p. 184 | Review and Herald, Vol. 21, No. 23. (5/5/1863)

HIRAM DECKER

By Hiram Decker

From Bro. Decker.

BRO. WHITE: Since I last wrote for the Review nearly three years have gone by, never more to return; and our confirmation has since then grown strong in the truthfulness of the third angel's message. Various have been the changes since that time, not only in the moral, but also in the natural, world, and various have been the trials and anxieties of our minds, through which we have passed. Since then a dear and beloved wife has gone down to the tomb, and the home she once made cheerful and happy is now sad and desolate, and the help I then had to keep the Sabbath holy, is now gone, and I am comparatively alone; though not alone while God is my help.

For the last year sickness almost constantly has prevailed among the little band of Sabbath-keepers in this place. And though our earthly hopes have been obscured, yet we trust our hopes of heaven and a better inheritance grow stronger. We are striving earnestly for "the faith once delivered to the saints," not only in word, but in deed, hoping thereby to put gainsayers to silence. A fearful stupor and insensibility seems to have come over the popular religionists of the day, and the vast multitude who follow in their wake are starving for the bread of life. O God, save thy remnant people from pride and dead formality.

We are looking forward with considerable anxiety to our State Conference, and would sanction the brethren's request at Roosevelt that the Conference be held there. We hope also to see Bro. and sister White in attendance. Brethren and sisters, pray for us.

HIRAM DECKER

West Monroe, N. Y.

A Few More Days to the Crown

By H. E. Thompson

From Sr. Thompson.

Bro. White: It is two years since my husband and myself, with nine others, embraced the truth under the labors of Brn. Cornell and Lawrence. Since that time seven more have been added to our little number. We are all striving to keep pace with the message. I can say to the scattered saints that I believe that in a few more days, if faithful, we shall wear the crown. How cheering to the Christian to think that there will be but a few more days of sickness and sorrow, pain and death, when if we fight manfully the battle of the Lord, we shall obtain the crown that is laid up for the righteous.

H. E. Thompson. Chesaning, Sag. Co., Mich.

A Child’s Early Christian Impressions

By Irena G. Camp

From Sister Camp.

BRO. WHITE: A sadness comes over my mind when I reflect how much less easily the minds of children and youth are affected with solemn and sacred truths now than when I was young. I well remember what a deep impression a sense of death and mourning made upon my mind, and how ardently I desired to be prepared for death, and to appear before God in judgment with all my sins forgiven. And when I was alone, walking in the fields, my mind was dwelling on the beauties and excellencies of the Christian religion, and I deeply felt that I wanted to be a Christian. And while my hands were employed in labor, my mind was engaged in reflecting on the beauties and glories of the heavenly world, while my leisure moments were employed in reading the Bible, or some religious book. And on what was then termed Sabbath morning, I was engaged in reading my Bible, and in serious reflection, before the rest of the family were awake.

I well remember the little consecrated place where I used to retire for secret prayer, and the very moment I opened the door of that little chamber I breathed such a holy and heavenly atmosphere that I felt the very place on which I stood was holy ground. And as I used to retire to my chamber for a few moments when my work was done after dinner, worn and weary from excessive labor, I would think I must throw myself upon the bed and rest a few moments before praying, and then I would think that perhaps by some means I might be deprived of the privilege of praying, and I would pray first, then rising from my knees could rest and be refreshed both in soul and body, and all ready to resume my labor.

I delight daily to consecrate myself anew to him, and plead with him for grace whereby I may serve him acceptably with reverence and with godly fear, and that I may do and suffer all his blessed will. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. IRENA G. CAMP. Gaysville, Vt.

I. O. THOMPSON

By I. O. Thompson

From Bro. Thompson.

BRO. WHITE: I wish to say a few words to the brethren and sisters through the Review. Myself and companion are still striving to overcome. We often think of the lonely ones that have not the privilege that we have, of meeting together and encouraging each other on by their cheering testimonies. I would say to the lonely ones, Take courage and travel on in the straight and narrow way; take the Bible as your chart and guide, to tell you how soon probationary time will close. Soon, if faithful, we will meet to part no more. I am still determined to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I want to be found a humble servant of God, when Christ shall come to call his children home. Let us still pray one for another. Though far apart, our prayers can strengthen each other, if we pray in faith relying on God's promises; for they are sure to be fulfilled.

I. O. THOMPSON

Chesaning, Sag. Co., Mich.

L. G. BOSTWICK

By L. G. Bostwick

From Bro. Bostwick.

Bro. White: I would say that the cause of God in this place is on the rise. His people here are striving to rise with the message. I am now holding meetings here. I would just say that I have of late started to preach these solemn truths, and have been blessed of God in so-doing. I have been to Marietta in this State where Sr. Steele lives, and there preached some ten or twelve discourses on present truth. Five made up their minds to obey the truth, and about thirty rose in favor of the Sabbath of the Lord. There is some interest in this place (Lynxville) at present, and I am now trying to present the truth to them. I think the result will be good. When I get through here I will return to Marietta, if the Lord is willing for me thus to do. Pray for me that I may be guided aright. I wish to move carefully in the sight of God, that I may be able to stand at last with his children.

L. G. BOSTWICK

Lynxville, Crawford Co., Wis.

Trusting God Through Sickness

By N. D. Richmond

From Sister Richmond.

Bro. White: I feel it a pleasure to add my testimony to the great care and love which Jesus has for those that trust in him. I realize that he has been good to me, one so unworthy as I am. Truly the "Lord is good and his tender mercies are over all his works." I have recently been visited with sickness, and was brought down to the gates of death; and while the hand of the Lord was upon me I felt that underneath me were the everlasting arms, and felt to trust in that God who had so signally been my support in times of trial and affliction. He has seen fit to restore me to health again, and O, I desire, above all things, that I may honor and glorify him, and be a meek and humble follower of Jesus.

I feel grateful for the way that God is leading out his remnant people, and for the cheering testimony that his work is coming east.

It is my prayer that I may so live as to share in the refreshing that his waiting saints will enjoy, and at last be permitted to stand on mount Zion, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

Your sister, striving to overcome. N. D. Richmond. Brattleboro, Vt.

H. HILLIARD

By H. Hilliard

From Bro. Hilliard.

BRO. WHITE : I have often felt cheered by the accounts given, from the lonely commandment keepers through the Review. We enjoyed a season of refreshing by the few days' faithful labor of Bro. Andrews. A few of the people of the world were in to hear, and prejudice to some extent against the truth, seems to be giving away.

We have not been, and are not now without some trials by the way, yet we try with Christian patience and meekness, to bear and endure them.

Our monthly meetings we have found to be great blessings. The first was attended by Eld. C. O. Taylor and S. B. Whitney, when faithful, pointed and true dealing was called for, to get hindrances out of the way, and very soon there was a spirit of confessing of wrongs to each other with tears and the good Spirit of the Lord soon convicted the children of some Sabbath keepers, and there are now four with us in prayers and testimonies, three of whom were baptized at our last monthly meeting.

Truly the Lord is better unto us than all our fears. We wish to be of the number who shall be found holding on our way, by purifying ourselves in obeying the truth, for we read that obedience is better than sacrifice, though we feel that we are required to do both, laboring earnestly for the blessed inheritance God has promised to those who are faithful and endure unto the end. Yours striving to overcome.

H. HILLIARD

Grass River, N. Y., Apr. 28th 1863.

LETTERS.

By Amelia Stebbins

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Sr. Stebbins.

THINKING that perhaps a few words from me might encourage my young friends, I again attempt to address a few lines to you. It is indeed a pleasure to me to read the letters from the scattered ones of the flock. Five years have passed since, through the labors of Bro. Ingraham, I commenced, with my parents, and my only brother and sister, to keep the commandments of the Lord. Though many times I have gone astray from the paths of the Lord, still he has been merciful to me, and I am thankful to say that to-day I feel the strivings of his Spirit with me. I still feel that same earnestness and determination to work for the Lord. I love to see his cause advancing. The day of the Lord is near at hand, and hasteth greatly. O, I want to have on the whole armor, and be ready for the time of trouble that is just before us. I want to so live that I can have the seal of the living God placed upon my forehead, and I be counted among the remnant people that will finally come off conquerors. Satan is striving with his utmost power to draw the young into his snare, but thanks be to God, we have a strong arm to rely upon, that is able and will save all those who believe on him.

Dear friends, let us begin to pray, and pray in earnest for ourselves and those around us; for the time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. Let us not be afraid to speak some kind word in the ears of our young mates, and strive if possible to persuade them to come and go with us to mount Zion. We must not be discouraged, but try, try again. Though their sins be as scarlet, he is willing to forgive.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters, And it will return to thee; For the words of inspiration, Tell us that it thus shall be.”

O it would be an awful thing, if when we appear before our God we have our garments stained with the blood of souls, when perhaps if we had been diligent, done our duty and set good examples before them while here, we might have been an instrument in the hands of the Lord of saving some soul from death; but then it will be too late. O how we shall repent then of our folly. Lord, help me, and give me strength to perform every duty made known to me, in thy fear, is my prayer. O I want to be the means of doing some little good while I stay here. Come, dear friends, let us be encouraged, and awake to new engagedness in this work, and go straight forward with the army of the Lord, and we shall soon be permitted to see the tree of life, and eat its precious fruit, and reign for ever with our Redeemer. O what a blessed thought!

Your sister striving to overcome.

AMELIA STEBBINS.

Whitesville, Alleghany Co., N. Y.

Michigan State Conference.

A SPECIAL session of the Michigan and Northern Indiana State Conference will be held at Battle Creek, May 22d, at 9 o'clock, A. M.

It is desired that every church belonging to this Conference, and those who wish to unite with the Conference, will send delegates with letters, stating their appointment as delegates, the number, condition, wants, &c., of the churches to which they belong.

Ample provisions will be made for delegates and preachers. A general attendance of the friends of the cause from the region round about is solicited at the meetings of worship, Sabbath and first-day, who will receive all the attention that accommodations will permit.

Con. Com.

Death of Sylvester Bliss

By Editor

We omitted to mention in March last, the death of Sylvester Bliss, editor of the Advent Herald, who died at his residence in Roxbury, Mass., the 6th of that month, after a short illness, of pleuro pneumonia. Josiah Litch is for the present editor of the Advent Herald.

Religion and Literature.

It should never cease to be remembered by those who are drawn to pleasant and ennobling studies, and who find in them great delight, as well as by those who are watching these expanding minds with special interest, that religion is the first thing—that devotion to the service of God is the highest possible pursuit of any man. The tendency to subordinate this first great duty, this highest of pursuits, to anything else, however good or fair, is wrong and must be fatal in its results. Christ will not take the second place in the affections of any heart. His service should not be postponed for any other service, or be made secondary to any other; and he will judge as strictly, and condemn as sternly, the man of literary tastes and accomplishments, who found in these things reasons for neglecting his gracious gospel, and abjuring his blessed service, as he will the man who turned away from him to find his pleasure in the wine-cup, or the heaping together of treasures of silver and gold. It will be a sad record to come forth, when the books of the scholars are consuming—yea, when many of the sciences which men pursued with so much avidity are disappearing, and the glory of all literature is paling before a new glory—the glory of Christ's great redemption—it will be a sad record to find written then, of all the impressions which should have made us solemn and thoughtful, all the fears which should have startled us, and all the hopes which should have led us onward toward a higher and purer world, the simple words—"Overlaid by literature."—Presbyterian.

Religious

RELIGIOUS.—Let those parents who would continue to excuse themselves by observing, "We cannot give grace to our children," lay their hand on their heart and say whether they ever knew an instance where God withheld his grace while they were in humble subserviency to him, fulfilling their duty? The real state of the case is this: Parents cannot do God's work, and God will not do theirs; but if they use the means, he will never withhold his blessing.

APPOINTMENTS.

General Conference.

THERE will be a General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Michigan, to commence Wednesday, May 20, at 6 o'clock, P. M.

The objects of this meeting, for the general good of the cause of Bible truth and holiness everywhere, have been specified in the REVIEW.

The several conference committees in the different States are requested to send delegates, or letters at their discretion.

The brethren in those localities where there is no State Conference, can also be represented in this Conference by delegates or letters.

All delegates and letters must be sanctioned by some State Conference, or Conference committee, or—where there are no State Conferences,—some church, or meeting of scattered brethren.

JAMES WHITE, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, JOHN BYINGTON. } Michigan Conference Committee.

Ohio State Conference Announcement

PROVIDENCE permitting, the Ohio State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will be held May 30 and 31, at Wakeman, Ohio. Brethren, come in the Spirit, with the purpose of having a profitable meeting, praying that God will meet with us. Brethren will come prepared to take care of themselves mostly, as there are but few Sabbath-keepers in the place.

By order of the committee.

J. CLARKE, Sec. of Conf.

A. C. BOURDEAU

By A. C. Bourdeau

The next monthly meeting for Northern Vermont, will be held with the church at West Enosburgh, Sabbath, May 16.

The brethren of Fairfield, Berkshire and Montgomery are especially invited to attend.

A. C. BOURDEAU

S. B. WHITNEY

By S. B. Whitney

The next monthly meeting for Northern N. Y. will be held at Bangor, the last Sabbath and first-day in May, 1863.

In behalf of the church.

S. B. WHITNEY

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.

By Editor

Business Notes.

Eld. Jos. Bates. The $5 for Conference Fund from the church at Watson, has been received.

W. W. Giles. Money received.

Maria Kidder. We cannot furnish the back numbers of Review and Instructor for present volumes, as we printed but few extra copies on account of the high prices of paper.

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 receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

E. Willhite for L. Walker 1,00,xxiii,23. E. C. Sandborn 1,00,xxiii,1. Ch. at West Enosburgh, Vt. for Mrs. H. Lee 1,00,xxiii,23. W. W. Giles 3,00,xxiv,1. C. G. Hayes 2,40,xxiv,1. C. N. Russell 1,00,xxiii,10. L. Russell 1,00,xxiii,1. C. Russell for A. Russell 0,50,xxii,23. J. Hostetler 1,00,xx,21. G. Lowree 2,00,xxiii,20. J. Long 5,00,xxiv,1. A. A. Farnsworth 0,25,xx,14. C. M. Wade 2,00,xxi,1. S. Cohoon 2,25,xxv,1. D. Cole 1,00,xxii,1. F. J. Card 3,00,xxii,1. L. Adams 4,00,xxiv,1. M. Woodard 2,00,xxii,12. A. C. Hudson for Eld. B. Chase 0,25,xxii,7. for Mrs. B. Crawford and Mrs. G. Veeder, each 0,50,xxii,23. J. I. Shurtz 0,80,xxi,9. L. Kingsley 1,00,xxiii,23. N. A. Lord 1,00,xxiii,1. Mrs. M. A. Eaton 2,00,xxiv,1. F. A. Herrick 2,00,xxiv,1. A. Sherman 1,00,xxiii,1. B. Benson for E. Benson 1,00,xxiii,23.

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For Shares in Publishing Association.

H. Flower $5.

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Donations to Publishing Association.

L. Russell $4. A sister in Michigan $10. A. C. Hudson (s. B.) $2,60.

Books Sent By Mail.

Polly Keyes 50c. A. B. Morton $1. M. C. Hornaday $1. I. C. Vaughan $1. E. Temple $1,20. R. Hicks $1,20. E. Sanford $2. A. Barnes $2,25. A. Whitmore 20c. W. W. Giles $2,50. Mrs. L. Miller $1,20. W. Hale 30c. J. Hostetler 28c. M. Edson $2,35. A. A. Farnsworth 50c. S. Howland 30c. M. B. Czechowski 87c. A. Freeman $1,10. J. I. Shurtz $1,20. Wm. Sadden 43c. N. A. Lord $1. Mrs. M. A. Eaton 75c. T. M. Morris 62c. H. Clough 25c. J. D. Hough $1. L. O. Stowell 25c. Mrs. L. Wilkinson 25c. J. C. Dewing $1. L. H. Roberts 85c. E. B. Gaskill $2,60. A. M. Eaton $1.

Cash Received on Account.

L. G. Bostwick 40c. A. Lanphear $4,00. T. M. Morris 38c. W. S. Higley, jr. $3,00

Books Sent by Express.

M. Hull, Berlin, Mich., $4,00. W. S. Higley, jr., Lapeer, Mich., $14,54. H. C. Blanchard, Chilicothe, Ills., $19,03.

PUBLICATIONS.

The law requires the pre-payment of postage on all transient publications, at the rates of one cent an ounce for Books and Pamphlets, and one-half cent an ounce for Tracts, in packages of eight ounces or more. Those who order Pamphlets and Tracts to be sent by mail, will please send enough to pre-pay postage. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address Elder James White, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Price. Postage. cts. cts. History of the Sabbath, (in paper covers), . . 40 10 The Bible from Heaven, . . 25 5 The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6 12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast, . . 15 4 Sabbath Tracts, numbers one, two, three, and four, . . 15 4 Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the gift of God, . . 15 4 Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an inquiry into the present constitution and future condition of man, . . 15 4 Modern Spiritualism; its Nature and Tendency, . . 15 4 The Kingdom of God; a Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come, . . 15 4 Miraculous Powers, . . 15 4 Pauline Theology, or the Christian Doctrine of Future Punishment as taught in the epistles of Paul, . . 15 4 Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered, . . 10 3 Prophecy of Daniel: The Four Universal Kingdoms the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, . . 10 3 The Saints' Inheritance. The Immortal Kingdom located on the New Earth. . . 10 3 Signs of the Times, showing that the Second Coming of Christ is at the door, . . 10 3 Law of God. The testimony of both Testaments, showing its origin and perpetuity, . . 10 3 Vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary to Hayti, . . 10 3 Review of Springer on the Sabbath, Law of God, and first day of the week, . . 10 3 Facts for the Times. Extracts from the writings of eminent authors, Ancient and Modern, . . 10 3 Miscellany. Seven Tracts in one book on the Second Advent and the Sabbath, . . 10 3 Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, and Design, . . 10 3 The Seven Trumpets. The Sounding of the seven Trumpets of Revelation viii and ix, . . 10 2 The Fate of the Transgressor, or a short argument on the First and Second Deaths, . . 5 2 Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, . . 5 2 Assistant. The Bible Students' Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture references, . . 5 1 Truth Found. A short argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . . 5 1 The Two Laws and Two Covenants, . . 5 1 An Appeal for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an address to the Baptists, . . 5 1 Review of Crozier on the Institution, Design, and Abolition of the Seventh-day Sabbath, . . 5 1 Review of Fillio. A reply to a series of discourses delivered by him in Battle Creek on the Sabbath question, . . 5 1 Milton on the State of the Dead, . . 5 1 Brown's Experience. Consecration—Second Advent, . . 5 1 Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c., . . 5 1 Sabbath Poem. False Theories Exposed, . . 5 1 Illustrated Review. A Double Number of the REVIEW AND HERALD Illustrated, . . 5 1 Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. Apostasy and perils of the last days, . . 5 1 The same in German, . . 5 1 " " " Holland, . . 5 1 French. A Pamphlet on the Sabbath, . . 5 1 " " " Dan. ii, and vii, . . 5 1

ONE CENT TRACTS. Who Changed the Sabbath?—Unity of the Church—Spiritual Gifts—Law of God, by Wesley—Appeal to men of reason on the mortality—Much in Little—Truth—Death and Burial—Preach the Word—Personality of God—The Seven Seals—The Two Laws.

TWO CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Infidelity and Spiritualism—Mark of the Beast—War and the Sealing—The Institution of the Sabbath.

Bound Books.

The figures set to the following Bound Books include both the price of the Book and the postage. The Hymn Book, 464 pages, and 122 pieces of music, . . 80 " " " with Sabbath Lute, . . $1,00 " " Calf Binding, . . 1,00 " " " with Lute, . . 1,20 History of the Sabbath, in one volume, bound Part I, Bible History Part II, Secular History, . . 80 " Spiritual Gifts Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, . . 50 " Spiritual Gifts Vol. II. Experience, Views and Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . 50 " Scripture Doctrine of Future Punishment. By H. H. Dobney, Baptist Minister of England, . . 75 " Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other Poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie E. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus. Price 25 cents. The Chart. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, 20 by 25 inches. Price 15 cents On rollers, post-paid, 75 cts.