THE following letter will truly be of painful interest to our readers. Sister More was known to the readers of the Review as a self-sacrificing, devoted servant of God, who embraced the Sabbath in her missionary field in Africa. We were pleased to enjoy a visit from her here in Battle Creek, and hoped she might remain with us for future usefulness. It was expected she would make her home with Bro. White, but Providence has determined otherwise; to its dispensation we bow, confident that she will not sleep long. While we mourn her loss, and hope to meet her in the coming resurrection morn, let us try to manifest the same spirit of self-denial, of cross-bearing, of enlarged Christian benevolence, that marked her life of toil and danger. We would express our thanks to Eld. Thompson for his kind remembrance of us in this our mutual affliction.
J. H. W.
J. M. ALDRICH, BATTLE CREEK:
Dear Brother.—Many of your readers will be painfully interested in the following communication:
MISS HANNAH MORE, for many years a missionary to Africa, and known to many of your friends in Battle Creek and other places, came to visit me, last summer, as we had labored together for years in the same Mission in Africa.
She expected to have gone to live with Bro. White, of Greenville, but the arrangements were not concluded in time for her to leave before navigation closed, which shut us up for the winter. Of course, she could not leave, and remained in my family, hoping to go to Bro. White's in the spring; but the All-wise, who cannot err, had other things in store for Miss More—she has been called to a higher and more useful field.
Our winters here are long (5 to 6 months), and the doctor said she had not vitality enough to endure it. She was attacked with congestion of the stomach, from which she suffered much for a number of weeks in the night season—being about during the day—but for the last four days, she suffered night and day, very greatly, and died on Monday, March 2, at 1½ o'clock. She had her senses, and was not only willing, but anxious, to die, and go home; often prayed for this, with submission to the divine will; often exclaimed, “Let me go. Do not cling to me. Do not prolong my sufferings. O Lord, how long ere thou wilt come, and take me to thyself?” I preached her funeral sermon from, “Having a desire to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better;” words she repeated in her sickness, as expressive of her feelings.
All classes gathered at the funeral—Protestants, and Catholics, and she was decently buried in the Concord burying-ground, on the east side of Carp Lake, to await the resurrection morn (unless her friends should wish to come and get her body before). She was 59 years old, on the 22d of last November.
Her life has been one of toil and usefulness. Though I do not agree with Advent views, it will be of interest to your readers to know that she said, “In view of death, I find comfort in my principles, and believe Thou comest.”
Your brother in Christ, GEORGE THOMPSON.
Leland, Leelanau Co., Mich.
REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By P. C. Rodman
My last report left me at the Washington, N. H., Monthly Meeting, held Feb. 1 and 2. This was a profitable meeting. It was very cold, and snow had so blocked up the roads that there was not so large a gathering as would have been; but the Lord was with us, and helped in bearing testimony, so that his people were comforted and quickened. In an inquiry meeting held, thirteen offered themselves for baptism, but the morning the baptism was to have taken place was so very cold that it was thought best to postpone it until I could come again; so, after holding eight meetings, giving six discourses, and helping them what I could, on the 6th, left for my next appointment at Amherst, going as far as Manchester, where I shared Bro. Smith's hospitable home until Sabbath morning, when he took me to the place of meeting. Found a small company of interested brethren and sisters together. Spoke in the forenoon about 35 minutes, then gave liberty, when nearly every one present spoke with interest. In the afternoon, spoke on the oneness of God's people, with freedom. Truth was well received. First-day, spoke twice on prophecy. The Spirit of God rested on us, helping us in speaking, and I trust good was done. This church is young in present truth, and needs help, and it appears to me that labor could be profitably bestowed here. I learn since I was there one man and his wife have decided to obey the Lord. Brethren, the Lord does attend his word, and give power to truth. Present truth points out present danger, and is salvation to them that believe.
After calling on a few of this dear people, doing what we could to help them on in the narrow way, on the 11th, Bro. Mace took me back to Manchester. On237the following evening, by request, preached at the house of Bro. Wise, first-day Adventist. Quite a number in. They appeared much interested; hope they will follow on to know the Lord and his truth more perfectly. On the 13th, started for Peterboro, and reached Bro. Hastings' at 4, P. M. Found himself and wife pressing on in the good work. The next day, he carried me to Peterboro. Here, attended the ordinances, and afterward re-arranged S. B. It was raised from about $80 to $120, all to N. E. Mission.
After holding seven meetings, speaking six times, celebrating the ordinances, assisting to re-arrange S. B., and calling on several families, I left this people. They having decided to engage anew in the work, I hope they will have preaching more than once this year; for they appreciate help, and, with a little effort, I think others could be gathered in to go with them to Mount Zion.
The 20th, started for Washington. Came on to Stoddard, and Bro. Dodge kindly took me to his house, where we tried to be useful in encouraging his household. The 21st, was carried by Bro. Dodge over to Washington. On Sabbath morning, spoke from Titus ii, 11-13. One man, at the close of our discourse, confessed he had opposed the truth and this people, and as a result, had lost his religion, but was desirous of taking up his cross, and going with them. The meeting closed, and eleven young persons were buried by baptism into death, and, I trust, raised to walk in newness of life. The following evening, attended the ordinances. This was solemn and interesting, and, I hope, profitable to all. The 23d, by request, preached in the Town Hall at the village. It was very cold and windy. The thermometer stood 15 deg. below zero, but quite a number came in. The 24th left Washington, and rode with Bro. Smith and Mace to Manchester, they having come to this meeting, so as to have me go to Amherst, and spend a few weeks with them; but I had sent an appointment to Lancaster, Mass., for the 25th and 26th, so the 25th, started to fill the same, hoping to be able to go to Amherst in April or May. I continued in Lancaster until the 4th of March, giving eight discourses to a few interested hearers. Some were convinced of the truth, and I hope will obey and be saved. Bro. Haskell having been called home from R. I., it appeared duty for me to leave, as the interest in R. I. appeared to demand some one there; so I left matters in the care of the Lord, trusting him to direct Bro. H. in helping on the work in Lancaster.
I called at home, staying about thirty-six hours; then went to Green Hill, and gave two discourses on the Sabbath. Evening after the Sabbath, preached at Washington school-house, and the following day and evening. There is a good interest among the people to hear, in this vicinity, as the result, partly, of Bro. Haskell's labors. I hope some will embrace the truth.
Dear brethren, with whom I have labored in weakness, and tried to do good, God bless you, and help you to draw nigh to him in cheerfully doing all his will as it is being taught us under the third angel's message, that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
The Lord is in this work, and directs it according to the counsel of his own will. We cannot improve any portion of it, if we try; so let us show our faith in God and his word by following on as he leads the way with instruments of his own choosing, and so submit to his wisdom in leading his people here; for he will no more err here, than when he, by Moses, led them out of Egypt. P. C. RODMAN.
Shannock. R. I.
LETTER FROM SISTER MEAD.
By James White
The following letter from our afflicted sister Mead, giving a more perfect sketch of the sufferings of herself and husband, will be read with interest. All the friends of the Lord can pray for the blessing of God to rest upon this dear family, and will be glad to learn that their prospect brightens. And a few are comforted with the fact that they have given them substantial assistance.
JAMES WHITE.
Dear Bro. and Sr. White: The appeal that you have made in our behalf through the paper was quite unexpected to us. We appreciate your kindness, and receive it as an unmerited favor. We know, of course, that you must have written from memory of what you have heard from others and from us. We gave you no connected account of our afflictions, at any one time, with the dates, and, considering your numerous cares, we do not think it strange at all that your mind should not be clear in regard to the particulars and dates. With the most of the readers of the Review, it would make no difference. Others who have known the circumstances, may think a little strange. We have thought it might be well for me to write you some of the particulars, and leave it to your judgment altogether whether to make any corrections, or to let it rest as it is.
In the fall of 1859, my health failed, and I was feeble through the winter and spring with slow fevers and dyspepsia. In 1860, my husband overdid in haying, a very warm week in August. His health, never the best, sunk under it. For months, he scarcely felt able to do anything. Sometimes he has been so as to do some light work, but has never been able to endure any hardship since. When my husband's health failed, it threw an additional burden of care and hardship upon me before I had regained my strength, and in November, I ran down again with slow fever, dyspepsia, and general debility, and was all winter and spring getting up again. Was sick again the fall of 1861, and was poorly all winter. I got about so I did the work for my family a while in the summer again, but felt that my strength was weakness. The fall of 1862, my health failed again, and I have never been able to do housework since. In Sept., 1863, I had a fever, followed by congestion of the liver, and was left in a very bad state of health. Was mostly confined to my bed for a year. Then I commenced gaining very slowly so that by the aid of a cane, I began to walk about the house a little.
The first of 1866, my husband's health was the best it had been for some time. In July, he fell from the top of the barn into the yard below. I had lain down to rest. We heard the noise. The hired girl stepped to the door, and told me that he had fallen, and she feared he was killed. I sprang from the bed, and went to the window, and saw him lying perfectly motionless with the ladder upon him. The girl ran to him, and said he was dead. I told her to take the ladder from him, and turn him over. She was very much frightened, and came away, and screamed for help. I told her to go back, take off the ladder, and turn him over. She did so. I asked her if he breathed. She said, “No, he is dead.” I had not walked so far for nearly three years, but felt that I must go. I took my cane, and started. Before I reached him, I saw that he was breathing very heavily, and I sat down exhausted. Help soon came, and bore him to the house. I started to go in, but fainted on the way. For days he lay between life and death, all unconscious of his own sufferings, and the sympathy of friends around him. In about a week, he could comprehend what had happened, but was wandering in his mind at times, for some time afterward. He gained strength in a few weeks so he could walk about, but there was a very strange, unnatural feeling about his head. His mind seemed beclouded. He seemed a great deal of the time like a person bewildered. Then he sunk into a state of great debility and prostration of the nervous system, and also into great despondency and distress of mind. Since then, he has suffered a great deal as you know, in body and mind. But now, with humble gratitude, I can say I think his prospect is more encouraging.
Yours as ever, SARAH P. MEAD.
In regard to the case of the injured sister A. G., we would say in reply to the questions of J. H. W., that it is a feature in the cases of most who have been overtaken in sin, as her husband has, that they have no real sense of their villainy. Some, however, do, and are restored to the church; but not till they have merited the confidence of the people of God by unqualified confessions, and a period of sincere repentance. This case presents difficulties not found in some, and we would add only the following:
1. In cases of the violation of the seventh commandment, where the guilty party does not manifest true repentance, if the injured party can obtain a divorce without making their own cases and that of their children, if they have them, worse by so doing, they should be free.
2. If they would be liable to place themselves and their children in worse condition by a divorce, we know of no scripture that would make the innocent party guilty by remaining.
3. Time, and labor, and prayer, and patience, and faith, and a godly life, might work a reform. To live with one who has broken the marriage vows, and is covered all over with the disgrace and shame of guilty love, and realizes it not, is an eating canker to the soul; and yet, a divorce is a life-long, heart-felt sore. God pity the innocent party. Marriage should be considered well before contracted.
4. Why! oh, why! will men and women who might be respectable, and good, and reach Heaven at last, sell themselves to the Devil so cheap, wound their bosom friends, disgrace their families, bring a reproach upon the cause, and go to hell at last? God have mercy. Why will not those who are overtaken in crime manifest repentance proportionate to the enormity of their crime, and fly to Christ for mercy, and heal, as far as possible, the wounds they have made?
5. But, if they will not do as they should, and if the innocent have forfeited the legal right to a divorce, by living with the guilty after his guilt is known, we do not see that sin rests upon the innocent in remaining, and her moral right in departing seems questionable, if her health and life be not greatly endangered in so remaining.
6. As in the days of Noah, one of the signs of these times is a passion for injudicious and hasty marriages. Satan is in this. If Paul could remain single, and recommend the same to others, that he and they might be wholly the Lord's, why not those who would be wholly his, and wish to make a sure thing of avoiding the cares, trials, and bitter anguish, so frequent in the experiences of those who choose the married life, remain as he was? And more, if he chose to remain so, and could recommend it to others, eighteen centuries since, would not to remain as he was, be a commendable course for those who are waiting for the coming of the Son of man, unless evidences were unquestionable that they were bettering their condition, and making Heaven more sure by so doing? When so much is at stake, why not be on the sure side every time?
JAMES WHITE,
ELLEN G. WHITE.
REPORT.
By John Matteson
Soon after my last report I finished the meetings in English. There is no prospect of doing much more good among them at present. A few have commenced to obey the truth, and some have not yet decided. There are some men, in this vicinity, of moral worth and experience, who would exert a good influence if they take a firm stand for the truth. But they still wait. I trust that the truth will yet come off victorious. There has not been much opposition openly, but the opposition has been carried on the more effectually in secret. I know several houses where one of the family would like to obey, but they are kept back by the rest. I leave this in the hands of the Lord, till a greater power shall loosen the bands of Babylon.
The last two weeks I have labored more exclusively with the Danish friends, and tried to get them ready for organization. The Lord has worked with us, and blessed us above our highest expectations. My care and anxiety for these dear souls grew, as one test after another came up. Sleep departed from me. My body grew weak. Last Wednesday I was not able to stand up in the meeting. I sat down and preached on the tithing system, and the precious promises of the Lord to such as honor him in this respect. The Lord blessed. Afterward Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $133.00 a year. Twenty brethren and sisters have covenanted together to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. A leader was chosen, also a Clerk and Treasurer. Their old idols were banished. Spiritual Gifts were received as far as they have heard them. They have also commenced on the health reform as well as they understand it. The majority of them can neither read English nor understand it so as to do them much good. The few books we have in Danish are a great help to them. But they are much in want of others. I encourage them to learn English, as many as possibly can. But in a settlement like this, where the majority of people are Danish, there is but small chance for learning.
Nevertheless, they can learn of Jesus. He is kind and merciful, even to such as are foreigners in a foreign country. And he has told us that the last message will be proclaimed before many nations, and tongues. Rev. x, 11.
Friday we appointed for baptism. Many things seemed to work against us. Thursday it rained. Four men worked hard six hours to cut the ice. I was feeble. Friday the water continued to stream down. The river was large enough to sail in, but no safe place for baptism. The rain continued all day. Many were to come from a distance. But we all trusted in the Lord, and the Lord worked with us. The water rose so high that we found a very convenient place for baptism about 6 rods from the house of the brother where we were to meet. But some of the sisters would have to take their babes along. How could they venture out in such weather. Yet they all came, and we had as precious a season of baptism as I ever attended. Ten willing souls were buried with Jesus in baptism, and rose to walk in newness of life. We were all happy in the Lord.
Meetings were appointed for Sabbath, and Sunday, and though the roads were very muddy, yet all the brethren and sisters attended, and some from without also. On the Sabbath, when we were about to wash one another's feet, great solemnity rested upon us. They had never witnessed such a scene before. But the Spirit of the Lord went from heart to heart, and all took an active part. I have never before, at the attendance of this blessed ordinance, felt and seen more solemnity, and deep feeling, than was manifested here. Through humility we were prepared to accept with thankfulness the emblems of the broken body, and shed blood of our blessed Redeemer.
Sunday, we again enjoyed a precious season with these dear friends, and Monday morning, early, left for home. The high water had carried off some of the bridges of the railroad, so I missed the connection. Third-day, I walked home from the depot, 8 miles, in the middle of the night, through mud and water. Today I enjoy the company of my family. They are all well, for which I feel very thankful to the Lord. I have been away from home three months and a half. I intend to rest a little while, and then go out again, the Lord willing. I cannot attend to any other calls than those I have already. Therefore be patient, and let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers in this precious work, until our blessed hope shall be consummated in eternal salvation.
JOHN MATTESON.
Busseyville, Jeff. Co., Wis., March 9, 1868.
BRO. GOODWIN'S CASE.
By C. O. TAYLOR; JAMES WHITE; ELLEN. G. WHITE
BRO. SMITH: We have been laboring for Bro. Goodwin and others connected with him, for two weeks. He is not yet free, but much better. The enemy had bound him with many cords. Some of them are broken off. Still he cannot see that the Lord is working for him, therefore he cannot feel there is mercy for him, consequently has no hope.
During these two weeks we have had one and often two seasons of prayer and counsel each day, powerful manifestations of the Spirit of God; we have given ourselves wholly to the Lord, for the delivery of this dear brother, whether it take a short or long time. Bro. G. has been in hopeless despair for fourteen months; every ray of Heaven's light and blessings have been shut out. But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, his captivity is turned, and the day of his complete deliverance is not far distant. We are having a new experience with the powers of darkness; in Jesus' name we conquer. My solemn warning is to all: Keep in the narrow way; don't fall into the hands of giant Despair.
Bro. Edson is a little better, yet his recovery is very slow. It now looks as though he might continue to gain and recover a degree of health once more.
C. O. TAYLOR.
March, 1868.
THE DANES.
At Greenbush, we received letters from Greenville, and on our way to Alma in company with Bro. Andrews, read them with interest. But the following note, partly by reason of our happy acquaintance with this people in Wisconsin last fall, and partly for its general interest to all believers, was read with much pleasure.
We shall be happy to furnish such of every tongue, and kindred, and nation, who can make a like good use of them.
JAMES WHITE,
ELLEN. G. WHITE.
“I am a native of Denmark and a member of the Poy Sippi church. This branch of the church is all Danes, and but a few can read English. We have our meetings in the Danish language, and it has been my duty to translate Testimonies, No. 12 and 13, to them one hour every Sabbath. This has had a good effect on some.
“And the dress reform has been adopted by the most of the sisters. But I think they have not the right pattern. Therefore, please to find inclosed, fifty cents for which you will please send a pattern.
“Your unworthy brother in Christ,
“CHESTER JESSON.”
“Waushara Co., Wis., Feb. 3, 1868.”
MEETINGS BY BRO. BYINGTON.
By John Byington
BRO. SMITH: I spent Sabbath, Feb. 22, with the church at Parkville. Here the church live very much scattered, and as the notice was short there were but few out. On first-day we had meeting at the Langdon school-house. The house was well filled, and they manifested a good interest. Bro. and Sr. Stephenson have moved to this place, and established a weekly prayer meeting at the school-house, which has awakened some interest in those without. By their request I returned and spent Sabbath 29, and first-day with them. Our meetings were interesting; they did me good and I hope others. Sabbath, March 14, I was with the church in Convis. This was Bro. Waggoner's appointment, but as he had informed me that it was inconsistent with other duties for him to attend, I set out in the mud, and when I arrived there was a good congregation at the Austin school-house, anxiously waiting for some one. Eld. Palmiter was present, and raised some objection to our views of Law and Gospel; but the spirit of the Lord rested upon the meeting, and we felt that the opposition did us no harm. On first-day the house was well filled with a very attentive congregation. It was good to be there. They request Bro. Waggoner to spend a Sabbath and first-day with them as soon as convenient. The District offered them the school-house for their Sabbath meetings. Would it not be well to locate them there? My health is much better than it was the first of winter. Praise him whose mercy and goodness endureth forever.
J. BYINGTON.
Cresco, Mich., March 16, 1868.
TEA AND COFFEE.
By John Norton Loughborough
In the Farmers’ Agricultural Club, New York, Dec. 10, 1867, Dr. Snodgrass, an eminent physician of New York, made the following spicy remark: “Next to alcohol, the medical profession is more indebted to the use of coffee and tea for the means by which they live, than to any other substance which lays the foundation for disease.”
In the session of “the Club,” reported in the Tribune Jan. 1st, we have the following debate called forth by the above statement:238
Tea and Coffee.—THOS. SHANNON, Lavonia, Steuben Co., N. Y.: Dr. Snodgrass tries to make us believe that tea and coffee are the great head centers of disease; but this is backed by mere assertion. Good tea and coffee, when properly used, are not only wholesome, but actually nutritious.
DR. SNODGRASS.—I now repeat, that more than thirty years’ observation both South and North, as a physician, has convinced me that tea and coffee, and particularly the latter, are the cause of a number of chronic diseases. Tea is not so injurious as coffee, because its effect is evanescent, and more particularly on the nervous system; whereas coffee directly congests the liver, and obstructs what is known as the portal system, followed by piles, rheumatism, neuralgias, and erysipelas, to say nothing of the common forms of dyspepsia. In the open country, or on the ocean, working people do not suffer so much from these narcotics as in cities. For a man in the nineteenth century to say that coffee and tea are healthful, is simply ridiculous.
MR. LAWTON.—I believe in the use of both tea and coffee, and I think that alcohol is beneficial, if not profitable, under certain circumstances.
A STRANGER.—I am 72 years old, have used tea and coffee all my life, yet I do not know what disease is.
DR. JARVIS.—These gentlemen argue that because they have lived so many years enjoying good health, with the use of tea and coffee, therefore the drinks are not injurious. How long will their children last? The whole Anglo-Saxon race and all other races will go to destruction by the promulgation of such a doctrine. The health which these persons boast of is far short of what it ought to be. We have but few healthy people in this country. No man is in perfect health who has tartar on his teeth, and there is hardly a man to be found free from it, especially among those who drink hot drinks. Wild animals, on the other hand, are never troubled with it. I do not say that tea and coffee of themselves produce disease so much as the hot water, for when it is heated it loses its invigorating powers.
DR. HALLOCK.—One word on this question. Nature makes provision for the most useful things. Universality of an article is a hint that it has a use in the human system. One should examine himself, and if he finds what he uses is injurious, then he should abandon it. What is good for others will not agree with me. I cannot bear the bitter of the hop—it is detestable. I would not give it to a hog. But shall I set myself up to say that it is injurious to others? We do not know what is best.
DR. JARVIS.—According to the gentleman’s argument of universality, we might with equal propriety say that the more who are going to hell—going in the broad road—the better it is for us. I can tell which of my patients lose their teeth by the use of coffee, which by the use of tea, and which by alcohol. Notwithstanding our boasting, we fall victims to our folly. Families of good habits will hold out for a few generations, but in the end are exterminated.
These are facts worthy of consideration, and we are glad to see them introduced in as public and conspicuous a place as the Farmer’s Agricultural Club.