p. 48 | Review and Herald, Vol. 26, No. 6. (7/11/1865)

The Coming of Our Saviour!

By Sarah J. Wakeling

How we long for it! With what earnest hope do we look forward to the time when he shall come with clouds, when every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him shall behold him!

Prophecies are fast fulfilling, signs are fast proclaiming that the end is near. While those who have given themselves up to the enjoyments of the world, and care not to look at the signs of the times, are comforting themselves, hoping to enjoy long years of pleasure here, those who believe in the soon coming of our Saviour feel to hope and rejoice anew; for they know that this has been spoken of by holy men of old; and they feel it to be another waymark on their journey homeward.

How does it cheer the lonely, faithful ones, as they hear that the coming of their Lord draweth nigh. It is then the righteous dead will be raised, for ‐the Lord himself shall descend with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.‐ It is then we shall meet our dear departed friends, those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the first resurrection, and what a joyful meeting will it be when friends, torn from our loving embrace by the relentless hand of death, will meet us, and as we receive their greetings, what will be our joy as we think we shall never part again! Let us listen to the apostle a little further: ‐Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.‐ Oh, joyous thought! So shall we ever be with the Lord: be with our lovely Saviour. We shall behold the ‐glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.‐ We shall dwell in the beautiful city, the New Jerusalem, that glorious city of God which is eternal in the Heavens. There the righteous shall dwell forever and shall have right to the tree of life, and shall eat of its immortal fruit. There we shall behold the heavenly temple, the dwelling-place of the Most High. There we shall walk those golden streets, shall gaze at the pearly gates, and basking in the light of our Father's face,

‐Shall be forever blest.‐

And in that fair land, there is no pain, no sorrow, or death. And there shall be no more tears there; for,

*‐God's own soft hand shall wipe the tears, From every weeping eye.‐*

Then let us be comforted, for we know that the promise is sure, and if we are striving faithfully to serve him here, we shall receive our reward. Let us overcome daily through faith in the Lord Jesus, earnestly striving to be ready to meet him with joy at his appearing.

SARAH J. WAKELING.

Memphis, Mich.

Choose Wisdom as Thy Friend

CHOOSE wisdom for thy friend.

Speaking Often One to Another.

ANOTHER good thing, besides prayer, for the Christian who wishes to do more for Christ, is to speak often on religious subject to those whom he can reach; and this not merely to the impenitent, but also to fellow-believers.

It is wonderful how much a weak-hearted Christian, who has a great many discouragements; who is, very likely, ill-positioned for the best religious privilege, but who is still trying to live a Christian life, may be cheered and stimulated by a few kind, earnest words, as it were casually spoken, from some fellow-believer. A layman has it in his power to do even more good, in this way, than a pastor; because the pastor, being expected, as a matter of course, to speak of these things, his appeals are apt to take on a perfunctory quality, and so blunt their own edge. But when a brother church-member speaks about the things of the Spirit, it seems to be unofficial, and so more hearty, and somehow more real, and has an increased power of moving the spirit.

Speak often one to another—ye Christian pilgrims on the same road to the City of the Great King. Speak often, and with sympathy. Be not ashamed of your hope. Be not afraid of giving offense. Remember how good a word fitly spoken.—Sel.

Letters.

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

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

From Bro. Rodman.

BRO. WHITE : I have just returned from Abington, Ct., where I spent two Sabbaths, holding in all eight meetings, I trust to profit; for the blessing of God was with us, manifesting itself in pointed testimony, with hearty responses, as tears coursed their way down the faces of some who appreciated the good word of the Lord, faithfully spoken.

Last first-day I baptized two willing souls who have recently embraced the commandments of God, calling the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of the Lord honorable. There are some more deeply interested, who I hope will go forward in all the will of God, as taught in his word, that perfect rule of action.

There are some in Abington and vicinity who are decided to hold fast, and let no man take their crown. Others need to be a little more humble, and earnest, in cheerfully obeying the commandments, and keeping the words of Jesus, and so be led by the counsel of God in forming judgment as to their own duty, and the duty of others in coming up to all their engagements, and being true to themselves and to God.

Organized S. B. from the first of May to Jan. 1, 1866, to the amount of 50 cts. per week. P. C. RODMAN.

A Testimony of Faith and Obedience

By S. R. Smith

From Bro. Smith.

BRO. WHITE: I received the Review and books sent by you. They have explained the way of eternal life as recorded in God's word, to my satisfaction. By reading them I have been both edified and comforted. I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Redeemer, and in his second appearing as recorded in holy writ. My companion and myself are striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, that we may have a part in the first resurrection: for on such the second death hath no power.

I believe we are living in the last days, and that the time is at hand when it will be said to the dwellers of earth, “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” And, “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his works shall be.” I believe the commandments of God are binding, and should be kept as they were written by God on Sinai's mount.

Perhaps it may interest you to know how we first became awakened to a sense of our obligation to keep the commandments as written by God. When my companion was a child, she attended Sunday-school. Her teacher was a member of the Episcopal church. She told her scholars that in the latter days there would be a new revelation concerning the commandments of God. She thought much upon these things, and had an idea that she was not living up to the requirements of God's holy law, although she was, with myself, a member of the Methodist church.

About six months ago, a friend sent us some of your papers, and we read them. This made us feel anxious to see your books. We procured and read them, and compared them with God's word, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are convinced of the truth, and we mean by the grace of God to keep his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. I have distributed your books among my neighbors, and some of them seem to be interested. We need a good preacher here. May the Lord send us one. Remember us at the throne of grace. We need the prayers of God's dear people. S. R. SMITH. Blue Earth City, Minn.

A Call to Repentance

By Spurgeon

While the cry is going forth, repent "while it is yet called to-day," and the Master is standing at the door of every heart knocking for admission, let me entreat you, fellow traveler to eternity—thou who hast never given thy heart to God and hast no higher object of adoration than the mammon and pleasures of this world, to ask thyself these questions: From whence dost thou receive all thy enjoyments? Who is the giver of thy manifold blessings? And what return dost thou make unto thy great Benefactor? Echo, will answer, what?

The little dew-drops sparkling in the morning sun, and the tiny songsters warbling forth their mellow notes, the swelling buds and bursting flowers, in short, all inanimate nature as it performs its numerous though silent changes, speaks more audibly its great Creator's praise, and more truly adores the God of the universe than thou! Oh! fellow mortal—pause, I entreat thee—pause for a moment, and consider what has been done for thee, before it be everlastingly too late. Think of the ransom that has been given, the price that has been paid, that thou mayest enjoy the never-ending pleasures of eternity, rather than only the few fleeting joys of earth. Raise thy voice in prayer, perhaps for the first time ask God to show thee thy true condition, and to give thee faith to lay hold on eternal life. Then shalt thou know and realize for thyself that God is love.—Spurgeon.

A Worthless Jewelry Investment

A MAN in New England, who recently invested two hundred dollars in one of the institutions which distribute articles of jewelry at one dollar each, got watches and jewelry which purported to be worth five hundred and ninety-nine dollars; but on sending his prizes to the assay office to be melted, he found that there was just nine dollars and sixty-two cents' worth of gold and silver in the lot.

The Vermont Conference.

By A. C. Bourdeau

It is with a good degree of satisfaction that we look back to this Conference, which was held in the new meeting-house at Enosburgh, Vt., June 16-18, 1865. Our house of worship was none too large for the occasion. This house and the shed belonging to it were all completed and prepared to be dedicated at this Conference, and Eld. J. N. Andrews made appropriate remarks for the occasion. The brethren in this place were prepared to entertain all the friends that came from abroad; and we were greatly delighted in seeing a respectable number of Sabbath-keepers from the different parts of Vermont and Canada East, who manifested a unanimity of feeling and action in all the exercises of the Conference.

The meetings commenced and progressed with increasing interest to the close. We wish here to express our gratitude for the labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews at this Conference. The remarks he offered, and the instructions he gave, in connection with the business proceedings, were highly appreciated by all present.

The reports from ministers and churches evinced that the cause in Vermont is still onward. Sabbath, at 8 o'clock A. M., and 6 P. M., an hour and a half each time, were devoted to prayer and social meeting. Fervent prayers were offered, and good, heart-felt testimonies were given by the brethren and sisters, and the exhortations given by the preachers were cheering and encouraging to all the lovers of truth.

Sabbath morning, at half-past ten, Bro. Andrews gave an interesting discourse from Ex. xxiii, 13, the first clause of the verse. In the afternoon, another discourse by Bro. A., on the duties of ministers to the people, and the duties of the people to them. Following this meeting, we repaired to a stream of water a few rods from the meeting-house, where four were buried in baptism.

Sunday morning the people commenced to come in at an early hour, and the house was soon filled to overflowing. We took out six windows from the house, which enabled those that stood without to hear the preacher, while he understandingly presented clear, plain, and convincing truths to the people. The brethren and sisters were edified and instructed, and we have reason to believe that unbelievers were benefited.

A. C. BOURDEAU.

"Is It Well with Thee?" 2 Kings iv, 26.

By Susan Elmer

THIS is a question of thrilling interest; one that must be decided in the light of eternity. Soon that decision must be made, the question, as solemn as it is, must be solved. May the Lord help us so to live that we can give an answer of peace. As the heavens are higher than the earth, as far as light exceeds darkness, or happiness misery, so far do eternal things outweigh the fading and transitory things of earth. Could we but have an insight into Heaven, could all those indescribable glories be revealed to our enraptured vision, could we but listen to the music that flows from angels' harps, the outgushing songs of the redeemed, ah then how would earth with all its pomp and glory, with all its delusive dreams of happiness sink into insignificance.

The hours of probation are about to be closed. My soul how is it with thee? Soon the scale will be turned either for life or death, and the cases of all be unalterably fixed. The signs of the times, the fulfillment of prophecy accompanied by the Holy Spirit warn us to be ready. Oh let us not linger so near our eternal home. But let our zeal be in proportion to that which we are aspiring for. Then when the conflicts of life are o'er, the last great struggle of earth finished, yonder amid the unfading glories of the upper world we can say, "It is well."

SUSAN ELMER.

Ashfield, Mass. June 29th, 1865.

Business Department.

Business Notes.

P. Lightner. You will find your credit in No 3, present volume.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

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J Rodgers 28-1, H S Gurney 28-1, G W Perry 27-14, Mrs A N Curtis 28-1, T Brockway 28-1; S S Post 28-1, S Goff 28-1, J A Davis 28-1, each $2.

S Gurney 27-1, W Cobb 26-18, Ira Baily 26-18, F D Gilman 26-14, J B Abbott 27-1, each 50c.

S Verplank $2,50, (one year) 28-1, L H Collins 27c, 26-8, H Hawley $1,50, 26-14, G B Gaskill $3 28-18.

Subscriptions at the Rate of $3,00 per year.

D H Gould $3, 27-14. D Stiles $3, 27-1. A Gleason $2, 26-15. S A Rowland $3, 28-1. A M Maynard $3, 28-1.

Review to Poor.

F Wilson $1.

Donations to Publishing Association.

S S Post $2.

Books Sent By Mail.

Mrs N Dennison $2,12. M Edson $1. M E Torrey $. M Pursell $1. Mrs A F Stansell $1,25. S Martin 72c. D H Gould $1,50. A S Cowdry $1

General Conference Missionary Fund.

M C Tremble $2.

For Bro. Bourdeau.

M E Cornell $10. A L Burwell $5. A W Maynard $5. C Mc Neil $1.

Draft Documents.

By Gen. Conf. Committee

THE General Conference of May 17, 1865, considered the matter of "Expense of Draft Documents," and passed the following resolution:

"Whereas, The General Conference Committee have been under the necessity of incurring a considerable expense in preparing and procuring preliminary proofs and documents to enable certain of our brethren to avail themselves of the law in favor of non-combatants, which expense as yet has been but partially met from the avails of said proofs and documents, therefore,

"Resolved, That this Conference hereby request all those for whose personal benefit said expense was incurred; viz., those who were liable to the draft—and all others who are so disposed, to contribute one dollar each for the purpose of defraying the same, and that each of said contributors be entitled to a copy of said documents."

The entire expense includes Eld. Andrew's visit to Washington, the preparing and printing of two pamphlets on the subject, affidavits and lawyer's fees amounting to about $40,—in all amounting to not far from $500. There were about five hundred copies of the documents printed, and only about fifty sets taken. So there is a chance for four hundred and fifty more of our brethren to obtain these valuable documents by sending only one dollar each for them. In so doing they not only get documents which they may need, as the permanent peace of our country is by no means a matter of certainty, but they meet an expense which should fall equally upon all those for whom the expense was incurred.

We shall, therefore, expect that all of our brethren who were liable to military draft, and who, had they been drafted, would have received the benefit of the $300 exemption clause, will at once furnish themselves with the draft documents by paying one dollar each.

GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE.

Peace and Safety.

By M. E. Cornell

WHO can fail to see the fulfillment of prophecy in the cry of "Peace and safety," and that "all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation?" Not only do they declare that "all things continue as they were," but that all things will continue without end. As we draw near to the end, we see the masses are more and more influenced by the siren song of "peace" when in fact there is no peace, but sudden destruction is upon them. The following extract from the "London Spectator" gives the popular sentiment of one-half of the world:

European writers, whatever their subject, politics or society, now tacitly assume that the human race is to progress forever, or to state their latent idea more strictly, is to advance steadily for an indefinite period toward a nobler life and a higher civilization. The idea of a fixed term to history, which so greatly influenced the Middle Ages, has utterly disappeared; the semi-religious belief in a cataclysm to occur at a distant but visible date, though still entertained, has ceased to be professed by anybody but Dr. Cumming, and does not influence him. The reverie of the politician is no longer of the coming overturn of things—an idea never absent from the great minds of the first four centuries—but of a coming millenium, when all mankind shall be allied, and the motive force of the European, and the subtle brow of the Arab, and the deft hand of the Mongol, shall all be employed together in making the earth more lovely and more convenient for its people.

M. E. CORNELL.

Appointments.

PROVIDENCE permitting, Eld. James White and wife will be at Marion, Iowa, July 15 and 16, and at Battle Creek, Mich., the 22nd and 23d.

Gen. Conf. Committee.

PROVIDENCE permitting, Eld. J. N. Loughborough will be at Marion, Iowa, July 15 and 16, Waukon, the 22nd and 23d, and West Union, the 29th and 30th.

Gen. Conf. Committee.

THE next Quarterly Meeting of the church at Hundred Mile Grove, Wis., will be held, August 5 and 6, 1865. Bro. John Matteson has engaged, Providence permitting, to attend this meeting.

We wish to say to those brethren and sisters who have moved away from this church without taking letters from the church, that you are still members of this church; and we wish to know how you are getting along in the Christian warfare. Please write soon and let us know. You can direct your letters to me, at Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis.

N. M. Jordon.

The next Quarterly Meeting of the church at Oakland, Wis., will be Sabbath and first-day, July 15 and 16. Bro. Ingraham is expected to meet with us. We also extend an invitation to the brethren and sisters of other churches to meet with us.

O. A. Olson, Clerk.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the churches as follows:

Sabbath, July 22, Ransom Center; Hillsdale 29th; Hanover August 5th; North Liberty 12th; Salem Center 19th. Meetings also on first-day if brethren so arrange. Will brethren from Ransom meet me at Hillsdale the 21st; and from North Liberty at South Bend the 11th.

JOHN BYINGTON.

Sending Money to the Office

By Editor

All persons sending money to this Office will please send national currency or Greenbacks. All other money is rapidly going out of use here as in other parts of the country.

Changes in Appointments

By Editor

CHANGES will be noticed this week in the appointments of Bro. White, and Bro. Byington. All previous appointments incompatible with the last, are, of course, withdrawn.