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Review and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 16.

THE GRACE OF HUMILITY
Earlier text: LIFE INCIDENTS

REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.

By John Norton Loughborough

My labors in this place closed yesterday for the present. I have visited and labored in private with eighteen different families of Charlotte and Windsor churches, and of those investigating the truth; and have given nine public discourses during the last four weeks. The effort has not been in vain. The Lord has given freedom in laboring for his cause and truth, both in public and in private. Some who have been in the dark feel different, and we trust will yet find their way back with the people of God; while some confessed with tears their wayward course and opposition to the work of God. Three were received by vote as members of the church when they shall be baptized. These have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath. We learn that there are two or three others keeping the Sabbath who also design to unite with the church and be baptized.
We find an anxious desire on the part of the people in this vicinity to hear the truth; but for two reasons we did not deem it advisable to commence a series of public meetings here at present.
1. Those professing the truth needed a work done for them, that they might be more firmly united to the body of this people, so that they could stand by the truth in all its parts when it shall be presented, and thus prove a help, and not a hindrance to the work.
2. As it has been muddy and stormy weather, and, as the hurry of sugar-making was coming on, it did not seem to be a favorable time to commence public meetings. Such, however, is the anxiety of the people to hear, that in one neighborhood where I was visiting, those without supposed I was surely going to preach, and so got out an appointment for me. I chose to leave the people hungry to hear the truth, giving them a favorable opportunity to hear it at some future day, rather than present only a portion of it under unfavorable circumstances, and leave them to have the enemy steal away the word from their hearts.
As I intimated in my last report, one great cause of the low state of things here was opposition to the Gifts on the ground of the health reform, Systematic Benevolence, &c. To show what power the enemy has with the human mind, and what perverted ideas people may get, I will give some of the ideas I had to meet. The enemy tried to make some think that because we were teaching the people that it was more for their health to leave the use of flesh meats and live on fruit, grains, and vegetables, that we were that class who “commanded to abstain from meats.” As I said to one brother, if he would convince me that the Seventh-day Adventists were the people that were doing what Paul said in 1 Tim. iv, 1–5, I would leave them at once, for certainly the class who do that have no very desirable characteristics presented. We read: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Deplorable, indeed, is the situation of the people here described. It certainly has a more ready application to that class of people who teach that “human blood is as good to cleanse from sin as the blood of Christ,” and that “there is no such thing as sin,” and that what is called sin is “undeveloped good.” And to a class of people who are led by the spirits of devils, instead of those who are carefully and prayerfully seeking the ways of God, and making a covenant with him by sacrifice. “Forbidding to marry.” In proof that we were the class represented in this testimony, reference was made to the Testimony of Sr. White, concerning the consequences when some married who were not capable of taking care of themselves, but simply caused misery to themselves and their sickly, numerous offspring. I think the text has a more definite application to those Spiritualists who teach that the present existing legal regulations in reference to marriage are a curse to the human family, and that marriage should only be a contract between parties while they might agree. I suppose this to refer to a time when Spiritualists shall have power to legislate, when we may see, by them, an effort to annul marriage laws, and with it a “commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”
Some are in too great haste in drawing their conclusions from the above words, supposing that the word meat always signifies flesh meat; but let it be borne in mind that it is “meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving.” The question then turns on the point as to what God created as the food of man. We read in Gen. 1, 29, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
From this it readily appears that the word meat is used in the sense of food, and, also, that what God created for the food of man was not the flesh of animals, but the fruits and vegetation of the earth. Although God has since creation permitted man to eat animal flesh, but finally restricted that to certain kinds, yet it cannot be proved from the word of God that he ever created flesh for the food of man. That meat signifies man's food is also evident from the testimony to Israel as they were passing into Canaan: “Only the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down.” Deut. xx, 20. Again, in the record of the shipwreck of Paul, we read: “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore, I pray you to take some meat; for this is for your health; for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred and threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.” Acts xxvii, 33–38. All can very readily perceive that the meat spoken of in this text was bread made of wheat.
Our opponents, still eager to maintain their position of unrestrained license in the use of flesh-meats, endeavor to make a point on Paul's testimony: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Tim. iv, 4, 5. They claim that this takes off all distinction of meats. If this is correct, then they must abide the conclusion, that, should they happen to have served up for them a dish of toads, snails, snakes and lizards, they must eat, for “nothing is to be refused.” But, it seems to us, that the latter clause of the verse makes all plain: “For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” Where has God's word ever sanctified, or set apart, as the term means, swine's flesh, and the vile creatures mentioned above? Taking the whole scope of these texts, then, it refers to those foods which God created for man's use, and which his word has designated as clean, and for his use. The translation of the Emphatic Diaglott is very explicit on this point. It is as follows: “But the Spirit expressly says, that in subsequent seasons, some will apostatize from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits, and to teachings of demons; misled by the hypocrisy of false teachers; whose own conscience has been seared; forbidding marriage, and the use of foods which God created in order to be partaken of with thanksgiving by the believers, even by those who have recognized this truth; that everything created by God [for food, margin] is good, and nothing to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving; since it is sanctified through the command of God, and by prayer.” 1 Tim. 1–5.
Again, it is claimed by some that our course was like those spoken of by Paul to the Hebrews: “For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Heb. xiii, 9. How can this be applied to a class of people that are denying self, instead of having their whole desire for unprofitable meats, or “aliments,” as the Diaglott renders it.
Again an effort was made to apply Phil. iii, 18, 19, to this people: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly (the stomach, Diaglott), and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things.” By reading verse 20, it is readily seen that this company are held up in contrast with those who are looking for the coming of Christ. It would be strange logic, indeed, to charge a people with making a god of their appetite, or stomach, who are earnestly engaged in the work of self-denial, that they may have clearness of mind, strength of body, and the blessing of God to help them in preparing for Christ's coming. A people, who while the world are rushing on, eating and drinking, feasting and making merry, are trying to take heed to themselves, lest at any time their hearts be overcharged with eating and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and the day of Christ take them as a snare. A people who are denying themselves, gradually bringing themselves to an unstimulating diet, will certainly be better prepared for the time of trouble, than those who rush on, gratifying all their carnal appetites, and making no preparation by sacrifice for the events that are coming.
Quite an effort was made by some, to make a point on the fact that the priests were permitted to eat the flesh of some of the offerings that were made. When the facts in reference to this are brought out, it will be seen that all of this permission confirms what we teach on the diet question. It is true the priests were permitted to eat the meat of a very few of the offerings, and but a few; and there are some facts in reference to those offerings which remove all difficulty from this matter, and show that it does not by any means conflict with what is taught in the Testimonies concerning the health reform. They were permitted to eat of wave offerings, peace offerings, and oblations. These offerings were not always flesh. Sometimes it was corn, wine, wheat, &c. The portion of flesh the priests ate, is spoken of in Lev. vii, 15–21, 29–34; x, 12–15, 18; Deut. xviii, 3–5. Of those offerings, all the fat was to be offered to the Lord, and burned. See Lev. iii, 16; iv, 8–10; vii, 31. The people were positively forbidden to eat any fat. See Lev. iii, 17; vii, 23–27. This lean portion of meat, that the priests were allowed to eat, was of young creatures. It was also to be without blemish. See Lev. i, 3, 10; xxii, 18–25. Deut. xv, 19–23; xvii, 1. We learn from all this that the flesh-meat the priests did eat was quite limited, only lean meat, and that of only healthy, young animals. We certainly fail to see how any one is going to get license from this to eat swine's flesh swimming in grease, or how they are going to get any thing in it to weigh against the fact that diseased and fat meat is unwholesome, and unfitted for feeble men and women of this age.
I supposed the priests ate more meat than they did, till I gave the matter a thorough examination in my recent visiting trip here. Let it be borne in mind that they had no part of the real burnt offerings, and no meat of any beasts whose blood was carried into the sanctuary, and you at once begin to see the limited amount they had. See Lev. vi, 30; x, 18; xvi, 27. Heb. x, 9–11.
It is better indeed, in this time, to strive earnestly to shun the associations of those who, when God calls, as anciently, to fasting, and mourning, and weeping, are found “eating flesh, and drinking wine.” Isa. xxii, 13. Joel i, 14; ii, 15. Though they may “think it strange that we run not with them to the same excess of riot.” 1 Pet. iv, 3, 4. We suppose it is equally true at this time as it was in Solomon's time: “Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season for strength, and not for drunkenness.” Eccl. x, 17.
But we are glad to report that the one who has taken the most active part in the work of opposition to the health reform, and the Gifts, laid down his weapons of warfare, and publicly confessed his wrong with tears. We leave this county to return to our labors for a time in Allegan, appointing to be here again, if the Lord will, the first Sabbath in May, to attend to the ordinance of baptism. May the Lord still give success to the preached word. Amen.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Windsor, March 23, 1868.

Conference Department.

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Sister Bailey.

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS: I feel it my duty to write a few lines for the Review. It is but a short time since I saw and realized the great light of the third angel's message, but can say that I thank our Heavenly Father for directing Bro. Cornell to this section of the country. I attended his meetings in this place. I have been a Sabbath-keeper for about a year. I attended the meetings of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews, while they remained at Tittabawassee; they had a very interesting meeting; 15 went forward in the ordinance of baptism, and were buried with Christ, among whom I was one. I desire an interest in all the prayers of God's chosen people, that I may be so happy as to stand with you on Mount Zion.
L. R. BAILEY. Midland Co., Mich.

“LIFE INCIDENTS.”

By M. W. Howard

“THE angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Ps. xxxiv, 7.
“Such was my first thought as I read in “Life Incidents”: “I closed with benediction, took my chart and Bible, and made my way out through the subdued crowd. Some one locked arms with me, to assist and guard me. His countenance seemed inexpressibly familiar, yet I did not know him. When I had passed the crowd, I missed him; and from that evening, who he was, or how he left me, and where he went, have been mysterious. Was it an angel of God, sent to stand by me in the perils of that evening? Who can say it was not?”
What true Christian is not comforted as he reads in God’s word, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him,” and is ready tacitly to admit it? But how many really feel in their own case this is true? Not that they are usually visible, yet not the less real. The apostle assures us that the angels are ministering spirits to those who are to be heirs of salvation, and shall we discredit such authority? Let us rather plant ourselves upon the sure word of God, and ascertain from our own actual experiences if this be so. But there are conditions to this blessing. Satan must be vanquished; for the Word assures us we must neither give place to the Devil. After that memorable encounter of Christ with Satan in the wilderness, when he (Satan) was vanquished, “then angels came and ministered unto him.” No doubt, in this case they were visible, as in some other instances of which the New Testament gives account. To our blinded vision the comforting angels are unseen, but the comforting is not the less real, whenever we have been able to withstand successfully, either by word or acts, the devices by which the Devil would entrap us.
Jacob in that dream-ladder, saw the angels of God—not descending and ascending, but ascending and descending. Already they were encamped round about him—already had they “charge over him to keep him in all his ways.” And how comforting to know that it is ever thus; for are they not all ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation? Heb. i, 14.
By trials we are prepared for holier duties, and often for happier lives.
“Eternal walls are our defense, Environed with Omnipotence. What foe can e’er prevail?”
Time spent in labor that even turns out a failure, is not always lost—if the work in itself is right—if it be performed as one’s duty, with a pure and earnest purpose.
M. W. HOWARD.
Malone, N. Y., March, 1868.

NEGLIGENCE.

By Jos. Clarke

“My sons, be not now negligent.” 2 Chron. xxix, 11.
The people of God had wandered from him, and become corrupt; had erected altars to false gods; had sacrificed to the gods of Damascus, and of Syria, and the Lord had permitted his people to fall before their foes in battle, because of their sins; and many evils came upon them; but wicked King Ahaz was now dead, and his son Hezekiah now sat upon the throne; and he addressed himself to the work of national reform, and summoned together the priests and the Levites, that they might have an opportunity of acting as agents in the great and good work of restoring the worship of God in Jerusalem. In the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and began the work of repair, and from the fifth to the eleventh verses is an account of the charge given by him to the priests and Levites; and it is evident that he feared the consequences of neglect, for in his closing words he says to them, “My sons, be not now negligent.”
Negligence had been a prolific source of evil, and now the nation was threatened with ruin; the public worship of God had been discontinued, and many of the people were already in captivity, and many had been slain; and now this good king wished his servants to be thorough in the work of restoring the true worship of God; and most of all, he feared they would be negligent, and perform his commands in such a loose and slack way, that all his good designs might be frustrated. This anxiety of mind on Hezekiah’s part to have thorough work, and a complete purification of the temple, was productive of the best results.
At the present time much may be learned from this subject. We are now, as a people, endeavoring to restore the pure worship of God, which has been greatly corrupted, and it is possible we may be negligent; not only possible, but we fear it is a probability, and in many instances a fact and a reproach.
We may neglect to watch and pray; neglect to read the word of God with prayer; neglect meditation, and self-examination; neglect to hallow the Sabbath, and keep it holy; neglect to read the testimonies, and heed their vital and important instruction, and reproof.
We may be negligent of carrying out the health reform; neglect to overcome vanity and pride, fretfulness and bitterness, and all the hideous brood of evil passions.
We may neglect to post ourselves on present truth, and fall from sheer ignorance; or we may some of us neglect our duty, as church officers, in making our returns to others; or, as individuals we may embarrass the work by neglect in paying our S. B. funds, and other benefactions, and dues to the cause. Parents may neglect to instruct and restrain their children, and children may neglect to heed their parental instructions; in fact our dangers from slackness, and neglect, may be greater than from actual and overt acts of sin. O Lord, help us all to be thorough in our work. JOS. CLARKE.

Affliction and Christian Patience

By Sarah A. Snyder

From Sister Snyder.

BRO. SMITH: Feeling it a duty as well as a privilege, I embrace the present opportunity of writing a few lines to you, and the brethren and sisters. I have waded through afflictions until I am almost overwhelmed with trouble, sorrow, and care. Death has again entered our family, and torn from my embrace a loving husband, and kind father of two surviving children. But he did not stop here. My oldest daughter came home to see her father, she not being well. She witnessed his death and burial, and was then taken worse; after suffering all that it seemed the human frame could endure, she died two weeks and five days after her father's death.
I fear I do not endure with that Christian patience I need in this trying hour. I have felt for years as though nothing could darken, or hedge up my way, but it seems as though I was left to myself, and that Satan desires me to sift me as wheat. Oh! that all would pray for me, that my faith fail not. All is dark and dreary here; death has rendered chill and dreary my heartstone, and I am lonesome; but thanks be to God, there is no wound that Heaven cannot heal.
I still receive the Review which is a great source of comfort to me.
Your afflicted sister, in hope of eternal life, SARAH A. SNYDER. Luzerne Co., Pa.

TRUST IN GOD AT ALL TIMES.

By Mary E. Guilford

'Tis easy drawing near to God, When he restrains his chastening rod; When no dark clouds obscure our sight, But all is radiant, fair and bright. When loving friends with genial smile, And kindly words the hours beguile; When love and peace their banner raise, The heart overflows with grateful praise.
But oh! withdraw the smiling ray, Let trials dark obscure our way, Let bitter anguish rend the heart, Let every earthly friend depart, And persecution's angry tide, Engulf us in its bosom wide; How soon, alas! the weak heart faints, And murmurs forth its sad complaints.
While yielding thus to doubt and fear, We do not feel the Saviour near, Whose gentle voice would soothe each grief, Whose loving arm would bring relief; But faith is dim, and love grows cold, Which once was fervent, joyous, bold; And oh! sad truth, when thus bowed down, Some will e'en yield the heavenly crown.
Oh! heed the warning voice of God, Come near and kiss the chastening rod; Let persecution's banner wave, Live near to God, and he will save Thee from the wrath of Satan's power, Which daily threatens to devour; Yea, trust in God, his word is sure, His grace will help thee to endure.
Then, weary souls, do not despair, Be faithful, and you soon will share The blessings of that heavenly home, Promised to all who overcome. All will be tested, proved, and tried; And they who in the truth abide, Will prove the depths of Jesus' love, And ever dwell with him above.
MARY E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.

THE LORD LOVES US.

By M. A. Newman

DEAR LONELY ONES: Do you feel that Jesus loves you? do you live far away from the people of God, among unbelievers, and daily associate with those who love not the law of God? and while you are deprived of the precious privileges which many have, Do you sigh? Do you murmur? Do you forget that Jesus loves you? the blessed Jesus who yielded his own life for you? He left his beautiful home in Heaven. He left all his glory there and came to this dark world, took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men, was scoffed at, spit upon, buffeted, and finally nailed to the cross, and for what? why did Jesus submit to this? He came that he might give his own life a ransom for you, and even for me. He bore our sins in his own body on the tree. Shall we now doubt his love to us? What more could we ask? What greater proof of his love could he give? Oh! what more could he do? Is it not enough? Can or will we doubt him more? Lonely ones, believe in God. His word is truth. His promises never fail; and how precious they are to a believer. They are for you if you will receive them. Jesus speaks to you. He says, “Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.” Sweet rest in Jesus. May we all accept this gracious invitation; then indeed we shall feel that Jesus loves us, and he will be with us to the end. Precious promise! Blessed Jesus, help us to do thy will. All things work together for good to them that love God.
M. A. NEWMAN.

EMILY WILCOX

By Emily Wilcox

From Sister Wilcox.

BRO. SMITH: Through the goodness and mercy of the Lord I have been spared to behold another Sabbath, and I feel an earnest desire to rightly improve it, that I may gain strength for the coming week, that I may be enabled to withstand all the fiery darts of the adversary and press my way onward, striving to get a complete victory over all my besetments, and lay aside every weight, and run the race set before us with patience, continually looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; knowing that without strength from Him we can do nothing acceptable in his sight.
I am truly thankful for the privilege of keeping the holy Sabbath, and I want to keep it in an acceptable manner.
“Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love, But there’s a nobler rest above; To that our laboring souls aspire, With ardent hope and strong desire.”
Oh! I desire to be more in earnest at a throne of grace; more zealous unto all good works; more willing to deny self, and take up my cross and follow Jesus more perfectly, having all my ways tell to the honor and glory of God. Realizing more fully what Jesus has done for unworthy me; what salvation has cost; and what we must be to obtain it. Oh! when I look at self I fear and tremble; but in Jesus there is hope.
“Thou coming One, our wants relieve, In this, our evil day; To all thy tempted followers give, The power to watch and pray. Long as our fiery trials last; Long as the cross we bear; Oh! let our souls on thee be cast, In all-prevailing prayer.”

EMILY WILCOX

Hubbardsville, March, 1868.

Letters from Ohio and Vermont

SR. STACY writes from Hancock Co., O.: I feel lonely having no prayer meetings; our little church in Cassis al most broken up; some have moved away, and what are left are in a lukewarm state; no life nor energy left; not life enough to meet together on the Sabbath to pray. If some of the preachers would come this way and preach the glorious news of Jesus' soon coming, I think there might be some good done.
I have been scattering my books around; some read with interest. I was glad when I heard there was some hope of Bro. and Sr. White visiting Ohio.
I am striving to meet God's remnant people upon Mount Zion. I have ever felt grateful to my blessed Saviour for calling me, and snatching me from evil influences which seemed closing around me. There was a Methodist preacher said the Lord would not come for six thousand years; he had books with him to teach men that they were all immortal.
SR. C. R. AUSTIN writes from Berkshire, Vt.: I find myself safe in our Vermont home, (having enjoyed the faithful watchcare and protection of our Father in Heaven through all our journey,) with stronger ties to bind me to the cause of God and his faithful servants that labor in Battle Creek than I ever before felt. Many of their names have long been as familiar as household words, and since our short stay there, their faces seem quite as familiar. And I hope so to overcome my wrongs in this life, that I shall be permitted a place with all the ransomed ones, when they shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.
On my way home I called to see a lonely sister who has never heard a sermon on present truth, and has never seen the faces of but very few Sabbath-keepers; her health being so poor that she cannot ride. Soon after I went in she said, "How glad I am you have called; now you will write to the Review Office for me, and tell them that I am so thankful that they have sent the paper to me, for what could I do without it? it is more to me than my daily food, and excepting my Bible, I feel that it is the greatest blessing of my life; the instruction and comfort I get from it, far outweigh any earthly good. I have earned by the labor of my feeble hands two dollars for the Review, and I am sorry that I have not got there to send them."
You will find her $2.00 enclosed, and please give her all the credit that you can, for she is above 70 years old, and troubled with bleeding at the lungs; with no one near her that loves the truths we prize so highly; and all the earthly help she has is her paper.
SISTER DR. LAMSON, writing from Florence Heights, New Jersey, where she has been attending Dr. Trall's medical lectures for some months past, to Bro. Amadon, of this Office, speaks thus encouragingly of Present Truth and Health Reform;—
"Truth shines brighter and brighter. I am more and more charmed with its beauty and harmony. Who can express the worth of eternal life. Who can comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ? The teachings of true science and the Testimonies of the Spirit of prophecy, perfectly agree. I would not be deprived of the light that is shining upon Health Reform for a million of money. No mention should be made of the precious onyx, or sapphire, coral, or pearls, for the price of it is above rubies.
"Yours, hoping for access to the tree of life."
Bro. D. MARSH writes: I still feel determined to try to live out the principles of the gospel of Christ in sincerity and truth. I am now seventy years old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. I feel that my work is almost done, but not so well as I wish it had been; but my heart is wholly stayed on God. Pray for me that my last days may be filled with usefulness in God's holy cause.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel very unworthy to speak through the Review, yet I wish to say I am a lonely one; none of like faith in the county in which I reside that I know of. I have not had the privilege of hearing a sermon on the present truth for more than three years, except through the Review, and this I have not had for some months, on the account of our moving from Iowa to Missouri, and it has not been sent to my office here for more than one year. I have been deeply under the impression that it was my duty to be baptized, but know not where to go to meet with the opportunity; and not having the means to spare to go any distance if I did. Brethren and sisters, remember one of the weakest in your prayers, that I may be a true Israelite, an overcomer. How merciful, and gracious, and long-suffering, has the Lord been to me in sparing my unprofitable life thus long. I hope to be found at my post, having on the whole armor of God. Oh! that I may be one of his jewels, having on the white robe. This shall be my prayer without ceasing, the Lord being my helper. MARGARET SIMMONS. Adair Co., Mo.
Bro. C. JENSON writes from Waushara County, Wis.: I have often felt a desire to say a word for the cause, through the Review. It seems to me I owe it as a duty to God and my brethren and sisters, to throw in my testimony in behalf of the goodness of God and his precious truth which I love. But I am a native of Denmark, and never went to an English school; so it is no small matter to express my feelings in the English language.
I am a member of the Poysippi church, and I am thankful to my merciful Heavenly Father for the blessed and sanctifying influence of the third angel's message on my sin-polluted heart.
But I have taken many crooked steps which I bitterly regret. I thank God that I ever learned to read and understand as much of the English language as I have. I appreciate the publications, and I think I have read the most of them. I feel thankful for Testimonies Nos. 12 and 13, which I appreciate as a gracious gift from Heaven, to arouse us from our lukewarmness and prepare us for the coming of Jesus; for the glorious meeting in the beautiful mansions of the ever-blessed and eternal home. Pray for me, that I may be able to stand, and meet you there.
SISTER MARY HAYES writes from Eaton Co., Mich.: I thank God for his care for me and mine, for I feel that he cares for us. All the company and comfort I have is what I derive from the word of God, and the Review; they are all the reading I have. I ask the prayers of you all that I may walk humbly before God and show myself worthy of his kind care.
SISTER WALTER writes from Knox Co., Ohio: Allow me to thank some unknown friend through the Review, for continuing my paper up to the present, as I should not know how to do without it, for it is all the instructor I have. It is one year this month since I have heard any preaching except one sermon. Now I thank the donor sincerely, and also my Lord and Master, for his goodness toward me. When I think of the last verse of St. John xvi, it fills my heart with gratitude. I am striving day by day to be an humble follower of my Master. Pray for me that I may have part in the first resurrection. It is my hope and daily prayer. It is a theme I love to dwell upon.
SISTER S. A. ROGERS writes from Daviess Co., Mo.: May the Lord help us to realize as we ought the times in which we live. Are we living to please and glorify God? or are we living to please self, to gratify a perverted appetite, seeking for pleasure in the things of the world? We must learn to be temperate in all things. We must cleanse our hearts, put away the idols that have found a place there, then it will be for the glory of God to prosper us in this good work.
God is fitting up his people to stand on Mount Zion. I often feel my weakness and unworthiness, but am striving to overcome, that I may be of that number. I can truly thank the Lord for the health reform. I believe it to be part of present truth.

A Lonely Pilgrim’s Burden

By A. I. Marsh

From Bro. Marsh.

BRO. SMITH: A sense of my unworthiness and inability almost forbids that I should undertake to contribute anything to the columns of the Review. But the demands upon the child of God in these last days are of such a nature that it is a sin to remain inactive when there is so much to be done; while thousands of precious souls are perishing around us. This truth sank so deep into my soul this morning while I was reflecting upon my own condition, and the condition of my friends and relatives, I promised that I would use all the powers that God had granted unto me, to lead some poor soul to keep the commandments of God.
I am a lonely pilgrim; not one of my relatives are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, or giving heed to the third angel's message. My companion was a Sabbath-keeper, but she fell asleep in Christ on the twenty-fifth day of December last. May angels watch over her sleeping dust until the morning of the first resurrection.
While contemplating this morning my sad and lonely condition, and somewhat cast down in my feelings, and reviewing my past life and trials that I have been called to pass through of late, I felt convinced that it was necessary for me to cast my burden entirely upon the Lord.
I read in Luke xxii. 43, “And there appeared an angel unto him from Heaven, strengthening him.” If the Son of God needed angels to strengthen him, what are the wants of poor, frail, mortal man? I desire to say as did the blessed Jesus, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Jesus “being in an agony he prayed more earnestly,” and so it has been with me, I have prayed more earnestly that the Lord would strengthen me, and prepare me for the trials of life; that if possible I might gain the victory over sin, and stand with the redeemed on Mount Zion. The Lord has truly blessed me, and made me rejoice in hope of being free when Jesus comes.
Yours in love, Steuben Co., N. Y. A. I. MARSH.

WILLIAM H. WILD

By William H. Wild

From Bro. Wild.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS of like precious faith: It rejoices my heart to read your testimonies in the Review of what the Lord is doing for you. God has set his seal upon the third angel's message, and the powers of earth combined cannot stop it. He is well pleased to have his servants magnify his holy law, especially that part that has so long been trampled under foot, and covered up by Papal rubbish; I mean the holy Sabbath-day. Oh! how we welcome its golden moments! When I contrast the past experience of my life in Pleasantville with the present, how grateful I feel to our Heavenly Father! I look back a few years, and I find myself all alone here in keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, wading through trials deep, and through much persecution; with threats of imprisonment for keeping God's holy law, but none of those things moved me. Persecution for righteousness' sake only drives us to the dear Saviour.
Now there are 16 Sabbath-keepers here. Oh! what union; what love; the report is, See how these children love one another. We are of one mind, striving together for the faith once delivered to the saints, and hold up our banner, the royal law of God. Some have refused to come to our meetings; a few stayed away; but the Lord has been with us; he has sent the people out. We could not pull down our colors to please a certain few; the message must be proclaimed, the harvest is drawing near, and souls are perishing for lack of knowledge. The harvest truly is great. Dear brethren and sisters, it is true the keeping of the Sabbath makes us a peculiar people; it makes us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those who are round about us; but let us look for a moment to Zion's lovely Mount. Who are they that are to stand thereon? Who are they that will follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth? Are they not commandment-keepers? With such a hope, what can we not endure here?
“We have heard from that bright, that holy land, We have heard and our hearts are glad.”
The sweet spirit of truth is with us, and the Lord is continually adding to our numbers. God bless you all; think it not strange concerning the fiery trials that try you. While you love and obey God's law, you must expect trials and persecutions, even from those of your own household. Oh! then, “let friends all forsake us, and foes all unite.” We are comforted with the promise left us by our elder Brother: “Lo I am with you always.” Unto you then that believe, he is precious.

WILLIAM H. WILD

Westchester Co. N. Y.

The One Good Wife

THERE is one good wife in the country; let every married man think he hath her.

Youth and White Paper

Youth and white paper take any impression.

THE AFFLICTED SERVANTS OF GOD.

By James White

Those who have labored, and worn, and suffered, in this cause for the good of others, will not be soon forgotten by those who have shared their labors, nor left to want, in times of affliction.
Bro. A. W. Smith, of Manchester, N. H., writes to us in relation to between nine and ten dollars we owed him:
“You need not send the money, but divide it between Bro. Fuller and Bro. Cottrell, or keep it yourself.” Thank you, Bro. Smith, we will forward $5 to Bro. Fuller, and with pleasure make up $5 to Bro. R. F. Cottrell.
A brother from Jay, Maine, writes: “I send you $1.00 for Bro. Fuller; I never saw him; yet I love him.”
Bro. Artimus Atwood writes from Fayette, Me.: “As we are taught to love, not only in word, but in deed and in truth, I enclose $10. Please forward it to Bro. N. Fuller.”
We are happy to do this, and shall be glad in like manner to wait upon others. And here we would state that on returning home from the tour in Gratiot, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties, we found our good neighbor and brother, A. W. Maynard, waiting to hand us the $5 for Bro. Fuller, recently mentioned in Review.
JAMES WHITE.
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