Bro. White: On our way to New Hampshire we spent Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 24 and 25, with the church at Roxbury, Vt. We here dwelt on the proper observance of the Sabbath, and some of the gracious invitations and promises that God extends to his people for their encouragement. On first-day we spoke on the subject of baptism, and Bro. Donpier, a French brother, was buried with Christ by baptism. After baptism, the church met to transact business, and attend to the ordinances. Four were added to the church, and the meeting closed with a refreshing season in attending to feet-washing, according to John xiii, and in commemorating the sufferings and death of the adorable Saviour. We were glad to see Bro. Pierce free in the Lord, and greatly encouraged to labor on for perishing souls.
Jan 29, we reached Washington, N. H., where we were happy to meet Bro. and Sr. Hutchins, who had been holding meetings at Lempster, near Washington. The burden of our remarks was in regard to the children. We felt that the Lord was about to work for the young among us; and the church gladly received our testimony, which was a source of great encouragement.
At this meeting we ascertained that the way had opened to give a course of lectures at Peterborough, N. H.; but as this place was about thirty miles from Washington, and as we had but one week before us before the conference, we judged it advisable to hold meetings at Lempster, where some labor had been bestowed. We gave four more lectures at Lempster, and visited a few families, who were convinced that we have the truth. May God give them courage and grace to obey it.
Sabbath and first-day, 7th and 8th inst., we held a conference at Washington, agreeably to appointment. Notwithstanding the bad roads, we had a good gathering. Sabbath forenoon a discourse was given on the trials of the Christian; and in the afternoon Bro. Hutchins gave an interesting and encouraging discourse on the ministration of angels. At this meeting, as well as at the previous one, we enjoyed the greatest amount of freedom while dwelling on our duty to children. Here was the right vein in the mine of truth. Here God gave light and strength, and waited to be gracious; and the children unanimously requested a Sabbath-school.
First-day morning the church met and organized a Sabbath-school. Bro. Hutchins heard the children recite their first lesson. We felt as though Jesus and holy angels smiled upon his people while trying to benefit the young. At this meeting the church felt the necessity of State organization, and expressed a strong desire to concentrate their strength and means, and bring them to bear upon the one great leading object among us; namely, the advancement of the glorious cause of present truth. They adopted the following resolution:
Resolved, That we invite Bro. and Sr. White to aid us in organizing in that manner that will prove most conducive to the good of the church, and to the advancement of the cause in the East.
We are now in Peterborough where we have given three lectures in a Baptist meeting-house. We have quite a large attendance. Prejudice is being removed, and the people pay the strictest attention to the truths spoken.
D. T. & A. C. Bourdeau.
Peterborough, N. H., Feb. 13.
Labors in Ohio.
By J. H. Waggoner
I VISITED East Townsend, Feb. 2. Found a few, mostly females, holding on to the truth, having passed through many discouragements. It has been impossible for them all to meet together regularly this winter, yet their meetings have been kept up. As they are most of them in feeble health, and all unfavorably situated, their efforts to keep up their meetings are truly commendable, and in striking contrast with the course of some much more favorably situated. On the evening of the 3d, one who had not met with them in a long time, arose and announced his determination to meet with them and renew his efforts to get to Mt. Zion. This was heart-cheering to the "little flock," and I pray they may be more than ever united in faith and duty.
I am here reminded of the fact, that many of those who have declined from the love of the truth in this State, have been drawn away by suffering their minds to become absorbed in politics. It is humiliating indeed to know that any who have been enlightened by the pure principles of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, teaching love to God and our fellow men, should sympathize with this rebellion, the purpose of which is to perpetuate slavery and subvert the unalienable rights of man. But it is almost equally fatal to pure Christianity to actively mingle with those who are inflamed by passion, and who too often make truth and right the expedients of personal and selfish purposes. To strive for the truth is laudable, but the crown is for such alone as strive lawfully. 2 Tim. ii. 5.
At Norwalk I called on Bro. George Smith, also visited some others who are more or less interested in this truth. Arrangements are being made for the scattered ones in Norwalk, Milan, Townsend and Wakeman to meet together monthly or quarterly as shall be most expedient. This will doubtless prove a great blessing to the believers in Erie and Huron counties.
Sabbath 7th inst., at Green Springs. The church there had also suffered discouragement. The elder elected when Bro. Cornell was with them, soon after that enlisted, and went to war. The clerk also moved away without giving any notice, and they have stood in that condition since. They felt it duty to elect other officers. Meetings with them were cheering, and they seemed to feel encouraged. Most of the believers at Republic met with us at Green Spring.
On the 9th I went to Townsend. Though my arrangements were such that my stay was necessarily brief, yet I trust it will prove of much benefit to the little church there. I found them earnestly devoted to the truth, yet laboring under some misapprehension about organization and systematic benevolence, which were calculated to hinder perfect union with those in101the work. But their interest is in the truth, and their desire is for union : Lord bless their efforts.
I came to Cass on the 11th, having arranged with Bro. Van Gorder to meet me here, and convey me to Attica. But it has rained and snowed for the last 18 hours, and it will probably be necessary to defer that trip for the present. I think now of going to Leipsic and Gilboa next, but earnestly pray the Lord to direct and guide in the work.
J. H. Waggoner.
Cass, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1863.
Meetings in Wisconsin.
By Isaac Sanborn
Bro. White : I have now given forty lectures in this place, to large and attentive congregations, with growing interest from the beginning to the close. There were four Sabbath-keepers here when the meetings commenced, and eleven more have decided since, and about thirty more stood up last night, saying thereby that they believed the seventh day was the Sabbath, and that it was the duty of God’s people to keep it, thus saying that if they ever take upon them the profession of Christians, they will keep the Sabbath. The brethren have appointed meetings every Sabbath. I hope the brethren from Little Prairie and other places will meet with them as often as they can. This is an excellent place for our brethren and sisters to work for the salvation of souls. This morning we went to a small lake where five were baptized, to show their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of our divine Lord.
I start home this afternoon in good health. Praise the Lord, brethren! Let us all be faithful, for the crown will soon be given to those who overcome.
ISAAC SANBORN.
“With What Measure Ye Mete.”
THERE was stationed at Cairo, at an early period of the war, a General noted for his antipathy to, and harsh treatment of, slaves. On one occasion, the soldiers of his camp gathered about the shore to witness the struggles of a negro who had been washed down the Ohio river, and was struggling toward them. Presently the negro gained the shore, and stood trembling and entirely naked before them. A white man shouted across the river, “That is my negro, send him here!” Some of the soldiers heard a voice which said, “I was naked, imprisoned, sick, and ye ministered unto me;” but the General heard it not: he sent the negro over in a boat, to his owner, who whipped him with a cowhide in sight of the camp. A month or so later, at the battle of Shiloh, that General was taken prisoner. In a Southern town, a lady was insulting him grossly, and he sneeringly turned his back upon her; whereupon the husband of the lady took a cowhide, and inflicted upon the defenceless Major General about as many stripes as he had seen fall upon the defenceless negro he had returned! When that General was exchanged, he celebrated the first night of his arrival at Washington by a glowing appeal for the immediate abolition of slavery.
This whole nation has been going through exactly the same discipline with that General. God holds the balances of the universe in a hand that never trembles, and justice never fails but to our short vision. Every stripe we have ever brought upon the negro, or suffered to be inflicted upon him, has been felt on our own flesh. Every groan we have wrung from a negro’s heart will be sure to find its echo in some white breast, until at last our quivering lips cry “Justice to the negro,” as the only way of stopping the drain of our own heart’s blood.—Boston Commonwealth.
Monthly Meeting in New York.
By Elias Goodwin
BRO. WHITE : I am again requested to give a report of our monthly meeting held at Roosevelt the 7th and 8th inst. It was thought by those present, to be the most profitable meeting held in Oswego Co. for years. Old roots of bitterness which had been nourished and cherished for a dozen years or more, and by which the whole Church in this region had been defiled and the precious cause of truth hindered, and reproached, seemed to be dug out completely; and it is to be hoped, and prayed that they may never spring up again. Again old difficulties, and wrongs existing for many years between some in Brookfield and some in the Roosevelt church, were settled and healed, by being thoroughly confessed. Bro. Andrews was with us "in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ," and preached the straight cutting testimony connected with the third angel's message. We think the Lord is wonderfully helping Bro. A. to right up the Church, and "strengthen the things that remain" in central New York.
Brethren were assembled from Oswego, West Monroe, Kirkville and Brookfield. The Lord manifested his willingness to work for, and encourage his people by answering prayer for sister Chapel, and raising her up from a bed of sickness, and enabling her to meet with his people. May her faith endure every test until she is strong in body and spirit, and become a pillar in that church.
The cause in Oswego Co. is evidently rising, (though it may be slow) but the harvest is great, and the laborers are few. We think that our monthly meetings have been and are proving a great blessing to those that attend them, and we would like to have more of our brethren and sisters enjoy the same blessing, by making a little effort and sacrifice to get to them, and not let some little storm, or bad going (which would not hinder them from accomplishing any important worldly business) prevent them.
Brethren I expect, that those who gain eternal life will have to make at least as much effort and sacrifice as they would to obtain an earthly inheritance. If you don't think so you'll be disappointed. "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Our next monthly meeting will be held at Kirkville the first Sabbath in March. Let us pray that this meeting may be the best one yet.
ELIAS GOODWIN.
Meetings in Wisconsin.
By John R. Goodenough
Bro. White : I am now at Brooklyn, Green Co., Wis. Have given sixteen lectures here. The third night the house was full, and the interest has kept on increasing till the present. Several have decided to obey God and keep his commandments and go with the remnant to Mt. Zion. Error is giving away before the truth, and although there has been some opposition from the Methodists, yet the truth is bearing off the victory, for which let the Lord be praised. Pray for us. Yours striving to overcome.
JOHN R. GOODENOUGH.
Brooklyn, Wis.
Plain Preaching.
The late Rev. Dr. C. Evans, of Bristol, having once to travel from home, wrote to a congregation to say that he should have occasion to stay a night in their village, and that if it were agreeable to them, he would give them a sermon. The poor people hesitated for some time, but at length permitted him to preach. After sermon he found them in a happier mood than when he first came among them, and could not forbear inquiring into the reason of all this. "Why, sir, to tell you the truth," said one of them, "knowing that you were a very learned man, and that you were a teacher of young ministers, we were much afraid we could not understand you; but you have been quite as plain as any minister we ever hear."
"Ay, ay," the doctor replied, "you certainly misunderstand the nature of learning, my friend; its design is to make things so plain that they cannot be misunderstood." Similar was the view of Archbishop Leighton, who says in one of his charges to his clergy: "How much learning, my brethren, is required to make these things plain?"
To the Young.
By M. J. Cottrell
SWIFTLY the over-rolling wheels of time have borne us along, and brought before us the unsullied pages of another year. It now remains for us to decide for ourselves what shall be the record that these pages shall bear; and as our decision is made, let us remember that the record is faithfully borne to heaven's court, to witness for or against our right to enter into the coming kingdom. We are told that those only who have clean hands and pure hearts, shall inherit that never-fading land. Perfect acts and holy thoughts must reign, if we would be prepared to meet our Jesus and receive from his hand the sweet-toned harp, and shining crown.
Another year is before us, in which to prepare; and shall we spend its hours in idle talk? Will the record of a day spent thus, tell that we are striving for victory over our besetments, when we are well aware that one great besetment is trifling talk? Shall its record tell of hours spent among the pleasure-loving youth of our acquaintance, when we know that such society tempts to levity? Nay, let us pray, Lead us not into temptation, and then live our prayer by shunning those who would tempt us. Let us each so act that the record of this year will tell that we have indeed striven for victory in its full sense. Many are the temptations surrounding us; but, dear brother, or sister, let us arouse, gird on the whole armor, and in Jesus' strength disappoint Satan of his prey.
Oh, I fear and tremble when I look at the young, myself included. Shall you and I, dear reader, be found among those who will hear the awful word, "Depart?" and that from the lips of our Jesus? Oh, this would be "anguish which no measure knows." Let us awake, and so strive that the record of our remaining days may be such that instead we may hear his lovely voice say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father."
Your sister, hoping to wear the victor's crown.
M. J. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y.
Afflictions Repress Worldliness.
By Dr. Spencer
MEN are naturally worldly; just as naturally as they are sinful. The nature of sin, indeed, is such that its aims all lie beneath the moon. It has not one to overpass the grave. But when the ambitious spirit of worldliness finds nothing beneath the sun which can constitute a secure and sufficient portion, or can avail as a shield to ward off the arrows of affliction, its zeal is damped—its career is checked—its heart appalled—it may be only for a moment, indeed, and while the pain of affliction stings—but yet the power of worldliness is diminished by it. Amid unbroken felicity and successes, the worldly spirit increases in power. It becomes strong, absorbing mind and heart, far-reaching, rancorous and unsatisfied. Then there is no end to its ambition—no limit to its hopes, no boundary to its aims; it would engross the whole soul and gain the whole world.
There never was a more blind and stupid spirit. It aims after what it does not need and cannot use. It longs to attain that which has no other tendency than to prove a burden. And this stupidity and blindness are not to be cured by moral lectures. Lecture to a rock as soon. There is a necessity for affliction to come in to hush down the clamor of worldly affection before the man will hear you. Trial must open his eyes, or he will see nothing but the world—a world that dazzles and blinds him. Make him miserable and you may cure his stupidity. And were it not for the miseries all around the worldly, and so often coming in at their windows, the evils of worldliness would become far worse than they are. A worldly spirit has strong influences to check it. What a lecture a fever gives to it! or a funeral! What a lesson the grave-yard reads in its ears! What a rebuke when a man bears to the tomb the son for whom he thought he was hoarding his thousands! The miseries we suffer are sent to repress a spirit of worldliness which might ruin us without them.—Dr. Spencer.
Believe
BELIEVE confidently, pray fervently, expect largely, walk humbly, and repent daily.
Six Rules for Young Christians.
By Brownlow North, Esq.
1. NEVER neglect daily private prayer; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that he hears your prayers. Heb. xi, 6.
2. Never neglect daily private Bible reading; and when you read remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what he says. I believe all backslidings begin with the neglect of these two rules. John v, 39.
3. Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, What am I doing for him? Matt. v, 13-16.
4. If ever you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room, and kneel down and ask God's blessing upon it. Col. iii, 17. If you can not do this, it is wrong. Rom. xiv, 23.
5. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such people do so and so, that therefore you may. 2 Cor. x, 12. You are to ask yourself, "How would Christ act in my place?" and strive to follow Him. John x, 27.
6. Never believe what you feel, if it contradicts God's word. Ask yourself, "Can what I feel be true, if God's word is true?" and if both can not be true, believe God, and make your own heart the liar. Rom. iii, 4; 1 John v, 10, 11.—Brownlow North, Esq.
N. M. JORDAN
By N. M. Jordan
From Bro. Jordan.
Bro. White: Our quarterly meeting of the church at Hundred Mile Grove, Wis., was held Feb. 7 and 8. The weather was pleasant, and at the hour appointed for the meeting, the house was filled, mostly with Sabbath-keepers. I think that there was the largest number of Sabbath-keepers at this meeting, that has ever met at Hundred Mile Grove.
Bro. Blood with three or four others from Narrow's Prairie (which is between forty and fifty miles from here), were present at this meeting. They were strong in the truths of the third angel's message. We had a very profitable meeting. Most all seemed to be refreshed and strengthened for the mighty conflict which is before us. The people of God in this meeting seemed determined to become more fully consecrated to the service of the Lord. May the Lord help us to come up on higher ground, and to overcome our fault-finding dispositions, and to fulfill the law of God with love, love to God and love to one another.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
N. M. JORDAN
Lodi, Wis.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. J. W. Sawyer writes from Gaines, Tioga Co., Pa.: I have great reason to thank the Lord for his goodness to me, in sending his messengers this way, and giving me light on his blessed commandments. About three years ago Brn. Fuller and Baker came into this place, bringing the truth of the Lord with them. As they labored the light of present truth reached me. I was forced to give up my old-school Baptist doctrine, and embrace the doctrine taught by our blessed Saviour. Since that time I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
We are organized here. We are glad that we are living in the time that the prophet Joel speaks of; for without the Testimonies we should have been in darkness in some things. I am thankful that I have been able to see my idols and get rid of them. We are striving to overcome, that we may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Pray for us.
Bro. E. R. Whitcomb writes from Olivet, Mich.: I am often led to thank God and take courage that I enjoy the blessings of the society of those who love God and keep his commandments. When I read the word of God, and see the promises there are in it, it gives me courage. It is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I want to practice its precepts, be guided by its counsels while on the earth, and in the world to come inherit everlasting life. Praise the Lord for the glorious hope we have in the holy Scriptures, the word of God. Jesus yet pleads. Angels wait. Mercy lingers. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord!
I can say in the language of David, He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
Bro. J. Iden writes from St. Louisville, Licking Co., Ohio: We never have doubted the reality of the truth since we first heard it, although it was a great cross, and we have had to make many sacrifices, and renounce many errors. The truth shone so brilliant when contrasted with error, that we were constrained to yield to its claims, and let error return to the founder of it.
Some months ago we moved and located in a place where the truth had never been proclaimed; and although we have lived here some months, and many of the people have become partially acquainted with our views, there does not seem to be any prejudice against them.103Many are very eager to know our views entire, and desire that I send for a messenger. They have a house that they will open as long as any one will occupy it. The house once belonged to the Methodist church, but the church went into fragments some years ago, and the house went back into individuals' hands. I think that the truth would have some effect here. Cannot Bro. Waggoner or some other brother heed this call for help? We are all alone here in the truth, and see many thirsty souls that are perishing for the want of it. We feel very anxious that it be set before them. If the way should open for a messenger to heed this call, he will come to Mansfield, Ohio, and then take the south road, and stop at St. Louisville, Licking Co., Ohio, about forty-two miles distant.
Bro. G. W. Sutherland writes from Readstown, Wis.: For two years past I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Lord is very precious to me. He has sustained me in sickness and in health. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Although I have waded through sorrow and afflictions, I can put my trust in the Lord. There are a few here who meet every Sabbath, and the Lord meets with us. We very much need the aid of a messenger, and the prayers of God's people, to help us on our journey toward the kingdom.
Sister L. J. Waters writes from Muskegan Co., Mich.: I believe we are truly living in perilous times. We need God's Spirit to guide us and lead us on in the narrow way. I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my heart. O how I wish the truth could be presented here. I think I should not be alone in keeping the commandments if the people could hear the truth proclaimed. I have a few books which I lend them to read, and some seem quite interested.
We live about fifty miles north-west of Grand Rapids, in the county of Muskegan. Any one coming should come to Muskegan Village, and there inquire for the Wright Settlement.
Cling to the Lord.
A curious arrangement of different Biblical texts is given in the following poem:
LIKE the leaf, life has its fading. We speak and think of it with sadness, just as we think of the autumn season. But there should be no sadness at the fading of a life that has done well its work. If we rejoice at the advent of a new life, if we welcome the coming of a pilgrim to the uncertainties of this world's way, why should there be so much gloom when all these uncertainties are passed, and life at its waning wears the glory of a completed task? Beautiful as is childhood in its freshness and innocence, its beauty is that of untried life. It is the beauty of promise, of spring, of the bud. A holier and rarer beauty is the beauty which the waning life of faith and duty wears. It is the beauty of a thing completed; and as men come together to congratulate each other when some great work has been achieved, and see in its concluding nothing but gladness, so ought we to feel when the setting sun flings back its beams upon a life that has answered well life's purpose. When the bud drops blighted, and the mildew blasts the early grain, and there goes all hope of the harvest, one may well be sad; but when the ripened year sinks amid its garniture of autumn flowers and leaves, why should we regret or murmur? And so a life that is ready and waiting for the "well done" of God, whose latest virtues and charities are its noblest, should be given back to God, with uncomplaining reverence, we rejoicing that earth is capable of so much goodness, and is permitted such virtue.
—J. F. W. Ware.
LETTERS.
By Caroline C. Belden
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Sister Belden.
BRO. WHITE : As it cheers my own heart so much to read the communications, of the dear brethren and sisters in the Review, I concluded I would pen a few lines, if perchance, it might be the means of comforting even one of the lonely ones scattered abroad.
God in his loving kindness, has of late brought affliction and sorrow into our family, by removing from our midst, a darling son and brother; but, thank God, we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we confidently believe he has fallen asleep in Jesus. Like a flower he has been cut down in his early youth but he gave good evidence some time before his death that he had given his heart to God, and that with him all "was well;" and when he passed away it was so calmly, so peacefully, with the praises of God upon his dying lips, that it seemed as if the loving hand of Jesus had left its sweet impress upon the countenance of our departed one. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord," and I can say from my inmost heart, "The will of the Lord be done."
Since the sickness and death of my child I have felt more than ever before the importance of renewing my covenant vows with God. I feel there is a fearful responsibility resting upon God's children, at the present time. Let us then, dear brethren and sisters, awake to a realizing sense of the duties that are devolving upon us, especially those of us who are parents. Let us see to it that the blood of our children be not required at our hands, and I would ask your earnest prayers in my own behalf that I may be kept faithful even unto the end. In the hope of meeting you soon in the Kingdom, I remain your sister striving for eternal life.
CAROLINE C. BELDEN.
New Boston, Mass.
M. J. BENNETT
By M. J. Bennett
From Bro. Bennett.
BRO. WHITE : I would like to say to the brethren and sisters through the Review, that I am striving to overcome. It is nearly two years since I commenced to keep the commandments of God. I am truly thankful for the light of present truth, that is shining on my pathway. I rejoice that it has been my privilege to listen to the sound of the third angel's message. Two years ago this winter I listened to a course of lectures given by Bro. Cornell. I was determined to resist the truth, which I did for some time, but soon became convinced on the Sabbath. I did not however commence to keep it until the May following, when Bro. Bates was here the first time. I attended all his meetings. There were a number baptized among whom was a dear friend of mine. I came to the conclusion that they had something that I knew not of; and from that time I made up my mind to enlist under the banner of king Jesus; and by the help of God's grace I mean to go through to the kingdom.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
M. J. BENNETT
Chesening, Saginaw Co. Mich.
Church Meeting at Cleveland
By John Bostwick
From Bro. Bostwick.
Bro. White: Last Sabbath I spent with the church at Cleveland, Minn., and I trust the meeting was one of profit, as there appeared to be a coming up to the help of the Lord.
One aged brother who gave up the use of tobacco some two years since, but had resumed the habit, thus becoming a stumbling-block to others, also setting a bad example to weaker brethren, confessed his wrong, and covenanted to do better.
We were pleased to meet with brethren Odell and Johnson, who enlisted in the U. S. service some time since. They regret the steps they have taken, and it is their prayer almost day and night that they may be released from the service. Bro. Johnson expressed it as being in the "gall of bitterness." They earnestly requested our prayers.
Our meeting was one of solemnity and tears. Notwithstanding the distraction that has existed in this church, there appeared to be honest souls inquiring for the truth.
JOHN BOSTWICK.
OBITUARY.
DIED in Waterloo, Mich., Jan. 21, 1863, Mrs. Olive Randolph, in the sixty-sixth year of her age.
Sister Randolph embraced the truth of the third angel's message some ten years since. She has stood firm in its defense in the midst of opposition. Whenever she had the privilege of meeting with us, her testimony was clear, in the spirit of the gospel. The last time she was with us she regretted much that she could not meet with us in communion. She greatly desired to be with those of like precious faith, but could seldom have the privilege. She now rests in the grave. She sleeps in Jesus. Jesus has slept and arisen, and those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Sweet promise—blessed hope! raised to eternal life, beauty, and glory at the resurrection of the just!
H. S. GURNEY.
DIED in Hillsdale, Mich., Aug. 5, 1861, of whooping cough, Oran, son of A. and P. Gleason, aged one year six months and three days.
Also Albert, another son of A. and P. Gleason, of croup, Feb. 14, 1863, aged five years and eight days.
The parents and their two youthful daughters feel sorely afflicted over these bereavements, but they mourn not as those who have no hope; for they believe that the Life-giver will soon come and rescue them from the power of the enemy.
W. B. CASTLE.
DIED, Jan. 10, 1863, of diphtheria, in Wethersfield, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Mary Jane, daughter of O. S. and Delia A. Eddy, aged six years, six months, and nine days. Little Mary was beloved by all. She loved the Bible, the Sabbath-school, and the Youth's Instructor. She had committed to memory the commandments, the Lord's sermon on the mount, and the first chapter of John. We endeavored to comfort the mourning parents, from 1 Thess. iv, 13, 14. And when her lifeless form was gently lowered into the grave, we felt that we were bidding her good-bye but for a few days. May the Lord keep the afflicted parents, through faith, unto salvation soon to be revealed.
A. M. ANTISDALE.
DIED, Feb. 2nd, 1863, at her residence in Beaver, Fillmore Co., Minn., our mother Relief W., wife of John H. Darling, in the fifty-eighth year of her age.
Although she had for many years had but feeble health, yet her death was brought on more directly by a cancerous tumor which had for some time past been gathering near her stomach. This gave but little trouble till about four days before her death, when it seemed to break and obstruct the passage causing great pain at times. A few hours before her death the pain subsided, and she sank calmly to rest in the full enjoyment of her senses, expressing a bright hope of a crown of life to be received at the resurrection. She leaves a companion and four children to mourn her loss. Her greatest anxiety was that we should serve the Lord and that her little son (only eight years old) should be trained up in the way he should go.
One of the lowly, contrite ones of earth, she led a life of suffering and privation; but she has gone to rest.
"Those lids she so seldom could close,
By sorrow forbidden to sleep,
Now hushed in their mortal repose,
Have strangely forgotten to weep."
Brightly in contrast with her life here we hope will be her life in that better land. She was blessed with a gift of counsel and steadfast purpose, above many, on which account we shall miss her much, but could not wish her back to this world of danger and sin; for we believe she sleeps sweetly beneath the kind watchcare of her Saviour. War may drench the world with blood, the savage may sweep through this land, but no such evil "can reach the silent slumberer there." The next sound that breaks on her ear will be the trump of the Archangel that wakes the dead. She expressed an unwavering confidence in present truth, was in full sympathy with the cause, and gloried in the soon coming of her Saviour. She had with her family kept the seventh-day the past nine years. She looked forward with desire to the time when the truth should be proclaimed here, having faith that it would be with good results. So let it be. Brethren we need your sympathy and prayers. There are but four of us here, the only Sabbath keepers we know of within sixty miles.
E. W. & M. E. DARLING.
M. J. DAVIS
By M. J. DAVIS
DIED, in Holden, Me., Jan. 30, 1863, Sarah Wheeler, wife of Bro. Cyrus Field, aged 43 years and 4 months. Sister F. embraced a belief in the speedy coming of the Saviour in 1842, and was a firm advocate of the truth. She was a strong believer in the restoration of the gifts in the church. After an illness of five days she fell asleep in Jesus. Her sufferings, which were most distressing, she bore with meek submission. She felt that Jesus was a present help. She prayed fervently, and sung, catching as it were the heavenly strains of the angelic choir.
For the last two years sister F. held a most perfect control over all impatience, ruling her own spirit, and bearing her lot without a murmur. She has left a husband and five children to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and mother. Bro. Field is deeply afflicted, still he is comforted in the hope of a re-union with his dear companion in the earth made new, which he feels is but a little from this. I hope the brethren and sisters will remember our beloved brother in his affliction.
"She sleeps in Jesus! O, how sweet
To be for such a slumber meet."
M. J. DAVIS
Samuel Merlin Dies at Age 75
By Wm. S. Higley Jr.
DIED Feb. 14, 1863 at his residence in Lapeer, Mich. Samuel Merlin, aged 75 years. He had professed faith in Jesus Christ for more than forty years. While Brn. Cornell and Lawerence were proclaiming the third angel's message in 1858, he embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith and contended earnestly for the "faith once delivered to the saints." He expressed a perfect willingness to abide God's will and be laid away to sleep until Jesus comes.
Elder R. J. Lawerence preached to a large and attentive congregation at the residence, from Rev. xiv, 13, enjoying much freedom, and the word apparently having good effect.
Wm. S. Higley Jr.
Ashton E. Belden Dies at 21
DIED in New Boston, Mass., January 27th, 1863, of abscess of the lungs, after an illness of some months, Ashton E. Belden, son of Ensign D. and Caroline C. Belden, aged nearly 21 years.
We confidently hope he sleeps in Jesus. A very impressive discourse from the text found in Job xiv, 14, was delivered upon the occasion by elder Henry Pratt of Wales, Mass.
William H. Bovee Dies of Diphtheria
By Horace Bowen
DIED *of diphtheria, at his father's residence near Liverpool, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1863, William H., son of William and Rebecca Bovee, aged 6 years and 10 months. This is the second time within a year that death has entered the abode of our beloved brother and sister. They deeply mourn their loss, and notwithstanding their afflictions are severe, they bear them with Christian fortitude. They do not mourn as those that have no hope; for they are with us in the belief that the great Life-giver will soon come and render unto their loved ones that now sleep in Jesus, immortality and eternal life.
Horace Bowen.
Liverpool, N. Y.
Death of Mary Fox
By H. L. Doty
DIED, near Salem Center, Ind., Feb. 9, 1863, sister Mary Fox, daughter of sister Cynthia Fox, aged 20 years, 10 months, and 13 days. Her disease was typhoid fever.
She was sick nearly three weeks, during which time she bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude. She was taught to observe the Sabbath from childhood; but a year ago last fall she sought and obtained an experience of her own under the labors of Bro. Byington. Her parent, her brothers and sister, and many friends, feel deeply their loss; but they sorrow not as those that have no hope. We pray that it may be sanctified to their good. Discourse on the occasion from 1 Thess. iv, 18, by the writer.
H. L. Doty.
J. N. ANDREWS
By John Nevins Andrews
Fell asleep in Jesus, in Hamlin, N. Y. Feb. 13th, Sr. Miranda B. Craig aged 42 years.
For many years Sr. Craig had been affected more or less with palpitation of the heart. Nearly a year and a half since, her disease, seemed to take a firmer hold, and commenced making new inroads upon her system, entirely baffling medical skill. About eight weeks prior to her death, her spells of palpitation became more violent and frequent than ever before, at times causing numbness in her side and limbs, and soon the dreadful nature of the difficulty was more fully realized as indications of mortification became visible in her left foot and limb making it apparent to all, that amputation must necessarily follow. This distressing operation took place some six weeks previous to her death, but instead of lessening her sufferings they were only the more aggravated.
The friends that attended Sr. Craig during her illness say that a more painful case never came under their observation, yet her sufferings were borne with remarkable patience and fortitude. A few hours before her death her agony was so great that she seemed to relinquish her hold upon life, and expressed herself that it would be a pleasure to die.