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Review and Herald, Vol. 29, No. 23.

The Sermon
Earlier text: REPORT FROM BRO. BLANCHARD

“Reader, How does the Idea Strike You?”

By Mary W. Howard

This inquiry, significant, because relating to religious (?) festivities, closed an editorial in the Review not long since. Ofttimes I have been near volunteering my opinions relative to this increasing mania, and now that we are asked, somewhat will I speak of the things which I have observed.
Long ago a poet sang, “Westward the seat of empire takes its way,” and not less true is it that Westward still, doth fashion bend its sway; so that it is notorious to-day, that intelligent men and women of America, in fashionable circles, look across the ocean, to decide the matter of dress; and, as another has said, “the movement of a ribbon in Eugenia’s head gear will set all the ribbons of America to fluttering!”
I do not propose to step out of our own dear native land, but only to cast glances Eastward, when I state that, before the festival epidemic (an occasional festival was the order in most churches, however,) had reached the smart rural village in which I reside, I was on a visit to my native town, where I heard, on a Sunday, and from the pulpit, one prayer-meeting and two oyster suppers, announced! A cold shiver ran through my Puritanical notions as I thought—a strange commingling surely—prayer-meetings and oyster suppers! Not that they were so announced,—oh no! they took on the more genteel name of “Benefits;” but, outside the slip of paper from which the minister read, they, in common parlance, took their proper name, and were the events of the week.
I express myself with more confidence on this matter, because, for two or three years, it has been a subject of careful consideration to me; and, at times, I could comprehend that the providence of God frequently places some in positions so far in advance of those by whom they are surrounded, regarding some truths, that a just judgment, or even sympathy, cannot be expected. Nevertheless, this identification with a truth whose bearing is important, can give more serene joy, more ecstasy, though they become outcasts, than kings even feel upon their thrones, because truth is mighty and shall prevail.
The great angel who kept not his first estate in Heaven, has become an adept in maneuvering, and knows how to throw the gilded bait, so that well-meaning persons, even those who mean to be conscientious, are often drawn from their strict integrity of deportment, and are found among the giddy throng, who move unquestioningly in whatever is fashionable. At such times it is painful to behold persons of moral worth, weight of character, and influence, resort to censurable ways of bringing funds into the net results;—ways that would mantle the cheek and brow with crimson, were they even hinted as a resort to bring means into a personal purse. But I forbear. Truly, “in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird,” says Solomon; and it is by a show of benevolence—contributing to a praise-worthy or charitable object—that many are drawn into voluptuousness, or, in Scripture words, into “eating and drinking with the drunken,” in these last days.
Reader, did it ever occur to you that it is not said that these were the drunken? No! the dereliction of which our Saviour speaks, is simply eating and drinking with those who have given themselves to voluptuous living, thus characterizing the excesses of the last days. I believe the words of the great apostle, “The Lord is able to keep us from every evil work, and to preserve us to his heavenly kingdom.” I have need to pray just now, Guard me, Lord from this snare, lest at thy coming I be found drawn at last into this device of “the Prince of the power of the air.” Thoughts might be extended, but, till the proposed enlargement, space is more desired than long-drawn articles.
MARY W. HOWARD.
Malone, N. Y.

A few Words in Behalf of the Cause.

By Alden Green

I WOULD like to address a few words to the parents, and all who feel interested in the progress of the noble cause in which we are engaged. How precious to us, is the light of truth which now shines so clearly from God's holy word. The Review and Herald, which comes to us from week to week filled with choice and useful reading; has been enlarged and improved; and is soon again to be enlarged so as to double its former size. In this, we may well rejoice and take courage. But let us remember that the good Shepherd, while he is pouring out his blessings upon us, the sheep of his pasture, will not forget the tender lambs of his flock. What say you, to having the Youth's Instructor also improved, and published oftener. So that the children may have a feast of truth suited to their young minds on the return of each Sabbath, as well as we. There are a great many children that read the Instructor who dearly love their little paper. And well they may: for I believe it is the best religious paper in the world, that is published for the children, in these days of delusion and temptation. They get tired of waiting for it a whole month, while their parents are receiving theirs every week. We often hear them exclaim, Oh! I wish my little paper would come every week. And now let me say to the children; if you will let your acts correspond with your wishes, many of you can contrive to earn an extra dollar in the course of a year, for which amount, I think that the publishers will be willing to print your paper oftener, and perhaps, with a little more help and encouragement from correspondents, will make an improvement in the same. If we faithfully live out the Health Reform, we shall not only have more means, but I believe from experience, that we shall have clearer heads, and purer minds: and thereby be able to labor more faithfully for the cause, with our tongues and pens. What say you parents, to my proposition. Ought we not, in view of the solemn time in which we live, to try to do more for the salvation of our children?
ALDEN GREEN.
Gilsum, Apr. 22, 1867.

A CORRECTION.

By Editor

In the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald of Feb. 12th, is a paragraph in the following words.
“It is some time since we have heard from the Voice of the East published by Ransom Hicks, Providence, R. I.; but we have more recently heard from its Editor. A letter from that city dated Feb. 4th, 1867, states that his wife has procured a bill of divorce from him for immoral conduct.”
The foregoing statement that a divorce has been procured from me for immoral conduct is false. A divorce was obtained without any opposition on my part and under circumstances that neither concern you nor the public. Not a tittle of evidence was offered as I am informed, that tended even to reflect upon my moral character.
I respectfully request you to retract the charge made against me in your paper, and to furnish me with the name of the author of the letter referred to in said paragraph. Respectfully Yours. RANSOM HICKS.
P. S. My P. O. address is 41, Shawmut avenue, Boston, Mass.
[As we wish to do justice to all, however much they may differ with us in their religious views and belief, we cheerfully give Mr. H. the benefit of his own explanation of his position in the foregoing letter, and in the following printed document received therewith. We have no desire to place any one in a wrong light before the public, and shall be happy to make any correction, wherein we may have been misinformed. Ed.]

“COPY OF A WRITING TO MRS. ANN A. HICKS, FROM HER HUSBAND, RANSOM HICKS.”

Providence, January 13, 1858.
“ANN:—I take pen in hand to write a few words to you, and deeming it unnecessary to make many preliminary remarks, or go into a minute statement of facts relative to points of variance between us, I would at once proceed to say, first, that with the exception of a very few brief weeks at first, we never lived peaceably together as man and wife should, and invariably would live, did not hatred occupy the place of love on one side or the other.
“Of late years this hatred has been more prominently developed, and finally owned up at last on one side.
“I have in years past and present made the highest moral and religious profession. But I never saw the day but what you slandered and contemned me in both. This has been to me a great grievance, and I am sorry I did not bear your slander with more Christian fortitude. I never knew you to regard me as one who ever knew the true and living God, until you expressed your belief that God had left me.
“To leave my bed wilfully, as you did, without my consent, you knew would be one of the deepest sources of aggravation that you could inflict, and having a disposition to aggravate me to the extent of your power, you performed the deed. This I also put up with for more than six years, when I determined to sit down peaceably with such unchristian treatment no longer without manifesting in the strongest terms my utter abhorrence and disgust at such conduct. This I have done measurably heretofore. (Last fall and winter for once.) But these manifestations have had no effect upon you to awaken you to your matrimonial duty, which you never regarded.
“We have now arrived at a point in our variances where I forcibly realize the existence of an alienation between us, and I must frankly tell you I see no probability of our living together as man and wife any more. My religion seriously conflicts with yours, so much so that we do not worship even one and the same God.
“You say that were it not for me, (or ‘that nuisance,’) you could have two or three boarders now, but who will not come into the house to board where I am. Now in consideration of all this, and in view of the fact that I have almost no work at all, and having now exhausted all the money I had on hand, (saved last summer) I consider it is my duty to give you a chance to go on with your enterprise, and therefore I propose that we entirely separate, and I will leave the house, and never be an annoyance nor a companion to you any more. To make the separation more complete, I propose further that you petition for a bill of divorce. I hereby assure you that I will not oppose whatever may be your plea. My real estate is in the hands of an assignee, which business will be closed up according to law, and you will have your due. I further propose to leave you in possession of all the furniture for the present except that of my bedroom, consisting of bed, secretary, &c. I wish you nothing but happiness, although I well know your disposition will not allow you to enjoy it under any circumstances. I propose to occupy the shop at present, with the permission of my assignee. Should business revive, and my health be spared, I may leave this city in the spring. Farewell. R. HICKS.”
To Ann Hicks.
“P. S. Should these propositions meet your approbation, or otherwise, you will please manifest it as early as convenient. R. H.”

Publication Department.

Buy the truth, and sell it not. Prov. xxiii, 23.

Our Book List.

1. THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz.
2. FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 6 oz.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or, the Experience and Views of E. G. White with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book. $1.00, 12 oz.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
7. SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 10c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
8. HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthy living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
9. APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. S. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without wrappers, 15c., 2 oz.
10. THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
11. BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
12. SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
13. THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
14. THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
15. WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.
16. MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The Heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. To which is added, an Appendix. 20c., 5 oz.
17. THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
18. MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, Illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
19. APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral, ruin of many of the Children of our times. 10c., 2 oz.
20. REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question. Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
21. THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of a Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days. Dan. ii, vii & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
22. THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
23. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
24. THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation. Its immutability and perpetuity proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
25. VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
26. REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
27. BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
28. THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
29. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
30. KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
31. THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii 14; its beginning and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
32. THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
33. THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
34. THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
35. MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
36. MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
37. THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
38. BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
39. AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
40. REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
41. MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
42. EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
43. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
44. THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.

Tracts in Other Languages.

45. THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 1 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.
46. AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.

One-Cent Tracts.

47. THE SEVEN SEALS: An Exposition of Rev. vi.
48. THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between the two.
49. PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
50. THE LAW of God, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
51. APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
52. THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
53. STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
54. TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.

Two-Cent Tracts.

55. SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
56. THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
57. THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.
58. INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
59. WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
60. WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
61. PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
62. DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
63. MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts.
64. TRUTH.
65. POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.

Three-Cent Tracts.

66. THE LAW of God, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
67. JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
68. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
69. MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
70. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, I Cor. xii, Eph. iv, &c., were to continue to the end of time.
71. THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Charts.

72. THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted. $2.00.
73. THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $3.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $5.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $4.75.
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Postage.

The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind and so on.

Address.

All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books should be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.

She Hated Me From Marriage

  • She said she always hated me from the day of her marriage.

To the Preachers.

Bro. H. Hiestand wishes to say for the benefit of Seventh-day Adventist ministers who may be passing through Madison, Wis., that the Meredith House, the only temperance house in the city, is kept by E. Grover, and will be a home free of charge to the preachers.

Correction

CORRECTION. The Monthly Meeting at Portland, Me., was appointed last week by a mistake of the types, for June 12. It should be June 1 and 2.

Moral Blindness

By R. F. C.

The physically blind desire others to lead them. The morally blind refuse to be led and attempt to lead others. R. F. C.

Finding the Truth.

A SISTER in this State who has lately become interested in the precious truth of the second advent writes:
The Advent doctrine is something quite new to me. I have heard more or less of the Millerites ever since I was twelve years old, but never was acquainted with the doctrine, until within a year. I find it quite agreeable to my mind
Many a time, have I been ridiculed, and that too, in public, for expressing my belief in this same light, until at last, I looked upon myself as a fool, void of understanding, and nearly gave up to the opinion of those who professed to be more wise.
I shall now start again, and proceed on my journey; thanking the all-wise Father, that I am not alone in the world.

An Extract.

By M. E. S.

BRO. SMITH: I place at your disposal an extract from a letter written me by my husband from Prescott, Wis., under date of April 15. M. E. S.
“I think we are nearing the severe troubles of the last day. If crops should fail here this season the people would suffer extremely. Some in Minn. have starved to death this spring while others have had to live days upon slippery elm bark. Wheat is now $2.75 per bushel. Many cannot get the seed here to be put in this spring, so they will be cut short in harvest. Many acres will lie over this season for want of seed. Confusion is to be the portion of the wicked. May we be found among the righteous that we may be shielded in the calamities that are to befall the ungodly. I had rather suffer, and starve even, with the smiles of my Father in Heaven, than to have all the riches of earth without his approbation. Time is short indeed. We are nearing the end. Let us be ready! Oh! that we may all be found at last in the kingdom of God, where no hopes shall be blasted, no pain felt, no evil feared! Oh! that sin may be so effectually slain in us that we may be found among that company who are without fault before the throne of God!” T. M. STEWARD.

Note from Bro. Canright.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

SABBATH. May 4, I met with the brethren and sisters at Bro. Faxon's near Colon. None of us expected many at this meeting, as neither knew of the other's coming. But a goodly company came out and we had a very good and profitable time. I tried to show the importance of the Health Reform as a part of the third message. Many resolved to take hold of these things more earnestly than they had in the past. It is my opinion that we cannot oppose this movement, or hold back from taking a part in it, or lag behind in it, or even neglect it, and still enjoy the full blessing of God. It is present truth and duty; and let us take hold of it as though we loved it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

Notice.

By A. B. Williams

NOTICE is given to all who are coming from the north to the Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference, that if they miss the train at Clinton Junction, they will find a good resting place at A. B. Williams's about forty rods south of the station, till the next train.
A. B. WILLIAMS.

Notice.

By Anson Worster

I WOULD like to have a wagon-maker come and work with me in company, or otherwise, as we can agree.
Address, ANSON WORSTER.
North Liberty, St. Jo. Co., Ind.

Russian Conversions

—The Russian “journal of the diocese of Lithuania” reports that, during the year 1866, 55,194 Catholics, 9 Lutherans, 36 Jews, and 2 Mohammedans were “converted” to the Russian church.

Appointments.

By George I. Butler; Henry Nicoll; J. T. Mitchell

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Iowa State Conference.

AGREEABLY to the suggestion of the General Conference Committee, we hereby appoint the Iowa Conference to be held at Pilot Grove, Washington Co., commencing June 6, at 6 P. M., and continuing till the Sunday evening following. Let every church in the State, and every company of Sabbath-keepers who hold regular meetings on the Sabbath, who have a leader and pay Systematic Benevolence, send in their delegates with letters, according to the ratio established in the Constitution for State Conferences; and let the great object of those who attend this Conference be to advance the cause of the third angel's message, in all of its important branches.
GEORGE I. BUTLER, } IOWA HENRY NICOLL, } CONF. J. T. MITCHELL. } COM.
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