At the time of my last report I was about leaving Fitchburg, Mass. for Ashfield. Not being acquainted with the route, and not receiving intelligence from the Brn. there as to the best way to come I inquired my way through to South Deerfield, from whence I should have taken the stage for Ashfield. But when I arrived there I found the stage had gone. So I hired a private team to carry me 16 miles to where the Brn. lived. I found them very glad to see me. On the Sabbath Jan. 2d, we had meetings at Bro. Thayer's in Buckland and on first-day at Bro. Edson's in Ashfield.
Several Brn. and sisters were present from Hoosic Tunnel, Mass. and from Vernon, Vt. We had freedom in presenting the word which seemed to impart strength to the hearers. On Monday forenoon we organized Systematic Benevolence with those who were ready to enter into it, amounting to $65,52 per year. In the afternoon we attended the funeral of a child of Bro. Edson some 5 weeks of age. In the evening we had a good social meeting in which several of the youth made a start for the kingdom. Tuesday morning Jan. 5th I came on to Springfield and found Bro. Johnson at the cars waiting for me. He is about the only Sabbath-keeper in Springfield, but I had an opportunity to speak in the evening with much freedom to a company of Adventists who assembled at the house of Bro. Morgan. Wednesday morning, before leaving, I had an opportunity to visit the great U. S. Armory where I saw 185,000 muskets all ready for service, and had the privilege of viewing the different apartments where these implements of death are made. The business of this establishment has probably been increased 10 to 20 fold since the war began. They now employ 8000 hands who run the machinery night and day (Sunday excepted) and turn out 1,000 muskets every day. While conversing with a friend on the facts of the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, "Wake up the mighty men &c. beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks ('margin scythes') into spears," said he, That has had a literal fulfillment here, for they brought in several car loads of old scythes and made them over into bayonets.
Wednesday, Jan. 6th, came on to Kensington, Ct. Here Bro. Pierce met me the 8th, and we commenced our meeting on Sabbath the 9th. We remained here till Wednesday the 13th. We spoke 5 times which seemed to encourage the hearts of the church, wrongs were righted and some of the youth with feeling hearts resolved to serve the Lord.
Here were some of the first who embraced the Sabbath in the East, who have waded through trials, afflictions and disappointments, and indeed our own hearts were watered to see them encouraged by the word of good cheer. Bro. Daniels and one from his neighborhood were here, also Bro. Johnson from Springfield. On first-day we reorganized Systematic Benevolence in Kensington, amounting now to over $55. We also organized it for the few at New Boston, amount about $47, and for Springfield about $26. Wednesday Jan. 13, I came on to New York City while Bro. Pierce came on to the eastern part of Ct. to meet with a few scattered ones in Abington &c. There he had some interesting meetings and organized s. B. to amount of about $18.
In New York and vicinity I found about 16 Seventh day Adventists, hungry for the word of life. My meetings were in different places. The first in Maspeth at the house of Sr. Chamberlain Friday night Jan. 15th. Several of the neighbors came in. I tried to show them the reason their neighbors kept the Seventh-day, good attention was given. On Sabbath had meeting in Williamsburg L. I. and on Sunday at Brooklyn. We had quite a comfortable congregation on Sunday who gave good attention. In the afternoon spoke on the Christian's Hope, a funeral discourse for the child of Bro. Czechowski. We were much encouraged at the result of our meeting in N. Y. as the church seemed to take new courage. While here we organized s. B. amounting to upwards of $80 per year.
Thursday Jan. 21st, came on to Peacedale, R. I. where I met Bro. Pierce again, and we joined Bro. Cornell in his meeting there, tarried over Sabbath and first-day. The congregations were larger than the house could hold. Several have already embraced the truth there, and judging from the way they took books and subscribed for the Review, they seemed determined to know about these things. Bro. Cornell stated that over 30 had subscribed for the Review. May the Lord speed on the work there. To-day we came on to this place where we remain till to-morrow.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Providence, R. I. Jan. 26th, 1864.
Sunday Battles.
By Editor
The New York Observer maintains that Sunday battles have generally proved disastrous to the attacking party. It says:
"The late siege of Knoxville by the forces of Longstreet, on which the fate of East Tennessee hanged, culminated in a Sunday assault on the beleaguered city with the usual result. The rebels were repulsed on all sides with severe loss, and took to their heels without delay, the re-inforcements under Sherman having reached the scene of strife.
"We should like to publish an accurate list of the Sunday battles, of our civil war, with the issue of each justly stated. It is our belief that such a record would demonstrate the fatality of military men who desecrate the Lord's Day by needless engagements, and would go far to deter every prudent commander from imperilling his cause by braving the Word and Providence of God. Will some historian collate the facts?"
Ans. Yes, we will; for it does not require any very extensive reading of history to learn that, in reference to battles, there is no distinction between Sunday and the other secular days of the week. This is proved by the following engagements, in which the attacking parties were victorious, notwithstanding it was on Sunday. The battle of Monmouth, N. J. June 28, 1778. The capture of Fort Erie, by Scott and Ripley, July 3, 1814. A naval engagement between the Dominica and Decatur, Aug. 15, 1813. The battle of Cerro Gordo, in the late Mexican war, Apr. 18, 1847. The battle of Chapultepec, Sept. 12, 1847. Each of these dates falls on Sunday, and in each instance the party who made the attack was victorious. How far this list might be extended we do not know. It is fair however to presume, if so many instances can be readily produced on a casual search, that history will show Sunday victories, as often as Sunday defeats, on the part of the assailants. It would no doubt be a pleasing thing for the advocates of Sunday sacredness, could they array the dealings of Providence on their side of the question; but in their efforts to establish that superstitious bugbear, they make the ludicrous mistake of having Providence attest the sacredness of the wrong day!
Self-Denial in Obedience
He that consults flesh and blood will never perform acceptable obedience: "Deny thyself."
The Bible against Modern Spiritualism.
By J. B. Frisbie
A RIGHT understanding of the Scriptures is the only safeguard against modern Spiritualism.
The Bible teaches on the one hand that "the dead know not anything;" that "in that very day (when they die) their thoughts perish." Eccl. ix, 4-6; Ps. cxlvi, 4. On the other hand, it teaches that "the spirits of devils, working miracles, are to go forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Rev. xvi, 14. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. 1 Tim. iv, 1; 2 Thess. ii, 9-13. We know that many suppose that the Bible teaches the immortality of the soul. But in vain will they look for it in that inspired book. It is not there!
There is but one source of immortality to be traced in the Bible, which is as follows: God only hath it; 186Tim. vi, 16. Christ brought it to light in the gospel; 2 Tim. i, 10. It is to be sought for; Rom. ii, 7. And to be put on in the resurrection of the saints; 1 Cor. xv, 53-54.
There is no testimony to be found in the Bible that there is any reward, knowledge, happiness or misery of departed spirits between death and the resurrection.
Those texts generally brought to prove that point are barely inferential.
We believe with Spiritualists that the communications they receive are from intelligent, unseen spirits. But we disagree in this one fact: while they believe it is the departed spirits of the dead, we believe it to be evil angels that have sinned and fallen from Heaven. God's angels are under commandments; Ps. ciii, 20. Sin is the transgression of the law; 1 John iii, 4. God spared not the angels that sinned; 2 Pet. ii, 4. The Devil and his angels were cast out of Heaven to the earth; Rev. xii, 7-9. Jesus said, I behold Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. He never could have fallen from Heaven if he was never there.
God gave directions to his ancient Israel, saying, Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God; Lev. xix, 31. So Saul, the king of Israel, died for his transgression against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not; and also, for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; and inquired not of the Lord, therefore he slew him, &c.; 1 Chron. x, 13-14. Then inquiring of those spirits in old times was not inquiring of the Lord, notwithstanding the spirit professed to be the prophet Samuel. It was called, also, the abomination of the heathen; Deut. xviii, 9-14. For this cause, God had those heathen destroyed out of the land.
Whether modern Spiritualism is any better than ancient Spiritualism may be seen when we try them by the law and the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them; Isa. viii, 19-20. We have tried them and proved them liars, as of old; John viii, 44.
J. B. FrisbiE.
Make Home Pleasant.
By J. C.
It is said that a small leak will sink a ship, and it is also said that a small error may lead to apostasy.
There is a very common besetment with more than one professor of religion. It is this: fretfulness and irritability at home. How many a professor is polite and affable in his business relations with his acquaintance, and is highly esteemed for probity and truth, who would scorn to speak a harsh word to a customer, or friend or neighbor, yet will return to his home, (the very place which should feel the best and kindest influence) in a fretful disconsolate mood, and even if he let no harsh word escape his lips, how little pains does he take to render those committed by providence to his care happy and free. Many a man, many a woman, otherwise exemplary, does thus render home a place of misery and sorrow.
Let no one think I am here hitting a tender point with feelings of rancor, or that I am throwing an arrow at any individual in particular. No, there are more than one or two or three at fault. Alas it is too common!
How seldom do we find among the world a truly happy family. Indeed it is considered by many, a thing impossible for true happiness to exist in any circle of friends or relatives. All that purports to be happiness they affirm to be pretence, and such is the unhappiness of families in general, that it is no wonder that men accustomed to such scenes as are witnessed in unhappy families, should almost doubt the reality of that genuine happiness which exists in those families where the social relations are understood and their laws obeyed.
The man who feels that he must have the best of feelings and emotions as he enters upon some post of responsibility, who feels that he must be prepared for his business, as he leaves his home, and seeks the prayers of all, we know will succeed. Why? Because that such an individual will be always on his guard, and anxious to fulfill his engagements.
But on the contrary how different the case with most, as they enter their homes: the restraint which the presence of others had laid upon them is thrown off: the dignity of office, the politeness of the accomplished salesman, the affability of the literary gentleman, is all laid aside, and little bickerings, cruel jests and innuendoes, or the harsh rough tone, or profane retort, make the inmates of many a home weary of life.
But is not home a place where one may be free to speak? May not one lay off the outside gloss of life, and act naturally? Must one always be tied down to rules?
I reply: This article is written for those who profess to make it their study and labor to bring nature up to rejoice in law, and not law to be leveled down to corrupt nature.
It is the nature of the ape to grin and trifle: it is the nature of the lion to roar and seek for prey; and if it is a man's or woman's nature to make home unhappy, if by an indulgence of a natural trait, a friend is wounded, either change that nature, or admit that such is the incurable nature of the besetment, that like the spots of the leopard it is unchangeable.
But what shall be done? I reply if you are a worldling and remain so, I have no advice to give: but if a Christian, if you aspire to immortality, make a strenuous persevering continued effort, to be as exemplary in your family, as you would be in the court of the czar of Russia.
Here let your virtues shine out in all their beauty. Get the love and esteem of your household. You can do it! Would you like to have the tears of affection shed upon your bier? Hearken; for love cannot be begotten in bitterness. J. C.
Labors in N. Y. and Pa.
By N. Fuller
BRO. WHITE: After leaving the N. Y. State Conference, I gave eight lectures at East Genoa. There was some interest. The Methodists opened their meeting house, and we held two of the last meetings in it. The evenings were dark, and there came a heavy storm which broke up the meetings, and I decided to wait for sleighing before continuing them longer. I next visited the church in Catlin. We had some good meetings. This church is coming up. The Lord is blessing them. They are getting a deep heart work in the truth. On my way from this place, I was quite sick—threatened with lung fever; but in answer to prayer, by the blessing of God I soon recovered.
The first Sabbath in December I attended quarterly meeting in Ulysses, Pa. The Lord blessed us at this meeting. We sat together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Second Sabbath, attended the monthly meeting in Willing, Alleghany county, N. Y. The Lord met us there. We felt the melting, refining power of the truth settling deep into our hearts. Backsliders came back, pleading for mercy, and cold hearts received new courage and zeal in the cause of Christ.
The last of December and first days of January, I held a few meetings at Roulette, Pa. There were some souls in that place who were inquiring, as Pilate did, what is truth? Books went off fast. Three dollars' worth were taken in one evening. I intend to hold some more meetings in that place soon. It was necessary for me to attend the monthly meeting at Nile settlement, N. Y., second Sabbath and first-day in January. This meeting was one of deep interest. The spirit of God came upon us like dew upon the mown grass. We felt of a truth that they that wait upon the Lord do renew their strength. Bro. Robert Voorhees united with us at that meeting. He has been a soldier of the cross for many years, and we would that we might have more such to fill up the ranks of present truth.
I went next to Wheeler, Steuben county, N. Y., and held several meetings with the few scattered brethren in that vicinity. We held our meetings at first at the house of Bro. J. W. Raymond. The second evening the house was filled to overflowing. The people gave good attention. The 17th we organized a church of twelve members. They are living members. Their s. b. fund is $71 30. They adopted the plan, not a plan.
I preached several times in a school-house where Bro. Raymond has been holding meetings. The interest was good. Bro. J. W. Raymond was ordained elder of the church. There seems to be some interest where he has been holding meetings. One has commenced to keep the Sabbath. May the Lord bless the little church in Wheeler, and add to their numbers such as shall be saved.
I am now four miles from Wellsville, in a place called Voorhees' neighborhood. Have given five discourses. Yesterday the Spirit came upon us in power. The congregation was melted down. Six came out, decided to keep all the commandments of God. Individuals are doing what they can against the truth by keeping away and keeping others away; but the influence of the truth is powerful. I expect to see a good work done here. Men may run away from the law of God here, but they will have to meet it in the Judgment; and there it will take vengeance upon them if they do not yield obedience to its claims here.
May the Lord speed on the work of the third angel's message, and fit up a people to meet him at his coming, that shall be found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
N. FULLER.
Wellsville, N. Y.
The Cause in Vt.
By D. T. Bourdeau; A. C. Bourdeau
BRO. WHITE: It is with pleasure, and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, that we would inform the brethren and sisters that the cause is still onward in this section. Our meetings on the Sabbath are interesting, and the Lord is adding weekly to the church such as shall be saved. Ten or more have committed themselves on the truth since the conference, and others are on the point of deciding. God grant that they may decide for the truth.
Sabbath, Jan. 26th, we attended a quarterly meeting at East Richford, and enjoyed freedom in speaking the truth. We were happy to see Bro. Stone, and to hear him speak to edification and comfort. Three were added to the church, and the figures on S. B. were raised from $19,24, to $67,06.
Last Sabbath, we attended a quarterly meeting in this place. God gave liberty to his servants in preaching the word, and to the brethren and sisters in backing up the truths spoken. Thirty-eight testimonies were given in twenty minutes. Several were deprived of the privilege of speaking because of other duties to be attended to. Four were baptized, and five united with the church. Others will unite soon. At our business meeting the brethren and sisters came up promptly and cheerfully to the figures on S. B.
Our Sabbath meeting was held in a school-house, which was filled with Sabbath-keepers. Our meetings are so large that it is not convenient to hold them in private houses or in school-houses. At our business meeting the church decided to build a meeting-house as soon as possible. A committee of five were appointed to take charge of the enterprise. The house will be 35x45. It is expected that all the friends of the cause in this county who are interested in the present work, and who meet with us to worship, will deem it a privilege to help in this enterprise. For light on our duty let us look at the example of God's ancient people and read Testimony to the church No. 5.
To-day we start for Eaton, C. E. where we intend to spend next Sabbath and first-day. Brethren, pray for us.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
West Enosburgh, Vt. Jan. 26, 1864.
Bad Use of the Bible.
By W. S. Foote
Not long since I saw a woman beat one of her children over the head with a small Bible, for some slight fault, and the thought immediately suggested itself that her rod was a good one, provided she would only use it the right way.
But there is another way of using it, which is, if possible, even worse. By referring to the N. Y. Tribune of Oct. 31, there may be found a speech by H. W. Beecher, delivered at Manchester, England, before an audience of thousands, where he remarked that "When Moses wrote his laws, delivered by the Highest, he wrote them on tables of stone." It reads very different in Exodus xxxi, 18: "And he gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God."
A smaller man than Mr. B., in course of a funeral sermon, delivered in our neighborhood, said, "Man is a supernatural being, walking upon the face of the earth, and, as the Bible says, he was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, &c." Some of his audience might think that they understood him, but I could not. Some one has said, that if by "the foolishness of preaching," mentioned in 1 Cor. i, 21, the apostle meant foolish preaching, the world ought to have been converted long ago. There is such a place as "the city of confusion," which is soon to be destroyed.
W. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O.
The Truth in California.
Bro. M. G. Kellogg writes from San Francisco, Cal.: Although my faith has never wavered and although I never have had any doubts about the truthfulness of the position taken by the Seventh-day Adventists, yet at many times my works have not been in harmony with the truth; for I have not been fully sanctified through it. The past I have to regret. During the past summer, I have labored to advance the cause of present truth, first by talking the truth, and then backing it up by the word of the Lord, and by your publications; and lastly by endeavoring to bear another kind of testimony for the truth, and that is by living it out and showing that it has an effect upon my life, and that I square my actions by it.
And while endeavoring to do this, the good Shepherd has been pleased to bless my effort. A few have been led to see and receive the truth. Four sisters in the Baptist church, and one in the Disciple church have received the Sabbath fully, and are keeping it. Bro. Hopkins of the Crisis is also keeping the Sabbath, and a brother Earl and his wife. There are four others that tell me they have received the Sabbath truth and are keeping it. We number now twelve that are fully established in the Sabbath and the soon coming of our Saviour. There are several others who are interested and believe the truth in part. We have prayer and conference meetings every Sabbath and Bible class at commencement of Sabbath. When I look at the present summer and compare it with the previous four years that I have been in California, I feel to thank God and take courage. The books and publications I find are the silent preachers through whom God sees fit to work, and therefore I send for more of them. I send two new names for the Review.
Peace in Obedience to God's Commands
By W. Cheever
Bro. W. Cheever writes from Marietta, Wis. : It is about one year since I and my companion embraced the Advent faith, and I can say that I never enjoyed myself better in mind than I do now, although I meet with troubles and trials as I try to press onward in the pathway of duty. I try to live in obedience to God's commands and I never have had such great peace as I have had since I embraced the Advent doctrine. I believe it is the truth. I do not pretend to say that others of a different faith that serve God with honest hearts and have sufficient faith and love toward him, will not be saved. But I think after knowing the truth, then to not obey it, is to cast ourselves into outer darkness where we shall share the fate of the wicked.
We are commanded to search the Scriptures, to be fully persuaded in our own minds what is truth. How few there are that search the Bible for the truth, unprejudiced, asking God to guide into all truth. The way is so plain that none need err. Fear God and keep his commandments which is the whole duty of man. We should serve God through love, fearing lest we should offend him. We should have enough fear commingled with love to make us obey him. That by all means our duty should be performed with great love and pure delight toward him; because he so loved us that he gave his only begotten Son that we through him might have eternal life.
I have had great peace of mind in making the change from the first-day sabbath instituted by man, to the seventh-day Sabbath instituted by God, observed and reverenced by his Son and the apostles. I am greatly blessed in so doing.
R. W. REED
By R. W. Reed
From Bro. Reed.
My location for the present is in the Chippewa valley, Wis., in a cold region where the mercury freezes. About one year ago, Bro. Ingraham came to this place and gave several lectures. He presented the Bible evidences in favor of the Sabbath of the ten commandments. I saw the light and confessed, and embraced it. I had never before heard a lecture on this subject, nor had I ever investigated it, but allowed myself to believe that there was no particular importance attached to the subject. But I learned my mistake when I saw the relation that the Sabbath sustained to the law of God—its position as an everlasting memorial of the great work of creation, and its peculiar sacredness, not only on account of its being of divine appointment, but that the Author himself observed it as a day of rest, setting us an example that we should remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.
The next subject that claimed my attention was the immortality of the soul. I can but blush when I think of my former ignorance on this subject. I had investigated this question to some extent in past years, and found myself in some difficulty with certain texts of Scripture, as Romans ii, 7, where we are instructed to seek for immortality; also, 1 Cor. xv, 18, 19, where, independent of the resurrection, hope is confined to this life, and a miserable one at that; also, 1 Tim. vi, 16, where we are told that God only hath immortality; and Ps. vi, 6, where David declares that in death there is no remembrance of God. Now, my conclusion was that memory was a faculty of the soul, and of course was immortal; but if in death there was no remembrance of God, then this faculty of the immortal soul was dead. I used to read with some perplexity Eccl. ix, 5, 6, where Solomon tells us that the dead know not anything; but I tried to believe that the dead knew more than the living; that is, that the soul, which was87the great fountain of knowledge, combining the faculties of love, hatred, envy, &c., were at death brought into a full exercise and perfection. But Solomon would tell me they were all perished. Knowledge, love, hatred and envy, all alike are consigned to the grave. Then whither went my immortal soul? and what were its constituent powers? No knowledge, no love, no hatred, no envy. What is it, and where is it? If in Heaven it cannot love God, for it has no knowledge of him. If in hell it cannot hate him, for the power to hate is perished. Sad dilemma I was in. I often thought I should have to yield the point, but this was an idol that I had paid homage to for a long time, and that all the world worshiped. And I am satisfied now that I had more will than evidence in its favor. But as God ordered it in his good providence, when Bro. Ingraham presented in clear light the Bible evidences of man's natural mortality, my foundation gave way, and my superstructure fell; and I fell on to a rock which broke me off forever from that old tradition. Thank God for the light.
Another subject that used to trouble me considerably was the final doom of the wicked. Eld. Blain's nondescript dictionary, which he charges upon modern theology, I could not adopt; viz., That to be dead meant to be more conscious; to die, is to live on in woe; to lose life, is to preserve a miserable existence; life means happiness; to burn up, is to make a living salamander; to destroy, is to preserve whole; to devour, perish, consume, &c., mean to make indestructible and immortal; not to be, is to be without end. And yet, I regard this now as no misrepresentation of the modern method of interpreting the Scriptures. My mind was never fully settled on this question until I saw it in the light in which it is now held by Seventh-day Adventists.
There are more than one hundred texts in the Bible that declare that the wicked shall die, be destroyed, perish, go to perdition, be consumed, devoured, slain, come to an end, be rooted out, cut off, burned up, and be as though they had never been. Now all these texts must be defined by the nondescript dictionary, while the eight or nine claimed by the sticklers for endless misery are to be interpreted literally! The wicked are compared to tares, chaff, and other combustible and destructible materials, which would be utterly subversive of the idea of an eternally perpetuated existence in consuming fire. May God save us from the punishment of everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power.
Our little church is holding on by faith, looking for the blessed hope. We keep up a meeting every Sabbath, and I preach once in two weeks on first-day evenings. One of our brethren was drafted, but he paid the three hundred dollars rather than take the sword. One more has lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. The opposition that we meet here is very feeble, especially from the pulpit. We only get a little ridicule occasionally, such as "mad heads paddling in dirty water," "preaching about horns," and "prying into mysteries," &c. What is all this, when the magnitude of our work is considered?
R. W. REED
Durand, Pepin Co., Wis.
Note from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. White: We visited Wright the 22d inst., to attend the funeral, as per obituary notice. After this we held four meetings with the church and people there on Sabbath and first-day. The people here have an ear to hear about the present truth, and with some few exceptions, the church is struggling to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.
Spent January 25 to 27 in Byron Center. Sr. Campbell had been very sick, but is recovering. A few Sabbath-keepers there are trying to hold on their way and overcome the wicked one. A Disciple preacher, by the name of Wheeler, had just been teaching the people there that God's law and Sabbath were abolished at the crucifixion, and the Old Testament was done away, and we had nothing to do with it. Perhaps Mr. W. had not yet read in the New Testament testimony like the following: "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail;" Luke xvi, 17. "And he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead;" verse 31. "For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me; but if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words;" John v, 46, 47.
Joseph Bates.
Monterey, Jan. 28, 1864.
Lines
By V. O. Edson
On the death of Sr. R. A. Sperry, wife of the late Eld. C. W. Sperry.
AGAIN we bow to death's decree
And trembling yield to his embrace,
Our sister dear; oh! can it be,
That we no more shall see her face?
No more can hear her gentle voice,
Poured forth in tones of earnest prayer;
And in the social circle too,
Is now her place left vacant there?
Yes she is gone, her work is done;
She sweetly sleeps in Jesus' name,
Each conflict past each victory won,
She rests forever, free from pain.
Devoted to the cause of truth,
Its joys and interests were her own,
And with the husband of her youth,
She labored till their work was done.
But now their work has ceased below,
And side by side they sweetly rest,
No more earth's sorrows will they know;
Nor be by Satan's power oppressed.
May Heaven bless the orphan one,
And hear his mother's dying prayer
That God would bless her only son,
And for a home in Heaven prepare.
We pause to drop the falling tear,
While here our loss we deeply feel;
But hope, the mourning heart doth cheer,
Affords a balm the wound to heal.
Not long can death his captives hold
In the dark portals of the tomb,
The morn of glory will behold,
The Saviour call them from its gloom.
Obedient to his call they come,
Immortal from their dusty beds,
Then hear the welcome voice, Come home,
And dwell with Christ your living head.
Then may we meet in that bright land,
Which knows no sorrow death nor pain,
No more to take the parting hand,
With those we there shall meet again.
V. O. EDSON.
Palermo, Oswego Co. N. Y.
Letters.
“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. Then they, says the prophet, that feared the Lord spake often one to another. We believe emphatically that we are living in that time. Therefore 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. Let this department be well filled with lively testimonies of the goodness of God, and the value of his truth.
From Bro. Shireman.
BRO. WHITE : Our quarterly meeting has closed. We had a very good time. Brethren and sisters were here from Waukon. We thank the Lord that they were permitted to come down here. We feel much strengthened by it. May the Lord help us to appreciate such blessings, and to remember those dear brethren and sisters.
Bro. Brinkerhoff was here and spoke to us five times—besides which, we had social meetings. We all felt to praise the Lord for the privilege of hearing him. We think the church in this place are all striving to keep the commandment of God and the faith of Jesus. We hope it will not be long before we can have more preaching. I believe it would do much good. A few are interested. Yours in love,
D. T. SHIREMAN.
West Union, Iowa.
Obituary Notices.
DIED in Williamsburg, N. Y. Jan. 10, 1864, of diphtheria, Leon Oxa, son of M. B. Czechowski aged five months.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
DIED in Wright, Ottawa county, Mich., Jan. 19, 1864, Cynthia, only daughter of Bro. and Sr. E. H. Root, aged about five years. She was suddenly seized with the diphtheria, and died in about one week.
It is very consoling to the bereaved and sorrowing parents to remember how obedient their little daughter had been, and the deep interest she manifested to be in her class in the Sabbath-school, and how she loved to talk about heavenly things, and how she would love to go and be with the angels of God. Funeral service was held in the meeting-house on Thursday, Jan. 22.
FELL asleep, Jan. 23, 1864, of congestion of the liver, in Bunker Hill, Mich., Eld. Manning Curry, aged 48 years, 9 months and 7 days.
By his request before his death, I was sent for to attend his funeral. We attended the services in a large school-house, crowded with attentive hearers, on first-day, in the afternoon; and spoke from the question: "If a man die, shall he live again?" Job xiv, 14.
Bro. Van Horn was here and assisted in the services.
Bro. Curry commenced anew to keep the Sabbath one year ago last July. He gave up his "Age to come" entirely, which had blinded his mind to the importance of present truth. He made every effort to get his heart right after he saw the truth plainly. He regretted his loss of time, in which he might have done much good had he seen the light clearly, when he first embraced the Sabbath, some years ago. But he died in peace and hope. He leaves a companion who loves the truth, and four children, to mourn his loss.
J. B. FRISBIE.
World's Crisis please copy, by request of Sr. Curry.
E. W. DARLING
By E. W. Darling
From Bro. Darling.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS : With feelings of gratitude to my heavenly Father, I would make mention of his goodness, long forbearance, and mercies toward me. Many times have I gone astray from his precepts, yet he has punished me less than my iniquities deserved. From the first marked incident in memory's record of my life to the present time, I can see how he has cleared my path of dangers, providing for my wants, and striving by his Spirit to lead me in wisdom's ways. When I walked contrary to him, he did not forsake me, but still called after me, still desiring me to turn and live. Not among the least of his favors I count the turning of my heart to the present truth. That the Lord should thus notice and care for one so unworthy, is to me a mark of his great mercy and goodness. I long to get rid of sin—I long to love him with a perfect heart.
It is my desire to see the cause of God advance, east and west. More especially do I desire to see his work move forward in Minnesota; for I trust the Lord has not cast us off, but will yet do a work here that will make our hearts to rejoice. During the past summer there has been a heavy emigration to this State, which will doubtless be resumed next spring. The western counties are fast filling up with intelligent citizens. Minnesota may yet be an important field for labor.
A late removal has again deprived us of the society of Sabbath-keepers, but we still love God's people and his truth, though by his providence we have stood for the most part alone since we commenced keeping the Sabbath. I cannot believe with the S. D Baptists that our power consists in concentrating our numbers; but I rather believe that God designs that his people should be scattered throughout the world; and may he help us so to live the principles of our holy religion that others may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned his ways.
E. W. DARLING
Freeborn Co., Minn.
Encouragement in the Third Angel's Message
By M. M. Nelson
From Sister Nelson.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: I am often cheered and encouraged by reading your testimonies in our excellent paper, and thought that, inasmuch as the Lord is so good to me, it was my duty to try to comfort and encourage you in return. I am alone with my two children in keeping the commandments of God and faith of Jesus; but oh, how good the Lord is to one so unworthy. My heart is filled to overflowing with a sense of his goodness and love to-day; and as we read in his holy word, that "whoso offereth praise glorifieth him," I will try to glorify him with my body and spirit, which are his. Dear brethren and sisters, I believe it is our privilege to lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing our redemption draweth nigh. Yes, Jesus is coming to redeem his people and give unto them eternal life. Oh, glorious thought! Is it not enough to make people rejoice that we shall soon behold him whom our soul loveth, and be made like him; that these poor, vile bodies shall be changed and be made like unto his most glorious body? Oh, the depth of his love! how unsearchable is his wisdom! and his ways past finding out.
I still love the truths of the third angel's message, and most earnestly desire to be sanctified through them, that I may be made meet for the Master's use. I hope ere long it will swell to a loud cry, when the earth will be lightened with its glory, and the 144,000 will be sealed and prepared to meet their Lord. Let us work while the day lasts.
M. M. NELSON.
Green Lake, Wis.
H. W. LAWRENCE
By H. W. Lawrence
From Bro. Lawrence.
BRO. WHITE: I wish to say that my interest is still with the cause of present truth. Since the Conference at Adams' Center, I have shared with the brethren in their regular meetings, until the last one at Norfolk, from which sickness detained me.
I would add that Bro. C. O. Taylor has paid a visit to the churches in Northern New York, "strengthening the things that remain." Although something has been gained in this section, much remains to be done for us before we are fully prepared to answer our responsibility to God with reference to all the work of the third angel's message.
I long to see the time when all will realize how much depends upon individuals, as such, in order to have the church the light of the world, and its members all lively stones in the spiritual building. Brethren, let us all awake and finish our work much better than we have done in times past, while lukewarm and discouraged. I am much encouraged for those who struggle now. Help will come to them, while the careless are left to sink in their weakness. May I share in the prayers of the faithful, and with them overcome.