Sister A. Johnson writes from Southampton, Ills. : Death is abroad in the land. Quite a number of my acquaintances have lately fallen asleep in death. The thought comes to my mind, Who will be called to go next? Should I be the one, am I prepared? Have I always set that godly example before my young associates that I ought? Alas! I fear I have come far short of my privilege. I realize that Satan is working with all deceivableness, knowing that his time is short. Then let us put on the whole armor, that we may be able to resist all his snares and come off conqueror, through Jesus, who has loved us. I have a great desire to live to see Jesus come; but whether I wake or sleep, may I be prepared to meet him, and be permitted to enter through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem.
Oh! how my heart is filled with holy joy in contemplation of the happiness that awaits the faithful. There will be such ravishing music as never was heard by mortal ears; and everlasting flowers shall bloom to charm the eye; and there will be no more sickness or death. And more than all these, we shall behold our lovely Saviour, and bask in his presence, and feel his approving smile upon us forever. I would say to the dear youth who have enlisted under the glorious banner of present truth, Be faithful in all things; remember that the recording angel notes down all our actions; and ministering angels are anxiously waiting the result. Never neglect secret prayer; for "prayer is appointed to convey the blessings God designs to give." How can we expect his blessings unless we ask him for them. Shun every appearance of evil, and remember that it is only by bearing the cross that we receive the crown. Let us adopt those beautiful lines of the poet:
*"Now, in our earlier days,
Teach us thy will to know;
O, God, thy sanctifying grace
Betimes on us bestow."`
Sister S. J. Wakeling writes from Memphis, Mich. : I am still striving to live out the present truth and come up to the stature of a perfect Christian. I praise the Lord for what he has done for me, and for his kindness in permitting me to hear the third angel's message, and of receiving with the church here the labors of the messengers from time to time. Oh that we might be more thankful for the many blessings we have already enjoyed, and may we learn to prize them as we ought, and have our daily life and conversation in accordance with our profession, that our example may exert a gathering influence upon those who do not believe these truths, or at least have not openly professed them. Let us search our own hearts diligently, and ask the Lord to lead us by his Holy Spirit in the narrow way, that others may see our good works and be led to glorify our Father in Heaven. Let us strive to get free from all dross, and cleave to the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus. Let us be up and doing, and not sleep as do others; but be among the waiting ones, looking for the appearing of our Deliverer, and be ready to exclaim, *"Lo this is our God! we have waited for him, and he will save us."`
Sister H. Clough writes from Windsor, Vt. : How solemn the thought that we are living amid the perils of the last days! Do we realize it as we ought? How many are living without God and without hope in the world; and how many more have the form of godliness without the power; and others still, live under the excitement of false reformation. In looking at the world and the nominal churches, how painful the view! But thank the Lord, there is a little company coming up here, with the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus on their banner, that will obtain the final victory over the world the flesh and the Devil. It is therefore of great consequence to us whether we belong to that company or not. It may be essential to good order here to have our names enrolled in a church book, but we need more than that. We need a living faith that unites us to Christ the head of the Church. Brethren and sisters, let us continue to pray and struggle on. The great reward is just ahead, and those that endure to the end shall be saved.
Bro. S. R. Twist writes from Rockport, Mo. : As we are exhorted to speak often one to another; and as many of us are so scattered that we can do so only through the columns of the Review, I would say that I am trying to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, that I may finally be prepared to meet the Lord in peace when he shall come. Oh that we could realize more vividly the times in which we live. We regret to see some turning back to the beggarly elements of the world, saying, My Lord delayeth his coming. To such we would say, Beware of the consequences. We have need of patience, says the apostle, that after we have done the will of God, we may receive the promise. Let us be patient unto the coming of the Lord. He will come at the appointed time. He will come, and will not tarry. The latter rain will be poured out as soon as we are prepared to receive it.
Bro. J. A. Strong writes from Brady, Mich. : I deeply feel the necessity of faithfulness and prayer, and of laying aside all joking and jesting, that I may not bring reproach upon the cause of Christ. The tongue is an unruly evil full of deadly poison. It seems that here is a point on which we need watchfulness. Many times in my past life have I been led to think that there was no reality in religion by the actions of those belonging to the church. I once told a minister who came to converse with me, that if I were to judge by the actions of those professing to be Christians, I did not think I should be much better if I should be a Christian. But those who profess present truth, at least, should so conduct themselves as to be living witnesses to the truth.
Sister R. G. Allen writes from Middletown, R. I. : I trust by God's assisting grace, I may ever keep his commandments, and do his will. I have felt greatly encouraged while reading my paper. I have ever felt thankful to my Lord and Master for sending me the light of present truth.
I felt to rejoice when I read that the Brn. had visited Block Island, and Peace Dale, R. I. I expect they will visit Middletown yet. Here are people enough, buildings enough, and wickedness enough.
If a contrary wind should at any time hinder the Brn. from going to Block Island, tell them to inquire for William C. Allen, in Middletown, two miles from the court house, on Honyman Hill, east road.
An aged pilgrim, Bro. T. Draper, writes from McGregor, Iowa : Having in possession a trifle of that which you must have a great deal of to carry out and carry on the blessed work you are engaged in, I direct it to you before it shall drift some other way. Although money is plenty, I am too old, feeble and poor, to get it, being nearly eighty-five. I go to the Post-office once a week, about a mile, for my paper, which is of more importance to me since it became a gift; and I mourn that I am not able to help to enlarge it; for the last page and column come too soon.
Bro. W. H. Wild writes from Brooklyn, N. Y. : We are undoubtedly soon coming into a period of time when we shall appreciate this blessed hope of ours more than we do now. We are rapidly approaching the hour of temptation that is to try all that dwell upon the earth. It will be even as Daniel describes it, a time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation, from which none will be delivered but those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Bro. J. H. Mallory writes from Victoria, Mo. : How cheering to read the kind and interesting letters of the brethren and sisters, in which they make known to each other their hopes and determinations. We love to hear about the soon appearing of our Saviour. The little church here is trying to rise with the message, and by the help of God, we hope to overcome, and at last to stand with the 144,000 upon the sea of glass, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Pray for us that we may hold out faithful.
Sister M. J. Owen writes from West Newton : I am trying to search out truth and be on the Lord's side, hoping to prove faithful, and when these dark storms are over, receive the crown he has prepared for his ransomed people, and come up with the remnant to sing his praise on mount Zion: We know of no Sabbath keepers near us. The Review is more than a welcome messenger to me.
Sister E. P. Warren writes from Medford, Minn. : Oh for strength to stand amid the trials of these last days! I think I realize in a measure something of the shortness of time. Let us hasten to improve the precious moments as they pass, before it is too late. May the Lord help us to watch ourselves more closely, and let not the straitness of the way turn us from the truth.
M. J. CHAPMAN
By M. J. Chapman
From Sister Chapman.
Bro. White: I desire to say that I am not weary in this good cause; but the truth shines brighter, and my love for it increases each day. I am surprised that all who investigate it cannot see its beauty, and be led to embrace it. I believe the honest will.
I have one of like faith near me now, Sr. Hicks having moved into town this spring. We are lonely, yet it is a great comfort that we can converse with and strengthen each other.
But we have just enjoyed a feast of good things, which is a bright spot in our pilgrimage. Bro. Glover, from Iowa, having friends in this vicinity, came to visit them, on his return from the Conference, at Battle Creek. He also visited the family of Mr. Hicks, former acquaintances, and passed one Sabbath there. I spent the day with them. In the afternoon, we had a season of prayer and conference together. The Lord verified his promise to us, and we feel much encouraged to make greater efforts to "go through," and to labor with more zeal in spreading the truth before our friends and neighbors.
Sr. H. and myself have resolved to meet often together, and if faithful, perhaps, our Heavenly Father will give others a glimpse of the heavenly inheritance and incline their hearts to go with us.
We hope the time is not far distant when a messenger will come this way, as we are anxiously waiting an opportunity of being baptized.
May we all gird on the whole armor and engage with zeal in this Christian warfare, that our lamps may be burning brightly when the good Shepherd comes.
M. J. CHAPMAN
Terre Haute, Ind.
The Nearness of Christ’s Coming
By Roxanna C. Baker
From Sister Baker.
Bro. White : I still feel the deepest interest in the cause of truth. My love for it grows stronger and stronger, and also my desire to be sanctified through it. The honors and pleasures of the world, which I once sought after so eagerly, are eclipsed by the beauty of God's holy word, and the immortal kingdom therein brought to view. While I think of these things my heart is too full for utterance. The glories of the new earth rise up to my view, and this poor vain world sinks into insignificance. I feel willing to count all things loss, if I may at last be found worthy of an heirship to the immortal inheritance.
Dear brethren, the end is drawing near. The signs of the advent are fast fulfilling. Let us heed the injunction so applicable to this time: "Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." The hour of temptation that is coming on all the world to try them, is fast hastening on; and still we have to mourn over our stupidity and lack of zeal. Oh may the remnant people ere long be fully awake and equipped for the conflict.
We are rejoiced to learn that the cause is still progressing. The encouraging reports from missionary fields, are truly cheering. May God bless his faithful servants, and crown their labors with still more abundant success. Yet a little while, and Jesus will come, and the faithful will be crowned with immortality.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
Roxanna C. Baker.
Mackford, Wis.
Obituary Notices.
DIED, at Nebraska City, Feb. 13, 1864, of spotted fever, Henry L., son of Sanford R., and Mary I. Twist, aged 2 years, 1 month and 28 days.
DIED in the hospital at Annapolis, Md., March 15, 1864, Alfred F., son of Geo. L. and Caroline E. Dains, aged 21 years, one month, and 12 days.
Both Sides on the Sabbath and Law
By James White
BOTH SIDES ON THE SABBATH AND LAW is now ready, in pamphlet form. It is a neat work, of 228 pages. In this work, Bro. Smith has given every word of the articles on the Sabbath and Law by Elder T. M. Preble, which appeared in the World's Crisis not long since, in connection with his reply, marked with his usual lucid and happy style.
The book should be widely circulated, especially among the readers of the Crisis. Let them see their own position and ours in contrast. God bless the book, to the opening of the eyes of many upon the momentous subject. We have 3000 copies of this work, and will furnish another edition when this is sold. Don't be afraid to send for it. Price, only 20 cents for a book, of 228 pages these times. Postage 4 cents.
J. W.
A Home for J. N. Andrews
By James White
We called, some weeks since, for $1,200, to obtain a home for Eld. J. N. Andrews. We are happy to say that $1,210 have been received.
Some pledges are yet unpaid, and there is still room for others to take stock in this enterprise, as money has become of so little value, and as a consequence real estate has risen. It is now expected that the General Conference Committee will very soon locate Bro. Andrews at Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., and the means are wanted without delay. Let none give only from a cheerful choice.
J. W.
Appointments.
THE next Quarterly Meeting of the church near Mauston, Wis., will be held August 13 and 14. All that can attend are invited. We shall be happy to see any messenger whom the Lord may send.
WM. RUSSELL.
THE next Monthly Meeting for the churches in Allegan Co. Mich., will be held at Watson, the second Sabbath in August.
Insanity or Fanaticism
By Editor
Insanity or Fanaticism. We have received a pamphlet from a person signing himself L. B. Vickers, of Portland, Oregon, entitled, The Loud Voice of Rev. x, 3. He claims to be the angel of that chapter. His book is filled with the most incoherent and nonsensical utterances. He states that he was to start for the atlantic States to preach "this gospel," sometime in the month of July, and should land at New York. We make this statement, so that if he should make his way to the homes or vicinities of any of our readers, they may not be uninformed concerning him.
To the Friends of the Cause.
Our beloved brother, Hiram Edson, of Palermo, Oswego Co., N. Y., who has been a portion of the time for several years in very feeble health, is at this time in a state of extreme prostration, from nervous debility.
The older friends of the cause know something of the sacrifices made in its behalf by brother Edson. Almost at the beginning of this work, when there was very little means to sustain the cause, our brother sold his excellent farm, in Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y., and devoted the greater part of the proceeds to sustain those who were preaching the present truth, and with this he gave his own time also. Now with slender means for the support of his family, our brother is reduced to helplessness.
After a careful consideration of the case, it is thought proper to invite those who esteem it a privilege so to do, to unite in raising the sum necessary to sustain Bro. Edson for a few months at the Dansville (N. Y.) Water Cure. Those who respond to this circular will send in their means at once to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. It is proper to add that this appeal in Bro. Edson's behalf is made without his knowledge.
J. N. and A. S. Andrews, $10.00
J. and E. G. White, 10.00
J. Edson White, 5.00
J. N. Loughborough, 5.00
Aid for Brother Edson
By James White
We are glad that Bro. Andrews has introduced to the benevolent the case of our afflicted Bro. Edson. His sacrifices at an early stage of the cause were great, in traveling extensively from Maine to Michigan, and in the Canadas, at his own expense, and blessing with his means God's poor ministers. God forsake such a man, who trusts in him? Never! A statement of his condition will kindle a fire of love and benevolence in a thousand sympathizing hearts at once. And we have only to add, Let no one send a dollar only those who esteem it a great pleasure, and can spare the means as well as not. Let such send their fives and tens right along. J. W.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
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