According to appointment I came to this place Dec. 27th. It was with feelings of doubt and fear that I came, as I had been here twice last summer, and was unable to accomplish anything. Nearly all were opposed to organization, and would do nothing on s. b. The consequence was, that their meetings ran down and most of them became much discouraged. Seeing how they were prospering in other places where they were organized, they began to think better of it here. I never knew a place where they were in greater need of organization than here, as every thing was at loose ends and the cause suffering much reproach.
Arriving at the school-house on the appointed evening, I found, as it was somewhat stormy, no congregation, no light, and no fire. At length we raised a company of six and had a meeting. The next evening we had a few more, and in a few evenings, we had a house full and a good interest which lasted to the end. Bro. Blaisdell joined me after one week and helped me through. We pointed out to the brethren and sisters the inconsistencies of their past course and the great necessity of a speedy reform in many things, if they would have the cause prosper here. There were a few who did not need this, but most of them did. On New Year's day we met and talked these things over, and solemnly promised to make a new start and live much better the coming year. From that time they began to take hold more in earnest. Both brethren and sisters laid aside their work and80came out to meeting, both day and night, Sabbath and week-days. One thing pleased me much: I could appoint a meeting at any hour, early or late, forenoon, afternoon or evening, and the very minute would find nearly every one in his place ready to begin. This is right. We had many solemn, interesting, prayer and social meetings. Nearly all got into a place where they could work for God, and he for them. They needed much trimming up and reforming, and they seemed to take earnestly hold of it.
We staid over two Sabbaths, preached fifteen discourses, and had twelve social, and two business meetings. Four made a good start to serve God. We organized a Sabbath School and Bible Class of fifty members, raised $28.00 for a Sabbath-School Library, organized s. b. to amount to $148.72, and organized a church of nineteen members. There are twelve more who did not come into the organization. I have confidence in those who were thus organized that they have the root of the matter in them and will work for God. Bro. Chas. Gifford was chosen elder, Bro. John A. Davis deacon, and Bro. Alfred O. Burrill clerk. I obtained four subscribers for the Review, one for the Instructor, one for the Reformer, and sold several dollars' worth of books.
Truly the Lord helped us here. We were all encouraged to work on till Jesus comes. I have a high opinion of the excellence and worth of many in this place, and hope that the cause of God will now prosper among them.
From my experience in the past I conclude that much more, in proportion to the time and labor spent, can be accomplished by staying two weeks with a church, than there can by staying only one week. It generally takes one week to get things well under way. Leave them there, and they soon settle back where they were before. Another week will tell greatly in confirming the work already begun. At least this is my experience in visiting churches. Well, the Lord is still at work for us here in Maine, and better days have now come, for which we all feel thankful to God.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Hartland, Jan. 7, 1867.
Report from Bro. Loughborough.
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report closed with the meeting at Burlington, Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 20 and 21. On Friday, the 26th, I went to Lapeer, where I remained over two Sabbaths, and held in all thirteen meetings. I found the church in a very low state. There were some trials among them of long standing. We had several meetings, to make inquiries into the state of things, and do whatever we saw was necessary to be done. We succeeded in these meetings in learning some of the causes of the trials, and commenced as well as we could to seek a remedy, but did not feel fully satisfied with the result of the effort, and decided, before leaving them, to wait for further developments, and visit them again, believing that it would do no good to hasten matters to a terminus before the proper time. The meetings gave new courage to some, and we enjoyed some freedom in speaking the truth.
Nov. 5, I returned home. Spent Sabbath and first-day, the 10th and 11th, at the Monthly Meeting in Newton. Had four good, free meetings. There was a good representation of brethren and sisters from Burlington, Convis, and Newton. We had a profitable time in waiting before the Lord, although it was very bad weather.
Sabbath, Nov. 16, I was at home, sick with a cold. Friday, Nov. 23, I went to West Windsor. Had quite a severe time in getting to my appointment. I took the cars to Lansing, expecting to meet some of the brethren; but, owing to a misunderstanding on my own part, forgetting that I was to notify them how I was coming, I found no one at the cars to meet me. So I hired a young man to carry me in a carriage eleven miles, to Bro. Carman's. We were six hours going this distance, on account of the roads being so muddy. They were literally awful; the worst roads I ever saw in any State.
Sabbath and first-day, we had three meetings, in which we had some freedom in speaking the truth to those assembled. Owing to the bad traveling, but few came together; but those who did come were interested, and the meetings were of some encouragement to my own heart.
From Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, I spent in council with Bro. Andrews and others at Battle Creek, on important matters relative to the Health Institute and the cause generally.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, Bro. Styles came after me to go to Indiana, to visit a brother there who was in despair. The Lord gave victory to the afflicted one. We had four interesting meetings in North Liberty, and on first-day evening I spoke to the little company in South Bend, and the next day returned to Battle Creek, to make preparations for my trip in the northern part of this State.
To the brethren who have invited me to visit them this winter, and are writing to inquire why I do not come, I will say, that I am getting around as fast as I can, and am trying to do the work as thoroughly as possible as I go along.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Oakland, Mich., Jan. 1887.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
A great financial crash is predicted by the merchants of the country, on account of Secretary McCulloch's policy of contracting or rather destroying the currency.
—A Jacksonville, Oregon, telegram says a terrific earthquake was felt at Fort Klamath on the 8th inst. The sky was darkened with ashes and the air filled with sulphurous vapors, which came from the direction of Klamath marsh. Klamath lake had fallen about six feet, and Crooked creek was entirely dried up.
—There are two countries in which legalized slavery still exists, Spain and Brazil.
—Some Prussian officers will be shortly sent to America to acquaint themselves with the latest improvements in the Naval Department of the United States.
—The Cable dispatch, stating that the Greek population in several more of the Mediterranean islands has risen against the Turkish rule, is of great importance. If, as we were again assured a few days ago, France and England will not interfere in behalf of the Turks, the latter will soon find themselves in difficulties. Intense excitement pervades all the Christian provinces, and the prospects of a cordial co-operation of all the Christian tribes were never better than at present.
—A report says that an insurrection is on the point of breaking out in Bosnia.
—The saddest episode of the Candian insurrection, was the blowing up of the Monastery of Arkadi with its heroic Christian garrison and several thousand besieging Turks. These heroes will secure a place beside those of Thermopylæ, who more than two thousand years ago fell in the defense of the same cause. The event is, moreover, one which is likely to have important consequences. The recent letters of Garabaldi and Victor Hugo show how profound an interest is felt in the issue of the struggle by the European Liberals. The waves of popular indignation are beating with renewed force against the decayed Ottoman Porte, and almost daily dispatches by the Cable report the steady approach of the fatal hour of collapse.
Vienna, Jan. 12.—The journals to-day contained official announcements that the Sublime Porte has called 150,000 men into the service to quell the Greek insurrection.
London, Jan. 13.—The Globe's editorial says that the Eastern question has become so pressing that it demands the immediate attention of the European powers. The Globe thinks a general conference of the leading powers will be proposed on the subject.
Great Britain.—The Lords of Admiralty are busily engaged in the preparation of estimates for the large increase of the naval arm of the service, which has lately been ordered.81
The Largest Army Ever Yet Raised.
Items from the Census Reports. In 1700, the entire population of the Anglo-American colonies was 262,000; in 1750, it was 1,000,000; in 1775, 2,389,300. In 1790, the population of the United States alone, was 3,929,827; and in 1860, 31,443,321. Anticipated population in 1900, 107,000,000.
The unimproved lands of the United States, in 1860, amounted to 244,101,818 acres; improved lands 163,110,720 acres; cash value of the whole estimated at $6,645,045,007.
Estimated product of our manufactures in 1860, $4,000,000,000.
Commercial railroads in the United States, 35,935 miles, costing $1,432,649,000.
City railroads, 402 miles, costing $14,862,840.
Slack-water canals and branches, 118, of which 68 cost $147,393,997.
Real and personal property estimated at $19,089,156,289.
Revolutionary army, from 1775 to 1783, 231,791; vessels, 4.
In 1812, regulars, 32,360, volunteers, 6,000, militia, 30,000; navy, 8 frigates and 170 gunboats. In 1815, 276 vessels, with 1,636 guns.
In March, 1865, we had 684 vessels of war, with 4,477 guns, many of them of large calibre, and the aggregate number of men raised for the Union armies was 2,688,000. If the Confederate forces be added, the grand total would be reached of 4,000,000 of men at arms—the largest force ever yet raised in any country or age of the world.
Mottoes.
By S. E. Lindsley
Mottoes are very numerous. Nearly all States, societies, and periodicals, have their mottoes. This is all right, provided the party which claims it, lives in accordance with its sentiment; for the motto should be the index of the aims and character of those who have chosen it.
But the mottoes which so particularly attracted my attention, a few evenings since, and have been a subject of pleasant contemplation, were those over the various departments of our enlarged Review. Surely better ones could not have been chosen. It seemed to me that No. 1, Vol. xxix, was the best one I had ever read. I was feeling somewhat sad, but, after feasting awhile on its contents, I retired with a grateful heart to thank the Lord for the Review. Its first motto has been worn too long, perhaps, to need comment, except it be for that very fact. Its mission is still the same. We are still in the “waiting time,” and have need of patience. “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Here are they who are striving to keep them all. Here is the religious Journal which has for sixteen years proclaimed them. Over the sermon is “Preach the Word.” By this means the scattered ones have the word preached to them unmixed with the popular theology and traditions of men which they are sure to hear among the popular churches. Thank the Lord for the sermon! The motto over the Commentary is truly beautiful and expressive. Over the News and Miscellaneous is, “Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times?” How suitable! How strange that any can read the news of the day and not discern that it is now as it was in the days of Noah! But then, we read, that they knew not till the flood came and took them all away. “Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” There are many who cannot personally obey this injunction of the apostle. Here, then, is a channel open whereby the lonely ones may derive comfort and instruction from the exhortations of their brethren and sisters, and, in turn, exhort them. Over obituary notices are the consoling words, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Oh! yes; well did the prophet “tremble within himself that he might rest in the day of trouble.” Then let us not grieve for our dear friends who rest in hope, as we would have done at any other period of time. They escape much which the living must endure. “They rest from their labors.” Only a little while and we, if faithful, will meet them where there will be no more death.
Next, the Publication Department with its motto, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” Precious truth! We love it! We rejoice in it! Every portion is to us “meat in due season.” Then let us not hide it under a bushel while our dear friends and neighbors are perishing in total ignorance of its existence. Let us buy it, not to keep it shut up in our library, or on our spare-room table, but to study thoroughly ourselves, and then scatter like bread upon the waters praying that it may bring forth fruit to the glory of God. Over the Appointments is, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This was Jesus’ commission to his disciples, but now, how much more emphatically is it “near at hand?” Never before did I realize that the harvest is great and the laborers are few, as at the present time. It seems that the minds of the people are being prepared for investigation. Even here, in New Haven, the people are stirred up, and some honest souls, as I trust, who have been profane and irreligious, are seeking the Lord; but they know not that he has gone within the Most Holy place where is seen the “ark of his testament.” Oh! that some messenger laden with light and truth, might come this way. But alas! the laborers are few. Well may our earnest cries ascend to the Lord of the harvest, to send forth more laborers into his vineyard. Meanwhile, it is the duty of all to let their light shine. It is my earnest prayer, that I may not by a careless, and inconsistent course, reproach the cause of truth.
Next, the Business Department, with its appropriate motto, “Not slothful in business.” Methinks if the laborers at the Office were “slothful in business,” the Review would not be what it now is. Speed on your heavenly mission, O messenger of light and truth! Find your way to many homes which are ignorant of the light which thou bearest! May all who are blessed and cheered by your weekly visits, heed your faithful admonitions, and, at last, be presented faultless before the throne of God.
S. E. LINDSEY.
New Haven, Dec. 23, 1866.
The Civil Power to Enforce Sunday-keeping.
By W. Sutliff
A few days ago I picked up a copy of the Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, in which I read the account of a gathering of the great men of all denominations, styled, “The Christian Union Convention.”
As many as three essays on the Sabbath question were read. A long resolution was adopted, in which an appeal was made to the civil officers to enforce the observance of the Christian Sabbath. It was also stated that the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week was clearly shown by apostolic example, and that it was a fit memorial of the resurrection of Christ.
The public mind seems to be ripe for the agitation of this question, and all movements seem to point toward an appeal to the civil arm to enforce the observance of Sunday.
Let the crisis come. I long to stand in my lot. Although I feel unworthy, and often fear that my name is not written in the Lamb’s book of life, yet I am striving to overcome; and the language of my heart is, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
I came to this place about two months ago. I have talked some with the people in regard to our faith. They seem to talk as though they would like to hear something concerning this sect.
I have not seen a copy of the Review for three weeks. I long for its weekly visits again.
W. SUTLIFF.
Eau Clair Co., Wis., Dec. 30, 1866.
THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
By M. M. Osgood
The scales of justice hang between
The deed unjust and the end unseen;
And a sparrow's fall in the one is weighed
By God's own hand in the other laid.
—Selected.
And not only deeds, but our every thought
Must to the unerring scale be brought;
And the impure motive or word making,
Upon life's record we all shall find.
But he who numbereth every hair,
Who lovingly lists to the faintest prayer
Of those who believe in the offering made,
Hath over our wrongs Christ's obedience laid.
Then we who seek meekness, in Jesus may hide.
We'll not be found wanting while there we abide;
For mercy and love shall then justice outweigh,
And we be found faultless who henceforth obey.
M. M. Osgood.
Battle Creek, Mich.
A LIGHT BURDEN.—
“My burden is light.” A light burden, indeed, which carries him that bears it. I have looked through all nature for a semblance of this, and I seem to find a shadow of it in the wings of a bird, which are indeed borne by the creature, and yet support her flight toward heaven.—St. Bernard.
Prayer
By Spencer
PRAYER.—It is not the length, but strength of prayer that is required; not the labor of the lip, but the avail of the heart that prevails with God. “Let thy words be few,” as Solomon says, but full, and to the purpose.—Spencer.
Europe in 1867.
IN the annals of the Old World the year which closed yesterday, will in many respects count as the most memorable since 1815. The crisis which had for so many years been drawing near, arrived. The social fabric, which the Machiavellian statesmen of 1815 so laboriously reared, no longer threatens ruin, but has fairly begun to collapse, and the study of the European statesmen is not now how to prevent reconstruction, but how to secure a controlling influence over it. Some years ago it might be considered doubtful whether Europe was actually in a process of transformation; now every one is inquiring what the issue of this grand process will be.
Whatever people may think of the justice of the nationality principle which would reconstruct Europe on the basis of the political separation and independence of every nationality, it will be admitted by all that the principle actually is the great motive power which sets the whole of the European world in commotion. The disturbed condition of Europe in 1866, chiefly arose from the efforts made for effecting national re-organization, as in Germany, Italy, Austria, or for achieving national independence, as in Ireland and Turkey. The cession of Venetia has removed one of the most dangerous causes of national discontent, but the realization of Italian aspirations has at the same time given a powerful impulse to other nations. During the last days of the year, the political horizon again became clouded, foreboding a future tempest. The election of the first North German Parliament by direct and universal suffrage, can have no other meaning than the readiness of the Prussian Government to continue the alliance which it has tacitly concluded with the Liberal party of Germany for carrying through the National Union Movement, despite all opposing influences. The Slavi of Croatia and the neighboring provinces of Austria and Turkey, have recently assumed an attitude which indicates the imminence of a conflict. All Turkey is pervaded by an excitement which cannot last much longer without bringing on an explosion. The Fenians and the Poles carry their national hatred over into the new year, and the reported reconciliation of the Hungarians with the Austrians, rests on the frail basis of Austrian promises. Thus we meet, in all quarters of the Old World, with the prospect of new and great conflicts.
Europe has many statesmen, who, from different motives, have come to look upon the success of the nationality principle as inevitable; but no one has as yet found the key for a peaceable settlement of the intricate question, and Europe enters the new year with millions of people eager to seize the first opportunity for breaking the yoke which binds them to a foreign prince. A peaceable solution not being probable, the success of the Prussian army has caused France, England, Austria, and many other powers, to increase their armies and their taxes.—N. Y. Tribune, Jan. 4, 1867.
Modern Telegraphing.
The World Girdled by Telegraph".—The East India Telegraph Company.
THE successful laying of the Atlantic Cable, and the still more marvelous success of picking up the lost one of 1865, have put our country as far out West as San Francisco into almost instantaneous communication, not only with all the principal cities and prominent parts of Europe, but also with those of Southern Asia, as far into the East as Calcutta. One thing, and one only, is to be deprecated in regard to the Atlantic telegraph, and that is, that both its termini are on foreign soil, and on the soil of the very power with which international rivalries may at any time produce dangerous complications. Should such complication unfortunately occur, then this ocean telegraph in the hands of the British Government, and completely beyond our control, would at once become one of the greatest sources, not only of annoyance, but even of danger, to this country. This was early foreseen, and in the reply of one of our former Presidents to the first congratulatory dispatch to the Queen of England; (1858,) the wish was expressed that the termini of the cable, together with its connecting lines and station-houses, should be declared neutral forever.
No answer was ever made to this expression of a mere wish. But other competing lines more to the south will shortly be built, and will remove the danger spoken of.
The most important projected plan, and promising, perhaps, greater results for the welfare and material prosperity of the United States, is the Russo-American telegraph, rapidly pushed forward on this continent by Mr. P. McD. Collins, toward Bhering Strait, and the Emperor Alexander II., through Siberia toward the East, and the line proposed to be built and to connect with the former by the East India Telegraph Company, from Pekin, the capital city of China, along the Chinese coast to Canton, and north and eastward to Irkutsk and Kyachta, and the mouth of the Amour river, which latter two connecting lines are proposed to be built by the Russian Government.
The British Government, always anxious to maintain their power in the East, intend and have, we believe, entered into preliminary arrangements to extend their line of telegraph from Calcutta east to Hong Kong, and thus when all these several lines shall have been completed—and we can assure our readers that they will be completed in less than half the time it took the Atlantic Cable to get into working order—then the United States may justly lay claim to the proud position of being the commercial centre of the habitable globe, for from New York to Europe, from San Francisco to Asia, will radiate the entire commerce of the world.
When the late Thomas H. Benton was still a young lawyer and local politician at St. Louis, he edited a small sheet called the St. Louis Inquirer. This was in 1819-20. In a series of articles in that journal, neither ocean steamers, railroads nor telegraphs being then in use, he advocated most strenuously the speedy construction of a national wagon-road through to the Rocky Mountains, and, with a proper treaty with Spain, through California to some point on the Pacific suitable for a great harbor. He fortified his proposal with irrefutable arguments. His sagacious and discerning mind called attention to the fact that every country which, throughout all history, succeeded in obtaining a fair share of the trade with the bee-hives of people in the East, grew prosperous and wealthy. He referred to the Phœnicians and Egyptians in ancient times, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Hanseatic League and the English more recently. And he hoped that by opening communication for convenient travel from the Mississippi to the Pacific, the People of the United States might share in a like result.
“Old Bullion’s” far-seeing ideas are now about to be realized, and that in a manner which not even he, at the time of his death, could have had courage enough to hope. The telegraph to San Francisco was completed long since, and already reaches far up north, through Oregon into Washington Territory and the British possessions. The National Wagon Road proposed by him 46 years ago, is being rapidly pushed forward, supported by the bounty of our Government, but it is to be of iron, and “swift propelling steam” the motive power. San Francisco, “the most suitable place on the coast for a harbor,” seems selected by nature herself for the great destiny that awaits it. Communication across the Pacific to Shanghai, connecting there by coast steamers with all the most important commercial cities down to Hong Kong, Macao and Canton, is provided for also by the bounty of our Government, which has come to the succor of private enterprise in this great national undertaking. Thus all the preliminary steps to secure to us a fair share of the immense and highly lucrative trade of the Eastern Continent have been completed. One thing remains yet to be done. We must have telegraphic communication directly from here, and not over England and Europe, with all the trade centers of Eastern Asia. Then, and then only, will our whole system of intercontinental commerce be truly American and wholly independent.
This the East India Telegraph Company, a thoroughly responsible corporation, propose to do. Enough has been published regarding the Russo-American Telegraph, now constructing and fast nearing its completion, and the reading public is so well informed of the general nature and character of the work, that, for the present, we need say no more about it. But the projected East India Telegraph is less known, yet it is not only equally important with the Collins Russian line, but, we take it, immeasurably more so. While the Collins line gives us independent communication with Europe, through Siberia and European Russia, the East India Telegraph brings us daily and hourly into the very heart of the Chinese Empire, and to the very doors of British India. A few statistical references will show the nature and scope of the enterprise.
In the first place, it is proper to mention that by the exertions of our Minister at Pekin, Hon. Anson Burlingame, supported by the representatives of the other Powers having treaties of commerce and friendship with China, this Company was granted, by the Chinese Government, the right to lay cables connecting the seaport cities from Canton to Shanghai, and to construct an inland line from the latter place, by way of Nankin, to Pekin. The Russian Government, by treaty, has secured the privilege of building two lines from Pekin—one to the Amour, the other to Irkutsk. The fact that along the coast the telegraph will be submerged, is security against its destruction by land pirates or rebels. Canton, the starting point, has a population of 1,000,000 souls, and is the great commercial metropolis of the Chinese Empire. Macao, the next station, is also a very important trading post. Hong Kong, the third, has a population of 200,000; Amoy, the fourth, of 250,000; and Foochow, the fifth, of 1,200,000; Ningpo, the sixth station, has 300,000 souls, and Shanghai, the next, has nearly 2,000,000. From thence the telegraph connects with Nankin (400,000) and Pekin, 2,000,000 of inhabitants. From this place the connection will be completed with the Russo-American Telegraph. The entire length of cables will be 835 miles, that of the land line, 605; total, 1,435. From Pekin to the Collins telegraph the distance to be spanned by the wire is 850 miles. We believe we have said enough to convince the reader of the pre-eminent importance of this work for the future commercial greatness of America.
That it will be shortly completed we do not doubt, for active, energetic, responsible and able men are in the management. The Company was chartered by the Legislature of New York in 1864. The capital is $5,000,000, in shares of $100.00 each, which are rapidly taken.—N. Y. Times.
Convocation of a General Council at Rome.
THE report which has long been floating in the newspapers concerning the convocation of all the Roman Catholic bishops of the world, to meet at Rome in the course of the year 1867, has at length been confirmed. We have before us the Pontifical letter of invitation, bearing date of December 8th, and signed by the Cardinal Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Council of Trent. “If the power of the Almighty,” says the invitation, “shall avert the imminent tempest which now threatens the Papal Government, the Pope has resolved to hold, in the month of June, 1867, two semi-public Consistories. After these Consistories, the Pope, ‘by the aid of God and the Virgin mother of God,’ will inscribe several persons, whose names are mentioned by a solemn decree in the catalogue of saints.” To invite the bishops to be present on this occasion is the ostensible object of the Papal circular.
It must at once strike every reader of this curious document that the real object of the episcopal meeting is not at all mentioned in the call. The ceremony of the canonization of new saints is nothing but a pretext. The real object is to obtain from the assembled bishops representing the whole Church a solemn declaration concerning the temporal power, which is now on the eve of total and, it is universally expected, permanent abolition. The Pope is bound by an oath to defend the temporal power, or, as it is called in church style, the Patrimony of St. Peter, and he is known to be unflinching in his opposition to all schemes of annexation. His desire, and that of his advisers, is, in the first place, to have the opposition of the Church to the abolition of the temporal power strengthened by the voice of the whole episcopate of the Church. On the other hand, even the Pope and the most sanguine leaders of the Church party do not conceal from themselves the probability that for the present they will be unable to save the temporal power, and that thus the external relations of the Church will have to be re-arranged on an entirely new basis. In such a momentous transition it is natural that the Pope wishes to learn the opinions of the bishops.—Methodist.
Letters from Believers
Sister S. Haff writes from Macomb Co., Mich.: It is about five years since I left the Baptist church, of which I had been a member for fifty years, and united with the Adventists. And I feel to praise the Lord that he convinced me of the truth, as I fully believe. I am at present filled with the love of Christ, hoping that he soon will come and gather his dear children to himself. I feel a great desire that I may live a righteous, godly life, and draw near to my Saviour, who has done so much for me, and be ready to meet him when he comes. Brethren and sisters, let us strive to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. He has not placed us here to be idle; but we should work in his vineyard, and let our light shine to the world.
Sister Rencher, of Cook Co., Ill., writes: I have received four numbers of the Review, which I feel very much interested in. I am all alone here: for there are none others in this place of like belief. I wish that some one could come this way to preach the third angel's message. There is a large field in this section. I have never heard a sermon preached on Adventism, or the Sabbath question; but ever since I was old enough to read and understand, I have believed that the seventh day was the day to keep. God being my helper, I am determined to strive to overcome the world, the flesh, and Satan, and at last be found with the remnant of God's children in that world which shall be without evil. I desire an interest in all your prayers, that I may be ready to meet Christ at his coming.
Sister Olive S. Knight writes from Windham Co., Vt.: Allow me to say that I appreciate the Review very highly, and love the principles of truth and purity which it advocates, and am trying to profit by its instructions. I have been trying to serve the Lord about seventeen years, and was a member of the Methodist church until one year ago last spring. Being convinced that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord, I was enabled by the abounding grace of God, to tear my soul away from the strong ties which bound it to dear brethren and sisters in Christ, and step out, as it were, alone, upon the naked word of God. I did miss outward consolation; and sometimes felt lonely and desolate; but, glory be to God; his grace was sufficient for me; and the experience proved profitable to me in many respects. And now I have the privilege of meeting with the little church in this place on the Sabbath, to unite with them in trying to worship God, which I esteem a great privilege.
The church here is steadily increasing in numbers, and also in spirituality. It seems to be like a city set on a hill, whose light cannot be hid; and although scoffers mock at its simplicity, yet the pure in heart are being drawn toward it.
Bro. A. M. Antisdale writes from Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.: I am a more ardent lover of present truth than I have ever been before. Although much of the time the hand of disease is heavily upon me, it does not so prostrate me that I cannot read the word of God and understand that it is our privilege to believe the promises and be saved. I have many seasons of rejoicing, even in the midst of my tribulations. I praise the Lord that his Holy Spirit ever led me to take him for my portion, and for his ruling hand in my afflictions, which are working out for me what I should have failed to seek for had I always been prospered, that is, a far more exceeding weight of glory. Having received the paper so long free, how can I ask it any longer without paying for it? But I have not the means. Much that I know of the truth as taught by our people, the paper has taught me, so that I am not only in debt for the cost of the paper, but for the real substantial instruction it has imparted to me and my family. I sincerely thank the Association for their forbearance toward me. I pray God for the prosperity of the cause which the paper defends, and I will try to get others to subscribe for it.
Bro. Kunselman writes from Blue Earth Co., Minn.: We feel much encouraged to go on in the good way. We are trying to live out the Health Reform, which is a great blessing to us. We desire to live up to all the light as fast as we receive it, that we may be able to keep pace with the message, and go with God's chosen people to the kingdom.
We see omens of good in the cause everywhere. We feel to thank God for the glad news that Bro. Ingraham has moved to this State. I dare say his labors are highly appreciated by all true-hearted Sabbath-keepers; and we hope and trust that the time may not be far distant when Minnesota will have one or two more strong men, who will pursue a straight-forward course, and cry aloud and cause Israel to see her sins. We have reason to believe that Minnesota is a very good field of labor. There seems to be an ear to hear wherever we go, and we are glad to hear that there are here and there, through this part of the country, some who are trying to exert a saving influence. May the Lord speed on the well-begun work, and send more laborers into his vineyard.
THE JUDGMENT HOUR.
By M. Wilcox
AND is the Judgment Hour fast closing,
Which seals the saint an heir of bliss?
Arise, my soul, why thus reposing?
Or lukewarm in a time like this,
When signs, that thicken fast, betoken
We soon shall hear the bridegroom's voice?
And will it be to us then spoken,
Ye are the people of my choice?
Ye are the purchase of my merit?
Ye are the tried and tested few?
Henceforth ye shall with me inherit
The mansions I've prepared for you?
Ye have left all, my word to follow,
And faced the scoffer's cruel frown?
Forsook the world with all its folly,
Come and receive the conqueror's crown?
O Holy Spirit, come with power,
Cleanse all our hearts, and help us pray;
Oh! for a pentecostal shower!
That we may better know the way.
That we may claim the precious promise,
I will be with thee to the end,
All that ye need to cheer and solace
The Father in my name will send.
O blessed Lord, we plead no merit,
We come to thee by faith alone;
'Tis thus in thee that we inherit
A right to come before the throne
And claim in thee our sins forgiven,
O Saviour, plead for us we pray;
And may we find the grace that's given
Sufficient for each trying day.
Henceforth to thee be all the glory,
Since thou hast died our hearts to win;
O let us tell the pleasing story,
How thou didst save lost man from sin.
All praise to thee forevermore,
That thou hast died, and rose again;
O let us worship and adore
The Lamb which once for us was slain.
M. WILCOX.
Tuscola Co., Mich.
J. S. MILLER
By J. S. Miller
From Bro. Miller.
BRO. SMITH: It is but recently that I commenced investigating the great truths so vividly brought out in the light of the third angel's message. I am still trying to learn as fast as I can, hoping that I may be in some way useful in the vineyard of the Lord. One of the great leading truths of this message, the Sabbath, is not entirely new to me, I having been brought up a Seventh-day Baptist; but it was not until I viewed it in connection with other great and important truths which are being brought out under this message, that I saw it in all its beauty.
It is now some four months since I came to this place, since which time I have been trying to live out the truth as it has been made plain to me. From the first, I cast my lot with the little company of Seventh-day Adventist brethren at this place, and have endeavored to work with them in trying to hold up the present truth before the people of this vicinity.
Although our company is small, it is composed of living, working members, not one of whom feels that he is free from responsibility. Love and harmony prevail in our little band, and we feel assured that the Lord is blessing us, and that our influence is being felt in this community.
* Recently the Spirit of the Lord has been somewhat manifested among the youth who meet with us, and it is hoped that good results will follow. We have to get along with Review preaching most of the time; for we cannot have the heart to urge Bro. Rodman to stay with us, when the great work of proclaiming the message so urgently demands him to be up and doing in other neighborhoods. Our prayers follow him, and every time he comes home, he brings the assurance that our heavenly Father hears and answers.
Brethren and sisters, east and west, wherever you may be, pray for us that our labors may not be in vain.
J. S. MILLER
R. I., Jan. 7, 1867.
Remembering God in Youth
If you forget God when you are young, God may forget you when you are old.