In reading my Bible of late my mind has been deeply impressed with this subject. The apostle Peter says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. iii, 9. And has he been sparing the nations of the earth nearly six thousand years that they might repent? And yet in any one age or nation how few have truly repented. Out of the nations he chose one for himself, and gave them his law, and though very often they would rebel against him, yet he would spare them and again call after them. He has raised up men to lead the Israel of God; and though but few have proved truly obedient and faithful, yet he has spared his people.
A Moses erred—shall we say, sinned? And after he and Joshua had done their work, bringing in the people into the promised land, then look at the Judges in Israel, whom God raised up to lead his people. How very few of them were truly faithful. Gideon, a mighty man of valor, after subduing his enemies, took their carriage of gold and made an ephod thereof, and put it in his own city, which thing became a snare to him and his house, and yet God spared his people.
The leaders of God's people are never in greater danger than when they think they have great success. Look at a David and a Solomon, and the many we have no time nor space to name, for whom the Lord did great things; and yet they departed from the Lord. But the longsuffering of God spared his people.
Our Saviour has come and set us an example how to live. The apostle John says we ought to walk as he walked. How few of the leading men in the professed Christian church have been like the Saviour in spirit, in conversation, and in practice; and yet Jesus has been longsuffering, and spared his people.
Many judge of the Advent doctrine, while they look at the life of the many of its professed advocates, that it cannot be truth. They forget that the success of God's word has not depended on the faithfulness of this or that individual, but on the longsuffering and faithfulness of God. He in wisdom has chosen his own instruments to carry on his work, while they, individually, are accountable to him for the use they make of this calling. Oh! how many will direct others to the way to Heaven, who, it is to be feared, will never see Heaven themselves. Though God is longsuffering, and not willing that any should perish, yet all will perish, however high their position or great their profession, if they do not truly repent. The Lord waits long, not that a way may be devised to save men in their sins, but that they may repent of their sins. Solemn thought! the danger of not being ready. Though longsuffering, yet the day of the Lord will come. Yes, it will come and try every man's work. May the longsuffering of God lead us to repentance.
J. BYINGTON.
Ceresco, Mich., Jan. 4, 1868.
REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.
By John Norton Loughborough
The last report from the work here was made by Bro. Bourdeau, Nov. 30. Since that time we have held eighteen meetings in this place, and I have spent a Sabbath and first-day in Petaluma. We have visited from house to house daily, and evenings that we had no meetings here. A half dozen, or more, have taken a decided stand upon the truth. Our labors in this place are nearly closed for the present. Although but few have come out, we think our labor has not been in vain. Considering the circumstances under which the meeting has been held, and the place, we do not feel disheartened by the result.
Windsor is a small place. Just in the town, Spiritualism has a strong hold on many, and they can see no other way. With the farmers of the surrounding country, as rains have commenced and mellowed the soil, it has been a hurrying time in plowing, and sowing their wheat. Rain has also affected the size of our congregations. A Methodist protracted meeting has taken its share of the hearers for the last week, so that with this and the rain, our congregations have not been large. Those that have come have, for the most part, been very attentive. As the Methodists desired their house for their protracted meeting, and as we had appointments out for meetings before we knew of their intentions, we continued, removing to the free house in which the meetings commenced. A stove was put into the house, and it is quite comfortable.
We have sold in this place upwards of $40.00 worth of books, and given away some $10.00 worth. After another Sabbath, establishing regular meetings and Sabbath School, we expect to spend a couple of weeks in Petaluma, and then enter some other new field together. We want to be active in the work of the Lord here. We desire to be guided by him in selecting a proper field of labor, and believe if we trust God, walk humbly before him, and throw our whole energies into the work, that he will help and sustain us. As we shall have more or less rain for the next three or four months, we shall have to be active in meetings when it does not rain, and active in visiting from house to house when it does rain. Thus our time can be all applied to advantage. We feel that time is short. A large field is open here before us. We want to be active, using all our strength in the cause.
At Petaluma we found those who had come out firm on the truth, still holding on their way, and another brother had taken his stand since we left. Their meetings and Sabbath School and Bible Class are interesting. A beginning was made on S. B., and figures were put down amounting to over $200.00 per year. When all give in their figures it will probably amount to over $50.00 more. Brethren, still pray the Lord to guide in the work here.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Windsor, Cal., Dec. 21, 1868.
A LARGE FAMILY
John Wesley was invited by the first Sir Robert Peel to breakfast. He agreed on conditions that he might bring some of his children; and brought thirty-six preachers with him.
Nothing But Doing Well
THERE are many who attempt to cover their abominations with the pretense that they “mean well,” but they will learn at the Judgment that nothing will find acceptance with God but doing well.
REPORT OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE.
Sixth Annual Session.
Pursuant to the call of the Committee through the REVIEW, this Conference assembled in session at Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio, on Friday, December 25, 1868.
The first business session was held on the evening after the Sabbath, Dec. 26. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, the President, being absent, Eld. James White, of Battle Creek, was unanimously chosen to act as President at this Conference, in his stead. Credentials of delegates were received, also letters and reports. Committees upon nominations and resolutions were appointed by the Chair; and there being no special business on hand, very pertinent and instructive remarks were made by Bro. White on such points as demanded our present and earnest attention.
Adjourned to Sunday, 5 o'clock P. M.
Sunday eve, 5 o'clock. Conference met according to adjournment. Committee on nominations reported. Report accepted. Committee on resolutions reported the following:
Resolved, 1. That we, as a Conference, are in favor of holding a camp-meeting in Ohio, during the coming year, at such a point as the General Conference Committee shall think best, and at such a time as they shall appoint.
2. That we earnestly petition the General Conference Committee to send us help in Ohio as soon as Providence shall open the way.
3. That we desire to express our feelings of gratitude to Bro. and Sr. White for their kind and faithful labors for us in Ohio; and that we will stand by them, and uphold them by every means in our power, in the important and solemn work in which they are engaged.
4. That we tender the General Conference Committee the use of such funds as we can spare, until we need them.
5. That we do earnestly invite Bro. and Sr. White to visit Ohio again, as soon as convenient, and we especially petition them to visit North Bloomfield.
The above resolutions were adopted.
Conference adjourned to Monday, 8 P. M.
Monday, 8 P. M. Conference met. Subject of the Committee was taken up. Under existing circumstances, there being no ministers in the State, it was determined by vote of Conference, to place the spiritual interests of the Conference in charge of the General Conference Committee.
A Financial Committee was also appointed by the Chair, which shall also take charge of the secular interests of camp-meeting, &c., consisting of O' Mears, Joseph Clarke, Geo. Smith, Wm. Herald, H. Hodgeson, W. D. Sharpe, and M. Hutchins.
By request, the name of the church of Orwell was changed to North Bloomfield.
By request, the church of Portage was disbanded, that its members may unite with the neighboring church of Bowling Green.
Abstract of the Treasurer's report:
Cash on hand, Aug. 2, 1867, ................................ $452 25
Received from all sources, up to
Aug. 1, 1868, ............................................. 1,222 13
.......................................................... $1,674 38
Paid out in all, ........................................... 1,068 45
.......................................................... $605 93
Balance on hand Aug. 1, 1868,
Received up to Dec. 27, 1868, .............................. 123 12
Balance on hand Dec. 27, 1868, ............................. $729 05
JOHN MEARS, Treasurer.
Abstract of Secretary's report:
No. of churches, 11. No. of members, 185. Amount of S. B. fund pledged for the coming year, $1,132.78. Amount pledged to State Conference, $1,096.52.
ELD. JAMES WHITE, President pro tem,
JOS. CLARKE, Secretary.
The Lord’s Table
THE Lord Jesus spreads a large table every day, and the major part who feed thereat are his enemies.
Obituary Notices.
By James White
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, of consumption, in the city of Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 4, 1869, Sr. N. M. Burrill, aged 27 years. Bro. and Sr. Burrill came from Maine, near one year since. Her health had been declining for some time, so much so, that with all the benefits of health reform, disease could not be arrested in its progress.
Sr. Burrill gave herself to the Lord to be his child by grace, at the age of 13, since which time she has maintained a life of devotion to the cause of her Lord. Before leaving for our Eastern tour, Mrs. W. and self visited the family, and enjoyed a precious season in conversation and prayer. Disease, acting with her natural conscientiousness, made Sr. Burrill desponding. We spoke to her words of encouragement and hope. In her last hours she was resigned to sleep awhile in the grave, yet coming to this point, she felt her way step by step down to the valley of death with trembling lest she might not be fully ready for the waking in the morning of the resurrection of the just. To us who live, this is the best evidence of her readiness.
Her funeral was held at the house of prayer Jan. 6, where the writer addressed a full congregation from 1 Cor. xv, 55, “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Being very hoarse, I spoke but a few moments, and called on Mrs. W., who spoke in a manner to touch the feelings of all present. God bless the surviving husband and child! And may his blessing attend the bereaved parents, who have watched over their dear daughter till she sleeps in Jesus. And when life's brief pilgrimage shall terminate at the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the just, may parents and daughter, husband and wife and child, all meet around the throne.
JAMES WHITE.
Personal Notices and Book Fund Appeal
We would be glad to hear from Bro. Thomas McKee by letter, or receive a visit from him at our new home in Battle Creek. This brother spent several weeks with us, at Montcalm Co., last spring, and did a very nice job of painting and graining upon our house at Greenville, at very reduced prices. We feel an interest in this brother. J. & E. G. WHITE.
We have received from Bro. and Sr. Pennock, of the Allegan, Mich., church, a box of canned fruit, charges paid. Many thanks to the donors. It comes in a good time. Our constant labors, most of the time out of the State, have prevented us from making provisions in the line of fruit. Like favors from others who have fruit, canned or dried, will be gratefully received. J. & E. G. WHITE.
We reached home again, weary and worn from constant labor, and found sixty sealed letters, besides many matters to attend to which came to the Office directed to others. We are giving our friends abroad all the attention we possibly can. To do this, we refuse, for the present, the visits of our friends in Battle Creek. Our friends will please excuse delays in giving their matters attention. J. & E. G. WHITE.
Those who have pledged money to assist me in the circulation of certain books, may forward it to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich., at their first convenience. I shall soon issue a report respecting the fund, in which will appear the names of all who have pledged. Those who have not paid, and wish to see their pledges marked paid, will have to pay up soon.
During the last year, I have trusted brethren with several hundred dollars worth of books. I shall be glad to receive pay at any time—the sooner the better. Address Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich.
We would say to those interested in the school at Battle Creek, that means for erecting a school building will not be needed till spring. Please send your pledges, not your means, at present. J. W.
In our travels the past year we have left furs, hymn book, and many other articles, we know not where. Those who have these things, will do us a favor to report to us at Battle Creek. J. W.
California Mission.
By James White
The friends of the cause everywhere have shown their interest in this mission in liberally donating for its support. As long as they have evidence that the hand of God is in it, they will not let it suffer for want of means.
By referring to the Office books I find the amount received for this mission to be $1755,24. The amount paid out is $1528,46. This leaves a surplus at the Office of $226,78.
Our people have done nobly for this mission, and all feel pledged, after the friends in California have done their duty, to fully and freely make up what is lacking. This mission, however, with the blessing of God, will soon be self-sustaining.
The Maine Conference voted $50 to the California Mission. This speaks well for the few comparatively-poor brethren in Maine. But in my opinion Maine needs help more than California. I did not take a cent from Maine to bear our expenses to and from that State. And, more, I gave between two and three hundred dollars’ worth of books to poor ministers and brethren in Maine during my last tour to that State, and charged it to the book fund.
Our beloved brethren Bourdeau and Loughborough share largely in the sympathies and prayers of their brethren, who would not see them want any good thing. They were worn in the service of their Master when they left Michigan, and the brethren in California should not expect that they can endure hardships like those in full strength and health. They should receive tender care and encouraging words from all for whom they labor. May God bless them and their companions, and the youthful cause in California.
JAMES WHITE.
Dedication.
By James White; Ellen G. White
THE church at Otsego, Mich., will open their new house of worship Sabbath, Jan. 23 & 24. This may properly be the occasion of a general gathering of the brethren in the region round about. But let it be borne in mind that the Otsego church is not so well prepared to entertain the crowd as our larger churches. Those who can, will please bring with them provisions and bed-clothing. Let the scattered ones especially come up to this meeting. JAMES WHITE, ELLEN G. WHITE.
Scatter the Publications.
By G. W. A.
EVIDENCE is continually multiplying to show that God is blessing his truth. Almost weekly some interesting fact is brought to our notice, showing the importance of tract circulation. The following paragraph from an “inquirer after truth,” from Western Virginia, is to the point. Read it, friends, and don’t slack your courage in the tract enterprise.
G. W. A.
“To the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association: One of your tracts was sent to me by some unknown friend. I had not heard of your establishment until then. The tract was entitled, “A Sign of the Day of God,” which I read with much interest. You will please send me a specimen copy of your weekly and monthly papers, also your catalogue of books, and prices.
“An inquirer after truth.
H. H. G.
“Ritchie Co., West Va.”
The Earth must Worship the Beast.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In describing the work of the two-horned beast, John says that “he causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed.” Rev. xiii, 12. How can the earth be made to render worship to the beast—the Catholic power? At first this would seem impossible; but think a moment. The Pope has commanded the keeping of Sunday. Not only must men and beasts rest on that day, but the land must not be tilled nor worked. It also must rest. All plowing, sowing, and reaping must stop on that day. Hence when the two-horned beast enforces this same thing by law, then the earth, as well as those that dwell therein, will be made to worship the beast by obeying his commandment in this respect.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Richmond, Mo., Jan. 1, 1869.
Note from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: I have attended meeting every Sabbath since our State Conference. Have been able to preach, or bear a short testimony in each meeting. Six Sabbaths I have spent in Wolcott, two in Charleston, two in Stowe, at Johnson, Worcester, and Sutton, one each. Perhaps I may say, that in all of these meetings we have enjoyed some degree of the Spirit and blessing of the Lord.
The meetings at Stowe were quite encouraging to me. It was the first time I had visited the church here since my return from the West. The brethren and sisters here have had some peculiar trials, and in some things have not moved perhaps as fast as they should. Yet we feel confident there exists an inquiring mind for duty. May they all cheerfully bear the cross and win the crown. Jesus is soon coming. Oh! may we be prepared to meet him, prepared to sit with him on his throne.
Our meetings in this place, the last Sabbath of last year, and yesterday, we hope will by us all be remembered, with the good resolutions formed to live nearer to God in 1869 than in any previous year, if we are permitted to live.
Yesterday I spoke to the children from Prov. iv, 1. May they with their parents be gathered to Mount Zion.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Wolcott, Jan. 3, 1869.
Appointments.
By John Atkinson
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the S. D. A. church at Sand Prairie, Wis., will be held at their meeting-house, Jan. 30 and 31, 1869. Meetings to commence with the Sabbath. Eld. J. Sanborn is expected. The brethren and sisters of the surrounding churches are especially invited to come with the scattered ones. Come up, brethren, in the spirit of the third angel’s message, and strengthen each other to stand through the time of trouble.
John Atkinson, Elder.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. H H Trombly 35-1, A Prescott 34-1, C S Glover 34-1, Emily Wily 35-1, E P Pomroy 34-1, M Borden 34-1, N S Brigham 34-1, Eliza Poling 34-1, M Leach 34-1, F Morrow 34-1, T Lamson 35-1, J Lamson 35-1, Mrs J T Needham 35-1, W P Andrews 34-1, H M Grant 31-1, G Castle 34-1, J Needham 35-1, H E Martin 34-1, Geo Harlow 34-1, S C Conery 35-1, Jacob Myers 35-1, W Arnot 34-1, A E Hall 31-1, A Green 34-8, R C Caviness 34-8, Mrs N J Blowers 35-1, David Andrews 34-1, T B Bickle 35-1, Z Southwick 34-1, Mrs S E Middleton 34-8, J D Cramer 34-8, Geo Whistler 34-1, Geo Ditsbery 34-1, H S Wilkoff 34-1, Amanda Drummond 34-1.
$2.00 each. J A Hamilton 34-7, A Jones 34-1, C Carrier 34-12, Jacob Gordon 35-1, H A Hamblin 35-1, S B Craig 35-1, H Barr 34-1, H G Buxton 35-1, R M Pierce 35-1, O Frizzle 35-1, J A Bellinger 35-1, B A Seal 35-1, D Van Luven 35-1, J A Nelson 35-1, W Smith 35-1, Mrs S Fitzgerald 34-1, H B Hayward 34-18, E M Crandall 35-1, E C Hemdee 35-1, S Dunten 35-1, A Rudd 35-1, C Osburn 35-1, O Bailey 35-1, N H Saterlee 35-1, Mrs E O Gardner 34-20, J B Slayton 34-1, H A Mead 33-21, Jas Vile 35-1, Mary M Sarch 33-1, Mrs S S Baldwin 35-1, T Demmon 35-1, G W Ball 34-10, N Jones 35-1, D Barriclow 35-8, G S West 33-1, H W Holmes 35-1, A B Atwood 35-1, W W Putnam 35-1, Marilla Briester 35-1, E Ingles 34-21, Mrs H Hergresser 34-15, R M Kilgore 35-1, E Alexander 35-1, O Pemoyer 34-1, Mrs A W Nourse 35-1, Jerome B Benson 35-1, A Caldwell 34-10, A B Pearsall 35-1, O Nichols 35-1, S Steelo 35-1, J Atkinson 34-7, Mary Pierce 35-1, Hattie Miller 35-1, Mrs R F Parsons 35-1, A Whistler 35-1, Eliza R Prizen 35-1, J L Harbaugh 35-1, John S Whyte 34-1, Alice Thorn 35-1, Joseph Swisher 35-1, V Moore 35-1, Mrs P Hobson 35-1, J Parmalee 35-1.
$3.00 each. A Moore 35-1, E Lockwood 33-8, S Smith 34-21, R Humphries 33-8.
Miscellaneous. Mrs E Young 50c, 33-14, C R Ross $4.50 37-14, J Loughhead 6.50, 36-14, Geo M Dimick 5.00 35-1, Jane Clayson 1.16 34-5, J B Edwards 2.50 33-10, L J Baker 3.70 34-1, T White 2.90 34-1, J B Hool 2.85 35-23, E Witter 5.00 35-21, H P Gould 1.60 35-1, M H Wheeler 4.50 35-15, H Youngs 1.50 33-6, G White 2.50 35-6, J M Maigneau 1.50 33-1, Mattie Harrison 5.00 36-1, E J Paine 1.75 34-1, Z Swearingen 4.00 34-1, R Reed 4.00 34-14, Mrs L Dean 3.50 34-1, F Rosseau 4.00 35-6.
For Review to the Poor.
Mary Rasmussen $2.00.
Cash Received on Account.
John Hanson $1.00, Lewis Bean 14.51, L W Carr 4.65, A S Hutchins for A O Bourdeau 25.95, C O Taylor 2.00, S B Gowell 88.81, Geo I Butler 30.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Church at Civil Bend, Mo., $50.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Newton $29.00, Bushnell 50.00, Centreville 5.00, Convís 30.00.
Books Sent by Express.
T M Steward, Rockton, Ill. $14.85, S B Whitney, Madrid, N Y, 18.19, Mary A Tilden, Appleton, Wis. 5.30, B F Merritt, Chillicothe, Ill. 3.75.
Books Sent by Mail.
J Baker $1.75, Jane Clayson 4.79, C Hazel 44c, W Coon 1.12, E Mott 2.50, E Walworth 1.12, W White 1.00, T White 1.75, H F Phelps 1.00, B Wilcox 12c, Isaiah Frees 13c, M Borden 75c, F H Howland 40c, R M Pierce 1.50, J F Hammond 1.50, Joseph H. Cool 15c, H Morse 10c, B A Seal 1.00, B A Smith 2.60, Seth Newton 1.00, John Hurd 2.25, M S Phillips 2.25, E Lobdell 75c, Peter Erb 35c, J Brundage 1.50, H T Atkinson 44c, J Ashmore 44c, A Caldwell 1.00, N L Greenwood 40c, Mrs A W Nourse 1.00, W Brink 35c, J Haughey 68c, Wm Cottrell 97c, D A Dennison 1.00, Peebles Mills 1.25, Mrs D Snyder 1.00, S H Hewes 15c, J M Rhodes 3.00, H E A DeMill 1.00, Bettie A Frink 15c, M W Neal 1.50.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
C R Ross $5.00, A D Jones 50c, N A Crary 5.00, H S Woolsey, 5.00.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
P H Odenkirk 25c, S B Craig $5.00, Wm P Andrews 5.00, Daniel Carpenter 10.00, Eliza Carpenter 10.00, M A Crary 5.00, L C W Williams 5.00, Lewis Bean 10.00, A sister 10.00, A W Smith 10.00, T R Bickle 5.00.
For California Mission.
Wm Caviness $5.00, Church at Convís, Mich., 10.00, T Bickle 5.00, S Osborn 5.00.
The Fall of Napoleon in 1869
THERE is a wide-spread belief in Europe, that the Napoleonic Dynasty and the French Empire will fall in 1869. This superstition is the result of some curiously-mysterious figures published three years ago in the Independent Belge, which make the year 1869 do for Napoleon what the year 1848 did for Louis Philippe.
Manuscript Received and Filed
J. W. RAYMOND. The MS. was received, and is on file to be used when necessary.