Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 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. Clarke.
By JOS. CLARKE
DEAR BRO. SMITH. To this point, there have been in our little church, five members. We have for years held meetings at Bro. Van Gorder’s, on his farm, some half a mile from the village; but of late, he has established himself in the village, where our meetings are now held. We had almost given up the hope of others in this vicinity enlisting with us in the work; but of late a physician, his wife, and family of four children, have commenced keeping the Sabbath. It gives us courage to see this family taking hold of this work, like the noble Bereans, with zeal and candor, and prudent courage.
We have a strong faith, and our hearts are comforted and enlarged, in holy love. Our meetings, always interesting and profitable, seem much more so now.
Two of this brother’s daughters are teachers, and have been greatly interested in educational pursuits; but now they feel the importance of having a thorough knowledge of present truth, and they greatly lament that they have so little time left for obtaining this precious knowledge. They love the testimonies, and greatly desire to hear preaching from the messengers.
We feel that God hears prayer, and will not send us empty away, when we call upon him.
The Review and books on present truth, have been the means in the hands of God, of leading this family along in the heavenly way.
Yours in hope. JOS. CLARKE.
Forge, O.
From Bro. Haines.
By D. D. HAINES.
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS: I am still striving to gain an inheritance in the better land, yet many times my trials are such that I am fearful that I may not be able to withstand all the devices of the powers of darkness in these last days. But when I remember what my Saviour has done for me, how he gave up all the glories of his heavenly home and descended to this sinful world, and here, by those who should have bowed with reverence at his feet, was reviled, hated, mocked, crowned with thorns, and finally suffered a shameful death upon the cross, to save poor sinful man, then I feel to bow my head in shame and repentance that I have dared to murmur at the trials and crosses that have beset my pathway. Just and right are all our trials; for though now I love him, and strive ever to do the will of God, yet it can never make recompense for the years that I have lived in sin and rebellion to his laws. Therefore, if I am ever saved, I shall truly be a sinner saved by grace, purchased by the blood of the Son of God.
I know that it is all-important that I arouse from all lethargy, and strive to have my heart filled with the love of God, and let my light so shine before men that they may see my good works, and be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. Pray for me, that I may have grace and strength to do my duty, and when Jesus shall come, be among that number that can sing the song of victory.
D. D. HAINES.
Essex Co., Mass.
From Mrs. Field.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am happy to say at this time, that I am still rejoicing in hope of eternal life when Jesus comes. God is merciful to me, and I am striving to form a character that will be faultless when the Saviour comes. It has pleased God in his providence to call many of us out, one from a family, and when we see the suffering of our friends on account of our faith, and that we cannot run to the same extreme with them in the pleasures of this world, we are led to cry out in the bitterness of our souls. All these things are against us. But when we consider the reward of the faithful, the inheritance, the near relation we sustain in the family of Jesus, the smiles of angels, and the approbation of God, it is enough.
“We’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,\n\nSupported by thy word.”
And as God in his goodness has proposed to help us, through the health reform, that we may better comprehend the truth and his goodness and mercy, by abstaining from sorrowful practices by eating food that was given to man in the beginning, and by wearing modest apparel, because of the separation from the world that these denials make, we are led again to cry out, All these things are against us.
But when we realize the sacrifice that Jesus made for us; that we have no abiding city here, that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow in his footsteps, it is enough; we’ll bear the toil; and as God has called us to virtue and honesty, while we behold the prosperity of the wicked, that there are no restraints, their eyes stand out with fatness, they increase in riches, they are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued, we are inclined to be envious; but as a safeguard to this let us keep the truth bright before our eyes,—the destiny of the wicked, the reward of the righteous, the saints’ inheritance—and we will not be envious at their prosperity and will realize that by the wise design of the Almighty, riches are withheld from us many times. What our hands find to do let us do, but let our affections be on the heavenly treasure.
I would also say that our Monthly Meetings are abundantly blessed of the Lord, that every evidence of approval is given for the effort that the brethren make in gathering together.
WM. W. FIELD.\n\nIowa, Feb. 6, 1866.
Sister N. J. Lucas writes from Maine: We are taught in 1st John iii, 4, that sin is the transgression of the law. Oh! how careful we should be to keep the whole law of God. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light,” Rom. xiii, 12. I believe we are living in the time when the dragon is wroth with the woman, and is making war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. xii, 17. I desire to be more like my blessed Master. I want to be meek, humble, and forgiving. Thank God! if we keep his holy commandments we shall be. Jesus is about finishing his closing work. He lingers a little while longer to plead for sinful man. It is but a little while longer, that he will plead. He will then lay aside his priestly robes, and come as King. Oh! who does not want to see the King in his beauty, and hear him say, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?” May it be, dear reader, your happy lot and mine, if living when the Lord comes, to be caught up to meet him in the air; or, if sleeping in the grave, to have a part in the first resurrection.
Bro. Wm. Harris writes from Port Byron, N. Y.: I would like to let the friends know where I stand, as I do not see a believer in the truth once in two or three years. I have not been to meeting since the tent meeting at Port Byron, my companion not being able to ride 30 or 40 miles to meeting. But I find by reading the Review that I am not the only one that is deprived of the company of those of like precious faith.
A year ago, my health being poor, I was advised to take a patent right to sell. I had to borrow to travel with. I spent in that way about fifty dollars, and came home sick, without selling a dollar’s worth; This is all the experience I want in patent rights. I pen these lines to warn others. But the Lord is very merciful; and I can say to-day, that I love the Advent doctrine. It brings my Saviour near. The Review comes to us weekly, laden with precious fruit. Its sermons are meat in due season. The Review possesses more than threefold interest since the enlargement. In most every paper I find something new, some new light, showing us the mile posts as we travel along. I desire to take warning by the admonitions, that I may overcome all my besetting sins, and with you be remembered when Jesus comes.
From Sister Stansell.
By Mrs. A. F. Stansell
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is a long time since I have availed myself of the great privilege of contributing my mite to the letter department of the Review; but I would like to have my brethren and sisters know that I still love the Lord, and am trying to obey his commandments. I have sought to excuse myself from writing, from feelings of unworthiness, ill health, &c.; but for fear it is a plot of the enemy to keep me from duty, I waive everything, and try to tell something of my experience, praying that by the blessing of God it may encourage some.
In the fall of 1864, I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, according to the commandment. I was greatly blessed by so doing, and have never regretted taking a stand with the people of God. I have ever felt grateful to my blessed Saviour for calling upon me, and as it were, snatching me from evil influences which seemed closing around me. The Lord was pleased to give me much faith and strength, and blessings in abundance. I felt rich, and thought I could meet with Christian fortitude the trials of life. But after struggling along for two or three years, and when earth held to my lips the bitterest cup, a wife and mother can know, and meeting the enemy upon every side, although I had not forgotten where to go for strength and help, yet somewhere, and somehow, fear crept in, and like Peter I found myself sinking. With dismay did I discover the distance widening between myself and my God. I felt I had lost his favor, and his face was turned from me. I got no blessing and felt forsaken by everybody. I asked myself, What does this mean? The Lord has blessed me much in times past, oh, very much! If I am not blessed now it must be my fault. I tried to see where I had made crooked paths. I knew I was not perfect, but I strove a long time to discover wherein I had caused so much divine displeasure, and why I was left alone, thus to struggle with great afflictions. I said, Well I cannot see what the trouble is with my natural eyes, surely, but Lord grant that I may have the eye-salve. Oh! I beseech thee, show me myself as thou seest me. I know that thou hast not forsaken me, but it is I that have forsaken thee. Have mercy, Lord, and remove thy frown far from me, or I am lost, lost. I know I am all unworthy of thy notice, but hast thou not said that “there should not a sparrow fall to the ground without thee.” In the name of Jesus I plead. Hear me; for I will not cease until thou shalt show me myself as thou seest me.
The Lord granted my prayer, I believe, for dark spots began to loom up before me, not a few, and seemingly real sins came trooping along one after another, and I was astonished; I was frightened, ashamed. Things that I had deemed but errors, faults perhaps, now looked black and enormous, and I had dared to wonder why I was not blessed with these sins all uncancelled. Now I wondered why the Lord had dealt so graciously with me, and why he had not stricken me from existence for my ingratitude and weakness in complaining of earth's trials and afflictions, for my lack of faith and trust, after I had, in times past, been so signally blessed; for, my dear friends, I could tell you how God has blessed me. But how weak and unworthy we are in ourselves. When I think of the joys and triumphs of Heaven so freely offered to the overcomer, and of the sufferings of our dear Saviour, I want to hide myself from him for very shame. But the Lord has been merciful to me, and I feel to humble myself in the dust before him, and thank him for his great love to unworthy me. I do want to make a complete sacrifice; lay all upon the altar. I believe I can now joyfully say, Strip me of all, O Lord, and yet will I take up the thread of life, naked, poor, despised and forsaken by all but thee, and struggle on to the blessed end which we all know is so gloriously near. Thank the Lord! Then will I see thee as thou art, my Deliverer and King. Is it not comforting to know that if faithful we shall so soon be released? To overcome the world with all its bitterness and gall, is worth nothing in comparison with the riches and joys of Heaven. I desire to be faithful and have on the whole armor; for in these days we must stand firmly for the Lord.
I commenced to read the Bible through about five months ago, and have been much blessed. Oh! who could be an infidel, or believe the Bible not inspired, after reading it in its connections? We have never had any preaching at this place, but look forward to that time with cheerful hope, while our prayer is that God will raise up more laborers for his vineyard.
I love the Review, and have been greatly cheered by the testimonies of brethren and sisters. May we all heed the last message of warning, and so be ready to meet our Saviour.
MRS. A. F. STANSELL.
Kent Co., Mich.
From Sister Cook.
By Mary M. Cook.
BRO. SMITH: I feel better acquainted with you now, and can address you more heartily than before reading “Thoughts on the Revelation,” which has been a sweet feast to me. Being often cheered by the testimonies of those I love, in the paper, I feel it my duty to write, and should write oftener but for a feeling of unworthiness; yet I am so much indebted to present truth, how can I keep still? I enlisted under its banner over three years ago, and have no evil report to bring. I love it in all its bearings—the new rays of light make it the more lovely. I pity those who find no charms in them.
The first year we came here there was scarcely a listening ear for truth. We kept up meetings in our house every Sabbath, there being most of the time only our family; but it is very different now. When we are all together there is quite a little flock, fifteen adults. Our four children and one of Bro. Hackett’s have lately taken a stand to go with us to the goodly land. Our meetings and Bible Class are interesting. The Lord blesses us. But we need help. We have no organization, no one prepared to administer the ordinances. Several are anxious to be baptized. We hope the ministerial brethren will seriously consider our situation. We know there are many calls, but can any need help more than we? Come and help us.
MARY M. COOK.
Kansas, Feb., 1868.
From Bro. Schellhous.
By L. Schellhous
BRO. SMITH: Permit me once more to write a few lines to the dear brethren who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I still feel grateful to my heavenly Father for his goodness to me in preserving my life and giving health, and above all a disposition to do his will, and to obey his righteous laws, also to try to follow the instruction given to the remnant people through Spiritual Gifts. I am glad that the way to the heavenly city is made so plain that if we heed the heavenly instructions we need not fear. Though rugged be the pathway, yet I would praise the Lord that we are almost through. But a little while longer if we are faithful, and we shall behold the King in his beauty where we shall bask in his smiles forevermore.
It is now over ten years since I first was led to the light, through the instruction of our dearly beloved Bro. Bates and Waggoner, who pointed out the truth so plain I could not resist it. If I had turned away from it, I should have no hope of salvation for myself. I praise the Lord that he has opened my eyes to behold the great truth of the blessed word of God.
Perhaps some of our dear brethren would like to hear how the little church in Colon is getting along. We are a scattered people. The members that compose this little church live quite a distance apart, from five to twelve miles, yet we try to hold our Sabbath meetings regularly. We meet every Sabbath. We hope in the name of the Lord and always receive a blessing. We are not discouraged in trying to serve the Lord, and to be prepared for his coming.
Yours striving to overcome. 0L. SCHELLHOUS.
Colon, Mich.
From Bro. Vanard.
By Wm. Vanard
BRO. SMITH: As I have not the privilege of getting within talking distance of but few of the brethren and sisters, I will try to speak a few words to them through the paper for the first time. We as a little church at McConnell's grove, Ill., are still trying to hold on to the truth. Though I do not often have the privilege of meeting with the church through the winter, I am favored with the weekly visits of the Review, for which I feel to praise the Lord. Among the best are the sermons. They are all the preaching that we have had in this neighborhood for a year and a half. I love the truth and hope to be sanctified through it. I ask an interest in the prayers of all my companions in tribulation, that I may be enabled to go through with you to Mount Zion.
I would also express my thanks for the health reform. I think it is a very important part of the last message to the church of God; for before we can be prepared for translation, we must have healthy bodies and sound minds. May the Lord help us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God, that we may be able to stand in the trying day.
WM. VANARD.
Stephenson Co., Ill.
“THAT man,” said Sydney Smith, “is not the discoverer of art who first says the thing; but he who says it so long, so loud, and so clearly, that he compels mankind to hear him.
THE grumblers about the snow are abusing the mud. Ere long they will have a chance to vituperate the dust.
BELIEVE an experienced man.
BROTHER FULLER NEEDS ASSISTANCE.
By John Nevins Andrews; James White
Bro. White and myself each wrote an appeal in behalf of this dear brother several weeks since, which we suppose failed to reach the Review Office. In accordance with the judgment of Bro. White, I write again on the same matter.
Bro. Fuller and several members of his family have had a long, and very dangerous run of typhoid fever. He was brought to death's door, and for a time his life was despaired of. We have no doubt that his life has been spared in answer to the earnest prayers of the people of God. But this long-continued prostration of Bro. F. and of a portion of his family has subjected him to very heavy expense. I learn that he had to borrow $300 during his sickness, and probably this does not cover all the expense of that period of affliction.
Bro. F., with partially restored strength, now seeks his place again in this sacred work. But he is crippled with this heavy debt, and cannot meet it without sacrificing his home. Is it not a pleasure to those who have something of this world's goods, to send relief to Bro. Fuller? There are several excellent reasons why this should be done.
1. Bro. Fuller's sickness was occasioned by laboring in the work of God far beyond his strength.
2. We have no man in our ranks who is more ready to bear burdens and to labor without regarding his own convenience or interest, or even life, than Bro. F.
3. Bro. F. knows the value of means, and will not waste it. His life has been one of industry, frugality, and temperance; and he has ever been more ready to regard the wants of other preachers than his own.
4. Here is our opportunity to lay up a treasure in Heaven. The 26th chapter of Matthew shows that the day of Judgment is to be largely occupied in inquiring into our actions in just such cases as these. Means bestowed in this way is so much treasure in the bank of Heaven, to draw compound interest to all eternity.
I write this appeal not from any request on Bro. Fuller's part, for he has ever been unwilling that anything should thus be asked for himself, but from a knowledge of the facts, and from a deep conviction of duty. In connection with a former statement of this matter which did not reach the Review, Bro. and Sr. White and myself sent to Bro. F. what we were able to send, which is receipted in a recent number of the Review. We are not full of money, but cannot be denied the privilege of having some share in this noble work. Let others who feel as we do, show it by their acts.
J. N. ANDREWS.
With the above statements relative to Bro. N. Fuller I most fully agree. I regret that my statement of his case, and appeal to the brethren in his behalf, endorsed by remarks from Bro. Andrews, failed to reach the Office, as we conclude, as it has not appeared in the Review. We sent him a draft for $25, five for Bro. Andrews, five for sister Jeffrey, and ten for self and Mrs. W. I shall soon meet some one who will hand me the other five. Brethren, please read again the article headed “The Cause,” in the last Review. Bro. Fuller was before my mind as I wrote. You can send your donations to the Review Office, to Eld. N. Fuller, Niles, Allegany Co., N. Y., or to me at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.
JAMES WHITE.
OUR VISIT IN JACKSON AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, MICH.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
January 30, I left the Institute for Parma. On Sabbath, Feb. 1, met with brethren in Monthly Meeting, from Jackson, Tompkins, Leslie, Rives, and Hanover, at the house of Bro. A. L. Burwell.
The Lord gave freedom in speaking on the great preparatory work of heart and life, to stand when the Son of man appeareth. A solemn heart-searching spirit rested upon the minds of the people of God. Testimonies were borne with freedom and good results. A deep interest was manifested for the children present. They were moved to tears, and it seemed that they were almost persuaded to be Christians. One sister who had become discouraged by the way, resolved anew to keep the Sabbath. As we look back to this meeting, we think it may be counted among those which have proved a source of encouragement to the children of the Lord.
The next day, in company with Bro. and Sr. Carpenter of Battle Creek, we accompanied Bro. and Sr. W. Carpenter to their good home in Hanover. The dyspeptic has reason to be thankful for the rich, hygienic diet with which their table is daily spread. While the food here is healthful for the feeble, it is also suitable and abundantly nutritious for the hard-working man. Bro. C. states that before adopting their present system of diet, his health was considered to be in a critical condition. One physician proposed to have him try a course of medical treatment, as his only hope of good health. But instead of this he laid aside animal food and other stimulating articles, substituting a fruit, vegetable, and graham diet; the result of which is he has regained his health and strength, learned how to live, and has no doctor's bill to pay.
On second-day, Bro. C. carried me to Hillsdale, 16 miles. Some say that this was the coldest morning they have known in Mich. for quite a number of years, though the thermometer stood only about 25 or 29 deg. below zero.
On fourth-day, Bro. Gleason furnished me a team to go to Allen, where I went accompanied by Bro. J. D. Morton, to visit our afflicted Bro. J. H. Thompson, who lost the use of his lower limbs during a severe sickness something over a year since, in which time he took much powerful and poisonous medicine. I think his physicians (he had three) differ not so much as to the injurious effect of these medicines upon him, as to which one administered them.
This young brother spent a few weeks at the Health Institute, where he embraced the faith of the soon coming of the Saviour and the Bible Sabbath, and received baptism when Bro. White and Andrews were at Battle Creek last Oct. He still cherishes an ardent love for these truths, and has an affectionate regard for the people of his choice. The interview with him and his friends was a pleasant one.
The kind mother of Bro. T. having been brought up a Sabbath-keeper, must be assured that her worthy son occupies a position on the Sabbath, sustained by the word of God.
Thursday evening, I spoke to the brethren in Hillsdale on the purity of heart requisite to stand when Jesus shall come in all his glory. It had been a rough and boisterous day, and the notice of the meeting being short, not many were present. But the good Spirit was with us, and the interview we enjoyed together was encouraging.
While in this place, I visited the family of deacon S. B. Dyer, a F. W. Baptist brother, whom I have ever esteemed as a man of firm religious principles, and a genuine friend. To his pleasant home in Manchester, N. H., I used to be kindly welcomed while laboring with that people. There we have felt our hearts united in Christian love and sympathy, and together have been refreshed by the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit.
But nearly sixteen years had rolled away since last we met in the East, marking their changes in the world fast ripening for its final doom, and bringing the children of God thus much nearer their glorious home in the mansions of the redeemed, purchased by the suffering Son of God. At this time, I was examining the subject of the Sabbath of the Lord, which I soon embraced, and, by divine aid, left my former brethren; yet I could not forget the precious seasons with these friends in the past, nor love them less for the light which shone upon my pathway, nor feel a less degree of interest for their salvation. Though their interests and sympathies are closely connected with their denomination, yet they seem free from that cold, bitter prejudice which others have sometimes manifested against the truth, and against those who have conscientiously separated themselves from the churches for the truth's sake. They speak of our brethren in H. with Christian respect and esteem. May God bless them and lead them to a candid, prayerful investigation of the truth on the Bible Sabbath, and to its reception; also the clear, harmonious truth of the immediate coming of our Lord and Saviour, which shines forth so brightly from the pages of his sacred word. May they share with the suffering saints of God in their cross-bearing, self-denying life, in these last days, and when the Life-giver shall come to gather his saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice, may we together share the unspeakable reward of immortality and eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Sabbath, the 8th, I met with the brethren in Hanover. A few were present from Hillsdale. This meeting was calculated to help those who love the truth, and who hold themselves in readiness to receive it and try to live it out, though at a great sacrifice and self-denial. God will bless and strengthen such, and they will harmoniously move on with the body, and with them receive the reward of well-doing.
"Courage then, ye faint and weary,
Linger not to weep and mourn."
Sabbath, the 15th, I spoke to the brethren again at the house of Bro. Burwell, from Rev. xiv, 5. As we considered the living holiness and spotless purity to which we must attain, before we should be prepared to stand with the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "without fault," and in his sight be "holy and unblamable and unreprovable," we felt desirous of greater zeal, more earnestness and consecration in the work of overcoming. The change of heart and life which we must yet experience is great; but God and the dear Saviour and good angels and the Holy Spirit will help and finally perfect the work, if we believe and obey the Lord in all things. May these dear saints be encouraged thus to do.
On the evenings of the 17th and 18th, I attended meetings in Tompkins. The first evening I spoke to a crowded room of brethren and sisters and friends, at the house of Bro. Giles, on the coming of the Lord. Showed that that event would come upon the wicked as a thief, while men cry, "Peace and safety." But not so to the church of God; for says Paul, "Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness," and adds, "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." I Thess. v. The attitude of the last church will be a watching and waiting one for this glorious day of deliverance. The last meeting was appointed for prayer-meeting; but I spoke some 35 minutes on the theme of salvation.189These meetings seemed decidedly advantageous to the cause here. The son of Bro. and Sr. Bramhall came forward as a candidate for baptism. Three other young friends expressed a desire to go with the people of the Lord. May they be fully decided to be wholly the Lord's.
Bro. Bramhall kindly conveyed us to this place, and others where we wished to go. May he and other dear brethren have their reward for their kindness to us.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Health Institute, B. C., Feb. 24, 1868.
IMPEACHMENT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The past week has been one of excitement in the national capital. The order from President Johnson removing Edwin M. Stanton from the War Office, and appointing in his place Maj. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, without the consent or concurrence of the Senate, brought the impeachment question to a crisis in the House of Representatives. On Monday, Feb. 24, it was voted by 126 against 47, to impeach the President of the United States of high crimes and misdemeanors; and a committee of seven were appointed to prepare articles of impeachment, and report to the Senate. They appeared at a little past one, P. M., Feb. 25, when Stevens of Pa., leaning on the arm of Bingham of Ohio, “in a deep and somewhat tremulous voice,” says the reporter, addressed the Vice President as follows:
“Mr. President—We appear before you, and in the name of the House of Representatives, and of all the people of the United States, we do impeach Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, of high crimes and misdemeanors in office; and we further inform the Senate that in due time we will exhibit the particulars of his impeachment, and demand that the Senate take order for the appearance of the said Andrew Johnson.”
“Mr. Wade said: ‘The Senate will take order in the premises.’”
“Senator Howard rose and moved that the message of the House relating to the impeachment of Andrew Johnson be referred to a special committee of seven, to examine and report thereon, which was adopted.
“The committee then returned to the House, and notified the Speaker that they had performed the duties assigned to them; and that the Senate took cognizance to the same.”
It was thought the committee would be prepared to report articles of impeachment to the Senate, as soon as Feb. 29, but up to our going to press, March 1, nothing definite has been received on the point.
REPORT FROM BRO. BYINGTON.
By John Byington
I held meeting Sabbath, Feb. 15, at the house of Bro. Briggs, in Vevey, Ingham Co., Mich. Two large rooms were nearly full. The Lord met with us by his reviving Spirit, and all seemed encouraged. This brother is almost alone in this town. He embraced the truth under the preaching of Bro. Frisbie, some three years since.
On first-day I had meeting in Alaiedon, also Monday evening. I had two meetings here in December. This is all the preaching there has ever been by Seventh-day Adventists in this town. There is evidently an ear to hear. I should have remained with them could I have done the work. They request Bro. Cornell to visit them. Bro. H. A. Wetherbee and Bro. Cornelius Smith are the only families of Seventh-day Adventists in the town. Bro. Smith will meet Bro. Cornell at Mason, if he will give seasonable notice, and take him to his house, seven miles. His P. O. is Mason.
Tuesday evening I had meeting in Leslie. Our brethren here are getting more awake, and I hope more united. Some without were with us, which made all Bro. Richmond could seat in his house. I have been kept at home for two months past with a severe cough, and had well nigh concluded my work was done. Through the mercy and goodness of the Lord I am some better. J. BYINGTON.
Worship in New York.
A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial gives the following description of fashionable worship at the present day, in New York city. Making all due allowance for the sarcasm of his style, he states facts which show the fallen and lifeless condition of the churches, and which cannot be denied. He writes thus:
“I was inveigled into attending a fashionable church, last Sunday, on the promise held out that I would hear some of the most heavenly music ever vouchsafed to human ears. So far as pleasing the senses went, I was perfectly gratified. The organ of said fashionable church is a superb instrument, and the same may be said of the tenor, and bass, and indeed every voice hired for the occasion.
This is the style of thing in New York, and the churches vie with each other in getting up first class orchestral accompaniments to what they are pleased to call divine worship. In one aristocratic circle of the Lord’s elect, a negro minstrel leads the choir, and in all of them hired voices—if not from the opera, at least from professional sources—praise God in machine music.
I don’t profess to be so pious as to be shocked beyond recovery at this sort of thing. The poor girl from the opera, or the harmonious nigger from the minstrels, may have much heart, and true prayer in her or his soul, when pouring out the praise the sweet voice makes acceptable, but I am disgusted at the spirit which procures the music as an entertainment, and a boast, rather than an effort to offer thanks to the Lord in the sweetest gift granted the human family.
While one sweet, clear voice went soaring up, like a bird, in music stolen from the Catholic church and the opera, I felt that a round of applause, with a subdued cry of “bravo,” and “encore” would be appropriate. This is the spirit that pervades the congregation. All sense of religion was lost in admiration of the singer, and a mean pride of being equal, if not superior, in the way of music, to any other church in New York. Not long since, a congregation of a fashionable church “up town,” was startled by a new voice, that thrilled the souls of all, with clear tones and perfect execution. “Who was she,” passed from mouth to mouth, as the congregation poured out. A few knowing ones could answer that the sweet voiced tenor was from the Olympic, and could be seen, very much of her, any night, in the “Black Crook.” Well, the poor girl who makes a precarious living by an exhibition of her legs, may be as pure as any of said congregation, and therefore possessed of the same right to lift her voice in praise, especially as that voice is a sweet one, and one of God’s best gifts. But then, it is not in accordance with the received ideas to which you and I have been educated.
This sort of church music is but part of the ostentation that makes up two-thirds of the religion here. It is not very extensive—only one-tenth of the population claim to be religious, and if we count out the Catholics, Universalists, and the Hebrews, the number is still less. And these three named are counted out by the Young Men’s Christian Association, for I notice in the advertisements put up in prominent places, directing strangers to places of worship in New York,190these three are not honored with a place. Probably this is right enough, as one of the strangers in New York I make no complaint. If the Y. M. C. Association had omitted the advertisement altogether I would not complain. But, as I was saying, but a small part of New York make profession of religion, and those who do make only profession.
I notice from statistics, lately published, that New York has five hundred and eighty-one ministers, and five hundred and eighty barbers. Singular coincidence that, and very illustrative of the condition of religion in the great commercial heart of the Union.
Religion here is ostentatious, and it is a cheap sort of ostentation. It does not break out in huge cathedrals and ministers, as the blind faith of the dark ages did in Europe, when delicate spires rose, cloud-capped, to be worshiped by art through all coming time. It expends its religious fervor in paint and putty. The churches are small and insignificant, but the upholstery is immense. We have here the church of the Sainted Zebra, and the church of the Holy Grapevine. They are wonderful in their way—their way being the upholstery.
How close we cast our little vanities to the river of death, I thought, while gazing at a congregation dressed as carefully and gaily as if gotten up for an opera. The preacher, one of the five hundred, would have been as much at home in the barber-shop as in the pulpit. He might lack faith, he certainly lacked sense, but he was eminently respectable. St. Peter might shake hands with him and not lose caste—St. Peter might, with entire security, introduce the parson to the other eleven. I rather think the parson would require an introduction. And my ugly thoughts grew grotesque. Suppose, speaking of introductions, that the meek and lowly Saviour, who once trod our earth, barefooted and sore, the friend of the poor and down-trodden, who took no heed of what they should wear, should enter and seek a seat in this temple erected to his glory. How quickly that keen-eyed sexton would seize on him and lead him out.
If the music was paid for, the preaching was conventional. I never heard a more powerful discourse on the sweetness of holiness and the sinfulness of sin; and it must have pleased every one, for no one’s conscience could have been touched. So far as phraseology went, it was just such an elaboration as a Hebrew rabbi might have given to a congregation of Moses and sons, eighteen hundred years ago in Jerusalem. I thought of what M. E. Conway once said to me on a like occasion: “Well, if these merchants are not Jews in their dealings, they are certainly Hebrews in their prayers.”
It is not my province to be theological, but as we moved slowly out to the music of a fashionable galop played on the organ, I could not help thinking that in these degenerate days there were just two sects left that were in earnest and meant business—one is the Catholic and the other the Methodist. They have convictions; the rest have sentiments. Outside of these, from the tallest steeple and the heaviest upholstery of New York down to the gifted Gaddis’ “dear little congregation,” it strikes the undersigned as all fringe-work.
There, now, you have my Sunday’s experience, and Sunday’s reflections in New York, and I am ready to apologize to the five hundred and odd clergymen, or the five hundred and odd barbers, “if any I have offended.”