All nations seem just now to be anxiously expecting some great event, the coming of some great deliverer, or of some awful catastrophe. The following from a book of high authority lately published is to the point.
“The idea of a great terminal crisis is met with so often in reviewing the history of human efforts to grasp and solve the problem of the world’s destiny, that we must consider it a normal concomitant of such theorizing. The mind reels and loses itself in trying to conceive of the everlasting continuance of the present order, or of any one fixed course of things, but finds relief in the notion of a revolution, an end, and a fresh start. The Mexican Cataclysm or universal crash, the close of the Hindu Calpa, the Russian Resurrection, the Stoic Conflagration, the Scandinavian Ragnarok, the Christian Day of Judgment, all embody the one thought. The Drama of Humanity is played out, the curtain falls, and when it rises again, all is commenced afresh. The clock of creation runs down and has to be wound up anew. The Brahmins are now expecting the tenth avatar of Vishnu. The Parsees look for Sosiosch to come to consummate the triumph of good, and to raise the dead upon a renewed earth. The Buddhists await the birth of Maitri Buddha, who is tarrying in the dewa-loka Tusita until the time of his advent upon earth. The Jews are praying for the appearance of the Messiah. And many Christians affirm that the second advent of Jesus dawns.”—
Such a general expectation immediately preceded the first advent of Jesus. So it is now. Let us be ready.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Boston, Mass.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
To M. D. Your first query is sufficiently noticed in the work on “Objections to the Visions.”
Your next quotes and remarks as follows:
“Before the flood there were immense forests. The trees were many times larger than any trees which we now see. They were of great durability. They would know nothing of decay for hundreds of years. At the time of the flood, these forests were torn up or broken down and buried in the earth. In some places large quantities of these immense trees were thrown together and covered with stones and earth, by the commotions of the flood; they have since petrified and become coal, which accounts for the large coal beds now found,” &c. Sp. Gifts, Vol. iii, p. 79.
“Now then, does not wood, when it is petrified, become stone? And even did it become coal, how do you account for the immense coal mines found in the arctic zone? There are islands there with hardly soil enough to cover them, which are simply nothing but coal, being extensive coal mines, and situated in a latitude where it is so cold that there is only a few stunted shrubs and bushes that grow there. Now you will admit that the light and warmth of the sun are necessary to produce any material growth of vegetation, and how could such immense trees have grown there? Either the axis of the earth has been changed—it has been thrown off its axis, and afterward gained another axis, and that would not account for coal mines in other parts of the globe—or else God did not finish the work which he had done, when he rested upon the seventh day.”
Permit us to speak plainly, yet kindly, as a subject demands wherein our greatest interests are at stake. Your difficulties as presented in your questions are, it seems to us, entirely speculative; based on assumptions concerning climate and vegetation before the flood; not seeming to regard the great commotion and changes of the face of nature by that event. We know that a mere rise in a river deposits vastly more wood in a certain locality than could be grown in that locality. Now if you had any data by which to judge of the changes wrought by the flood, it would not be necessary to suppose and infer as you do. So people have supposed that there is not surface enough on the earth to bury the dead of past generations, but simple calculation explodes the fancy.
If the Lord had inverted or changed a law of nature, as you seem to think would follow a certain fact, we cannot see how that would prove that he did not finish his work in six days. God made man, afterward gave him life; and afterward punished him with a deprivation of life; and will again raise him from the dead. Would you thence infer that he did not entirely make man on that sixth day? You might with as much propriety as to infer as you do. Has any one ever determined the amount of coal in the earth, or the proportion of the earth’s bulk which is coal? You must grant it cannot be done. Why then draw a conclusion based on such an impossibility?
You speak of wood petrifying and becoming stone, as if you doubted that wood ever became coal. The American Encyclopedia says, “There is a remarkable gradation from bituminated wood to perfect coal. In some varieties, the structure, and even the remains, of plants are apparent, and its chemical composition agrees with that of vegetable matter.” Or if your difficulty is on the term “petrify,” see Webster on fossil. Are you prepared to show that petrifications always present the same characteristics and appearances? If not, the controversy is groundless.
And we would entreat you not to suffer your mind to be tried till there appears a difficulty based on a certain data. This question may not appear important in itself, yet if it is liable to destroy our confidence in that which the Lord has spoken to us, it is important that we move carefully, and distrust everything of a conjectural nature, but in humility seek that wisdom which cometh from above.
To L. A. G. For remarks on Luke xvi, 9, see Testimony No. 5, p. 19, &c.
AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
By J. H. WAGGONER
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Prov. iii, 6.
I wish to acknowledge the Lord before all his people, and what he has done of late. When I came to Battle Creek, it was with a desire to recruit my wasted energies by a change of labor, and by freedom from the burden of meetings. But my labor here was still taxing to the mind; and meetings of importance were held from night to night, and Sabbaths I went out to preach, or spoke here; so that, at the commencement of the Conference, I was about prostrated. I never entered upon the labors of such an occasion in a more exhausted state; in a word I dreaded it as a task that I did not feel able to pass through. In addition to this there seemed, in some respects, to be a reacting influence abroad, and sadness rested on many hearts, and could be seen in their countenances. When Bro. and Sr. White came and met with the church, it was evident to all that the Spirit of the Lord was with them, and hope soon began to revive. The meetings were unusually harmonious; yet they were laborious to many, and at their close there was a consequent lack of buoyancy of feeling; some being almost overcome with physical weariness and infirmity. A series of morning and evening prayer-meetings was decided upon, that we might seek a more special blessing from Heaven, before separating for our fields of labor. These were precious seasons to all; not marked with much elevation of feeling, but with a spirit of humiliation and confession; a calm and settled reliance on the promises of God; an earnest desire to be consecrated anew to the service of God, and to be baptized anew into the spirit of the gospel. To his praise I can say, the Lord’s blessing was vouchsafed, especially in prayer for Bro. White. Manifest as was the divine presence, we yet felt that our victory did not so much consist in present feeling, or present enjoyment, as in a firm, abiding faith that the Lord will go with his people, and be their strength in time of need.
But what has been very cheering to me, of which I wish to make particular mention, is, that a sweet spirit of union has prevailed these efforts throughout. I have confidence that perfect union exists between the servants of the Lord, such as has not, perhaps, existed for years. Especially have all hearts been drawn out toward those afflicted and toil-worn servants of God, and of his people, Bro. and Sr. White. We have a renewed assurance that the Lord is with them; that he is leading them, and giving them a precious message of present truth for the churches.
For myself, I can only say, “My leanness, my leanness.” My weakness, my errors of judgment and action are often causes of discouragement to me. Dear brethren, I feel unworthy of the place the Lord has given me in this great work—unworthy of the degree of confidence you have given me in the past. “Who can understand his errors?” I fear that I have but a slight sense of mine. I want you to forgive where I have erred against you, or before you, and to pray for me, that I may walk tremblingly before the Lord, and live only to his glory.
J. H. WAGGONER.
A SUGGESTION.
By L. M. Gates
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have for sometime thought of making a suggestion to you through the Review, but a feeling of diffidence arising from a fear that I might appear desirous of introducing myself into notice, has hitherto deterred me. While visiting among my husband's relatives in different States last summer, I found numbers who knew little or nothing of the reasons of the faith and hope of Seventh-day Adventists. Many seemed devoid of prejudice, and some expressed a desire to hear our ministers.
As I had not the means to subscribe for the Review for each of these friends, the idea presented itself that I might occasionally send them some of my papers after I had read them; and although I would have liked to preserve the several volumes entire, still I concluded to send to a few, praying that the blessing of the Lord might make them instrumental in guiding some soul into the truth. I found I could enclose two numbers of the Review in a wrapper and send them for a two-cent stamp, or one number each of the Review, Reformer, and Instructor. So I commenced sending in this way (though in some instances not without secret misgivings as to how they might be received.)
I soon received acknowledgments of their reception, and requests for more. This encouraged me to send to others, and I am now sending our periodicals from New Jersey to Minnesota, and have frequently obtained papers from my Advent friends in this vicinity to supply the calls of friends, my own being insufficient.
Most of us are reading the Bible through this year, according to Bro. Canright's proposition. This, with our numerous publications, leaves but few of us time to give our periodicals a second reading.
I would therefore propose, that, instead of letting these papers lie idly on the shelf, we direct them to our numerous relatives and acquaintances. Let the schoolmate of former days be remembered; and if one soul shall be saved as the result of our efforts to thus sow light in darkness, shall we not feel a thousand times repaid? Near ten years ago the Review was sent to me by a relative. At that time I knew far less of Seventh-day Adventists than of the Greeks, though so strongly prejudiced that I would not read their paper. One day I sat down to get my child to sleep, and as a number of the Review chanced to lie open near me, my eye casually rested upon an article entitled, “Synopsis of Present Truth,” and as I was obliged to sit for a few moments, I read it, which awakened curiosity sufficient to hunt up the preceding numbers of the series, and by the time those articles were all published—in spite of myself—I was interested in present truth. May I not then be excused while I ask you to scatter the papers? “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand”
L. M. GATES.
Let Your Actions Shine
I WOULD not give much for your religion unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. A lighthouse sounds no drum, it beats no gong, and yet far over the waters its friendly spark is seen by the mariner. So let your actions shine out your religion. Let the main sermon of your life be illustrated by all your conduct, and it shall not fail to be illustrious.
Posts of Honor Do Not Confer True Glory
Posts of honor do not confer true glory. It is the manner in which we fill eminent stations that dignifies us, not the stations.
From Sister Nichols.
By Carrie A. Nichols
BRO. SMITH: I have often thought I would speak through the Conference Department in the REVIEW, but feeling my inability, have delayed. But I know those of greater ability cannot do my duty. Oft, as I have read the cheering testimonies from brethren and sisters, I have asked myself, Is there no one to speak for the little company in Amherst, N. H.? Although the most unworthy of the number, I will say, that a little more than a year ago, through the labors of Bro. W. C. Gage, a number of families in this section commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We are still striving to keep all of God's commandments, and to overcome our sins. We have held our prayer-meetings every Sabbath when the weather would permit. Occasionally some of the servants of God have come this way, to speak to us, and cheer us on our way. Such have been precious seasons to us.
When I think of the dear, lone brothers and sisters, with none of like precious faith with whom to meet on the Sabbath, my heart fills with gratitude to our kind Heavenly Father for the light and truth he has sent us, and for the privileges we enjoy. Dear brethren and sisters, while your hearts must oft yearn for the love and sympathy of those of like faith, and to hear the words of life from the servants of God, how precious to you, in your lonely hours, are the words of the dear Saviour: “I will never leave nor forsake thee.” Oh! what a friend we have in Jesus. What a privilege to carry every thing to him in prayer. Dear brethren and sisters, I love you all, and
“Here is my heart, and here is my hand,
To meet you in that heavenly land.”
I want to live up to the light that God in love sends me. I want to be a willing and obedient child, that I may eat the good of the land. The language of my heart is, Oh! for a home in the earth made new; a home in that better land; a home when Jesus comes to reign. I want to be one of that band. Pray for us, that we, with you, may not fail of eternal life. We must strive if we would enter through those pearly gates.
Your unworthy sister, CARRIE A. NICHOLS.
Hillsboro' Co., N. H.
TABLE MONITOR.
By J. Collier
[BRO. SMITH: The following lines are said to have been written by Hannah Brownson thirty-six years ago, who is now about eighty-seven years of age. She belongs to the Shaker Society. They study economy, and but little is wasted. The lines will repay attentive perusal, and I copy them entire. They are printed and hang in the dining room. J. COLLIER.]
“Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” —John vi, 12.
Here, then, is the pattern which Jesus has set,
And his good example we cannot forget,
With thanks for his blessings his word we'll obey;
But on this occasion we've something to say.
We wish to speak plainly, and use no deceit,
We like to see fragments left wholesome and neat,
To custom and fashion we make no pretense,
Yet think we can tell what belongs to good sense.
What we deem good order we're willing to state;
Eat hearty and decent, and clear out the plate,
Be thankful to Heaven for what we receive,
And not make a mixture or compound to leave.
We find of those bounties which Heaven does give,
That some live to eat, and that some eat to live,
That some think of nothing but pleasing the taste,
And care very little how much they do waste.
Though Heaven has blessed us with plenty of food,
Bread, butter, and honey and all that is good,
We loathe to see mixtures where gentlefolks dine,
Which scarcely look fit for the poultry or swine.
We often find left on the same china dish
Meat, apple sauce, pickle, brown bread, and minced fish,
Another replenished with butter and cheese,
With pie, cake, and toast, perhaps, added to these.
Now if any virtue in this can be shown,
By peasant, by lawyer, or king on the throne,
We freely will forfeit whatever we've said,
And call it a virtue to waste meat and bread.
Let none be offended at what we here say,
We candidly ask you, Is that the best way?
If not, lay such customs and fashions aside,
And take this monitor henceforth for your guide.
HE WAS DESPISED.
By M. J. Cottrell
“He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.” Dost thou remember those words, desponding one? Thou art a Christian in profession, a disciple of Christ; and shalt thou tread a flowery pathway where trials are unknown, when thy Master was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief? Shalt thou count the honors of this changing earth, when thy Master was despised and rejected by its great ones? He was despised and rejected of men, and wilt thou pine for their recognition or admiration? ’Tis hard, I know, to bear the unjust taunting thou dost meet; ’tis hard to keep an unruffled exterior, a steady step, a calm face, when those, dear by nature’s ties, turn from you with a curling lip and haughty step. ’Tis not an easy thing to pursue a course which will make our friends look upon us as weak-minded, deluded fanatics; but let the thought that Jesus trod the rough pathway before us, inspire our hearts with courage, and impart new strength to our fainting, shrinking spirits. “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.” He bore the unjust taunts of wicked men, and answered not a word. For you and me he suffered insult, shame, and death. But he overcame the world and has gone to prepare mansions for those who are faithful in serving him, and he sees all our trials and is ever ready to give us strength and assistance; and when he sees that we have been sufficiently tried, then he will come and take us to his home of bright glory; smile sweetly upon us, and present us to his Father. Oh! shall I be one of that happy company? Will you be there? Then must we faithfully endure—in the shadows as well as the sunlight—unto the end. Soon will dawn a glorious deliverance for those who falter not; yes, a glorious deliverance, and, weary one, it is soon to dawn. It is time for us to lift up our heads and rejoice. Our redemption is drawing nigh.
“Only a little longer here
’Mid dangers must we roam,
Night shades will soon give place to light,
And then we’ll rest at home.”
M. J. COTTRELL.
PRAYER
By GEO. W. PARKER
We are in a world of sin and sinners, and while it is our privilege to pray we can but feel the necessity of prayer. We are now dwelling under the last message of mercy, and how much we need the sustaining grace which is only given in answer to heartfelt prayer. There is true beauty in such prayer. It is helplessness casting itself on power, and feebleness clinging to omnipotence. It is infirmity leaning on strength, and misery wooing bliss. It is unholiness embracing purity, and hatred desiring love. It is mortal panting for immortality, and earthborns claiming kindred in Heaven. It is the thoughts which are pure soaring upward to our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. It is the roving wanderer looking for an abiding place. It is the prisoner of sin mourning its fetters, and impatient to be freed. And, oh! what joy when the captives are delivered! There is a beauty such as earth has not, in the prayer of faith. With the light of the sanctuary shining bright upon us, what an inducement to the earnest disciple to commune with God in prayer. There is also power in prayer. By faith in the promises it becomes power. The treasures of grace are ever open to the draft of prayer. It is sublime to view the majesty of its power. Therefore let us pray. And since it is our only hope, it is well if we consider the privilege of prayer. We conceive the question with us, is not that of “stern duty” merely; but of privilege; not whether we “must,” but whether we “may” pray. Blessed privilege. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” is a promise our Saviour has made to those who will pray.
GEO. W. PARKER.
Rochester, N. Y.
MARTHA SCRIPTER
By Martha Scripter
From Sister Scripter.
Dear Christian Friends: I have often thought that some one might be encouraged by a few words from my pen, as my own heart has been while reading the testimonies of others in the Review. For over a year I have been trying to be an overcomer. I love the Sabbath of the Lord, and hail with joy its weekly return. Its holy hours of peaceful rest give strength to heart and life.
Most dearly do I prize our excellent paper. I have loaned it to some of my neighbors to read, and they seem very much interested. Oh! that some living preacher might come this way and present the truth in this part of the land. I believe there are many honest ones who would receive the truth, but they are in darkness.
I feel that I do not make that progress in spiritual things that I desire to, for I have not the means to obtain light on this great and important subject. I am one of the lonely ones, and can well sympathize with such. I would say to them, Be not weary in well doing; God is not slack concerning his promises,
“But if you meet with trials,
Or troubles on your way,
Cast all your care on Jesus,
And don't forget to pray.”
MARTHA SCRIPTER
Erie Co., N. Y.
Exhortation to Seek the Holy Spirit
By Rhoda Ashald
From Sister Ashald.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I love the Lord, his cause, and his children; and want to do his will, and my duty in his love and fear. Being a stranger, the cross is heavy. I feel my unworthiness and nothingness, but the light God has put into my poor soul must not be hid. If we have not the Spirit of God in our hearts, we remain poor, blind and naked, and have not the gold tried in the fire, nor the white raiment, nor the eyesalve. This is the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. It brings love, joy, and peace to our souls, when our sins are forgiven. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord; and it is his will, even our sanctification; and he has said he is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask, than we are to give good gifts to our children. Oh! believe God, the Lord Jesus, and his apostles and witnesses, that you may stand entire at the coming of Christ, wanting nothing. I believe he is near at hand. May the Lord help us to work by faith in God's promises.
Hoping to meet you all at the coming of Christ,
RHODA ASHALD.
Rensselaer Co., N. Y.
D. D. HAINES
By D. D. Haines
From Bro. Haines.
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say to my brethren and sisters through the REVIEW, that I am striving through the grace of God, to press my way onward toward the New Jerusalem, putting my whole trust in God, who has been, and is still, with me, and has promised that he will never leave nor forsake me. My faith in God has been severely tried within a year past, yet by the grace of God I have been enabled to still believe his holy word, and have found his grace sufficient for me in all my trials. Surely I believe our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, and there is nothing gained by murmuring about our trials, for “here is the patience of the saints,” and we must learn patience, and learn to bow in meek submission to the will of God. I am still determined to trust in his holy name, who doeth all things well.
I read the REVIEW with a great interest, and love those precious truths it advocates, and believe with all my heart the testimonies God has been pleased to set in the church to point out our wrongs, and to guide his people in these last days; and may the Lord enable me to be faithful to the light he so mercifully gives me in the truth of the third angel's message.
Yours, striving to overcome.
D. D. HAINES
Essex Co., Mass.
Living Up to Our Profession
By E. H. Calkin
From Bro. Calkin.
BROTHER SMITH: It has been some time since I wrote for our excellent paper, but it is not because I have no interest in the cause advocated therein. I felt a desire to bear witness of the goodness of God to me. I feel my short coming, but I have a desire to keep the whole law of God. I want to gird on the whole armor of righteousness, and fight boldly the fight of faith with all my might, to press my way through all the trials, afflictions, and temptations, through which I am called to pass, without murmuring. Do we, my friends, live up to our profession? Do we not profess to be looking for the speedy coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Are our lives in accordance with our profession? Do we tell to the world, by our daily walk and conversation, that we do believe the doctrine which we profess? Is it not necessary that our lives should answer to our profession? If our actions do not correspond with our language, what benefit will our friends and neighbors derive from our talk? Will they not readily pronounce us hypocrites? How careful, then, ought we to be in all our manner of conversation, and show to the world that there is a reality in the religion we profess. It brings sweet peace and consolation to the troubled soul; it revives the drooping heart, and sets the captive free; it cheers the lonely pilgrim through this vale of tears.
When we stand, praying, Thy kingdom come, do we realize the purport of our words? Do we realize the solemnity of the scene that will be presented before us when Christ comes? Are we prepared to meet our God in peace? If we are, happy are we; but if not, is it not time we arouse and put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, Christ Jesus? How long, brethren and sisters, shall we linger? How long shall we fail to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty? I believe that the time is soon coming when the word will be spoken: He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Where, then, shall we find our portion? Shall we be banished from our God, or dwell with him forever? These thoughts are worthy of consideration, to prepare us to meet our God.
I am determined to live so, that when my Lord comes, I may give a good account of my stewardship. I want to live so, that I may glorify God, and I am content. Give me an interest in your prayers, that I may always be found faithful, that I may make my calling and election sure.
Yours in hope,
E. H. CALKIN,
Martin Co., Minn., May, 1868.
HANNAH CLOUGH
By Hannah Clough
From Sr. Clough.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been a long while since I have penned a communication for the REVIEW. It has not been from a lack of interest in the progress of events connected with the third angel's message. Oh! no; for I realize that my future destiny is dependent on these solemn truths which seem to be interwoven with my very being. And yet I feel my weakness very much, and I am often made to realize what a powerful foe we have to contend with, and how much we need the continual help of the Lord to sustain us in all our conflicts.
Once more I have been called to lay away in the grave a dear daughter with that dread disease, consumption; but, blessed be God, we laid her away in hope; and although I miss her society very much, I do not feel to mourn, but rather rejoice that the Lord has so mercifully listened to my poor prayers in her behalf. She gave good evidence of her repentance and acceptance with the Lord, and patiently bore her very distressing pains, often saying it was all right. She mentioned her brothers and sisters that had gone before, and said she had a strong hope of meeting them in the kingdom.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged, but let us continue to press our petitions to the Lord in behalf of our children. He will hear. “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Let us not harbor doubts or fears, for that is pleasing to the enemy. But let us rather feel that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and that he will mightily deliver those that trust in him and patiently wait for his salvation.
I desire an interest in your prayers that I may be an overcomer, and meet all the good in that better land.
HANNAH CLOUGH
Hampden Co., Mass., May 24, 1868.
Letters from Missouri and Wisconsin
Sr. C. Sintricum writes from Johnson Co., Mo.: The Review has been a great comfort to me. I prize it next to the Bible. I can say to the scattered ones that my faith is strong in the third angel's message, though I am one of the lonely ones. I have no one to converse with, but I feel to thank and praise His holy name that I have a friend that never will leave nor forsake me unless I first forsake him; he is ever a present help in time of need. I have had some trials to pass through, but they have been all for my own good; and I expect to find troubles and trials in this world of sorrow, for there is nothing lasting here. I never heard a sermon preached. My mother heard Brn. Andrews and Saunders give a course of lectures near Gridley, Illinois. She has kept the Sabbath three years. I have kept it two years. I am very thankful for the health reform, for I think that is just what we all need. If any one of the Advent people pass through here I would be glad if they would call and see me.
Sister Polly Holcomb writes from Dane Co., Wis.: I would be glad to have a course of lectures in this place, and my son at Arena also joins with me in the request. I think there are some in this place who would obey the truth if they had an opportunity to hear from those that could set forth the Advent doctrine in all its branches. I can say that I am striving to live so, that, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, I may receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Living for Christ and Health Reform
By Olive Coon
From Sister Coon.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I do not feel capable of writing anything that will be interesting to the readers of the REVIEW, but I must say I love the cause of present truth. My daily prayer is that I may be enabled to overcome my sins, and prepare to meet Christ when he comes. I thank God that we are made to see Scripture truth so much plainer than we have in the past. I am lead to rejoice in view of the good work that is being done by the health reform. May the work still go on till we all learn how to live, so as to “glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are his.” Let us strive, dear brethren and sisters, as the time hastens on, to live nearer to God, and be more obedient to his holy will. OLIVE COON.Faribault Co., Minn.
An Isolated Believer in Missouri
By Olive E. Merrifield
From Sister Merrifield.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I thought I would write a few lines for our much loved paper, thinking perhaps it might cheer some lonely one, as I am one myself, and find comfort in reading the testimonies and other truths that our paper contains from week to week. I do not see how any one that loves the truths it contains could get along without it. We left Iowa one year ago this month, and moved to Missouri. I have not seen one of like faith since we left Iowa. Some here had never heard of the Advent people until we came here. We brought some books with us which we loan, with our papers, to neighbors. Some of them like to read them, and would like to hear our doctrine preached. If some of our preaching brethren could come this way, we would gladly care for them.
My husband does not keep the Sabbath, yet he never opposes others. I desire an interest in your prayers, that I may be cleansed from all sin, and that we may all be prepared, when Christ shall come, to hail him with joy. From your sister, still striving for the kingdom. OLIVE E. MERRIFIELD.
Worth Co., Mo.
E. C. BOAZ
By E. C. Boaz
From Bro. Boaz.
DEAR BRO. SMITH: Something over ten years ago, the warning notes of the third angel's message found me and mine in a waste, howling wilderness; yet we had a name in one of the popular churches of the day. How unconscious we were of our lost condition. It truly led me in a way that I knew not of. I am lost in admiration of the love of God to those who love and confide in his word. I can say of a truth, the more I investigate and read the Bible, the clearer every part of this glorious present truth shines. And if there is any part that gives me more joy than another, it is the restoration of the gifts. But we should not reverence one part of present truth more than another. Truth should only fill its place, or else it becomes error. How I rejoice over the good work that our beloved Bro. White is doing. But it is not him; it is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Praise the Lord for his signal goodness to his people. A word to you, brethren and sisters in the Office. God bless you in your arduous duties; be zealous for the right. And to the contributors to our excellent REVIEW AND INSTRUCTOR: speak often; sow your seed; you know not which shall prosper, this or that. It is cheering to the lone ones to hear from you. I speak from experience.
E. C. BOAZ
Iowa, May, 1868.
Clinton, Mo., May, 1868
By Abbie Hall
From Sr. Hall.
BRO. SMITH: I have felt it duty for some time past, to write a few lines for the REVIEW, but I feel so poor and unworthy that I hardly dare to try. I am one of the poor ones, and the paper is sent to me free. I wish to thank the dear ones that provide means to send this paper to us who are not able to pay for it. I am glad to say, there are a few here in Clinton, trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We sometimes feel almost discouraged by seeing so few interested in the cause of God. But we read letters from brethren and sisters scattered abroad, who are trying to make their way through to Mt. Zion alone; and it makes us thankful that there are enough believers here to meet together and claim the promise. I can truly say, The Lord has been good to me. It has been about eighteen months since I commenced to keep the Lord's Sabbath. I am glad I ever saw the light, that I ever heard the sweet sound, of the third angel's message.
And I thank God that he gave me eyes to see and a heart to believe in these precious truths. The REVIEW has been a weekly preacher to me for more than one year. The Master knows how dearly I prize its weekly visits. It seems to me that I could not get along without it, in my present circumstances. I hope that the REVIEW will continue coming to me. I hope the dear brethren and sisters will remember me in their prayers. Although I am poor in this world, I want to be rich in faith, and be an heir to the kingdom that God has promised to all them that love him.
We have a very interesting Sabbath school and Bible class here. We organized, Jan., 1867, and the interest is good yet. Two or three that came out on the Sabbath, have given it up; but the Lord has raised up others to take their places, so that our little number stands good. May the Lord help us to stand steadfast till Jesus comes.
Yours in hope of eternal life when Jesus comes,
ABBIE HALL.
Clinton, Mo., May, 1868
Gospel Responsibility and Conduct
GOD has bound every believer in gospel cords to his own behavior.
SLEEP
Many children, instead of being plump and fresh as a peach, are as withered and wrinkled as last year's apples, because they do not sleep enough. Some physicians think that the bones grow only during sleep. This I cannot say certainly; but I do know that those little folks who sit up late nights are usually nervous, weak, small and sickly. The reason why you need more sleep than your parents is because you have to grow, and they do not. They can use up the food they eat in thinking, talking and working, while you should save some of yours for growing. You ought to sleep a great deal; if you do not, you will in activity consume all you eat, and have none, or not enough, to grow with. Very few smart children excel, or even equal, other people when they grow up. Why is this? Because their heads, if not their bodies, are kept too busy; so they cannot sleep, rest, and grow strong in body and brain. Now, when your mother says, Susie or Mary, or whatever your name may be, it is time to go to bed, do not worry her by begging to sit up “just a little longer;” but hurry off to your chamber, remembering that you have a great deal of sleeping and growing to do, to make you healthy, happy, and useful.