Two weeks since we gave the amount of shares and donations from each State, &c., raised for the S. D. A. P. Association, since its organization in May, 1861. The Catalogue was not then fully completed, and a final, careful summing up revealed mistakes in our report. The matter stands thus:
State
Amount
Maine,
$300,00
New Hampshire,
95,95
Vermont,
815,25
Massachusetts,
182,00
Rhode Island,
10,00
Connecticut,
44,00
New York,
1842,86
Pennsylvania,
10,00
Ohio,
468,20
Indiana,
352,90
Michigan,
5461,04
Illinois,
508,66
Wisconsin,
794,64
Iowa,
452,46
Minnesota,
45,00
Canadas East and West,
90,00
Elsewhere,
54,65
Total,
$11486,55
It is worthy of notice that those nearest the Office and who know best how things go, are the most liberal. For instance, Michigan raises nearly half the entire sum, and Battle Creek Church alone the sum of $1805,10, which is more than several of the distant States.
Organization has saved the cause. Secession among us is dead. Those States which have suffered most from it, show its influence in their figures. Six years since, Ohio was stronger in numbers and means than Michigan, and New York had four-fold the strength of Michigan. Pennsylvania was then a promising field, and had a cloud of witnesses for the truth, but it takes only $10 stock in the Association, and that one share was imported from Illinois by Bro. Lindsay when he changed States. New England has done well considering its numbers, lack of efficient preachers, and the influence against organization there. The cause in Wisconsin is saved from ruin, and is rising. Eld. Isaac Sanborn is a practical man, and God has helped him to build up faster than others could tear down. The figures from that State show that the cause has friends in Wisconsin. There are also some true friends in Iowa, who have not been carried away by the spirit of secesh, or destroyed by the injudicious course of preachers. Others, in other localities, have done nobly.
But what has been done for the Association has been accomplished by a few hundred persons, while as many thousands should have taken part. If the Battle Creek church can raise more than $1800, Pennsylvania can certainly raise $500, Ohio 1500, New York $5000, New England $3000, Michigan 15000, Wisconsin 4000, Illinois 2000, Iowa $3000, and so on.
The figures given from the Catalogue of shares and donations do not fairly represent the friends of the cause in a large portion of the field, and we propose another trial. The state of things has improved since the call for means for the Association. If the present state of things had then existed, you would now see figures widely differing from those presented. You would not see one church of poor mechanics doing more than a multitude of Sabbath-keepers in two rich farming States. We are not pleased with the appearance of our present Catalogue, and promise another whose figures shall do justice to all interested, as soon as equality can be established in another trial to raise funds.
The present is a most favorable time for a fair trial. Money is plenty, and many have been suffering for fear that it would rot on their hands. What the farmer has to sell brings money at high prices. If he wishes to sell lands which are only a burden to him, for which he has no use only to consume ready cash in paying taxes, the present is probably the best time to sell.
There are demands against the Association of about $2000, but the persons holding them do not want the money. And it is also true that we are putting seven tons of paper in the cellar, for which the Association is able to pay cash. But the demand for publications makes it necessary to keep the steam-press running, requiring more capital. And then, General Conference recommends to the Association the publication of the Prophetic and the Ten Commandment Charts. The publication of these alone would require about $2000 ready cash. If the money be raised for the Association, a splendid lithographed copy can be sold for a little more than one dollar. And probably no individual can be found to engage in the enterprise who would feel safe to sell less than double the Association price. We shall leave for the East in about six weeks. Shall we have the money to publish the Charts, and carry out the wishes of General Conference?
Our success as a people depends upon the concentration of our forces under a proper system. As far as the publishing department is concerned, we think the system cannot be improved. Instead of being from one to half a dozen publishers, each with a separate purse interest, we have one publishing house, owned by the friends of truth, where all purse interest is shut out. The Devil may tempt the stingy to fear that money put into the Association might not be properly appropriated, for he has been known to tempt people to doubt when there were no grounds for doubt. We appeal to the candid and benevolent. The property of the Association is to-day worth one-fourth more than the entire sums of all that has been raised for the publishing department the past twelve years, to say nothing of the real value of its flourishing lists of subscribers for the Review and Instructor, and the privilege of republishing our standard works. Here is a handsome property not brought into the account.
Again, the very men who struggled on with the publishing department until it was a paying concern, plead for an organized Association who should reap all future advantages of a growing cause, and they from choice reap only stinted wages.
The stingy and the jealous may think it piety to doubt even under such circumstances, but the facts of the past, together with our present well-guarded system, will secure the confidence and co-operation of the same, the candid and liberal.
The Association can do a good business in publishing its papers and books with its present capital. With an increase of $5000, it could do this work better, and could publish the Charts. The money can be raised in five weeks, if all the friends would do what they can do as well as not. We do not appeal to those who have already been liberal, to a fault, or to those who have taken shares to the number of twenty or more. These are always ready. But there are hundreds who have taken one or two shares who could just as well take five, ten, or fifteen, and there are thousands who have no share in this matter. Those States which have been cursed with secesh, can now redeem the time. Many who have stood in doubt now profess much faith in the Association, and the work at Battle Creek. This is well; but to show their faith by works will be better. Now they have an opportunity.
Delinquents
By Editor
You have been borne with patiently in hope that you would pay up. And no doubt some of you should have the paper free, or at half price. But it is not possible for the conductors of the Review to judge who shall and who should not, have the Review free by looking over your names on the lists.
We must now examine the lists carefully, and drop the names of a certain class of delinquents,5If your paper is discontinued, you will then understand that it is because you have not paid up. Then those who wish the paper and can pay for it will be admonished of their duty to pay the past and at least one volume in advance.
Those who feel unable to pay the past, and full price for the future, can do the best they can and we will settle for the past to suit them.
Those who think they should have the paper free or at half price will please make the request when convenient, through some messenger, or officer of the church.
The churches should look up their poor and pay for the Review for them.
Let us in some way hear from all who find their paper discontinued, and they shall be settled with at their own terms. If they will not do this, they are not worthy of so good a paper.
State of the Cause in Michigan.
To show the condition and prospects of some of the churches of Sabbath-keepers in this State, we present the following extracts from letters brought by delegates to our late conference.
From church in Monterey: In accordance with the request that the number, condition, and wants of the churches be presented to the Conference, we the undersigned, delegates from the church in Monterey, respectfully report that we have ninety-two members, the great majority of whom are striving for a close walk with God, and to be ready for the coming of our blessed Lord and Saviour. We have an efficient, organized Bible-class and an interesting Sabbath-school of about forty children.
The church in Orleans, reports: The number of members now in good standing is 14. Two more that meet with us, intend to unite with the church soon. The church appears to be growing in grace, and is in a prosperous condition.
The church in Oneida, reports: The number of members of the Oneida church is 14. We are in a prosperous condition. We desire to have a preacher visit us, as there are some who wish to go forward in baptism. We desire to be united with the State conference.
From church in Newton: The church in Newton sends greeting to the conference of seventh-day Adventists at their special session May 22 1863. Our number in church fellowship is 17. We have union with us, but should be far more spiritual, and zealous in the great work of preparing to meet our Lord. We have commenced building a meeting-house and hope soon to have ready a place of worship. We hope to share with other churches in the labor of the messengers the coming year.
The church in Green Bush writes: The church here is duly organized with ten grown members. There is a good interest among the youth and children. We as a church feel the necessity of pressing together, and striving more faithfully for the kingdom. We want to unite with the Conference, and are willing to help bear its burdens, and want to share its blessings.
From church in Watson: By the blessing of God, five have been added to our number since we organized. Feb. 9th 1862. Our present number is 13. Number of male members 6.
We can report that the present condition of the church in Watson is better than it has ever been before. The church begin to feel the need of consecrating themselves more to God of late, the Lord has been working on the hearts of parents and children agreeably to Mal. iv, 6. Seven of our children have expressed a desire to go to Mount Zion with us. We think that if some messengers could come here, some good might be accomplished. We have had no preaching except by Bro. Bites, for four or five years.
We have a Sabbath-school and Bible class. We have adopted the plan for conducting S. S. lately given in the "Instructor." The officers consist of a Superintendent and four Teachers. No. of scholars, 12. The Bible class are following the lessons given in the Review. Each family should have a copy of "History of the Sabbath" to make it more beneficial.
The Officers of the church are one Elder, and a Clerk. We desire you to remember us in your deliberations and prayers, that we all may meet you in the coming kingdom of God.
From church at Millford: Our number on record is 18. We are in a thriving condition. We want a messenger to come this way and visit us as soon as convenient, to preach the word to the young who have of late made up their minds to serve the Lord. We want some one also to administer the ordinances.
From church in Orange: Dear brethren in the Lord. When we organized last June (1862) we numbered 12 members. Since that time 13 have been added to our number, four of whom withdrew for the purpose of forming a church at North Plains. Three more are temporarily absent in business pursuits and one has moved away. The balance of us are somewhat scattered, all but six living from about five to ten miles from our place of worship, and but seldom more than six are able to meet for worship. Our scattered position often brings discouragements upon those that meet, also upon those that are not able always to attend meetings. But we have a hopeful Sabbath-school regularly kept up. Some of the Sabbath-school scholars have experienced religion. May the Lord still work upon the minds of the youth. We think we need the help of a messenger; but as the calls are many we wait patiently for the way to open. We are all I believe in sympathy with the body, and would humbly submit to the movement, and actions made at our State Conferences. We believe this work to be from God, and he will rightly direct those upon whom the burden of the work is laid. We are also doing well in our Systematic Benevolence, all contributing liberally according to their means. May the blessing of God rest upon his faithful ones.
From church in Allegan: This church at present consists of 28 members; and there are several others keeping the Sabbath, who have not been baptized. The church seem to be in a thriving condition, and desire to become united with the State Conference.
From church in Tompkins: The number of members connected with this church is 17. Five of these live at such a distance, that they are not able to attend meeting regularly, and their S. B. fund is separate from the rest of the church. They joined with us merely because there was no other organization nearer. The condition of the church is good, each member having an interest in its prosperity. All are actively engaged in the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and pay up promptly.
The great cause of present truth being our highest object, we want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, that we may be ready to give an answer to those who ask, a reason of our hope.
From church in Hanover: Our church numbers 14 members. Since last Conference two have removed by letter and two have been received. We have a Bible-class and a small Sabbath-school.
Our S. B. amounts to $62.38 per year.
From church in Lowell: This church was organized Nov. 16th, 1862, (numbering 17 members,) according to the usages and provisions of Seventh-day Adventists. The state of religion, and interest in the cause, since that time has been very good. There has been an addition of two to our number. There is a usually good state of union existing, and a good degree of interest manifested in social meetings. There is a Bible-class organized in which much interest is manifested. Our Systematic Benevolence fund amounts to nearly $100 annually, sixty of which is applied to the Conference fund yearly.
From the church in Wright: The church here has 87 members. We are in good condition, and are striving to press forward with the body.
From the church in Fair Plains: The church in this vicinity numbers 20 members. Condition good. As a church we are striving to overcome, and prepare for the coming and kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. We desire the watchcare of the Conference, and the location of a messenger in our vicinity, and will contribute of our substance for his support.
From church in Burlington: In reference to the church, we can say that our numbers continue to increase. The Lord is adding to the church from time to time, such as we trust will be saved. The church here now numbers 44 members.
From the church in Parkville: The number of our members is 24. Systematic Benevolence amounts to $115.86 yearly. We have a Sabbath-school and Bible class organized which are prospering as well as could be expected of new beginners. Being thankful for past labors bestowed upon us we desire still to be remembered by the Conference and request to be visited by some messenger as often as once a quarter if possible and oftener if convenient.
From the church in Windsor: Our church is a small one, numbering only eight members, still we feel, that we are deeply interested in the doings of the Conference, also in the cause of the third angel's message at large. We firmly believe it to be the cause of God, and earnestly desire so to live that we may be identified with that people that God is raising up to live out and proclaim this truth to the world. Therefore it is our wish as a church, to be under the watch care of and be united with the Conference.
We would further state that we have prayer meetings every Sabbath. We have established a Sabbath-school and Bible-class, that is well attended, and adds much to the interest of our meetings.
From church in Otsego: This church numbers 20. It has been in rather a low state and somewhat discouraged till quite recently. The faithful labors of Brn., Cornell and Hull have proved a blessing to the church and have been the cause of removing a great amount of prejudice so that there is a good interest to hear on the present truth. But we feel as though the work was not done here yet; we want the Michigan tent to come here immediately after Conference. We fear if there is not more labor bestowed now much that has already been bestowed will be lost. We feel in earnest in this matter and as though we could not be denied.
From church in Caledonia: It is with feelings of gratitude to the Lord that we embrace this our first opportunity of meeting with you in Conference, by letter and delegation. We highly appreciate the faithful labors of the Conference Committee at our organization, and we believe its effects have been beneficial to us. Although there has been some distracting and dividing influences brought to bear against us since our organization, we feel that we have learned and profited by what we have suffered and now feel like pressing together with God's people that we may be partakers with them of the blessings promised to the overcomer.
We have a Bible-class and Sabbath-school with a growing interest manifested in both. The church numbers forty members.
From church in Bowne: This church was organized Nov 1862, according to the usages of the Seventh-day Adventists. Our number in church fellowship is thirteen. We have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, and our amount pledged is $1.38 per week, of which we pledge to Conference fund $36 per annum.
We have organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class, which have thus far worked well.
We have seen for some years past the need of a meeting house, and are now about building one.
From church in Chesaning: Our present number of members is seventeen; and we believe all are at present striving for the kingdom. We also have a Bible class and Sabbath school in which there is not so much interest as we would like, but hope it will increase. We feel the need of some youthful reading matter to interest and instruct our children on the Sabbath as well as other days, and we are happy to learn that our beloved Sr. White is moving in this direction for the benefit of the children. May the Lord direct and bless her labors, and we will try to aid the enterprise.
We have three weekly prayer-meetings, at which the Lord by his Spirit meets with us and verifies his promise. Yet at times it seems as though Satan would get the upper hands of us by distracting and tearing our little flock; but thus far we have been able by God's assisting grace to beat back, and keep in subjection the powers of darkness.
In conclusion we would say that we are with the body, and whatever is done at the Conference in the name of the Lord for the advancement of the cause of the third angel's message we shall heartily acquiesce in.
From church in Oakland: This church was organized last December with twenty-two members. Since then ten have been added, making thirty-two as the present number. With the assistance of the Shelby church we have been building a house of worship 32x 46, which is nearly completed, and will soon be ready for use. We have had meetings regularly every Sabbath, Bro. Lawrence preaching to us half the time. Our Sabbath school has been regularly attended. We have had a weekly prayer-meeting most of the time. We have adopted the approved plan of systematic Benevolence. Although we have to lament that we are not as much engaged in the cause of Christ as we wish we were, yet we think the cause is rising among us.
Church in Shelby: Our church was organized Dec. 11, 1861, by Elders Loughborough and Byington. Previous to this time we had been wading through deep troubles; but since that time the church has been growing in spiritual ability. Our meetings have been well attended, and quite interesting, especially since our last Conference. Our hearts have been cheered of late by the attendance of a young lady who has been awakened to the subject of present truth and has expressed a desire to become united with us by being baptized. Our numbers at present are 21. We have organized systematic benevolence on the tithing principle, which amounts to about $150 per year. We have a Bible-class and are pursuing the lessons published in the Review which are becoming quite interesting. Brethren pray for us, that we may be overcomers and stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.
From the church at Jackson: Our number is 14. We are all united and striving to overcome in accordance with the third angel's message. We have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class regularly organized which works well. Our systematic benevolence fund amounts to about $127 per year.
We have no particular wants to lay before the Conference, but desire the good of the cause in general. May God give you wisdom, and may his Spirit direct you in all things, for which we pray.
From church in Battle Creek: This church was organized Oct. 24, 1861, with seventy-two members. Admitted since, thirty-six. Removed nine. Deceased two. Membership at present, ninety-seven. Officers of the church consist of two elders and two deacons. The church is in a healthy condition, united and prosperous. We have two prayer and conference meetings during the week. Sabbath-school in the forenoon and prayer and conference meetings, or preaching in the afternoon of the Sabbath. Ordinances attended to once in 8 weeks. Our Sabbath-school is also in a prosperous condition with an average attendance of seventy-five. Amount of S. B. pledged during the present year $355.16.
Lessons for Bible Students.
LESSON XV.
(History of the Sabbath, pp. 178-192.)
Soon after his first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul visited Troas; in the record of that visit, what occurs?
Did Paul break the Sabbath on his way to Troas? Note, p. 178.
What were the circumstances of this visit of Paul's to Troas?
What is the argument drawn from this scripture?
Even if this proposition could be established, would this follow as a necessary conclusion?
To judge of this argument, some facts must be kept in view: first, have we any other mention in the New Testament of a meeting upon the first day of the week?
Second, can any stress be laid upon the expression, 'when the disciples came together,' &c.? and why?
Third, what was the ordinance of breaking of bread designed to commemorate?
Fourth, which day presents the greatest claims for this ordinance, the day of the resurrection, or the day of the crucifixion?
How often did the church at Jerusalem celebrate this ordinance?
Is it not, then, presumption to argue from it a change of the Sabbath?
In what part of the day was this meeting at Troas held?
How is this proved?
What follows from this?
How is it proved that this meeting was upon what would now be called Saturday night?
What eminent authors admit this? Note pp. 180, 181.
Thus we have conclusive proof that Paul resumed his journey—when?
Of what is this fact an incidental proof?
Of what is it a positive proof?
How long after the alleged change of the Sabbath was this narrative written?
Does the writer, Luke, apply any title of sacredness to the first day of the week?
How does this comport with what he records concerning it in his gospel?
What instructions did Paul write to the Romans in the same year that he visited Troas?
What are these words quoted to show?
Should such a doctrine be adopted without being thoroughly tested?
Why?
What reasons have we to conclude that the Most High would not abrogate the Sabbath, without stating the fact in explicit language?
Is there anything said about the Sabbath, or fourth commandment in Rom. xiv?
If Paul here had any reference to the Sabbath or fourth commandment, how would his testimony comport with that of James?
How would it agree with what he had previously written in this same epistle?
Of what law does Paul in the same epistle, affirm the perpetuity?
Was Paul here treating of the moral law at all?
What was the topic under consideration?
Does the fourth commandment stand associated with things of this kind?
What was there in the ceremonial law, associated with precepts concerning meats, &c.?
Of whom, in great part, was the church of Rome composed?
Does the expression, 'every day,' in this chapter, include the Sabbath of the Lord?
Give an instance of the same expression where we know that the Sabbath is not included?
What text proves that God in this dispensation still claims a day as his own?
What text is often quoted to show that Paul regarded sabbatic observance as dangerous? Note p. 186.
Do not those who take this view of Gal. iv, 10, contradict their argument on Rom. xiv? If so, how?
How long after the penning of the epistle to the Romans, did the memorable flight of the people of God from Judea occur?
In what month did it occur?
What evidence have we that it did not occur upon the Sabbath?
To what were these providential circumstances probably owing?
Had the disciples then forgotten the Sabbath?
How long after the destruction of Jerusalem was the book of Revelation given?
What also does it bear as to time and place?
In this date what may be noted as having a real existence?
To the question, 'What day is intended by this designation?' how many answers have been returned?
What is the objection to the first answer?
Why cannot the second answer be admitted?
What can be said of the third answer?
What has been ascertained with regard to the term of first-day sacredness, thus far?
What is this text supposed to furnish?
Several facts show that the first day of the week has no claim to the title of Lord's day. Does this text define the term?
How did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul, designate it? At what times do they mention it?
Which did John write first, his gospel, or the Revelation?
If then he designed in the Revelation to give the title of Lord's day to the first day of the week, why did he not call it so in his gospel?
Has the Father or the Son ever claimed the first day of the week in any higher sense than they have each of the six working days given to man for labor?
What is true of the testimony adduced to prove that it has been adopted by the Most High in place of that day which he formerly claimed as his own?
In setting aside the third answer, what may be said of the first day of the week?
What day is the Lord's day?
When God gave to man six days of the week for his own labor, what did he do with the seventh?
As God has never put away this day, is it not his holy day still?
How did the Law-giver state his claim to the day in the ten commandments?
About eight hundred years after this, what did God say by the mouth of Isaiah?
What claim did the Lord Jesus put forth when upon earth?
Here at the close of the Bible history of the Sabbath, what two facts of deep interest are presented?
A Convenient Argument
By R. F. Cottrell
Runs thus: The Lord would not bless people in breaking his commandments. But he has blessed the church for centuries past in keeping the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath of the commandment. Therefore this practice is acceptable to God and is no breach of his law.
When men put forth this argument, as I witnessed a few hours since, I infer that it is the best argument they have to justify their practice. It is true that good men have kept the first day, and neglected the Sabbath. It was a sin of ignorance, nevertheless it was a sin. On account of their good motives, God blessed them, but in blessing them he did not approve of their sins, and make it safe for others, having the light, to transgress, knowingly, his commandments. God has blessed men notwithstanding their sins of ignorance, but he never blessed them in consequence of them.
But what is the evidence that the Lord has blessed Sunday-keeping? Are Sunday-keepers all in unity? Do they "all speak the same things," and are there "no divisions" among them? They talk of converting the world; but have they the essential and indispensable characteristic—the only thing that will cause the world to believe their testimony? "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Instead of this unity which is indispensable to make their testimony believed, they are blessed all into fragments, and the process of crumbling all in pieces, like some old cobblestone building, is almost daily going on.
Are their numbers the evidence that the Lord blesses them? Then Protestants ought to return to the "mother church," where Sunday-keeping, as a Christian institution originated; for she greatly outnumbers them. And then, if Mahometans and Pagans still outnumbered them, they could not claim, by this rule, that the Lord blessed them.
But so many have died in triumphant faith and hope, who always kept the first day as the Sabbath. God, the Judge of all, knows the motive of the heart. He knows every individual that has endeavored to live up to the best light he had. The word of God being true, knowledge is increasing, Dan. xii, 4, and the present generation will be judged by the increasing light. "This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John iii, 19.
What is the evidence that the Lord blesses you in Sunday-keeping?
I feel that he blesses me, and I am not a stranger to Christian experience. I know that I have been blessed of the Lord.
It is possible that you have enjoyed the Spirit of the Lord. But you never did while opposing the truth of his word, and fighting against enlightened conviction of duty. Must you be informed that there are more spirits than one in the world, and that God's Spirit is always in harmony with his word? And you are trying to prove by the witness of his Spirit; that his word, which says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath," is not true. The Devil may bless you in contradicting the word of the Lord, but the Spirit of God never will. "Try the spirits whether they are of God." 1 John iv, 1.
Many of the ancients were highly favored and blessed of God, as Noah, Abraham, and David. Yet they were guilty of some sins, even some of a grievous character. This does not prove that their sins were right, that is, that they were not sins, but virtues, because God blessed them.
Let us imagine the worshipers of Baal, in the time of Elijah the prophet, pleading justification for their practice.
We hear them say, "We do not break the commandments of God; for we worship the true God under the name of Baal." This is so near to keeping the true Sabbath on the first day of the week, what modern Christian will condemn them?
Again they say, "The Lord has always blessed our fathers in the worship of Baal, therefore it must be right. Just look at our numbers and prosperity. The prophets of Baal number four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves—the leaders of another orthodox denomination that eat at Israel's table, four hundred; in all, eight hundred and fifty highly honored leaders, and the mighty hosts of the common people that follow them! The worship of Baal, too, is an ancient practice. It is even referred to in the writings of Moses. A thing so long practiced must be right. The uniform, universal, and perpetual tradition of all ages and nations attests the antiquity of, and consequently the divine assent to, it. We know that the Lord blesses us. The sincerity and zeal of our leaders is attested by the fact that they are so much in earnest that they cut themselves with knives and lancets, so that the blood gushes out. Such is the power of our religion. We can trust in such a religion as this. God would not bless us so, were we breaking his commandments; therefore we are keeping them."
Letters.
By Jno. Bostwick
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Bostwick.
BRO. WHITE: Pursuant to appointment I met with the brethren in the vicinity of Mantorville, Minn., at their quarterly meeting, which was well attended. The good Spirit came into our meeting at its commencement and remained with us till the close. In the evening after the Sabbath, we convened together to take in members and attend the ordinances of the Lord's house. Five were admitted into the church. The plan of s. b. was more thoroughly adopted. While we moved forward in the ordinance of feet washing, a sweet unction from on high rested upon us, and we all felt truly happy in following the example of our Saviour. We then broke bread, all feeling a deep consciousness that the coming of the Saviour is nigh at hand, and the importance of being ready to participate in the loud cry of the message, which is evidently on the rise.
I started for Deerfield first-day morning. On arriving at the place, I found a goodly number of brethren and sisters assembled for meeting. Held two meetings with this church, endeavoring to set before them the great work of the "third angel's message" in connection with the sealing. Monday afternoon baptized two, one a son of Bro. Morse, being the third one that has taken this step. We were rejoiced to see our brethren taking hold of the work in earnest, rising with the message, and the interest manifested in behalf of the young under their watchcare.
Wednesday returned to Oronoco. Our quarterly meeting at this place was well attended considering the amount of sickness prevailing in the community. Our meeting here was one of profit to all, as it led us to see more fully the importance of standing together in organization. And as we moved forward in the ordinances of the Lord's house, a deep solemnity of the times in which we live rested upon us. First-day afternoon started for Bro. Darling's via Pleasant Grove where we had an appointment for the evening. We found the brethren here manifesting a disposition to take hold of the work and a desire to see the cause move forward.
Monday, May 18, reached this place where we had an appointment for the evening. At an early hour we met with a respectable audience composed of citizens from Iowa and Minn., as this place is on the state line, in the neighborhood of Bro. Darling's. We have now commenced a course of lectures with a prospect of success. We shall remain here as long as it appears to be duty, trusting and praying that the Lord will enable us to preach the truth in a becoming manner, that we may have the blessing of heaven to rest upon our labors. My P. O. address for the present will be Eatonville, Howard Co., Iowa. JNO. BOSTWICK.
Eatonville, Iowa, May 20th, 1863.
C. R. AUSTIN
By C. R. Austin
From Sister Austin.
BRO. WHITE: As I took up the Review this morning and perused its pages in search of spiritual food for the needy soul, my attention was struck with the expression that "the Review is not what it should be;" and the question immediately arose, Whose fault is it? Certainly not the Editor's; for weekly comes the stirring exhortation, or admonition, or words of cheering comfort from his pen, that are like cooling water to a parched and thirsty soul; and while he labors so faithfully for the good of others, may his hands be strengthened from the sanctuary above, and his heart be watered from the pure fountain of life so abundantly that the blessed influence shall be felt all through the scattered flock, and every member shall come to the living fountain, and get his own soul baptized anew with the spirit of present truth. Then would our much-loved paper be just what it should be; and there would be found but little room in it for the pieces, though good, that we had read before in some one of the papers of the day.
While ancient Israel stood at the door of the tabernacle as the high priest went into the most holy place with the blood of the goat, methinks each one's whole attention was engrossed with his own case which was pending there; and shall we who are living in this great day of atonement while the Lamb of God is offering that blood that cleanseth from all sin, and will soon finish all his pleading, have our attention so taken up by the scenes around us that we shall neglect to gird on the whole armor that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.
I do believe that if we were as diligent and persevering in our endeavors to secure eternal life as the Devil is in his to hinder us from obtaining it, we should soon see a perfect church that God would work mightily for. May God help each one of us to get our hearts right, then our lives will be right, and our paper will be just what it should be; and all we do will be for the glory of God; and soon we shall see that blessed Saviour that loved us and gave himself for us, in all his glory, and be forever with him.