so live and keep all of God's laws that I may be saved in the world to come. I feel like saying, with the Psalmist, "When I said, My foot slippeth: thy mercy, O Lord, hold me up;" and I am trying in my poor, unworthy way to live for the kingdom. I would ask the prayers of all God's people, that I may be an overcomer. L. B. HOYT.
Howard Co., Iowa. From Sister Wescott.
By Harriet J. Wescott.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt for some time as though my experience in the past might be a source of encouragement to some poor pilgrim, traveling the narrow pathway to Mt. Zion, but I have hesitated and waited, fearing that I could not write as well as some one else, but have come to the conclusion that I must work out my salvation with fear and trembling. And then there is another obstacle, the fear of man. I am among relatives who despise me, because I tell them I believe we are living in the last days, and I felt afraid it might meet their eyes, as they sometimes take up the paper to read. But I truly desire to give God the glory for what he has done for me and mine. I set out to serve Him nearly six years ago, under very discouraging circumstances, my companion being very much opposed to the unpopular doctrine of the third angel's message, but I determined to seek the Lord with my whole heart, and I found peace in believing and obeying him, by keeping all his commandments. Soon after this my husband enlisted, which was contrary to my faith, and very much against my wishes, as I did not think he could stand the hardships of camp life. His health soon began to fail, and sometimes his life was in danger. I went to the Great Physician, and begged and implored him to spare his life until he should turn from his wicked ways, and seek an interest in Christ. I never ceased to remember him in my prayers, and he was spared, although he was kept in the service until the war ended. He then returned home, but unchanged in his sentiments. I still held on to the promises by faith: “I will not let thee go except thou bless.” Last spring, to my unspeakable joy, he commenced to keep the Sabbath, and would occasionally read the Review. His health still continued to fail, and we were finally convinced that he had the consumption. I had frequently in my urgent requests to the Lord to convert my husband to the truth, promised that let what would come, life or death, I would not murmur nor complain; but it was a trying time for me. We resorted to medicine without avail, and finally went to the Institute at Battle Creek, but to my great grief, Drs. Lay and Russell told us he was past help. This was my last hope in this world, but he was calm and resigned, and said if it was the Lord's will he should not complain. I began to pray in earnest now, and the Lord began to work. From this time he seemed ripening for Heaven. He never complained once in all his sickness. He often said, “Oh! if I had only started to serve the Lord when you did.” Said he, “The worst thing I have ever done, was opposing you; go on and serve the Lord while you live. Oh! if I only knew that my little son would be a good boy, and obey his mother.” Such were his expressions. He was often heard praying for patience to endure his sickness. He felt that the Lord sustained him. He loved the truths we hold as a people, and fully believed in the unconscious state of the dead. I desired the Lord to give my unbelieving friends, and all, an evidence that he was prepared for a part in the first resurrection. I was satisfied. While death's chilly hands were upon him he often smiled, and turning his head to one of the neighbors, he said, “I can almost see Jesus.” This he repeated twice. Said he heard music. He then said to his son, “Remember you have got to die.” These were his last words. He made signs for me to kiss him, which he returned, and calmly fell asleep in Jesus. I feel his loss, but I mourn for myself and child, who are yet in the land of the living. I give God the glory, for he has more than fulfilled the promise. Blessed Jesus who has taken away the sting of death! Pray for us, that we may escape the wrath to come. Yours in hope.
HARRIET J. WESCOTT.
Livingston Co., N. Y. From Sister Jackson.
By Elmina Jackson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel truly thankful that it is my privilege to receive and read the Review, a privilege which we as commandment-keepers cannot prize too highly. Oh! how many times has my lonely heart been cheered by words of comfort from some dear brother or sister through the Review, and by reading its pages I find that there are many lonely ones like myself, who have not the privilege of Sabbath meetings, and are denied the privilege of gathering around the family altar with their companion and little ones, who are ever ready to look to their parents for example. Dear sisters, in our loneliness may we not forget to gather our little ones around us, and ask the blessing of God to rest upon them. Although their little minds are young and tender, it will make an impression on them that will never be forgotten. Let us not for a moment dwell on our little trials and afflictions, which Paul says are but for a moment, but rather think of the sufferings of the blessed Jesus who gave his life for sinners. When I look back over my past life, I feel with others to exclaim, Oh!187 my unworthiness! I realize that I have a great work to do to fit and prepare me to meet my God in peace, but I am determined, with his grace assisting, to be ready and waiting when my blessed Redeemer shall appear. Pray for me, brethren and sisters, that I may be one of the faithful ones, and at last meet you on Mount Zion. ELMINA JACKSON.