The body of Christ, the church, like the human body, has many members, and each separate member performing an office or function peculiar to itself, and differing from the rest. Yet all is wrought by the self-same Spirit, distributing to every man as he will. And it is in vain for one member to envy another in its gifts. We are not to choose for ourselves, but exercise the gift that God has given us; and in so doing we shall equally fulfill the will and design of Him who made us one, though differing in our gifts from each other.
“Having, then, gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Rom. xii, 6-8.
One should not decide to do nothing, because he has not the gift of another; neither should one be blamed for not exercising the gift of another. One may have a gift to teach, but be almost powerless in the gift of exhortation. Another may have the gift of exhortation, so that he can move the hearts of men, and yet be almost destitute of the gift to teach. Yet both these gifts are needed. Paul, by teaching, could plant the word of truth; Apollos, with burning eloquence and vivacious appeals to the heart, could water the seed and cause it to grow. And still the planter and the waterer are one. Both labor to the same end—the production and perfection of the crop.
There is a difference also in those that hear. To one, sound argument is the best motive power. Another prefers the stirring appeal to the sympathies. But all should learn “not to think of men above that which is written,” and not to be “puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” It is God that gives gifts to men, and causes one to differ from another in this respect. Men are not to be praised or blamed on account of the gifts they have received from God. The praise or blame is according to how they improve the gift of God. A man cannot assume a gift that God has not given him; but he can “stir up the gift” that is in him, and he will be rewarded according to his earnest efforts in this direction, and not in accordance to the endowments which God has given him irrespective of his own actions. Let each exercise the particular gift that God has given him, and improve upon it to the glory of God.
R. F. COTTRELL.
REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
In our last, we stated that a general gathering was expected at Orleans, Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 23 and 24. But high water and a loss of sleighing hindered many of the brethren at a distance from coming in. At the hours of worship, the congregation was good. We spoke each day in the forenoon, and Mrs. W. spoke each day in the afternoon.
This is a sacrificing, persevering people. Neither storm nor blow, snow nor rain, hinders them from meeting together. On one of the coldest, stormiest mornings of the winter, when we had given up having a meeting, load after load of men, women and children drove up, until the congregation was good. These, who have but little preaching, prize the labors of those who come among them with the plain testimony.
Since we left home, eight weeks since, we have rode with our team one thousand miles, and have walked some each day, in all amounting to one hundred miles. This, with our preaching, writing, baths and rest hours, has filled up our time.
Sabbath, March 2nd, we spoke in the forenoon, and Mrs. W. spoke in the afternoon. By request, our subject was the parable of the ten virgins, Matt. xxv, 1-13. We never felt greater freedom in comparing the several points of the marriage as stated by our Lord in the parable, than on this occasion, and never saw a more eager people to catch every word. What made this occasion still more interesting, was that there were only two persons in the house, excepting ourselves, that had part in our past Advent experience. Here we are reminded of those who in the early church, believed in Christ on the testimony of those who saw his miracles, witnessed his crucifixion and resurrection. They had the prophets who foretold the sayings of Christ, and those eye-witnesses whose testimony agreed with the prophecies.
But these believers among Seventh-day Adventists who were not in the past movement, and know not by experience its power, have the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which harmonize with the experience of those whose eyes and ears were opened to the great and glorious theme of the second coming of Christ. Mrs. W. spoke nearly two hours in the afternoon upon the subject of faith.
This morning, March 3, we decided that lengthy speaking was not so good for us, and concluded to divide the time with Mrs. W. in both the forenoon and afternoon. So we stated to the congregation that we designed to speak one half an hour at each service, and give them a chance to hear another whom they had rather hear. Our subject was Matt. xxiv. But we were soon lost in the sublime theme of the second advent, while the congregation seemed to eat every word; and when we sat down, we found we had been speaking one hour and a quarter. Mrs. W. then followed upon the subject of order and cleanliness, and the necessity of being prepared for the great event.
We have just returned from speaking an hour this afternoon upon the three messages, and while we write at Bro. Maynard's, Mrs. W. is speaking within hearing distance.164We have taken our leave of this people for the present, who express a desire that we should settle among them. And we feel the strongest desire, if the Lord will, to settle with this dear people where our testimony, as is most natural, is prized more than in those places where they are blessed with much ministerial labor, and the labors also of efficient local elders and experienced brethren. When men come from ten to fifteen miles on foot, and aged and feeble women come from three to twelve miles on foot, at this season of the year, depend upon it they come to hear. We expect to leave here to-morrow, to fill appointments at Orange, Windsor, Battle Creek, &c. But as the weather is growing severe and stormy, we may not be able to leave.
JAMES WHITE.
Greenville, March 3, 1867.
PERILOUS TIMES.
By J. M. A.
The last days are characterized in the Bible as days of unusual peril,—as a time when “evil men and seducers” shall prosecute their vile work with unwonted vigor and boldness.
That we have already fallen upon such times, is a fact that cannot be denied. The weekly records of such papers as devote their columns to the recital of horrid deeds, furnish us with the sad proof that the apostolic prediction concerning the last days, is being literally fulfilled in our own time. As indicative of the nature and tendency of the present time, I present the following black list which I copy from a single number of a weekly paper.
A terrible tragedy! A man murders his wife and children, and then commits suicide!—A horrible affair! A man killed, and woman mortally wounded!—Alleged wife murder! Curious circumstances. Arrest of the husband.—The Milton bond robbery. The bonds recovered, and the alleged thieves arrested.—Extensive operations of four impostors who profess to be Masons in high standing.—Discovery of a band of railroad and river thieves. A remarkable letter from one of them.—Shooting affray in Herkimer County!—Confidence man arrested.—Sad results of a picnic introduction. The wiles of a fair deceiver.—Attempted robbery of the silver plate of the late Daniel Webster. The thieves defeated in their object. They secure only $2,000 and assault the owner.—Bribing a Legislator.—Defalcation of an employee of the Harlem railroad company.—A young Criminal. Attempt by a boy to murder his uncle. A revolver the weapon used. Arrest of the young desperado.—A terrible tragedy! Murder in open court! A man shot through the heart! A father’s vengeance. Full particulars of the occurrence.—An attempt at murder! The villains arrested.—
In addition to the above list, in the same paper, under the head of “Crimes and Casualties,” there were about twenty other cases of crime noticed; such as murder, robbery, arson, seduction, suicide, &c.
In view of such a weekly record as the foregoing, what shall we think of that theology that teaches the immediate conversion of the world! Does not such a condition of the world rather bring to mind the time spoken of by Joel? “Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.”
J. M. A.
Watch Unto Prayer
WATCH unto prayer.
REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH
By John Norton Loughborough
On Monday, Jan. 21, in company with Bro. Maynard and family, I went about thirty miles into the pine woods to Winfield, Montcalm Co., where, on Tuesday afternoon, I preached a funeral discourse for Bro. Rust, whose obituary has already appeared in the Review. On Wednesday we had a meeting to take some steps in organizing a church. We enrolled the names of the few there, appointed a leader, and arranged the s. b. pledges for 1867. After attending to this, by request of the church, I spoke for an hour on the Health Reform. There are a few in the pine wilds of Montcalm Co., who love, and desire to obey, the truth. It was a matter of regret to us, that, after we had made such an effort to get in there, much business prevented some of the Sabbath-keepers from attending the meeting. It was all hurry with lumber business in the woods, and reminded us forcibly of the hurrying time of harvest among farmers in summer.
We had a little chance to see the lumbermen’s operations and mode of life. One would think, while seeing and hearing of the vast amount of logs shipped out of these woods (one man had a contract for eleven million thousand feet), “Who is going to use all this?” But it is shipped down creeks to the Muskegon river; and at the mouth of this river it is sawed into lumber and shipped to Chicago, scattered over the western prairies, and even to New Orleans, and does its part in supplying material for the great hurry of “building,” which is to occupy men’s attention, till the day of the Lord opens to their astonished vision in all its terrible grandeur.
On Thursday, the 24th, returned to Bro. Maynard’s, Greenville, and had the privilege of spending an evening with Bro. Bates. On Friday, the 25th, Bro. William Wilson and wife took their sleigh and carried me to Wright, some forty miles, in about the worst snow storm we have had this winter. The snow fell to over a foot in depth during our journey. We got along very well, however, although the track was snowed full, and we had our own roads to break. Scarcely a team did we meet in the whole journey. One man who saw us thought any one who would venture out as we did that day must be after his coffin. We felt that we were on the Lord’s business, and he gave us peace in our hearts by the way. We arrived in Wright just as the brethren were assembling for their Sabbath evening prayer meeting. Found Bro. and Sr. White laboring with the church in Wright. I tried to do as well as I could in bearing my testimony there. The Lord gave me some freedom in speaking the word, and I trust the six discourses I delivered there were not altogether in vain. On Monday and Tuesday we had business meetings, in which s. s. was organized for the year 1867, amounting to about $900.00. Over $1,000.00 in stock was subscribed to the Health Institute.
Wednesday, spent most of the day with the trustees, talking and planning in regard to a new meeting house in Wright. It is decided to build a new house this season, 36x50, which will cost the church something like $4,000.00. We think the brethren in Wright are trying to appreciate and act upon the testimony presented to them there. May the Lord strengthen them thus to do.
Wednesday evening I went by railroad to Grand Rapids, intending to take the stage the next morning for Monterey. I engaged my passage, the driver agreeing to call at the National Hotel for me where I was stopping. But he did not come for me. This forcibly reminded me of the words of the wise man, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of need, is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” Consolation of that kind, however, would not get me to Monterey. I found myself in Grand Rapids at a hotel, where I must wait twenty-four hours more before getting on my way to Monterey. I tried to improve the time writing. The day passed away very pleasantly, and the next morning I took the stage to the half-way-house, twenty-two miles down the plank road toward Kalamazoo. There I hired a man to carry me from thence to Monterey, a distance of sixteen miles. Instead of arriving there Thursday night and having one day to rest, as I designed, I arrived just as the brethren were assembling for their evening meeting. I went to the meeting, and spoke for a short time. Sabbath and first-day, preached twice each day, with freedom. On first-day evening had a business meeting, in which s. s. was re-organized for the year 1867. The figures were more than doubled, the present amount being upwards of $600.00. They also pledged $300.00 to the Health Institute. On Monday went to Otsego, and visited our much-afflicted sister Leighton, who still lives, a monument of the mercy of God. She has been many years afflicted with a cancer, but unless the Lord’s special power is interposed, it must soon end her days here.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, I returned to my own home in Battle Creek.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Battle Creek, March, 1867.
REPORT FROM BRO. WHITNEY.
By S. B. Whitney
The first three weeks of the present quarter I spent mostly at home, attending to Conference and other business, and making preparations to leave again. Was thankful for the opportunity of being with my family through the severe cold weather of January. During the time, however, I was visiting brethren, and preaching as I had opportunity.
Jan. 5, was with the church in Norfolk, and the 6th, with the friends in the Thompson neighborhood. The 12th, was with the church at Buck’s Bridge, and the 19th, in the Thompson neighborhood again.
Jan. 26, and 27, attended the Quarterly Meeting at Norfolk. The weather was quite stormy, still quite a goodly number came from Buck’s Bridge, but none from Bangor. Freedom was given in speaking the word, and the meeting for the ordinances was good. Remained with this church until the 31st, visiting and laboring, during which time I spoke twice, held one business meeting, and left the church considerably encouraged.
Feb. 2, was with the church in Bangor. This meeting was but thinly attended, but what there was of it was quite good. During the week following, visited the scattered friends in Malone and Chateaugay, preaching once.
Feb. 8, came to Perry’s Mills. The meeting here was thinly attended also, and on first-day the weather was so severe that we had no meeting at all. There seems to be a lack of interest with some of our brethren about sustaining the Quarterly Meetings. This ought not so to be. As the minister feels it his duty to dwell upon those truths that relate to our present duties and dangers, it is often the case that those whom he designs most to benefit are the very ones to be absent. This is always discouraging and must detract somewhat from the interest of the meeting. On this point, some, also, show a lack of consistency; for while they profess a great desire for preaching, and are almost disposed to find fault that more labor is not bestowed upon them, when the privilege is brought to them, they fail to show a corresponding zeal in availing themselves of its benefits. Nothing less than an almost insurmountable difficulty should hinder our obeying the Apostle’s injunction, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.”
After visiting among the friends as I had opportunity, and holding a prayer-meeting with them Tuesday evening, left for this place, arriving here the 15th, and am now enjoying a pleasant and profitable interview with sister Foster and family.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Whitehall, N. Y., Feb. 18, 1867.
Charity
CHARITY.—“I fear,” said a country curate to his flock, “when I explained to you in my last charity sermon that philanthropy was the love of our species, you must have understood me to say specie, which may account for the smallness of the collection. You will prove, I hope, by your present contribution, that you are no longer laboring under that misapprehension.”
Vienna, March 5.—The Eastern question is becoming more complicated. Dispatches have been received from the South which indicate a general rising of the Christians throughout Turkey.
—There is again, as there has been in former years, a great deal of suffering among the workingmen of France, and strikes for higher wages are becoming frequent. This adds a new cause of discontent to the many already existing.
—LAST year the people of England paid to religious institutions $2,800,000, and the tax on spirits paid to the Government amounted to $70,000,000.
—War virtually exists between Turkey and Greece, as the Turkish Government is about to send a ship to attack a Greek ship now in or near Candia; and the165Greeks will send another vessel to assist the one under the flag. There is a charming prospect of all Europe soon being set by the ears, in the desire to conquer a peace for the East.
—A meeting was held in the Light-street church on Monday evening, Feb. 25, to protest against the passage of a law by the State Legislature allowing the city passenger cars to run on the Sabbath, [Sunday] and also against any modification of the present Sunday law. Addresses were delivered by ministers of several denominations, and by James M. Lester, Esq.
—In spite of the excessive dullness of the times and the prospects of a financial crash, the jewelers in Broadway, New York, are reported to have sold more diamonds and expensive jewelry since Christmas than during any similar period for two years. Perhaps the inflation of the currency has something to do with this; but probably our natural extravagance has more.
Trichina in New York.—A case of trichina spiralis is reported in a recent issue of the New York Tribune. Some medical students in dissecting the corpse of a pauper recently, found the intestines, on microscopic examination, “literally alive” with the infinitesimal worms, which also abounded throughout the muscular tissue. The body was that of a woman, a pauper, who died at Bellevue Hospital, as was reported of an “unknown malady.”
Pacific Railroad. Ten thousand laborers are kept employed in constructing the Pacific Railroad in California, eight thousand of whom are Chinese who work for thirty dollars per month, and board themselves. These Chinese are said to be more tractable than white laborers, quite as productive, and fifty per cent. cheaper; 1,200 horses and mules, and as many carts are used, and 350 kegs of blasting powder, costing four dollars per keg, are daily consumed. The road, with its equipments, thus far cost about $9,000,000, and until it is entirely finished to the State line, 156 miles from Sacramento, it will cost about $2,000,000 more.
—In New York city an ingenious device is reported for building a magnificent cathedral. All the Catholic servants in the city are to be taxed so much per month, and they, in turn, are to demand so much increased pay from their Protestant employers. The cathedral will thus be completed from Protestant funds.
A New and Malignant Disease Among Cattle.—Evidence is rapidly accumulating to show that the animal creation is becoming sadly degenerated and diseased. This fact should be allowed its important bearing on the question of flesh as food. A correspondent of the Chicago Journal, “w. s. c.,” writes to that paper from Manteno, Ill., Feb. 26, 1867, as follows:
A disease of a very malignant type has broken out among my cattle—quite different from anything which has ever before come under my observation. It usually commences by a swelling in the flanks, extending forward and laterally until the creature dies, which generally takes place within two or three days after the first symptoms of indisposition are observable. In the localities thus affected, the flesh assumes a dark color, and a watery secretion, much like the serum of blood, settles immediately under the skin.
In a few cases, indications of the disease have been noticed first in the hip or shoulder, differing, however, in no other particular from the description above given.
If any of the readers of THE JOURNAL understand the nature of this disease, or can assign any cause, we should be glad to hear from them in your paper. We would also be glad to learn of any serviceable precaution or cure.
The Pope’s Admiration of America.—Rev. Dr. Larng, who went to Rome to hear the proceedings of the late council at Baltimore to the pope, writes home: “The holy father was rejoiced and highly pleased with the council of Baltimore, and also to hear many particulars I gave about the progress of our church in the United States; but what pleased his holiness most, and gave him great consolation in the midst of the troubles with which his paternal heart was afflicted, was the letter addressed to him by the fathers of the council. He spoke of it in the highest terms. His expression was: ‘Beautiful letter, most beautiful; in a few sentences they have written the history of my life.’ On the 3d inst. I had the honor of serving the mass, and of assisting him at the altar. I handed him myself the beautiful copy of the decrees, so nicely bound, and he admired it very much; ‘What beautiful things they make in America!’ said his holiness, looking at the volume, turning it over, and opening it. The late council at Baltimore has produced a wonderful effect, not only in Rome, but also in France and Ireland. The other evening his eminence, Cardinal Barnabo, said to me, “The Catholic church has a grand arena in the United States of America; it is very consoling.””
REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By J. H. WAGGONER
AFTER writing my last report for the Review, I was called home suddenly by severe sickness in my family; the weather being unfavorable, and finding much to engage my mind and hands, I did not get that rest I so much needed. I attended the Monthly Meeting at Newton, as appointed by Bro. Byington, which seemed to be opportune, though I felt quite unwell at the time, as Bro. B. was not able to speak as he had anticipated. The meeting was encouraging, and the cause of Health Reform, I think, received a new impetus that day. Some good resolutions were formed, and advance steps taken. While about home I tried to do what I could in the meetings there.
According to appointment, I commenced meetings here the 22d ult. Most of the time the roads have been muddy, but the interest is good, and seems to be rising. This church has been much favored with meetings the past winter, and I have feared they would lean on them and lose sight of personal responsibility. But the social meeting yesterday was highly encouraging. After some remarks on social meetings, with a season of prayer, the brethren and sisters, old and young, gave in their testimonies promptly, brief and spirited. Some who had long held back, started anew, and we all felt to take new courage.
On account of the state of the roads the attendance is not so large as was hoped, but some are hearing with interest for the first time. May the Lord himself work for salvation here is our prayer.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Wright, Mich., March 3.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Fenian Rising in Ireland.
The news from Europe this morning is exceedingly important. The Fenians in Ireland have attacked British soldiers and British armed military police in Drogheda barracks, and a conflict of considerable severity has undoubtedly occurred. The dispatches state that the assailants were repulsed with loss, but they also announce that both soldiers and police have suffered. One of the dispatches, from Liverpool, speaks of an attack upon Castle Martyr, on Wednesday, the same day on which the barracks are said to have been assailed, and the engagement was probably one and the same. This last dispatch also states that the Fenians were repulsed in the evening, which indicates a struggle of considerable duration.
Dispatches from London admit that the railways and roads between Dublin and Cork are completely blockaded and travel suspended, but assert that the British government feels no alarm. The telegraph wires are, too, undoubtedly cut in many localities.
The information concerning the rising is very meagre as yet, but it indicates the most formidable movement that has yet occurred in Ireland since the present agitation commenced.—Detroit Trib. Mar. 8.
The New Plan of Reconstruction.
Congress has adopted a plan of reconstruction. It provides for military control over the ten rebel States, until loyal governments are legally established therein.
It authorizes their representation in Congress when the following conditions have been complied with: The people must form state constitutions, based on the equal suffrage of blacks and whites. The constitutions must be framed by conventions chosen by such voters. No person can be a delegate to the conventions, nor vote for delegates, who would be excluded from office by the pending amendment to the Federal Constitution. The constitutions must be ratified by a popular vote of the same class of electors. They must be submitted to and approved by Congress. Legislatures chosen under them must adopt the pending Federal amendment. That amendment must become a part of the United States Constitution. Then, and not till then, any one of these ten States may be represented in Congress by members who can take the oaths of office.
The plan further provides that until these States are thus represented in Congress, all civil governments therein are to be deemed provisional only, and be subject to the paramount authority of the United States to alter or abolish them. No person shall hold office under these provisional governments, who would be excluded from office by the pending Federal amendment, and all persons, and none others, shall vote therein who are entitled to vote for delegates to the conventions above mentioned.
Such is the plan of Congress. It is framed on a much higher plane than the Constitutional Amendment, which it virtually supersedes. It provides a practical mode whereby the rebel states can, at an early day, return to the Union. The advance in the terms now exacted of them, as compared with those tendered in that amendment, is wholly due to their obstinacy, their contempt for Federal authority, and their wanton outrage upon the rights, and the lives even, of black and white Unionists within their borders.
Placing these states, ad interim, under military rule is the inexorable demand of the situation. Anarchy reigns throughout the South. Only the mailed hand of martial law can bring order out of the chaos. The facts proved before the committee who investigated the New Orleans massacre, and the committee that inquired into the murder of three Union soldiers in South Carolina, demonstrates this. The latter committee examined Gens. Thomas, Sheridan, Schofield, Sickles, Baird, and Wood, commanders in the rebel States, and their testimony brings the committee to the conclusion “that, for the punishment of crime in their departments, the courts cannot be relied upon in cases where soldiers, Union men, or freedmen are concerned. Justice is practically denied, and offenses of grave character go unpunished; neither magistrates nor jurors being disposed to discharge their duties in this respect.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Viewed in its broad aspects, it provides for the permanent enfranchisement of a whole people, accompanied only by the temporary disfranchisement of a few hundred conspicuous leaders of millions of traitors, all of whom, by the laws of their country, had forfeited their lives. Tested by international law, it is without precedent, in that it refrains from confiscating the property of insurgents. Tried by the lex talionis, to which the South appealed, it is a marvel, in that it abstains from shedding human blood. Examined in the light of history, its conditions are more lenient and liberal than those tendered by any government, under like provocation, to a people who had so causelessly rebelled against its authority. It is not the offspring of hatred, nor vengeance; but a sublime illustration of charity and mercy offered by a generous victor to a fallen foe. When prejudice and passion shall have subsided, the South itself will confess that the magnanimity of its conquerors has no parallel in the annals of the most liberal and refined nation.
If this measure becomes a law, will the rebel communities accept its alternative conditions, and reconstruct themselves accordingly? If aye, well. If not, they must live under it till bitter experience teaches them to accept its elemental provision. As we write, rumor indicates that the President will veto the bill in time for Congress to pass it over his head. If he does not, the Fortieth Congress will doubtless soon tender it for his approval, perhaps in a more symmetrical form, possibly with more stringent clauses, and will enact it into a law. Once the law of the land, if the President fails to execute it, or if he embarrasses its legitimate workings, the Great Obstacle to the harmonious action of the Government will be promptly removed out of the way.—Independent.
MARY M. COOK
By Mary M. Cook.
From Sister Cook.
BRO. SMITH: I would say to loved ones of like precious faith, that a few of us here are still striving to obey the commands of God. We love present truth in all its bearings, believing it to be of God. We praise his dear name for it. We hail the Health movement as a welcome messenger, and we are trying to live out its healthful admonitions as far as we can. Our hearts are cheered from week to week with the kind instructions of the Review. The sermons we love; but with aching heart we often wish we could hear them from the pulpit. The testimonies from the brethren and sisters we read with much interest, and gladly would we extend to them the hand of fellowship, and talk to them of our deep struggles and many sorrows in striving to overcome our many besetments; also of our joys, and hours of sweet meditations of the lovely Jesus, and communion with the Holy Spirit. Oh, how we long for neighbors and friends to go with us, whose countenances alone would cheer us as we travel on our pilgrim journey. But the Christian's hope points forward to the soon coming Lord, when, if faithful, we shall meet with the good of all ages, never to part.166Oh, what bliss for poor mortals! What joy unspeakable and full of glory. We'll praise the Lord for his great goodness.
MARY M. COOK
Kansas.
Methodism in 1776 and 1862.
THE following extract is from The History of the M. E. Church, Vol. 1, pp. 138–139. It shows quite a contrast between the Methodists of 1776 and 1861–2.
“To those who were deeply interested in the success of our arms, and who were actuated only by the blind impulses of human nature in its depraved state, it was provoking to find a people in the midst of them, led on by a number of active and zealous preachers, who were from principle averse to war, for such was the case in respect to most of the preachers and people denominated Methodists.”
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
JABEZ C. TUCKER
By Jabez C. Tucker
From Bro. Tucker.
BRO. SMITH: I have thought many times when reading the testimonies of the brethren and sisters in the Review, and being refreshed by them, that I should like to say to them a few words. It is about two years since I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath, with the other commandments. I can say they have been a light to my path. I see no other way but to obey God. I do not want any better way; for the end is eternal life in the kingdom of God. I mean to try to overcome and meet all those that obey, on Mount Zion.
There are from ten to fifteen that meet in this place on the Sabbath. We have cheering times. The Spirit of the Lord is with us and we feel that none can harm us, although prejudice is very strong against the Sabbath of the Lord and Seventh-day Adventists.
Brethren, pray for us here in Kingston.
JABEZ C. TUCKER
Kingston, R. I., Feb. 15, 1867.
Scripter’s Testimony of the Third Angel’s Message
By Martha Scripter
From Sister Scripter.
BRO. SMITH: As it cheers my heart to hear from others, so I believe others' hearts may be cheered by letters from new correspondents. It is nearly a year since I embraced the truths of the third angel's message. I was brought up to keep the first day of the week; and it looks mysterious to me that so many of our great and learned men are in darkness. But I thank God I have turned my feet into his testimonies, and delayed not to keep his commandments. I rejoice in the light, although there are none here that are keeping, or trying with me to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I often wish that I could hear the Bible preached in its purity. We have preaching; but it teaches for doctrine the commandments of men. So, instead of encouraging people on in the ways of truth, it throws darkness upon the word of God. Under these circumstances, I take more comfort at home reading the Bible and the Review. I ask the brethren and sisters to remember me at the throne of grace that I may be kept from evil, and at last enter in through the gates into the city.
Yours, striving for eternal life.
MARTHA SCRIPTER.
Eden Valley, N. Y.
Priest’s Letter on Truth and the Review
By M. L. Priest
From Sister Priest.
Bro. Smith: I rejoice in the steady, onward march of truth. Truth is a gem for which we have long been seeking. I am glad it can be found in God's word, and that all can find it who search for it as for hid treasures. Light is sown for the righteous. I thank the Lord, with a full heart, for the helps we have while pursuing our journey.
Our paper, the Review, is truly a welcome visitor to us. I rejoice in its prosperity. It seems doubly interesting since it has been enlarged. All can have a meeting by perusing it. The soul-stirring epistles and good sermons are truly cheering and interesting. While reading the sermon on the messages by Bro. Canright, and with him reviewing our past experience, we rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Who that had an experience in the work in '43 and '44, but rejoiced that there is a bright side to the cloud that has gone around behind us. Our disappointment was great. Our hope was deferred, and our hearts were made sick. We did need patience then; but, thank the Lord, we have been sustained until now. We have waited long, but are sure that in God's own good time Jesus will come. It is no cunningly-devised fable. The truths then proclaimed are waymarks that cannot be removed, unless the whole work prove a failure, which, if our Bible is true, cannot be. It is a solemn reality that we are living in the judgment. Oh! that we could, as a people, and individually, realize it. We are now forming characters that will fix our final destiny. The law of God is to be the rule by which our cases are to be decided. The last warning is being given. The last chance for us to escape the penalty of that law is being offered.
Oh! may the Lord help us to be more in earnest; to be stirred by the threatenings of God's word, to be encouraged by its promises; and, as we see the signs fast fulfilling, bestir ourselves, and try to let our light so shine that others will be led to inquire if these things are true. There are great responsibilities upon us individually. Our ministers cannot do our duties. Now is the time to work! Soon it will be too late! The fruitless branches will very soon be cut off. The pruning work has begun. God is in earnest with his people. I do believe he is fitting up his faithful ones for great trials and victories. My desire is to endure to the end. Your sister in Christ,
M. L. Priest.
South Lancaster, Mass.
J. EGGLESTON
By J. Eggleston
From Sister Eggleston.
Bro. Smith: Another precious quarterly season with our little church has just closed, and we can truly say that our souls are refreshed, and we feel to go on our way rejoicing. Bro. Fuller and Cottrell were with us, and truly they came in the Spirit of the Lord, and their words were meat in due season to us. A goodly number of brethren from other churches met with us. They felt to extend a helping hand, and we felt to reach out and accept the promises of God, and feel that they were for the willing and obedient.
Bro. Fuller made the proposition that we covenant together that we would seek the Lord as we had not done, and seek him now; and after searching our hearts, and feeling the great responsibility of making vows to the Lord, we did covenant with each other, and with the Lord, that we would draw near to him, that he might draw near to us and forgive our many transgressions and iniquities, feeling that this would be the only way for us ever to rise out of our stupor. We felt that the promises of God must be for those who earnestly desire to be forgiven of all their sins, and to be his willing, obedient, and self-sacrificing children. In searching our hearts, we felt that our sins were enormous, that we were helpless to forgive, and that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” We therefore felt to cast ourselves upon the Lord, and cry for mercy; and, by so doing were greatly blessed, and felt that the Lord had looked in mercy upon us, and we were encouraged in the strength of Jesus to press so near to the Lord that our cries for help might be answered. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” We feel to trust him, and believe that his promises are sure. We desire to step fast, and keep pace with the remnant. If we do not, we shall be left without excuse; for the servants of God certainly have not left a stone unturned, and their faithful warnings and admonitions must rise up against us in the day of God’s fierce anger. We feel that by constant watchfulness and prayer, we may have the daily assurance of our acceptance with him.