Earlier text: Progress of the CauseIowa Field Report: Encouraging Meetings at Pilot Grove and Marion
By George I. Butler
Since my last report I have been laboring in the cause when able to do so, but was confined at home nearly a month with a bad cough. As soon as able, I started northward through the State, filling appointments made through the REVIEW. Our first meeting on this trip, at Pilot Grove, was a most encouraging one. Brethren came in from Sigourney, Richland, Washington, and other places, so that it seemed much like old times, when our large gatherings took place there yearly. We knew that many members of the church had moved away, and were therefore happily surprised to see so many of our old friends together. The Lord gave freedom in speaking the word, while calling the attention of all to the nearness of the end, and what our characters must be to be in readiness for that event. Our social-meeting, Sabbath afternoon, was one of the best I ever attended. It was very long, simply because no place could be found where to stop it. The testimonies were heart-felt, and showed that self-examination was at work, and that the Holy Spirit witnessed to it. Our meetings on Sunday were well attended by outsiders. We had well-filled houses. All the friends expressed themselves as well paid for their trouble. At Marion, also, the following Sabbath and Sunday, we had an excellent meeting. I knew that a large proportion were gone to other parts, or soon going, and expected a small meeting, but was very happily disappointed in a good turn-out. Our meeting was an encouraging one to all concerned. Monday, a church meeting was held to consider some matters that had caused great perplexity in the church, in the conduct of some members. We hope a satisfactory result was reached. The moving fever has threatened to break up the churches in that quarter entirely, and it may result in this yet. We were sorry Bro. Mitchell was not able to be with us, and that for some time, at least, it looks as if he would be kept at home and be unable to attend meetings in other places. His aged father has need of constant care and attendance, and duty seems to require of Bro. M. to give this. Feb. 13 and 14, was at Laporte City. The attendance from abroad was comparatively small. The Lord blessed in the preaching and gave freedom. But the social meetings were dry and uninteresting. I became satisfied the cause of this was, that there was no real union in the body of the church; little confidence in one another; and the causes had been at work a long time. I decided to have an investigation, and sift the matter to the bottom. Monday, and part of the night following, was spent in this, and it revealed a state of things that showed sufficient grounds why the Spirit of the Lord did not run in our midst. The final result was, that four members were set aside till they could either come to a union of feeling, or develop till the church could take either or all of them back with safety to itself. It seems clear to my mind that a disturbing element in the church which will not permit union and love to prevail, ought to be put out for the safety of the body. One of the most important things to the prosperity of every church is union and harmony. Where the contrary prevails, there is “confusion and every evil work.” Sometimes there are individuals who seem to be in their natural element when trouble and strife prevail, and when one trial is hushed up, after long and anxious labor, they are in fine condition to enter upon another. In such cases common sense teaches it would be for the well-being of the church, and also that of the individual, for such to stand out awhile. “Let us have peace.” I felt that Monday’s meeting had been the most profitable of any of the series. Our evening meeting in Fayette, Wednesday, was well attended. The Congregationalists courteously permitted us to occupy their church. Our meetings at Waukon last Sabbath and Sunday are just closed. Some of experience have said, “It was the best meeting we ever enjoyed in Waukon.” The interest was excellent from the commencement to the close. The Lord helped in the preaching, and our prayer and social meetings were most excellent. The melting Spirit of the Lord softened hearts, and encouraged us all. Truly the Lord is very good to us even in our great unworthiness. It was sad to think of this church formerly over forty strong, now less than twenty. Their empty places, with those of others sleeping in the grave, was saddening. But none of these so far as I have known have given up the truth; but they are scattered in Kansas, and Nebraska, and other places. Yet we had about the largest meeting we ever had in the place, so many came in from abroad. Two loads came over from Wisconsin with whom we were glad to meet. Others, from West Union and Fayette. We were much gratified by the presence among us of Mr. Sanborn, of Fayette, for years mathematical professor in the college there. He is a prominent member of the Methodist church. Of late he has been reading some of our books, and desiring to know more of us, came here forty miles, partially to attend this meeting. He stayed until the close, although not intending to at first. He took part with us in our social and family worship, and declared himself much pleased, and spiritually benefited by the privilege. He gained a large place in our affections by his candor and Christian deportment. Although we have no idea he intends to change his religious views, yet we trust what he has heard may awaken thoughts that will cause his mind to change on some points. But his course is in such marked contrast with that of most of the orthodox world that we feel it is worth mentioning. We were also happy to form the acquaintance of Bro. Thompson, a licensed member of the Wisconsin Conference, but at present principal of the school at Monona, Iowa. He thinks Monona would be a good opening for presenting the truth. And this brings me to one of the most embarrassing and painful of my personal experiences, to be obliged to refuse the many earnest calls of labor in all directions because of other duties. I verily believe that Iowa could find fair fields for labor for every minister we have in the whole field. The truth has yet but touched a few points here and there. The great body of the State is untouched, and cries are coming up in all directions, “Come over and help us.” But the action of the General Conference would imply that but little could be done at present to meet these wants. Oh! how earnest should be the cry to the Lord of the harvest to raise up more laborers to gather it. Every friend of the cause should engage in it till such are raised up; and that our hearts may be converted from the love of the world to the love of precious souls for whom Christ died, until we shall make the salvation of such of more importance than amassing wealth for the flames to devour. I have been gratified on this trip in reference to arrearages on our periodicals. In nearly all cases I have found a determination to pay up. Money is very close, but all seem willing to do what they can, and I have left generally a clean list behind me. I earnestly wish that all our brethren may do likewise, so that the recent exhibition of our indebtedness in the REVIEW, so disgraceful to us, may not always represent our standing on the Office books. I have been much encouraged personally since leaving home, by God’s goodness to me in bestowing his Spirit upon me. I never have felt greater trust in the Lord. In the midst of manifold perplexities he has seemed near and precious. I mean to trust him. Surely his mercies are great to all who call upon him in truth. Waukon, Iowa, Jan. 23, 1872. Pottersville, Mich.
By E. B. Lane
SABBATH, Jan. 27, was another good day for the church at Pottersville. The brethren came in from the surrounding country, who, with others from this vicinity, made a large congregation. Mrs. Lane gave an interesting discourse in the forenoon on the subject of “Unquestioned Obedience;” in the afternoon, conference meeting. The young and others who started anew on the previous Sabbath seemed to feel the same interest and devotion to the work. Of our friends and neighbors who met with us, some twelve were keeping the Sabbath for the first time. The most of them bore testimony in our meeting, taking a bold stand for the truth. Bro. Ezra Bracket, who was with us, gave an interesting discourse, the night following, on the subject of the ministration of angels, after which, an invitation was given for those who requested prayers to come forward. About fifteen obeyed. The house was well filled and a deep, solemn feeling pervaded the congregation. The interest is still good and the congregations large. We look for others to take hold of the truth. “All that the Lord Hath Said Will We Do, and Be Obedient. Ex. 24: 7.”
By N. Orcutt
THIS is an excellent example for our imitation—an excellent motto. It is all important while we labor to advance the interest of the cause of present truth, that the effort be in harmony with the mind and Spirit of God, that we conform to his plan, that we speak the right word, at the right time, in the right place, that we do our duty, always, when and where he would have us. The same is true with regard to the development of individual character. Perhaps we may consider with profit a familiar illustration. The frame of a building is ready to raise, the master builder being absent. The principal timbers are marked, the help for the work is on the ground. Several men get one of the timbers designed for a plate, and attempt to put it in place of the front sill. Others upon the other side are attempting to use the ridge-pole. The timbers are of the right length, but they do not fit. Still others, at one end, are striving to use one of the posts in place of the end sill. Like the two former, the mortises are not in the right place, and this is not the only difficulty. It is too short by several feet. It is evident that they will never succeed in this way. But just as they conclude to cease their efforts, and some are heard declaring that no one can tell where these timbers belong, and others are denouncing the master mechanic, and questioning his capacity, he returns. He calls their attention to the marks (which they had not observed), indicating the place which the timbers were severally designed to occupy, and assures them, that if guided by them in their work, they will have no difficulty. And so it proves. Every stick is of the right length, every mortise in the right place, every joint perfect, and the result is a strong frame eminently fitted for the purpose for which it was designed. (For examples illustrating this principle, see 1 Sam. 15:1-23, and Josh. 6:1-20.) It would seem that these men must learn by this experience, the folly of attempting to substitute a post, or plate, or ridge-pole, for one of the sills in a frame, and also the injustice of condemning the architect, when his work was perfect in design and execution, and the failure was their own fault, in not working in harmony with that design. The result will be still more deplorable, if the work of preparing the material be planned and marked out, and then entrusted to workmen who carelessly or willfully fail to carry out the plan—they make a tenon where a mortise was marked, a mortise instead of a tenon. Thus the material is hopelessly and irretrievably ruined. So it is in the work of preparing the material for that spiritual temple that is ere long to be reared without the sound of ax or hammer, whether considered with reference to the effort put forth for ourselves, or for the benefit of others. The work is all laid out. The design of the great architect is perfect. To work in harmony with his plan will ensure success every time. Any effort otherwise put forth will mar the work and lead to sad results. Any deviation from that plan will be a mistake which it will cost time and labor to correct, and may result in utter ruin. He who planned our work designed that we should get very near to those whom we would benefit, as near as is consistent with a kind yet firm adherence to the truth. He would not have us compromise one of those principles that underlie and enter into the structure that, partly through our instrumentality, he designs to rear. Still he would have us so work that we may exert a gathering influence. He would have us speak the truth in love, and manifest that unselfish, disinterested benevolence which characterized the spotless life of his only begotten Son, that those for whom we labor may feel that we desire to do them good. Faithfulness, plainness in rebuking and reproving wrong, mark the record of his labors. But what love, what meekness, what self-abnegation, that record also shows! Oh! that the remnant might have wisdom and grace to imitate that spotless example, that, working in harmony with his purpose, the blessing of God might attend their labors, and his work prosper in their hands. And, in the development of individual character, we must adhere to the same principles—must work by the same rule. The line is drawn, and we must submit to be scored and hewed to it. In God’s own way, according to his plan, we must submit to be straightened and smoothed. And in God’s own order the work must go on—first the line, then the scoring, then the hewing, then the smoothing. His perfect law, if we work in harmony with his plan, will accomplish this great work. How plainly Peter has marked out the details of that plan, and given us the rule: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Pet. 1:5-7. Faith is the foundation upon which we must build. We must have that first. “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb. 11:6. Then the addition of virtue (“conformity of life and conversation to the moral law”—Webster.) before knowledge is in harmony with the testimony of other inspired writers; this is God’s plan. Instance the desire of Paul that his brethren “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Col. 1:9, 10. Also, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of63 the Spirit of God; . . . neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. 2:14. And again the testimony of the Saviour, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17. And temperance (in all things) before patience. Who ever saw patience the leading, crowning characteristic of the intemperate man or woman? We see it manifested only in proportion to our approximation to conformity to this rule. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, are the steps by which we attain unto godliness (godlikeness). It would be absurd to speak of the latter without, or as preceding, the former. Without the development of all these, we are not prepared to exercise the next—brotherly kindness—to be so divested of selfishness that we can love our neighbor as ourselves, do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It is also true that we must add, in this order, these graces of the Spirit before we can manifest, in its fullness, that crowning excellence, charity, or love, that love to God and charity for, and love toward, our fellows that is requisite to make us “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” May we so learn the will of God, so labor in harmony with his purpose—his plan, that we may never fall, and an entrance be ministered unto us abundantly “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” LET ME BE THINE.
By L. D. Avery
When war shall wrap the land in gloom,
And pestilence stalk forth at noon,
When plagues shall fall on low and high,
And thousands in one day shall die,
And when shall end all earthly things,
Be with me then, O King of kings. And when by earthquake’s shock is rent
And heaved the mighty continent,
When strong men quake, and kings shall fear,
And signs and wonders do appear,
When at thy word, the earth be riven,
Protect me then, O King of Heaven. And when the heavens above shall roll
Asunder, as a parting scroll,
When sinners call on rocks to hide
Them from the face of Him who died,
When earth and sky shall pass away—
O God, be with me in that day. When they who pierced thy side shall see,
Return in glorious majesty,
The same Who meekly bled and died,
And by the Jews was crucified;
And when thy praises angels sing,
I would be thine, almighty King. When saints ascend with seraphs bright
Up to those realms of endless light,
When death and pain shall be no more,
And sin and suffering are o’er,
When in thine arms thy lambs recline,
Oh! save me, Lord, and call me thine. And when around thy throne they sing
Loud praises to their gracious King,
And when no tongue shall silent be,
But hallelujah sing to thee,
Oh! let me join with them, and sing
Loud praises unto Heaven’s King. Ingham Co., Mich., Jun. 20, 1872. South Boston, Mass.
By M. Wood
WITHIN a few days, three precious souls have taken a decided stand on the side of Jesus, and are fully determined, by the grace of God assisting them, to obey God, keep his commandments and the testimony of Jesus. Two of the three have embraced the Sabbath by reading and attending social meetings, never having heard a sermon on the third angel’s message. There are many more, in South Boston, deeply stirred, and becoming interested in regard to the original Sabbath—God’s seventh-day, sanctified Sabbath. One of these three who have lately embraced present truth, spoke in our hall, corner of 3d and Dorchester Sts., Jan. 28, 1872, on the Sabbath question. The hall was well filled, the congregation orderly and attentive. It was Bro. Daniel’s first effort. We pray that he may become a humble, devoted, consecrated servant of God. Michigan Labors in Isabella and Osceola Counties
By Albert Weeks
JAN. 17, I left home for Isabella Co., Mich. Sabbath, the 20th, had a meeting with the brethren at Arcadia school-house. A goodly number were out. Tried to show the necessity of retaining our confidence in the good work. On Sunday, Bro. Nelson kindly conveyed me on my way to Vernon, Isabella Co. Spoke on God's memorial of creation, to the friends here. There has been a good work done at this place, by the blessing of God, under the labors of Bro. Corliss. From Vernon, I went to Hersey, Osceola Co., where Bro. C. had commenced meetings under very unfavorable circumstances, as follows: Bro. C. had, previous to going there to hold meetings, engaged the use of the school-house. At the time appointed, Bro. C. was there, ready to commence, but found the house occupied, and himself crowded out. He succeeded in securing a hall, and commenced meetings. Then the minister went from house to house and succeeded in keeping the people away. Thus the way is seemingly hedged up; but we believe the Lord will cause the wrath of man to praise him. May he direct. ALBERT WEEKS. Keep Me Near Thee.
By Sel.
Father, ever keep me near thee,
Lest I seek forbidden ways;
Teach my soul to love and fear thee,
Sovereign ruler of my days. I have wandered far from duty,
I have kept my eyes cast down,
Satisfied with earthly pleasures,
Longing for an earthly crown. Things divine I cast far from me,
Putting off the evil day,
When thou should'st spread out before me
All my sins in dread array. Father, now I see my danger,
Leave, oh! leave me not alone;
Lift me up till I am near thee,
Near thy bright and shining throne. Perish earthly things below me,
Vanish all life's fleeting toys,
I have sought Heaven's priceless treasures,
I may share immortal joys. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. MILA ANGELINE, daughter of Bro. and sister Stone, died in Hartland, Mich., Jan. 6, 1872, aged five years, six months and one day. Services by the writer. A few remarks were made from 2 Kings 4: 26. Thy daughter sleeps in sweet repose,
Though taken by the worst of foes,
That tyrant, death, will soon be slain;
Thy little one shall rise again. DIED, in Tenhassen, Minn., Jan. 23, 1872, Lorenzo D. Alton, only son of D. D. and Lizzie Alton, aged three years, eleven months, and twenty-one days. Words of consolation were spoken to the deeply afflicted parents and others, from these words, But some have fallen asleep. 1 Cor. 15: 6. DIED, at Fish Lake, Wis., Jan. 23, 1872, Bro. Robert Johnson, aged sixty years. He leaves a companion and seven children to mourn his loss. He has been a Sabbath-keeper for twenty years. We feel assured he rests in hope. Funeral discourse by the writer. Text, Rev. 14: 13. Also, died of consumption, in Deerfield, Wis., Jan. 15, 1872, Bro. Eli Lane. I visited him just before his death. He expressed a willingness to die. Said he, “I did not gain my health at the Institute, the disease being too far advanced; but I found something better, and that was Christ.” He came home a praying man; and his testimony in reference to us as a people and the slanders uttered against sister White, has done us much good. DIED, of consumption, at Blendon, Mich., Dec. 22, 1871, Bro. John Wilson, aged forty-eight years. Bro. Wilson became a believer in the present truth about sixteen years ago, under the labors of Eld. Frisbie, at Bowne, Mich. His love for the truth was strong; and in his last days he earnestly sought to “set his house in order,” that he might rest in hope. The exercises of his mind, during his last hours, were of such a character as to inspire assurance of a resurrection unto life at the appearing of Jesus. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss. He desired that his death might result in their spiritual good. Comforting discourse by Bro. Edgar, of Wright, from Isa. 38: 1. SABBATH, Nov. 20, Bro. Noah Halloway of South Kingston, while on his way home from meeting, broke through the ice and was drowned. He was not found until first-day afternoon. He was one of the first who embraced the Sabbath under the third angel’s message in R. I., and that by reading the REVIEW sent from some unknown person to him. The cause of present truth has always lain near his heart. Although at the age of seventy-four years six months and ten days, he apparently was sound in health, and if the distance he was to travel was not more than five miles, he would prefer to walk rather than ride. He rests in hope. Remarks were made from Rom. 8: 28, to not only a crowded house, but it was estimated that from forty to fifty who could not get into the house, stood at the door and listened with attention. “Our Periodicals.”
By H. F. Phelps
Something like one year since, the writer sent to the REVIEW Office an article headed as above, in which he made some remarks as to the good qualities of the REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer. In speaking of the REVIEW, I said that it was the only paper which taught the soon coming of our Master, and at the same time fearlessly taught the people the necessary preparation, namely, the keeping of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I said it in all sincerity, believing it to be the truth. I shortly received a letter with two copies of a paper claiming to stand on equal grounds with the REVIEW, in teaching the necessary preparation to stand in the day of the Lord. An editorial, headed with the commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” accused the article in question of breaking this commandment. Although, having charity enough to believe that it was done ignorantly. During the past year, I have taken time to briefly survey our positions, the teachings of the REVIEW, and having taken the pains to find out, and to read something concerning the teachings of those claiming an equal share in this great work, I am compelled to reiterate my former declaration with still greater emphasis. We are of course speaking of papers published in the English language. The following are two of many reasons which might be offered for this position: 1. Those who are fearlessly teaching the people the necessary preparation, are brought to view in Rev. 14: 9-12. And no one can claim to be teaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, in the sense of the prophecy, only those who are giving the third angel’s message. For here we find, in language too plain to be misunderstood, the most fearful warning and threatenings to be found in the word of God, and this against those who are found worshipers of the beast and receivers of his mark. Now, how is it possible for any one to claim to have, or keep, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, who denies the application of the work of the two-horned beast to this government, placing it centuries in the past, while the very punishment there spoken of is the unmixed wrath of God. Can they be giving the third angel’s message? Nay, verily. 2. They deny the sanctuary question, as it is understood, being inseparably connected with the work of the third angel’s message. Denying this question, we are left entirely in the darkness of midnight; for we cannot tell anything concerning the position of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary; and, denying this, it seems to me we are in darkness as to the hour of God’s Judgment; in fact, the whole work of the Judgment is shrouded with a mist we are not able to penetrate. There is a halo of glory around this question, if rightly understood, which illuminates our pathway, by which we are able to see that our work is according to the sound teachings of God’s word, and by which we may know that the glad morning will soon dawn upon us. But, denying it, we are left in darkness, doubt, and uncertainties. So I say further, that I am glad we have a paper that not only teaches the necessary preparation, “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” but one that is also consistent and harmonious in all its teachings. I can say, The truth of God never looked clearer to me than at the present time; and, to those who walk in the light, it will shine more and more unto the perfect day. Truly, the truth shines out clear from the page of inspiration, and thousands are ready to receive it if they can only hear; but how can they hear without a preacher, and how can they preach except they be sent? Oh! let the cry go up to the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth more laborers; for truly the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. May it be the language of my heart, What wilt thou have me to do? H. F. PHELPS. The Christian has no difficulty in exercising faith, and trust, when his sky is serene and cloudless, when there is no storm to fill his mind with doubt and fear. How strong he then feels, how secure. He feels that Satan can have no power over him. But let the scene change, let clouds arise, and the tempest burst upon him, and how soon, like sinking Peter, he cries out in dismay. Where are his strength and courage then? Alas! all gone, and he feels indeed powerless. But we must all stand the test of bitter trial. Jesus loves the hopeful trusting child. Why is it so hard to trust him entirely, fully. If he so loved the world that he gave his life for us, is he not mindful of all our woes, and will he suffer any ill to befall us that is not for our good? We may feel that if we could only control our own circumstances, we could make all just as it should be, and if we suffered, the fault would all be in somebody else, but how shall we be purified, made white, and tried, if it is not through suffering? Jesus knows just what we need, and he will suffer nothing to befall his humble, trusting followers, only what is for the best. No trial, no matter of what nature, will he permit us to pass through unless we need it. Then why not trust the dear Saviour, who is so kind, so full of mercy and pity, toward us. We want submission to the will of Christ. Here is the great difficulty. The natural heart does not feel willing to suffer. It rebels against trial. But what does rebellion cost? Only more bitter scourging. Oh! if we can only get our feet planted upon the rock of faith, take hold of the promises of God, and believe that he is leading us safely through storm as well as sunshine, that his will is our will, then it will be easy living. This is the only way to secure peace of mind and perfect rest. Jesus will give us this faith if we plead for it. He has bid us ask, that we may receive, that our joy may be full. He takes no pleasure in the repining, distrusting, disbelieving soul. He wants entire trust; withhold it not from him, poor, doubting child. Our leader is sure to conquer, then do not fear or tremble. Only let us cast ourselves into the blessed arms of Jesus and we are safe. Nothing can hurt us, nothing destroy. “He who the end from beginning can tell.
Works for thy good, for he doeth all well.
This that prepares for the mansions of rest,
Ever remember is all for the best.” Which Is Right?
By H. M. V. S.
In Manford’s (Universalist) Magazine Jan. No., page 40, is the following: “One that is dead knows more than we all living know; the dead know the dread we should feel at anything so strange as that they should come to us; the dead are better than we all, and so they do not come.” Job 14: 12 says, “So man lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Psalms 115: 17: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. Ps. 146: 4: “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Eccl. 9: 5: “The dead know not anything,” etc. Which is right? Some of the Workings of the Missionary Tract Society of New England.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
SISTER L. embraced the Sabbath about three years ago, and immediately moved to the city to keep house for her son, away from those of like precious faith. Her companions were the Bible, REVIEW, and a few publications on present truth. A Mr. H., of the same city to which she moved, feeling deeply burdened with the importance of warning earnest seekers after truth against the manifestations of the Spirit of God, in some way learned of this sister, called upon her, and after, as he supposed, successfully warning her, assured her that there were no publications vindicating the manifestations of the Spirit of God among us, for the objections to these manifestations were of that character that they could not be satisfactory answered; he left with her a book, full of bitterness against the humble servant of God's choice for the past quarter of a century. During the time this plot of the devil was being laid and his hellish work going on, she was not forgotten by the tract society; her case had been considered. Although she had been written to by the Vigilant Missionary Society, yet it was thought best she should be visited. Accordingly, Bro. G. was requested to visit her and learn the state of her mind. She was found much confused as to what to believe, or whom to have confidence in. The little book of warning given her by Mr. H. had been read, and was carefully done up and directed to her friend in another State, that she too might be on her guard against that which was believed by this people. Upon learning there was such a book as “Objections to Visions Answered,” and some other things of importance that she was not before acquainted with, she decided at once not to send her book of warning, but first examine the other side, which she accordingly did, and sent to her unprejudiced friend the publications on the other side, furnished by Bro. G. from the tract society. The result is, she now is an ardent member of the tract society and has her friend rejoicing with her in present truth, having never seen one of like faith. What the final result will be, the Judgment alone will reveal. The above is one of many incidents similar in character which stimulates the New England Tract Society to press on in the missionary work. S. N. HASKELL. Hospitals and Asylums.
By J. C. Ryle
READER, where are your sins? Are they removed and taken away from off your soul? Have they been reckoned for, and accounted for, in God's presence? Oh! believe me, these questions are of the most solemn importance. A peace of conscience not built on justification by Christ, is a perilous dream. From such a peace the Lord deliver you. Go with me in imagination to some of our great hospitals. Stand with me there by the bedside of some poor creature in the last stage of an incurable disease. He lies quiet perhaps, and makes no struggle. He does not complain of pain, perhaps, and does not appear to feel it. He sleeps, perhaps. His eyes are closed. His head reclines on his pillow. He smiles faintly, and mutters something. He is dreaming of home, and his mother, and his youth. His thoughts are far away. But is this health? Oh! no, no; it is only the effect of opiates. Nothing can be done for him. He is dying daily. The only object is to lessen his pain. His quiet is an unnatural quiet. His sleep is an unhealthy sleep. Reader, you see in that man's case a vivid likeness of peace without justification. It is a hollow, deceptive, unhealthy thing. Its end is death. Go with me in imagination to some lunatic asylum. Let us visit some case of incurable delusion. We shall probably find some one who fancies that he is rich and noble, or a king. See how he will take the straw from off the ground, twist it round his head and call it a crown. Mark how he will pick up stones and gravel, and call them diamonds and pearls. Hear how he will laugh and sing, and appear to be happy in his delusions. But is this happiness? Oh! no. We know it is only the result of ignorant insanity. Reader, you see in that man's case another likeness of peace built on fancy, and not on justification. It is a senseless, baseless thing. It has neither root nor life. Reader, you will never have true peace unless your sins are pardoned, and your soul justified by Christ. Rest not till you can say, “Being justified by faith, I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—J. C. Ryle. 1. To Parents. When your children vex and trouble you by their disobedience, ill-temper, or insubordination, do not be too eager to throw all blame or responsibility upon them. For first, they are simply what you have trained them to be, unless there was something abnormally perverse, or inclined to evil, in their natural disposition; and secondly, if this were the case, the question would at once arise, how far they may have inherited these native tendencies from you. 2. To Children. If you observe, or fancy that you observe, in yourselves any particularly good qualities, do not become self-conceited and vain, or give yourselves any special credit for the possession of them. For the fair presumption is, in most cases, that you must either have inherited them from your father or mother, or you must owe them to the care and training which they devoted to you in your early years. “What have ye that ye have not received?” WILL Bro. W. W. Sharpe give us his P. O. address. Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money to the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given. $1.00 EACH. C H Peterson 40-8, Mrs Ruth Spencer 41-1, Libbie Keene 41-1, Mrs M J Vinson 40-16, M A Kellogg 40-8, B Stiles 40-7, Mrs S Flanders 39-9, S W Flanders 40-1, L L Bragg 40-8, F M Lineberry 40-16, Eld H Clarke 40-1, W L Jaycox 40-19, H Sherman 40-8, D Kellogg 39-1, Albert Sweet 39-24, Mrs E Slocum 40-1. $1.50 EACH. Mrs E H Kempston 41-8, J Olive 41-8, Dr E Tucker 41-8, Mrs R Green 41-8, Wm B Green 41-8, Levi White 41-8, F S Walker 41-1, Bell Baker 41-8, N F Samson 41-8, Andrew Crumb 41-8, Mrs P D Oyer 41-1. $2.00 EACH. W H Westfall 41-1, J J Smith 41-8, Mrs Wm Chesbro 40-12, D Wilcox 41-2, Wm White 41-13, M Edson 40-20, Mrs N Orcutt 40-23, James Heald 41-1, L B Kendall 41-1, Dwight Crumb 41-4, Henry Main 40-23, E D Armstrong 40-1, Ira Abbey 42-12, M A Crary 42-11, J J Place 41-1, S M Booth 41-7, G W Hopkins 40-9, J N Smith 40-1, S W Willey 41-1, Mrs J Williamson 41-1, J C Downing 41-1, A B Morton 41-8, Mrs M Cranton 40-11, G McDowell 37-9, Andrew Bossert 41-9, Henry Darling 41-9, L O Stowell 40-20, E A C Weston 41-8, O E Grove 41-8, A B Brant 41-1, Wm Strong 40-4, D Deveraux 41-6, S B Sumner 39-10, A Thayer 40-9, Wm L Mosbier 41-9, Mrs A Hobson 41-1, J Hebner 41-1, Mrs L Hobart 41-8, J P Stillman 40-16, Orin Bates 41-1, B A Seal 41-1, C Van Horn 40-5, Abram Kisner 41-8, John F Randolph 41-8, M J Herrick 41-1, Samuel Green 41-13, A Beldon 40-9, R Ralph 41-1, S S Grinnell 40-14, E Card 40-1, Joseph Sullivan 41-1, Ann F Holland 41-8, A J Corey 40-5. MISCELLANEOUS. 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O M Olds $4.00, N J Bowers 2.30, C W Smouse 1.00, Mary A Chute 1.00, D T Bourdeau 6.34, S Blodget 15c, Mrs P Hobbs 25c, D Kellogg 50c, Alex Paton 3.50, W I Simonton 15c, J B Wyatt 25c, A Persing 55c, Mrs P Holloway 30c, I W Reed 2.00, H Munch 12.00, J B Henry 1.75, B E Merrick 4.40, C A Burt 2.00, L R Long 45c, J B Adams 85c, M J Driscall 3.00, C D Cook 10c, M W Harris 35c, L A Cartwright 1.50, T D Wallar 50c, P B Peterson 25c, M M Nelson 3.20, W Nelson 25c, J C Soupine 35c, Isaac Zerkle 25c, Wm James 2.00, Wm H Westfall 1.50, J Bedell 1.40, H Allen 10c, G W Newman 10c, C T Jenson 2.85, H Sherman 25c, J R Graton 52c, Mr Allison 1.40, M M Brown 25c, C Richardson 10c, B Rankin M D 27c, A R Atteberry 50c, Milton Southwick 5.00. Mrs N G Sanders, Ripon, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., $5.00, Jacob Berry, State Center, Iowa, 5.00. A Vansyoc, care of Robert Kincaid, Mound City, Kansas, $11.87. Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.
H W Barrows $20.00, A Bowen 10.00, Lucinda Wilkinson 20.00, Mrs Wm Chesebro 10.00, H Olmstead 10.00, A Olson 20.00. Donations to S. D. A. P. Association.
Shares in the Health Institute.
H W Barrows $25.00, Aaron Persing 25.00. Cash Received on Account.
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Received from Salem Center, Ind., $10.00, Allegan 79.00. Book Fund.—$10,000 Wanted.
Amount previously acknowledged, $4,080.45. Five Dollars Each.—T L and L J Waters, Mary Houser. Miscellaneous.—E W Whitney 1.50, A friend 50c, Isaac Zirkle 1.00.