It is the frequent testimony of both ministers and people that we need a new conversion to the work of present truth. Conversion literally signifies a turning about, a going in an opposite direction. There are, then, some respects in which we are taking a course the opposite of what we should take.
But before conversion can be effected, its necessity must be felt. Before a person will change his course, he must be made to feel that his object never will be gained without such change; that the direction in which he is going only leads to certain ruin. The Jew never could have been made to accept Christ, unless the apostles and first ministers of Jesus had convinced him that it was utterly vain for him to trust for justification in his sacrifices and offerings; that he was depending only upon the shadow, but the Lord was the substance. So long as he thought he could really obtain pardon through the blood of his victims, and the offering of his oblation, what need had he of Christ? If he got pardon, he got all he sought; he was safe; and he could see no need of any other means of salvation. But when he saw that his victim was only a figure, that through the blood of bulls and goats there was no remission in fact, and that without the great Antitype, the substance of the shadow, all his hopes were vain, then would he turn to Christ.
The sinner never would turn from his sins, unless brought to see that to persist in them would be certain and utter ruin. The deep inwrought conviction in his heart, that his only hope of salvation depends upon a change of course, turns him to the Saviour.
What is the conversion we need? At the late camp-meeting, all were ready to testify, and we presume it is so in all parts of the field, that they had been going to an alarming extent into the world, grasping after its treasures, and while professing to be hoping for Heaven, living in all respects as those who are building their hopes here upon the earth. Here a change of course is needed; and what will effect it? Nothing short of an inwrought conviction, as vivid as that in the heart of the sinner when he is led to turn from his sins, that to continue in such a course, is inevitable and absolute ruin. We cannot serve God and mammon. We cannot lay up treasures here and in Heaven at the same time. We have not two hearts, one to be placed on things below, and one on treasures above. If we have anything upon which our affections are set below, it is with a heart divided; and a heart divided is a heart not accepted of Heaven at all.
Take an illustration set forth in the Scriptures as applicable to the last days. When Lot separated from Abram, he chose the plain of Jordan because it was well watered, “even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.” In choosing this locality, Lot had an eye to a prosperous career as a herdsman; and the spirit of worldly policy that governed him in this thing is too plain to be concealed. But this fair spot, like the fairest portions of the earth before and since that time, had been seized upon by the vilest of mankind. Lot would have done better had he chosen a less fertile territory, with less prospects of worldly gain, and a better class of inhabitants. The wickedness of the men of Sodom determined the Lord to bring upon them swift destruction. Lot was summoned to leave the city in haste. Whatever gain he had made, and whatever property he had accumulated by his removal to Sodom, he was now obliged to leave it all. No time to dispose of his possessions, or transport them from the place. He must flee for his life. His wife could not so fully abandon her worldly treasures. Her conversion was not complete. She looked back, implying regret at leaving her possessions, and perhaps a desire and purpose to return and save something. So doing she involved herself in the ruin which swallowed up her worldly wealth. Lot pursued his flight as he had been directed; but what must have been his feelings as he thought of the loss of all he possessed; and then to find, when he reached a place of safety, that the dearest one of all was missing from his little company.
“As it was in the days of Lot so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man,” not only in respect to the wicked, but to those, also, who set out for everlasting life. If we look back, if we cling to earth, with it we shall perish. Are we now called upon to do any less than to leave all, flee for our lives, tarry not in all the plain, and look not back, but remember Lot’s wife?
CHRIST THE TRUE PATTERN OF HUMILITY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
In studying the life of Christ, we are struck with the prominence of the grace of humility in his glorious character. He could say, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. xi. 29, 30.
Christ was eminently practical in his life. He exemplified by practice what he taught, and therefore was qualified to invite others to follow him, that with him they might enjoy the benefits of the doctrines he preached. His disciples had, doubtless, wondered in seeing the calmness he displayed in bearing the burdens that were rolled upon him; and here he gives them the secret of his success, showing them how he could enjoy rest under his great responsibilities, and amid all the trials, through which he was called upon to pass. And their experience might be similar to his in this respect. It was in learning of him to be meek and lowly in heart that they were to find rest to their souls, and to find that his yoke, which they were called upon to take upon themselves, was easy, and his burden light.
The life of Christ was truly a life of humility and condescension. Though he was the Son of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with him, yet he willingly relinquished all the honors he had in Heaven, and made himself of no reputation, or, as the French version says, he “annihilated himself” in coming to earth, and being born in a manger; in taking upon himself the nature of man and the form of a servant, to be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, to be despised and rejected of men, to suffer from poverty, and preach his gospel to the poor, to bear our diseases, and finally to bear our sins by dying the most shameful death, even that of the cross, that we, through his shame, sufferings, and poverty, might be made rich, and escape the justly-deserved wrath of God. Oh! what condescension! what self-denial!
The blessed Redeemer might have avoided all this humiliation by remaining in Heaven with the Father and the angelic host, or he might have received more honor while upon earth; but all this he refused, in order to be our pattern. At one time, the people, upon seeing him perform a noted miracle, believed him to be “that prophet that should come into the world,” and would have taken him by force, to make him a king; but he secluded himself, that their object might be defeated, and that he might continue his humble work of self-denial for the salvation of men.
On several occasions, he healed the sick, “charging them that they should not make him known,” and that they should “tell no man,” “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive (or contend), nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench.” Matt. xii.
How many professed Christians there are, who would have eagerly accepted such a fine offer of being promoted to the throne, without stopping to consult as to its propriety. And if we are to judge a tree by its fruit, we may safely say that multitudes of professed followers of Christ are to be found, who, if they were favored with the gift of performing miracles, would be very anxious to have it known, and would be the first to display self by crying in the streets. But not so with the meek and adorable Saviour. He preferred to be little and unknown. The glory of God and the salvation of souls were uppermost in his words and actions. He who was so mighty in works, and “spake as never man spake,” acknowledged that his power and doctrine were not his, but came from the Father, who sent him. He was not heard, striving and crying in the streets, to display and aggrandize self, but to reprove sin, extol the truth, and exalt others, being very careful not to crush and destroy by selfish, rash, and overbearing words, the feeble and bruised ones. Hence it was that he was beloved of the Father; that the Father was well pleased in him, and poured his Spirit upon him without measure.
Dear readers: it is this beloved Pattern who invites us to learn of him, and take his yoke upon us. Shall we do it? I think I hear you say, I will try. This is what I am endeavoring to do, and I find the promise of Christ verified to me. The yoke is easy, because I have help in bearing it, and I find rest to my soul. But I am not satisfied. I want more help and more rest in Jesus. This is our privilege. Without it, we are lean and powerless, the yoke is irksome, it is hard doing duty and serving the Lord; for we are left to ourselves, and our strength is weakness, and our wisdom is folly.
Again I ask, Shall we learn of Christ, who was meek and lowly of heart? Let us try.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
ETERNAL LIFE.
By R. F. Cotterell
Who can estimate the value of eternal life? a life of pure felicity, of perfect happiness, without a shade of sorrow? No trouble, no sickness, pain, nor death; and this without end. When countless ages shall have rolled away, it is still the same; eternal life, eternal blessedness and joy are still before us.
Who believes this? Who believes that there is such a life for us, depending on the choice we make, and the life we lead here? Men love life, and are seeking happiness. The present life they cling to, with great pertinacity. Nothing is more dreaded than the close of this mortal life. All that they have, would they give, rather than part with life—a life so poor, and painful, and brief, at the best. The greatest anxiety is manifest to prolong it for a few days. Why is it, then, that men are so indifferent in respect to the life to come? Why so little care and anxiety to secure eternal life? Do they believe it is offered them on condition? Many say they do; and yet how little care is manifested to secure it. From their conduct, one would infer that eternal life is something very easily obtained, while the present life demands the most assiduous and constant watchfulness and care. Can it be that they believe what they say they do, about a future, eternal life?
How is it with us, brethren? We not only profess to believe that there is a future, eternal life for us, on condition of obeying the Lord fully, keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; but also that a very brief period of time will close our probation, and decide our destiny for life or for death. Where are our interest and our care, our heart and our treasure? What occupies our thoughts in our seasons of meditation? What is our conduct and conversation before the world? Are we anxious to do our duty to our fellow men, to save them, if possible, and, at all events, to have our garments clear of their blood? Or do we manifest the same worldly tendency that they do? Do we believe what we say we do, and act accordingly? The Lord help us to believe and act.
R. F. COTTERELL.
REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA.
By John Norton Loughborough; D. T. Bourdeau
About one week has elapsed since the last report was made by us, and as we have made some progress in our meetings we will make a brief report of the same. Since our last report we have given eight discourses in the tent. The two last were upon the Sabbath question. Instead of these discourses detracting from the interest of the meeting, as some expressed fears that this subject would, we found that it worked about the same as in other States, serving to raise the interest to a still higher pitch. We have held in all, now in this place, fifteen meetings in the tent; and there has been a steady increase in interest from the commencement of our meeting. We commenced, as stated in our last report, with forty for our congregation; last evening our 60 feet tent was full.
The interest has not only been manifested by good attendance, but by an eagerness on the part of the people to read on the truths they have heard. We have already sold over $43.00 worth, in silver, of our publications, although the meeting has been in progress but eleven days.
As the report went out, in the first place, that we were Mormons, as we advertised ourselves as elders, and no other ministers denominate themselves as elders here but the Mormons, it became necessary to put a note into the Journal and Argus, of Petaluma, correcting the matter. So the Editor said, at our request, in his editorial the day the meeting commenced, “Messrs. Loughborough and Bourdeau, who have pitched their tent on the property of C. A. Hugh, near Lippitt’s new school-building, are Adventists from the State of Michigan, and come among us thoroughly commended by the Society of which they are members.” The Editor, and several of “the Journal” printers, have attended many of our meetings. Last week a notice was made, by the Editor, of our meeting as follows:
“INTERESTING. The tent-meeting being held by the Adventists in this place is well attended, and some of the discourses are very interesting.”
The people begin to come in to talk with us on what they hear, and to invite us to visit them. Of course as to how the matter will terminate here we cannot tell. We shall try to labor on, looking to the Lord for his blessing to follow our efforts. It is by his Spirit that the work must be carried on. If we move in the channel of simplicity and truth, we believe success will attend us in our labors.
The people are very kind to us, and have furnished us with apples, pears, plums, peaches, blackberries, &c., to that extent of liberality that we have had no occasion to buy these things since our meetings commenced.
We learn that a Mr. Lippitt, who is just starting a Methodist College in this place, has given out an appointment for next Sunday evening, proposing to prove that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. Of course we shall try to hear with our congregation, and give due attention to the matter. He appears as our first opponent in California, and as he has the reputation of being the most learned man in Sonoma Co., we suppose he will do the best he can for the Sunday cause.
Of course many will look with interest to the coming discourse to have their Sunday cause built up. Meanwhile we shall try to still hold forth the truth in the fear of God, looking to him to seal conviction on many hearts. Still requesting you to remember us in our mission, we remain your brethren in Christ.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Petaluma, Cal., Aug. 25, 1868.
REPORT FROM IOWA.
By George I. Butler
We remain here at Brighton still, doing what we can to forward the work of present truth in the midst of much opposition and bitterness. Since our last report nothing very exciting has taken place in connection with our work. We have not held meetings as regularly during the week as we did for awhile; but when we have held them they are usually well attended, showing there is still an interest to hear in the mind of many.
We have been much perplexed upon some points, especially in regard to a meeting-house. As the fall approaches we are warned that the tent will soon have to be taken down, and then there will be no place in which to hold meetings. Therefore we have been busy in planning in reference to a house of worship. The work is not through here by any means yet, and it seems, therefore, very necessary that we have a house. Those interested have held several meetings already, and something like eleven hundred dollars in money, labor, and material, is signed. The prospect is quite fair that we shall have in this place a house of worship as large as any in the place, where present truth may be preached. But it is a very perplexing business for us, as there are many obstacles thrown in the way by our enemies, so that it is really hard to find a suitable lot upon which to place it, as those which are eligible cannot be obtained. But we expect to see our object accomplished. Bro. Cornell is laboring with his usual energy to bring it about, and the signs now look hopeful.
Without a house we fear we shall lose much of the fruit of our labor, as there will be no place in which to hold meetings. If we can build we shall try to press the work forward to a speedy completion, and then if we can have Bro. and Sr. White here at its dedication, after our convocation meeting, we shall hope to see as a result one of the strongest churches in this State.
There has been quite an excitement in the place over an occurrence which transpired nearly two weeks since. Bro. Cornell had fairly commenced his discourse when a man came running in for the doctor, and soon a little girl came for her mother, saying her father was shot. Of course in this quiet village this made quite an excitement, and our meeting that evening was pretty much broken up. It was soon ascertained that one of the prominent citizens of the place was dangerously wounded in the abdomen, and that the perpetrator had escaped in the darkness. He has not since been arrested, and a few days since the wounded man died.
A day or two before this, another man was murdered about ten miles from here. These things are only additional evidences that society is becoming worse and worse. They cause quite an excitement for the time being, but they are soon forgotten, and people will become more and more accustomed to them till the end of all things is upon them. The world, the world occupies every thought, and they will not look at the signs of the times.
We cannot tell how long we shall remain here. We study to know present duty, and act up to that. We desire the prayers of all of God's people.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Brighton, Iowa, Aug. 31, 1868.
REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By H. C. Blanchard; T. M. Stewart
We are still laboring in the tent, near Kilbourn City. The interest seems to be steadily increasing in the community. Though our congregations have been small through the week, yet those who have attended, have become interested. Some have arisen to express their desires for salvation. Some have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and several others have expressed their determination to keep it.
Last Sabbath, we were cheered by the presence of a goodly number of our brethren from Mackford, Lodi, and Baraboo. One brother and his wife, who were first-day Adventists, had been investigating the Sabbath some, and came to hear. They were fully convinced, and expressed their determination to keep it in the future.
The Lord was with us by his good and loving Spirit on Sabbath, while we had a refreshing and heavenly season in social meeting. On first-day morning, three willing souls from Hundred Mile Grove, who had been waiting for the opportunity, went forward in the beautiful ordinance of baptism. The presence of God was manifest in our meetings. The Lord helped us in presenting his solemn truths. Bless his holy name! A Congregationalist minister has attended our meeting a few times, and bought some books. We heard last week, he had given out word that he would preach against us on the Sabbath question, at Briggsville. We wrote, and sent him a note inviting him into the tent, at any hour on Sunday, he might choose. He politely declined; so while one conducted the meeting in the tent, Bro. Blanchard attended his meeting, and then reviewed him in the tent in the evening, before quite a large congregation, to the satisfaction of many.
We intend to remain here another week, and as much longer as the interest may demand. The truth is powerful182and must prevail. We will try to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified, in our work. Pray for us.
H. C. BLANCHARD,
T. M. STEWART.
REPORT FROM BRO. HUTCHINS.
By A. S. Hutchins
AFTER my last report (July 15), before returning home, I met with the brethren, one Sabbath in Charleston and one in Irasburgh. The brethren and sisters constituting the Irasburgh and Charleston church are unfavorably situated for meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath, living, as they do, in several different towns, and quite a distance from each other; yet a goodly number came together to these meetings, all of whom we were happy to meet again, and hear them express their love for the truth, and their determination, by assisting grace, to overcome.
We feel a deep interest and anxiety for the welfare of this church, and most earnestly wish they were favored with a convenient house of worship, in which to meet. It seems if they were, that others might be gathered into the church, to go with the people of God.
While out on this tour, we visited some twenty families of Sabbath-keepers and friends, scattered in different towns and counties. Our interviews were pleasant, and, we hope, profitable. Tried to help and encourage the dear saints onward in the way of life everlasting, to the home of the overcomer, which the faithful will soon reach. We obtained several subscribers for the Reformer.
While out from home this time, we passed the most extreme heat of the month of July, when around us, as in other places, men, children, and beasts, died suddenly, from the effects of the excessive heat. We felt its debilitating influence considerably, yet the change of exercise and the journey proved conducive to health, both with myself and companion.
After returning home, I spent three Sabbaths at Wolcott. Our last meeting here was encouraging to all who love the way of truth and duty. May we all seek a closer walk with God, seek for a constant communion with him and a daily growth in grace; and ever remember, that to be “spiritually minded is life and peace.” A. S. HUTCHINS.
Worcester, Vt., Aug. 27, 1868.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Western Outlaws.—The Western outlaws and express robbers are becoming desperate, and mobs of citizens are punishing them at a terrible rate. On Aug. 7, a posse of constables, at Crawford, Ill., attempted to arrest four of the desperadoes. They fired on the constables, killing one. The remainder and a mob of citizens then rushed upon the robbers, and killed them all.
The South.—Several new governors of Southern States recently made requisitions on the Secretary of War for arms under a law passed in 1796, but the Secretary has declined to furnish until further legislation is had on the subject. The governors, in consequence, have united in an appeal to Congress to meet on the day to which they had adjourned, and take action in the matter.
A new city government was inaugurated in Montgomery, Alabama, August 15, many of the officers being colored men, and the police force being half and half.
Europe.—The Pope's foreign soldiers do not like his service, and are deserting in large numbers.
Austria is rapidly reorganizing her army, and the Hungarian forces are being armed and equipped. The latest revolutionary document—the report of the Prussian General von Moltke, revealing the fact that Prussia aimed at the destruction of Austria, and only “made use” of Italy—has fired anew the martial spirit. The Austrians are frightened at the revolutions; Italy is indignant at being represented in the light of a cat's paw; and France is delighted at the mistake of Prussia in thus uselessly making two enemies.
Thirty-four times the amount asked for was lately subscribed in France to a national loan.
There are horrible reports from Japan. Several great battles have been fought; half of Jeddo has been burned; all native Christians have been condemned to death by the Mikado, and many executions had taken place. A report comes from Nagasaki to the effect that 150 Christians had been taken in a steamer to sea and drowned. The consuls remonstrated in vain.
The Great Earthquake.—One of the most awful calamities in the world's history occurred on the 13th of August, 1868, on the coast of Peru, South America. An earthquake on that day swept down nearly a dozen towns and cities, and destroyed thirty-two thousand lives, together with property estimated at three hundred millions of dollars. A wave, forty feet in height, was thrown from the Pacific Ocean upon the Peruvian coast, carrying vessels a long distance inland, and destroying lives and property along the coast for a space of two or three hundred miles.
The earthquake which occurred on the 13th ultimo seems to have embraced an area of twelve hundred miles north and south, by 100 miles east and west, on the main land. How far its influence may have extended on the ocean cannot be known. By the last previous steamer from Panama, intelligence was brought of an unusual tidal wave at Callao, some three hundred miles north of Arequipa. It is probable this was a part of the same terrible convulsion. The shock was even felt at Guayaquil, in Equador, in latitude two degrees south—a distance of eighteen degrees from Iquique.
If the report of the loss of life by this calamity be true it was one of the most destructive earthquakes on record.—Chicago Tribune.
—The tropical heats of July are said to have literally burned up the crops throughout a large portion of the Russian Empire. Indications show that there will be great distress if not a positive famine there during the coming winter. In France, however, the harvests will be uncommonly fine. The wine crop in particular will not only be one of the most abundant ever known, but will be superior in quality.
Confession of Spiritual Lukewarmness
By Joseph Clarke
From Bro. Clarke.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel impelled by a sense of duty, to confess to you that I have, for a number of years past, been insensibly falling into a state of lukewarmness and stupidity, having only a name to live.
Within a few months past, I have been discovering that the world was gaining power over me; and I began to see that the love of the world was causing me to neglect duty, or to perform it with distaste or reluctance. Among other symptoms of decay, I began to neglect writing for our dear REVIEW, and what I did write, was plainly indicative of spiritual decay. Evil surmising, jealousy, and other kindred evils, sprang to new life in my corrupt heart; and as I began to discover this, I felt occasional alarm, but as often relapsed into lukewarmness. Of late, the article entitled “Coming Suddenly,” again awoke me, in some degree; and soon after, the notice of the meeting at Wright, and the call from Bro. White for the backslidden to attend it, seemed to be a call to me. I was privileged to attend this camp-meeting, and it has indeed been a blessing to me, and I shall, with the help of God, retain the blessing.
I do not claim to have attained any great eminence of piety, by means of the privilege of attending this meeting; but I begin to see my danger, and now I feel183that a present struggle for the victory, without watchfulness, may be followed by a worse relapse than the former one.
I thank the Lord that he has stirred up the hearts of his chosen servants, and has thrown additional light upon the work of the Saviour in the heavenly sanctuary. I thank them for their faithfulness. I believe all the remnant people of God will hear this important truth; and that all who truly love God, will be stirred to new life. I feel that it has touched my heart with some power; but so poor has been the preparation, that I realize the work is but begun. I see men as trees walking. Oh, for full salvation! the finishing touch of the heavenly Physician and Healer!
I will close by saying that since returning from the meeting, I have been enabled to obtain some light and help of God, and feel greatly encouraged to strive for the complete victory. I feel more than ever the necessity of a complete work of sanctification in the heart, and am watching against my besetments, which are sure to return, unless fully overcome. I am not content with smothering the flame of sin, and an outward obedience; but will, with the help of God, entirely quench those inward fires.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
VISIT TO VERMONT.
By John Byington
Bro. Smith: I wrote you a few lines from Knapp's Station, Norfolk, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., while waiting for the cars. I left that place for Vermont, in company with Bro. Hilliard. We arrived in Charlotte the next morning, Aug. 25, where I met my only brother living, eighty years of age, very infirm, who had waited for months with anxiety to see me once more. He admitted the truth of the Sabbath a few years since, but at so advanced an age, that he could do but little for its defense. May his end be peace.
In this town I lived from the age of eight to thirty. I went to our old home, where when a youth, I gave my heart to God. From this place, I went to Hinesburgh, ten miles, to the place of my birth. Spent two or three hours with Judge Marsh, whose father and mine were the first settlers of the town. He being of my age, and we having lived near each other, could but reflect upon things of our childhood days. I passed the old home of Nathaniel Gage, in Shelburne. The home and barn looked the same as they did fifty-two years ago, when I attended a quarterly meeting in this very barn, as Methodists then had no chapels for worship. Henry Stead, presiding Elder, spoke at this meeting, on the subject of the Judgment. I was then deeply convicted that I must be converted or lost. This same Bro. Gage, who was very wealthy, built near him a good, brick meeting-house for the Methodist Protestant church, and at his death, left them fifteen hundred dollars, the interest of which to support a preacher, and five hundred dollars for a library for a Sunday school; but, strange to tell, the house is now vacated and useless, as there is not one member of the church left.
The people in western Vermont have become so wealthy and proud that I think but little of God is known among them. I never saw the necessity of the existence and organization of the Seventh-day Adventist church more than now.
I left my brother of fourscore years in Williston, Vermont, the 24th inst., and came to St. Albans, and there was met by Bro. Bean, who took Bro. Hilliard and me, with his team, to West Enosburgh, where we had three interesting meetings on Sabbath and first-day. Here brethren A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau have labored faithfully for years, and, as the result of their labors, there is now a numerous church and a house for worship. Sabbath afternoon, we spoke to the youth, most of whom are church members. We see, more and more, the necessity of unceasing labor on the part of parents, and elders of the church, in laboring, not only for their conversion, but to keep the young faithful and alive. We felt blessed with this people.
Bro. A. C. Bourdeau was not at home, but arrived late first-day evening, and followed us six miles, to Bro. White's, in Fairfield, where we had a pleasant interview with him and family. We left Monday morning, for Madrid, N. Y., expecting to call on brethren in Bangor, but the cars having changed time that day, Bro. Lawrence failed to be there. We, therefore, came on to Bro. Hilliard's at a late hour in the evening.
We have spent most of this week in calling on brethren and friends, whom we never expect to meet again until the great day. We staid last night with Mr. Lewis, whose companion is faithful in the truth, and in this same house, we slept the first night that we staid at Buck's Bridge, thirty-seven years since, where Galen Sherman then lived. The S. D. Adventist church here now has as much strength as the Methodist Episcopal church, of which we were members, had then.
We expect to return to our home in Mich., next week. I feel an increasing desire to spend what little strength I have left, in the cause of truth. May the Lord direct.
J. BYINGTON.
Williston, Vt., Aug. 27, 1868.
Prayer and Feeding Your Horse
NOTHING is lost on a journey by stopping to pray, or to feed your horse.
REPORT FROM BRO. SANBORN.
By I. Sanborn
The good work of the Lord moves steadily on here in Trempeleau Co., Wis. Some have already decided to keep the commandments, and many are convinced. A local elder of the Methodist church has given notice that he will preach an opposition sermon on next first-day evening, which we do not expect will do the cause any harm.
I want to say to my brethren in the ministry, the reason I could not see it duty to attend the camp-meeting in Michigan was on account of the great interest here, as my past experience in this work, and the spirit of the Lord, has taught me that to leave the work, only a few days, at the period when I should have been obliged to leave this to go to the camp-meeting, would have been to run the risk of losing all my past labor here. Notwithstanding I felt as though it was a great sacrifice for me to make not to go to camp-meeting, yet I make it for the good of others, and I trust the Lord will make it up to me in some other way. I also pray that the Lord may greatly strengthen and fit up his people for the great work before us, and that we may all be prepared for the refreshing that is soon to come from his presence. Pray for me that the Lord may give me wisdom to do his work faithfully, that I with you may at last receive the faithful servant’s reward.
I. SANBORN.
Trempeleau Co., Wis.
MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By J. F. Thompson
In accordance with the views of the Wisconsin Conf. Committee, since Bro. R. F. Andrews preached several discourses at this place, I have commenced a series of meetings across the Wisconsin River in Crawford Co., at a place known as the “Wayne school-house.” I have delivered in all ten discourses, assisted several times by Bro. Geo. Garvin. We have tried to present the truth to them on the saints’ inheritance, the soon coming of Christ, and the Sabbath. We had good interest and crowded houses until we began to hold up to them the down-trodden Sabbath of the Lord, although we had strong sectarian influence to contend with from the start. The Methodist preacher is doing all in his power against us.
We had a good social meeting last Sabbath, six bearing testimony in favor of the truth, and stating their determination to keep all God’s commandments, and prepare for the soon coming of his Son from Heaven. More are convinced that we have the truth. May God help them to obey it, and keep those steadfast who have already started.
If we would be saved we must be sanctified through the truth. “Be patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” I desire the prayers of God’s people that I may be kept from falling, led in the path of duty, and preserved blameless unto the appearing of the Lord.
J. F. THOMPSON.
Woodman, Wis., Aug. 30, 1868.
Sister L. Richer’s Sabbath Faith
By L. Richer
SISTER L. RICHER writes from Montcalm Co., Mich.: I thank the Lord that I did not turn a deaf ear to the third message, but am trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. When I hear the weak argument for Sunday it increases my faith. In the strength of God, I will be an overcomer and eat of the tree of life. In the Bible we have these encouraging words: “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him.” I can say with the psalmist, “I am a companion of all them that keep thy precepts, and Oh! how love I thy law, it is my meditation all the day.” I want to be prepared for the time of trouble that is coming on the earth.
A New Adventist’s Testimony
By E. M. Lewis
SISTER E. M. LEWIS writes from St. Law. Co., N. Y.: The last 4th of July I put myself under the watchcare of the Seventh-day Adventist church. From a child I have been among the Methodists. All my father's family belonged to the W. and M. E. church.
I cannot tell how great the cross to take the step that I have taken; but feel that I must obey God. The name I always look upon of but little importance if we are truly and indeed the disciples of Jesus. I love the cause of God. Of all that profess to be Christians, how few will be saved. So many will fail by shrinking from doing their whole duty. When I look back and see how long I have been in the way, how little I have done, how little self-denial I have practiced, how little I have searched the Bible, for myself, to know if these things are so, I feel sorry that I have not had more moral courage to overcome the world, and every influence that would keep me from being wholly the Lord's. I daily feel that God does forgive the past. Grace to-day, help to-day, is what I am trying to live for.
What precious words I find to those that love the truth. We lack faith. If Christ was here now in these days of peril, would he not say, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? Lord increase our faith.
I prize the REVIEW very much for its religious instruction. I was much disappointed in our Conference Department in our last, there being so few testimonies. Every letter does me good. This precious truth, ye sinners, hear it, “Mercy's free, mercy's free.” Ye ministers of God declare it. All can speak for Jesus. May God's Spirit direct me and mine, and all his saints.
E. O. JONES
By E. O. Jones
From Bro. Jones.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I hope my long silence in the Conference Department will not be construed into indifference in the cause of truth. No; so long as it stands revealed that it is God's truth which is to sanctify and raise up a peculiar people, a God-fearing people, so long do I wish to identify myself with that people, and share in their trials, conflicts, and final triumph.
Ever since the fall of man, error has tried to pull the truth down, and then has used every effort to set herself up, as the center of attraction, and to be admired by the world. To-day the majority of mankind are holding on to errors with a death-like grasp, while truth stands at the door weeping and knocking for admittance. But there is no sympathy for the modest pleadings of truth. Shall we go away, and turn our feet from running in the way of truth, because she meets with such a cold reception? I think I hear a response from many throbbing hearts, saying, No; though all others forsake it, yet will not I. The powers of darkness are pressing hard upon the truth and all those who love it; therefore, the Christian needs to have on the whole armor, to ward off the fiery darts of the Wicked One.
Since last March, I have been distributing books and tracts to some extent. But my work in that direction is not done yet. My hopes are that by this small beginning a great work may be finally accomplished. My expectations are, that by the use of this means, a course of lectures will be called for this winter, and a flourishing church be raised up here in Fenton. For this I hope and pray.
Pray for me, that my labors be not in vain in the Lord.
E. O. JONES
Genesee Co., Mich.
A Letter from Millersburg
By MARY A. BALLARD
MARY A. BALLARD writes from Millersburg, Iowa: I am still striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I have been without the paper for some time, but for the last three weeks I have received it again. How thankful I am to the brethren for sending it. How could I live without it? How good the sermons are. How they feed the souls of the lonely ones. It is meat and drink to those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. I like the health and dress reform much, and mean, by the assisting grace of God, to live them out the best I can.