Earlier text: Historical Department.REPORT FROM IOWA.
By George I. Butler
The last report from this State reached to the Convocation Meeting. At the close of that excellent meeting I returned home with those who attended from Waukon to see to some home duties which had been neglected on account of my absence, and for the purpose of preparing for the comfort of my family before winter set in. On my way home I stayed over the Sabbath with the few who came out at Fayette, trying to strengthen the things that remained there of our labors in the tent the past summer. I trust a few will hold on, and that our labor will not be lost. If we prize the worth of souls at their true value, we shall not esteem the labors of a few weeks or even months thrown away by any means, if but a few do embrace the truth. The salvation of one soul in the kingdom of God to enjoy the bliss of the redeemed, after ages upon ages have rolled away, will seem when we realize its true value of vastly more consequence than all of the wealth of this poor dying world. Why then should we be discouraged if but few do embrace the truth after hearing it presented. It is just as glorious to those who do embrace it, as it would be if thousands were eagerly receiving it. After returning home and laboring diligently with my hands for a few weeks, and meeting with the church and trying to strengthen them upon the Sabbath, several of us paid a visit to Bro. Pierce's family and others from Vermont who had moved to Minnesota, some eighty miles from Waukon. I was glad to form the acquaintance of this aged servant of God who has long been bearing burdens in the cause of present truth. The rest of the party had formerly been intimate in the East. We spent the few days we were enabled to stay very pleasantly, and we trust profitably, and we trust Bro. Pierce will find it in the path of duty to labor the coming winter in this State, where the climate will be more congenial to his health, and where his help will be highly prized and greatly needed. His experience will fit him for the labor in this part of the field. And as we understand from him, owing to the excessive cold of the northern winters and the feebleness of advanced years, he will not feel able to labor in Minnesota during the winter, and as the cause is one, and we need help here, we hope we may have the satisfaction of enjoying his society and instruction in Iowa for a few months at least. Before returning from Minnesota I visited Fayette again which is forty miles from Waukon. Found the enemy of God's law had sent one of his agents to turn away the minds of some who had stepped out upon the truth. But we trust he has not accomplished his purpose, and that those shaken, after giving the subject57careful review, will feel stronger than ever in the truth. I again returned home to labor with my hands, preparing to leave as soon as possible. I stayed at home some over two months in all. Perhaps some will wonder what detained me so long when there was such a scarcity of labor in the State, and when there were so many desiring help. But considering that I was unexpectedly called away last summer with no time to prepare, and without letting out my farm, perhaps my stay under the circumstances was not more than might be expected. I trust my help in the church at home was not wholly lost. We had some most excellent meetings, when nearly all felt melted down before the Lord, and almost all seemed more determined to press on to Mount Zion. There are a goodly number in that church who feel like giving all for the kingdom, and who intend to walk in all the light they receive, while some seem to feel in a measure careless and indifferent. May God help them to arouse before it is too late. God is in earnest with us as a people. The light given to us cannot be treated as a matter of indifference, and we stand just as well spiritually. Some wonder why they feel so stupid, so sleepy, so careless. If they would carefully look back over their past course, and would examine themselves closely as the case deserves, they would be apt to find where light had been given to which they had given no attention, and which they have wholly or partially disregarded. The statement of our Saviour, John xii, 35, “Walk in the light while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you,” is just as important as it was when given, and cannot be disregarded without peril to our own souls. God does not take the pains to bestow light upon us through the agencies he has established, whether by his Holy Word or by the testimonies of his Spirit, which it will be safe for us to treat as of no importance. He does nothing without a cause, and if there is a cause for his bestowing light on a certain point, we may be sure we cannot stand just as well with him after we have heard it and do not act with reference to it. Yes, God is in earnest with us. And all can see who will, that those who move out promptly upon the light as it comes, have the most of his Spirit, and the most strength to go forward. Dec. 12th, I left home on my tour through the State, expecting to be absent through the winter. Stopped at Fayette, Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15. Gave four discourses. We held meetings in a private house, so but few came out, but there seems to be an interest to hear. Hereafter it is hoped we can have the school-house which is just being finished, and then it is expected more will attend, and we hope in the future there will be enough interest to warrant further protracted labor. All those who really took their stand with us still attend and hold on. Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, met with the little few at Laporte City. Difficulties existed in their midst which were a hindrance to the interest of the meeting. It is hard to accomplish much in a church where the members are not united in feeling or sentiment. But we trust some good at least was accomplished by the meeting. The enemy truly works in every way to bring in confusion. We need to be constantly on our guard lest we give him an opening. The meek and lowly spirit which the Saviour possessed is the best protective against church trials. How sweet would be our union in the church of Christ if all had this spirit. No doubt the prophet saw this when looking down the stream of time, he saw the last church and said, “Seek meekness, seek righteousness, and it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce anger.” Zeph. ii, 3. I am satisfied this is the great antidote for those perplexing, saddening church trials which have been such a burden among us, and which has worn out some of the noblest spirits who have ever preached the truth and who now sleep in the dust. I have no recollection of a single church trial but the lack of this grace could be plainly seen in one or both parties. Self justification, envy, jealousy, a desire for pre-eminence, in short, a lack of humility is the root from whence all these troubles arise. May God help us to heed the words of the prophet, “Seek meekness.”
GEO. I. BUTLER. RHUBARB WINE.
By J. H. Waggoner
QUESTION. Should a Sabbath-keeper raise rhubarb plants to make wine? ANSWER. I think not. I will offer a few reasons now on my mind. 1. Wine cannot be made from the pie-plant. Wine is made from grapes, and nothing else. Drinks more or less intoxicating, may be made from every succulent plant and fruit, but the juices of apples, currants, corn-stalks, pie-plants, &c., do not make wine. It is a deception to palm them off as wine. 2. The Agricultural papers of the United States are all, and always favorably disposed toward every invention and improvement for the benefit of agriculturists; and they, without exception so far as I have been able to learn, denounce this rhubarb wine as an imposition. 3. The “Farmers’ Club,” of New York, one of the best sources of agricultural information in the country, has always spoken against it in the most emphatic terms: 4. It has been clearly decided that the acid of the pie-plant is not healthful, and the plant should not be used to a great extent. A drink made from the juice is injurious, and not beneficial, as speculators have often asserted. 5. Notwithstanding this so-called wine can be made in abundance at a very trifling cost, it cannot be found for sale in the house of any respectable wine dealer: they will not risk the reputation of their houses by keeping it. Hence, to raise it for profit is a great risk. 6. They who raise anything whatever for the purpose of making wine, are increasing the facilities for drunkenness. Wine-drinking tends to drunkenness, and excessive wine-drinking is itself one of the worst forms of drunkenness. Louis Philippe said, “The drunkenness of France is on wine:” and if it does not so soon lead to beastly intoxication as whisky, brandy, and such, it is even worse in some respects. It inflames the passions and has a special tendency to licentiousness. The French, who are a wine-drinking people, are an illustration of the force of such a tendency. At another time I will notice as connected with this, two great evils which are overspreading the land, from which even professors of religion are not exempt. Bowersville, O., Dec. 28, 1867. PUT ON THE ARMOR.
By V. N. Cudworth
“Put on the whole armor of God.” Why? “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, or (wicked spirits,) in high places.” This is a fearful host, truly, and none of them flesh and blood. Some think that to deny themselves and take up their cross daily, is fighting this battle; but this is only a part of the armor, or getting into fighting order. It is a great thing to have on the whole armor of God; but every saint should have it on, today. This is not something to reach at the end of the conflict, but for actual service in the warfare. We are plainly told that there is great danger from this host of experienced, though evil, warriors. We are also told of a mode of warfare that is successful against them, and a kind of armor that is invulnerable. Verses 14-17, and Bunyan adds the 18th, describes the armor. Please read them, for they really portray an admirable character. And Paul seemed to think that the brethren were able to put it on, and were not safe unless they did. There is a large class among us, I mean here in Springfield, that do not believe in any Devil; but those that believe there is, and do not understand any effectual mode of resisting him, are just about as bad off. Few have ever brought their minds or wills into direct opposition to Satan. They always speak and think of him as the third person, when he should be the second person, spoken to. Christ spake directly to him, and brought the truth to bear against the sophistry of that wily foe. He also commanded him to get behind him, which every armored saint has power to do. “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James iv, 7. Martin Luther talked to this enemy as though he believed that he did exist. But it is evident that very few appreciate yet what Satan can do, and is doing, and the power there is in the church to resist him. But soon if we continue ignorant of his devices we are lost. We have entered the time when he is represented as having great wrath, knowing that his time is short. New modes of his warfare we are daily witnessing. He generally uses man as his agent, but undoubtedly there are subtle influences that he brings to bear oft-times upon the innocent, that result in death. In old times he made people maniacs and sick, bended people double almost, tore the children, and think you he is doing less now? Perhaps he thinks the doctors do that fast enough now. We may be sure if the Lord did not curtail his power, from time to time, we should fare no better than Job. But we should not be ignorant of his devices, nor of our power over him. The old Methodists used to sing,
> “The Devil hates the Methodists,
> Because they preach up holiness.” I have no doubt but he hates the advocates of holiness, but is more incensed against those that live it. It is evident that he hates God, his law, and the remnant that keep the commandments of God. For this he stirs up a power to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The word says, “There is that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.” Undoubtedly when Satan sees some one that can torment or mislead God's people, he brings things so to bear on them that their lives are also prolonged. Watts says,
> “He worries whom he can’t devour,
> With a malicious art.” These reflections came into my mind while I was observing how the advocates of error prospered in getting fables before the people; but truth goes like its Master, without the camp, bearing the reproach. If an effort is made to get the truth before the mind, it seems as though all the hosts of darkness were arrayed against the move. If one is inquiring the right way, Satan will send ten to talk to them where one can find a chance to give a “Thus saith the Lord.” And Satan is pushing men into every excess, that he may destroy them, soul and body.
> “The poisoning of the tyrant king,
> Broods o’er his subjects still;
> And many a sparkling eye grows dim,
> Beneath its icy chill.” But there is light in the track of truth, and nowhere else. Those that are in it, find a timely warning and abundance of instruction on the reforms in eating, drinking, dressing, &c. May we, dear children, be able to successfully resist this mighty host of wicked spirits, conquer self, die to sin, live to God, and bear much fruit, is my earnest prayer. V. N. CUDWORTH.
Springfield, Mass. THE ENEMY THWARTED.
By R. M. KILGORE
We have lately witnessed two successive victories on the Lord’s side. The battle-fields were the churches of Pilot Grove and Mt. Pleasant. The enemy had been at work for some time and had gained quite a foothold. He had so stirred the hearts of some of the members, at each place, with jealousy, envy, and evil surmisings against their leaders, that it could no longer be kept quiet, and resulted in church trials. Coldness, formality and a lack of brotherly love existed among those subject to Satan, consequently division in the churches. They had harbored ill feelings which had found a lodgement in their breasts, at the suggestion of the Devil, and they were not satisfied until they had poisoned other minds who were brought into the same bondage. Being self-deceived they could not see the dreadful influence which they cast against the cause of truth they professed to love. They looked upon the faults of others, and never thought that they themselves might be in the wrong. During the investigations, that which seemed to be wrong in their sight, was brought to light, and that which was not made clear by explanations, was humbly confessed. Thus those dear servants of the Lord stood in the clear light before their brethren and sisters. The spirit of the Lord began to work, when each turned to look upon themselves, and examine their own hearts; their burden was then to seek meekness and true humility. Those wrong feelings which had so long been covered up and harbored were brought to light and heartily confessed by those who had been bound by the power of the enemy. Some were made entirely free by their humble confessions and asking the forgiveness of those whom they had wronged. Others were brought to see themselves, and to some extent their wrongs, who have a great work to do yet. May the Lord help them. Now, instead of coldness and distant feelings toward each other, they began to press together, and ask the prayers of those in whom they previously had no confidence. Evil angels were driven back by the power of God, and the sweet, melting Spirit was felt, and reigned in their stead; each heart was softened, and confidence restored. One burden after another was lifted from the heads of those servants of the Lord whom he has chosen to lead those bands of disciples, until they were entirely free. Our hearts were made to rejoice as we saw these dear brethren and sisters begin to humble themselves and press together, confess their faults and ask each others’ forgiveness. Union and love were again restored. Hearts which had long been separated were again united, for which, to God be all the praise. Thus, by suffering the enemy to get in among them, two of our largest and strongest churches in the State have passed through very severe conflicts. We have penned this that other churches may take advantage of their experience, and like them be guarded in the future. The Devil is not dead, neither is he sleeping. He is on the alert, watching the people of God to take advantage of them, and to get the ascendancy over them. He knows that his time is short, and if he can get confusion and anarchy into their ranks, he has gained his object. It becomes us then, dear brethren and sisters, as disciples of our Lord and Saviour, to be clothed upon with the whole armor of God, press together, and present a bold front to the enemy, that he may not get in and mar our peace with God. Paul exhorts us to “let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Rom. xii, 9, 10. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth, and hereby we know that we are of the truth; and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John iii, 18, 19. “In the world a thousand snares
Lie to take us unawares;
Satan with malicious art,
Watches each unguarded heart;
But from Satan’s malice free,
Saints will soon victorious be;
Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your Father calls—Come home.” OVERCOME AND LIVE
By Rebekah Smith
Confess your faults, and for each other pray;
The slanderous tongue, oh! be it far away;
That tameless thing which sets the world on fire,
And rouses all the angry passion's ire. Where this is god, our God can ne'er abide,
Nor where there's lightness, selfishness, or pride;
His dwelling's with the meek and low of heart,
And for himself He'll set all these apart. Who would not thus be honored of the Lord,
And have from Him a large and rich reward?
Who would not be with saints and angels blest,
And have in Heaven at last eternal rest? Live for it, then; all God's commandments keep,
Although the way be through afflictions deep.
Cast all your care on Him who cares for you,
And he will lead and guide you safely through. And when you reach fair Canaan's blissful shore,
When sin and suffering are forever o'er,
You'll find the city glorious to behold,
Christ is its light, its streets all paved with gold. You'll by the King of kings be welcomed there,
Where tuned to praise is every sigh and prayer.
No blight to mar, no tear to dim the sight;
And to the tree of life you'll have a right. You'll meet dead loved ones long since fallen asleep,
All deathless raised from their lone caverns deep;
Together there you'll sing, We're saved by grace,
And brought by Jesus to this glorious place. No farewell partings, no sad word adieu,
Your home forever in the earth made new.
Oh! bliss which mortal tongue can ne'er express,
To be with Jesus, robed in righteousness. Glory and honor will to Him be given,
Who's purchased for us peace and rest in Heaven.
Who bore our sins, and by whose stripes we're healed,
And to eternal life and glory sealed. With glory, hallelujah, Heaven will ring,
In honor to the Lord our sovereign King.
Each will his note the highest strive to raise,
To give to Jesus honor, glory, praise. REBEKAH SMITH.
South Boston, Mass., Nov. 7, 1867. THERE is need of public prayer. We should meet with the congregation and offer our united requests to God. There is need of social prayer. It is difficult to see how one who neglects the prayer-meeting can make progress in religion. The prayer-meeting enables one to carry the spirit of the Sabbath through the week. Besides these, there is need of private prayer. There are confessions that must be whispered in the ear of God. The man who can stand up before his fellow-man and say, in regard to the requisitions of the law of justice and honor, “All these have I kept,” has confessions which can be made only when he has entered into his closet and shut the door. There are requests that can be made only at a private interview. Hence the necessity for private prayer. Every Christian knows that he has avoided sin in proportion as he has practiced secret prayer. Every one knows that when he has neglected private prayer, his life has been a form. There is no such thing as leading a Christian life, as walking with God, without regular habits of private prayer.—S. S. Times. As the nettle does not sting when stoutly grasped, so the petty vexations of life, met with determination, lose their power to annoy. From Sister Stiles.
By M. P. STILES
BRO. SMITH: Although I read the paper to my parents, and can have theirs when I want it, I do not feel satisfied any more than if I were to depend on some one else for a Bible to read. I must have it all my own, to send to absent friends, or to re-peruse, that my heart may receive a new baptism of love as it does every time I read the letters and exhortations from the brethren and sisters. How highly do I appreciate it, and how deeply do I feel its holy, sanctifying influence. Thank God for the Publishing Association. It feeds us with the bread of life, shows us our faults, tells us how to correct and overcome them, exhorts and entreats us to faithfulness, and warns us of the speedy execution of God's wrath on the children of disobedience. But let us not for a moment forget that we must all have for ourselves a living experience in the things of God; that the consecration of this brother, or that sister, will no further benefit us than it causes us to examine well our own hearts and ascertain, as far as possible, how high we stand in the favor of the Lord. Another year is sealed in eternity, and by a merciful God are we permitted to enter upon 1868. I do most earnestly desire on this New Year, which may be the last my eyes will ever see, to covenant anew with my Maker for stronger determination to forget the things which are behind, to press forward and gird myself anew for the conflict, devoting every energy of my being to securing my own soul's salvation, and that of others, and of glorifying God in my body and spirit, giving him all praise and honor that he has kept me and mine in the past years, and now gives me an opportunity, just before probation closes, of accepting Jesus' offered mercy, and purifying myself for his coming. But oh! when the subtle enemy slyly throws his dark mantle like a pall about me, so imperceptibly, that the first warning is to find myself withdrawing from God and his people, how dreadful is the awakening; and how do I long to grasp every cross, that circumstances will permit, and everything that will bring me nearer to Jesus. The heaviest cross seems as feathers compared with an encounter with the Devil. Oh! for a closer walk with God, that I may hide under his wing where nothing satanic can ever come. How long must we stay in this dark world? Not much longer; for Jesus is pitiful and full of tender mercies, and a quick work will he make on the earth. Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters; for I deeply feel the need of your prayers, that I may be an humble lamb in Christ's fold, that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, I may be gathered with you all and receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. I would say if any messenger could come here, that the cars now run to this place, and my husband has a hall which would be open for meetings. M. P. STILES
Cedar Springs, Mich. From Bro. Hersum.
By Samuel J. Hersum
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: It has been two years since I commenced to keep the Sabbath, and I can say of a truth that my “delight is in the law of the Lord.” Although I have not had the privilege of meeting with the brethren and sisters but three times since I commenced to keep the Sabbath, yet I am determined, by the grace of God, never to give up. I believe the time is not far distant when the people of God will meet, never to part. My prayer is, that I may be an overcomer, and be permitted to stand on Mount Zion when Christ comes to call the ransomed ones home. Those that are permitted to enter the kingdom must be a pure people. They must be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. We cannot enter the kingdom with all our evil habits, such as using tobacco, tea, coffee, &c. These must all be laid aside, for we cannot be a pure people and use such articles. I must have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. Yours in hope, SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
W. Hampstead, N. H. From Sister Coon.
By Olive Coon
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: I thank God that I have been permitted to hear the “third angel’s message,” and the glorious truth connected with it. It is nearly a year since we commenced keeping the Sabbath. I rejoice that we have been led to see the necessity of keeping sacred God’s holy day, that he in his infinite goodness “made for man.” May we all be very careful to keep holy the Sabbath day! The health reform has been a great blessing to me; but I need to learn much more about this, and other important items of present truth. May success attend the labors of those who bear the third angel’s message, is my earnest prayer. SISTER M. A. METZAR writes from McKean Co., Pa.: Although I am a stranger to you all, yet I feel that it is my duty to tell you how much God has done for me. I know that we each have a cross to bear and a soul to save; and if we sit idly and fold our hands while our more worthy friends are striving, I fear we shall come far short of the salvation we so much desire. Although I have but lately started out in this great and glorious cause, I have no desire to turn back. It is now eight months since my companion and myself commenced keeping the Sabbath together; and I can truly say that we have enjoyed many precious moments since that time. We live in a very lonely, desolate place, and do not enjoy the privileges that some of you are permitted to enjoy; yet we have the Review for our preacher and our guide. Oh! that I could cheer some lone one, as others have cheered me, through the paper. There are four Sabbath-keepers besides ourselves, that live five miles from us, but on account of my poor health, we do not meet together very often. How I should rejoice to have Sabbath-keeping neighbors, but there is so much prejudice existing here, that all we can hear are the scoffs and fears of the worldling. But my prayer is to God to give us strength to overcome and bear our persecutions, as our dear Redeemer bore them, who was persecuted for us. We are trying to live up to the Health Reform as far as our circumstances will permit. We have not had much light on the subject as yet, as we have not had the means to procure books and papers as we would like. I believe that time is fast closing, and soon the place that knows us now, shall know us no more. Oh! that we each may be prepared to meet that great change. Brethren and sisters, pray for us, that we may ever be found faithful, doing our duty, so that we may receive a crown of righteousness at last. SISTER C. RICH writes from Folsomdale, N. Y.: It is the holy Sabbath. I have been reading Bro. Loughborough's sermon in the Review, and found a response in my heart to everything there written. The many things we should not forget called out my heart in thankfulness to God; for, isolated as I am from dear brethren and sisters, I have all these things to remember and meditate upon, and be thankful for. I could but go on my knees before God in thankfulness while reading the sermon. I am thankful that we can have a sermon every Sabbath to read; and when I think of those who write and labor and sacrifice for the cause of God, I feel almost discouraged, for what can I do? I am getting old, somewhat infirm, and have but little means wherewith to promote the cause I love. But the Lord knoweth my heart, and if he see best for me to have more of this world's goods, he could easily give them. I fear I should be an unfaithful steward. I know the best and most efficient way to promote the cause is to walk in the truth and live out its holy precepts. I can say that of late I feel new desires and new resolutions to watch and pray more, and strive to get nearer to God, that I may yet be an overcomer indeed, and with the remnant gain Mount Zion. May our Heavenly Father raise up his servants that are now feeble in health, call new laborers into the field, and send out his light and his truth through the length and breadth of our land, shall be my earnest prayer. Bro. J. W. Wolfe writes from Ohio: I love the instructions, admonitions, and cheering testimonies that come to us weekly through the Review; and I would say to those that have taken the responsibility of writing for the various departments of the papers, to go on, and enjoy the blessing of God. And I believe there are many more, if they would carry out their convictions of duty in this respect, who might make themselves useful in writing for the edification of the brethren, and for the advancement of the cause of God. I have been led seriously to consider, since reading testimonies No. 12 and 13, my past unfaithfulness to God, my duty in the cause of truth, and the awful condition of modern Israel, being compared with that of ancient Israel, of whom but two were permitted to go over and possess the land of promise. We should not be cast down by reading those pointed testimonies for us, but be moved to diligence in the service of God, and be zealous and repent of all our unfaithfulness in the past, that we may avert the pending judgments of God upon us, as did the ancient Ninevites. As that is an example recorded, perhaps for our encouragement, let us put away all the idols that have kept Jesus from having full possession of our hearts, and honor God by keeping all his commandments. And as he has been so good to us as to give us a sense of our condition before him, let us not despise those faithful reproofs, but love them and rejoice in them. Let us as a people who desire to be God's “peculiar people,” and have been praying for light to guide us in holiness, rejoice in that light, whether it comes by way of reproof, or any other manner in which God, in his mercy, may see fit to send it to us. As God is being faithful to us, let us all prove faithful to him, that we may enjoy his approving smiles while here, and be permitted to enjoy the glories of the purified earth, which will soon be the reward of the faithful. ZEAL without knowledge is fire without light. From Bro. Hebner.
By Josiah Hebner
BRO. SMITH: My heart swells with gratitude to God for his goodness to me in showing me the truth of the third angel's message, the last proclamation that the world will ever receive. But how saddening to see such carelessness manifested by the people, even those who profess to be the followers of the meek Saviour. It is true that we are living in perilous times, when iniquity abounds, and the love of many is waxing cold. God is surely sending his judgments abroad in the land, and shall not his people learn wisdom? Shall we not brighten our armor, dear brethren and sisters, and relinquish our hold upon earthly things, and lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith? I am still striving to be an overcomer and go through to the end with the tried people of God. It is only by constant prayer and watching that we can overcome our evil ways. I know that our Father has promised to help in time of need. I know he has helped me to overcome much that is sinful in his sight, and hurtful to my health. I feel like a stranger and pilgrim on the earth, having no continuing city, but I seek one to come, whose builder and maker is God. The Review is a welcome messenger to me. It comes laden with the truth. I prize it much, especially the Sermon Department. It is all the preaching I have. I also love the Conference Department; for it often brings brethren and sisters fresh to mind with whom I have taken sweet counsel. My prayer is that I may stand at last with God's dear people in the earth made new. Thank God for the light of present truth! Your unworthy brother seeking for a home in Heaven. JOSIAH HEBNER.
St. Clair Co., Mich. MEETINGS IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT.
By Joseph Bates
My last report was from Salem Center, Ind. Bro. Joel Locke met me on my way from Mich., and took me to his home in Salem. Here, Dec. 6th, we enjoyed the rest-day of the Lord in preaching and social meetings and celebrating the sufferings and death of our divine Lord. On first-day we held our meetings at Turkey Creek. The church that are living within the circle of these two places seemed cheered and strengthened to press forward in the precious cause of the third angel's message, in company with their brethren and sisters who have been enjoying such precious revival seasons at Battle Creek and other portions of the Lord's wide harvest field. Dec. 8, Bro. Locke conveyed me some fourteen miles to the Northern Ind. R. R. Dec. 9, at South Bend. Here we had two meetings with the scattered brethren (by request) instead of Mishawaka as we had appointed. Here as formerly Bro. Harvey came for us and took us to our last appointment in North Liberty, St. Joseph Co. Ind., and made us welcome at his home. From Dec. 11 to 18, we were visiting the members of the church and held seven interesting meetings. The celebration of the ordinances was a solemn and cheering season. Two brethren came forty-five miles to attend the meetings. At our last meeting at S. Bend they testified in favor of our position. One said he should keep the Sabbath. The other declared his willingness and desire to hear and investigate. Two others manifested a deep interest in the cause. One of them handed me five dollars for the Review and Systematic Benevolence. Bro. Harvey who has always manifested a deep interest in the precious work of the Lord, at our closing meeting gave a most cheering and weighty testimony, declaring his unwavering faith in the increasing light and progressing work of the third angel's message. The brethren were much encouraged. They have finished the foundation for a commodious and suitable meeting-house, and intend raising it in the coming spring. They have an anxious desire for Bro. and Sr. White to visit them. Bro. E. Stiles (their elder) brought me 15 miles to South Bend where we held our last meeting. Returned home the 18th instant, and found Bro. Loughborough still laboring in Allegan with good congregations and strong courage and faith in the good work of the Lord. He learns that ten have already decided for the truth. Dear brethren and sisters, let us try to serve God with perfect hearts and willing minds, that we may be raised up to live in his sight. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning: and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea vi, 3. JOSEPH BATES. Monterey, Mich., Dec. 25, 1867. SOLILOQUY.
By H. F. Phelps
Am I ready to meet Jesus? If he should now come, what should I do? I should flee to the mountains and rocks. Would they hide me? As well might the ocean drink itself up. As well might the mountains sink into valleys. If I should make my bed in hell, his glory would find me. If I should take the wings of the morning, and go to the uttermost parts of the earth, there his lightnings would find me, and his wrath would search me out. ’Twill be in vain to flee. O my soul, seek thine eternal good. Forsake carnal pleasures. O prepare thyself. Do temptations rise? Evil gets the advantage of me; my temper rises; I am not meek; I am covetous; I have idols: yes, I make an idol of myself; I desire good things for myself; I seek my own good, my carnal lusts clamor for gratification. Oh! my leanness. I am weak, my tongue I cannot bridle. I say that which I ought not. I speak hastily. I am fretful. In me dwelleth no good thing. What shall I do? Who will help me? I cannot overcome. I see I have been at work in my own strength. Who will strengthen me? Jesus. Hark! hear him saying, My strength is sufficient. Come unto me, and I will give you rest, cast thy burdens on me. I hear him speak. Gently he calls me. He is knocking at the door. I must open. He will sup with me. He will give me strength. Too long, aye, much too long, have I neglected to heed his call. I have long heard his gentle voice. I knew ’twas he. But I feared to open my heart to him. I was not ready. My house was not in order. It was all disorder; full of filth and uncleanness. I knew he was a friend. But I had no good thing to present to him. I have long tried to get ready. Shall I try longer? If I do will he not get tired of knocking and go away? I will open the door. Jesus, come in. I long to commune with thee. I have many troubles I wish to confide to some friend. I have nothing to offer to thee, but sin and uncleanness. I have tried to get rid of them. I cannot. Jesus, help me. I hear him speak. Gently he smooths my care-worn brow. He calms my troubled soul. In me ye shall find peace. My yoke is easy. My burden is light. Cast thy burdens on me. Yes, now I see. Blessed Jesus! he is my burden-bearer. Too long I have been alone. Ah! yes, I need just such help. Without him I am alone. With him, I have better company than all the world. Without him, I am poor. With him, I am rich. Without him I am most miserable. With him, I am happy. Joy fills my soul. Yes, verily, without him I can do nothing, am nothing, can never be anything. With him, and by him, and through him, I can do all things, can be something, a servant of my Master. Yes, more, I shall inherit all things, shall sit upon his throne, shall live eternally, shall wear a crown, shall have a palm of victory, shall sing with the angels, and dwell with them forever. I shall shout, glory! glory! to his name! Oh! I will strive to gain this position.
H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn. REPORT FROM BRO. FULLER.
By N. Fuller
I VISITED the few remaining brethren in Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., Sabbath, the 20th, for the purpose of trying to help them. Two years ago they agreed to disband on account of removals. But they have maintained their meetings most of the time since. Quite a number of them have never united with other churches. After duly considering the matter, it was decided to re-organize the church. It was done, and the blessing of God rested upon the meeting. The prayer and conference meeting was very interesting. Eighteen joined the organization, mostly those who can meet together conveniently. I spoke to them concerning61what the Lord has done for his people in the past, and what he is still doing for them, and the blessing of the Lord rested upon the word spoken. A brother's wife, who had not been with us, started in good earnest for the kingdom. Others were very much affected. The melting power of God was among us. I believe the Lord is about to do a great work for his people. Let us all be ready to receive the blessing. Yours in the faith.
N. FULLER. P. S. My family and self are fast regaining our usual health, for which we feel to thank our kind Father in Heaven.
N. F.