Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 21.
THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONYPage 1
Earlier text: THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONYEASTERN TOUR.
By James White
Returning from the West, we reached Battle Creek, Oct. 13th, and spent one week with Bro. Andrews in matters of importance relative to the Health Institute, the Publishing Association, the Battle Creek School, religious meetings, besides our own personal interests in book matters, house-building, and fitting up winter clothing. It was a busy week. The Health Institute is prospering. God’s blessing is there. The church is still settling into the work. And the prospect is very encouraging for the establishment of a good school at Battle Creek, where not only the sciences may be taught, but the principles and spirit of the religion of Jesus may be impressed upon the children and youth who may attend it. It is hoped that by the liberalities of all who feel an interest in the proper education of the youth, especially among us, this school may be established on so extensive a plan that our brethren in the several States may consider it an object to send their sons and daughters to it. As a people it may not be as well to bestow all our liberalities upon one branch only of the work. Our business should be, by all proper means to save souls. All branches of this great and good work should share a portion of our attention, and our means. A good school to save our youth from wrong influence, and to bring them under correct and saving influences, is a branch of the work of no small importance. We left Battle Creek in company with Bro. Andrews, the 21st, for the New York State Conference. This yearly meeting was unusually large, and was deeply interesting. The demand for books and tracts was great. Of several kinds, especially of the tracts, our supply was not one-fourth the demand. The twenty-five-cent packages containing fifteen of our best tracts, is just what is called for. At no meeting since the Wright camp-meeting have we had more than half enough to supply the demand. Neither have we been able to supply half the demand for the two tracts, Law and Gospel, and God’s Memorial. Our people are waking up everywhere to the important work of circulating tracts and books, and we shall do what we can toward furnishing them in the best possible form. Sabbath, the 30th, and Nov. 1st, we enjoyed meetings with the friends in Western New York, assembled at Olcott. We needed rest. The labors of this meeting being lighter, and being surrounded with the best of friends, who love to lift with us in the cause, we enjoyed this meeting very much. And again the brethren came for books, and took nearly all my remaining poor assortment. Many books were called for which I could not furnish. As we were about to leave, one of the brethren handed me $53.75 which had been collected at the meeting for our benefit, which is with pleasure put into the benevolent fund, for the benefit of needy widows, orphans, and invalids. At Rochester we parted, for the present, with our fellow-laborer, Eld. J. N. Andrews, and took the sleeping car, the evening of Nov. 3d, for Albany, and found rest and sleep. We took the train for Springfield at seven in the morning. In the seat behind us a gentleman was reading the Bible. The following conversation, in substance, ensued:
“Are you an Adventist, sir?”
“I am,” was the reply.
“Why do you suppose I ask this question?”
“Because it is not common for those who are not Adventists to read the Bible.”
“Are you a minister?”
“I am.”
“Please give your name, sir.”
“Grant.”
“What! Elder Miles Grant of Boston? the editor of the World’s Crisis?”
“The same.”
After giving my name, and introducing Mrs. W., we conversed freely, and, perhaps, profitably, several hours till we reached Springfield, where we left the train for Boston, to come to Berlin, Conn. In the course of our conversation Eld. Grant remarked that he could unite with all Christians of whatever245 name. He also made the excellent remark, that “nothing should be made a test of fellowship excepting that which is essential to salvation.” True! true! and this is virtually saying that whatever is essential to salvation should be regarded as a test of Christian fellowship. Eld. G. finds his principal objection to Seventh-day Adventists in what he calls their exclusiveness. They cannot extend the hand of fellowship to those who do not observe the fourth commandment. Seventh-day Adventists believe it essential to salvation to keep all ten of the commandments. Consistent with their position, that the fourth commandment should be obeyed as sacredly as the other nine, they regard Sabbath-keeping essential to salvation; therefore, according to the principle laid down by Eld. G., they cannot fellowship those who violate the law of the Sabbath. If Sabbath-keeping is not essential to salvation, it is a sin for any class of men to agitate the unwelcome subject. If it is essential to salvation, Sabbath-keepers cannot extend the hand of Christian fellowship to those who persist, in the light of God’s word, in violating it. Eld. G. said to me that he could not fellowship the murderer, the adulterer, and the thief. And why? Because the observance of the sixth, seventh, and eighth, commandments, is a Christian duty. Seventh-day Adventists cannot fellowship Sabbath-breakers, for the simple reason that they regard the observance of the fourth commandment to be a Christian duty. Eld. G. believes that the observance of nine of the ten commandments is a Christian duty; hence he cannot fellowship those who violate them. This is consistent. Seventh-day Adventists believe that in the decalogue there are ten distinct duties for the Christian, as well as the Jew; hence they cannot fellowship those who violate either of these ten precepts. This is just as consistent. The true issue upon this subject relates to the perpetuity of the Sabbath law. If we are correct in theory, we are right in not extending the hand of fellowship to those who, in the light of Heaven, trample upon the fourth commandment. If we are wrong in theory, we are wrong in position toward those who reject the Sabbath. But wherein Seventh-day Adventists do not “speak the truth in love,” God pity and forgive them. Some have been rash. At an early stage in the Sabbath cause with us, severity marked the course of too many. What if they were tempted to rashness and severity by the wicked course of those who rose up in a bitter spirit to crush them? This was not a sufficient excuse for them to sin. Brethren, the Sabbath cause has suffered in our hands in consequence of the unchristian course of some who have spoken the truth, to say the least, with a want of love. God help us, as a people, to wipe this stain from the cause. And while we hold the Sabbath a test of Christian fellowship, we do not cast off any one. We labor cheerfully and patiently for all. God tests the people by his truth. We will speak the truth of God in love, and let it do the condemning and testing. We condemn and cast off no man nor woman. We will follow the sinner, whether he be in, or out of, the church, with the voice of truth, until he go where we cannot reach him. We should be courteous and kind to even our bitterest enemies; yet he who blames us for not extending the hand of fellowship to those who break the Sabbath, while we regard Sabbath-keeping essential to salvation, blames us for doing right. Eld. G. is a thorough health reformer. Our time, while passing over the road from Albany to Springfield, one hundred miles, was well filled with agreeable conversation, upon subjects of mutual interest. We find Sr. Belden low with what appears to be quick consumption. We have held meetings with the few scattered ones, Sabbath and first-day. The cause is low, but there appeared some good signs of a reviving with some. We go from here to Maine, hoping to see of the work of God.
JAMES WHITE.
Berlin, Ct., Nov. 10, 1868. LYING.
By John Nevins Andrews
The sin of lying is peculiarly heinous in the sight of God. When the different classes that are shut out of the holy city, and cast into the devouring fire, are enumerated, a special emphasis is placed upon those who are guilty of falsehood. Rev. xxi, 8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” Rev. xxii, 15: “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and WHOSOEVER LOVETH and MAKETH A LIE,” No doubt ALL murderers shall have part in the lake of fire; but the Spirit of God saw fit to thus designate the liars rather than the murderers. And those who love as well as those who commit any of the vile crimes enumerated in these texts shall certainly be left outside the city of God; yet this is marked only in the case of lying. Among men, lying, if not too mischievous and vile, is counted a small sin, a trivial wrong which is of little consequence. But it is not thus in the sight of the God of truth. One reason besides that of its own intrinsic wickedness is that it is an element that enters into almost every sin that men commit. 1. Every sin of fraud, overreaching, and dishonesty, has a lie for its heart. 2. Nearly every sin of every kind has a lie in it, either expressed or implied. 3. Sins committed in secret are lies of awful magnitude. Their authors pass for upright men, when such is, in many respects, the opposite of the truth. 4. Even open sins are embraced in this category of falsehood. They are in violation of solemn vows to God, and sacred pledges to men, which at some period of life every one has made. Our world is full of lying. Even the people of God are stained with this sin. There are lying acts as well as lying words. There are lies told when every word that is uttered is true, yet that is suppressed which would present the thing in an entirely different light. Let us remember the fearful emphasis placed by the Holy Spirit upon the fate of liars. ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. “Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Ps. xv, 1, 2. J. N. ANDREWS. MEDITATING on the query of a correspondent in reference to this subject, an item of evidence to show that Christ did have a literal, personal existence before his incarnation, as truly as since that event, occurred to our mind, which, though it may have many times been used, we have never chanced to see. We refer to what is recorded of him in Daniel x. Gabriel, who was commissioned to make Daniel understand the vision, at the expiration of his three weeks’ fast came to him, and in explaining the cause of his delay, said, “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo! Michael, one of the chief princes [or as the margin reads, the first of the chief princes], came to help me; and I remained there with the king of Persia.” Michael, the first of the chief princes, came to assist the angel Gabriel in his work. He was, therefore, just as much a personal being as was the angel Gabriel himself. It only remains, then, to show that Michael was Christ, and we prove his personal existence at least 534 years before the incarnation. And this is easily done. Jude calls him the archangel: “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the Devil,” &c. Verse 9. Whatever, therefore, is spoken in the Bible in reference to the archangel, is spoken in reference to Michael. Now Paul says that when the Lord himself descends from Heaven with a shout to raise the sleeping saints, it is with the voice of the archangel. 1 Thess. iv, 16. The voice of Michael, then, is heard at the resurrection of the righteous. Once more the Scriptures tell us whose voice is heard, and this time it declares plainly that it is the voice of the Son of God: “For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself, and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” John v, 26–29. Thus three steps in the argument bring us to the conclusion: John says that the voice of the Son of God is heard when the dead are raised. Paul says that that voice is the voice of the archangel. And Jude says that the archangel is Michael. Or, more concisely stated, the Son of God is the archangel; the archangel is Michael; and Michael was present with Gabriel, assisting him in his mission to Daniel, 534 years before the Christian era. There may be minds which do not find sufficient evidence of the pre-existence of Christ in the statement he made to the Jews, “Before Abraham was, I am,” or in what he says about the glory he had with the Father before the world was; but we fail to see how they can come to any other conclusion, from the facts here alluded to, than that Christ did have an existence, more than simply in the purpose of God, before his manifestation in the flesh. THE CALIFORNIA MISSION.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Four more have come out on the Sabbath the past week, making upwards of twenty in all, who have embraced the message in this place since we commenced our labors under the tent, about ten weeks since. If we had closed our labors here, even four weeks ago, not more than half a dozen would have come out as the result of our efforts. This shows the importance of remaining till the truth is thoroughly presented. I intend to remain here over two more Sabbaths, at least. Next Sabbath we will do something toward starting a Bible class and Sabbath school, and appointing one to lead in the meetings, for the time being. Last Sabbath and Sunday, we held meetings in Hopper's hall, which was quite noisy on the Sabbath, yet we had a good attendance. At the close of our first effort at Windsor, where Bro. Loughborough is about to commence operations, we design to give a second course of lectures in this place, if the Lord will, including discourses on Systematic Benevolence and Organization, after which we hope to organize as the way may open before us. We have felt that it was very important that our first effort in this State should prove successful, as it will tell on the future prosperity of the cause here. This is quite a business place, and an important point, furnishing a market for farmers, etc., for more than one hundred miles around; and the complete victory of the Bible Sabbath over human tradition has made a favorable impression for the cause of truth in this country. Praise the Lord forever! The cause here being in its infancy, it is perfectly natural for the people to look upon it with a cautious and jealous eye, especially as other isms have arisen only to prove a failure, and to bring the truth into disrepute. But when the work gets fairly started so that the people can form a correct idea of its nature and true merits, then may we expect that the progress of the cause will be more rapid and apparent. Meanwhile we will not despise the day of small things, but do our duty, trusting in God, and still craving an interest in the prayers of his people. The terrible earthquake that happened last week, destroying several lives and millions of dollars' worth of property, serving as a premonition of coming judgments, and especially of that great earthquake, caused by the voice of God, which will shake the heavens and the earth, and cause the cities of the nations to fall, the islands to be moved out of their places, the mountains to be broken down, the works of men's hands to be demolished, and the unprepared to cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, has helped the cause of truth on this coast more than a thousand discourses would have done. The skeptic may try to philosophize this event away; but the humble child of God will believe that the great246 Jehovah has controlled it, that he may be feared. He who numbers the hairs of our heads and notices the sparrow that falls to the ground, must have controlled the causes of so terrible a catastrophe. Petaluma, Cal., Oct. 26, 1868. WHY I DON'T BELIEVE IT.
By G. W. A.
I HAVE seen and read the first three numbers of a very neatly-printed and ably-conducted serial, called “The Bible Repository,” the prime object of which seems to be to make men believe that the wicked will never have a resurrection. But I must frankly tell you, reader, that I cannot give the least credence to this view, and this is my reason: Of the vast throng of the ungodly who have gone down into the nether world, many, with their latest breath, died uttering the vilest imprecations against God and religion, thus pleasing that great enemy of God, the Devil, whose faithful servants they were. Now if these same incorrigible persons be not revived, will not they and their master, the Devil, so far triumph over God? Their latest breath was spent in reviling the Lord God of Israel, in defiance of his command which says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” In thus asserting their freedom contrary to the authority of God, they triumph, and eternally, too, if never resurrected. To be sure, God destroyed them, but he did that only in consequence of his greater power; they were still really unconquered enemies, and all the heavenly host will be eternal, living witnesses of the fact. To illustrate: A disobedient son has incurred the displeasure of his good father again and again; the father finally endeavors to coerce him into subjection by administering the usual punishment. This merely enrages the rebellious youth, and with flashing eye and maddened brain he cries out, “I am whipped, but not conquered!” Now who has the victory? Is it that poor father, or the wicked son? All know it is not the father. That parent, by his superior physical strength, succeeded in administering punishment to his son, but he did not conquer that rebellious spirit, he merely controlled his body. And every one would pity a father who could do no more. To my mind, the great triumph of God (for God will triumph at last,) will consist in having the wicked condemned out of their own mouths—in having them say, “Amon!” when the court of Heaven adjudges them to the lake of fire, which is the second death. This doctrine, I understand, is asserted in Matt. xxiii, 39, when with terrible anguish, in the great day, the unbelieving Jews, as they realize the dreadful fact that they have killed the Prince of life, will cry out, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” I think that Jude 15 teaches this same sentiment also, where the Lord at the execution of the judgment is represented as coming “to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed.” Mark the language, “convince.” But how will the antediluvians and the world of the ungodly who have lived between creation and the last day, be convinced unless they have a resurrection? But as it is not the writer’s object to present the teachings of the Scripture on this important subject, the above brief allusions must suffice. And though the main reason here adduced against the non-resurrection theory, is a metaphysical one, we nevertheless regard it as one which cannot be invalidated. Viewing this subject, then, in the light that we do, those of opposite faith must not regard us as uncharitable when we say that we regard the teachings of the Repository, on this point, merely as some of the tares which are calculated to choke the growth of heavenly truth. G. W. A. The Silent Influence of a Pious Home
THE silent influence of a pious home is illustrated by the Prodigal Son. Had that home been repulsive to him, or had his father been a stern, forbidding man, that recovering thought about home would not have visited him. Take courage, parents of prodigals, if you were faithful with God and your family altars. Persevere, parents, in family religion. It may be like the fabulous song of the sea in the shell, to the ear of the child when far from home and from God. Because the Scripture directs to “give strong drink to him that is ready to perish,” Prov. xxxi, 6, and Paul counseled Timothy to take a “little wine” for his many infirmities, some seem to think they are therein licensed to drink it at all times, and in any quantity. And if one, having many infirmities, or being “ready to perish,” take a little wine, others will claim the right to take more than a little, for no infirmity at all, and when there is no danger of perishing. On whom does the blame rest? Every candid mind will decide right in the matter; but the selfish will throw their wrongs on the innocent, if possible. But of wine as a beverage there can be but one opinion among Christian temperance people. The following is worthy of consideration: “The editor of The Pacific has been traveling through the vine-growing valleys of California; and his observations give little support to the theories of those tipplers who think that the more wine we drink the less intemperance we shall have. “But through some parts of these mountains, as well as in the valleys, there is arising one species of production fraught with dire evil to the producers and the country. It is that of wine making. Already wine has become as cheap as milk, and is as freely drunk, till many, once sober men, are now habitually intoxicated. In one wine-growing neighborhood we are told that young girls, seventeen years of age, reeled in the streets under the intoxication of pure California wine. Men, once of worth, now are, through wine, lost to society, and becoming a fear and disgrace to their families. One leading man enumerated to us five of his acquaintances who, once noble men, are now to be called drunkards through wine. The production of this article, now fearfully on the increase, must prove a curse to the whole land, if persevered in.” I WILL GO ON.
By B. F. Merritt
I WILL go on. My Master still says, Come. Years have rolled by since first I heard that voice which bade me leave the world, and its allurements, and journey with the saints to their bright home. I sought their company, and joined their number, and oh! what emotions of joy filled my soul when I felt that I was going home,—to that bright home of which the holy prophets spoke, and which our fathers sought. I knew not well the way. Sometimes my inexperienced feet would step aside, and darkness would surround me. Then sorrowfully would I seek the path again, and when I felt that I was again restored, my heart seemed leaping for joy, and with glad emotions would I sing, “Vain world, adieu. I’m going home.” The way may become dark at times, friends may forsake, foes may deride, scoffers may hiss, and laugh; but my heart is fixed to do the will of God as best I247 can. Lord, I will trust in thee, and thou wilt lead me. Ah, yes! thou hast led me in the past, so can I now trust thee. I will ever hearken unto thy word. I may, I can, I will, go on till I reach Zion’s holy hill. Praise the Lord.
B. F. MERRITT. SEVENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE N. Y. AND PA. STATE CONFERENCE.
By N. Fuller; S. B. Whitney
Conference convened, according to notice, Oct. 23, at 10 o'clock, A. M., Bro. N. Fuller presiding. Prayer by Bro. White. Delegates' credentials being called for, it was ascertained that twenty churches were represented by delegates, and two by letter; two churches not represented. The delegates from several churches, not having credentials, were recognized by vote of the Conference. The church at Ulysses, Pa., was received into the Conference upon application, and her delegate accepted. Voted, That Brn. White, Waggoner, and Aldrich, be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. Voted, That the reading of the minutes of the last session be dispensed with. Voted, That the chair appoint a Committee on Resolutions and Nominations. Voted, That the chair, assisted by Bro. White, appoint the Auditing Committee. These committees were accordingly appointed. Reports from ministers and churches were received. The church reports were read, showing a slight increase of numbers, and a general desire for more of the power of the truth to accompany the theory. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. On motion, Eld. D. T. Taylor was invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: viz., for President, R. F. Cottrell; Secretary, E. B. Saunders; Treasurer, Harmon Lindsey; Conference Committee, R. F. Cottrell, J. N. Andrews, and N. Fuller. The report was accepted, and the nominations endorsed by the Conference. The following resolution was presented, earnestly discussed, and adopted: Resolved, That we are deeply interested in the California Mission, and while we recognize the fact that it is necessary for the health and growth of the cause in any place, that those who labor in word and doctrine manifest a spirit of sacrifice, and that the friends of the cause, however few, do all they can to sustain the cause in their midst, we pledge ourselves to assist in making up the lack in sustaining this mission, after the friends of the cause in California have done their duty. Voted, That the officers of the Adams Center church act as a committee on preaching. Adjourned to call of Committee. Conference was called at 8, A. M., Monday morning. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we heartily approve the formation of the Benevolent Association, and we pledge ourselves to assist in the good work of relieving the fatherless and widows, and those in distress. Resolved, That we approve the recent change in the Health Institute, whereby it is based as far as possible upon a benevolent basis, and is to be in no sense a matter of gain to the stockholders, and we pledge ourselves to aid in making the change. Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to renewed action in sustaining the distribution of books and tracts, especially in the circulation of such books as Life Incidents, Answers to Objections to the Visions, and other recent works. Resolved, That we express our gratitude for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White during this Conference, and that we earnestly invite them to labor with us in this State whenever they can find opportunity to do so. Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg R. R. Co. for their generous action toward this Conference. Adjourned to the call of the President. Conference called again at 6 o'clock, evening. Prayer by Bro. White. The renewing of ministers' credentials being called up, the following brethren were favorably considered, viz.: Evangelists, J. N. Andrews, R. F. Cottrell, N. Fuller, C. O. Taylor, and S. B. Whitney. Licentiates, J. W. Raymond, E. B. Saunders, D. Arnold, H. Edson, and H. W. Lawrence. The reports of the secretary and treasurer were called for and made, when the meeting was adjourned till the close of the evening religious service. Was opened by prayer by Bro. Andrews, when the reports of the secretary and treasurer were again considered and accepted. The treasurer's report showed an amount of $2419.95. The Auditing Committee also made their report, which was accepted. Among the items of appropriation were $200.00 to the Missionary Fund, and $50.00 to the Benevolent Association. The following resolution was adopted, viz.: Resolved, That we gratefully acknowledge the kindness and generosity of the Adams Center church in caring for this Conference with such untiring effort, and we pray that they may be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Voted, That the minutes of the Conference be published in the REVIEW. Adjourned to the call of Committee. Many of the resolutions called forth earnest and stirring remarks from Brn. White, Andrews, and others, and upon those of special and general interest and importance a vote of the entire congregation was requested, which was readily given. N. FULLER, President,
S. B. WHITNEY, Secretary. The Snare of a Wicked Heart
EVERYTHING is a snare, and a wicked heart is apt to be taken. Labor to be sensible of this, and let the sinfulness of your nature be your greatest burden. Get purity of heart, and a holy life will follow upon it; but if you strive only against outward acts of sin, while your heart is let alone, your labor will be in vain. Remember, that God's eyes are in the heart, and he hath provided a hell for hypocrites. THE CAUSE IN JAMAICA, VT.
By A. C. Bourdeau
The cause of present truth is still onward in Jamaica. In the spring of 1867, at our first visit to this place, there were eight members belonging to the organization. Since then their numbers have increased to about thirty. The brethren here are all poor in this world's goods; yet the past summer they made a good start on building a house of worship. But the sudden and terrible death of Bro. E. Sage's only son, on the second day of last August, and the circumstances connected with that occurrence, brought deep affliction upon this entire church. On this account, till quite recently, the cause here was languishing, and the work on the meeting-house progressed very slowly. Two weeks ago, in company with Bro. and Sr. Wm. White, Mrs. B. and myself came to this place. Thus far we have held three meetings, besides those on the Sabbath; have assisted on the meeting-house enterprise, etc. Bro. White, who four years ago, when young in the truth, made quite a lift in building our house of worship in Enosburgh, and has ever since then been ready to bear burdens, has just purchased a farm among the brethren in this place; and yesterday, as he and Sr. White left to return to their family, they liberally donated of their means to help in completing the meeting-house here, which we purpose to have ready for dedication by next June. In this they show that they are coming here to help, and not to get rid of bearing burdens. While it is known that farms among the hills in Jamaica and vicinity can be bought at a very low price, we hope that no Sabbath-keepers will come here to locate, except isolated ones, and those who can be spared by the churches to which they belong, whose hearts are in the work, and who are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel. I am happy to say that the efforts which are made for the upbuilding of the cause here, are signally blessed with success, and the brethren and sisters are taking new courage in the Lord. Brethren, pray for us. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Jamaica, Vt., Nov. 3, 1868. REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE our last report, we have closed our meetings in the tent. Have taken it down, and hung it up for winter. The season here is uncommonly cool and foggy for this country. The nights were so cool that it was uncomfortable in the tent. Meetings will still be continued in a hall. We held seventy-two meetings in the tent, disposed of one hundred and sixty-seven dollars' worth of books, and obtained twenty-five subscribers for the REVIEW, sixteen for the Instructor, and three for the Health Reformer. Over fifteen have taken a decided stand on the Sabbath. There are others who will commence soon. Bro. Bourdeau speaks at Petaluma next Sabbath and first-day. I expect to join him again next week, and spend another Sabbath and first-day there, and then go to Windsor, 30 miles northwest, to commence a series of meetings in a free meeting-house, while Bro. B. still remains in Petaluma for a time, to follow up the work by visiting and occasional meetings. Being afflicted with boils on my neck, and having to come to San Francisco, to get our two boxes of books which are due here, I came down, and expect to hold meeting next Sabbath, and evening after Sabbath to commence to organize the first Systematic Benevolence Society in California. As our brethren will probably have read before this reaches them, we have had the most terrible earthquake known in California since it was settled by Americans. The heaviest shock was at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, Oct. 21. It damaged buildings in San Francisco to such an extent that it will require over $300,000 to repair them. The papers report but four killed in San Francisco; but a physician in Oakland told Bro. Kellogg that he saw twenty-three himself in one dead-house. Another man says he counted sixty-three in a dead-house. It is believed by many that not less than one hundred persons were killed. Great fear was manifested by many. May it lead them to give their hearts fully to God. But, alas! with many these things soon pass off, and they rush into pleasure again. One-fourth of the chimneys in Oakland were thrown down by the shock, and others greatly damaged. At Petaluma, the first shock was quite severe, throwing down the front of a stone house near us, and injuring many brick structures. No lives were lost. There have been slight shocks, many of them since the first, some thirty or more in all. There were three last night that made Bro. Kellogg's house creak, and awakened us from our slumbers. There have been two slight shakes since I commenced this writing. Whether the worst is over, we do not know. These things solemnly impress our minds, and we pray that they may so affect the people that they will hear with earnestness of the shaking of earth and heaven, soon to come, and prepare to meet God. Brooklyn, Cal., Oct. 23, 1868. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. DIED, in Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 16, 1868, of typhoid fever, after an illness of three weeks, our beloved brother, William A. Gonter, aged nearly 22 years. He was converted from the world to the present truth about two years since; and his experience, from that time forward, was marked with many crosses. But he made steady progress in the heavenly journey. His great anxiety was that he might be right in the sight of God. The most heart-searching truths seemed to be ever welcome to him, and he labored earnestly to correct the wrongs of his past life. There are few of our young brethren so dear to me as was this brother who now sleeps in death. Would that I could see in many of them the same decision of character and singleness of purpose to serve God. He has fallen asleep in hope of eternal life at the resurrection of the just. May his bereaved wife be sustained by the consolation of the blessed hope.
J. N. ANDREWS. FELL asleep, June 11, 1868, at Hastings, N. Y., Rosa, only daughter of Bro. and Sr. Wm. Bovee, of typhoid fever, aged 16 years. She was a loving and obedient child, and had many friends. A large congregation attended her funeral, and listened to the word spoken from John v, 27, 29. Two Sabbath Schools were present, and sang some of her favorite hymns. One was,
“I want to be an angel,
And with the angels stand.”
ALEXANDER ROSS. DIED, at Syracuse, N. Y., July 4, 1868, Stephen Trowbridge, aged 51 years. His death was the result of a lingering consumption of the bowels, rendered acute by a journey through some of the Western States in pursuit of a home. He was a believer in present truth; has been an observer of the Sabbath of the Bible for a number of years, and a man of staunch integrity. He was unable to get any further than Syracuse, and died 25 miles from home. He sent to Roosevelt for some of the brethren. Their presence and prayer seemed to comfort him much. He rests in hope. Remarks by the writer from Heb. ix, 27, 28.
ALEXANDER ROSS. Memories of Early Adventist Meetings
By M. A. Stroud
BRO. SMYTH: I have read Life Incidents, and Bro. Bates' Autobiography, with deep interest. They carry me back to “days of long ago.” Judge Hopper, that Bro. Bates speaks of, was well known by my father. I know not but he may yet be living. If he still lives the above books should fall into his hands, as I believe they would deeply interest him. I was quite small when Bro. Bates held meetings in Chester, Kent Co., Maryland, only seven miles distant from the place of my nativity; but I can remember that some were greatly excited. The hymn Bro. White sung alone at Litchfield Plains is the only one I can call to mind as having heard sung at Bro. Bates' meeting. Child as I was, that hymn would charm me, and while hearing it sung I would look heavenward and dwell upon the grandeur of such a scene as that hymn presented to my imagination. I do not wonder that Bro. White's congregation were so enraptured at hearing that sweet hymn sung. If ministers would more frequently open meetings by singing, as did Bro. White, much good might result therefrom. When about fourteen I attended a Methodist camp-meeting. A minister arose in the stand and sung distinctly, and sweetly, “The pearl for me.” Though it was a familiar hymn, it had never so enraptured me as then. He little thought, as he ceased singing, that that hymn had left an impression upon my heart never to be obliterated by time. “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” From my earliest recollection, preaching, and music, either vocal or instrumental, has ever had the greatest charm for me. Now that I am denied the sweet boon of hearing, a feeling of sadness at times creeps over me; but I soon banish such thoughts, believing that every dark cloud hath a silvery lining, and it is my duty to pierce through the darkness to the light beyond. God's promises are sure, and my trust in them unwavering. “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Sweet promise! “Even so, Father; for so it seemeth good in thy sight.” “One precious boon, O Lord, I seek,
While tossed upon life's billowy sea;
To hear a voice within me speak,
Thy Saviour is well pleased with thee.” Sometimes I get so weak, and the battle waxes so warm, that I fear the victory will never be mine. I then ask myself if I shall give up the struggle; my heart replies, Never! “No; I was not born to trifle
Life away in dreams of sin;
No; I was not born to stifle
Longings such as these within.” Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters, that I may “endure unto the end, for the same shall he saved.” Precious promise! How it cheers me on in the path to heavenly joy.
M. A. STROUD.