While at Woodland, last fall, the Hon. J. M. Peebles came and appointed to speak in a hall. Our meetings of course drew the people so that he had but few hearers.
Out of respect to the man, as one of the ablest and most candid of spiritual speakers and writers, and because he had resided in Battle Creek for years, and meeting as we did in this far-off land, and for old acquaintance' sake, we gave him a cordial invitation to give his last lecture in the tent. He accepted, and we took notes. He gave some very interesting accounts of the progress of spiritualism in Europe. He said there were in London no less than six journals entirely devoted to spiritism. In Paris, there were two journals, and not less than fifty thousand earnest believers, the great Jules Favre being among the number. There were four papers in Spain, and one each in Hungary and Russia, devoted to the subject. The Emperor Alexander was also a devout believer. He was delighted with the seances he attended in Naples, where he learned that the poet Longfellow was not only a spiritualist, but a constant visitor at the circles during his stay in that city. Mr. Peebles said he called upon Hiram Powers, the great sculptor, who is a devout spiritualist. When in London, he was introduced to many scientific men, and several members of the aristocracy, who were supporters of the doctrine. Mr. Peebles said there were hundreds of thousands of secret believers, not known to the public, and many of them were men in high authority in the governments of earth.
Mr. Peebles, after holding up to ridicule the orthodox idea, as he once believed, of an “undefinable nothing, going off at death,” and an “immaterial God without body or parts,” turned square about, and, to our utter astonishment, uttered the following:—
“God is not a body. He is not a located being, but a universal, all-pervading principle. He cannot be an organization of substance.”
Spiritualists are always talking about the inconsistencies and contradictions of Bible believers, while they themselves exhibit the very climax of confusion. We will now give some of Mr. Peebles' positions, with our replies:
Peebles. The body is only the house in which the real man lives. The eyes are windows; the hair is the shingles on the roof; the head is the upper story of the house!
Reply. The Scriptures always treat the physical organism as the real man, whether it be dead or alive. “God formed man of the dust of the ground.” “The first man is of the earth, earthy.” “Behold there was a dead man carried out.” But if Mr. Peebles is sure that the body is a house, and that it has an “upper story,” it must also have a lower story or basement, and he ought to know in which story the real man lives. He neglected to tell us all about it, from his stand-point. Probably he went as far with it as he could see any adaptation, and thought best to keep silent about the remainder.
Peebles. The only evidence the world has ever had of a future life, has been the return of spirits.
Reply. We have positive evidence of future life by the resurrection of the body. Moses appeared on the mount of transfiguration with Christ and Elijah, who had not died. If Christ and Elijah were there bodily, Moses must have been there bodily, hence he must have been raised from the dead. Christ was raised from the dead and appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time. And he took extra pains to show his followers that he was not a spirit. Said he, “Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have.” Now if he were not raised from the dead literally and bodily, then he was the greatest impostor the world ever saw. How, then, could he be a good man, as spiritualists generally admit that he was?
Peebles. All force is spirit force. Nothing can move without spirit. Every living creature has a spirit as well as man.
Reply. Then dogs, cats, lizards, frogs, snakes, and snails, have spirits as well as men, and every living, moving thing will be in the spirit land, for they all have spirits. The only difference, according to Mr. Peebles, would be, that in the future state the spirits are disembodied, and float about with no house or home!
Peebles. The Bible does not speak of angels as a distinct race from mankind. There never was an angel except he was first a man with a human body in this world.
Reply. Friend Peebles seems to greatly err, not understanding the Scriptures; for nothing is more clearly set forth in the Scriptures, than the distinction between angels and men. In Hebrews, chapter 2, we have plainly stated, 1. That man was made “a little lower than the angels.” 2. That, when Christ took man's nature, he “was made a little lower than the angels,” and 3. That, when he took our nature, “he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.” Again, we find a distinction made between the “innumerable company of angels,” and “the spirits of just men made perfect.” So we always find it true that those who oppose the Bible do not understand it.
Peebles. There is no devil. The idea of a war in Heaven is ridiculous. But if spiritualism is of the devil, and he makes the blind see, and the lame walk, &c., he must be a blessed good devil! [Applause from the spiritualists.]
Reply. Is it any more improbable that there should arise a rebellion and war in Heaven, than on this planet? It seems to me that the idea of a successful war in Heaven to purify it, and clear out the rebels, is not half so absurd as the low, foolish description of the spiritualistic Heaven, given by Judge J. W. Edmonds, where he says he saw a dog with a split stick on his tail, yelling with pain, and a man kicking the spirit boy who inflicted such pain upon the spirit dog's spirit tail!
It is no proof that Satan is a “blessed good devil,” because he sometimes does that which in itself is good. Does not Mr. Peebles know that there is such a thing as doing good that evil may come? Has he not read the account of the man who, for months showed every kindness to a family, until he had gained their confidence, and then at the midnight hour murdered every one of them, and left, with their money?
Peebles. If you would talk with the spirits, you must be pure and Christ-like.
Reply. In this, we have another proof that talk is cheap stuff. Mr. P. knows that the most abandoned often get first-class communications. King Saul, after he became base and rebellious, and God had left him, succeeded admirably with the spirits. Those who have rebelled against God and Christ and the Bible, are the very ones to be taken into communion with the army of Satan.
Peebles. There is no comfort or satisfaction in faith. We must have knowledge. And that is what your Bible says, “Add to faith, knowledge.”
Reply. The gentleman has left out an important round in the ladder. It reads, “Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue, knowledge.” But he has quoted it to suit their condition, for they “depart from the faith,” leave out the virtue, and go to the dead for knowledge!
Peebles. But they make out that man has no more soul than a dog! Have, then, Theodore Parker and his spaniel dog gone to the same place?
Reply. Why not, Mr. Peebles? If dogs and men all have the same spirit, as you have just been claiming, where is the inconsistency? And that dog of Parker's may have been the very one that Judge Edmonds saw the boy tormenting in the spirit land!
In all this, we have proof enough of the blindness and confusion of those who talk about the contradictions of the Bible, and go by the spirits. But from such confusion may the Lord ever deliver us. The whole system, even as set forth by such men as Mr. Peebles, and their leading authors, is more and more disgusting to me. And here I am reminded of the prophecy of the spirits, that in less than two years I would be a spiritualist. The two years are now past, and, God be praised, I stand in his strength, and abhor spiritualism more than ever. I still believe that, “in all matters of wisdom,” the word of the Lord is ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers of the whole world. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” And let all the people say, Amen!
On Knowing the Limits of One's Ignorance
He is wise who knows the extent of his own ignorance.
Daily Soul Work.
THE world is full of broad, popular, shallow religious life. There are multitudes of religious books, enterprises, societies, assemblies and associations. There is no doubt much piety, zeal, and enthusiasm in all this, as well as much speech-making, self-praise, and trumpet-blowing.
But men's sins are not pardoned, nor are their souls saved, by the glittering generalities which go to occupy the attention of the religious world. Men will be ignorant, even in colleges, if they do not learn; hungry in cook shops, if they do not eat; and lost in the religious tumult, if they do not have personal dealings with the Lord.
We must have our daily soul-work between ourselves and God, our secret communion with him, or we shall starve even though surrounded by plenty. We must read our Bibles, do our praying, and believing, and weeping before the Lord, conquer our own enemies in the strength which Jesus gives, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of God singly and in his sight. We cannot be pardoned in masses, or saved in crowds. Strait is the gate, and each must find it and enter it for himself alone. Let us beware lest, in seeking outward excitements, we forget and lose the blessedness of inward Christian life. Let us walk with God.—Sel.
Mothers Who Lead Children Toward Hell
THOSE are not mothers, but monsters, that, while they should be teaching their children the way to Heaven with their lips, are leading them the way to hell with their lives.—Earnest Christian.
Progress in a Circle
MEN often boast of progress when they are only moving in a circle; and are sure they are in the right path, because with every circuit the footprints multiply, when they are only following their own tracks.
Our Responsibility to Influence Others by Example
By Roswell F. Cottrell
Responsibility.
We are slow to realize our responsibilities in regard to the influence we exert by our example. We are not to live for ourselves alone. We are under obligation to live for Him who died for us; and, in doing this, live for them for whom he died. Christ has made us debtors to him, and to them for whom he died. Our obligation does not end with ourselves; we may help others by our example, and we are in duty bound to do so.
Brother, by entertaining your unbelief, and talking your doubts and discouragements, you may retard and injure all the church with whom you are associated: but by taking a contrary course, you may encourage and cheer and help all around you. This, you should do; that, you have no right to do. Do you say, “I cannot be a hypocrite—I must talk and act as I really think and feel?” Let me tell you, You have no right to think and feel as you do. You have no right to your unbelief. You have the evidence. God has given sufficient, and has made it your duty to believe, and by your faith strengthen others. You can help them by your faith and courage, or you can harm them and yourself by your unbelief. Here you have a responsibility. Look around upon your brethren and friends. You can influence them in the way to life, or in the way to death. You can encourage them with words of good cheer, or you can sadden and discourage them. Which ought you to do? Ah! that is a fine scheme of Satan, to tell you that to talk and act faith would make you a hypocrite! You have a right to faith, and a right to talk and act it. Unbelief you have no right to. To justify it is hypocrisy and lying—it is to respect the wrong, as though it were right. You have a responsibility. Fulfill it for others’ good and your own.
But here is another brother for whom I have a word. You, my brother, desire the prosperity of the cause. You would like to see all engaged in the work—all in working order. You are willing to contribute of your means as an individual, but you are not ready to say, “Come, brethren, let us go to work together.” You yourself are not fit, you feel, to unite with the church, and take your proper post; for you acknowledge the use of tobacco is wrong—is only evil—and you use a very little. Now, is it so, that the car of truth must be blocked for a small quid of tobacco? How long? Here is quite a company who, because they are not acting upon the plan, are falling in arrears to the cause of God from year to year, for want of adopting this just and wise system. The annual interest is accumulating a large debt, and the prospect of redeeming the past is growing less and less. Perhaps some two hundred dollars a year held back from the cause of God to which it is due, and all this for a very small quantity of that filthy and poisonous weed! You, brother, have a responsibility. It extends beyond yourself, to those around you that should be bringing in their tithes and offerings, instead of robbing God.
It is the Lord’s plan to send the truth to men freely; but when he has done this, he does not wish them to think that, because it is free, it is of no value—that they are free from obligation. No; he has made them his debtors to send the truth freely to others; and this, not because he has no other means, but for their own good. All, unitedly, should be doing a part in this work; and no small cause should retard united action. If one individual is not ready for this united action, he is responsible for the effect in others to a great degree.
Brethren, come up to the work and bear your responsibilities in the cause and work of God. God holds us accountable for our actions and influence. R. F. COTTRELL.
New Hampshire.
By P. C. Rodman
JULY 11, returned to Campton; spoke in the evening in the house of Mrs. M. E. York, who has decided to keep the Bible Sabbath. A few of her neighbors gathered, and listened with attention.
Sabbath, 12, met with friends at Campton village, in Bible-class and meeting; it was good to be there.
Sunday, spoke three times; held two meetings during the week, and went to Ashland; obtained a hall for lectures. Was in Campton the 19th and 20th. Spoke four times. On the 22d, commenced lectures in Ashland; spoke there in the evening, and postponed further lectures until after camp-meeting, because we could not have the hall on Sundays, as the Free-will Baptists occupy it while their house is being repaired. Also, farmers out of the village can better attend after haying. We had from forty to one hundred and fifty in to hear; think a tent meeting would do good there.
On the 25th, went to Campton with Bro. B. F. Smith; 26th, attended Bible-class and meeting, held in the house of Mrs. Levitt. She is eighty-four years old, and used to preach. Age prevents her from laboring in the field; but she loves God and his truth, and enjoys our meeting with her to worship the God of our fathers on his holy day.
Spoke in the evening, in Holderness, in Greenleaf school-house. The 27th, listened to Eld. J. H. Evans, first-day Adventist, who, it was supposed, would preach against the Sabbath, so, by request of some friends, we attended the meeting; but he did not come out plainly, as it was supposed to would. One man took to jumping, dancing, and slapping his hands, after which a brother spoke as though the jumping was going too far, when the preacher justified the first by quoting Luke 6:23. But I fail to see that it applies to jumping and dancing, with other fanatical exhibitions, in a quiet meeting, where no one is disturbing or disposed to do so. Please read verses 22 and 23, and the corresponding passage in Matt. 5:11, 12.
The third angel’s message never looked more precious to me than now. Oh! for more of the spirit of the solemn messages by which a people is to be prepared for the time of trouble, and to meet the Lord.
Dear friends, we have no time to lose. The last message of mercy is swelling into the loud cry, and soon it will be said, from the throne of God, It is done, and Jesus will appear. Shall we hail him with joy, and follow him through the gates into the city? Isa. 25:9; 26:2–4; Rev. 22:14.
P. C. RODMAN.
Campton, N. H., July 29, 1873.
A. C. BOURDEAU
By A. C. Bourdeau
Vermont
The first Sabbath and first-day in June, I attended the quarterly T. and M. Society meeting for the first district, at Bordoville, Vt. Had a good attendance. Sabbath, had three meetings, and attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house; and first-day had two business meetings. Important matters were considered relative to some who were in a backslidden state, and to carrying out successfully the plan of Systematic Benevolence, etc. Organized a Vigilant Missionary Society for Franklin Co., Vt. About $50.00 were pledged on delinquent fund, and about $500.00 for the school at Battle Creek, Mich.
Sabbath, June 14, attended the quarterly meeting at West Charleston. Preached three times, had a good social meeting, attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house, had a business meeting, $14.00 were pledged on delinquent fund, and $230.00 for the school at Battle Creek. The next day (Sunday) drove twenty miles to West Burke, aided in holding three preaching meetings under the Vermont tent. Bro. M. N. Cross, who had helped in pitching the tent, and had acted as tent-master for two weeks, free of charges, and Eld. A. Stone, decided at once to leave for their respective homes. I continued with my brother, holding meetings, visiting, and aiding him and Bro. P. W. Saxby to purchase locations in Burke, till Monday, the 23d. Sabbath, the 21st, we held two interesting meetings in Westmore, Willoughby Lake, about ten miles from Burke. Was glad to find Bro. Litchfield, whom I had not seen for more than fourteen years, having fresh courage, and being much revived in the truth, and to see interesting individuals, who embraced the Sabbath under my brother’s labors last winter, rejoicing in the present truth. When I left the tent the 21st, Bro. L. Bean had just returned from attending, in my stead, the quarterly meeting in Wolcott, designing to remain with the tent one week. There were pledged at that quarterly meeting $7.00 on delinquent fund, and $80.00 for the school at Battle Creek.
The next Friday, on my way to West Bolton, I received the sad intelligence of the sudden and unexpected death of Daniel L. Fuller, who was drowned while bathing in the La Moille river, and learned that I was desired to attend his funeral the next day (Sabbath, the 28th), at West Bolton. The funeral was largely attended at the Baptist meeting-house in West Bolton. Evening after the Sabbath, held a preaching meeting in Jericho, near Bro. Smith’s. Brethren and sisters were in attendance from Huntington, Starksborough, Bristol, New Haven Mills, and Essex Junction. Though they were disappointed on the Sabbath on account of the funeral, yet they were deeply interested in the remarks that were made on that occasion, and none of them felt in any way to regret the pains they had taken to attend this meeting. Had an interesting meeting on Sunday.
July 3, Bro. L. Bean and I went to Jamaica to attend a quarterly meeting in that district. The state of things was such there that we concluded to spend two Sabbaths and Sundays with the church in Jamaica. During our stay there, we held ten business meetings, besides several other meetings. We are glad to report that a large majority of that church are earnestly resolved to keep pace with God’s people toward the Mount Zion. We hope that they will ever “dare to do right,” and “dare to be true.” Either God is with this people, or he is not. While we have every reason to believe that God has set his hand to this work, and we profess to believe that he has, it is not wisdom for us to hang back by entertaining a spirit of jealousy, distrust, fault-finding, and murmuring. Consistency would teach us to believe that God will carry on his work, and to have confidence in the means and agencies that he uses, in his own appointed way, to carry it on. This we are resolved to do by the assisting grace of God. $16.20 were pledged on delinquent fund, and $130.00 for the school. The general quarterly State T. and M. Society meeting, held in this place last Sabbath and Sunday, and attended by Bro. S. N. Haskell, was of deep interest and profit to all who attended. May the good work go on.
A. C. BOURDEAU
Bordoville, Vt., July 25, 1873.
Health Institute, Battle Creek, July, 1873
By H. A. Steinhauer
From Sister H. A. Steinhauer.
NINE months ago my attention was directed to the Sabbath question, and I soon found myself unable to observe the first day as I had been taught to do from my earliest childhood. Thinking that a seventh part of time was all that God intended and required, did not content me, so I kept the seventh day till I should be able to offer more satisfactory arguments for the observance of the first, feeling that I could not go far wrong in taking God's commandments as literal. My investigations, however, took all the ground from under my feet. The Sabbath being commemorative of the act of creation it would by no sensible person be construed or transferred to our Saviour's life, in celebration of his resurrection. Nor could I find Scripture proof for its observance during the apostolic age; even the testimony of the “Fathers” (when fairly presented) proving the contrary. In vain I tried to prove that the present seventh day was not in unison with the original, on which the Creator rested, and which he hallowed to our use. The “day-line,” and historic facts with regard to the manner of adding days to the year, took this last refuge of my first-day belief, compelling me to observe the seventh as the only possible Sabbath. That the Sabbath was made for man and not man for it, seemed far more true of the seventh-day Sabbath, than of the first, which is, in addition, made by man, instead of the “Lord of the Sabbath.” I also believe in the near coming of the Son of man.
Being about to leave, I thought it right to make known the stand I have taken.
Health Institute, Battle Creek, July, 1873
TRUTH LIVES ON.
By Jennie G. Kinley
Through the rugged march of time,
Marked with misery, sin and crime,
Error stalks with upreared head,
O’er her fields of slaughtered dead;
But beneath her bloody tread
The Truth lives on.
Warriors strong and brave of yore,
Drenched Judea’s plains with gore,
And the land with war was rife,
For his tomb who hated strife,
In the teachings of whose life
The Truth lives on.
Progress rolls her car along,
Slowly righting human wrong;
Might the right may crucify,
Nothing can her power defy;
Though Herod live and Jesus die,
The Truth lives on.
Burning fagots blazing high,
Gibbets tow’ring to the sky,
Inquisition’s rack and pain,
Slavery clanking loud its chain,
Falsehood triumphs still in vain:
The Truth lives on.
Underneath this load of wrong,
Truth eternal moves along;
Every true heart’s mighty throe
Rolls away some human woe;
Error reels beneath the blow,
And Truth lives on.
Fountains of the deep are stirred,
Mighty thoughts unbreathed in word,
Till the living Future’s soul,
Bursting forth, will spurn control;
Shouts of freedom heavenward roll,
And Truth lives on.
Every blow at slavery’s yoke,
Every true word boldly spoke,
Every holy thought within,
Breaks and curbs the power of sin;
Freedom’s dawn is ushered in,
And Truth lives on.
—Jennie G. Kinley.
Southern Illinois Tent.
By C. H. Bliss
I came here with the tent one week ago last Thursday, July 24, and commenced meetings the next evening. Some having circulated the report that we were “Free Lovers,” &c., we had some trouble in getting assistance in pitching our tent. Some refused us the privilege of cutting a center pole, and timber for stakes, although they had plenty of timber, and it is of but little value in this part of the State. It is but just to state, however, that due acknowledgment has been made, forgiveness asked for, and an effort made to repair the wrong as far as possible.
Our meetings have increased in interest from the first. Last evening, more were present than could get under the canvas. Our congregations have averaged, thus far, from three to five hundred. I have had no assistance as yet, either as a tent-master or minister, except what my companion has rendered. I hope for more help soon. But our trust is in God. Pray for our success. C. H. BLISS.
Quarterly Meeting of the Ohio T. and M. Society.
By O. F. Guilford; M. E. Reynolds
The third quarterly meeting of the Ohio T. and M. Society was held at Clyde, July 13, 1873. Meeting convened at nine o’clock. Opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
S. N. Haskell in the Chair. Brief remarks were made by Bro. Haskell on the workings of the T. and M. Society, after which the report of the previous meeting was called for, read, and accepted, with amendment of 3d resolution: Resolved, That the director of each several district decide who are worthy to receive our periodicals free, or below subscription price, in their districts, and the board of directors draw from the Missionary Fund to meet the want. The reports of the several districts were then called for and read, showing the distribution of publications during the quarter to be 43,729 pages.
No. of families visited, 90; No. of letters written, 68.
Received for memberships, $ 5.00
“ ” donations, $ 25.00
“ ” book sales, $ 12.14
Subscribers for REVIEW, 14; subscribers for Instructor, 12; subscribers for Reformer, 10.
Distribution of periodicals, REVIEWS, 285; Instructors, 22; Reformers, 178.
Cash in hands of Treasurer, $83.93.
Meeting adjourned to 12½ o’clock.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting called to order by the Chair. Prayer by W. T. Carson. Remarks by Bro. Haskell on the necessity of a school as a means to prepare laborers for the closing work of the third angel’s message; after which pledges were made to the school fund to the amount of $146.50, making a total of $1799.00.
Decided by board of directors that the funds of the society be invested in tracts and small works to the exclusion of bound books and new works in pamphlet form.
Decided by board of directors that all persons doing business for the T. and M. Society should meet their own expenses in stationery and postage.
Decided by board of directors that all of the receipts of the several districts be held by the directors during the quarter, and all accounts settled at each State quarterly meeting.
Meeting adjourned to annual meeting.
O. F. GUILFORD, Pres.
M. E. REYNOLDS, Sec.
Woman's Faith and the Hope of Future Life
A CELEBRATED atheist gave it as the result of his observation that no mother who had buried a child could be persuaded to believe that there is no future life in which the sorrow and pain of this will find compensation. Infidel writers and speakers have attributed woman's faith in Christ and the unquestioned piety, and devotion of so many women to the church, partly to mental weakness, and partly to an excess of the emotional element. These cavillers seem to forget that religion has to do with the soul; that it is not contrary to reason, but has its foundation laid in faith. Religion does not aim to establish a philosophical scheme, but to produce holiness of heart. These free-thinkers will generally be found to be free-livers also, or those in whom there is such a disproportion of intellect and devotion to scientific studies that they have not the qualifications to sit in judgment upon religion, or the evidence by which the truth of Christianity is proven. Nor do we fear that woman will deny Christ until she find some better refuge for her soul.
The Door of Mercy
THE door of mercy is closed to none but those who shut it against themselves.
Northern Missouri and Kansas Tent Report
By L. R. Long; J. H. Rogers
Northern Mo. and Kan. Tent.
Brethren Rogers and Long, from this tent, report the following:—
A traveler from Brandon, Ohio, on his way to Colorado, in search of health, and to seek a healthy location to which to move his family, while stopping here a week on business, availed himself of the opportunity of hearing our lectures. This man came into the tent, listened with care, and as the ancient prophecies were delineated as fulfilling before his eyes, his life-long skeptical ideas began to vanish, as belief and confidence in God’s book began to break into his soul. As he gave us the farewell hand, tears coursed down his cheeks, and with deep emotion he declared to having been greatly strengthened by the lectures.
Said he, “I now enjoy that peace of mind, that heretofore I have been a stranger to. May God bless you to help others as you have me.” He furnished himself with books on the subjects he did not hear, and is now speeding on his way to the wilds of Colorado with a light heart, a strong hope, and a firm resolution, as expressed to us, to prepare for the kingdom.
L. R. Long,
J. H. Rogers.
Minnesota Church Visits and Tract Society Organization
By Harrison Grant
Minnesota.
I LEFT home, Thursday, after our camp-meeting closed, and met with the Concord church July 5; found them all trying to obey the Master, and very much encouraged by attending the camp-meeting which had just closed. All willing to take hold of the tract and missionary work, to spread the light, and open the way for the truth.
July 8, met with the brethren and sisters at Kenyon; organized Tract and Missionary Society; all had a desire to act their part in trying to live up to all the light. It has been but a short time since a part of this church heard on present truth and followed their Lord in baptism. They all have a desire to learn and obey God’s will, and go through to the kingdom.
July 12, met with Pine Island church; some from other churches were present. The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst, and when we took part in celebrating the ordinances, we could say it was good to obey God. Even to obey God, helps to cheer up the lonely and almost discouraged ones.
July 19, Greenwood Prairie church held their quarterly meeting. Bro. Pierce, being present, preached in the forenoon, and it was good to listen to the words of those that have long been struggling for eternal life. The Lord helped on the occasion.
As I had one week to go to my next appointment at Maiden Rock, I thought best to go to the tent, and I spent two evenings there. I found a good interest, and the brethren very much encouraged. Some have already commenced to keep the Sabbath. Brethren and sisters in Minnesota, let us look up and take courage. God is able and willing to make the weak strong, and to lead those that are humble and act their part in the service of God.
July 26, was with the church at Maiden Rock. Our meeting on the Sabbath was very solemn, and encouraging. Almost all took part in the meeting. On first-day, we organized Tract and Missionary Society. All took hold as if they meant work. The enemy tried to discourage some. Three were baptized. I think this was the best quarterly meeting we have had for a long time.
I am on my way to Sauk Center to meet with the scattered ones there.
HARRISON GRANT.
July 29, 1873.
“Ye Shall Reap.”
HERE are words of encouragement, again, for those who send the REVIEW to their friends:
“I must have the REVIEW if I have to work nights for it. It is my only preacher; and I am thankful to God that, by some means unknown to me, it was sent to me. It has been the means of solving many problems; it has given me light on many obscure passages, and led me to the keeping of the Sabbath of the Lord.”
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Cambridge, Vt., June 26, 1873, Daniel L. Fuller, aged nearly twenty-five years. At 3 o’clock P. M., he, and two young men who were working with him in his cornfield, went into the La Moille river, near by, to bathe, and while he was wading backward toward the deep water, he suddenly fell over into the channel of the river. Those who were with him could not swim, and though he gave signs of distress, he received no assistance, and was drowned. He was a member of the Baptist church in West Bolton, and was looking favorably toward the present truth. His parents, who had chosen him as a staff in their old age, and his wife embraced the Bible Sabbath two years ago. And he left, besides these, three brothers and three sisters with their families, and many friends, to mourn their loss.
Sabbath, the 28th, from Cambridge, drove sixteen miles, followed by the corpse and a long procession of mourners, and reached the Baptist meeting-house in West Bolton at 2 P. M., where a discourse was given on the occasion, by the writer, to a large and attentive audience.
A. C. Bourdeau.
Died, in Freeport, P. Q., June 22, 1873, sister Vina, wife of Samuel Herriman, in the seventy-first year of her age. She died in hope of the soon coming of the Lord. Her disease was of a lingering nature, yet she bore it with Christian resignation. She embraced the Sabbath, in the State of New York, a number of years ago, and was zealous for all the kindred doctrines of the third angel’s message. Her loss we deeply feel, as her influence is much needed in this section to help hold up the standard of truth. Her will proves the genuineness of her faith, as it embraces the cause which she loved.