Many of the stockholders of this Institution have already so arranged the matter of their stock as to cut off all income from it forever. They hold it on the same benevolent plan as the stock of the Publishing Association is held.
This change will not in the least affect those who do not choose to make it. Those, therefore, who have more stock than they are able to hold as a matter of charity in this Institution have no grounds of complaint in consequence of the proposed change. Others arranging theirs so as to receive no income from it, makes theirs no less valuable. The proposed change is right in those who are able and willing to make it, and no one has the least grounds of complaint because these liberal Christians choose to do so.
But there are those who are not able to make this change. Several were induced to take too much stock. Some are not able to hold any stock in the Institute. These should not be sensitive over the errors of the past. They can hold their stock as they choose; and the directors are disposed to do all in their power to relieve such as soon as possible.
But it should be distinctly understood that shares, according to the statutes of the State, cannot be taken out of the Institute stock, and the money be paid back to stockholders. They may be sold to others. And as fast, and as far, as others apply for stock, the directors will see that a purchase be made of those who most need the money they have invested. The most needy will be relieved first, and as fast as purchasers can be found. Before those who are able, and willing to take stock in the Institute, on the plan of liberality, is the double motive of sharing in this good enterprise, and relieving poorer brethren, who have taken too great burdens upon themselves. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Brethren, not a few of you who at once favored the proposed change in the manner of holding stock in the Health Institute, more than intimated that the reason why you had taken little or no stock was your objections to the plan which made Institute stock a matter of profit instead of liberality. Why do you not now come up to the work. Bro. Rumery, and others, in taking stock in the new plan to the amount of near $1200, have set an example worthy of imitation by many others. It is just now that help is wanted, that past errors409may be made right, so far as they can be, by shifting stock from those who are not able to hold it, to those who are abundantly able, and that heavy debts resting upon the Institute be paid.
The large building is given up for the present, and the material is being sold. Still a debt of several thousands will be resting upon the Institute after this is done. Efforts will be made in the future to have everything connected with the Institute managed on the most economical plan, and everything that can be done by the directors to overcome present embarrassments, will be done. And at this crisis none should excuse themselves, who are able to share in this good work.
Those who have moved rashly, and have committed errors in the past for want of experience, feel over the matter all they should, and it is not Christian-like to murmur against them. No one will better his condition, in any way, by such a course. It is no time for the professed friends of the Institute to settle back and cast an influence against it. The very worst time for a horse to balk, is when the load draws hard. And if those who have too much stock in the Institute wish to bring about a state of things to make it impossible for them to sell a portion, then let them work against the interests of the Institute. Now is the time for all to stand together like Christian men and women, and share equally the privilege of sacrificing in the cause of Christ. Mrs. W. and self have $1000 in the Institute, as a matter of liberality, and shall expect wealthy brethren to stand with us in this matter. Send in your pledges, brethren, at once, and the money as soon as possible. It is a
SAFE INVESTMENT.
The Institute property can be sold for every dollar that it cost. All the buildings connected with it are excellent dwelling houses, in the most thriving part of the rapidly-growing city. Not so, if a mammoth building should be erected, as was contemplated. In case that the property should be sold, such a building would be a serious loss. Caution and consistency warn against such a building in the present condition of things; hence it is abandoned. But a two-story building is needed sufficiently large for a lecture room above, and parlor, dining-room, and kitchen, below. This would cost about $7000. There are also two new cottages in connection with the Institute buildings, which can be bought for $6000. With these, there would be, in all, six cottages, besides the buildings used for lecture-room, bath-room, dining-room, parlor, and kitchen. These would accommodate nearly one-hundred patients, a sufficient number for either the prosperity of the Institute or the good of patients. This would be a safe investment. Such property is destined to rise rapidly in Battle Creek, and could be sold at any time at an advance of cost.
There can be no such thing as a loss of stock taken in the Institute. This will be laid out in real estate, and such personal property as will be kept good. The expenses of the Institute for the treatment and board of patients will be met by the current prices of board and treatment. And, although we look for no such thing, yet, in the event the enterprise should be abandoned, love and justice to all, which are leading principles with those who keep the commands of God, would refund to stockholders every dollar invested.
Upon the present basis of operation there is every inducement for those who are able, and wish to do good with their means, to take stock in the Health Institute. I speak as a director, with the full approval, as to what I say, of the other members of the board. JAMES WHITE.
MONTEREY AND BATTLE CREEK.
By James White
We have just returned to this place from a second visit to Monterey. Our meetings held Sabbath and first day, June 6 and 7.
On our way to the General Conference we spent two weeks with this people, and a great work was done. The church was in a low state, destitute of the spirit of labor for those around them who had backslidden from the Lord, yet observed the Sabbath. For want of disposition to labor, the church was sinking in feebleness and discouragement. This was their condition when we visited them just before the Conference. The Lord gave us a testimony for this people which seemed to reach all hearts. The church felt reproved for their want of a spirit of labor for the erring. The wandering felt deeply their lost condition, and conviction rested upon the young people. There was a general movement in the large audience, composed mostly of those who observed the Sabbath, and before we left, fourteen were immersed.
While attending Conference and following up the good work at Battle Creek, which occupied three weeks’ arduous labor, the work at Monterey was moving steadily forward, so that at our second visit we found sixteen more ready to be baptized, making thirty we have baptized in this place since we left our home in Montcalm Co., the last of April. Bro. Geo. T. Lay and wife were, by unanimous vote, received as members of the church, and Bro. Rumery was, by unanimous vote, invited to take his place with the church. These men have taken a noble stand.
There never has been a better interest at Monterey than at the present time. The public mind is stirred. Our congregations were large, and deeply interested. General conviction rests upon the minds of the people that we have the truth. If that church stands in the counsel of God—if its recent accessions live in accordance with the high stand taken—their influence will be salutary on their convicted neighbors. There is wealth in this church, a portion of which should be used in the cause of truth, and must be thus used, in order for the holders to enjoy the favor of God.
The spirit of the world and the love of money that is upon our wealthy brethren is terrible. If it was not so, you would see each of them doing as much as to follow the example of poor ministers in giving $25, or $10 for the California Mission, and enterprises of the like.
On coming to this place one of our faithful horses, that I have driven the past six years as far as half way round the globe, failed us in consequence of that common disease called the heaves. We left this old friend, however, in the merciful care of Bro. Leighton, bought another to fill his place, and journeyed on to Battle Creek.
Our meetings in this place have been deeply interesting. Sabbath evening a large congregation assembled. Mrs. W. spoke freely and very solemnly till near ten. She spoke to the young generally, and addressed several personally. And while speaking from the platform in front of the pulpit, in the most solemn and impressive manner, the power of God came upon her, and in an instant she fell upon the carpet in vision. Many witnessed this manifestation for the first time, with astonishment and perfect satisfaction that it was the work of God. The vision lasted twenty minutes. No one was expecting it. Mrs. W. has said more than twenty times since the Rochester vision, December, 1865, upon which she has written several thousands of pages, that in view of the responsibilities of her work, if she could have her choice, to go into the grave or have another vision, she should choose the grave. And since Sabbath evening it has been with difficulty that she has been able to control her feelings of disappointment and sadness in view of her new responsibilities. I make the above statements to show that this recent vision was unexpected to all, and against the wishes of Mrs. W.
The meeting, Sabbath morning, commenced at nine, and lasted till noon. Mrs. W. occupied nearly the entire three hours. The afternoon meeting commenced at two and lasted till sunset with only forty minutes intermission. Several in the congregation decided to give themselves unreservedly to the service of God, and many confessed their backslidden state.
First-day morning the brethren assembled at nine o’clock to consider the subject of baptism, and at twelve I buried, with their Lord, twenty-five believers. Since the first of April I have baptized at Greenville, Wright, Monterey, and Battle Creek, seventy-one persons.
Second-day, the 10th, we design to leave for Greenville, accompanied by the editor of the REVIEW, who will spend a few weeks with us, and assist in completing Life Incidents, when we may return and make a trip to Ohio. At present address us at Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. JAMES WHITE.
Battle Creek, Mich., June 14, 1868.
An Ancient Prophecy about Spiritualism.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In a writing which has come down to us from the early ages, I find the following passage: Speaking of the power of the Devil to work miracles, the writer says:—
“Those signs, therefore, which make for the benefit of men, and confer some good upon them, the wicked one cannot do, excepting only at the end of the world. For then it shall be permitted him to mix up with his signs some good ones, as the expelling of demons, or the healing of diseases; by this means going beyond his bounds, and being divided against himself, and fighting against himself, he shall be destroyed. And therefore the Lord has foretold that in the last times there shall be such temptations, that, if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived; that is to say, that by the marks, or ‘signs,’ being confused, even those must be disturbed who seem to be expert in discovering spirits and distinguishing miracles.”—Recognitions of Clement, Book III, Ch. 60, in Ante-Nicene Christian Library, Vol. III, p. 271.
This prophecy is certainly fulfilled before our eyes in the miracles of Spiritualism. They do heal the sick on some occasions, and do a few other good things, to blind the people, and lead them to ruin. But the end draws nigh. D. M. CANRIGHT.
AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: After an absence of more than thirteen months, we are at home again. As we reflect upon the goodness and mercy of our heavenly Father toward us in this time, we feel that a humble expression of our heartfelt gratitude to him is due for his manifest love and parental care for us. May we appreciate his divine favor, and use all the blessings we are partakers of to his glory.
I hope we shall not be ungrateful to our dear brethren and sisters for their kindness and liberality to us. In view of their generosity, we certainly have reason for unfeigned gratitude, and to cherish their memory with hearts of tenderness and Christian affection.
While at the Institute, we formed many happy acquaintances. We feel a deep interest for the advancement of the cause of God in this department, and for the welfare of those who go there for the restoration of health, and for all connected with the Institution. Especially do we feel to pray for the sustaining and guiding hand of the Lord to rest in love and mercy upon our beloved Bro. Lay, upon whom rests the burden of the work here. He needs the prayers and sympathies of God's people, as do all who act a part with him in the important work of laboring in this direction for suffering humanity.
To the church in Battle Creek I want to say, I call to mind with lively satisfaction the precious privileges enjoyed with you in the house of worship, and at your homes. The interest and sympathy you manifested for us, was more than we could have expected. Your last act of unexpected generosity to us, in the gift of $50, melts my heart in thankfulness, and causes tears of gratitude to freely flow as I write. To say, I thank you, seems a very small word to use here, yet I wish to utter it with emphasis. May the Lord bless you all, dear brethren, and may each one of you so live as to receive your reward at the resurrection of the just. We hope to meet you then. Twenty dollars of the above sum we esteemed it a privilege to give to the Seventh-day Adventist Benevolent Association.
I also wish to gratefully acknowledge the reception of $32.50 from brethren and sisters and friends, from Newton, Parma and vicinity, and other places. Also a liberal donation from Bro. Dr. J. F. Byington, in the line of dentistry.
I would say that the means here acknowledged with that previously acknowledged in the REVIEW, enabled us to meet our expenses, make a few presents and donations, and leaves a balance of a few dollars.
We endured our long journey home quite well, and have as good, or better health, than when we left the Institute. To the Lord be all praise.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Wolcott, Vt., June 5, 1868.
DIALOGUE ON ORDER.
By E. H. Adams
Bro. A. Good morning, Bro. C., I hope all is well with your family this morning.
Bro. C. We are all well, Bro. A., but I feel somewhat bad.
A. Why, Bro. C., what is the matter?
C. Well, the last cow I've got is about to die. She got into the barn last night, to the wheat bin, and ate so much wheat I think she will die.
A. I am sorry for that, Bro. C., how did it happen?
C. Well, the door has been broken down some time, in fact she has been in several times, but she never got to the wheat before. I trusted to the boys to fix up the door last night. I was careless in doing so, I should have done it myself.
A. Well, Bro. C., I am glad you have confessed that it was carelessness on your part; for I came over this morning on purpose to talk to you a little on the subject of carelessness, and your lack in not doing and keeping things in order. And, Bro. C., while I talk to you this morning, I want you to feel that I am your friend, and brother, and that I love you. If I did not I would have never taken it upon me to come and see you. I felt it was a great cross to approach you on this subject—but I am here, and I want you to feel that I have come to try to do you good.
C. Speak on, Bro. A., I will listen.
A. Well, Bro. C., I have been acquainted with you for a long time. We have been brethren and neighbors together. I have taken notice that you have been very careless and disorderly, letting things go at loose ends; and by so doing I have noticed many times that you were the loser, as in the case of your cow this morning. If she dies it will be a loss to you. And it all came from not keeping things in order. And, besides, you are setting a bad example before your children, training them up to be just as you are.
C. Well, Bro. A., I know that I am somewhat careless, and there is not very much order about me, but I never realized that there was any harm in being so, or, that it was any sin; for we read somewhere in the New Testament, not to be overcharged with the cares of life.
A. Yes, we read in Luke xxi, 34: “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life.” But, Bro. C., as long as we live in this world, we have to do with the things of this world; therefore we should try to do all things decently and in order. But right here, Bro. C., I would like to ask, Who has the most trouble and trials to bear, and his mind taken up and weighed down with the cares of this life the most, you or I?
C. Oh! I presume that I have; for I don’t see who could have more trouble than I have. Why, Bro. A., every thing that I have, and every thing that is about me seems to be against me. Even my stock has got so unruly it is almost impossible for me to keep them in subjection any more. I have often thought my lot was a hard one, but it seems to grow worse instead of better. In fact, I have no patience any more to bear up under my trials, and it seems that I have no peace of mind day nor night, I am so weighed down with trouble and care.
A. I feel sorry for you, Bro. C., but I don’t think there is any need of all this trouble and care you speak about. In regard to your stock being so unruly, it has come from your past carelessness in leaving your bars down, your gates open, and your fences unrepaired until your stock has become breechy, and now, as you say, there is no keeping them in subjection. These, with other things, bring about all this trouble.
C. All you have said is all true enough, Bro. A., but I don’t see any use of being so particular and careful to keep every thing so neat and orderly. We read about Martha being “careful and troubled about many things, but Mary hath chosen that good part,” &c. I want to be profited by these things.
A. This is wherein you have failed, Bro. C., in not seeing any need of keeping things neat and in order. You have set a poor example before your brethren, and also before the world. Your life in this one particular has spoken more against than for the truth.
C. Bro. A., I fail to see that my example has been a bad one to set before the world. I believe we ought to show to them that we are looking for the Lord to come soon, and that we don’t care much for the things of this world.
A. That is true enough, Bro. C., we are looking for the Lord to come soon, and that is why we should take the more heed that we live an exemplary life, one of neatness, economy, and order. But to prove more fully to your mind that your example has not been a good one before the world, I will relate a little circumstance that happened the other day. Two men passed by your house; they were strangers to me; I happened to be close by, and overheard them. Their conversation was like this: (Stranger.) Mr. Brown, who lives here? (Mr. Brown.) I am not able to tell you, but from the looks of things, I should judge some widow, who had some careless boys to do and manage things for her. (Stranger.) I should think so from the holes in the bars, the door broken down, and I see a cow inside; and look at the logs, rails, and loose lumber lying around over the barn-yard, and the fences too out of repair. Ah! this lack of order is a bad thing. After this they passed out of my hearing, and I heard no more. After they were gone I felt very glad that they did not know that a S. D. Adventist lived here. Now, Bro. C., I hope you can begin to realize your wrong course, and will try to make amends.
C. Yes, Bro. A., I begin to see that my course has been a bad one in a worldly point of view; but I always looked at things about this way—that when a person was so particular, so careful, and so nice to have everything in order, there was danger of their becoming careless and indifferent in the worship of God, and the things that should most interest them.
A. You are mistaken, Bro. C. The scale will turn, I think, the other way. When you see a person that keeps his house neat and clean, that arranges his yards and gardens with taste, not forgetting to keep his barns and farm in order, and also his person neat and clean, such are the very persons you will find coming before the Lord with reverence, and worshiping him in the beauty of holiness. He that is careless and disorderly about his person, and the things of this world, will more or less be careless and disrespectful, and not have that order in the worship of God he should have. But, Bro. C., to make this point still plainer, I will relate a little circumstance that happened not long since. I was at your house, if you remember, not long ago, and as I was passing from the gate into the house, I noticed your two little boys in the yard at play. I passed on into the house, and found you and the rest of your family seated around, and you had your Bible and were reading, and, as I supposed, were talking to your family; for I never once thought you were reading for prayer, or that it was the hour of worship, from the fact of seeing the boys out at play as I came in; but after you got through reading, you spoke to the oldest girl to bring in the boys. After all were seated, to my astonishment you called on me to lead in prayer. Now, Bro. C., can you not see that this kind of order in worship cannot be well-pleasing in the sight of the Lord? His Spirit is grieved, and good angels are driven from the dwelling.
C. I acknowledge that all you have said is the truth, and that you came to talk to me this morning for my good. I thank you for showing me my faults. I mean to be a better man. I mean to reform, and live an exemplary life, one worthy of imitation. And in the future, if I should fail on those points to make that reform that I should, I would thank you for your advice, counsel, and reproof, if necessary, for I want to overcome.
A. I am glad, Bro. C., you see your faults, and have resolved to reform. I am now ready to assist you all I can, to help you to overcome. But remember the help of man is small, but the Lord is mighty, able to save, a present help in time of trouble. Trust in the Lord, he will help and assist you to overcome. I hope Bro. C., that you will prove faithful, and that you and I may at last be overcomers, and be permitted to enter through the gates into the city, and there enjoy the society of the good and the blest of all ages.
E. H. ADAMS.
Pilot Grove, Iowa.
How to be Miserable.
Sit by the window and look over the way to your neighbor's excellent mansion, which he has recently built and paid for, and fitted out.
“Oh, that I were a rich man!”
Get angry with your neighbor, and think you have not a friend in the world. Shed a tear or two, and take a walk in the burial ground, continually saying to yourself—
“When shall I be buried here?”
Sign a note for a friend, and never forget your kindness, and every hour in the day whisper to yourself—“I wonder if he'll ever pay that note?”411
Think everybody means to cheat you. Closely examine every bill you take, and doubt its being genuine until you have put your neighbor to a great deal of trouble. Put confidence in nobody, and believe every man you trade with to be a rogue.
Never accommodate if you can possibly help it.
Never visit the sick or afflicted, and never give a farthing to assist the poor.
Buy as cheap as you can, and screw down to the lowest mill. Grind the faces and hearts of the unfortunate.
Brood over your misfortunes, your lack of talents, and believe that at no distant day you will come to want. Let the work-house be ever in your mind, with all the horrors of distress and poverty.
Follow these receipts strictly, and you will be miserable to your heart's content—if we may so speak—sick at heart and at variance with the world. Nothing will cheer or encourage you—nothing will throw a gleam of sunshine or a ray of warmth into your heart.
BEYOND THE RIVER.
No mortal eye that land hath seen
Beyond, beyond the river;
Its valleys and its hills so green,
Beyond, beyond the river.
Its shores are getting nearer,
The skies are growing clearer,
Each day it seemeth dearer,
Beyond, beyond the river.
CHO.—We'll stand the storm, we'll stand the storm,
Its rage is almost over;
We'll anchor in the harbor soon,
In the land beyond the river.
No cankering care, no mortal strife,
Beyond, beyond the river;
But happy, never-ending life,
Beyond, beyond the river.
Through the eternal hours,
God's love in heavenly showers
Shall water faith's fair flowers,
Beyond, beyond the river.
That glorious day will ne'er be done,
Beyond, beyond the river,
When we've a crown and kingdom won,
Beyond, beyond the river.
There is eternal pleasure,
And joys that none can measure,
For those who have their treasure
Beyond, beyond the river.
When shall we stand on Zion's hill,
Beyond, beyond the river?
With endless bliss our hearts shall thrill,
Beyond, beyond the river.
There angels bright are singing,
There golden harps are ringing;
We ne'er shall cease our singing
Beyond, beyond the river.
TO THE WEARY.
By W. B. Castle
Do we ever get weary of the service of God? weary of seeking pardon, and favor? weary of asking that we may receive of Him who only can supply all our necessities? How can we?
Shall we ever get weary of his praise in the blessed kingdom of God? Can we ever, as we everywhere behold the new, the beautiful, the glorious, and the wonderful? Eternity will be too short in which to explore and admire the wonderful works of God. As we shall, if permitted to enter the realms of bliss, visit the untold numbers of other planets, to behold their wonders and glories, we can but feel overwhelmed with a sense of such a prospect; and the love, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator.
Jesus, our Redeemer, will be there—the one who died to save, and glorify us. He shall be our King and Lord. And as the marks of the nails and spear will ever be visible, as a memorial of what he suffered for us, themes of everlasting praise will be inspired in all the redeemed saints. Without Jesus we could never be satisfied. At his feet we'll sing what grace has done; the song of redemption shall ever be sung; and we shall be satisfied.
In view of such a prospect before us, how can we ever get weary of preparing to enter that state of existence by confession of sins; by asking pardon; by communion with God; by holy living?
“Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. vi, 9.
W. B. CASTLE.
Hillsdale, Mich.
Clinton Co., Mich
By Wm. H. Kynett
From Bro. Kynett.
Bro. Smith: I can say but little for myself. My knowledge of God's word is very limited; but what little I do know is worth to me all the world besides. It stimulates me to action, encourages me to do good, to renounce the world, take up my cross and follow Christ, “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” press my way through to the kingdom, and finally make this earth made new my eternal abode.
My companion and myself are the only ones in this vicinity who keep the Sabbath of the Lord; and we can truly say it is a delight. We meet some opposition, and much prejudice, all because it is unpopular, and nothing else. It is a great deal easier for them to deny that the seventh-day Sabbath is binding upon us, than it is for them to take the Bible and prove it. So far but one has undertaken to do it; and he fell very far short of it, inasmuch as he failed to get a “thus saith the Lord” to sanction it. He claimed that it was more appropriate to keep Sunday than Saturday, because redemption was completed when Christ arose from the dead. Redemption completed when Christ rose from the dead! Oh! how far from truth this idea is, when, in fact, his work of redemption was then, as it were, but just begun. How can a sane man claim that redemption is completed while a subject of redemption remains to be redeemed? He then claimed that Christ always met with his disciples on Sunday. I showed him that after eight days, John xx, 26, which was his second meeting, would at least be on the second day if not on the third. After referring him to Christ's third meeting, John xxi, 4, which was at the sea of Tiberias, verse 1, on a fishing occasion, verse 3, he came to the conclusion that he made a mistake, “but then,” said he, “Christ ascended on the first day.” This he found to be a mistake by counting for himself. He finally said that he did not think it made any difference what day was kept, just so that we keep one day in seven. This is strong argument for a minister of the gospel. One says to me, “As a friend, I tell you that you are lowering yourself in the estimation of the people, and that you are losing a great deal by working on Sunday.”
May God help me to press on. Conformity to the world is enmity with God. Persecution, only serves to drive us nearer to God. Our Master was perfect, and yet suffered persecution. Can we who are so far from perfection expect to escape it? No, indeed.
It is a little more than three months since we commenced to keep the Sabbath, and our love for it is growing stronger as we become enlightened. I never heard an Advent minister preach. All the preaching we have is in the Review, which some kind friend has been sending to us since No. 13. We feel very thankful for it. I intend to take it hereafter. We cannot well do without it. It makes our hearts glad as we receive it from week to week, and read the many precious truths it contains. I love to read the many spirited letters from the scattered flock. I know how to sympathize with those who are surrounded by scoffers at present truth. I wish a messenger would come this way; I think some good might be done. I believe we are now living under the last message to fallen man, and soon our probation will be closed up. Christ will have finished his work in the sanctuary, and then every case will be decided; and by the assisting grace of God I am determined to present myself before the Lord unspotted from the world. Instinctively I feel that a trying time awaits us. May God help us to prepare for it. Yours hoping for immortality through Christ.
Wm. H. Kynett.
Clinton Co., Mich
A New Believer Seeks Fellowship
By O. F. Tripp
BRO. O. F. TRIPP writes from Ohio: I wish to tell you what God and his people have done for me. On the 25th of last January, I visited an Advent meeting held at South Lancaster, Mass. There were present some twenty members, perhaps more, and among the leading ones were Elders Howard and Rodman. I was with them three days, and God be praised for what they did for me, a sinner. They pointed the way to me. I want the light and the truth, and I seek in the word of God for it. A blessed book! Once I thought otherwise (may God forgive me for it); but now I love it. It is my safeguard, but I need help to understand it better, and I believe you can give me succor in those truths which you preach and publish.
At the meeting in South Lancaster I bought the Three Messages of Revelation, Preach the Word, The Sabbath by Elihu, and Scripture References. I embraced the Seventh-day Advent faith, but have not been baptized, as a member; and I now wish to become one of that brotherhood. On my change of heart and principles, and from keeping of the Sunday Sabbath, many of my old friends became opposed to my new views, and I finally left them and came to this place in search of my brothers, of whom I have two living here. But I have met with great opposition from them, and some of the people of this place; for I showed the little books which I brought with me. One day, some two weeks ago, I was feeling very bad and very lonely, for the hard things that had been said to me, but judge of my joy on coming home at night to find four Seventh-day Adventist papers called the REVIEW AND HERALD, waiting for me, which had been sent from Worcester, Mass. They are the first ones I have ever heard read, and I found much comfort in them. I have shown them, and some of the people are interested in them, and in the Advent movements, so much so that one man who is reading the Three Messages of Revelation, which I have given him, sends with me for a copy of it, and one of The Prophecy of Daniel. I want more of your books, and would like your paper very much, but I send you all the money I have, and it is hard for me to earn it, as I have not my eyesight like others. I can only see to read through a microscope, or a large magnifying glass, but I want the books and the truth. Is there not something I can do for the cause of Christ and for you, by which I can earn them? I want to do all I can for Jesus, he has done so much for me. Once I could see to read and work like others, but now I cannot, and to be thus afflicted, even in the morn of life, seemed hard to me, till I came to Jesus, and in him I now find light and happiness. Truly he is the way.
I sometimes long for some of like precious faith to keep the Sabbath with me. I would that there were more laborers in the field, so that some one could come to this place and wake up the people to the truth. But God's will be done, and praise and glory be to him forever, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Westerly, R. I
By Edward W. Bliven
From Bro. Bliven.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I still feel encouraged to press my way onward toward that heavenly city. I feel truly thankful that the Lord opened my eyes to see the truth and to embrace it. It is more to me than earthly treasures. We are living in perilous times, when God's people will have their faith tried. I feel thankful for the REVIEW. I gain strength by reading it. The sermons are a feast to the hungry soul. I want to press my way onward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Our afflictions here will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. The time draweth nigh when we shall reap the reward of patience and well-doing. I am trying to live out the health reform, which has been a benefit to me.
Yours striving to overcome.
Edward W. Bliven.
Westerly, R. I
The Week Is Past
By Bowring
THE week is past; its latest ray
Is vanished with the closing day;
And ’tis as far beyond our grasp
Its now departed hours to clasp,
As to recall the moment bright
When first creation sprung to light.
The week is past! if it has brought
Some beams of sweet and soothing thought,
If it has left some memory dear
Of heavenly raptures tasted here,
It has not winged its flight in vain,
Although it n’er return again.
—Bowring.
Comfort for the Poor.
By Joseph Clarke
We can breathe the pure air of heaven just as freely as the rich, or quaff the water from the cool spring; our food is just as wholesome, and as well relished, as if it were served upon the costly tables of luxury.
We can improve our minds, and be as intelligent and just as refined, as if we were in the receipt of ten thousand per year.
God is just as ready to hear our prayers, as if we were enabled by millions of golden crowns. We can read our Bibles, can be sanctified by the truth therein contained, and can live it out just as well, with only enough to satisfy our wants, as if we had the mines of California at our disposal.
Parent, you can set just as holy an example before your child, and you can instruct him for Heaven, just as well in your poverty as in any other condition.
Do you think your lot is very hard? Then you have a greater and more striking opportunity for letting your light shine; for greater attainments only constitute fitness for martyrdom. The man who frets and worries, loses his claim to that honor.
Though one may be poor, he may be as patient, as lovely, as honorable, as Christlike, as happy, as fit for translation, as if he possessed his millions.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
A. O. THOMPSON
By A. O. Thompson
From Sr. Thompson.
BRO. SMITH: I still prize the REVIEW and the doctrine that it advocates. I have to-day read Bro. White's sermon with deep interest, and have felt condemned that I have had no more care for the widow and orphan. Bro. Whitney placed Spiritual Gifts in my hands last winter. I have read them with interest, and have also lent them to an aged friend, who told me yesterday that they were the best books that she had ever read, and that she should be an Adventist if she did not have so much to confess. Here is the great trouble in these last days: we are not willing to confess and forsake our sins, that we may find mercy.
I have felt of late that I could love my enemies, and do them good. I feel that I want to be a perfect overcomer. I want to confess that I have not lived out the reform as I should. I have been sensible for years that it was not right for Christians to eat, drink, and dress, so much like the world, and have condemned it in others, while I was not willing to come out and deny self. I am pleased with the dress reform; but it has been such a cross that I have wished that there was no such thing. I have a proud heart, and have much to overcome. My health is poor, and I feel the lack of patience; but I love to meet with God's children, though I cannot, through feebleness, well bear the excitement of a meeting. I need the prayers of the dear saints. If I were able, I would go to the Institute. I am glad for what God is doing for his people.