“Business is business,” “a contract is a contract.” These are sound commercial maxims, but the following incident illustrates the nature of the business Christianity which obeys the inspired injunction: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
“A merchant of New York, during the late war, made a contract with a merchant to supply him with a quantity of tin cans. Not long after this the price of tin rose so much that the contractor must lose money by completing the work at the price agreed upon. However, he said nothing, but went on delivering the cans. When the first bill for the pay of the cans was received, the employer called upon him and said:
“‘I understand you are losing money on this job.’
“‘Yes,’ replied the contractor, ‘but I can stand it; a contract is a contract, you know.’
“‘How much will you lose?’ asked the gentleman.
“‘Oh! no matter,’ was the reply; ‘I don’t complain, and you ought not to.’
“‘I insist on knowing.’
“‘Well, since you desire it, I shall lose so much a hundred,’ naming the amount.
“‘Well, sir,’ said the noble-hearted man, ‘you must not lose this—it would not be right. I shall add the amount to your bill, and, as the price of material may still rise, I will advance you the money for the whole contract, which no doubt you can now use to advantage.’
“The difference thus paid, to which the contractor had no claim, amounted to $500. That was something more than business honesty; it was Christian principle carried out in business.”
HON. AMOS LAWRENCE said, when asked for advice: “Young man, base all your actions upon a principle; preserve your integrity of character, and in doing this never reckon the cost.”
If you are angry with him who reproves your sin, you secretly confess your anger to be unjust. He that is angry with the just reprover, kindles the fire of the just avenger.
WHEN we are ready to do a thing let us do it. Let us never wait for time or tide; they never wait for us.
AN APPEAL TO THE FRIENDS OF TRUTH.
By James White; Ellen G. White
Many of you are well aware that ours is a peculiar work, and that our labors are hard and sometimes very unpleasant. In our travels we find many persons, and sometimes, as in Maine, the majority of Sabbath-keepers, poorly prepared to receive our testimony, simply because they have not read such works as Spiritual Gifts, Testimony to the Church, How to Live, Appeal to Mothers, and Appeal to Youth. Could all such on embracing the Sabbath be interested to read these works, their minds would be prepared to receive our testimony and be benefited by our labors. In Maine not more than one fourth of the families of Sabbath-keepers have a full set of the above-named books, hence our labors in that State were protracted, unpleasant and wearing.
The work to be done, in which we appeal for help at this time, is to induce all Sabbath-keepers to read these works, and inform themselves as to the things taught in them, and thus be prepared to judge as to the nature of our work. We do not now appeal to those who see no necessity of our peculiar work, therefore have no interest in it. These are the very persons who need help, and for their good we ask you, who are interested in our labors, to help us in our efforts to help this class. And in no way can you assist us so much as in circulating these books.
There is now at our office of publication in Battle Creek, and in the hands of agents, a good supply of this kind of reading, which should be put into the hands of those who have not read these works. With the united efforts of friends, and the blessing of God, this good work could be accomplished in a short time.
It is our opinion that these books should immediately be placed in the hands of all persons who have not read them, not only of those who observe the Sabbath, but those also who attend our meetings with a degree of interest to learn the truth, and offer the following reasons:
1. The present is a special time of reclaiming the backslidden in heart and life, the erring and the rebellious; and the prejudices of such against the testimonies, and against our work, form the strongest barrier between these persons and the living body of believers. Most of these persons really know nothing of what is taught in these works, and nothing can remove their prejudices and prepare them to receive our public labors so well as to read the books.
2. From the very nature of the case, considering all the circumstances, persons who do not read these books, and do not feel any special interest in the subject of Spiritual Gifts, are almost certain to receive prejudice against them, and against our work, indulge in things reproved by them, and finally fall under the influence of our enemies, and separate themselves from the body, and give up the cause.
3. It is much easier to fortify persons against heresy and rebellion than to reclaim them after they have thus fallen. And these persons in their downward course have an influence on others, and sometimes cause trials to the whole church, which calls for hard and anxious labor from the servants of God for weeks. Thus the precious time and strength of our ministers is called for, and much means is expended to remedy that which might have been prevented by the reading of the aforesaid works.
4. The greatest cause of our spiritual feebleness as a people, is the lack of real faith in Spiritual Gifts. If they all received this kind of testimony in full faith, they would put from them those things which displease God, and would everywhere stand in union and in strength. And three-fourths of the ministerial labor now expended to help the churches could then be spared to the work of raising up churches in new fields.
A general movement should be made upon this subject, in which all our people can manifest their faith and interest. And we feel sure that in a well-directed, general interest, the blessing of God would come down upon us as a people, and great vigor and strength would be given to the cause. This will require a sacrifice, one that will be accepted of the Lord.
In placing this class of reading before those who can be helped, our people can sacrifice of their means, and of their time, in searching out those destitute of these books, and in furnishing them. In this work they can show a commendable zeal and a living interest. Our ministers who labor with the churches can canvass the entire field, and assist our churches and scattered brethren in this work, in connection with their general labor.
HOW SHALL IT BE DONE?
1. Let our active ministers and brethren each obtain a good supply, and when and where practicable, in a proper manner, urge the sale of them to those who are able to purchase.
2. Let them give them to those who do not feel able to pay for them, provided they are worthy persons, who give evidence of sufficient interest to read them to profit.
If any such should not read them, or should they read them and not become interested in them, they could be gathered up and put into more worthy hands.
3. These persons can keep an account of all they give, and receive credit at the office of publication for the same at wholesale prices.
4. All our people can donate means and forward to the office more or less as they have ability and a willing heart to do, to pay the wholesale prices of those works that are judiciously distributed gratuitously. Let our ministers, elders, and deacons at once bring this matter before our people. Let subscription papers be opened for men, women and children, to donate liberally from ten cents to one hundred dollars. Let none be passed by.
And we would appeal especially to those brethren among us who are in health and in the strength of manhood, who are each adding hundreds, or perhaps thousands, to their amount of property annually. We need your liberal help in this work, and expect it. Has God blessed you with health, and has he prospered you in your fields, and almost all to which you have put your hands, then use in his cause a portion of that with which he has blessed you, and thus secure his still more abundant blessing. Go to God in prayer with this matter, and do your duty in relation to it.
Blank subscription papers will immediately be forwarded to many of you, which you are requested to circulate and obtain pledges to be paid before the General Conference in May, 1868. Collect, as far as possible, and as fast as you can, forward to the Office.
In past times we have had the pleasure of leading off in such enterprises. We can hardly be denied the privilege at this time, especially as our friends during our last twenty-weeks' tour, West and East, have been so liberal with us. God has opened their hearts and hands, and they will allow us to dedicate especially to him a portion of their liberalities to us for the above-named object.
In our future labors we design to take with us a full supply of this kind of reading matter, and place in every family interested in our faith and hope, full sets of Spiritual Gifts, and How to Live, and in the hands of every Sabbath-school scholar and youth, Appeal to Mothers, Appeal to Youth, and Sabbath Readings, either bound, pamphlet, or tract form.
Dear brethren, we shall still appeal to you to do your duty in this matter, both through the Review, in the congregations of the saints, and by your firesides. You will hear us as we speak for the Lord and his cause. Be not fearful of being too liberal. Should more be received than needed in this branch of the work, it can be used for the circulation of tracts.
Servants of the church.
JAMES WHITE,
ELLEN G. WHITE.
DAYS OF DECISION.
By the situation of some in these last days of peril, we are strongly reminded of the language of the prophet, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision.” God is at work for his people, and is reviving his cause in many places. A certain proportion of the church are coming up with zeal quickened, faith increased, hope revived, and courage strengthened. They feel an assurance that they never felt before that this is the work of the Lord. It is their delight to try to live it out in all its particulars. They are becoming rooted, grounded, settled. With bright anticipations, and firm step, such are looking heavenward, and are girding themselves for an entrance into the everlasting kingdom.
While this is the case with some, there is being developed another class, as plainly and distinctly as need be, who occupy very different ground. They are losing their interest in the truth to such a degree as to plainly affect their love for its practice, or faith in its principles. They see no light in the health reform; they do not believe in systematic benevolence. They have no faith in some of the important enterprises connected with this cause. They question the motives of those engaged in them. Their faith in the great principles of this work is giving way. They may not be aware of it, but others are; they are dying, drawing back, giving up.
How it sounds at this critical moment to hear people talk of giving up! How it makes us feel to learn of some here and there who are drawing back! We want to say to such plainly, that they are drawing back unto perdition, not believing to the saving of the soul. This language of the apostle applies to them. Perdition is before them, unless they speedily receive a new conversion to the truth. Where is their spiritual discernment! How can a person think of giving up now! Of all times, it seems to us that these are the days when we have reason to be firmest in the truth, and strongest in the Lord. And he who cannot see beauty and consistency in the truth, and in the special work of the Lord now, is fearfully open to the charge of the faithful and true Witness of being wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; and it becomes him to give immediate and earnest heed to his counsel. They lack gold; they have not faith in this work; this is their great destitution which renders them bankrupt in everything else. And we cannot see them in so dangerous a position, without raising the voice of warning. We cry unto them to arouse, or they are lost. These are days of decision. Happy are they whose faith stands the test. But woe unto them who give up now!
The following amounts were immediately subscribed by brethren present, to the foregoing object: James White, $40.00. Ellen G. White, 30.00. N. N. Lunt, 25.00. O. B. Jones, 25.00. C. Green,25.00. J. P. Kellogg, 20.00. D. Carpenter, 15.00. R. G. Lockwood, 15.00. A. C. Smith, 15.00. J. N. Andrews, 10.00. J. N. Loughborough, 10.00. J. M. Aldrich 10.00. John G. Whipple, 10.00. Gardner K. Owen, 10.00. Andrew Graham, 10.00. S. W. Rhodes, 10.00. R. Godsmark, 10.00. H. S. Woolsey 5.00. Mary House, 5.00. E. S. Walker, 5.00. E. G. Stevenson, 5.00. E. B. Stevenson, 5.00. Aurora Lockwood, 5.00. J. Taber, 5.00. Mrs. L. S. Carpenter, 5.00. S. S. Smith, 5.00. H. M. Hayes, 5.00. S. M. Booth, 5.00. Robert Sawyer, 5.00. M. J. Sawyer, 5.00. D. J. Burroughs, 5.00. C. Smith, 5.00. John Byington, 5.00. C. Byington, 5.00. S. Rogers, 5.00. A. A. Dodge, 5.00. M. J. Cornell, 5.00. J. W. Bacheller, 5.00. S. H. Lane, 5.00. C. A. Cornell, 5.00. J. B. Aldrich, 5.00. Joseph Bates, 5.00. Angeline S. Andrews, 5.00. G. W. Amadon, 5.00. A. Norton, 5.00. U. Smith, 5.00. Wm. K. Loughborough, 5.00. H. S. Lay, 5.00. E. R. Jones, 5.00. Huldah Godsmark, 3.00. Nettie McDearman, 3.00. L. Graves, 3.00. T. B. Lewis, 3.00. F. F. Lamoreaux, 3.00. M. L. Lamoreaux, 3.00. S. McIntosh, 2.00. S. Jones, 2.00. Mrs. A. C. Bourdeau, 2.00. A. S. Hutchins, 2.00. A. D. Hutchins, 2.00. Jennie Rogers, 2.00. Hortense Hayes, 2.00. J. R. Lewis, 2.00. Lucinda Locke, 2.00. John Kellogg, 2.00. Cynthia Bacheller, 1.00. H. W. Hearns, 1.00. M. T. Tremblay, 1.00. L. E. Graves, 1.00. E. S. Huntley, 1.00. Willie Dodge, 1.00. P. R. Chamberlain, 1.00.
PROPHETIC.— The prophetical portions of the sacred Scriptures . . . are a beacon light in times of storm and agitation on the great ocean of human life, thrown out to guide us as we navigate, and to warn us of the breakers on dangerous coasts.—Dr. G. Duffield.
Not to hear conscience is the way to silence it.
MEDITATION ON DELIVERANCE.
By JOHN MATTESON
Oh! how thankful we ought to be to the Lord for all his blessings. Let us thank him for every meal of victuals, every night of refreshing and undisturbed sleep. For every day that we are kindly sheltered from the cold and the storm. Soon all the cold winters will be past. Soon the last autumn leaf will fall. The chilly winds and frosty nights will be all forgotten. Then the mild and eternal summer of the blessed kingdom will be ours to enjoy forever. The sun shall scorch no more, neither shall any heat fall upon us. Hunger shall be felt no more. The tree of life shall satisfy us, and living fountains quench the thirst forever.
Oh! beautiful kingdom; when shall we reach thy happy shores, and dwell safely within thy borders? There is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. There is no tempting Devil, no fleshly lusts, no fretful temper, no lack of patience, no fear of weakness and disease, no worldly pleasures to allure, no dangers to threaten, or perils to frighten. The blessed Saviour will reign. He shall be our king. No unrighteousness shall be heard of in all his peaceful domains. Oh! what bliss, what joy, what happy subjects, to chant the songs of praise, to evermore exalt the lovely character of Jesus, to speak of his wonderful works among the children of men.
Shall we ever sing together there? Shall our voices mingle in praise there? Shall we be permitted to hear the voices of our children there? Shall old father and mother become young and swell the chorus of the redeemed? Shall the dear brethren and sisters in the scattered churches, and the lonely ones, young and old, shout the glories and hallelujahs in the heavenly country, and walk in white, and wear the shining crown of glory?
I am so glad when I think that the Lord does now hear our united prayers. I rejoice that we can now mingle our voices before his throne. We can now train ourselves for eternity. For eternity! Train ourselves for eternity! Oh! what a glorious undertaking! This world will soon perish. We need not train ourselves so much for this world. And yet how careful young men and women are to be trained and to fit themselves for the company of this world. How much money they will spend on it. How much pains they will take. How hard they will study. Should not we take more pains, and study harder to prepare for the company of Jesus, and angels, and saints? Should we not try hard to prepare ourselves to be kings and priests, and to reign with Jesus upon the earth? Ought we not to use carefully every day of this short probation, to prepare for the glorious eternity?
I am sorry that I have used my past time no better than I have. Sorry that my body and mind is weakened through my own follies, and my strength shorn wherewith I ought to serve God and worship him. Sorry that my mind has been so polluted with earth and earthly things. Sorry that the process of moulding it after the image of Jesus, and obtaining a mind like the mind that was in him, still goes so slow.
But I am glad and bless the Lord for all his tender mercies and loving kindness. Glad above all for the blessed plan of salvation revealed to us. Glad for the gathering call and last solemn message of mercy. Blessed be God who gave his dear Son to die for us. And blessed be the Lamb of God, who shed his precious blood to ransom poor rebels from sin and the grave, and clothe poor mortals with immortality and glory. He died for my sins, for your sins. Yet he lives. Lives in Heaven, to intercede for us. He certainly will hear us. He will notice us. He will smile upon us. He doth have compassion upon us. When we confess our sins before him, when we come with a broken heart, when the tear of repentance falls, when we hunger and thirst for righteousness; he doth satisfy, and comfort, and heal, and bless, and revives the living hope of an inheritance incorruptible. Blessed be God. Jesus will come. Glorious hope of immortality, soon to be realized! Shall I be there? Will you all be there? We must, we must! Though dangers rage without, and fears and temptations within, through all these fiery trials we must be purified.
The conflict is deepening. Greater trials await us. Stronger and stronger will the powers of darkness rage against the people of God. But Jesus is mighty to keep us. Mighty to save to the uttermost all that come unto him. Cast thy burdens on the Lord. He will carry all thy burdens. He healeth all thy diseases. He is the strong tower of the rock, mighty to shield against all the attacks of the enemy.
Thrice precious Jesus. Let me flee to thy bosom, as the little lamb to his kind shepherd. Let me rest my weary head upon thy breast. Behold how black I am. Wash me clean; make me white. Look at these bruises and sores. There is no physician in this world who can cure them, no balm that can heal. But thou art the Great Physician. Thou hast the all-healing balm. Thou canst make me whole and pure. Now dost thy blessing come like the gentle dew on the grass, refreshing the weary heart. Now dost thou send thy gentle, melting Spirit with heavenly peace, from the celestial regions. Yes, faithful Saviour, thou wilt lead us. Lead us on to victory. Blessed be God who giveth us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
JOHN MATTESON.
REPORT OF LABORS.
By F. C. RODMAN.
My last report was to Dec. 1, 1867, leaving me in Pleasantville, N. Y., with five meetings appointed. I held those meetings, and preached to the people those truths which I considered suited to them, and continued my labors there until the 16th. As a result, those that had embraced the truth were confirmed in the same, and one or two more came out decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord and go with this people to Mount Zion. One interesting case was a man who had been a Methodist and taken an active part with them in years past, but on account of their conformity to the world, and other discouragements, had finally given way and become cold, and lost his interest in a great measure in the things of God, so that when he first began to hear the doctrines we hold, such as eternal life only through Christ, and the everlasting inheritance on the earth, instead of being like the noble Bereans, who received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so, he was stirred up, and, like the Jews, began to stir up the people in opposing; but as he read the Bible to prove that we did not preach the truth, he was surprised to find, instead of its proving these doctrines untrue, that it sustained them. Thus, at last, he has been enabled to honestly confess his error and wrongs, and has embraced the Sabbath and third angel's message. He has returned to the Lord, and the Lord has returned unto him. May he and others that have confessed the Sabbath there, adorn the doctrine of God in all things, confessing their wrongs, humbling themselves, and taking up the cross in their families, praying, and reading the Scriptures, and teaching their children obedience to God, and diligence in every good thing; to work with their own hands the thing that is good; not to form habits of idleness, nor to spend their time at the tavern and in the stores, when they have no business there only to hear the vain conversation generally engaged in at such places, which will only poison the minds of the young.
We also arranged Systematic Benevolence, amounting to over $80 per year, $75 of which was pledged to the mission fund.
Bro. Wm. Wild was appointed to lead in their meetings, to which they unanimously agreed. The Lord give him wisdom, leading him by his Spirit to be an example to the flock, taking heed to himself and his doctrine, that he may both save himself and those that hear him, that others may be led on to embrace the truth in the love of it.
Others were interested, and we trust they will be honest before God, and take up the cross and become followers of the meek and lowly Saviour, and at last find rest to their souls.
Dec. 17, I left Pleasantville for Washington, N. H. Arrived same evening in Springfield, Mass. Saw Bro. Johnson and others. Stayed with Eld. E. Owen, who very kindly received me; he appears very zealous, but very much needs the present truth. I pray the Lord to open the eyes of the honest among our first-day Advent brethren. While some of them are bitter toward us, and the truth on which we differ, others are kind. Let us be patient toward all men, and not let Satan puff us up because the Lord has shown us truth in advance of them. We will imitate our perfect Pattern, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously. The evening of the 18th, listened to a discourse by Eld. H. F. Carpenter, founded on Luke xxiii, 42. Quite instructive remarks were made, and some good criticisms offered on the text.
The 19th, proceeded on my journey, and arrived in the evening, cold and weary, at Bro. C. K. Farnsworth's, where I was kindly received and cared for.
The 20th, Bro. Andrews, Howard, and Bro. and Sr. White arrived, weary with the journey, but in good spirits. The 21st, Sabbath morning, met at 10 o'clock, and listened to remarks by Bro. White. In the afternoon, Sr. White gave a stirring testimony which, in connection with Bro. White's remarks in the morning, was adapted to the necessities of the brethren present. Bro. and Sr. W. occupied most of the time the following day, bearing their testimony with clearness and power. In the evening, met again, when faithful and urgent appeals were made to the halting and erring ones to move forward in confessing their neglect of duty, and the wrongs they had done, and forsake them at once by turning to the Lord. Some difficulties that had existed in some minds were in a measure removed by the remarks of Bro. A. and Bro. and Sr. W.
Meeting in the forenoon and evening to-day, the 23d. The Lord assisted his servants to press their testimonies upon his people to embrace the truth in the love of it, and show that they did so by stepping out of the way of God's work.
Meeting in the evening, the 24th. The appeals of Bro. Andrews and Bro. and Sr. White seemed to increase in earnestness and power. The Lord did draw near.
The 25th, met again at 10 A. M. The Lord so set home the testimony that a break was made. The erring began to show greater signs of repentance, and the children were moved to confess the Lord, and show a desire to be Christians. Thus the hearts of the fathers began to be turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Good was done in the name of Jesus.
The 26th, Bro. Andrews, with Bro. and Sr. White, start for their appointment in Vermont. I trust they will find matters in a more encouraging condition there, that their energies may not all be exhausted to arouse the church and correct wrongs. The Lord give them strength as their day demands.
Bro. Howard goes to Manchester renewed in heart, I trust, for the important work that is before; and I am left here for a few days to help on the work. My poor heart has been admonished of the importance of leaning more confidingly on the Lord. With all its trials, this meeting has been a help to me. I hope to do my work with faithfulness.
F. C. RODMAN.
LABORS IN MICHIGAN.
By John Byington
I LEFT home Nov. 1, to attend the Monthly Meeting at Tompkins. We had two meetings on the Sabbath and one on first-day evening at the school-house. At this meeting I spoke of the certainty of Christ's soon coming again, and as at his first, so at his second coming but few would be found ready. And as I exhorted professors of religion to awake, some went away and said we were uncharitable.
The evening of the 5th I held a meeting with a few brethren in Leslie. May the way be opened for the truth to take effect in this place.
The 9th and 10th, I had five meetings with the church in Bunkerhill. This church is rising, and yet there is much to be done. I fear some are too trifling in their conversation. Do we remember that for every idle word we must give an account in the Judgment? Sister Lovina Fuller came 15 miles to receive baptism. We were glad to hear from her daughter and son-in-law who had just commenced to obey the truth.
December 14th, we had two interesting meetings with brethren in Leslie and the church of Bunkerhill, who met at the house of Bro. Landfaire for Monthly Meeting. The 15th, had two meetings in Alaiedon as noticed in Review. They would be glad to see Bro. Cornell in Alaiedon. The 21st and 22nd I was with the church in Parkville. We had two meetings on the Sabbath and one on first-day, and also a meeting for the election of trustees. Our meetings here were interesting. Things with the church have for some time looked very discouraging, it being the result of so many moving from them. Of late they are a little more encouraged. They have meetings at their house of worship every Sabbath. We would ask again, cannot some faithful brother who is moving or wants to move, go to Parkville? I believe they have had the promise of a course of lectures in their meeting-house some time this Conference year. Can it be done? First-day evening we had an interesting meeting in the school-house near Bro. John Langdon's. We felt while talking to them that they had an ear to hear. We presented to them the holy principles of the ten commandments as a rule of life for the converted man who had found pardon for his past sin against that holy law, and that if we would carefully examine the subject, we should find it both reasonable and scriptural to render obedience to the whole of it.
JOHN BYINGTON.
From Sister Waggoner.
By M. E. Waggoner
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have not enjoyed the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith since the Lovetts Grove Conference which was held on the first Sabbath and Sunday of August last. But I would say that although alone, my heart and hand are still with this people to go to Mount Zion.
My mind is often confused on the Sabbath on account of work and worldly conversation which is going on around me, yet I feel that I am doing my duty in caring for my parents in affliction; consequently I can look up and claim the promise which says “My grace is sufficient for you.”
The time seems long since last I heard the fervent prayers and cheering testimony of the people of my choice. But I can say that I share in the blessing of God when I bow before his throne and call upon his name in faith. It is a consolation to think that our Father knows what is best for us. I do not feel discouraged, although trials seem severe and no one to whisper courage. But I am resolved to strive to do right under present circumstances and wait patiently till the Lord in his providence permits me again to meet with his people.
My heart is often touched while hearing the sighs and groans of the suffering. It is then I love to think of the better land whose inhabitants shall no more say I am sick, but all will bloom in immortal youth.
Here in this world we may be wanderers and feel that we have no abiding place, but if we are faithful unto the end, we can enter through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem and know that its glories and beauties are ours to enjoy forever. Blessed thought that it is possible for unworthy me to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, and I have a place with the redeemed at last. But I realize that I too often forget to watch, and thus yield to temptation. Too often I lose sight of the prize, yet I am cheered with the thought that we have an High Priest that can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, even who was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. I feel that he is the friend I need and I will cast my care upon him. While seeing others from day to day partaking of unhealthy food, I can say that I love the health reform and am very thankful for what it has done for me.
I hope to have an interest in the prayers of God's people, especially of the church at Battle Creek, that I may be disciplined by the trials through which I am called to pass, come off conqueror and be saved when Jesus comes.
Your sister in hope,
M. E. WAGGONER.
Columbus Grove, Ohio.
From Sister Johnson.
By ANGIE JOHNSON
My interest in the cause of truth is, I trust, as great as ever, and I believe I realize more fully than ever my own weakness, and the greatness and goodness of God in these last days. Can we not discern the signs of the times? I think we should, when we see them fulfilling every day.
The Sabbath is observed in this section of country, to a considerable extent, by the Seventh-day Baptists, yet there is not that zeal manifested by them on the Sabbath question, as among our people.
When I see the young who profess to be followers of Jesus, so careless of the things that pertain to everlasting life, my soul cries out to God to keep me unspotted from the world, and let not these things move me.
The health reform I most heartily endorse, and am trying to live it out the best I can. I take the Reformer, and am much pleased with the good instructions given, and trust I may be benefited by the perusal of its pages. I beg an interest in the prayers of God's dear people, that I may be able to overcome all the evils that beset me, and finally enter the New Jerusalem.
Yours in hope,
ANGIE JOHNSON.
Farina, Ill.
From Sister Lucas.
By N. J. LUCAS
BRO. SMITH: I want to just say through the Review that I am becoming more and more interested in it, as I peruse its columns from week to week. I find it bountifully laden with healthful food from my Master's table. I can truly say that I am thankful that it ever found its way to my dwelling. I still love the Lord's Sabbath, and am trying to keep it as well as I can. I was very forcibly struck with the article in Review, No. 21,75last volume, on all having a duty to do. It went home to my own heart, and the response was, Let none of us shrink from duty because some brother or sister has a greater gift, and can write more to edification. If we have but one talent, let us improve upon that, so that when the Lord comes, we may hear it said, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.” Now, unless we do well, we shall never hear this said to us. The Lord will not require more of us than we are able to perform. The language of our hearts should be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” I feel that I have much to overcome, that I may be prepared to enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Pray for me, that I may so live out the requirements of God as finally to be found with the remnant who will stand upon the sea of glass, having harps in their hands.
N. J. LUCAS.
Maine.
THE MESSAGE.
By M. WILCOX.
Lord speed thy glorious message,
Of mercy love and truth,
Where dwells an honest heart, in age
Or in the bloom of youth;
That all may hear thy warning call,
And hasten to escape,
The plagues which soon on those will fall
Who heed the call too late.
And though our faith be weak and small;
O give us hope's bright shield;
Lord of the harvest hear the call,
For laborers in the field.
O Lord, the glorious work is thine,
More messengers prepare,
That light of present truth may shine
More glorious far and near.
Raise up more messengers, O Lord,
If 'tis thy holy will,
That the glad tidings of thy word,
May sound o'er vale and hill;
'Till thou a people shalt prepare,
Holy and pure and clean,
Clothed in thy righteousness so fair,
And cleansed from every sin.
Waiting to hear the Bridegroom's voice
To bid them hither come,
Ye blessed, ye my Father's choice,
Ye pilgrims now come home,
Unto the mansions I've prepared,
All glorious and bright,
For those who are made white and tried,
In whom I take delight.
No more to suffer grief and pain,
No more to meet with loss,
No more for my sake, suffer shame,
No more to bear the cross,
But with me reign a thousand years
As priests and kings on high,
Where God shall wipe away all tears,
From every weeping eye;
And then with me possess the earth
Refined and made anew;
Reserved for those of heavenly birth,
The Gentile and the Jew.
The praise and glory be to God
Who dwells and reigns on high,
Who gave his Son to shed his blood
That we might never die.
M. WILCOX.
Tuscola Co., Mich.
From Bro. Macomber.
By E. Macomber
BRO. SMITH: As there is a portion of our paper designed to fill the place that the conference or social meeting does in the worship of God, I would devote a few moments with my pen in the way of experience and exhortation to my dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad.
Undoubtedly you are aware ere this that Satan, who has caused so much trouble in the world, is still on the alert. I am convinced that he is exerting all his influence and power among the remnant that are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. If he undertook to tempt Jesus our Lord, will he not try us? Most assuredly he will; and that he is now doing.
Has he power to make any of us believe that those whom God has called out in this great work of proclaiming the third angel's message are publishing error to some extent? I think he has. I speak of myself. I recollect when the third angel's message first began to be sounded, those upon whom God had laid the burden of the work, were considered the offscouring of earth, were ranked among fanatics, considered deluded, and branded as proclaiming error to the world. I, being young, and having confidence in those who considered them as such, and not informing myself on the matter, allowed a wicked prejudice to seat itself in my mind, which I suffered to remain for a long time. Being connected with the Advent movement since 1842, I felt an interest in the questions that were raised. Referring to the matter, I examined for myself, and found to my satisfaction that this despised people had the truth of God; and the truth, as they preached it, was an unbroken chain from the first of the great Advent movement in 1842, up to the time of my embracing it; and I so consider it to this day, through the evidence I have found in God's word and the influence of his Holy Spirit, and the fruits that I have seen. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father, that he, seeing me in the way, led me to the true fold. Prejudice fled from my heart, the good Spirit took its place, and I rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Now that same evil influence is still at work. The same Satan is trying God's little ones. He says to you, my brother or sister, The health reform is carried to an extreme. He whispers in the ears of some who are not decided to adopt the dress reform, How strange you will appear to the world; and you admit, at once, that his advice is better than the advice of your dear, way-worn messengers.
My dear friends, be not deceived, God is not mocked. They that sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; they that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. May God help you to examine for yourself, decide soon, labor for God and be saved.
E. MACOMBER.
Ashaway, R. I., Dec. 28, 1867.
From Sister Sturges.
By Emma E. Sturges
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Time after time has my lonely, anxious heart been encouraged by the weekly visits of the Review; and it is with thankfulness that I again acknowledge how bountifully the Lord has dealt with me. Since I have adopted the health reform, my health has been unusually good. Sleepless nights and languid days which used to be so frequent, are now scarcely thought of. I find by experience that a person can enjoy a simple vegetable diet and grow strong and healthy upon it. How good the Lord is to us who have so long lived in rebellion, refusing to keep his commandments and observe his laws. With peculiar tenderness and love he has led me along through severe trials and dark temptations, pitying my weakness, forgiving my sins each time, opening the way before me, and dispersing my gloomy fears by his glorious presence.
Lonely fellow-traveler with me to Mount Zion, you who earnestly desire a title to the promised inheritance, take courage, be faithful till the Master comes, and your reward is sure. Toy not with earthly pleasures; for, like a bubble, they burst, and all is lost. Double your diligence in seeking eternal life, and you will obtain that good part that can never be taken away.
Let us all who have heeded the third angel's message, seek with renewed zeal to know more of the things of the kingdom, and as we apply our hearts and minds to this great work, let us see to it that we let our light shine before those who have not a knowledge of the truth. It may be a few may be wise, give up their errors, and embrace the truth. When I think of Jesus the Son of God after all he has suffered, now clothed in spotless purity, sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, I feel more and more determined to overcome. Then I shall have part in the first resurrection. I shall see Jesus when he comes again. I shall be like him; for I shall behold his glory and be satisfied.
Yours striving for the kingdom,
EMMA E. STURGES.
Fairfield, Conn., Dec. 27, 1867.
P. S. Any Sabbath-keepers passing through this part of the State of Connecticut, are kindly invited to stop and see us. They will receive a cordial welcome.
E. E. S.
Bro. E. O. Jones writes from Lapeer Co., Mich.: It seems to me that there is no portion of God's word to which the people of God should give more heed, and strive harder to live out, than that found in Ro mans, chapter xii, entire. Let us all study it carefully. Its exhortations are to you, they are to me. Let us all profit by them.