Earlier text: Sanctification: or Living HolinessThe Church and the World.
By Editor
THERE are many evils in this world, which, though we cannot hope to reform them, it is well to hold up and expose as warnings and signs of the times. Among these is the great sin which is fast engulfing the nominal churches of our land, of holding church festivals, fairs, picnics, parties &c., where fun, frivolity and merriment are the order of the day, where thoughts of the Judgment, and its approaching scenes, would not be tolerated, and any exhibition of scriptural sobriety would be instantly frowned from their presence. By indulging in these scenes, the churches unmistakably identify themselves as the class spoken of by Paul in 2 Tim. iii, 4, who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And yet these same churches are indulging the pleasing and delusive dream of converting the world. On what ground they can indulge such hope, we know not, unless it is that as they look around they can see no particular difference between themselves and the world, and hence conclude that the world must be about converted, forgetting that the change has been in themselves not in the world; for the world has converted them, and they, if they ever reach salvation, will have to be converted again from her fatal embrace. Some, we are happy to see, are awake to these things, and are raising the voice of alarm and warning. We hope such will not be overcome by the general defection, but be led finally to take the course marked out for them in Rev. xviii, 4. "The Church and the World, or Christ and Belial," is the title of a sterling little tract of eighteen pages, published by Julius Bruso, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and which he offers at the nominal price of ten for fifteen cents, giving some statistics of the extent, and shewing the pernicious results, of this evil. We give the reader a specimen of the tract in the following paragraph from its first page: "Is money to be raised for church debts, church building or repairing? For a Sabbath school or a missionary enterprise? For the increase of the minister's salary? Is money wanted to relieve the poor or for any benevolent operation? What now? How is this money to be forthcoming? In a sober, rational, gospel way? Nay, a feast is prepared; a soiree introduced, a fancy fair, a picnic, a concert or exhibition of some kind, a donation, tea, or strawberry party, a sleigh ride, oyster supper, a tin or gold wedding, something to inflame the passions, excite and enlarge the appetite, produce a little fun or vulgar merriment. The entire community is put in requisition for weeks. The excitement is intense, outbursting on the right and on the left. To open the purse strings worldly policy is resorted to, foolish talking and jesting, feasting and frolicking! These festivals are the rage and fever of the day, the world is on fire with them! Where is there a church or society, white or colored, Popish or Protestant, that does not resort to these unholy excitements, these stratagems of Satan to raise funds for some object of benevolence? It is money, money! Money we want, money we will have, gospel or no gospel, heaven or no heaven. Gospel and soul saving are laid aside. 'Away with serious or sober looks, away with them. On for a spree, a jolly time of feasting!' 'On with the dance, let joy be unconfined.' 'Know ye not, friends, the friendship of the world is enmity with God?' Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." “THERE shall arise false Christs and false prophets,” is a description of one feature of the last days, and a sign of the end. We are all familiar with the blasphemous claims of Spiritualism, that all good men are Christs, and that the development of Spiritualism is the second coming of Christ. But there is occasionally a person found so unbalanced, or so given over to strong delusion through the rejection of the truth, that the Devil can inflate him with the idea that he is, in a pre-eminent sense, the Christ of the age. Every such instance goes to show 1. That we are living in the last days. 2. That men are fast divorcing themselves from the grace of God, and the power of truth, and 3. That Satan has come down in wrath and is working with increased and subtle power. A new instance of this kind has just come to light in Huntsville, Ind., where a person, whom the god of this world has blinded, has started a paper, called “The Kingdom of Heaven,” in which he says: “The Kingdom, of Heaven outwardly, is nothing more nor less than a collection of persons into a group or society, to live together in a state of perfect social equality; wherein all will act in obedience to the law of perfect love and justice. Who will go?” He calls himself “the Son of man;” and says:— “The Son of man calls to lecture to private circles, during the present lecturing season, on the setting up of the Kingdom of Heaven, or on any subject of reform. For the present, and perhaps not until 1866, will he be permitted to speak to a public or promiscuous assemblage. He is not developed, but developing.” “Most minds regard the announcement that I was ‘the Son of man,’ as emanating in my own brain, and as being a mark of egotism, supposing, doubtless, that I am expecting honor or happiness thereby. All such are very much mistaken. On me it falls as a curse, a weight or load, from under which I would gladly escape. It has come as unbidden to me as did Paul's mission to him. And believe, Brother, I tremble at what I see mapped out for me to suffer.” [[FIGURE]] A New Movement.—In accordance with our purpose to keep the readers of the Review posted on all matters which affect, or are connected with, the doctrine of the advent, we have to chronicle a movement inaugurated by P. E. Armstrong of Celesta, Pa. He has started a community in that place, to which he invites "all the humble poor scattered throughout the land." He has also commenced the publication of a paper called the "Day-Star of Zion, and Banner of Life." To that place, according to his programme, the saints are to be gathered, to escape the troubles coming on the land, and there, if we understand it, the Kingdom is to commence. And the very strong ground is taken that if any one of their number dies, or is forced into the United States' service, they will give up that God has never called them to that movement. One cardinal point of their faith appears to be that the "Review party," and the "work at Battle Creek," must come to nought. It is a noticeable fact that most of the schemes which have lately sprung up, seem to consider the work at Battle Creek, as standing seriously in their way. Whether this work will ever come to nought or not, we will not pretend to say further than this: unless we are very thoroughly deceived, this work stands not in the counsel of man, but in the counsel of God; and if so, and these engaged in it prove faithful, then it will go forward and accomplish its end, and no man will be able to overthrow it. One thing is sure: if the work at Battle Creek, is the work of God, and so long as it is, it will be a prick in the eyes, and a thorn in the side, of all that is false and fanatical. “Great Moral Exhibition.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THE other day as I was waiting for the cars at Hillsdale, Mich., I observed a hand-bill posted up with the above heading in large letters. “A moral exhibition,” thought I, what kind of an exhibition can that be? Webster defines morality to be a “system or practice of moral duties; character conformed to the moral law.” Now how can they make a public exhibition of morality? Has morality become so scarce an article in this “Christian land” that a person must pay twenty-five cents to behold an instance of it?! Not being able to decide these questions satisfactorily, I concluded to read the hand-bill for an explanation. I found it to contain, among other things, the following: “Com. Foote, the smallest man alive. Miss Eliza Nestelle, (sister of Com. Foote,) the smallest matured lady ever known. Col. Small, though last, not least in estimation. These greatest little living wonders of the nineteenth century, have been received and seen with unbounded satisfaction by the press and public in general. They appear in thirty distinct characters, comic, and artistic, double and single dances, comic scenes, laughable burlesques, &c., arranged expressly for them, with great care to please the most fastidious tastes, among which are the following: Two French clowns, Burlesque Heenan and Sayers, Double Irish tilt, Jockey hornpipe, &c., &c. After which will be sung, March away cheerily, Gen. Scott, and Corp. Johnson, A curious song, Hark! I hear the angels sing.” Ah! then this is the “morality of the nineteenth century is it? Quite a revolution in “morals” since Webster wrote his dictionary! But really, this hand-bill may teach us a sad, but important, lesson; as it is a good index to the morality of the present age. The most honorable and sacred names are prostituted to proclaim the most worthless, trifling, and ungodly performances. Only think of applying the name “moral” to such a performance as the “Two French clowns! Burlesque Heenan and Sayers! Double Irish Tilt!” &c. Then to consecrate all this worse than nonsense by introducing the holy angels of God! To cap the climax, we generally read at the bottom, “Ministers and their families admitted free.” But will not these ministers feel insulted by this offer of a free admittance to such a place? Oh, no! the offer is generally accepted; and doubtless the minister if called upon, would be ready to introduce the first “Jockey Hornpipe” with a prayer! Oh that God would open the eyes of the people to see where they are drifting. DESIGN OF THE BABEL-BUILDERS
By M. E. Cornell
Interesting Extracts. No. 5.
The celebrated Dr. Barnes remarks: Two things are here to be noted; 1. The truth is to be spoken—the simple, unvarnished truth. This is the way to avoid error. In opposition to all trick, and art, and cunning, and fraud, and deception, Christians are to speak the simple truth, and nothing but the truth. Truth is the representation of things as they are; and there is no virtue that is more valuable in a Christian than the love of simple truth. 2. The truth should be spoken IN LOVE. There are other ways of speaking truth. It is sometimes spoken in a harsh, crabbed, sour manner, which does nothing but disgust and offend. When we state truth to others it should be with love to their souls, and with a sincere desire to do them good. Where a minister pronounces the awful truth of God about depravity, death, the judgment, and future woe, it should be in love. And in like manner, if we go to convince one who is in error, we should approach him in love. He has done about half his work in convincing another of error, who has first convinced him that he LOVES him; and if he does not do that, he may argue to the hour of his death, and make no progress in convincing him." DESIGN OF THE BABEL-BUILDERS.
Josephus says of Nimrod:—"He also said, 'He would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach, and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers.' Book i. chap. iv. The Tower of Babel was six-hundred feet high, and had a gold image placed on its top in the days of Nebuchadnezzar worth $15,575,000. See Herodotus, Bochart, and Strabo. Brattleboro Bible, 1816. Josephus remarks concerning the Pharisees. "They are long-lived also, inasmuch that many of them lived above a hundred years, by means of the simplicity of their diet; nay, as I think, by means of the regular course of life they observe. They contemn the miseries of life and are above pain, by the generosity of their mind." Book ii, chap, 8. He also speaks of their having a rule to "wash themselves often." Ib. The following is from "Jews' Letters to Voltaire," pp. 181, 182: "Perhaps too you find swine's flesh good and wholesome, but many, even among Christians, think otherwise, and look upon it as a food hard of digestion. This is not all; this animal is subject to a contagious distemper, which was formerly very common in Palestine and the neighborhood. For this very reason your ancestors, having brought the leprosy back with them in their expeditions to the Holy land, forbade swine's flesh to be sold in the markets, except the beast had been inspected by officers, called 'experts,' who were appointed for this purpose. Lastly: even the filthiness of this quadruped was sufficient to give a distaste for it. And agreeably to this, the Egyptians, Arabians, and almost all nations, from Ethiopia to India abhorred it. How much more must a people have detested it to whom the law recommends so strongly cleanliness and purity, even in externals. In short, swine's flesh is hard of digestion, it is subject to the leprosy; swine is the most filthy of animals. These three things are, we think, causes sufficient for banishing it from our tables." The Work in the East.
By W. C. Gage
WHILE every true-hearted believer in present truth is interested in the success of the cause in all sections of the great harvest field, and desires the prosperity of Zion as a whole, yet we believe a special interest and anxiety is felt in behalf of the labors in the East. This is but natural and just; for where so little has been done for the cause, it would seem that we might look for results which would demonstrate the power of the truth. Yet we must not expect too much, for the peculiar nature of the field is such that apparently great results should not be anticipated in the outset. The work may properly be compared to the cultivation of a long-neglected farm, where a great amount of weeds and undergrowth must first be cleared away, before even the seed can be sown. Just so the weeds of prejudice and jealousy must here be uprooted before the soil can be prepared for the reception of the seeds of truth. Prejudice has here been sown by wild fanatical spirits by their inconsistent and erratic course of conduct, and has taken deep root, even in some of the best of soil. Oh that we might realize how much our "daily walk and conversation" tells for or against the cause of truth; and that every one of us may be a "preacher of righteousness" by means of an humble, devoted and godly life. And while we have the evidences that prejudice is gradually but surely giving way, and the messengers are finding their way to the hearts of the people, we have abundant reason to be encouraged, for who of us does not know the sanctifying and saving power of the truth when once it reaches the heart and is carried out in the daily life. Let us then remember that the work is the Lord's: and may our united prayers go up to him that the messengers may be encouraged and strengthened to labor on, though trials and discouraging circumstances may beset them on every hand, and that more laborers may be fitted up for service in the vineyard of the Lord. May we also learn patience, that "Though the way be dark and dreary," yet we may be enabled to see the hand of the Lord working for us and with us, and feel the assurance that he will sustain us to the end. Note from Bro. Bourdeau.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Bro. White: I arrived in Maine the 15th inst., and joined Bro. Cornell in his labors of love the 16th. I have felt free and at home since my arrival in Maine. I first attended two of Bro. Cornell's meetings at Corinna, and then went to Exeter with him. He had previously given a few lectures in that place. While at Exeter, I was enabled to speak four times to congregations composed mostly of Adventists, and had the privilege of teaching the truth from house to house. Truly it did my soul good to hear Adventists relate their past experience, and I was blessed while dwelling on the great truths of the third message, and while showing what God has done through that message since 1844. We have several warm friends in Exeter who would be very happy to see you and Sr. White again. I have reason to believe that a visit from you would be productive of much good. From what we have seen we infer that Maine is a promising field of labor; but prejudice must first be removed, and the people must become acquainted with our spirit and views. They must have an opportunity to learn that we have no fellowship for a rash, censorious and condemning spirit. If a clear presentation of the truth, and living out the truth, will not convince the honest and lead them to action, what will? Meetings in Mich.
By John Byington
Bro. White: After leaving Fair Plains, Bro. Andrews and myself spent June 15, and 16, with the church in Oakland. Here we found that some members of the church had formed associations with the world, which had caused some division. We gave the plain testimony that the people of God were to come out from the world, and be separate, and holy. We think our meetings here were timely, and we trust not in vain. Sabbath, the 18th, and the three following days, we were with the church in Lapeer. The faithful here have heavy burdens to bear in consequence of erring, and false brethren. We trust our labor here will help to unite the church in moving forward, and not to sympathize with others that will not be converted. Sabbath and first-day the 25th and 26th, we spent with the church in Memphis. Here the church have succeeded in erecting a large and comfortable house for worship. They have had great opposition from without, but if united and faithful have nothing to fear. They will have to watch that the enemy do not divide and scatter them. We felt that our labor was not lost. Sabbath July 2, we were with the church in Battle Creek. Had social meeting in the morning, and two discourses through the day from Brn. Andrews and White, to a crowded house. On first-day July 3, we had meeting with the church at Newton at their new meeting-house. Quite a number not of our faith were in to hear, and brethren also from Burlington. Here Bro. Andrews closed his labors for the present in Michigan. I trust much good will be the result of these meetings.
JOHN BYINGTON. God Gives Every Bird Its Food
God gives every bird its food, but does not throw it into the nest. An Appeal to Young Friends
By E. B. Griggs
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: A few days since while reading "Appeal to the Youth" my attention was arrested by these lines "I would appeal to all my young friends to not let the pleasures or accomplishments of the world eclipse the lovliness of the Saviour. . . . Spend the best of your days in serving the Lord." As I read these lines I thought of my past unfaithfulness and resolved by the grace of God, I would serve him better; that I would live nearer to him and strive to honor him in all things. It is some more than five years since the Lord sent Bro. M. E. Cornell to this place to declare to us the truths of the third Angel's message. The Lord had sent his angel before his servant to prepare the way and a few were found who were willing to come out from the scoffing multitude and take their stand with those who are keeping all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I still love the truth. I love to read and hear of the good work that is going on in many parts of the wide harvest field. I have felt much encouraged for a few months past, and am determined to press on with God's dear remnant people; for I know that beyond the trials and darkness of this life we shall find rest in a land where there is everlasting light and joy and peace. My dear young friends in the truth: Let us take71 heed to the "Appeal" of our young brother who now sleeps in Jesus and not let the pleasures or accomplishments of the world eclipse the loveliness of the Saviour, but spend the rest of our days in serving the Lord. May we not love the world neither the things that are in the world but let us covenant together this day to draw nearer to the Lord, to seek earnestly a better good than this poor earth can afford. May you and I prove a blessing to the cause of God by doing what we can to aid in gathering precious souls into the fold of Christ; having our influence ever on the side of the truth. I love to think of the time when Jesus will come to release us from temptation and care and toil and take us to his own blessed home. I believe that time is very near and by grace I will continue the warfare against sin until that glorious day shall dawn. Your unworthy sister,
E. B. GRIGGS. Objections.
By E. Goodrich
The objections that possibly may be brought to bear against any system believed or preached, are of three kinds. The first is real objections, those founded on facts, those that embody principles that make it impossible that any system against which they bear should succeed. Of this kind are those that oppose the efforts of men to make a perpetual motion. As a result can only equal the cause producing it, and as men have control only of temporary causes, or temporary control of perpetual causes, it follows that men can never make a perpetual motion. The second is apparent objections, those that originate in an imperfect knowledge of the things represented. Either the thing is imperfectly described, or else we fail to comprehend the description given. A great deal depends upon our stand-point of observation. Things at a distance look very differently from what they do at a nearer view, especially if the light shining upon the object is imperfect. The little girl walking out in the edge of the evening, seeing objects imperfectly, and being a little excited, through fear, verily believes she sees a bear in the very place where the old birch stump has always stood. But moving on, apparently without thought or purpose, she soon reaches a point where she can easily discover her mistake. The third class of objections are those of personal interest. The language of this class of objections is, I believe, I would, and I could; but it is against my interests, and I will not make the sacrifice. Touching the system of religion, as taught in the Scriptures, and touching the objections that are urged against this system, no real objections have as yet been demonstrated to exist. As to apparent objections, it may be frankly admitted that there are many. These objections exist in consequence of three things. First, the system is imperfectly represented, both in theory and practice. Many who preach, mistake and misrepresent what is taught and what is designed to be taught in the Scriptures. This is manifest from the amount of different views that claim authority from the same scripture. And many who make a profession of religion shamefully betray the truth by their inconsistent walk. And it is frequently remarked by outsiders that if religion was as good as men profess that it is, they would certainly live it. We ought, in all such cases, charitably to remember that it costs more to practice than to preach, and not only that, but the system of Bible religion is no more responsible for the ungodliness of its professors than mathematics or mechanism is to blame for the blunders of those who profess to know, but do not. Secondly, apparent objections frequently exist in consequence of a lack of thorough investigation. We do not see clearly because we do not study to know for certainty. And thirdly, we have objections because we have not had that experience which alone can give us a thorough and satisfactory knowledge of the truth itself. As to objections of interest, they are many and great. And to the men of strong appetites and passions, where affections are pretty thoroughly fastened to the things of this world, this class of objections is the strongest kind of argument. In the days of our Saviour, many believed, yet for fear of persecution, or for other motives of selfish interest, dared not confess Christ. And in the parable of a great supper, which is but an illustration of the preaching of the gospel, and the manner in which men would receive it, those that were bidden with one consent made excuse. One had bought a piece of ground, and must needs go and see it. Another had bought five yoke of oxen, and must needs prove them. While another had married a wife. And for these reasons, and not for a want of being convinced that such an event would take place, they could not attend the feast. The carnal mind is the same in all ages; and it is much easier to convince men of the truth of Divine revelation than it is to induce them to obey, though it should be at the loss of all things else. And one thing that the objectors ought always to remember is, that it is an hundred times easier to tear down than to build up. Also, no truly generous man will destroy the hope of another without furnishing a better. And if there is any system of morals more perfect, if there is any faith more sublime and satisfactory than that found and taught in the Scriptures, it is both the right and duty of the Bible skeptic to reject those taught in the Scriptures, and teach the better, but not till such can be found. Keeping the Heart.
By E. G. Rust
"We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not." Oh, what a work we have to do, after once confessing the name of our Father in Heaven, in keeping our heart! How often we find them turning from Christ, and things truly divine, and yearning after the things of this world! How many times in the course of a day, young Christians, do we find ourselves guilty of the base ingratitude of entirely forgetting that merciful Being who has made us all we are, and musing, perhaps, on the dark pages of futurity, and speculating as to what station we shall fill in the world, or how we are held in the estimation of that circle which we have separated ourselves from, in taking up our Saviour's cross? How ungrateful we are in making the cold return we do for the matchless depths of that Saviour's love, who died on Calvary's cross to save us from the just wrath of God, for breaking his great moral law. It is "amid the little cares and perplexities, and the busy scenes of life, that we sometimes lose sight of the prize, forget that we have an enemy, and, worse than all, an evil nature, and carelessly lay down our armor; then it is, while unguarded, we grieve from us the Spirit of God; but never while supplicating at his throne for mercy and grace, or waiting upon the Lord for any object. Then let us be alive to our duty, young friends, casting aside our desires for the pleasures of this world, knowing that the Lord will work every thing for our good, and try to concentrate our minds on the one object, that "better land," that we may continually possess the rich blessing of God. How often do we arouse to the consciousness that our minds are wandering to unprofitable subjects? We all find, by experience, that this is dangerous. It tends to lead us from God. Then let us strive to keep our hearts, and place our thoughts upon God's great goodness to us, which surpasseth all things. We have a hope which is both sure and steadfast, and by cherishing that hope and searching our grounds for it, we grow in grace and in knowledge of the truth. There is, indeed, great danger, in these perilous times, after having once tasted the rich blessing of God's love, of allowing the love for and spirit of the world, like a cankerworm, to eat this precious truth, which we so much love, entirely out of our hearts. And oh, how great then will be our condemnation! Then let us keep our hearts and be able to say, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" We have all much to do to get ready for the coming of Jesus, which is very near at hand. Then let us be watchful, and not let that fact be lost sight of, nor covered up by the cares and thoughts of this world, but let us hold it up where we may have a clear view of it, and make it the main object of our lives to be fitting for that glorious event. Let us each try to keep in our proper lot and place, never once thinking of rising above the humble walk of life to which we belong; always heeding the injunctions of the apostle, to "mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate." True, we have many little trials, and perplexities, and disappointments, and often have our hopes of this world dashed to pieces; but these are only to purify us. So let us praise God for the grace which he gives us to withstand them. And whenever we feel a murmuring spirit on account of them, we will do well to remember that "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Oh, what a glorious thought! Let us be faithful a little longer, striving to keep our hearts in all purity, abstaining from all appearance of evil, that we may win that glorious crown of immortality, which is only a little way in the future. This is well worth striving for. Difficulties of the Popular View.
DR. DWIGHT, in his Theology; chap. 147, speaking of eternal misery for the wicked, and the manner in which we should treat upon it, remarks: "The subject is immeasurably awful, and beyond all others affecting. Few persons can behold it in near vision with a steady eye. The very preacher who teaches the doctrine to others, cannot but know, unless certainly assured of his own salvation, that he may, at that very time, be alleging arguments, which are to affect himself, and evince his own final destruction, as well as that of others. If his heart is not made of stone; he cannot contemplate the subject, as it respects his fellow-men without overwhelming amazement." "At the same time," he adds, "the subject is unquestionably perplexing as well as distressing. There are, I know, persons who speak concerning it with an air of cool self-complacency, as being in their view, easy of investigation, and free from embarrassment. I am inclined, perhaps uncharitably, to give them little credit for candor, clearness of intellect, or soundness of character, and greatly doubt whether the doctrine has been investigated by them, either to such an extent, or with such a spirit as might furnish them with just views of its nature." "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. Bro. White: The church at Little Prairie, Wis., is striving to live so that her light may shine. Though Bro. Sanborn is away in a distant State, laboring for the cause of truth, the churches at home are not languishing, but are heeding the word of exhortation. Our quarterly meeting, of July 9, was a good one. We felt that the Spirit of Jesus was with us; and, although we did not have the pleasure of hearing from a messenger, yet we were blessed. There was a goodly number of the brethren and sisters from the Johnstown and Oakland churches present. About sixty cheering testimonies were given on the side of truth; and the exclamation of every heart was, Thank God for the light of the precious present truth. Four were added to the church at this meeting. I hope that we shall be immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. We do not intend to lay the work out that we shall do, but lay ourselves out for the work, and endeavor, with our prayers and by our means, to hold up the hands of those who are laboring to spread the light. C. O. TAYLOR
By C. O. Taylor
BRO. WHITE: The second Sabbath and first-day in this month, I was with the church at this place, and spoke to them four times. Love to God, and Bible union, is still their motto. They love the truth and are striving to live it. The most are ready for any reform, that brings them, nearer and still nearer to God. They sustain their Sabbath and weekly prayer-meetings, and Bible-class, with cheerfulness. They have a mind to work in the vineyard of the third message. They are asking for the next State Conference to convene here. Last Sabbath was with the church at Mannsville. I gave no public notice of my being with them, yet found nearly all at the place of worship. Spoke to them twice with some freedom. The testimony of those that spoke, was as good as the average among us. It is a consolation to know that past labor with them has not been in vain. May every work of error and wrong in their midst, come to the light, and be confessed, repented of, and put away, that precious souls may find mercy, and be saved in the day of the Lord. Adam's Center, N. Y., July 18, 1864.