Earlier text: CHAPTER IXCAUSE IN THE WEST.
By M. E. Cornell
At the Iowa conference it was thought best to hold a meeting at Decatur City to strengthen the things that remain in that part of the State, but while the appointment was being published through the Review there would be time to hold one tent meeting, and that meeting should be held at the village of Richmond, because it was twenty miles on the road to Decatur. After we had sent out hand-bills for the meeting at Richmond, Bro. Clarke arrived with team to take the tent west. Several young churches in this part of the State had not been visited for twelve months. It was there that Bro. Hull had opened his field of labor in this State, but being suddenly called away from the State on account of the last sickness and death of his mother, things were left in an unsettled state. The enemy came in like a flood, persecution, opposition of the clergy, and all the powers of darkness combined to destroy the good begun work. They expected a visit from Bro. Hull or Bro. Waggoner, or both, soon after the tent season closed, agreeably to their promise. Repeated disappointment served to discourage and sink them still lower. They called for the tent this season, and Bro. Hull had written to the effect that if the tent was moved into that part of the State, they would have to come after it. Accordingly Bro. Clarke came on prepared to take it west. We think it would not be right under ordinary circumstances to move the tent such a distance, but in the present case we feel confident that the most experienced and judicious of our brethren would agree with us if they understood all the circumstances. The blessing of God has been with us on our journey; morning, noon and evening, while we spread out our cold morsel upon earth's green, velvet carpet, we have partaken with a relish and thankfulness that kings know not of. The air here is pure and dry, and although much exposed I have been almost entirely free from colds, and my general health is much improved—all praise to His holy name. We passed through many little towns where it seemed there were ears to hear; and we would have been glad to have given a more complete answer to the oft repeated question, "What are you going to do with that tent?" &c. This is an important field of labor; the inhabitants are more free from sectarian bands, and the influence of old church aristocracy, than they are in the older States; and consequently they are more easily influenced by the power of simple truth. Efforts to spread the truth here will not be in vain. Most of the people are what were anciently denominated common people that hear the word gladly. But little effort has yet been made, and there is a good beginning; several churches are planted, and the standard is raised. What is lacking now is judicious labor, and scores and hundreds will rally around the standard of the third angel. The friends of the truth here are doing all they can. For two years past crops have been very much injured, or cut off altogether, so that we see some pretty close times, and we feel quite thankful when we can get a little corn bread and sometimes string-beans. There is now a fair prospect of better times the coming year, but this does not help the cause at the present time. The cause is suffering for present help. Many would read our books as for dear life, but they have not the money to buy them. How can we withhold books from those who examine them at the stand, and with tears in their eyes express a regret that they have not the money to buy them? But then if we let them go without pay how can we make returns to the publishing Office? Bro. Hull has just sold his horse to get means to relieve his present embarrassments here, and pay something towards the books he has given away, trusted out, or sold and used the money for expenses. One brother came forward to get another set of books. Those he had were lent out, and they had gone from one family to another across the prairie, and had been searched through and through till they were nearly worn out, and now he could hear no more of them. The books take wings and fly across the prairies for many miles. Thus the light is spreading in the west. The recent hard times have served to prepare the minds of the people for the truth. Their worldly plans are thwarted, and they begin to see that there is something more important; and many are ripe for the truth. We are encouraged to hope that a good work may be done here this summer. There are many difficulties to surmount, but we trust in the God of truth to open the way and give us wisdom to discern what is best in the great work committed to our care. We hope to have the sympathy, prayers and counsel of our eastern brethren, who have a special interest in our mission. Our earnest prayer is for the good success of the different tents now in the field; that each laborer, and the whole church, may be encouraged by the prosperity of our common cause. The Lord grant it for his name's sake. Amen. TOBACCO.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. SMITH: The following anecdote on the use of tobacco, I clipped some months since from a religious paper, and now send it to you for an insertion in the Review if you think it best. The conversation took place between two professors of religion. One or both of them I think were ministers. Circumstances brought them together. The smoker was using his pipe. After some conversation the writer says: "I inquired, Do you chew as well as smoke tobacco? He answered, Yes. Then followed a dialogue in substance as follows: “H. Bro. G., do you think tobacco does you any good? “G. Why no, I don't know as it does. “H. Well, do you think it does you any hurt? “G. Why yes, I think likely it does. “H. If it does you hurt, don't you think it will shorten your life? “G. Yes, I suppose it will. “H. How many years do you think? “G. I don't know; several, perhaps. “H. How much does your tobacco cost you annually? “G. Well, perhaps — dollars. “H. You say the use of tobacco will probably shorten your life several years, and that it will cost several dollars yearly. How dare you use the Lord's time in such a way, and his money for such a vile purpose? “G. I dare not any longer. “H. Take a piece of tobacco and place it in your hand. You are accustomed, as a christian, to ask the blessing of God upon all you do; now, dare you ask the blessing of God upon the use of that tobacco? “G. No, I dare not, and will abandon its use forever. “This anecdote I have related a great many times, and with good effect upon tobacco users who had not become completely besotted with their unnatural and filthy habit, and others have heard it with a sneer and a jest, affecting to pity my simplicity, in supposing that an appeal to conscience and christian obligation had anything to do with a matter of such trivial importance!” Are not the above questions worthy of the consideration of the few Sabbath-keepers who use tobacco? Was not the above decision to “abandon its use forever” worthy of imitation? A. S. HITCHINS. It is frequently a question with one, to decide on practical matters, as to what is duty; personally I can say, that I have been unnecessarily troubled on this score. How it may be with others, I cannot say; but I have discovered, that duty with me has always been plain enough, when I have been humble enough to perform it; but when pride urges to something transcendent, or discontent lifts her deformed head, and says “there is a lion in the way,” and lesser duties are left neglected or lost sight of in ambitious or extravagant schemes, then, truly, duty is obscure, for God resists the proud; and one is then left to walk in the light of the sparks of his own kindling. One imagines that he might be doing a great deal better, or be a great deal more useful in some other sphere, and that his or her talents might be much more advantageously employed, or he might perhaps be far happier in some other situation. Or some great change is contemplated, or important step taken, involving property, or time, or other great interests in its obscure, unwritten folds, and no prophet being present to rend away the veil from the future and reveal the hidden mysteries of its future results, much anxiety is experienced in pondering upon plans and schemes, which never have time to be matured. Thus life passes with some, in plans never developed, or in utopian schemes, which if attempted, only result in mortifying failure, and age comes on, only bringing with it the memory of illusive dreams and fancies; and perhaps all the time, the person thought himself conscientious, and desirous to walk in the way of duty, while in reality, self was the idol, and pride dictated plans, which simplicity carried out, sustained by folly and indiscretion. Now if we could all see clearly, we should always find a present duty, which being performed, would develop new ones, and thus life might be filled with duty, and the question, “What is duty?” would seldom be asked; and when the question would suggest itself, as sometimes it may, then would light spring up out of darkness; for the meek will be guided in judgment, and grace will be given to the humble. One perhaps is desirous to distinguish himself by some great act of charity, or benevolence, while he is doing injustice to others, by being deeply in their ledgers for fine living. Now duty does not call two ways at the same time. Let him retrench his expenses, and use his best endeavors, until he can say, I owe no man. Another perhaps imagines he ought to preach the gospel; that duty calls him to proclaim the third message; while perhaps his own family bear witness to his unfitness for such office, by their conduct testify that they have needed, and still need proper instruction upon the first principles of right: Let such an one begin at the alphabet of right, and he will see that the question, “What is duty?” can be promptly answered in his case. Doubtless, if all would properly fill, each his proper and appropriate sphere in the best manner, the school teacher be a better teacher than ever, more assiduous, more loving and kind, more systematic, more attentive; the mechanic do better work than ever, be more reasonable, and accommodating, and prompt, and true; the farmer be a better farmer, more merciful to his laborers and his teams; his land be better tilled, his crops better protected and secured than ever; the laborer be more assiduous, and faithful; in fact, every one in his or her sphere, be desirous of doing the very best things in the best manner, the question “What is duty?” would seldom arise, and God would be glorified. CONSECRATION. No. 1.—TIME.
By M. E. S.
I HAVE been gratified to see the brethren and sisters waking up to this subject. I do deem it of vital importance that our all be laid upon the altar. If we ever are prepared to stand approved of God in the judgment, we must give up all to him, that he may cleanse us altogether. If there is any portion of us that we desire to remain polluted with sin, that portion we may reserve for ourselves; but remember that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Heb. xii, 14. Bless God that when his people all get home they "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." There is not a spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing in all that blood-washed company. Our whole being must be cleansed, "spirit and soul and body." 1 Thess. v, 23. Now God never forced salvation upon any one. He will never take us farther than we are willing to go, and if we are satisfied with a partial consecration to the Lord just that portion of our being which remains unconsecrated must be sinful, and hence a blot on the purity of the kingdom, could we be permitted to enter it in such a state. How necessary, then, if we would become pure in heart, that we make no reserve in the great work of consecration. How necessary that God should have all in his own hands, that he may make our preparation for the kingdom perfect, entire, wanting nothing. Let us search ourselves, and see whether we be in the faith. Perhaps some one may read these lines who has never understood the subject of which we speak. It is the will of our heavenly Father that his requirements be made so plain that every accountable creature may fully understand them, and thus our own free will may decide our destiny. Will such a one go with me into the work of examination and consecration, and may God help us abundantly in the undertaking. Let us consider what we have to give to God. 1st. Time. Have we spent it in labor to no profit? Has a sister given hours to embroidery, or light reading; and will she now devote those precious moments to God, in labor that is of real use to herself or others, or in studying that volume that is able to make her "perfect," (through obedience,) and hence prepared to stand when the flames are consuming "gold and pearls and costly array," and with them her bewitching novels, and their popular authors? Some seem to be conscientious about reading a fictitious volume, while they indulge themselves in the perusal of newspaper stories. I can but think their nature and tendency precisely the same, and equally displeasing to God. Far better spend the hours of probation in prayer and meditation and the perusal of books that will benefit our souls, and in conversing with others about salvation. Perhaps some brother has placed himself in such circumstances that instead of obeying the injunction, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," his large farm, or extensive mechanical business calls for nearly all his time and thoughts, and he becomes so wearied with his labors, that his energies of body and mind, (the body acting upon the mind,) are crippled; and consequently he comes far short of serving God with the full purpose of a strong heart. It may be he works so hard through the week (I do not refer to those who could not do differently without bringing upon their families actual want. I think there are but few of this class,) that when God’s day comes, he is obliged to remain away from the congregation of the saints, and is really unprepared to keep the day acceptably to God. Can the Lord be pleased with us when we pursue our worldly business so earnestly six days as to unfit us for observing his day, and worship with equal earnestness? Certainly we wrong our own souls when we render them incapable of growing in grace by over exertion in temporal affairs? How much better it would be to sacrifice our worldly advantages, and get into a position where we could spend at least a part of our time in spiritual duties. "For what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Matt. Dear brother or sister, have you been in the habit of letting trifling excuses keep you from your closet duties or the social meetings which occur on a week day? O see if you have been making a greater effort to lay up a perishing treasure in a fading world, than an eternal treasure in heaven. You certainly have if you have been neglecting these essential means of growth in grace for temporal profit in any form. Are you now ready to give your time to God? He does not require that you spend it all in thinking of himself, or divine things. We have other duties to ourselves, our families, and to society; and when duty calls our attention to worldly things, our Father is just as well pleased with us as when directly worshiping him; only be sure and pursue them no further than duty requires, then let our thoughts return to God. Search your own hearts. Are you ready to resign your time to God’s disposal? Systematic Benevolence and Christian Unity
By J. B. Merritt
BRO. SMITH: After receiving the Review again, and hearing from the dear saints scattered abroad, and learning that the cause is onward, my heart leaps for joy to think that in a few days more, if we are faithful, all will be well. I was much gratified to hear that you had a happy time at the conference at Battle Creek, and that the watchmen on Zion's walls are not asleep. I am well pleased that the subject of systematic benevolence is being investigated, and that action is being taken on that long neglected enterprise. With me it is a fact that cannot be successfully controverted that the cause is one, and God's people should be one, and that we should be co-workers together in reclaiming our fellow men from impending vengeance. Various ways have been, and are being tried by the children of men to effect this desirable object. Much labor and money is expended in sounding out (not the unadulterated word, but) the word adulterated by the traditions of men, as the prophet has said, every one in his own way; but we that have professedly come86 out from the world should not be like them. We should not in our caution to shun the precipice on the right, fall into the ditch on the left; but keep the strait path, if we would enter the strait gate. And in order to do this, we must, as Peter has said, take heed to the light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in our hearts. The prophecies of the Scriptures are not dark and mysterious, and of some private interpretation; but they contain God's will to the human family. Now, as Paul says, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, we must try by every laudable means to get the gospel before the people. And certainly until the Lord of the harvest, in answer to the prayers of the faithful, sends more laborers into his harvest, we must sustain those already in the field, and patronize the Review Office, and those connected with it, to enable them to get those sacred truths which it advocates before the people. I have ever since I embraced the present truth (which was in Gilboa, Sept., 1857, under the preaching of Brn. Cornell and Holt) felt a desire to do something for the cause. But as my means were limited, and having a large family to support, I could not see the way open until of late. Relying on the promise that all things shall work together for good to them that love the Lord, and are the called according to his purpose, I offered my little farm for sale, and got a purchaser. The impression on my mind was to go West and do the best I could. I am in Dewitt Co., Ills., and as each individual is best acquainted with the situation and circumstances that surround him, I would give it as my opinion that a good work might be done in the cause of present truth here, as the inhabitants are entirely ignorant of it. There is not a Sabbath-keeper within my knowledge. I have spoken of the principles of present truth to some, and lent what books I had to be read, and have not yet heard any objections. But, say they, why don't you send for some of your preachers to come here and preach for us. Now, brethren, I propose that you send a suitable brother here to give a course of lectures, and that they bring a quantity of books, as the sale of them may help to keep down expenses, and I will pay the ballance, as I am very anxious that the truth should be presented to the people in this place. I will also state that if it is necessary I will meet the messenger at Bloomington with a buggy, and convey him here, if I can have notice of the time. If you should write, direct to Santa Anna P. O., Dewitt Co., Illinois. Mount Pleasant, Dewitt Co., twenty-five miles south-east of Bloomington, or the same distance north-west from Urbana, Ills., is the place. Yours in hope,
Santa Anna, Dewitt Co., Ills.
J. B. MERRITT. THE FRENCH MISSION.
By M. B. Czechowski
DEAR BRO. SMITH: During the last few weeks I have been occupied with my French Mission in Clinton county. I have rode on horseback 121 miles, and delivered fifteen lectures. The people listened with much attention. Last Sunday, the 22nd ult., I assisted Bro. Taylor at West Chazy. We had a large congregation, who listened with much interest to the preaching of the word. Bro. Taylor preached p. m. four hours with liberty and much power. At the close of the services the congregation passed a unanimous vote to have Bro. Taylor return and preach to them the present truth at some future time. Eld. Dow, an Advent preacher who was present, made some remarks, and gave notice that he would preach there four weeks from that time, against the second and third angels' messages. I purpose to go and hear how he will place the second and third angels' messages before the first. I feel curious to hear him. I have appointed a French Conference to be held in Chazy village, near lake Champlain, commencing Sabbath evening, September 2nd, and continuing over Sunday. Please give the notice in the Review. I would give a special invitation to Brn. Augustine and Daniel Bourdeau to be present, also any other ministering brethren from Vermont who can make it convenient. I would request the French brethren in Clinton Co., and Vermont, to invite their friends and neighbors, both Catholic and Protestant to attend, and I trust all the brethren will be present. I commend myself to the prayers of the church in Battle Creek. My salutation to all the saints. Your brother,
M. B. CZECHOWSKI.
Mooers, N. Y., July 26th, 1859. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
BRO. SMITH: There are in this vicinity four families of us, trying to walk in the truth. On Sabbath we meet and attend to Bible exercises, exhortations, singing, and prayer, and we think the Lord meets with us, and blesses us in so doing. But when the messengers pass through and preach at Lovett's Grove we try to attend there, and we feel very thankful to God for the privilege. We felt especially favored to hear the word as preached by Bro. Waggoner, at his visit to Lovett's Grove, and were reproved and strengthened by his instructions. I felt, for one, that the sword of the Spirit touched me in many a tender place, and many a sharp twinge of conscience told how surely the arrow was pointed and driven home. And there let those sharp arrows rankle until the physician Jesus may give his word to set the captive free; until he shall say, Be thou made whole. I would exhort all who are hearing this third message to remember our instructions. Let us ponder upon them, lest Satan catch away the good seed, as the fowls gather the seed by the way-side. This message is indeed terrible to the heedless and worldly, while it is all beauty and sweetness to the hearty receiver of the straight testimony. With much love, yours. Jos. CLARKE. A Preacher Needed in Minnesota
By Elias Sanford
Bro. White : We are wishing to have a conference here this summer, and wish you to obtain and send a preacher to attend it with us that we may form some system for the future. The brethren here think that they can sustain a messenger in Minnesota this season, and are willing to pledge themselves to do it if one can be got to come here. There are a good many in this section of country that have not heard any preaching on the present truth, and several wish to be baptized. Bro. Morse seems to want to be about his Father's business again, and if we could have a preacher for a time to set things right, and establish order in the church, his labors might be beneficial in Minnesota. If you will send one, please notice in the Review what time he will be at Lake City, on the Mississippi, and we will meet him there with a team. His expense money shall be refunded back to him when he gets here, and whatever else he needs to sustain him in his labors. Take the evening train in Chicago, and in the morning you will be at Dunleith to take the boat, and in twenty-four hours you will be at Lake City. Inquire for Brown's boarding house, near the landing. Brown is an Adventist in belief, but never has heard on the Sabbath question. In behalf of the brethren. Elias Sanford. Ashland, Dodge Co., Minn. Note.—We would call the attention of preaching brethren and friends of the cause to the communications from Brn. Sanford and Merritt. What shall be done for Minnesota? The cause there must find help soon. H. S. GURNEY
By H. S. Gurney
BRO. SMITH: Although I have not written to appear in the Review for some time, it is not because I have lost my attachment for the friends of truth, or interest in the third angel's message. There is no part of this work but is of interest to me. Who can point out a duty not summarily embodied in the third angel's message? Rev. xiv, 9–13. When infinite wisdom lays out the work, and points out the way to do it, it is certainly extremely perilous to take our own way to do the work of God. God's ways are perfect; a humble confidence submits with ease to his work, and way of doing it. Now the third angel of Rev. xiv, has revealed the work of the church of God in its remnant state, both in relation to their position as a holy people and their defensive position. Their position is "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," while each individual of the remnant church is set on guard. "If any man worship the beast and his image," &c. I do not see any justifying ground short of earnestly taking heed to the voice of the third angel. Our work in this day of God's preparation is a great work. Our position is a solemn one: "Looking for and hastening unto the day of God." O let us be zealous and repent lest we be spued out of God's mouth. I feel an assurance wrought by the fulfilling of prophecy that God is in the Advent movement. He is training a people for himself. Our natures are such, while partially, it may be, unsubdued, that we must necessarily pass through trials of that nature which will bring our evil traits of character, or besetting sins to the surface; for it is God's plan to forgive our sins when confessed, and it is the goodness and mercy of God that leads us through trials in order to reveal the state of the inward man. For example, see Deut. viii, 2, 3: "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers, that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, doth man live." That we ought to remember the children of Israel for our example after they left Egypt, see 1 Cor. x, 1–12. Now all these things happened unto them for examples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Well brethren, let us take courage. We are most home; we can as it were almost throw our voice into the fifth kingdom—the kingdom of God. But we have87 yet trials to endure; let us lift up our heads and bear as good soldiers, while we examine ourselves and prepare for translation. I remember when I was a small boy, at the home of my childhood, while throwing my voice towards the barn which was a short distance from the house, that my voice would seem to fall back with almost as much power as it proceeded from my mouth. I wondered if some mocker had not entered the barn. The sound, or echo, was so distinct that it was hard to believe that no one was in the barn responding to my voice. So it is with the voice of prophecy when uttered by the church of God. Mockers sound the echo, or counterpart, thus producing a double evidence concerning the things spoken. Evil servants, foolish virgins and scoffers all proclaim the truth, against which they array themselves as effectually as though they united in the proclamation of truth. The wicked who "do wickedly" know not that they are throwing weapons into the hands of God's servants to be wielded against themselves. Brethren in the ministry, there is one encouragement for you which should inspire your confidence. It is that the very opposing elements that you meet are proof positive that you are proclaiming the message at the right time. May God inspire with wisdom to move right. Yours in the love of the truth, Jackson, Mich., July 20th, 1859. A Laborer Recommended for Minnesota
By James White
We would recommend to the brethren in Minnesota, Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham, of Monroe, Green Co., Wis., as an efficient and faithful laborer. But he is now engaged with the tent. We suggest that Bro. Ingraham give appointments for three or four conferences in Minnesota at least two months in advance, to be held after tent season is past. Hope he will go, and take $50 worth of publications to sell and give away. We will furnish the books, and wait for our pay till the friends of such missions pay us. Let the brethren in different parts of Minn. call on Bro. Ingraham for help. If he cannot go, doubtless some other one can. Bro. Merritt will see that Bro. Cornell is in Iowa with Bro. Hull. When tent season is over, one of those Brn. might be had to lecture in his place.
J. W. "THERE BE HIGHER THAN THEY."
By L. C. Hutchins
Dost thou see oppression,
Boldly stalking forth;
Claiming for possession,
E'en our favored "North"—
While a host of statesmen,
Pliant, bow the knee,
Proving that though freemen,
Scarcely are they free? See their love of lucre,
Love of power, and gold;
For the love of these, are they,
Freemen, bought and sold.
Hear the "Declaration,"
"Every man is free,"
While the "Constitution,"
Warrants liberty. Yet the downcast slaveman,
Clanks his galling chain,
In this land of freemen—
(Such alone in name.)
Hear the voice of captives,
Groaning 'neath the chain,
See the blood of martyrs,
Slavery hath slain.— Men, of Sumner's wisdom,
Grappling with the foe,
Meet, for using freedom,
Brutal overthrow.
In the halls of justice,
Freemen are enthralled;
"In the place of judgment,"
Tyranny's entailed.— Peaceful homes are plundered
By the ruffian hand;
Dearest ties are sundered,
In "Columbia's land,"—
Sadly maid and mother,
Seek their daily bread,—
Husband—father—brother—
With the martyr'd dead. Parents, too, and children,
Fondest hopes to mock,
Sold by rank oppression,
At the auction block.
Pines thy heart in sadness,
O'er oppression's power?—
Lift thy head in gladness,
For the coming hour. "Higher than the highest,"
Sits the Holy One;
Of the poor, the humblest,
May approach his throne.
And their wail of sadness,
With the voice of blood,
Tells the oppressor's madness,
In the ear of God. Slow, but sure, his anger,
With oppressing man,
And judgment will not linger,
In his righteous plan.
"Clouds of dew"—"in harvest,"
Blast the standing grain;—
"Heat on herbs" doth wither,
Blackening all the plain.— Thus doth he "consider,"
"In his dwelling place;"
Ne'er the vile oppressor,
Can endure his face.
What though slavery's minions,
Vaunt their power, and pay?—
Joy to the oppressed—"there be
Higher far, than they."
L. C. HUTCHINS. Laboring for the Cause in Ohio
By William Russell
Bro. Smith: I feel very thankful that the remnant, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, have a medium through which they can communicate their thoughts, feelings and desires to each other, and to encourage those who are traveling the narrow way that leads to everlasting life. I am thoroughly satisfied that the Review is a mighty engine at work, pulling down the strong holds of error, and an effectual means of establishing those who are wavering in the present truth. O that those who conduct its publication, and contribute to its pages, may be filled with the Spirit, and be endued with wisdom from on high, that all who read it may be inspired with holy zeal in this glorious cause. As many of the brethren have desired me to write that they might know how I was getting along in this wilderness place, (for it is a moral wilderness where the saints of God are not,) I will endeavor to give a brief sketch of what I have been doing, pertaining to the cause in which we are engaged, since I left Wisconsin last April. In a few days after I arrived in this State I went to the conference at Gilboa, where I found many brethren, and sisters whom I dearly love, and hope to meet in the everlasting kingdom. Here I met with Brn. Waggoner, Holt and Butler, messengers in the cause of truth, who are endeavoring to proclaim the everlasting gospel of the coming and kingdom of Christ, and have since been with them in the Ohio tent at Mt. Blanchard, where they labored for the salvation of souls. But the enemy of all righteousness closed the ears and hearts of the people, and prevented many from coming out to hear. While sitting there in the tent and hearing the word presented with such clearness that even the most unlearned could comprehend it, and with such demonstrations of reasoning, based on infallible scripture evidence, that the most learned could not overthrow it, the thought came into my mind, is it possible for the hearers to refuse to comply with the conditions of offered salvation, and turn from their evil ways, come out of Babylon, keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? It seemed to me that all must be constrained to obey the truth. But O how sadly different! Comparatively but a small part of the good seed falls on good ground. O bless the Lord that even a small part falls in good ground, and is nourished by the gentle dews of heaven. The messengers should not be discouraged if oftentimes they see no visible fruit of their toil and labor. Look back to the days of the Saviour and the apostles. How were they utterly rejected and turned away with scorn and contempt, and persecuted even unto death. They had a work to do; so have his servants at this time. Dear brethren and sisters, let us unite our hearts in fervent prayer for a more universal spread of the last message of mercy, and for those who are called to leave their pleasant homes to go out into the field to warn sinners to flee the impending wrath of the seven last plagues, and the second death. They (the laborers) see many lonely trying hours; but in the midst of their trials they have the consolations of the gospel. They go forth weeping bearing precious seed. The cheering hours will be when they come again bringing their sheaves with them. These will be stars in their crowns in the day of their rejoicing. Praise the Lord! When I came to this country, one of my most prominent objects was to get the truth before my relatives and friends. I endeavored to get one of the above named laborers to come and give a course of lectures to the people in this place, but duty called them elsewhere. Bro. Butler however gave one discourse, but thought there were no ears to hear. This did not remove the burden that I felt for this people, and consequently I undertook the arduous task of giving a course of lectures. I gave twelve, and most of the time to a goodly number of hearers. At first I was looked upon as a fanatic, and the doctrine was ridiculed with contempt. This however was on account of having judged before they heard the matter. On hearing, several became interested, and the interest was good when I closed. There are quite a number that believe we have the truth. O that the Lord may give them willing minds and obedient hearts to practice what they have heard and believed. But there are others who have become very indignant towards our position. A United Brethren class leader said, the evening I presented the fall of Babylon, that my doctrine was the plagues spoken of in Revelation. The Methodist leader said, so I have been informed, that if I did not go to hell, (orthodox hell of course) it would not be because my religion would prevent. Here we see the ire of the dragon stirred up against the truth, ready to persecute, as he did the people of God anciently. Since I presented the fall of spiritual Babylon, our position has been verified by their unholy conduct. A minister of the Protestant Methodist church assaulted and whipped a man in Mt. Blanchard for some trivial offence. A leader of a Methodist class ran to the same excess of riot on last first-day, it being their Sabbath, or rather, the pope's, which they profess to keep. I have conversed with some professors here who think it very conducive to the progress of Christianity to have various creeds and church organizations, so that if a person does not like one class he can choose another, and thus the peculiar views of every one can be suited. This is certainly a nice place of Satanic mechanism. He has many coats for his followers, and can fit them out with every appendage they want. According to the above teaching, when will they come into the unity of the faith, and the watchmen see eye to eye? It is a sad picture to see those who profess to be the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus thus distracted, and filled with pride and arrogance, traveling in the broad way that Satan has cast up for the multitudes that are deceived by him. Dear brethren and sisters, let us all be up and doing while the day lasts. Let us not sleep as do others lest we be overtaken, and that day come upon us as a thief. Remember Satan is at work with power and signs and lying wonders, and by this means will deceive many. Let us watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. Your brother waiting for the kingdom of God.
WM. RUSSELL. Clement, Ohio, July, 1859. P. S. I leave, the Lord willing, in a few days for Mauston, Juneau Co., Wis.
W. R. Healed in Answer to Prayer
By A. A. Marks
BRO. SMITH : I can say that the present truth still lies near my heart, and I wish to be found in union with God's people in this last work of mercy for man, the closing up of the gospel dispensation. I feel thankful to God for what he has done for me of late. Since being at the conference at Battle Creek my health failed me. My faith was weak, and disease so far fastened upon me that I was looking for death to set me free from the trials of earth. I expected to be laid away in the cold ground to wait until Jesus the life-giver should awake the dead. But thank the Lord when Brn. Gurney, Palmer, and others bowed around and began to pray for me, I felt that he heard and answered prayer. Praise his name for his goodness to the children of men. I rejoice in the light that shines for us, and praise God that he has set watchmen on the walls of Zion that will not hold their peace until deliverance shall come. But when I see some manifest a spirit of faultfinding with those that the Lord has called and qualified to give the last message of mercy, I fear for them. I expect that if some such fault finders could get the work under their control we should have a message that would cause saints to weep and the wicked to rejoice and triumph. But the Lord has spoken good concerning Israel, and while a few covetous ones are finding fault, let us, brethren and sisters, go forward unitedly in the great work, and the victory will be ours through Christ.
A. A. MARKS.
Jackson, Mich., July, 1859.