WEDNESDAY and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30, we met with the church at Greenbush. Unexpectedly Bro. Lawrence came in with me. The little company of believers here are all firm in the truth, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. We had a very pleasant and profitable time with them.
Dec. 2 and 3, we met with the church at Ithaca. They are building a meeting-house, which, however, was not quite finished. I believe that it is 36x52. It is a plain, but good, substantial house. It will cost them about $1,700 when finished. It is the first meeting-house ever built in the county. The brethren have manifested much commendable zeal in erecting this house. They greatly desired that Bro. White should dedicate it; but of course this is not expected now. The people still manifest a good interest to hear the truth. Our meeting with this church was a very pleasant one to us, and we think a profitable one to them. They were encouraged by having two more start to serve the Lord. One was received into the church by letter. There are many strong, working members in this church. May God bless and increase them.
Dec. 9-13 we were with the church at Alma. This church was founded under very discouraging circumstances; but contrary to all our expectations, it has steadily grown in piety, zeal, and numbers, till it now carries the leading influence in the place. Sabbath is quite a quiet day in the little village of Alma, while Sunday is a thoroughly business day. We have had some good meetings here, long to be remembered. The Brn. and sisters express a mind to take hold with renewed energy, while several made a start for the first time to serve the Lord. Dec. 13, six were baptized. These, with ten more who are keeping the Sabbath, making sixteen in all, were received into the church. This was an encouraging day for the church at Alma.
Systematic Benevolence was re-organized for 1866 to the amount of $390. Probably this will be raised to about $400, by Brn. who were not then present. We think that the Brn. and sisters have done liberally. May God bless them in proportion. They also propose to build a good meeting-house next summer.
This is a new and rapidly growing county. It has a rich soil, heavy timber, and is well watered. Brn. Gargett and Hulbert are the most thorough, extensive, and enterprising business men in the county. Here is a good place for our Brn. who wish to go into business of any kind. Good shoe-makers, carpenters, black-smiths, harness-makers, cabinet-makers, &c., &c., will find a welcome reception here by the Brn., with a good opportunity to prosecute their several vocations. But idle, lazy, shiftless, and disorderly Sabbath-keepers are not wanted. For further information address James Gargett, Alma, Gratiot Co., Mich.
Dec. 16 and 17, we were with the church at Seville. Here the enemy was at work. With soft and flattering words he had sought to draw the Brn. from the truth. Most stood firm, but three or four were nearly caught in the snare of the Devil. For this we were much grieved. But by again listening to the evidences of our faith, they were most, if not all of them, firmly established in the present truth. Said one good old sister, "In the future, if I live, I shall live a Sabbath-keeper; if I die, I die one." We think that they will not be easily deceived again. Several substantial persons who had not before embraced the truth, now expressed themselves as fully satisfied, and took a decided stand to keep the Sabbath. The Lord was manifestly with us here in all our meetings. We left the brethren much encouraged to press on. Our three week's visit in this county, has been an encouraging one to all. Some have been added to the church in each place. Many others are interested and even keeping the Sabbath. These we hope soon to see in the truth fully. The truth is bound to triumph in this county. Bro. L. stays here a few days longer. Brn. and sisters, remember your Sabbath meetings, and let every one be in his place. Heb. x, 25.
D. M. Canright.
He Had to Leave It.
A RICH man died. Success had crowned his unwearied efforts and it was well known that a large fortune was the result of a life spent in the accumulation of earthly goods. He died in the morning, soon after the sun had risen, and all through the day that followed, men were commenting on the event: "He died rich." "He amassed a handsome fortune." "He was successful in business." "He left a large property," said one, who was himself increased in goods. The reply of a poor man standing near, yet one rich in faith, seemed for the instant to startle him out of his own worldly infatuation, "Yes, he had to!"
Men may heap to themselves the wealth of worlds, and gather about them all earthly riches, but they must all come shoulder to shoulder in the march of life; lay down their armor, their burdens, and their treasures at the tomb's door, and together enter in to explore the mysteries of that unseen state, within whose dark shadows so many have before them entered.
There is but one thing a man can carry with him through the darkness of death. A hope of Heaven through the atoning blood of Jesus is the priceless treasure of which the grave can not rob the soul, for it is not of the earth, earthly, but a heavenly inheritance.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
NOVEMBER 13 to 29, we continued meetings in this place, and the Lord has been good to us. He has commenced a work of grace in our hearts, and given us faith for brighter visions. We have had refreshing seasons meeting together, especially on the Sabbath.
November 30, I started for Deerfield Quarterly Meeting. Went forty miles and arrived there Sabbath eve. Was disappointed in not meeting Bro. Pierce. We had a good meeting in spite of dark forebodings and prolonged business sessions. The Lord was with us and we enjoyed his blessing and presence. I was happy to become acquainted with Bro. Allen, and all the brethren and sisters. We had a solemn and refreshing season attending the ordinances of the house of God. Brethren, press together. Heed the warnings of the faithful Witness. Live up to the principles of the faith of Jesus. Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then the cunning powers of darkness will in vain rise up against you. Their plans and attempts to overthrow will be detected and destroyed. Hear the good Shepherd's voice and follow him. In him and him only can we be strong. He is "the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle."
Returned Dec. 5, and now labor again in this place, preaching and visiting as I find occasion. Fifteen have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are expected soon to join. We have commenced a Bible class, and have regular meetings on the Sabbath and weekly prayer-meetings. We have good reason to believe that those who have commenced will be firm and continue steadfast. May the Lord himself lead on and glorify his holy name.
JOHN MATTESON.
Clark's Grove, Freeborn Co., Minn.
Governor Brownlow on the Situation
GOVERNOR BROWNLOW ON THE SITUATION.—Governor Brownlow of Tennessee, in a late letter, says the entire State of Tennessee abounds with thieves and robbers, who would murder a man for his watch, or a five dollar bill. He has no faith in the rebel professions of loyalty; thinks the war ended at least two years too soon for the good of the country; and adjures the Republican majority not to admit to Congress indiscriminately the representatives from the lately rebellious States. Those States, he maintains, will not elect loyal men to Congress, nor can loyal men be elected governors to them. He believes that the political leaders there have not abandoned their idea of a separate confederacy, and that they are now reorganizing to make another effort at rebellion.
"Cling to the Crucified."
His death is life to thee—
Life for eternity;
His pains thy pardon seal,
His stripes thy bruises heal;
His cross proclaims thy peace,
Bids every sorrow cease;
His blood is all to thee;
It purges thee from sin,
It sets thy spirit free,
It keeps thy conscience clean.
"Cling to the Crucified."
Letters.
By Editor
"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.
Striving to Overcome
By John A. Eldred
From Bro. Eldred.
BRO. WHITE: I still am striving to live near to God' that he may be near to me. My desire is to be an overcomer. I expect that the once-despised Saviour will soon come and claim his despised children. I believe that the time is short, and that we must be up and doing, having on the whole armor, that we may be able to stand in the evil day.
The pathway that lies before the remnant is truly a narrow and rugged one, and were it not that Israel's God is able to save and to deliver even to the uttermost, our hearts would indeed fail us as we view the great storm that is coming on this sin-cursed earth. Although we may be called to pass through deep tribulations, and the world cast out our names, and scoff because we believe that Jesus is soon coming to take his faithful waiting ones home, yet let us ever remember that Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
I feel truly to praise Him for his long suffering in sparing me until I saw the light of the third angel's message. I love the precious truth and wish all could see it; but this I cannot expect; for the time has come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but choose to go in the broad road while few go in the narrow way.
Let us strive to be of that little company that will be permitted to meet in that kingdom where there will be no war nor blood shed, no sorrow nor dying groans but where the redeemed will be, and sorrow and sighing flee away. I want to be ready when Jesus comes. I cannot think of staying back in the city of destruction. I want an inheritance with the saints of God in the earth made new.
Yours waiting for Jesus. JOHN A. ELDRED.
Victor, N. Y., Dec., 1865.
Standing With God’s Remnant
Bro. G. M. Tomlinson writes from Marion, Linn Co., Iowa. The glorious truth of the first, second, and third angels' messages, look good and encouraging to me. We are truly living down near the coming of Jesus. I still believe that God is with the remnant people, that he has used in bringing out the saving truths that are to prepare a people to stand on Mt. Zion without spot and blameless. My sympathies are with those who have been bearing the heat and burden of the day; and I would say to my brethren, Let us try to live up to the glorious truths that we profess. There are a few in this place who are in union with the body, and I feel near to them in the time of trials which they are passing through. I am determined to strive to overcome and stand with God's remnant people on Mt. Zion.
This Week's Review.
By Editor
We open our columns this week with an interesting discourse from Bro. Goodrich. Why can we not have a sermon every week in the Review? It would be well if we had among us several reporters who could take discourses from the lips of the living preacher, as they utter them in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. But until this can be done, will not our preachers, as they are constantly bringing out new subjects before the people, each one occasionally write out one for the Review? In this way the paper would be furnished with interesting matter, they would secure a larger congregation than they otherwise could, and the thousands of scattered ones would get the benefit of their labors.
— The Sabbath-keeper's Calendar, giving the time of the setting of the sun at the close of each week, will be appreciated by all those who observe the seventh day, and commence it according to the Bible manner, at the setting of the sun. The computation is from the Family Christian Almanac, for 1866. The time given, is for the setting of the sun on Friday night, and marks in each instance the commencement of the Sabbath.
— We commend Bro. Aldrich's "Enabling Act" set forth in this number, to the prompt attention of all the brethren and sisters. We think it a most excellent plan. By taking one of these boxes, you get a variety of fifty-two kinds of publications. If you want a full set of publications for your own use, here you have them, besides extra copies of the more important works to circulate among your friends. Every family should have a box. Turn back to last week's Review and read again the article on circulating religious books and papers.
— The Dead Sea, a most graphic description of this wonderful monument of God's wrath. And while we remember that the cities of the plain are set forth for an example to them who should afterward live ungodly, we look about us, and see the character of Sodom and Gomorrah being rapidly reproduced in the society of the present day. Then the solemn warning of the Saviour comes to mind, "As it was in the days of Lot, even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." "Remember Lot's wife."
— Concerning Spiritualism, we need say no more than what is elsewhere given in relation to the murder in Battle Creek. In connection with that article, read "Spiritualism in Battle Creek," and let all beware of its contaminating influence. If it does not lead a person in this life to the depths of prostitution and murder, it will lead away from God and the truth, and land its victim in perdition at last.
— Bro. Canright gives us a cheering report from the cause in Gratiot Co., Mich.; also Bro. Matteson from Minn. At all these evidences of progress we have reason to be encouraged. Pray for the cause of truth and its defenders. Cease not to plead for the prosperity of Zion.
— A short paragraph, headed, "Governor Brownlow on the Situation," contains much matter for reflection in few words. He thinks the Southern leaders are organizing for another effort at rebellion. One thing is certain: all hearts and all lands are full of the spirit of confusion. There is no real peace. Through the agency of an unseen power, there is a semblance of quiet on the surface of things, but the elements of strife are all aglow beneath, ready at the proper time to burst forth into uncontrollable and unquenchable tumult and war. A little time is now given us to work for the truth in peace. Each moment is more precious than gold and pearls. Shall they be wasted? The time will come full soon, when what we have so often sung will be a living reality:
"Kingdoms now are reeling, falling,
Nations lie in woe appalling;
On their sages vainly calling,
All these wonders to explain."
Sabbath - Keepers' Calendar,
→ FOR 1866. ←
Dedication of the Norridgewock Meeting-House
By Editor
WE learn by private letter that the dedication of the new meeting-house at Norridgewock, Me., was a good season, and that the prospect in that section is encouraging. Will Bro. Cornell or Bro. Andrews give us a report for the paper.
Bible Chronology of Six Thousand Years
By Editor
Two tracts have recently alighted on our table entitled "Bible Chronology of Six Thousand Years," by E. Slager. 8 pages. What the tract was designed to prove we could by no means divine, did not the date, 1866, mysteriously appear in a diagram on the first page, from some cause not visible to the naked eye. We conclude that the writer believes that the 6000 years will end in 1866, though we can hardly look upon this tract as an effort to prove that or anything else. Chronology is not a subject which will allow us to begin anywhere and end nowhere.
To Correspondents.
By Editor
ANSWEREI by letter. J. A. Wilcox, S. T. Belden, J. B. Frisbie.
ARTICLES DECLINED. Poetry. The New Earth. The lines lack both measure and rhyme. If the writer will turn his attention to the rules of poetry, we have no doubt he will succeed.—"Bright Spots." Rhyme good, but measure imperfect and figures faulty. See remark above.—A communication from Mount City, Kansas, closes, "To be continued." We cannot commence the publication of any article till we have examined the whole of it.
ARTICLES ACCEPTED. The Age of Darkness.—Swine's Flesh.—Be in Earnest.—Will We Hear that Prophet?—Help Implored.—A Word of Admonition.—To the Toiling.—For or Against.—Largeness of the Promise.—Communication from Bro. Gurney.—Wonderful Organic Remains.—The Gospel of the Kingdom.—Sabbath or not, A. D. 45?—Presumptuous Sins.—Antichrist.—Why Tarriest Thou?
THE inquiries from a correspondent in California in regard to the saints going to Heaven at the second coming of Christ to remain for a thousand years, &c., will be answered as soon as other important matters are off our hands. Other inquiries from various parties we hope to be able to attend to soon.
The P. O. address of I. D. Cramer, is Kingsboro, Fulton Co., N. Y.
The P. O. address of Wm. Russel, is now Mauston, Juneau Co., Wis.
Appointments.
By S. B. Whitney
THE Lord willing I will be at the Monthly Meeting at Roosevelt, N. Y., Jan. 6, 7.
In Bro. Robinson's neighborhood, ‐ 13, 14.
At Mannsville, ‐ 20, 21.
At Adams' Center, (evening) ‐ 23.
At Norfolk, ‐ 27, 28.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Business Department.
By Editor
Business Notes.
D. V. Winne: Where does James Campbell receive his paper?
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
John Hall 28-7, M E Rust 27-1, Amanda Ecker 27-1, A Clark 27-14, Jacob Hamp 29-1, R J Foster 28-1, J W Blake 28-1, C W Olds 28-1, Wm Bolser 28-1, L Shellhouse 31-13, H Rois 28-1, J Ralston 28-1, N N Amway 28-14, G W Newman 28-1, Mrs. W P Squires 28-1, C W Corson 28-1, D L Daniels 28-1, N H Berry 27-19, D Crammer 28-1, Charlotte Pratt 29-1, A Knapp 29-1, Mrs. M Denison 29-1, Mrs. A Denison 29-1, J E Titus 28-1, Hiram Brinsmade 28-1, Joshua Philbrick 28-1, Wm Peabody 28-7, Mrs. J P Kellogg for Mrs. O Stanley 28-1 and Mrs. J Deland 28-1, M S Burnham for J W Newton 28-1. $1,00 each.
N G Spencer 29-1, Geo. O Dickinson 29-1, J T Freeman 29-22, M M Leach 29-1, Mrs. J Avery 29-1, A G Smith 29-1, J Allen 29-1, M B Ferree 29-5, H H Page 29-14, Wm Carthy 29-1, Margaret Owen 26-19, E D Wilch 29-1, B S Barnes 29-1, H Gregory 28-1, M Raymond 29-1, D Mellinger 27-18, J Halliday 27-14, O F Guilford 27-11, A D Love 29-1, S B McLaughlin 31-6, S Zollinger 28-20, T Johnson 29-1, Mrs. C Howard 30-1, Jesse Edson 29-1, C C Spear 27-1, John Pierce son 29-1, A C Warren 29-1, Thomas Armitage 29-1, F Hall 28-1, W H Brigham 30-1, Helen Brigham 29-1, P Alvord 28-4, Mary Moody for Charles Judson 29-1, Harvey Kenyon for A J Taft 29-1, Charles Jones for Jeremiah Shares 29-1, A P Kenyon for B M Green 29-1, Sarah A Jones for F L Howard 29-1, Geo. W Frank for H F Guest 29-1, Leonard Ross for Hiram Ross 29-1, Laura A Ross for Olive Tanner 29-1, Alfred Boyington for E S Moody 29-1, John Frank for Andrew Frank 29-1, J Rumery for Lysander Cole 29-1, Ruth D Day for Mary Spooner 29-1, John Pierce Jr. for H M McOmber 29-1, Fanny Pierce for James Smith 29-1, B J Rumery for Joseph T Lay 29-1. $2,00 each.
E P Hill 28-1, S Allchin 28-1. 50c each.
Capt. R Reid $4,00, 29-4, J T June $1,25, 27-20, C Whitaker $2,90, 30-1, W Barker $1,50, 27-24, Sarah B Chase $1,50, 27-24.
Subscriptions at the Rate of $3,00 per year.
J M Lindsay $3,00, 29-1, S Brooks $3,00, 29-1, J Dudley $3,00, 29-5, L M Gates $3,00, 29-1.
Cash Received on Account.
E S Griggs, $20,00, Alva True for I D Van Horn $2,00.
Books Sent By Mail.
Daniel Poss $1,00, J C Witter 45c, Geo. Gregory 30c, E Sanford 25c, Mrs. Julia A Dayton $2,00, Jacob Hamp 12c, P Collins 20c, B G Allen $2,10, Miss H C Hilton 60c, Emily T Clark 20c, I C Vaughan 25c, H H Cunningham 55c, S T Belden $2,20, John W Wolfe $1,50, Mary S Foster $1,50, S B McLaughlin $2,75, N W Berry 50c, Charles Lea $1,35, T L Bane Jr. 15c, Hiram Brinsmade 75c, J E Titus 50c, Wm Peabody $1,00.
Books sent by Express.
R J Foster, Coopersville, Ottawa Co., Mich., $7,00
To Pay Expenses on Draft Publications.
Samuel T Crosbie $1,00.
Gen. Conf. Missionary Fund.
Amy Ridgway $1,00, Thomas Armitage $11,00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Alma $20,00, Church at Colon $9,00.
For Bro. White.
S Drake $10,00, T Smith and family $5,00, A Friend $5,00, Church at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa $20,00, Mary Van Horn $5,00.
For Bro. Loughborough.
S Drake $5,00, E M Prentiss $1,00, D Demerest $5,00, J Demill $5,00, H Demill $2,00, Church at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa $10,00, J E Potter $2,00, D E Elmer $1,00, H Edson $5,00, J M Lindsay $5,00.