Earlier text: THE THREE MESSAGES AGAINRECORD OF MEETINGS IN R. I.
By J. S. MILLER
On Feb. 15th Brn. Howard, Rodman and myself arrived at Curtis' Corner. We were heartily welcomed by Bro. Tucker's family, with whom we found a true pilgrim's home during our stay at that place. Sabbath evening we attended meeting at Peace Dale at the house of Bro. Nichols. There was a good attendance. Bro. Howard spoke on the law and its relations to man. Sabbath, 16th, the Brn. met at the meeting house at Curtis' Corner. Some twelve brethren and sisters were present. Bro. Rodman spoke from the text, “What wilt thou have me to do?” After the discourse every brother and sister present gave in a brief testimony. It was a refreshing season. Sabbath evening Bro. Howard preached on the unity of the church—a very instructive discourse, and well received. First-day, 17th, met at Bro. Tucker's in the morning and re-organized s. B. for 1867 to the amount of about $70. In the afternoon held a meeting at the meeting house. There was a good congregation present. Bro. Howard preached from Isa. viii, 17. In the evening Bro. H. spoke to a full house on the seals. The hearers gave the best attention, and it is hoped the good seed sown may have its due effect. With judicious labor more good might be done at this place. Second-day, 18th, went to Exeter. Were cordially received at the house of Bro. C. L. Sweet. In the evening held a meeting in the district school house. Had a full house. Bro. Rodman spoke on “The hour of His judgment. Third-day, 19th, met at the house of Bro. C. L. Sweet and re-organized s. B. for 1867, to the amount of $24. In the evening Bro. Howard spoke to a full house on the Atonement. At this place there is also a field for labor with a fair prospect of others being gathered in. Fourth-day, 20th, went to Charleston. The snow storm prevented filling the appointment at the Washington school house. Fifth-day, 21st, went to Green Hill. A heavy snow storm prevented the people from coming out to meeting. Some half dozen came out, however, and we had a season of prayer and conference. Sabbath evening, 22d, some thirty came out to meeting. Sabbath, 23d, there was a fair audience. First-day, 24th, and in the evening Bro. Howard preached from the words, “Thy kingdom come.” The kingdom of God was faithfully shown up to the people, and those who had not started were earnestly exhorted to start for the kingdom. Third-day evening Bro. Howard spoke to a good congregation at Washington school-house. Fourth-day 27th, visited the brethren at Green Hill. Our meetings here failed to accomplish all we desired, because of the storm and bad walking. It is hoped that the brethren at that place will see the necessity of fully consecrating themselves to the work, and learn to trust in the living God, and submit to all his righteous will. Fifth-day, 28th, went to Newport, and on the following morning, March 1st, took passage for New Shoreham (Block Island). At the landing we found Bro. Dodge, who took us to his hospitable home. Sabbath, 2d, had a good meeting at Bro. Mott's. In the evening, meeting at Bro. Henry Steadman's. Several who had recently started to obey the Lord, on this occasion decided to press on in the work and go through to Mount Zion. Second-day, 4th, met at Bro. Dodge's. Bro. Howard188 spoke from Rev. ii, 17. After meeting Bro. Rodman administered the ordinance of baptism to six persons. In the evening Bro. Howard spoke on a future life, with much freedom. The congregation though small were quite free. The 5th, had a meeting at Bro. Littlefield's. Some twenty brethren and sisters were present. Had a free time. In the evening met at Bro. Steadman's. After a discourse from Bro. Howard, seven persons were received into the church. The 6th, re-organized s. B. for 1867, which was raised from $28 to $59. In the evening had a meeting at the district school-house. The house was well filled and the audience attentive. Bro. Howard spoke on the “Blotting out of Sin.” We have good reason to believe that the truth presented on this occasion will yet produce reform in some of the hearers. Fifth-day, 7th, we were intending to leave the Island this morning, but a heavy head wind prevented our doing so. We therefore had a meeting in the house of Bro. Champlin. Sixth-day, 8th, attempted to leave the Island, but the head wind still prevented us. Sabbath, 9th, at the house of Bro. Littlefield, the Health Reform was faithfully presented by Bro. Rodman. This discourse was just what was needed, and we trust the brethren will give their attention to this important branch of religion. First-day, 10th, had a meeting at Bro. Mott's. Notwithstanding the severity of the storm, some twenty brethren and sisters were present. Bro. Howard spoke on the Seals. The brethren were much edified with this discourse. The storm prevented holding any meeting in the evening. Second-day, 11th, made another attempt to leave the Island but we were again disappointed. In the evening had a meeting at Bro. Dodge's. Third-day, 12th, took passage in a boat bound for New London, Conn., some fifty miles away, where we arrived at about 4 P. M. The cause at New Shoreham is in a prosperous condition, and the church enjoying a good state of unity in the faith. There were in all, nine new members added to the church—six by baptism. The brethren at New Shoreham are much in need of a suitable place of worship. We trust that they will remember that “the Lord loveth the cheerful giver,” and that “where there is a will, there is a way.” At New London we parted company, Bro. Howard and Rodman to meet Bro. Andrews in Connecticut, and I to return to my home in Ashaway. —The opera is given in Brooklyn, New York, on the “off nights” of Plymouth church, showing that Beecher’s church is a serious competitor with the theatre, and showing, too, that both houses rank as places of amusement. —The severe gales in Great Britain, which have prevailed for nearly a week, have proved disastrous to shipping. Many shipwrecks are reported on the English and Irish coasts. —It is asserted in Washington that letters from the South leave no doubt of the adoption by the lately rebellious States of the provisions of the Military bills. Brazil and Paraguay.—Rio Janeiro correspondence of February 8th reports another bombardment of Fort Curupaty on the 13th of January. On the 18th the Allies captured one of the enemy’s entrenchments. Brazilian papers denounce the reported offer of mediation by the United States between Brazil and Paraguay. The Brazilian election resulted in the success of the conservatives. The revolution in the Argentine Confederation was not suppressed, the government forces having been defeated, but vigorous measures were in progress and the national guard was called out. Buenos Ayres papers bitterly denounce the continuance of the war with Paraguay and the alliance with the bigger empire, as they term Brazil. Greece.—Athens, March 10th.—A terrible earthquake has taken place in the Island of Mitylene. All the habitations on the island are in ruins, and hundreds of lives have been lost. —A Fenian spy was arrested at Suspension Bridge on Saturday, March 10. He had been followed from Toronto by detectives, who, on searching his satchel, found a plan of the city of Toronto, a plan of all the banks and public buildings, a map of the Niagara frontier, a list of the Judges who sentenced the Fenians at the recent trials, of the attorneys who prosecuted them, and the witnesses who testified against them, as also other documents containing information of a similar character. He is said to be a relative of one of the convicted Fenians now in the Canadian Penitentiary. He was taken to Toronto yesterday morning. It is expected that there will be important developments at his trial. —European advices announce that a general rising was expected throughout Ireland yesterday or to-day, but none has yet taken place. Many of those, however, connected with the late uprising have left for America. A rising in Liverpool is feared and troops have been sent thither. The Paris Moniteur asserts that Marshal Bazain and the last of the French troops left Mexico on March 10. Opium-Eating.—One of the curious facts revealed by the publication of custom-house tables, is that there was imported into this country last year 300,000 pounds of opium. Of this amount, it is estimated, from reliable data, that not more than one-tenth is used for medicinal purposes. The habit of eating opium is known to be spreading rapidly among lawyers, doctors, clergymen, and literary men, and enormous quantities are used by the manufacturers of those poisonous liquids which are dealt out in drinks at the saloons and groceries that infest every city and village in the country. The Hog Cholera.—This mysterious and fatal disease prevails to a considerable extent in various parts of this State. A letter from St. Clair county says that “although the cholera is not as fatal as it was two years ago, yet it causes serious loss. There is hardly a farmer in this section but what loses from one to five a day from this cause. The cholera also prevails among the chickens and turkeys.” From Fulton county a similar report; and in several other localities, especially where are “still-fed” hogs, it is quite prevalent. This and the trichina have set many against pork almost as strongly as the Jews. It would seem, from the experiences of late years, that there was some good reason for the ancient prohibition, on sanitary grounds.—Chicago Journal. A Statesman’s Hope.—Thousands who scoff at the Christian’s hope as wild and chimerical, see nothing improbable nor inconsistent in such utterances as the following, because they come from great men, and accord with their cherished dreams of peace and safety:— Liverpool, March 14.—The American Chamber of Commerce gave a grand banquet to-night in honor of the heroes of the Atlantic cable. The American minister, Mr. Adams, in reply to a highly complimentary toast, disclaimed all personal credit for the maintenance of peace between England and America, saying that his course had been directed by the American government. He thought the magnitude of the relations between the two countries has been the guarantee of peace. The telegraph would, he hoped, strengthen that guarantee and ultimately supersede diplomacy and merge the world into one nation and one language. The following is the form of making income returns for 1867, under the new law. The reader will see at a glance the character of the articles to be returned upon, and the deductions to be made. It will be well to preserve it for reference. 1. From the profits in any trade, business or vocation from which income is actually derived, or any interest therein wherever carried on. 2. From the payment of debts in a former year considered lost, and which have not paid a previous income tax. 4. From farming operations—Amount of live stock sold; amount of agricultural products sold. 5. From profits realized by sales of real estate purchased since December 31, 1863. 6. From interest on any bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of any railroad, canal, turnpike, canal navigation, or slackwater company; or interest or dividends on stock, capital or deposits in any bank, trust company, savings institution, insurance, railroad, canal, turnpike, canal navigation or slackwater company. 7. From dividends of any incorporate company other than those above mentioned. 8. From gains and profits of any incorporated company not divided. 9. From interest on notes, bonds or other securities of the United States. 10. From interest on notes, bonds, mortgages, or securities other than those enumerated above. 11. From any salary other than as an officer or employe of the United States. 12. From any salary or pay as an officer or employe of the United States. 13. From profits on sales of gold or stocks, whenever purchased. 14. From all sources not above enumerated. 1. Exempt by law, $1,000. 2. National, State, county and municipal taxes paid within the year. 3. Losses actually sustained during the year from fire, shipwreck, or incurred in trade, and not already deducted in ascertaining profits. 4. Losses on sales of real estate purchased since December 31, 1863. 5. Amount paid for hired labor to cultivate land from which income is derived. 6. Amount paid for the live stock which was sold within the year. 7. Amount actually paid for rent of homestead. 8. Amount paid for usual or ordinary repairs, excluding payment for new buildings, permanent improvements or betterments. 9. Interest paid out or falling due within the year. 10. Salary or pay as an officer or employe of the United States, from which a tax has been withheld. 11. Interest or dividends from corporations enumerated above in paragraph 6. Amount of tax at 5 per cent. CARRIAGES, GOLD WATCHES, BILLIARD TABLES, GOLD AND SILVER PLATE.
(Schedule A—Section 100. Act June 30, 1864, as Amended July 13, 1866.) Carriage, phaeton, carryall, rockaway, or other like carriages, and any coach, hackney coach, omnibus or four-wheeled carriage, the body of which rests on springs of any description, which is kept for use, for hire or for passengers, and which is not used exclusively in husbandry or in the transportation of merchandise, valued at exceeding $300, and not exceeding 500, including harness used therewith................................$6.00 Carriages of like description valued at above $500................................10.00 Gold watches composed wholly or in part of gold or gilt, kept for use, valued at $100 or less................................1.00 Gold watches composed wholly or in part of gold or gilt, kept for use, valued at above $100................................2.00 Billiard tables kept for use, and not subject to special tax................................10.00 Ounce plate of gold, kept for use, per ounce Troy.................................50 Ounce plate of silver, kept for use, per ounce Troy, exceeding forty ounces, used by one family.................................05 Terrible Freshet in Tennessee.
The Chattanooga Union of March 9 and 10, 1867, says:—Time and space would fail us were we to attempt to give an accurate description of the unprecedented freshet in the Tennessee which still continues. The waters have already passed the highest mark of any previous flood of which the oldest inhabitant has any recollection. The people in the surrounding country have been obliged to take to the hills and knolls near their homes. Many of them have no means of escaping from the raging floods, and unless rescued by some more fortunate neighbor, we fear some of them will perish. 189Sunday, the 10th. We have no heart this morning to dwell at length upon the terrible calamity which has befallen the citizens of Chattanooga and surrounding country. For miles and miles the land is hidden, only a few of the higher points of hills being above the water. Chattanooga to-night, Saturday, March 9, 1867, there is from four to eight feet of water on all the streets. The losses of our merchants, business men and citizens cannot be estimated, and we fear the injury to the future prospects of the place can never be estimated. Such a flood has never been known or heard of by any one in this section. QUARTERLY MEETINGS IN N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrill
Our meeting with the church in Allegany Co. was deeply interesting. We remained and held meetings through the following week, and over the next Sabbath. These meetings were well attended by the neighbors. Two embraced the Sabbath, and several others requested the prayers of the church. Our next meeting was at Roulette, Pa. Here also we believe there was a good work. The church seemed revived and encouraged. We had a deeply solemn season with them on second day, in talking of the Health Reform and other matters connected with the church. The Spirit of the Lord was present. Heart-felt confessions were made, and all seemed determined to renew their diligence and make their way clear through to the kingdom. May God bless them. May they be his covenant-keeping people. We returned to the church in Allegany Co., and have held meetings with them another week. The friends and neighbors are yet deeply interested. Children of believers are seeking the Lord, and also the unconverted outside of the church. We hope a good work will yet be done here. If the church stand in the light, we believe God will add to their numbers such as shall be saved. Standing Firm in the Truth
Dear brethren and sisters: I still love the truth of the third angel's message, and am trying to live it out, the Health Reform not excepted. It is now seven years since the light of the Sabbath came to us by Bro. Cornell, and although the tide of opposition has been great, yet the grace of God has been sufficient for us. Angels of God have witnessed the heartfelt anguish and the bitter tears that have been shed in consequence of the opposition of those who have rejected these truths which are to prepare us to meet our blessed Saviour in peace. We have often been led to ask, Why is it that men will reject so much light, refusing it themselves and leading others the downward road? We can do but little for them, save to commit them into the hands of Him who judges righteously. I stand alone in these truths, as my family connections are nearly all bound up in Presbyterianism, and think of me as a stray sheep whom every means should be used to reclaim. But my heart is pained to see them trampling upon the holy Sabbath. Oh that they could see and obey! Will you not pray for us that we may yet all be of one heart and mind? I have been deprived of the privilege of meeting with the church for some time, but my heart is with them and I long to engage with them in the worship of God. Oh that I may clearly understand duty and be able to do it at all times. Yours striving for the kingdom. E. D. CARMICHAEL.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Bro. F. Gould writes from Greenfield, N. H.: I have never had an opportunity of hearing preaching on the Sabbath question and three angels' messages, but I have been an attentive reader of the Review for two years. It has been as it were my meat and drink, from week to week. I love its teachings. I have also been reading and investigating the great truths set forth in the publications of the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and I do thank the Lord for the light he has caused to shine into the dark recesses of my heart through their instrumentality. They set forth the great truths of the Bible in so clear and forcible a manner that I am enabled to read and understand that blessed book in a very different light than formerly. I have the blessed privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath with those who are looking for the soon coming of Jesus. May God give us grace and strength to be faithful, and keep our hearts with all diligence until the coming of our Lord and Saviour. I mean to be an overcomer. Bro. G. W. Parker writes from Chicago, Ill. With the rest of the little band here, I am trying to have a closer walk with God. Oh what a responsibility rests upon us after we have once received these truths! I pray that our works here may come up to our knowledge of the great plan of salvation. I feel anxious to progress in this glorious warfare, by taking hold of the various reforms by which God is raising up a peculiar people. Though my cross is sometimes heavy, I feel that God requires me to come up and walk in the light of the Testimonies on reform. Bro. N. Blood writes from Reedsburg, Wis.: Of late there seems an unusual interest manifested among the scattered ones in this vicinity to return to our Father's house. One has come out from the world to keep the commandments of God, which is encouraging to us. There are I believe some honest souls here who would receive the truth if rightly laid before them. They are studying to see if these things are so. Cannot Bro. Sanborn, or some other messenger come over and help us? Our means are small but we will do all we can. A German staid with us over last Sabbath and went with us to the meeting. He was much interested, asked if we had any books in his language, and wished me to send for it. He appeared to have a sincere desire to know the truth. Sister L. A. Marsh writes from Jerome, Mich.: I feel greatly blessed in having the Review to read every week. The soul-stirring sermons, the spirited reports of the messengers of truth, and the hearty testimonies of the lonely ones all combine to make it a priceless sheet to me. What could we scattered ones do without it? It is all the preaching we ever had until Bro. Cornell was here last summer a few days, when we rejoiced to hear the truth from the lips of a living teacher. His stay was short, but we trust his labors were not in vain. We all felt encouraged to start anew for the kingdom of Heaven. We have prayer meetings at our house. Last Sabbath only three met with us besides our own family. None have given up. We all, by the grace of God, mean to overcome. There are about sixteen of us in all. We would like very much to be organized and taken under the watchcare of the Conference. Sister C. Webster writes from North Star, Mich.: Although it has been several months since I have had the privilege of meeting with the church even in a social capacity, I can say that I am not discouraged, neither do I feel inclined to think the way too strait for me to walk in. Our Saviour tells us that narrow is the way and straight is the gate that leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Yes, I fear there will be very few.
Iniquity abounds, and the love of many is waxing cold. Said an individual to me the other day, “Professors of religion in Toledo and other cities, dance, and have their card parties &c., and what harm is there in it?” I answered, “Do you not see that the world is converting the church instead of the church converting the world?” He was a believer in the world's conversion. We see the love of the world and the pride of life making sad inroads even among some who have been convinced of the truth of the third angel's message. Some place of amusement called innocent has had a charm for them, and I fear many have forfeited their hope of eternal life for a few hours of sinful pleasure. My heart aches as I think how many are trifling away their precious time. A few days only wherein to prepare for eternity! Let us all take home this solemn consideration! We cannot be too holy. Oh that our righteousness may not be as filthy rags in the day of our Lord's return. Earthly friends we cannot save. Our affections may cling to them, our flesh may waste away in consequence of our mental suffering on their account, but our prayers and tears may not affect them. God will never force them to yield to his authority, though all will be done that can be done consistently with their free will. They are capable of understanding the plan of salvation, therefore are without excuse. Yet our faith should not fail, or our prayers cease for them. We can commit them to an all-wise God and strive to press on ourselves through this world of sorrow. Sister R. L. Rogers writes from Watrousville, Mich.: I feel to praise my heavenly Father that he ever sent his messengers this way, and that I had a heart to receive the truth. Oh that more would obey, and come to the Lord while sweet mercy is extended. Since I have commenced keeping the commandments of God I enjoy myself better than I ever did before. The more I see of the wickedness that is abroad in the world, the more determined I feel by God's grace to be an overcomer. I want a home in the kingdom of God. Bro. L. S. Gregory writes from Lovett's Grove, Ohio: I can find no better way to live than when I rise in the morning to ask my heavenly Father for his Holy Spirit to guide me. When I put on my clothes I ask to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. When I kindle a fire in my stove I ask God to kindle the fire of his love in my heart, and when I feed my horses and cattle I ask him to feed me the bread of life. When I water my stock I ask God to help me to drink of the well of salvation, that it may be in me a well of water springing up into everlasting life. When I harness my horses I ask to be harnessed for the race and equipped for the battles of life. When I plow my ground I ask God to break up the fallow ground of my heart; and when I sow my grain I ask him to sow in my heart the good seed of the kingdom. When I cultivate my crop I try to cultivate the good seed sown in my heart, that it may grow and bring forth fruit to the honor and glory of God.
Dear brethren and sisters, cheer up! the Lord will soon return, having received the kingdom and will gather his elect from the four quarters of the earth. Praise God for the light that shines on the pages of Inspiration. We are not left in the dark as to where we are in this world's history, for we can see prophecy fulfilling daily before our eyes. I rejoice while I write, and often has my heart been cheered by reading the letters from the scattered brethren and sisters who are trying to walk in the light of present truth. Let us be faithful, and live up to all the light as fast as it comes. Sister M. Gray writes from Fredericktown, Ohio: Oh! how thankful I am that I was spared to hear and embrace the third angel's message, while Bro. Lawrence and Van Horn were laboring here last summer. I met with much opposition from all around me except a few of like precious faith. But I must suffer persecution if I will be Christ's.
“Oh! it will be but little longer
I must these many woes endure.
Then let my faith and hope grow stronger,
My Father's promise still is sure.” Bro. A. Wattles Sen., writes from Troy, N. Y.: I am still numbered with the living in this dying world. I have been a disciple over fifty-five years, and for more than five years past a subject of great pain and severe affliction. I have not been able to walk a step for more than two years; yet, notwithstanding these afflictions, I feel that I have every possible reason to thank and praise my God. I learn in his word that they are to work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I do humbly trust that it has been, and is, a very profitable school to me. Were my hand and fingers as they were forty or fifty years ago, I could fill a large sheet, while I can now only scribble a few lines, and that hardly legibly. I am now in my eighty-fourth year, but humbly trust that the time is not far distant, when I shall be permitted to put on immortality, and rejoice in the vigor of eternal youth, where decrepitude, sickness, sorrow or death shall never come. I am thankful that the light of divine truth is shining. I love the Review, and am pleased with its enlargement and its weekly tidings. I expect to peruse it with pleasure while I live. Sister E. R. Brigham writes from Mannsville, N. Y.: A little more than one year has passed since I received the truth, and I can say to-day that I am glad that I ever was led to come out from the world and embrace it. I feel to praise the Lord for the hope of the soon coming of our Saviour, although it will be through trials190 and persecutions that we must be purified and made ready to meet him. I believe that I can by the grace of God endure them all, and at last come off conqueror through him who hath loved me. But amid all the trials and temptations of the Christian, there is a joy and peace which the world cannot give. I often feel the approving smile of my heavenly Father resting upon me, and with hope and faith I am looking to the end of the warfare, to the starry crown, to the immortal life, which are to be the final inheritance of the faithful. I am glad that all the saints are soon to be gathered home, and if we are faithful a little longer we shall meet with the dear ones that death has removed from our society here. Though we parted from them in tears we shall meet them with songs and everlasting joy. Bro. Wm. Harris writes from Port Byron, N. Y.: I see by the Review that a second enlargement is talked of. I hope it will be carried into effect. You may put me down for three dollars a year, and if that is not enough I will try to pay more. I find the paper almost doubly interesting in its present enlarged form. Sister E. Hemenway writes from Ludlow, Vt.: I feel somewhat the importance of giving diligence to obtain the common salvation; yet as I have such opportunities of reading God's word, and hearing his truth brought out in a pointed manner by his servants from time to time, also the Testimonies, and the light on the subject of the Health Reform, I am astonished that I make so little advancement in a divine life. Thankful for a few drops of mercy, I yet pant for full salvation. And as I know it is free, I often ask myself, Why this lack? The answer comes from God's word, “Break up your fallow ground.” “It is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” The heart must be prepared for the reception of the truth in order that it may bear fruit. I have not so fully heeded the counsel of the true and faithful Witness as I should have done. Jesus has been pleading for me, the Lord has been digging about me by mercies and afflictions. I tremble, lest if I awake not to righteousness, I be cut down as a cumberer of the ground, rejected of the Lord as reprobate silver. May the Lord grant for his name and mercy's sake that this dust which has hitherto lived too much to the gratification of self, may be so thoroughly converted to the truth, and so sanctified through obedience to the same, that when Jesus comes it may receive immortality, and with all the redeemed be permitted to walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem. Bro. E. G. Stevenson writes: I had a good visit with the little band in Chicago on Sabbath, Jan. 19. While waiting on the Lord at the house of sister Mills, we had the blessing of the Lord without measure. There was great freedom in our midst. Two more honest souls expressed their determination to keep all of God's commandments. One of them is a colored soldier. There are others at the soldier's home who manifest a great interest in hearing these truths, these blessed and sanctifying truths, which are well calculated to fit and prepare a people for translation. Bro. Parker is trying to do all that he can for the promotion and upbuilding of the cause in that place. Sister G. W. Pierce writes from Warsaw, Ind.: I can now sympathize with the lonely ones, as I have not met with any of like faith for nearly two years. O my dear friends, the time seems long. I think no one can love the assembly of the saints more than myself, but as I cannot see you face to face, let me say that God is my helper, and in him do I put my trust. I am trying to live out the Health Reform, and hope to be a true overcomer. But when I see the slow advance I make, I should get discouraged did I not remember that the race is not to the swift, neither the battle to the strong, but they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. Lonely ones and pilgrims in this vale of tears, let us look up. Not long will our Lord delay. Oh! no. We have only time to finish our work and get ready to meet him with joy. Conference Department.
By Simon Patten
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Are we asleep? Do we realize the danger of inaction in the cause of God as we should? A while since I had the privilege of hearing a discourse in regard to the times in which we live. It was meat in due season to me, and as I heard these questions, they led me to look at my heart and see how it was with me. And as questions like the following, “Do we feel any less the dreadfulness of the seven last plagues than we did when we first saw light on that subject? Has the truth lost any of its vividness? Do we have any inclination to put off the coming of the Lord?” were asked, I felt that my condition was not what it ought to be. And the conclusion followed, “If such is the case we are asleep.” I saw then that I had been too nearly asleep, that the world had taken too much of my attention. I thought of a closet neglected, for trifles as it were, and of the consequences that had followed. Evil besetments had shown themselves, my love for the truth had grown less ardent. But such reflections served to arouse me to a renewed diligence in the work of overcoming. And to-day I can report some progress. The Lord has helped me. He has shown himself faithful to his promises. God does not leave his people unless they first leave him. And he is still more gracious, he has promised, “Return unto me and I will return unto you and heal all your backslidings.” We can partake full and free salvation, if we will. Says Jesus, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When the spirit of the Lord sets truth home to our hearts, and we see our wrongs, and turn from them in sincerity, how blessed to know that we have an invitation to come to Jesus! that he does take notice of us, though we are so unworthy! So it seemed to me; and as I meditate on the goodness of God in the past, when I have been so unfaithful to him, it fills my heart with love to him, and I am trying to prove my love by keeping his commandments. The truth looks very precious now, and in the strength of the Lord I will try to live it out in all its parts, stand every test, that I may be fitted for translation by the latter rain. SIMON PATTEN.
Germania, Wis. A VICTORY WON.
By Nason Hoyt
HAVING been a slave to tobacco over forty years, and having often tried in vain to free myself from the chains which bound me, I became almost discouraged, thinking that I must die a slave. I had been convinced for a long time that tobacco was undermining my health, and consequently it was wrong to use it. I saw also that I must be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. My servitude continued more than eighteen months after I became a Seventh-day Adventist. Oh how I longed to be free from this bondage. About two years and a half ago, I made up my mind that with the help of God I could and would be free; I would not use the filthy weed any longer. I would not merely try to leave it off as formerly, but let it alone indeed and not taste it again. When I had firmly made up my mind as above, thank God the victory was won, and I was free. I have had but few temptations in that direction since. I mean now to fully live out the Health Reform and take every advance step with God’s remnant people. I have been trying to serve the Lord for thirty-five years. I drank the bitter cup of disappointment in 1844, and have passed through many trials since. Sometimes when my children and other friends have been snatched away by death, I have almost felt to murmur and say, All these things are against me. But I can now look back and see that the hand of the Lord has led me all the way; and although trials thicken around, I can adopt the language of Caleb and Joshua in Num. xiv, 8, 9, “If the Lord delight in us,” &c. [Is the family altar in danger of falling down in any home which the Review visits? If so, we commend to the heads of such family a serious consideration of the following experience which one of our correspondents sends us for the benefit of our readers. Your neglect may be causing painful effects of which you little dream, and which you will hereafter sorely lament.—Ed.] It was long ago that our family altar was partially broken down. I say partially, for once a day we were gathered to hear some portion of the blessed Book, and kneel with reverence before our Maker, while the voice of prayer ascended from other lips than those of father and mother. But those were sweet seasons. I love in memory to wander back to those calm, sweet hours of prayer. Many times when I have been among strangers, or even among friends where there was no family altar, my heart has turned with a yearning to home, where I knew “the family group were gathered;” and how it would comfort my heart to know that they prayed for me, the absent one. But as time wore on, there came another change. Mother ceased to join in the prayers. At first I felt surprised, but thought perhaps she would do so the next day. But day after day came and went, and still her voice was silent at the hour of prayer. Oh! how I did long to hear her pray, for I wanted to, but if mother did not pray, how could I? No, I must wait for mother, and many times I rose from my knees with tears streaming down my cheeks, went out into the still night, and with clasped hands, and eyes upraised to the silent stars, prayed with all the energies of my being, that mother might again join in the praying. But my petition, whole-souled though it was, did not receive immediate answer. It was not long ere mother was so tired at night that she would retire without waiting for prayers, and soon the children one by one left for their beds, and with anguish of heart I too would go. Sometimes father would read and pray with no one present but me, but after a little, he, too, would retire without prayer, and again the family altar was partially in ruins. Not wholly, for every morning the Holy Book was read, and father's voice was heard in prayer. But that did not satisfy me. I longed and prayed for the evening worship. When the twilight shadows deepened, often the family would all be gathered, and at such times I would linger in the room when I wished to go away by myself and pray, hoping that we should have family prayer, but for a long, long time my yearnings were unsatisfied. Dear mother! little did she know the grief she caused her child by that neglect of duty. But my prayers were at length answered, and in my memories of that home now, I see all kneel around that unimpaired altar, and parents and children unite in prayer and praise. Mothers, draw your lesson from my recital, and be not backward in performing your home duties.