WHAT is the nature of that religion which satisfies itself with empty compliances of the sanctuary? Do I not see many men who honor the Sabbath, but care nothing for those people for whom the Sabbath was made? Many men honor the sanctuary, they really love prayer, they really glow under the hymn, they delight in taking official part in the services and duties of religion; nevertheless, so soon as they have performed their own duty to God what becomes of their life? How many there are that began life as the worm begins it, and fed voraciously until they were full, and then silently sloughed their worm-skin, and spun around about them a silken house! They retired from life. And you shall find a great many such Christian worms, that have had the benefit of the whole summer, and have retired to some out-of-the-way place, where, suspended, as it were, from the limbs of trees, in these silk-wound cocoons, the chrysalis waits for the next summer. The chrysalis is not a fool. There is a next summer for him. But if a man attempts to do the same thing; if he feeds upon all God's bounties, and only succeeds in spinning out of his own bowels for himself a silken dwelling, and then wraps himself up in that,—there is no next summer to him. He will never come to be a butterfly, though the chrysalis will, and will rise up in judgment against him. He will be damned! For that which is very well for a bug, is very poor for a Christian.—H. W. Beecher.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, Dec. 16, 1868, of consumption, after a lingering and distressing sickness, Bro. Wm. G. Kendall, of Pleasant Grove, Minn., in the sixtieth year of his age. He, with his surviving companion, was among the first in Vermont who embraced the present truth. He is destined to rest a little while from his weakness and suffering, and then, we trust, come up to immortality. — STEPHEN PIERCE.
DIED, in Cambridge, Jan. 22, 1869, of congestion of the lungs, and throat disease, Alpha Eber, only son of Thomas and Laura A. Serns, aged 2 years, 6 months, and 8 days. Sermon by Eld. W. Phelps.
New Believers in Iowa
By Bro. E. T. Barber; Sr. E. T. Barber
BRO. AND SR. E. T. BARBER writes from Harrison Co., Iowa: We believe the truth, for it gives light and harmony to God's word and law. I have been a professor for eighteen years, my wife three years. Morning and evening we read the Bible and prayed to God to lead us in the path of duty. But we were blind in regard to the Sabbath and many things until Bro. Bartlett, a S. D. Adventist, moved neighbor to us. Last fall he gave a course of lectures. My wife, and self and four others, received the truth, and are trying to live it out. Bro. B. has given other lectures in this vicinity, had a good interest, and fruits to crown his labors. May God bless his efforts. We feel encouraged in our new faith, for the good reason that the Bible is more interesting and precious to us than ever, and it seems to be full of the second-advent faith. Very soon we believe we shall witness an end of all things. Oh! for strength to gain the victory at last. Oh! may our souls be prepared to meet the Lord, is our prayer; not for ourselves only but for all those who are patiently looking for his appearing. His precious promises cheer us on in the narrow way through the trials and afflictions of this vain world.
Faith
FAITH.—A clergyman, in New York, not long since, remarked from the pulpit, while preaching on Faith, that faith was “God’s Magnetic Telegraph.” One of his hearers, who was perhaps more inquisitive than thoughtful, was desirous of knowing “where the office is.” To which the admirable answer was given, “In every lowly heart of prayer.”
Gratitude and Christian Stewardship
By E. Temple
Sr. E. Temple, of Boston, writes to Sr. White: I received your testimony last evening, for which I thank the Lord. It is true. It seemed to spread my past experience, trials, and the dealings of God, fresh before my mind, as though it was but yesterday. I could not have stated facts more correctly. I read and wept until I had read them over twice, and commenced to read them the third time. It was past eleven o'clock, and I thought I would leave them until this morning.
Oh! I am astonished to think that I should be so ungrateful to my Heavenly Father, who has done so much for me. I cannot now see how I could be so ungrateful. I can say that I am ashamed of myself before God. In my flesh dwelleth no good thing, God is all, and in all.
What a change has come over me. I feel as though I have nothing that I can call my own. But myself and all I have is the Lord's. What heavenly wisdom I need to be a just steward. My earnest desire and prayer to God is, that he will grant me heavenly wisdom that I may know and do his holy will in all things.
I see the way is strait and narrow, but we have the promise that his grace shall be sufficient for us. How many times I have felt to thank the Lord that, in his providence, you and dear Bro. White, came this way, and for your faithfulness God will bless you, and every one who is faithful in trying to search out his lost sheep. Oh! how my mind goes out after every poor soul who has once walked in the way of his commandments.
It will be but a short work. How important then that no time should run to waste.
We had a good meeting yesterday. There were three children that arose and requested an interest in our prayers. May the Lord convert and lead them in the way everlasting.
Farm for Sale.
By James White
I WISH to sell my farm in Montcalm County, Michigan, two miles east of Greenville.
It contains forty-five acres of first class land—eighteen acres improved—seven in wheat—eight in grass—three in small fruits and garden. I have four hundred grapes of the best varieties, nearly half an acre of strawberries of the choicest kinds, and blackberries and raspberries in abundance. These small fruits, covering nearly two acres, were in a most prosperous condition last fall. They were well protected from the cold frosts of winter, and judging from the mildness of the season, they will all doubtless be in fine condition in the spring.
The farm is within two miles of one of the most thriving villages in Michigan, already numbering more than fifteen hundred inhabitants. A rail-road is soon to connect Greenville with the great lines of travel in Michigan. It is also within less than half a mile of the house of worship of the Seventh-day Adventists.
There is a new house and barn upon the place which cost not less than $2400. The farm is well fenced, and has cost up to the present time, for the land, buildings, fencing, fruit and all improvements, not less than $3800. I will sell it for less than it cost. The property is well worth all it cost. But as I am obliged to sell to meet other demands, I will sell at some sacrifice. Terms, cash down, or very soon. Possession given immediately. JAMES WHITE.
P. S. The soil is especially adapted to growing small fruits, and the home market for plants, vines, and for berries is far better than in older portions of the State. The income for the sale of plants and berries even this spring and the coming summer, will, if properly managed, be several hundreds of dollars. Those who wish to engage in the pleasant and profitable business of cultivating small fruits, will be suited with my place. J. W.
Book Notice.
By James White
THE Old Red House is a valuable book for any Christian family. The universal testimony of those who read it, is, that it is one of the best religious books ever published. Price $1.50, postage 20 cents.
The Story of the Pocket Bible is equally valuable. Price, $1.25, postage 20 cents.
The Mirage of Life is the best religious book I have read. Price, 75 cents, postage 12 cents.
These books are richly bound and illustrated. And although their prices may seem high compared with our books, we think none who purchase them will see cause to regret it.
Dictionary of the Holy Bible illustrated, leather, $2.00, muslin, $1.50. Postage 24 cents.
JAMES WHITE.
Saul and Paul.
BRO. SMITH. Why was Saul of Tarsus after his conversion called Paul? J. H. C.
A number of conjectural reasons are assigned in Kitto for this change. That which is offered as the most probable is the one given by Beza, Grotius, Doddridge, &c., that the Romans and Greeks were in the habit of softening the Hebrew names in pronunciation, and accommodating their form to that of the Latin or Greek. Hence we have Jason for Jesus, Silvanus for Silas, Pollio for Hillel, &c. On the same ground they are supposed to have substituted Paul for Saul, and that the apostle in his intercourse with them adopted the change.
JAMES WHITE
By James White
We were very sorry to disappoint the brethren at North Liberty and Ransom Center. But Mrs. W.'s health is such as to forbid labor till rest and the blessing of God shall revive her worn energies.
JAMES WHITE
An Aged Father's Advent Defense
By James White
The article on the Second Coming of Christ, on page 75, is from the pen of my venerable father, eighty-four years of age. In conversation with an aged skeptic who expressed his doubts, not only on the Advent doctrine, but of the word of God, my father was aroused to speak in defense of the sacred Scriptures, and the Second Advent doctrine, which hold so large a place in their pages. He then placed some of his thoughts upon paper, never expecting that they would appear in print. JAMES WHITE.
The Sufferings of Christ.
By James White
THE first nineteen pages of Testimony to the Church No. 17, treat upon the sufferings of Christ in a very instructive and impressive manner. It is a subject worthy of the attention of all. The friends of Jesus will be richly paid in obtaining and reading this description of the suffering of their divine Master. The book of 192 pages of reading matter will be sent by mail, post paid, for the small sum of twenty-five cents. To the Lord's poor it will be sent free.
BRO. H. W. Kellogg, now in New York City, has sent to this office a beautiful lithographic picture of the sufferings of Christ, 24x30 inches, in which is represented Christ in agony, knelt in prayer, the angel holding the cup of suffering, three disciples, doubtless Peter, John and James, a little distance from the scene asleep, and Judas in the distance leading the multitude into whose hands he designs to betray his Master.
This picture will be sent from this office by mail, post paid, for seventy-five cents.
JAMES WHITE.
The Circulation of Tracts.
By James White
THE time has come to enter, in earnest, upon the circulation of our tracts. Our tracts have been written with the greatest care, and are adapted to the wants of the people who are ready to read. The people want light. The people must have light. And let every believer say, By the grace of God, they shall have light. Read the sermon in this paper, on doing, and then go to work. One important branch of labor at this time is the circulation of our tracts.
WE offer seventeen selected tracts, post-paid, for twenty-five cents. They are as follows:
The Law and the Gospel.
The Sufferings of Christ.
God's Memorial; the Sabbath.
Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping examined.
Which Day do you keep and Why?
Who Changed the Sabbath?
The Sabbath by Elihu.
Scripture References on Important Subjects.
Infidelity and Spiritualism
Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections to the Second Advent Faith.
Some Features of our Times.
Appeal on Immortality.
Much in Little; on Immortality.
The Wicked Dead; on Immortality.
Brief Thoughts; on Immortality.
Thoughts for the Candid; on Immortality.
Heavenly Meeting.
Within the last six months several thousands of twenty-five cent packages of our best tracts have been sent out from the office. This is the most convenient form to circulate them. Those who want an extra amount of any one or more kinds can receive them in packages of twenty-five, or one hundred. Our tracts furnished at the office, or sent by express or railroad, at the rate of sixteen hundred pages for one dollar.
JAMES WHITE.
JAMES WHITE
By James White
BRO. C. F. HALL, yours enclosing $3.35 I have. On receiving $25 from you, I wrote you receipt which I conclude you did not receive. You sent too much money before, and now comes your second remittance. What shall I do with it? Shall I say in Book Fund Report, C. F. Hall and daughter $25?
Your last letter is dated at Kewanee, while your REVIEW is sent to Montpelier. Those writing to this Office would save confusion by dating all communications at the place where they wish to receive mail.
JAMES WHITE
Change of Appointment.
By Stephen Pierce
BRO. SMITH: I have been requested to appoint a Quarterly Meeting at Tan Hassen, Martin Co., Minn. To save me 100 miles in attending them, I hereby change the appointment of the Quarterly Meeting at Richland from March 20 and 21, to March 27 and 28, and appoint the Quarterly Meeting at Tan Hassen, March 20 and 21, 1869. STEPHEN PIERCE.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the church in Jackson, at their Monthly Meeting, Sabbath, March 6; Burlington, Sabbath and first-day, March 13, 14.
JOSEPH BATES.
THE next Monthly Meetings, in Minnesota, will be held as follows: March 20, at Greenwood; April 17, at Pine Island.
WHO IS IT?—Some one writes from Blue Earth City, Minn., inclosing 80c for Testimony No. 17, and for Instructor, without giving any name.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & Herald to which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. J Welton 32-5, E E Jones 32-4, Mrs R Hinman 35-9, Wm Ball 35-9, J C Noyes 35-9, A Bassett 35-9, J W Nicholson 34-11, L Bush 34-9, A Hayes 34-1, L M Davis 34-1, J H Watts 34-10, Phebe Waterman 35-10, C French 34-5, Mrs R Chaney 35-1, D Nash 34-10, Mrs J Smith 34-1, A Fife 34-1, W R Priest 34-1, Joseph Ball 34-10.
$2.00 each. R J Lafferty 35-7, L L Cook 35-1, S L Dow 35-9, J R Cummings 35-9, C H Morse 35-9, Geo Stringer 3-9, J Larach 34-1, F C Castle 35-9, H Olson 35-10, J Saxby 35-4, L B Heath 35-14, J Aldrich 35-1, H W Pierce 35-10, F Vautener 35-10, E Emery 34-17, S J Miller 35-10, A Rankin 35-7, E S Decker 35-1, Mrs E J Judd 35-5, R Robinson 35-1, N A Hollis 35-1, J Claxon 35-1, L H Priest 34-1, John Williams 35-11, A D Love 35-1, D Robbins 35-4, Mrs C M Vandewater 34-10, Robert Ake 35-14, J H Lonsdale 35-6.
Miscellaneous. J P Hall $1.05 33-10, H Pratt 1.25 35-20, J Brundage $1.70 35-1, J A Thompson 50c 34-9, B F Terwilliger 50c 34-9, W A Geer 1.60 34-16, J Iden 84c 33-10, J E Farrar 1.35 34-1, S B Gowell 2.40 35-20, Mrs R C Straw 4.00 38-1, H S Priest 1.25 34-1, O B Sewey 1.04 34-2, J Gargott 4.00 37-1, Robert Gargott 3.00 36-1, Louisa Gargott 3.00 36-1.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
D Richmond $1.00, M P Stiles 1.00, A J 1.00.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
E W Darling $1.00, Lydia B Heath 2.00, H F Phelps 10.00, S W Hickoke 5.00, Luther Smith 10.00.
For California Mission.
M M Nelson $1.30, F F Camp 1.00, Nancy Haws 2.00, Luther Smith 10.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
E E Frothingham $1.00, Julia S Griggs 5.00.
Cash Received on Account.
O A Olson $1.17, A C Bourdeau $3.50, Jas Aldrich 2.10.
Books Sent by Express.
Eld R F Cottrell Perrysburg, Catt. Co., N. Y., $19.74.
Books Sent by Mail.
R A Underwood 50c, A L Ellis 25c, M A Brigham 25c, N A Lord 40c, J Hansen $1.00, R P Stewart 25c, W V Field 1.50, D Andre 1.00, D Burdick 30c, J P Rathbun 75c, A Carpenter 1.25, J M Ferguson 60c, J McMillan 75c, D T Shireman 25c, L M Kidder 50c, F Greenman 50c, C A White 1.50, J E Farrar 65c, W S Lane 50c, E B Clark 1.72, C W Olds 25c, T M Steward 1.25, D H Chapel 2.00, A Paton 1.00, J W Blake 50c, E A Humphries 50c, H Saterlee 25c, S J Twing 50c, P Robinson 25c, Mrs J Smith 25c, H G Hutchins 10c, A S Hutchins 1.48, C B French 25c, S B Gowell 35c, N M Grey 50c, J G Wood 4.50, A S Hutchins 15c, J Claxton 1.00, Mrs R C Straw 50c, L H Priest 1.50, John Williams 1.00, S Mears 2.00, D Robbins 1.25, E Palmer 1.00, H F Phelps 2.00, L Carpenter 2.00, E E Sturges 25c, T A Ashley 25c, S T Belden 2.50, H N Nicola 5.00, M M Russel 25c, A L Simonds 25c, J M Brigham 50c, F C Castle 25c, J Y Wilcox 25c, M B Pearce 25c, Elvira A Sevey 25c, W Brink 25c, W Weaver 1.00, D W Eldredge 75c, C A Hilt 25c, G B Allen 35c, H Hilliard 1.00, M Wilcox 25c, J E Moshier 25c, Wm Merry 25c, L M Davis 25c, Jane Oyson 25c, G McDowell 40c, J H Rogers 25c, O B Thompson 25c, J Welton 25c, Mrs H Burdie 25c, N Hodges 25c, M Main 25c, R J Lafferty 25c, Mrs N Smith 75c, Mrs M P Stiles 50c, Mrs F Woodworth 1.00, R M Kilgore 1.50, S B Hall 25c, P W Baker 25c, H Hunter 50c, H Pratt 25c, J Brundage 30c, M R McGillivray 50c, C Grumb 3.15, E B Saunders 25c, F Nelson 1.00, J Chamberlain 1.00, M Chamberlain 2.5, S T Chamberlain 25c, D T Shireman 25c, C G Langdon 25c, Wm Pepper 25c, M Marquart 25c, Mrs Mary Haskell 50c, Lucretia Day 2.00, D D Haines 1.00, A Woodruff 25c, T Scrus 25c, A B Williams 25c, Mrs C Manly 25c, M M Nelson 3.55, J E Crocker 25c, A Johnson 2.10, A D Rust 25c, C Wright 2.00, T Brown 55c, O A Olson 1.12, A M Laroch 25c, A Sinclair 40c, A Hayes 25c, S D Perry 50c, S Rees 25c, Ch Farnsworth 1.00, Geo Simmonds 6c, S Pierce 1.00, O A Olson 2.50, T A Ferguson 12c, W H Eggleston 40c, A G Carter 25c, J H Bates 10c, S W Hopkins 25c, C Jayson 25c, T Godfredson 20c, N C Wheeler 25c, L S Hopkins 25c, Mrs M Oswald 25c, J Wilson 25c, W Hanson 25c, J Aldrich 40c, C B Smith 10c, F Fagess 25c, J N Williamson 25c, B M Osgood 25c, Mrs M Boyce 1.00, A S Crowley 15c, J Cadiz 25c, T Hiccis 1.12, J H Lonsdale 1.25.