Earlier text: Stability a Characteristic of our WorkNo Cross, no Crown.
By Mary E. Kelsey
“Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Heb. 12: 6-8. How often we hear people complaining of the many trials and disappointments through which they are called to pass, when, in reality, they are but blessings in disguise. When an earthly father chastens his children, he is not confined to one kind of punishment, or two, but each receives a punishment suited to his or her disposition. Likewise our Heavenly Father has blessings especially adapted to the wants of each of his children. Some have a naturally proud heart with which to contend, and in mercy he visits such with some humiliating affliction; for he knows how little true happiness is enjoyed by the proud, either in this life, or in the world to come. And if the desired effect is not produced by the first visitation, another, still more humiliating, is sent, and still another, until they fully realize the truth of the words of Peter: “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” But while some are proud, others are selfish, covetous, boasters, blasphemers, and the like, Paul says that these things shall be signs of the last days. Then, as we draw near the consummation of all things, we must expect to see these traits of character more fully developed in man. But do they tend to happiness? Look at the covetous man, who spends all his time and strength in scraping together a few of the transitory things of earth. Is he truly happy? Far from it. He is neither happy himself, nor has he any time to make others happy; no time to spend with his family; no time to speak a kind word to the sorrowing; no time for prayer. It is hurry, hurry, from morning till night, week after week, year in and year out. When he lays his head upon his pillow at night, it is not to be refreshed by sleep, but to pass the night in sleepless anxiety. He rises early, partakes of his breakfast in haste, and proceeds to his business without a parting word, or even a prayer that God will protect his family or direct his own steps. Does such a man expect to have the prospering hand of God in his business? Does he expect to have the honor and applause of this world, and in the next, to wear the victor’s crown? I think not; for Christ has said that “a man cannot serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Thus it is, that while our minds are filled with thoughts and plans of this life, we lose sight of the promises of God and of the eternal inheritance, which, as John Wesley says, “will be more beautiful than that ever beheld by Adam.” Then who would not be willing to exchange all the pomp and royalty of an earthly king for a home in that beautiful paradise, and a crown far surpassing in worth and beauty that ever worn by mortals? Let us then bear cheerfully all the crosses and trials thrown in our pathway, knowing that they will work out for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” The Christian’s Anchor.
By A. Smith
WHEN Cyrus Field, on board the “Great Eastern,” was searching in mid-Atlantic for the lost “cable,” the grapple was lowered, and though lost to view in the deep waters, he knew by the trembling of the chain that it was accomplishing its work on the bottom of the sea. So the Christian mariner, on the tempestuous sea of life, knows “by the trembling of the chain” that his hope as an anchor is securely fixed in the sanctuary above. When the lost cable was recovered, its nerve was thrilled with electric fire and bade to go with a message of regard and inquiry to the home of his friends in distant America. In a few moments, from the deep sea, by way of Ireland, came the responsive congratulation, and the cheering, “All is well.” How like the Christian’s experience on the tempest-tossed sea of human life. The promises of God bind him to the throne in the jasper-walled city above; prayer thrills the connection, and the Spirit responds in whispers of peace. Lending in Prosperity and Help in Adversity
He that lendeth to another in time of prosperity shall never want help himself in the time of adversity. New Hampshire.
By P. C. Rodman
RETURNED home April 3, 1873, after an absence of about six months. I have been laboring most of the time in Lincoln, Woodstock, Thornton, and Campton, Grafton Co., N. H. I commenced in North Woodstock. Had a good hearing for a scattered community, and as a result, seven began to keep the Sabbath. One has since given up the struggle, two others left for other parts in a few weeks. I saw the remaining four about two weeks since. Found them advancing in the truth and grace of God. My last effort was in Campton. The people there came in to hear quite as well as we could expect. Seven are keeping the Sabbath now, and we still hope for others there if those now decided to obey take a straight forward, consistent course, and we expect they will. A Bible-class was started in each of these places, and those who attend are becoming more and more interested. The spiritualists have been considerably stirred in Thornton and Campton, and have shown some opposition, but truth has triumphed because of the blessing of God. The weather and going have been more unfavorable than usual for meetings the past winter, but we have tried to do the best we could. We see much room for improvement, and, by the grace of God, we mean to go forward. The people have been very kind to us, with but few exceptions; for which we are thankful, and we remember them all with kind feelings. P. C. Rodman. Sister Gibson on Obedience, Testimonies, and Health Reform
SISTER S. E. GIBSON writes from Olmstead Co.: I desire ever to be enabled to say with the psalmist, “How love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” How good it is to keep the commandments of God; and they are not grievous. I realize in some degree the beauty of those blessed words, spoken by our divine Lord, “My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Yes, it is even so. When by the eye of faith we can see Jesus, every burden is made light; every cross is sweet to lift. I rejoice in the evidence that the good work is going on. May it continue to deepen and widen till all that are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit shall be gathered into the fold. And let us, who have seen the light, strive to walk in it; yea, strive, remembering that Jesus said, “Many shall seek to enter in, but shall not be able.” Does not that imply that they will not seek with sufficient earnestness? The blessing is promised to the doers of the Lord’s will, and not to the hearers only. I thank the Lord for the Testimonies; and, with his help, I mean they shall affect my life, and make me more like the great Pattern. The health and dress reforms are precious to me, and the benefit I have received from them has been beyond price. They have restored me from being a suffering invalid to the enjoyment of excellent health. Praise the Lord! Pray for me, that I may hold out faithful. DISCUSSION ON THE SABBATH QUESTION
BETWEEN ELD. J. H. WAGGONER, S. D. ADVENTIST, AND ELD. PETER VOGEL, DISCIPLE. “Do the Scriptures teach that the seventh-day Sabbath is to be observed by Christians throughout the gospel dispensation?” ELD. WAGGONER affirms; ELD. VOGEL denies. ELD. WAGGONER’S SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE.
Another point or two I will now consider on the covenants: (7). The minister or priest of the new covenant has also a sanctuary in which to officiate. The first covenant had a “worldly sanctuary” of two apartments—the holy and the most holy. In that the priests “served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” as the sanctuary was made according to a pattern shown to Moses. Heb. 8:5; 9:1. But our priest serves in “the sanctuary and true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man,”—in the heavens. Heb. 8:1, 2. The earthly is called the pattern of the heavenly. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures [resemblance, copy, corresponding to an original—Greenfield] of the true [literally, true ones], but into Heaven itself.” There are, therefore, holy places in the heavenly sanctuary. When Moses made the first sanctuary, the Lord promised to manifest his glory at “the door of the tabernacle of the congregation”—the holy; Ex. 29:42, 43; just inside of which door were the seven golden candlesticks (properly lampstands), and the table of show-bread. And when St. John had a view of the majesty of God in Heaven, where our High Priest was when the Revelation was given, he saw “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” Rev. 4:1–6. But when “the seventh angel sounded,” ushering in the third woe, coming down even to the “time of the dead that they should be judged,” and to the giving of reward to the prophets, and to all that fear the Lord, small and great, then “there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament”—or covenant. Rev. 11:14–18. Comp. chap. 22:12; Luke 14:14. As the time of giving reward here brought to view is at the coming of Christ, we look to Rev. 14:14, where the Saviour is seen coming to reap the harvest of the earth, and just preceding his coming, a call is made to “keep the commandments of God [the ‘one Law-giver’—‘the Judge of all’] and the faith of Jesus,” the “mediator between God and man” in the heavenly sanctuary. Thus it appears that under the seventh trumpet, our High Priest fulfills the type of “the day of atonement,” or of “cleansing the sanctuary.” Lev. 16:1–19; Dan. 8:14; by entering into the most holy of the heavenly places, wherein is seen the ark of God’s testament, or covenant. We readily admit that everything made by Moses was a figure or representation of the things in the heavens; but that which was in the ark—the law of God—was not made by Moses. It took hold on moral relations, and came directly from God himself. Paul says “the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets”; and we see this illustrated in the writings of inspired men. Though all were inspired by “one spirit,” and “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” they presented in their writings each the peculiarity of his own mind. What a difference is seen in the styles of Peter, John, Paul, Isaiah, Daniel, &c. Each book bears the visible impress of the mind of its writer, even under inspiration. But look at the ten commandments. “Whose image and superscription is this?” Here is an instrument which bears honors above all the revelation which God committed to the race. “And God spake all these words.” Jehovah himself wrote them. They bear the impress of Deity alone. With what reverence and sacred awe should all men stand before the ten commandments of Jehovah! When the gospel age closes—when probation ends, and “the seven last plagues” are to be poured out upon the earth, the angels receive these plagues from “the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven”—the most holy place. Rev. 15. In those plagues “is filled up the wrath of God,” because it is then and there that the work of our High Priest is finished; the atonement is made, and the sins of “all the Israel of God” are blotted out. This is an extensive theme, but my limits will not permit me to enlarge upon it. (8). The new covenant was made with Judah and Israel. It was decidedly “Jewish,” to use the language of our opponents; made with the Jews, and one born a Jew is its mediator! Paul says that to them pertain “the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises.” These are privileges not to be despised; but the chief advantage of the Jews was that “unto them were committed the oracles of God.” Rom. 3. Will the reader consider again the testimony of Stephen, Acts 7:38, that Moses “received the lively oracles [living oracles] to give unto us.” Happy for “us” if we obey those “living oracles”—God’s holy covenant, “the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.” But Eld. Vogel says “the commonwealth of Israel” was a “civil compact,” and that nothing given to them remains. This assertion is disproved by the Scriptures; for the new covenant was made with them, and “the oracles of God,” which Moses received, were “living oracles” in the time of Stephen. Such evidence cannot be evaded. And it strikes me there is unusual irreverence manifested in Eld. Vogel’s statements on this subject. Of that “civil compact,” he says:— “(3). This is further evident from the fact that God stood to the Hebrews in the relation of political ruler, law-giver, and king. For when they said to Samuel, Make us a king to judge us like all the nations, Jehovah replied, They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” This has no point at all except this, that Jehovah was a ruler in every respect just like the one they chose in his stead! Will Eld. V. squarely avow that conclusion, or renounce his position? Saul was only a civil ruler, and could not administer government on moral grounds; “hence, it follows” that Jehovah was a political—not a moral governor! Question: Did the priests minister between Saul and the people after he began to reign? Or was there another important relation back of Saul’s rule? Were the ten commandments the law of Saul; or was the glory of Saul manifested over the ark of the testament in the sanctuary? Does it not appear that Eld. Vogel is a very superficial reasoner on Bible relations? If we are to judge of the character and position of the one rejected, by that of the one chosen in his stead, to143 what conclusion must we arrive from the Jews’ rejecting Christ and choosing a murderer in his stead? Some say that such things are not so much the fault of the reasoner as of the theory which he is advocating; but I cannot accept such a distinction. Any person of ordinary ability is responsible for advocating a theory built on such premises and leading to such conclusions. When the truth and honor of God and the eternal welfare of our fellow-beings are at stake, our teachings involve a responsibility calling for especial carefulness and reverence. Another point of importance, relating also to Eld. Vogel’s errors in the term “Lord,” I must waive to attend to that which I cannot longer postpone. The reader may be assured that I regret the necessity of again referring to the Hebrew, but justice compels me to do so. I shall use “great plainness of speech,” as the occasion requires. I have already pointed out errors of statement and deduction in Eld. Vogel which ought to have settled the question, but he persisted in his course. In this I shall convict him of such inaccuracies, or “blunders,” to adopt his own courteous style, as will, I trust, put it to a final rest. 1. The reader will please notice the following cases where Sabbath is in predicate: Ex. 16:23, 25, 26; chap. 20:10; chap. 31:15, first time; chap. 35:2; Lev. 23:3, twice; Deut. 5:14; and the article is omitted in each case. It is not in predicate in the following instances: Ex. 16:29; chap. 20:8, 11; chap. 31:14, 15, second time, 16, twice; chap. 35:3; Lev. 23:11, 15, 16; Deut. 5:12; and in each case the article is used. This is not accidental; and I leave the reader to judge whether a first mention will account for its omission in Ex. 20, and 31, and 35, Lev. 23, and Deut. 5. Eld. Vogel’s invention of a “re-mention nearly equivalent to a first mention” is positively puerile, got up only to meet the necessities of his case. If the statement of Gesenius is a “blunder,” how is it that from first to last, in the same chapter and in the same verse, the article is omitted when the noun is in predicate, and inserted when it is not in predicate? This use fully justifies the words of Gesenius: “The precept is also correctly given by grammarians, that the predicate of a sentence does not take the article.” Exceptions do not destroy this precept more than they do that quoted by Eld. Vogel, and exceptions to that are abundant, though he did positively deny it. He only misconstrues Green if he thinks he “condemns” Gesenius in this. The absence of the article is fully accounted for on other ground than that claimed by Eld. Vogel; hence, his inference is unwarranted and his argument a nullity. 2. He does me great injustice in accusing me of blundering in regard to the construction of Ex. 16:23. He said I blundered once with Gesenius in claiming the above as a rule, and once again in claiming a definite construction for this text. But the reader will remember that I claimed it definite under this rule, and if the rule holds good I made no blunder at all, and this he knows. For, supposing that Gesenius did blunder in his statement, that does not show that I made any blunder in applying the rule to this text, nor did Eld. V. claim that. He “evaded the issue” by referring to a rule which has no bearing on the case. 3. I could show the inconclusiveness of his statement on the use of the preposition, and of the unfairness of his method of reference to Green; but as I instituted no claim on the preposition, I will pass it for brevity’s sake, only referring to the following blunder of his: He claimed in his argument, Ex. 16:25, as an instance of the indefinite use of Sabbath; but it is just like Ex. 20:10, in construction, and he now claims the latter text as definite by construction! In a man who is “capable,” never liable to “blunder,” and never writes “for effect,” this course is hard to explain. 4. His accusation that I blundered, accompanied with his reference to Green, §246, 3, was unjust and presented the matter in a false light. For (1) He knew that I did not claim it definite by construction under that section. (2) He knew that that section did not cover the whole field of the omission of the article, and therefore it would not settle a question raised under other rules. (3) He knew that that section and number referred only to the construct state, and therefore would cut off his claim on Ex. 20:10, if it would mine on Ex. 16:23; for Ex. 20:10, is not in the construct. His course in this was unfair, tending only to mislead, and was as unjust to the reader as to me. I have little reason to expect he will yield to proof, but I will insist that in simple matters of fact he shall have some regard for justice. 5. He treats with raillery my saying that Sabbath means rest, as if it were parallel to his own pedantry. But this is so generally known that I assumed nothing in the statement; the English reader has learned the same from Webster. His ridicule about my holding on to it would be in better place if I had said anything that admitted of denial. 6. Perhaps it is because I have not recently graduated at a theological school that I am not able to appreciate his very chaste and genteel remarks about “the turtle.” But if I am any judge of their force, they aptly represent his course on Ex. 24:12. Had he simply confessed his “blunder” without trying to cover his retreat in such a questionable manner, he also would have done a “clever thing,” and a thing more creditable to himself. But that would not be in keeping with his general course. As usual, when his proof is shown to be deficient, it makes no practical difference. Take away all his evidence, or turn it against him, and it never weakens his argument at all! To excuse his first blunder, which was too glaring to admit of denial, he runs into others equally apparent. Take the following in reference to the accents named: “They are just alike in character, and often nearly, and sometimes wholly, in position, so that they may be easily mistaken for each other, as I inadvertently did;” They are just alike in shape, which is all the truth that the above statement contains, unless he dodges behind the word nearly, which is a poor refuge. They may occupy the same location on a given word, but not in consecution, that is, in their relation to other accents, so they may be easily and readily distinguished in any position. But in this case, even that excuse is not admissible, for in this text pashta occupies a position in location as well as in consecution, which kadmah never occupies, and therefore it may not be easily mistaken for the latter, except by a person who is entirely ignorant of both these plain and unvarying points of difference! And this, if we may trust his own showing, was the case with Eld. Vogel. 7. His further remarks on that “blunder” betray a like ignorance of the laws of consecution. To destroy the force of the article, he first said, the accent on “the law” was conjunctive, connecting these words with, “which I have written.” Being corrected in that, he now says, “the practical result remains unchanged,” because there is a still stronger disjunctive over “the commandments” than that over “the law”! This is surely a novelty in consecution—if he wishes to get a patent on it, nobody will dispute his claim to the invention! Invariably, the nearer you approach the end of a section, the stronger is the disjunctive; and that over “the commandments” is a “kingly accent,” and disjoins these and the preceding words from the “train” following, leaving the words, “which I have written,” immediately connected by consecution with, “that thou mayest teach them.” All that I have said in this and the preceding paragraph may be known from a single glance at the original by any person who has a knowledge of Hebrew accents. At first I thought Eld. Vogel had at least a fair knowledge of Hebrew, but I have been forced to change my mind in regard to his attainments. Though his egotism was prominent all along, I inclined to overlook that, as it is so often manifested by young men not long from school, who have not grace to restrain it. When I proved beyond denial the error of his statement in regard to the omission of the article, he coolly accused me of “blundering,” and of being “incapable,” with a haughtiness and air of scorn that might almost have made Goliath die of envy. As he says, he did “chide” me often, and in an unseemly and arrogant manner; but I shall care but little for all that until I have some evidence that his knowledge nearly equals his assurance. 8. I have let forbearance rule as long as justice and a proper regard for the cause of truth will permit. As I write mainly for the benefit of English readers, and I have had no desire to carry this discussion into the Hebrew; so far as I am personally concerned, I do not care how far he carries it in that direction, being confident that he can gain nothing by the controversy, because the truth is not with him. His criticism on the English of Ex. 24:12, is as defective as that on the Hebrew, but of this hereafter. KIND THOUGHTS.
By Hope Arbor
Let us cherish a memory for pleasant things,
And let all the others go.
It is never by giving “tit for tat”
That we touch the heart of a foe.
It is not by dwelling on fancied wrongs
That we feel their sting grow less:
And malice once entering the heart is sure
To crush out all tenderness. Forgive, forget, though the wrong be great,
And your heart be stricken sore;
For thinking of trouble makes it worse,
And its pain is all the more.
Do kindly things to your neighbors, e’en
Though they do not so to you.
Though they be wrong, unjust, unkind,
Keep your own heart ever true. The heart is a garden, our thoughts the flowers
That spring into fruitful life;
Have care that in sowing there fall no seed
From the weed of cruel strife.
Oh! loving words are not hard to say
If the heart be loving too.
And the kinder thoughts you to others give
The kinder their thoughts of you. Boston Church Communion Service Held at Stratton Home
By M. Wood
At the commencement of last Sabbath, March 29, the S. D. A. church of Boston assembled at the house of Bro. H. B. Stratton for the purpose of communing with God, and to commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection, of their blessed Lord. It was a ceremony in its character solemn and affecting, reminding the saints of their relationship to their Heavenly Father, of what Christ had done and suffered in behalf of sinful man, and what he would do for all them that love him and keep his commandments. All present appeared to be lifted above the things of earth, and to hold sweet communion with Jesus while they sang forth praises to God in the highest. And in our communion with the Holy Spirit and with one another, there was that flow of spirit and brotherly love manifested between the brethren which is well-pleasing to God and a distinguishing feature of God’s peculiar people. There was a general renewing of covenant vows, and heartfelt desires for a closer walk with God were expressed. The meeting was one of the most thrilling, solemn, softening, melting seasons of religious worship I ever attended. Bro Prescott, who officiated, enjoyed much freedom in the Lord, and spoke words of good cheer to encourage us on in our pilgrimage Zionward. Sister Temple rendered efficient aid to the younger sisters, while all hearts and voices united in singing praises to God, and honor to him that is to come and take the government upon his shoulders. M. Wood. Waterloo, Wis., April 6, 1873
By D. Downer
SINCE my report of March 18, I have been detained here by storms and bad roads. I have been holding meetings as often as consistent considering the condition of the roads, and am seeing some fruit of my labor. Last Sabbath, six more united with the church. Sunday, March 30, five were baptized. Several more have commenced keeping the Sabbath. I now intend to go home for a few days to prepare for summer labor. We hear often from different parts of Wisconsin, people calling for help. One man offered me seventy dollars to go to an adjoining county and stay two weeks. I earnestly pray that God will send help to this State. But, brethren and sisters, we are toiling on. I believe we never have been in better working order than now. Our great lack is, a want of laborers. I am trying to do my work well. I still plead for your earnest prayers. D. DOWNER. Waterloo, Wis., April 6, 1873
Chesaning, Mich.
By D. W. Milk
My last report was from Locke, Ingham Co., where we were having a good interest in the brick school-house. But the weather suddenly turned cold and stormy, so that the people could not attend meetings, and about that time I received an urgent request from my parents to come and care for them in their declining days. I considered the matter and felt it a duty to comply with their request, and expect soon to be there, the Lord permitting; and as I go, I will try to remember the interests of the cause everywhere, and especially in Chesaning. I plead for Chesaning, that it may have another course of lectures. Cannot the tent come here the first place in the season? There might not a great number embrace the truth, yet I think some would by proper instruction and the Lord’s blessing. Many are disgusted with their present teachers, and some are inquiring after truth. The Lord direct. At our last business meeting, Bro. Seth Sprague was chosen elder, and Bro. John Trotman, Treasurer, to act in my absence. My P. O. address will be, until further notice, West Seneca, Erie Co., N. Y. Nicolet Co., Minn.
By George M. Dimmick
Thinking the brethren of Minnesota would be glad to hear from me, I take this opportunity to report through the REVIEW. March 13, commenced labor at the Keene school-house, nine miles west of Mankato. Found the people much prejudiced against us, still the Lord worked. Five took their stand with us, to obey God. March 24, commenced meetings at the Belgrade school-house, three miles east. Found the people ready to receive the truth. Although the roads were muddy and the nights dark, we had a full house. God has blessed his word. Some twelve have taken hold with us, making, in all, seventeen. More are convinced, and I think will obey God. Pray for us, that the blessing of God may follow us, and many more here may give their hearts to Jesus. Isolated Sabbath-Keepers in Stearns County, Minnesota
By Eliza Emmerson
SISTER ELIZA EMMERSON writes from Stearns Co., Minn.: There are a few of us here that are trying to keep God’s commandments, so that it may be well with us at his soon appearing. We never have had the pleasure of seeing or hearing one of God’s servants who keep his commandments and have the faith of Jesus. Bro. Canright has labored at Hutchinson, not far from us. We would gladly send him the means to defray his expenses, if he would come and labor with us a few weeks; but we leave it with God, knowing that it will all be well. I feel to thank God that he has opened my eyes to see the truth, and also that he has enabled me to abandon the use of swine’s flesh and tea; for I want to be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh, so that it may be well with me at the soon coming of my blessed Lord and Master. I ask the prayers of God’s chosen people, that I may prove faithful, and at last have the overcomer’s reward. Faith in God.
By M. J. Randall Fulton
What a fountain of happiness is contained in this short sentence, Faith in God. One can but be happy if he believes in the blessed promises; for we find in the Book of all books that consoling passage, All things work together for good to those that love the Lord. What would poor mortal creatures do when called upon to part with the dearest ties of earth, had they not access to the throne of grace; for all things earthly are then shrouded in darkness, and there is no comfort or consolation to be derived from any source, save in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. I speak from experience. I have been called to pass through the furnace of affliction twice within sixteen months. The monster death entered my family and snatched away my two only daughters, aged, respectively, five and seventeen years, yet I can say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him;” for I believe if we bear our afflictions patiently, they will eventually work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. By the assisting grace of God, I feel determined to try to discharge every known and Christian duty, that at last I may be accounted worthy to have part and lot in the first resurrection, where the loved and lost will be restored to me, and I shall be permitted to behold him in whom I have trusted, and who has promised to receive all who come unto him. I believe that he is a rewarder of them who diligently seek him. I am trying to keep all the commandments. Although it requires many sacrifices to keep the fourth, I feel I have ever been rewarded in so doing. Never in all my Christian experience have I enjoyed my mind as since I commenced keeping the seventh day. My faith is daily increasing in the Lord, as I become better acquainted with the Scriptures. I feel more resigned to his will, for there we learn, “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,” and if all things are to work together for good, then why should I murmur or complain, or think that my portion is hard, while it is my privilege to say, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble? CHILDREN hunger perpetually for new ideas. They will learn with pleasure from the lips of parents what they deem it drudgery to study in books; and even if they have the misfortune to be deprived of many educational advantages, they will grow up intelligent if they enjoy in childhood the privilege of listening daily to the conversation of intelligent people. We sometimes see parents who are the life of every company which they enter, dull, silent, and uninteresting at home among their children. If they have not mental stores sufficiently for both, let them first use what they have for their own household. A silent house is a dull place for young people, a place from which they will escape if they can. How much useful information, on the other hand, is often given in pleasant family conversation, and what unconscious but excellent mental training, in lively social argument. Cultivate to the utmost all the graces of home conversation. Westmore, Vt.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Although it snowed and blowed nearly every day that we were in this place, making our congregation small, yet we were enabled to give twenty-four sermons in about three weeks of time, besides making a trip to East Charleston. Three intelligent persons have embraced the truth, and others are deeply interested and are investigating. Upon the whole, we are glad we went to Westmore. We became strongly attached to Bro. Litchfield’s family, who had been alone for years, and for whom the Lord had commenced to work. They have an increasing confidence in all the branches and workings of this cause; and may their strength and courage increase in following up the interest started in their locality. We remained in Westmore till yesterday, when we had reached the hight of a hard thaw, and the roads were becoming impassable. It was with great difficulty that we reached this place. The good interest in Westmore has revived courage in our old brethren, and increased in them the missionary spirit. We hope that the friends in East Charleston and Westmore will make a special effort to keep up their meetings, and that when they cannot meet, they will improve their time in reading. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Died, in Rome, Me., March 10, 1873, of lung disease, Fannie A., daughter of William and Etta Mitchell, aged three years and four months. Remarks by the writer from Rev. 21: 4. W. H. BLAISDELL. Died, in Albion, Me., March 25, 1873, after a long and distressing illness, Mrs. Hannah Smiley, aged sixty-four years. I. WIGGIN. Died, at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., sister Phidelia Ann, wife of Bro. A. W. Maynard, aged forty-three years. Sister Maynard embraced the Advent faith thirteen years ago, under the labors of Eld. Frisbie. She possessed a meek and quiet spirit, and continued, to the end, a faithful, consistent exponent of the faith which she professed. Her end was peace. A few thoughts from Job 14: 14, were presented on the day of the funeral for the consolation of the bereaved friends, by the writer. DONALD WARREN.