Earlier text: Historical Department.MEETINGS AT WRIGHT.
By James White
By the earnest invitation of some of the Wright church who attended our recent meeting in this place, we sent an appointment by them for meetings, to hold Jan. 25 and 26. On fifth-day it began to storm so that our brethren in this vicinity gave up going with us. Sixth-day morning, the storm continued; but our appointment was out, and we felt it wrong to disappoint the people, so started, and all day faced the tedious storm. This seemed quite severe, in view of recent cold and cough. But we got through quite as comfortable as could be expected, and received no apparent injury. In battling the storm, Bro. Andrews took the front, drove, and made the journey as comfortable and cheerful as possible. Sabbath morning, we found the house literally crowded. The interest in and out of the church has not abated since our labors here one year since. Bro. Andrews gave a most solemn and impressive discourse in the forenoon. In the afternoon, I spoke nearly two hours upon the parable of the lost sheep, closing with a statement of our work the past year in seeking to save those who had strayed, more or less, from the fold. The evening was spent in social interview with certain brethren at the house of Bro. Root. We spoke freely of the duty of those who need counsel in their secular matters to ask it of their brethren who have by successful management shown that they are capable of giving good advice. The interview, we think, was profitable. First-day morning, at an early hour, the seats, aisles, and benches were crowded to overflowing. Many stood. I spoke an hour. All listened with attention usual to the people of this place, as I briefly spoke upon conversion, touching briefly upon the work of the law and the gospel, and upon baptism. Mrs. W. then followed for nearly another hour. In the afternoon, Bro. Andrews spoke with great clearness and force. In the evening, Bro. Andrews, Mrs. W., and self, appealed to the people to bear the cross. Several took a good stand. We could not expect a general move in so brief a time. But the interest was such that we gave encouragement that as soon as other pressing duties should be done, we would, Providence permitting, spend two weeks with them. The book enterprise was introduced, as at Battle Creek. Many were purchased, some given, and more are wanted. A subscription paper was going round, and doing well. We called upon every Sabbath-keeping family to come and take a full set of Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Sabbath Readings, Appeal to Youth, Appeal to Mothers, the Chart and Key, who had them not in their houses. Those able to pay for them were urged to do so—pay down if they could, if not, at their earliest convenience—and those unable were urged to take the books, read them, and hold them at the discretion of the elder of the church whether they should retain them or pass them to him to put into the hands of others. Every youth and Sabbath-school scholar was urged to read Appeal to Mothers and Appeal to Youth. Let our brethren in every place be prepared to take hold of this work. The poor can have these books at wholesale prices, whether they pay for them, or if paid for out of the fund being raised. In the morning of second-day we rode to Bro. Buck’s, took breakfast, and at 2 o’clock P.M. were at home, a distance of forty miles. I am fully relieved of cold and cough, and am being rested from the fatigue of our Eastern tour. God be praised for his goodness and tender mercy. Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., Jan. 28, 1868. REPORT FROM OHIO.
By J. H. Waggoner
Since my last brief report to the Review, I went to Bowersville to resume the discussion which was postponed, at Mr. Moore’s urgent request, to Dec. 24. I arrived there the morning of the 24th, at about three o’clock, traveling the 23 hours previous, to reach the time. Mr. Moore came the 26th, from his residence in the adjoining county, and after holding consultation with his friends, announced his intention not to resume the debate. Bro. Van Horn went there the week previous. Our visit there was not in vain. Some took a more decided stand for the truth, and it became still more apparent to the community that our positions could not be gainsayed. Especially, the truth gained a decided victory on the subject of Spiritual Gifts, and the contrast in the effects of the preaching for and against them, was worthy of note. The opposition consisted mostly of ridicule, which so pleased the friends of the speaker that they could not altogether restrain their mirthfulness. But when we presented the Bible argument and corresponding facts to show that our Heavenly Father fulfills his promises to his waiting people, the solemn interest of the whole congregation, and the tears falling from many eyes were more than a reward for our labors. May the Lord bless the believers in Bowersville, and give them to realize that in the third angel’s message is the “patience of the saints.” I left Bowersville Jan. 8, intending to spend some time in Ashtabula Co. before the appointed meeting; but having taken a severe cold by exposure to the wet, and the weather turning exceedingly cold, I was not able to get there as I expected to. The meeting with the Orwell church was held at Bloomfield, and was of more than local importance. Those who had been desponding were encouraged, and I hope all in Ashtabula county, may soon realize the importance of order and discipline in the churches. The church of Christ can have no worse enemies than those in her midst who rebel against order. Our experience in the past leads us to carefulness, and we would that others might profit thereby, and not rush on to a bitter experience of their own. The meetings at Strongsville were mostly in the school-house, where a goodly number of the neighbors listened with the best of attention to the preaching of the word. What the immediate effect may be, we do not know, but feel that some are without excuse, being convinced of the truthfulness of our views. We often think of the words of the Lord concerning Israel: Oh! that there were such an heart in them to keep the commandments. We were glad there was no special difficulty to contend with at Strongsville, and hope the little company will ever strive for the unity of the Spirit, and be at peace among themselves. I have visited Norwalk and Bowling Green to consult the members of the committee on business, and am now on my way to meet with the Wakeman church, and hastily write this in the depot. Toledo, O., Jan. 30, 1868. 1. I LOVE the Lord because he heard my cry,
My supplications which I raised on high. 2. Because he hath to me inclined his ear,
Long as I live, my voice he still shall hear. 3. Death's griefs and pains of hell did me surround,
On every side trouble and grief I found. 4. Then called I on the name of the Most High,
Deliver me, O Lord, O, hear my cry. 5. The Lord is gracious, righteous are his ways,
Our God is merciful, deserving praise. 6. The simple he preserves; I was brought low,
He helped me from the pit of death and woe. 7. Then, O my soul, return unto thy rest,
For thee the Lord has bountifully blest. 8. For thou hast saved my soul from death's dark night,
Mine eyes from tears, my feet from falling quite. 9. With living men I'll walk before the Lord, 10. I spoke because that I believed his word. 11. I was afflicted, and I said in haste,
All men are liars, all the human race. 12. What shall I render, O my God, to thee,
For all the benefits vouchsafed to me? 13. The cup of thy salvation I will take,
And still to thee will my petition make. 14. Unto the Lord I now my vows will pay,
Before the people of his choice to-day. 15. The saints of God are ever his delight,
Even their death is precious in his sight. 16. O, Lord, I am thy servant, and the son
Of thy handmaid, for thou hast loosed my bonds. 17. Thanksgiving's sacrifice I'll offer thee,
And call upon his name who rescued me. 18. Unto the Lord I now will pay my vows,
In presence of his people, in his house, 19. In thee, Jerusalem, with sweet accord.
Praise ye the Lord, his saints, praise ye the Lord! QUARTERLY MEETING AT MAUSTON, WIS.
By C. H. ROGERS
We were cheered at the commencement of this meeting by the appearance of Dr. W. Russell from the Health Institute, Battle Creek, Mich., who came in the Spirit, to labor with us, and for our advancement; and we feel that the Lord has blessed his coming to our good. We were also glad to see brethren from Baraboo and Narrows Prairie, who came for the renewal of their spiritual strength. We trust they were amply repaid for all trouble. According to appointment the brethren met Sabbath, Jan. 13, at 11 o'clock, when Bro. Russell gave us an excellent discourse from Rom. i, 1-8, pointing out some of the duties which are particularly enjoined upon us on whom the ends of the world are come, and showing us that we must indeed be alive and active in this solemn time, when the Lord is beginning to work mightily for his people. In the afternoon at 2 o'clock, we met for prayer and conference, in which nearly all took part and were strengthened. Came together again in the evening and listened to another discourse from Bro. Russell from Rom. xii, 1-3, following out the thoughts of the morning, pointing out and showing us how to remove the difficulties lying in the way and hindering us from giving ourselves a holy and acceptable sacrifice to God. On first-day, assembled at 9 o'clock for business. Bro. Pierce was confirmed as treasurer and collector, and C. H. Rogers chosen clerk. Two were admitted into the church, and one dismissed by letter. In the afternoon we were favored with a most excellent and able discourse from Bro. R. on the subject of health, presenting to us the inconsistencies of the old school of medicinal practice, also the unhealthy articles of diet in common use, showing their injurious effects upon the system, and especially showing up the weakness and wickedness of the prevailing female fashions in all their glaring deformities. We wish all could have heard it, and we would say to our brethren and sisters, study and inform yourselves on this important subject. The evening after first-day was occupied by the writer in a few remarks from Rev. iii, 14-19, and thus closed one of the best meetings we have enjoyed in a long time. There seemed to be a settled conviction in the minds of the dear brethren that we must press together and move forward. May the Lord help us so to do. Bro. Russell sold over $20.00 worth of health publications. Imperative duty calling him back to the Institute immediately, he requested me to fill his appointment at Dell Prairie, which I did. Spoke to them three times, and sold $7.50 worth of books. The brethren seemed to be strengthened and encouraged. RITUALISM IN ENGLAND.—Evidence brought out before a recent Commission of Inquiry shows that many Established churches are fast becoming almost indistinguishable from Romish churches. The vestments copy exactly the papal forms, these being regarded as the highest authority as to the usage of antiquity. In many parishes, confessionals are established and penances imposed. Thus a young lady of eighteen in Brighton, for sins of temper, was made to kneel on a marble slab for four hours at night, on bare knees, repeating penitential psalms and prayers. These confessionals are in some respects more objectionable than the Romish, being located in less public places—in vestries and quiet chapels, secluded from observation. “Show me one text where a Gentile is commanded to keep the Sabbath, and I will keep the next seventh day.” This language was used by J. M. Stephenson as an objection to keeping the Sabbath. This seems to some to be quite a formidable objection; but let us examine it in the light of God’s word, and see if it is really so. And I will first ask, Will any of our no-Sabbath friends show me one text where a Gentile is forbidden to have other God’s before Jehovah, or forbidden to take the name of God in vain? Why will not our friends apply their arguments to some of the other commandments besides the fourth? Still further, Is there a promise to a Gentile between the lids of the Bible? Not one. Now, let us see in what relation the Gentiles stood to God’s law and promises in the former dispensation. In order to have any right to the promises and blessings of God, they had to become adopted into the family of Israel. Then, no one will deny that they were under obligation to keep all God’s law and commandments. This, Eld. S. admitted. At this point, a very important query arises: What has become of God’s ancient Israel? We will let the apostle Paul answer in his epistle to the Romans. He is speaking of the rejection of Christ and the gospel, by the Jews, and in the eleventh chapter, he asks the question, “Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the Scriptures saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life? But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at the present time also [as in the days of Elijah] there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Who are the representatives of God’s ancient Israel? The little remnant Paul speaks of here, who remain loyal and true, who accepted of Christ and the gospel? or those disobedient Jews that were broken off through unbelief? Rom. xi, 22. Suppose that here is a Baptist church of fifty members. Suppose that four-fifths of those members rebel against the doctrines and usages of that church and leave her communion, or are cut off. Who would constitute that church? the one-fifth that remained steadfast? or the four-fifths that were cut off? Any one can see, at a glance, that it would be the little remnant that remained loyal and true. Precisely so in the other case. The remnant of which Paul speaks, are true Israel, and not those rebellious Jews that were cut off through unbelief. Now we have found that God’s ancient Israel are brought right into the gospel dispensation, and the same relation exists between God and his Israel in the present as in the former dispensation; and no one will deny that they were commanded to keep the Sabbath. What relation does the Gentile sustain to the law and promises of God? Precisely the same in the present as in the former dispensation. In the former dispensation, they were adopted into the family of Israel through the law of circumcision, in the present, through faith in Christ. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians, showing that the law of faith has taken the place of the ceremonial law, says in chap. iii, 8, “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (Gentiles) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Verse 16. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Verse 29. Now, if the Gentile, by being adopted into the family of Israel, thereby becomes the seed of Abraham, his relation is changed from that of a Gentile to an Israelite or a spiritual Jew. Now the commandment to keep the Sabbath extends to him as well as to the literal seed. This relieves us of the necessity of furnishing a Gentile commandment for keeping the Sabbath. PATENT RIGHT SCHEMES.
By ADOLPHUS SMITH
A SHORT time since I was very strangely drawn into purchasing a patent right. In a worldly point of view my purchase was, no doubt, a wise one; but in view of the fact that by profession I am a child of God under the "third angel's message," it was, no doubt, wrong; and it only remained for me to cheerfully suffer the loss of the purchase money, and write a note of warning to my brethren abroad, lest many of them also be tempted to engage in like precarious business, and thus make shipwreck of faith, and stumble and fall to rise no more. Generally those who engage in the patent right business, do so with the expectation of making money easier and faster than by the slow process of patient toil. Some of you may desire to travel with patent rights, that you may thus have an opportunity to distribute our society's publications, and to converse with people on present truth, and at the same time earn money to support your families; but how would it look to offer the "Balm of Gilead" and your patent wares together. Better devote a day or two occasionally to exclusive work in the Lord's vineyard. Then you will enjoy the approving smile of Heaven. People in this nineteenth century have become so accustomed to being bored, that if you make a plain and truthful statement of the merits of your wares, they will not believe you. When we are tempted to engage in such business it would be well, 1. To require time in which to consult God in humble secret prayer. But such time will not be granted willingly by the patentee; for well he knows the importance of pressing his suit; representing that others are waiting and anxious to seize the golden (?) opportunity, &c. But insist upon your privilege, or bid him adieu. 2. To consult your families, and your brethren, for they, not being blinded by the glittering bauble, would be qualified to give you sober counsel; you should also consult the "Testimonies to the Church," which reveal the hidden influences of such speculations. I would not deprecate useful inventions. The fleet, majestic steamer, the swift-speeding locomotive, the magnetic telegraph, all assist to bear the glad tidings of salvation to many people; the art of printing stands even at the head of these wonderful agencies, in disseminating the true principles of Christianity; and all these and many others are the products of inventive genius. It would, no doubt, be proper for the tradesman or merchant to offer for sale at his place of business, useful patent wares. But for one who professes present truth, and is possessed of strength to labor, the practice of peddling patent wares from house to house is quite objectionable. Let us for a moment consider where in the world's history we stand. We all acknowledge that we are living in the very toes of Nebuchadnezzar's image—in the waning power of the head of the beast that was wounded unto death, but whose deadly wound was healed. The ten toes of the image are hating the whore, and making her desolate. But the beast is to be taken alive and cast into the lake of fire, at the coming of Christ; and as he is rapidly approaching dissolution, the coming of Christ must be near even at the doors. The darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars, are among the things that were. The ending of prophetic time is already more than twenty-three years in the past. The first and second angel's messages have been proclaimed, and now the third and last message, bearing upon its front the Sabbath of the Lord, is about to be clothed with majesty, and complete the mighty work of preparing a people to receive the seal of the living God. And shall we, dear brethren, while our High Priest is performing the work of atonement in the holy of holies in the temple of Heaven, engage in any pursuit or calling that would for a moment darken our moral vision, or estrange our hearts from the dear Saviour? Should we not like ancient Israel continue instant in prayer without, while our High Priest is pleading for us before the mercy seat. Oh! let us pray! pray with the Spirit, or we shall have no part in that incense that arises from the censer of our High Priest, a sweet-smelling savor before God. Soon the pleadings of God's dear son, and his incense offering will prevail, and the Laodicean church receive the latter rain in all its fullness. Happy those whose preparation of heart will fit them to take up and prolong the loud cry. Blendon, Ottawa Co., Mich. PUT NOT OFF FROM DAY TO DAY.
By Sarah E. Lindsley
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day; for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth; and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance. Ecclesiasticus 5, 7. “MAKE thou no tarrying,” O my soul,
To turn unto the Lord,”
The judgment hastes, and as thy deeds,
Thou ’lt soon receive reward.
Hast thou a sin to overcome,
A duty to perform,
A cross to bear, and yet delay,
Fearing thou ’lt meet with scorn? Oh! put not off from day to day,
Lest God should thee destroy,
Lest e’en in thy security,
Thou wilt be found alloy.
Let not earth’s follies, idle jests,
Thy precious time engage,
Seek meekness, righteousness and grace,
Thou hast a war to wage. Be earnest, resolute and firm,
Else thou wilt surely fail;
Cry to the Lord for strength and help,
Or thou canst ne’er prevail,
Dear brother, sister, let us rouse,
E’en let the weak arise,
’Tis time for them to say, “I’m strong,”
And struggle for the prize. Only a little while at most,
Have we to struggle here,
For signs in heaven and earth proclaim,
Our blessed Saviour near.
But when he comes, oh! will he find,
Reader, both you and me
Prepared to hail him with delight,
And reign eternally? Oh! solemn question! solemn thought!
Oh! let us weigh it well;
It may be so, we may be saved,
And in bright mansions dwell.
Then let us break away from earth,
Take up our daily cross,
And for the excellence of Christ,
Count all things else but loss. SARAH E. LINDSLEY.
New Haven, N. Y. THE FLOOD OF CRIME.
By M. W. HOWARD.
“The telegraph wires bend under the weight of woe; the old earth quivers with throbs of agony from the center to the poles; cities are shaken down, countries are engulfed, fair domains are overflown with red-hot lava; wife is arrayed against her husband, mother against child, and son against father; a hecatomb is sacrificed on one railway, half as many on another, and on still another the width of a hair stands between a thousand and sudden death. In social life, our newspapers are smutched all over with reports of divorce, and separation trials, of infidelity and disgrace, of gigantic crimes undertaken, half accomplished or completed. What shall be the end of these things?” The foregoing paragraph, copied from the N. Y. Tribune, may be aptly answered by the following quotation from Milton’s Paradise Lost: “So shall the world go on,
Under her own weight groaning; till the day
Appear of respiration to the just,
And vengeance to the wicked, at return
Of Him so lately promised to thy aid,—
The woman’s Seed.”—Book xii, 537–542.
Malone, N. Y., Jan., 1868. NOTE. Paul shows in Rom. iii, 19, that all mankind, whatever may be their nationality or religion, are amenable to the law of God, the ten commandments. So that the fourth commandment is a text by which all individually and collectively are, and ever have been, commanded to keep the Sabbath.—ED. From Sister Mills.
By Phebe Mills
BRO. SMITH: For the first time I will try to write a few words to the brethren and sisters through the Review, being induced to do so by a remark from one who feels an interest in the prosperity of the cause of present truth in this place. The remark was, “I have watched to see some word in the Review from Chicago, and to hear of prosperity there.” Perhaps some others may feel the same. It is now nearly three years since my attention was called to the Sabbath, and I then commenced to try to keep it. It was a great cross to me to separate myself from the church that I had long been a member of, and which was endeared to me by many ties. But the Lord strengthened me in answer to the fervent prayers of those that told me of the Sabbath, and to-day I love the holy Sabbath and present truth; and I praise the Lord for his goodness in showing me the true light. How good the Lord has been to me, and I so unworthy! yet my heart longs for more of his sweet Spirit. Oh! to think that it is possible for me, with all my unworthiness, to be able to walk those golden streets of the New Jerusalem. Oh, glorious hope! How small the trials of life appear when contemplating the joys of those that overcome their sins and obtain that heavenly rest. We are still trying to keep up meetings on the Sabbath, although there are but two sisters besides myself and children to attend them. The brethren have all left. We have been hoping and praying that the Lord would put it into the heart of some good brother to come here with his family and settle. PHEBE MILLS.
Chicago, Ill. From Bro. Cottrell.
By Wm. Cottrell
Bro. Smith: After an absence of a few weeks, Brn. Waggoner and Van Horn returned to our place, in order to finish up the discussion that was postponed from Oct. last to Dec. 24. Bro. W. was up to time, but his opponent, Mr. Moore, did not make his appearance until the evening of the 26th, two days after the discussion was to have commenced. Some of his friends had determined that he should not resume the discussion with Bro. W., which was in harmony with his own mind, as we believe from all the facts in the case. So, as there could be no discussion with Mr. M., the conclusion amongst us was that Brn. Waggoner and Van Horn go ahead and discourse on the four propositions that were to have been discussed. They accordingly did so, to the entire satisfaction, as we believe, of all that heard them. If ever those brethren had good liberty it was in the discussion of those propositions; and the feeling manifested by the audience was very solemn. Great good is the result to the commandment-keepers here. As we listened to the faithful testimonies of those servants of God, how our hearts burned within us, as was clearly evinced by the sparkling eye and the falling tear. Oh! we hope never to forget the joyful sensations that we had on the above occasion. The commandment-keepers here are all in good spirits, rejoicing in hope, and we would be patient in tribulation. Brn. Waggoner and Van Horn have now left us for a while, and we are left in the care of Him who careth for us, even Jesus. Bro. Van Horn will return in about one month, the Lord willing. Our Sabbath meeting, since they left us, was the best, we think, that we have ever had. Praise the Lord for his love and mercy, as manifested to us in giving to us his Holy Spirit, by which we shall be guided into all truth. We, as a band of commandment-keepers, want to rise with the message. We are not willing to be left behind, for we believe there is no salvation for us outside of the third angel’s message. The Lord helping, we will try to go through and stand with the remnant on Mount Zion. May the Lord grant it for Jesus’ sake. SISTER E. EATON writes from Watertown: When reading your testimonies through the paper, I have often felt as though I would like to add mine, and say a few words of the goodness of our Lord, and what he has done for me. Is there not room for all to write who can? and is it not our privilege and also our duty to speak often to each other? How should we lone ones hear from those of like precious faith if they did not write for the paper? I lived in Fond du Lac a year. When I first went there, I thought I was all alone. I sat down and wrote a letter for the Review, and by so doing found out another family living there who were Sabbath-keepers. I found them firm in all they understood of the truth. I lent them the book, How to Live, some Health Reformers, and gave them some other books. May the Lord bless them and lead them into all truth, is my prayer. I also found one French woman who was a Sabbath-keeper. Others, also, had been, but gave up the Sabbath on account of pay for their labor. But one man said he must keep the Sabbath, and should get some land, that he might keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God. May the Lord help him to do so. I believe there will yet be a people in Fond du Lac keeping the commandments of God, and waiting for the Lord’s coming. BE MASTER.—It is not by regretting what is irreparable that true work is to be done, but by making the best of what we are. It is not by complaining that we have not the right tools, but by using well the tools we have. Where we are, and what we are, is God's providential arrangement; and the wise and manly way is to look our disadvantages in the face, and see what can be made of them. Life, like war, is a series of mistakes, and he is not the best Christian nor the best general who makes the fewest of false steps. Poor mediocrity may do that; but he is the best who wins the most splendid victories by the retrieval of mistakes. Forget mistakes; organize victory out of mistakes. EMERSON finely says:—“The poor are only they who feel poor, and poverty consists only in feeling poor.” Conference Department.
By Jennie Messersmith
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. Dear Brethren and Sisters: With a deep feeling of unworthiness, I attempt to pen a few lines for the Review. I have not made that progress in spiritual matters that I desire, nor that it has been my privilege; and I here wish to confess before God, and the dear people whom I believe he is calling out under the third angel’s message, preparatory to the great event just before us, that I may receive full pardon of all my sins, and be accepted again into the family of God. It has been my happy privilege to receive that assurance of his favor; but it was when I lived up to all the light I had; and as I continued not in the light, I have felt the frown of God upon my course, and doubts have arisen whether I ever could be an overcomer. But this is a fearful state to fall into, and I can not, nay, in the strength of God, will not, remain in it. I cannot say that I have ever doubted the position of the S. D. Advent people. That they are the true Israel of God, the seed of the woman, and remnant of the true church, the evidence to my mind is clear; and in thus believing I feel the greater condemnation, since my works have not been in accordance with my faith. But, like the son who refused to work in his father’s vineyard, but afterward repented and went, I feel like coming up to the work in earnest, that I may have part in the matter. When I reflect on the shortness of time, my own sinful nature, and the evil influences with which we have to contend, my heart would sink in utter despair of ever attaining to a life of righteousness, but the cheering thought, “My grace is sufficient,” cheers me on, and I have no time to ponder over what may be the hindrances of my entering the kingdom. Too long has God borne with my wayward course. I would now seek a reconciliation whilst he may be found, lest my heart be hardened through unbelief, and I fail of that rest that remaineth for the people of God. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me. I feel the need of your prayers to sustain me in my efforts to obtain that rest. I deeply mourn over my unfaithfulness in the cause of God, and feel now, more than ever before, the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand and resist the attacks of the wily foe. It has not been my privilege to unite with any church of our faith, there being none in this part of the country, nor any who believed in the Advent faith until I came to reside here, nearly four years since, when one sister joined me in Sabbath-keeping, and lately two others, with a brother, mother, and two little nieces. We feel the need of a leader among us, but in the deprivation of such a privilege, we trust not to be slack in the performance of every good work, that we bring no dishonor upon the cause, and that others, beholding our steadfastness, may be convinced of the truth. If a minister could come this way, I think there would be an interest among the people to hear; but there are so many calls in the different fields that we can only wait and pray that God in his own good time may send laborers among us. Vernon Co., Wis., Jan. 17, 1868. WAIT for others to advance your interests, and you will wait until they are not worth advancing. We are making extra efforts in this church to arise in the armor of truth, and not altogether without fruit. Quite a number of the church begin to labor as I have never seen them before, and the cry is raised to God to send help by some one who will do us good. The health reform is moving slowly among us. Quite a number are prepared to speak of its benefits. The dress reform is becoming quite general in this church, which is really commendable, especially where there is a bold satisfaction in putting it on. The subject of reform holds a very prominent place in my heart, and having experienced its benefits greatly in myself and family, I cannot refrain from speaking, and sometimes with emphasis in its favor. It may be said that the health reform is not a part of the third angel's message. Very well. The teamster may say that the load is not a part of the wagon which bears it. Any one can see that there is a necessary connection. So with the third angel's message. It must take on these reforms. We need them, and must have them, and those who will not, are certainly, to say the least, standing in their own light, and periling their faith in the third angel's message. If the baptism of John was from Heaven, and the people could then believe it, then, it seems to me, with tenfold greater confidence can we say and believe that the Advent movement is from Heaven. Oh! how true it is that prophecy is being fulfilled in second-advent experience. I am in favor of that kind of testimony which stirs human nature, and rolls up foul waters. A testimony which never crosses our track is not doing much to prepare us for Heaven. A religion without the cross must be a worldly religion, which does not look toward Heaven. We must know the depths of the Saviour's love, and bear a daily cross. We need help here; but it may be we do not yet sufficiently feel our need, but we shall labor for this feeling. Quite a number of us have covenanted together to make this church a special subject of daily prayer, and we already see a good result. Can Bro. Andrews be spared to help us? and we will try to help ourselves. The thought of not following close up in the progressive work of the third message, is a very painful thought to me. Nothing affords greater pleasure than to see the church progressing in the work of reform. It is among such we look for the pure wheat. Don't let us be found separating a good work from the third angel's message. The Lord is leading this people in the work of preparation for the second advent, or he is not. If he is, it is a fearful thing to strike against it; an assuming of responsibility which is fearful to bear, and from which I pray to be excused. Memphis, Mich., Jan. 27, 1868. Look upward for the grace needed now, and forward for the rest that remaineth.125 MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD.
On and after Monday, Dec 30, 1867, Passenger Trains will run on this road as follows: | LEAVE. |
MAIL. |
DAY EXP. |
EVE. EXP. |
NIGHT EX. |
|---|
| Detroit,..... |
7:10 A.M. |
11:00 A.M. |
5:35 P.M. |
10:30 P.M. |
| Battle Creek, |
1:35 P.M. |
3:48 P.M. |
11:15 P.M. |
3:40 A.M. |
| Chicago, Arrive, |
9:00 P.M. |
10:00 P.M. |
6:30 A.M. |
11:00 A.M. |
|
MAIL. |
DAY EXP. |
EVE. EXP. |
NIGHT EX. |
|---|
| Chicago,..... |
4:30 A.M. |
7:00 A.M. |
4:15 P.M. |
9:40 P.M. |
| Battle Creek, |
11:45 A.M. |
1:05 P.M. |
10:38 P.M. |
4:50 A.M. |
| Detroit, Arrive, |
5:45 P.M. |
6:10 P.M. |
2:45 A.M. |
10:00 A.M. |
THESE trains all run by Chicago time, which is fifteen minutes slower than Detroit time.